Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite: Beautifully designed and budget friendly

We compare the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite indoor rowing machines which are both produced by WaterRower and designed to be lighter both physically and on your budget.
The Ergatta Lite and WaterRower Lite are made from beautiful oak wood with the main difference being that Ergatta Lite includes a 17.3″ HD display and is connected to Ergatta’s clever interactive training platform.

Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite Specs

	Ergatta Lite	WaterRower Lite
Weight	40 lbs (without water)	40 lbs (without water)
Portability	Stands Vertically	Stands Vertically
Size	82″ L x 23″ W	82″ L x 22.25″ W
Resistance Type	Water	Water
Wood Type	Oak	Oak
Resistance Levels	Self-regulated*	Self-regulated*
Maximum User Weight	320 lbs	325 lbs
Maximum User Height	6’4″	6’4″
Monitor	17.3″ HD Touch Display	S4 BLE Performance Monitor
Power Requirement	Power Outlet	4 X AA Batteries
Subscription Cost	$39/Month**	N/A
Warranty	5yr frame, 3yr parts	5yr frame, 3yr parts

Differences Between the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite

Both machines are very similar but there are 3 main differences between the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite:

– Ergatta branding and custom rails
– 17.3″ HD Touch Display
– Power meter rather than the S4 Performance monitor on the WaterRower Lite

Ergatta Features

• Race workouts: Race against yourself or others or let Ergatta select it automatically based on your intensity zone metrics. Can be chosen based on duration or distance
• Push Programs: Goal based programs, completing sections of the program unlocks subsequent sections keeping you accountable and progressing toward your goals
• Interval workouts: Hundreds of different workouts with different lengths, intensity, and focus which help you reach your targets, programs are curated based on your calibrated intensity zones
• Open Row: Pick your own workout variety such as a distance or time
• Scenic Row: Row along to stunning scenery shot in different global locations
• City Row: Join a guided workout or fitness class to motivate and challenge you
  
  

WaterRower S4 Monitor Features

The WaterRower Lite does not include a display but instead a S4 performance monitor gives you basic stats of your rowing performance including stroke rate, distance, duration etc.

You can get a tablet arm as an additional accessory for the WaterRower Lite rowing machine and use your own tablet as a display in order to stream content on your tablet as you are rowing such as rowing training videos or Netflix or YouTube videos etc. or the various apps that WaterRower includes for free such as WaterRower Connect. The free WaterRower apps are nowhere near the level of detail or sophistication that the Ergatta training platform offers but you can also use other third party apps that you can download on your phone or tablet such as EXR, KinoMap, CityRow Go, Asensei.

Price Comparison

The price between the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite currently is that the Ergatta Lite is offered for $1699* and the WaterRower Lite is offered for $999* direct from WaterRower. However shipping is additional with the WaterRower Lite so you also need to factor in shipping costs.
The Ergatta upgrade is $549*
*Check Ergatta and WaterRower for the latest prices.

Choosing Between the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite

The decision on whether to buy the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite comes down to these main points

Purchasing the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite:

• Purchase the Ergatta Lite if you are wanting to join the Ergatta community and want to try their training platform which will help with your rowing performance and keep you motivated.
  
• Ergatta Lite includes a power meter for the most accurate performance tracking
  
• Ergatta Lite gives you instant access to one of the best interactive rowing training platforms available
  

Purchasing the WaterRower Lite VS Ergatta Lite:

• Purchasing the WaterRower Lite is great for those that want to do their own self training, have a low / technology free rowing experience or row along to streamed content like YouTube or Netflix.
  
• If you are currently on a tight budget, go for the WaterRower Lite, you can also purchase the Ergatta upgrade package at a later stage when budget allows.
  
• The WaterRower Lite can give you more flexibility with access to WaterRower’s apps as well as 3rd party apps. Purchasing the WaterRower Lite and the Ergatta Upgrade would give you access to all options.
  

Ergatta Upgrade for WaterRower

The main difference with the Ergatta upgrade is that the display is plugged into the WaterRower’s S4 performance monitor rather than using a power meter that comes with the Ergatta Lite. Power meters are considered a very accurate way to track your performance.

Conclusion

Rowing on both the Ergatta Lite VS WaterRower Lite rowing machines is pretty much identical as they are very similar, however the Ergatta training platform offers a motivating and comprehensive way to get more out of your WaterRower and will keep you coming back to your rowing machine regularly so if you are looking to get the most out of your sessions it is worth taking a look.