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The Row is a great option for Peloton subscribers, but is it the right rower for everyone else considering all the other options? In this review of the Peloton Row, I’ll help you decide if it’s right for you.
Updated: November 8, 2023
The Peloton Row debuted to critics decrying its exorbitant price and applauding its sleek design, quiet magnet resistance, and smart form tracking. It is a polarizing machine. For one, Peloton has quite the cult following, and some exercisers are going to pay the price no matter the cost. Whereas others can clearly see the Row’s cutting edge technology, but firmly oppose its price point. Regardless of which camp you fall into, you are probably as curious about this rower as I was. So, stick with me in this review of the Peloton Row as I discuss its pros and cons as someone who has tried all of this rower’s major competitors.
The Peloton Row is a combination of plastic and aluminum. The Row is a charcoal-colored machine with a powder coat on metal components. It has two stabilizers triangulated for a sleek and futuristic look. The body of the Row has reflective Peloton branding.
The resistance is magnetic and very quiet. There aren’t resistance levels like you will find on the NordicTrack RW900. Instead, the Peloton Row has a drag factor from 0 to 230. The Row suggests a drag factor of 100 to 130. 115, the medium drag factor, is the default setting. It's not recommended for you to drastically deviate from the default options. To vary your intensity during a workout, you should row faster/harder. The magnetic resistance should be comparable to that of Hydrow rowers.
The Peloton Row has a slightly curved hard plastic handle with a rubberized coating. The curvature of the handle is designed to keep your wrists and hands positioned comfortably during the entire rowing stroke. The handle is connected to a woven strap complete with Peloton’s signature red centerline. The handle design is a less impressive alternative to the high-tech handle the Row was initially rumored to have based on a patent filed by Peloton before the rower’s release.
The monorail is aluminum with a powder coating. Its length should accommodate users up to 6’5”. The seat is a molded seat with padding to keep you comfortable during workouts. I have not been able to test the Row, but I will update this review with measurements of the seat and rail if I am able to.
The foot stretchers have 7 levels of adjustability. Peloton claims that they can accommodate a size Women’s 5 to a Men’s 13.5 shoe. The seat and footboards and positioned almost in line with one another, so new rowers or athletes with limited flexibility may have more difficulty with the entire rowing range of motion.
The Peloton Row can be left on the floor for storage, but it is a large machine. If you would like to store it upright and save some space, it can be stored upright. You will need more than 8 feet of clearance to accommodate the machine. The rower has a handle underneath the rail about halfway down the rower. This handle makes it easier for short users (like me!) to prop the rower upright. The handle also serves as an anchor point for the wall mount to support the rower’s upright position. The Row has two wheels to help you transport it.
The Peloton Row is loaded with features. From smart features to unique physical features on the Row, it has it all. It’s certainly up for debate whether the Row earns its keep, but I can’t help but be impressed with everything this rower offers on such a sleek frame.
The 23.8-inch touchscreen display appears to be identical to the Peloton Bike+’s screen. You can expect the same crisp detail and anti-glare finish found on Peloton’s other cardio equipment. The Row’s screen pivots to help you train off the rower with strength classes or with boot camp classes that combine rowing and off-rower drills. The screen mount can also be tilted down to protect the screen and offer more compact storage.
Rowing machines are typically light on features. The Peloton Row has a water bottle holder, which few other rowers include. The bottle holder is deep enough to prevent your water bottle from getting in the way of your rowing stroke.
Beside the water bottle holder, there are two small storage compartments. These compartments are a great place to store your phone or other small items. It may not seem like a lot, but this feature is a rarity on rowing machines.
The Row has front and rear-facing speakers. If the quality is anything like that of the Peloton Bike+, it is probably great for training!
There is a camera on the Row, but it comes with a privacy cover and is off by default. Peloton states that the only purpose of the camera is to take profile pictures. We speculate that Peloton may use the camera for more features in the future.
The Peloton Row has Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect a heart rate monitor and/or headphones. I have never had an issue connecting my Garmin watch or Surface headphones to Peloton equipment.
Peloton includes a wall mount with your purchase of the Row. This wall mount keeps you safe by securing the rower in its upright position. The wall mount attaches to the handle under the monorail.
The Form Assist is probably my favorite feature on the Peloton Row. If I’m honest, I am always a little self-conscious of having my picture taken while I’m rowing, because I know my rowing form isn’t perfect. I am working hard to improve my form, but I am often rowing by myself and unable to get feedback. The Peloton Row has sensors that can detect your position once calibrated. This feature allows the rower to give feedback on your rowing form as you row and provide a summary when your workout is complete. The form assist will highlight nine different form faults that you may be susceptible to while rowing.
Considering that a private rowing coach could cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars, the Peloton Row might save you some money if you are that serious about correcting your form. For athletes that aren’t that serious, the form assist provides feedback that may save you from injury.
I was not able to test the Peloton Row for myself, but if I do, I will be sure to update this review. However, I have tested smart rowing machines like the Ergatta, Aviron, and Hydrow rowing machines. One thing that particularly intrigues me about the Peloton’s performance is its resistance. It’s reported to be impressively quiet. For those looking for alternatives to water or air rowers, that’s a big deal. Additionally, the resistance doesn’t try to replicate the exercise bike experience with levels. Instead, Peloton demonstrates that it understands rowing. You create the resistance, and Peloton offers a drag factor range of 0 to 230. I prefer a steady drag factor while I vary the rower resistance with my performance.
I was able to train with Peloton rowing content (but I used the Hydrow Wave Rower). I have to say, I am pleased with what Peloton offers. I have heard a lot of good things about Ash Pryor, one of the rowing coaches. Her classes are super fun and energetic. I will definitely be taking more in the future!
The Peloton Row has definitely left me intrigued and excited to try it when I get the chance.
When you think ‘Peloton,’ there’s a good chance that you think of the brand as a digital fitness platform with classes from peppy trainers jamming out to hot playlists. Peloton’s status as a fitness equipment brand might be second to that thought, and I can’t blame you. The Row, like any other Peloton equipment, gets its own set of classes. Peloton even hired coaches specifically for their rowing background to provide expert training for the Row.
Peloton provides all of its standard content for the Row. There are classes, boot camps, and scenic rowing. Rowing machines attract not just studio content like what Peloton is known for. Major competitors like Hydrow and NordicTrack offer on-the-water training content. Other competitors like Ergatta and Aviron have nailed the gaming-style training. These training options may leave you a little torn on what type of training is right for you. That’s one reason the Peloton Row might be best for athletes who are already Peloton subscribers.
The Peloton Row has very limited features for non-subscribers. Exercisers who do not want to subscribe should consider alternatives like the NordicTrack RW700, the Concept2 RowERG, or a WaterRower.
I’m absolutely torn on the Peloton Row. The features are extremely impressive, but the price is going to be unfathomable for many shoppers. And when I think about the competition, there are so many other excellent rowers that offer equally good content for a better price. The Peloton Row is sleek and beautiful with thoughtful features other rowers lack. Users who already own the Peloton Bike or Tread will love adding this rower to their collection. Other users may have a hard time choosing between the Row and other options, particularly if they have their eye on the Form Assist. Peloton has demonstrated an understanding of what rowers want with this quiet machine that uses a drag factor instead of resistance levels.
