RowCraft vs ErgZone
Structured erg workouts with smart pacing and a coach marketplace.
ErgZone is the closest competitor to RowCraft in philosophy — both are training-focused apps for serious rowers. ErgZone offers smart benchmark-based pacing, a coach marketplace, and integrations with Strava and TrainingPeaks. RowCraft uses FTP-based pace targets, includes built-in training plans, and is completely free. ErgZone's premium tier costs $5/mo. If you're choosing between two structured training apps, here's an honest look at the trade-offs.
Feature Comparison
Where ErgZone Shines
- ErgZone's coach marketplace connects you with real rowing coaches who create custom programming — including well-known coaches like Coach Bergenroth.
- Smart interval pacing suggests target splits based on your benchmark times (1K, 2K, 5K), which is a different but valid approach to personalization.
- Strava and TrainingPeaks integration lets you connect ErgZone to a broader training ecosystem.
- Force curve display and SPI (Stroke Power Index) give advanced rowers deeper stroke-level analytics.
- Multi-erg mode connects 2–3 Concept2 ergs simultaneously for team training.
Where RowCraft Shines
- RowCraft is completely free — no tiers, no premium features behind a paywall. ErgZone has a free tier, but Strava sync, TrainingPeaks, and other features require $5/mo.
- RowCraft's training plans are built-in and included. ErgZone's plans come through a coach marketplace that may cost extra on top of the subscription.
- RowCraft uses FTP to automatically calculate pace targets for every workout. You set your FTP once and every target adjusts. ErgZone's benchmark-based pacing requires you to have recent test results for each distance.
- RowCraft's full web app lets you browse workouts, build sessions, and manage plans from your computer. ErgZone's web access is a dashboard, not the full app experience.
The Verdict
ErgZone is the closest competitor to RowCraft in philosophy — both are training-focused, structured workout apps for serious rowers. The key differences: ErgZone has a coach marketplace and third-party integrations (Strava, TrainingPeaks) that RowCraft doesn't. RowCraft has built-in training plans and is completely free. If you want coaching from a named coach or need Strava/TrainingPeaks sync, ErgZone is worth the subscription. If you want structured training with FTP-based pacing at no cost, RowCraft delivers that out of the box.
Choose ErgZone if you want
Serious rowers who want coach-created programs, Strava/TrainingPeaks sync, and advanced analytics.
$5/mo
Choose RowCraft if you want
Rowers who want structured, FTP-based training with built-in plans — completely free.
Free
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Free structured workouts, training plans, and pace guidance. No subscription required.
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Last updated: Apr 23, 2026. Feature information is based on publicly available data and may change. Visit ErgZone's website for the most current information.