STEPR vs Hydrow Comparison

Are you in the market for an at-home rowing machine but struggling to decide between the Hydrow Row and the STEPR? Let's take a closer look at the features and specifications of each machine to help you make an informed decision.

	Hydrow	STEPR
PRICE	$2,495 USD $52/mo through Klarna*	$4,999 USD 0% APR with Affirm
DESIGN	Aluminum and Steel frame	Welded Steel and Moulded Casing
SCREEN SIZE	22” adjustable screen	27” 360º Ajustable Screen
RESISTANCE MECHANISM	Electromagnetic drag: 50–300	Electronically controlled
CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS	• workouts on waterways • thousands of rowing workouts • live rows daily • Pilates, yoga, strength and mobility workouts • No stream services	• Wide variety of classes including STEPR, bootcamp, yoga, strength, Stair-climber, stretch • Unlimited Apps • 100+ Classes • live 'on-demand' classes
IN-USE SIZE	86” L × 25” W × 47” H	50” L × 29” W × 82” H
VERTICAL STORAGE HEIGHT REQUIREMENT	7.1’ ceiling height for vertical stowing	8’ ceiling height
FOOTPRINT	7.1 ft. L x 2 ft. W	3.5 ft. L x 2.3 ft. W
MACHINE WEIGHT	145 lbs	286 lbs
MAX USER WEIGHT	375 lbs	300 lbs
SHIPPING	Free - 2-3 weeks	Free Curbside Delivery - 2-8 days
ASSEMBLY	professional in-home assembly available	Under 45 minutes professional in-home assembly available
WARRANTY	12-month limited warranty	5-Year Frame Warranty 1-year Parts Warranty 1-year Labor Warranty
MEMBERSHIP COST	$44/mo	$19/mo

Price

The Hydrow Row comes in at $2,495 USD with financing options available through Klarna at $52/mo. In comparison, the STEPR is priced at $4,999 USD with 0% APR financing through Affirm.

Design

The Hydrow Row features an aluminum and steel frame, while the STEPR has a welded steel and molded casing design. Both machines are sturdy and built to last, but the Hydrow Row's sleek design may appeal more to those who prioritize aesthetics.

Screen size

The Hydrow Row's 22" adjustable screen is slightly smaller than the STEPR's 27" 360º adjustable screen. This may impact the overall workout experience and engagement for members, as they may not have the same immersive experience as they would with the larger screen on the STEPR.

Resistance mechanism

The Hydrow Row uses an electromagnetic drag system with a resistance range of 50-300, while the STEPR uses an electronically controlled resistance mechanism. Both machines offer smooth and quiet operation, but the STEPR's resistance can be more precisely adjusted.

Content highlights

The Hydrow Row's main focus is rowing workouts on waterways, with thousands of rowing workouts, live rows daily, and additional Pilates, yoga, strength, and mobility workouts. The STEPR offers a wider variety of classes including STEPR, bootcamp, yoga, strength, stair-climber, and stretch, with unlimited apps and over 100 classes to choose from.

In-use size

The Hydrow Row measures 86" L x 25" W x 47" H, while the STEPR measures 50" L x 29" W x 82" H. If space is a concern, the STEPR may be the better option as it has a smaller footprint

Machine weight and max user weight

The Hydrow Row weighs in at 145 lbs with a max user weight of 375 lbs, while the STEPR weighs 286 lbs with a max user weight of 300 lbs. Both machines are sturdy and can accommodate a wide range of users.

Shipping and assembly

Both machines come with free shipping, with the Hydrow Row taking 2-3 weeks and the STEPR taking 2-8 days for curbside delivery. Assembly is available for both machines, with the STEPR boasting a quicker assembly time of under 45 minutes.

Warranty and membership cost

The Hydrow Row comes with a 12-month limited warranty and a $44/mo membership cost. The STEPR offers a 5-year frame warranty, 1-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty, with a lower membership cost of $19/mo.

Ultimately, the decision between the Hydrow Row and STEPR comes down to personal preferences and priorities. While the Hydrow Row may appeal more to those who prioritize a water-based rowing experience and a sleek design, the STEPR offers a wider variety of workouts, more precise resistance control, and a more affordable membership cost.