Hydrow Rower Review – A Different Kind of Rowing Experience

With so much buzz around the Hydrow Rower, we wanted to see for ourselves whether it really lives up to the hype.

Hydrow now offers a few different rowing machines, including the original Hydrow Rower, the smaller Hydrow Wave and the newer Hydrow Arc. In this review, we’re focusing primarily on the original model, while also noting how it compares to the rest of the lineup.

It’s a pricey rowing machine, but in line with other high-end, interactive cardio equipment on the market today. So it’s important to consider whether it’s actually worth the investment for your home gym.

That being said, there’s no denying the appeal — starting with the design. The workout you get is what matters most, but a machine that looks good in your home is definitely a plus.

No one wants to clutter their space with a big, clunky piece of equipment, and the sleek, low-profile design of the Hydrow makes a noticeable difference.

Of course, there’s more to it than looks, so let’s take a closer look at what the Hydrow rowing machine really offers.

Hydrow Rower Lineup

Hydrow offers a small lineup of rowers, each designed for a slightly different type of user.

• Hydrow Rower (this page) – The original flagship model with a larger screen, premium build and full interactive experience.
• Hydrow Wave – A smaller, more affordable version with a more compact design
• Hydrow Arc – The newest model with updated design and features, positioned between the Wave and the original Hydrow

For most buyers, the main differences come down to size, screen experience and overall price.

The Original Hydrow Rower

The Hydrow Rower is touted as a state-of-the-art rowing machine designed to transform the way you work out.  

To help you understand what it offers, here’s a breakdown of the key features and specs:

• Live Outdoor Reality (LOR) experience
• Diverse workouts: Live Rowing, Rows on Demand, Serene River Rowing, Whole Body
• FitnessLow-stress handle grip with ergonomic design
• Quiet, electromagnetic resistance that adjusts 240 times per second
• Aluminum & steel frame with a flat anthracite polymer bodySoft rubberized feet to protect floors
• 1920 x 1080 Full HD screen resolution
• Heart rate monitoring
• 10-roller seat roller system for smooth operation
• 25-degree monitor pivot in each direction
• Footprint: 86.0” x  25.0” x 47.0” (floor to top of screen)
• Stored dimensions: 25.0” x 33.0” x 86.0”
• Weight: 145 lbs (assembled); 197 lbs (shipping)
• Warranty: 18 months labor; 2 years on wear items, screen, and other electronics; 6 years on structural frame

The Buzz

UPDATE: Hydrow has introduced a smaller version called the Hydrow Wave. Check out our expert review.

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With at-home interactive workout machines gaining in popularity, it was only a matter of time before the industry that began with cycles and treadmills from names like NordicTrack and Peloton would branch out to rowing machines.

It’s a natural progression given that rowing is recommended as a perfect full body workout experience, working 86% percent of your muscles, unlike cycling which focuses primarily on the muscles of the lower body.

Combining that kind of workout with interactive technology that gives you access to guided classes, scenic rows and competitive features makes for a very engaging experience at home.

Into that space steps the Hydrow Rower, designed to deliver a more immersive, connected rowing experience. It’s not only sleek and attractive, but also practical, with front wheels that make it easier to move when needed.

Aside from the looks, the Hydrow Rower is also built for comfort to ensure that you get the most out of your workout. That includes everything from a comfortable seat and ergonomic handle to plenty of space allowing users up to 6’6” to complete a full rowing stroke, something that many lower cost rowers don’t accommodate.

The footrests can also be easily adjusted to fit any shoe size, allowing users of all sizes to enjoy a workout in maximum comfort.

One area where the Hydrow really stands out is its nearly silent operation, thanks to the combination of electromagnetic resistance and a nylon belt drive system.

The belt drive, similar to a car seatbelt, runs much more smoothly and quietly than the chain systems found on many traditional rowers. Combined with the 10-roller seat system, the overall motion is very smooth.

The computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance is touted by Hydrow as “the closest thing to being on the water”. This isn’t technically true, as air or water resistance actually gives you more of the natural feel of paddling in water.

That said, the resistance of the Hydrow is really very good and makes for extremely quiet operation. Resistance can be easily adjusted by sliding a “resistance bar” on the touchscreen and it will also be automatically adjusted during some of the rowing sessions.

Of course when you’re talking about interactive workout experiences the main focus is on the monitor and the onboard programming. In this area, the Hydrow does not let you down.

The spacious 22” HD monitor makes for a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re taking instruction from one of the trainers or enjoying a free row in a beautiful, natural setting, it feels like you’re right there in the middle of the action.

Not only is the monitor spacious, it’s also sweat and dust resistant and it swivels so that you can get the perfect angle for floor workouts as well as when you’re using the machine itself.

It has powerful, front-facing speakers for clear, crisp sound but one of the drawbacks we found was an inability to adjust the volume of the background music on some of the workout programs, which can sometimes drown out the trainers' instructions.

