RowCraft vs EXR
Gamified virtual rowing with 3D worlds and social racing.
EXR is the "Zwift for rowers" — a gamified virtual rowing experience where your real strokes move an avatar through 3D worlds. It's built around motivation: racing, scenery, leaderboards. RowCraft takes the opposite approach, focusing on structured training with pace targets and progressive plans. EXR costs $15/mo, RowCraft is free. They solve different problems, and this comparison will help you figure out which one fits how you train.
Feature Comparison
Where EXR Shines
- EXR turns indoor rowing into a game. You row through 3D virtual worlds, race other rowers in real time, and unlock gear for your avatar. If motivation is your problem, EXR solves it.
- Multiplayer racing and ghost boats let you compete against others or your own personal bests, adding a competitive edge to every session.
- Daily, weekly, and monthly challenges with global leaderboards keep engagement high.
- Broad platform support including Apple TV, Windows, and macOS — you can row with a big screen in front of you.
Where RowCraft Shines
- RowCraft is free. EXR costs $15/mo. If you're rowing consistently, that's $180/yr.
- RowCraft's training is built around pace-per-500m targets derived from your FTP. Every interval tells you exactly how hard to pull. EXR's workouts exist but aren't structured around a personal fitness benchmark.
- RowCraft's custom workout builder lets you design any interval session you want. EXR's workouts are pre-built.
- RowCraft focuses on making you a better rower through progressive, structured training. EXR focuses on making rowing more fun. Different goals.
The Verdict
EXR and RowCraft solve different problems. EXR is the best choice if you struggle with motivation and want rowing to feel like a game — the virtual worlds, racing, and social features are genuinely engaging. RowCraft is the better choice if you want structured training that makes you faster — pace targets, FTP-based programming, and progressive training plans. If you can afford EXR and motivation is your bottleneck, it's worth the subscription. If you want free, structured training, RowCraft is built for that.
Choose EXR if you want
Rowers who find indoor rowing boring and want gamification, virtual scenery, and social competition.
$15/mo
Choose RowCraft if you want
Rowers who want structured, pace-based training that progressively builds fitness — for free.
Free
Ready to try RowCraft?
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 EXR's website for the most current information.