Decide Between the Echelon Fit Row and Echelon Fit Row S

If you’re looking for a way to stay fit from the comfort and safety of your own home, look into a rowing machine. There are many benefits to working out in this way, including improving cardiovascular function and overall fitness.

Echelon makes high-quality, connected exercise equipment that’s pretty impressive. Two of their top-tier rowers include the Echelon Fit Row and the Echelon Fit Row S.

Curious about which of these is right for you? Both offer a great fitness experience, but there are some noticeable differences as well. Check out the detailed comparison below, courtesy of Upsie. And if you’ve recently purchased one of these devices (or think you will soon), be sure to check out Upsie’s affordable rowing machine extended warranties so your new equipment will be protected no matter what happens.

The Echelon Row is a premium, connected rowing machine that provides an all-over body workout with minimal impact. This machine is foldable, so it doesn’t take up nearly as much space as a conventional rower would.

The rail of this machine has a 1.7-degree angle and an ergonomically designed seat, making it perfect for extended fitness sessions that remain comfortable. You will find the resistance controls built right into the handlebar, allowing you to make adjustments mid-workout without stopping and lowering your heart rate.

The Echelon Row has a mounting bracket for you to attach your smartphone or tablet. While you could, in theory, use this to stay entertained while you work out, the intended application is to use Echelon’s video workouts for an interactive experience.

Like other modern fitness companies (such as Peloton), Echelon offers a membership to a wide range of dynamic video workouts. You can stream them directly to your tablet or smartphone. There are some differences between the two, as outlined in this review of the two companies’ bikes. Also, Echelon often offers 12 months of free membership.

The mounting bracket on the Row can articulate around to the back of the unit, so you can continue your workout with other fitness routines that don’t involve the rowing machine.

All in all, it’s a slick system if you’re willing to buy into the membership program. And even without that program, the Echelon Row is an impressive rowing machine.

The Echelon Row S is an even more premium rowing machine. It takes the base of the Echelon Row and packs in a bunch of impressive technology. The most obvious difference is the 22-inch high-definition screen, which rotates for maximum adjustability and a fully immersive experience.

The HD screen essentially takes the place of your smartphone or tablet. Of course, the screen provides a much more immersive experience thanks to enhanced Wi-Fi antennas, Bluetooth technology, and dual audio jacks.

Like the Row, this more advanced model also relies on an Echelon membership for full access to their library of workout programs. But those workout programs will look and sound better on the Row S, so you might find the subscription cost to be even more worth the money.

If you’re trying to decide between the two models, the decision comes down to two factors. The first is price. The Row S starts a little north of $1600 when you buy direct from Echelon. The standard Row costs around $600 less at just over $1000.

The other difference, of course, is the screen. If the deeper level of immersion is worth the extra cost, that pretty much makes the decision for you.

Whichever model you choose for your own fitness regimen, one thing is sure: you are investing a significant amount of money in this piece of equipment. Subsequently, you don’t want to be on the hook for damage or failure that’s not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Upsie offers best-in-class extended warranty protection for fitness gear. Plans cover rowing machines like the Echelon Row and Echelon Row S. Available in three-year and five-year terms, Upsie’s no deductible warranty covers manufacturing defects, mechanical failure, parts, and labor coverage, pedal malfunction, ball bearing replacement, touch screen failure, and more.

Upsie even offers in-home repair options and will replace your rowing machine if it cannot be repaired on the first claim.