With full Bluetooth capability you can track your heart rate with monitors like the Polar H7 or Wahoo TICKR and the built-in stats let you track your strokes per minute, calories, time, 500m split, avg split and more. You can also connect your Bluetooth headphones for an even quieter, more personal experience that won’t disturb anyone else around you.

While all of these Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities are great, you can’t really get the full workout experience without a membership subscription, an additional expense that adds to the already extensive cost of the Hydrow Rower.

The subscription, at $50/month, gives you access to live broadcasts as well as over 6000 pre-recorded river and studio rowing sessions and it allows for unlimited user profiles so every member of your family can enjoy their own personalized workout.

This is another area where the Hydrow Rower really stands out. Unlike most rowing machines that provide guided workouts led by trainers, Hydrow has actual Olympic athletes providing expert guidance and motivation. You can even track your progress in comparison to other users for a competitive feel that gives you an extra push to achieve your best results.

The Hydrow rower can be stored vertically to take up even less room in your home or apartment, though Hydrow suggests purchasing an additional vertical storage kit to facilitate this feature.

Assembly can be a bit of an issue, since the weight of the parts requires two people to put it together. With help, assembly only takes about 30 minutes and then all you need to do is plug it in and connect to WiFi and you’re ready to access everything this model has to offer. 

Unlike most exercise equipment companies, Hydrow is an up and coming name in the business with only one product, so they have a unique focus on producing the industry leading rowing machine. To that end, they are continually developing and refining their machine, adding more workouts with each software update and making other subtle changes to improve your workout experience.

How Does the Hydrow Rower Compare With Other Interactive Machines?

Clearly, the Hydrow Rower is positioned at the higher end of the market, offering more features and a more immersive experience than many lower-cost, more basic rowing machines.

That said, it’s not the only option in the interactive rowing category, so it’s worth taking a closer look at how it compares to some of the other leading models.

Names like NordicTrack, Aviron and Ergatta also offer interactive rowing machines with built-in screens and access to a wide range of workouts. Some models fold for easier storage, while others are designed with aesthetics in mind to better fit into your home.

The NordicTrack RW900 features a large HD touchscreen display with an adjustable angle, along with SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance and 26 digitally controlled resistance levels.

With an iFIT membership, you get access to guided workouts, scenic routes and interactive training programs. One of the key advantages of NordicTrack is the SpaceSaver design, which allows the rower to fold up for easier storage after use.

Interactive personal training is available with an iFit membership that is sometimes included free for one year so you can try it out. The main difference with this model is the innovative SpaceSaver design that allows your rower to fold up for easy storage after each use.

The Aviron Rowing Machines are built with a more performance-focused design and can be used in both home and light commercial settings. Models like the Impact and Tough include features such as anodized aluminum rails for added stability, 4-way adjustable foot pads and a sweat-resistant touchscreen.

These models are not foldable, but they do include transport wheels for easier movement. Aviron also requires a monthly membership (around $52-69) to access its full library of workout content.

The Ergatta Rower is slightly less expensive than some other interactive models and uses water resistance for a more natural rowing feel. It also requires a membership (around $39/month), which provides access to a large library of workouts along with a unique, game-based training experience.

One of Ergatta’s biggest draws is its design. It’s made from USA-sourced cherry wood and is intended to blend into your home like a piece of furniture. The monitor is smaller than what you’ll find on Hydrow or NordicTrack models, but still provides access to all of its training features.

UPDATE: There are several newer competitors entering the space — including the CITYROW GO and the new Peloton rower — which continue to expand the interactive rowing category.

Hydrow Rower Pros & Cons

Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of the Hydrow rowing machine.

Pros:

• Quiet, smooth electromagnetic resistance
• Large 22” HD touchscreen display
• 6000+ rowing sessions led by Olympic-level athletes (with membership)
  
• Regular updates with new workouts and features
• Solid build quality with a comfortable rowing stroke for a wide range of users
• Sleek, modern design that fits well in most home gyms

Cons:

• Assembly typically requires two people
• Heavy and not the easiest to move on your own
• Ongoing monthly membership required for full functionality
• Higher upfront cost compared to many rowers
• Warranty coverage is average for this price range

Hydrow Rower: What's the Bottom Line?

All in all, the Hydrow Rower is a high-quality cardio machine — it’s well built, thoughtfully designed and delivers a very engaging, interactive workout experience.

The main drawback is the cost. At around $1,895 plus the monthly membership, it’s a significant investment and may be out of reach for some buyers. That said, ordering direct from Hydrow often includes perks like free shipping, delivery and assembly.

That said, the price is generally in line with other high-end, interactive cardio machines, and for many users the added motivation and variety make it worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a connected rowing experience with guided workouts, scenic rows and strong coaching, the Hydrow delivers on all fronts.

There’s also a wide range of workouts available, whether you want something more relaxed or a more intense, trainer-led session.

Rowing itself is a great full-body exercise that’s low impact, making it a good option for a wide range of users, including those looking for a joint-friendly workout.

With all that in mind, the Hydrow Rower offers a strong overall experience and is well worth considering if you’re comfortable with the price and ongoing membership.