Hydrow Review: The High-Tech Rowing Experience Worth the Investment?

Quick Verdict

For an immersive and engaging rowing experience, Hydrow excels in delivering realistic, scenic workouts and an interactive community feel. While it comes with a higher price point, its premium design, real-time classes, and high-tech features make it an exceptional choice for those serious about their fitness journey.

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When it comes to home workout equipment, Hydrow is a game-changer. This rowing machine aims to make your fitness routine exciting and highly effective with immersive technology and sleek design. In this review, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of Hydrow to see if it lives up to the hype.

Pros of Hydrow

Modern and Sleek Design: The Hydrow’s 22-inch HD touchscreen and elegant, space-efficient build make it a stylish addition to any home gym. It doesn’t take up much space, so it fits well in smaller homes.
Engaging Workout Variety: With live and on-demand classes, Hydrow offers a workout variety that goes beyond typical rowing routines. The instructors are engaging, which adds a sense of community.
Immersive Tech Features: Hydrow’s on-the-water sessions are filmed in real scenic locations, making it feel like you’re rowing on a real river. The visual and audio quality sets it apart from other rowing machines.
Quiet and Smooth Resistance System: With its electromagnetic resistance, Hydrow provides a fluid, natural rowing experience without disturbing others in your household.
Detailed Performance Tracking: Hydrow’s real-time metrics on distance, time, and calories make it easy to monitor progress and set goals, while its leaderboard adds a competitive edge.

Cons of Hydrow

Higher Price Point: Hydrow isn’t the most budget-friendly option, so it may not be accessible for everyone.
Subscription Fee: While the classes keep workouts engaging, there’s a $38/month subscription to access them. This can be a drawback if you prefer one-time payment options.
Internet Dependence: Hydrow requires a strong, stable internet connection for seamless streaming. A buffering screen can interrupt your workout if your internet is spotty.

Who Is Hydrow For?

Fitness enthusiasts who love immersive, instructor-led workouts
Beginners to rowing or fitness who want structured guidance
Experienced rowers looking to compete on the global leaderboard
Those who thrive in a community-based workout environment

Who Isn’t Hydrow For?

Anyone on a tight budget or seeking a low-cost fitness solution
People with limited space for a full-size rower
Those with unreliable internet connections that may disrupt streaming

What Is Hydrow?

Hydrow goes beyond standard rowing machines with its high-definition touchscreen and interactive classes. The founder, Bruce Smith, designed the Hydrow to replicate a real-world rowing experience with high-quality video and sound through Live Outdoor Reality™ technology.

Each Hydrow session takes you through scenic waterways around the globe. The machine’s 22-inch HD touchscreen, paired with professional live and on-demand workouts, turns your living room into a virtual river or lake, led by professional athletes providing feedback and motivation.

Hydrow Models Comparison

Hydrow Wave Rower

Screen Size/Resolution: 16” / 1920x1080
Screen Adjustment: Fixed, no pivot
Product Footprint: 80” L x 19” W x 43” H, 102 lbs
Stored Dimensions: 26.5” W x 30” D x 82” H
Shipping Box & Weight: 51” L x 20” W x 19” H, 128 lbs
Assembly Time: Under 45 minutes
Flywheel: Virtually silent
Materials: Stainless steel seat track, durable thermoplastic polymer frame
Seat & Slide System: 2-roller and 2-idler system, ergonomic cushion
Foot Bed Adjustment: Easy adjustment
Resistance: Patented electromagnetic drag, mimics water rowing
Speakers: 2x3W front-facing
Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet (optional), ANT+ and Bluetooth 5.0
Membership: Hydrow All-Access Membership required
Warranty: 1-year home use warranty, optional extended
Trial: 30-day risk-free trial
Delivery: Free porch delivery or optional in-home assembly
Est. Time to Delivery: 2–7 days

Hydrow Pro Rower

Screen Size/Resolution: 22” / 1920x1080
Screen Adjustment: Adjusts 15°, pivots 25° left & right
Product Footprint: 86” L x 25” W x 47” H, 145 lbs
Stored Dimensions: 25” W x 33” D x 86” H
Shipping Box & Weight: 91” L x 18” W x 33” H, 198 lbs
Assembly Time: Under 30 minutes
Flywheel: Virtually silent
Materials: Aluminum and steel frame with polymer body
Seat & Slide System: 10-roller system, ergonomic cushion
Foot Bed Adjustment: Easy adjustment
Resistance: Patented electromagnetic drag, mimics water rowing
Speakers: 2x3W front-facing
Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet (optional), ANT+ and Bluetooth 5.0
Membership: Hydrow All-Access Membership required
Warranty: 1-year home use warranty, optional extended
Trial: 30-day risk-free trial
Delivery: Free porch delivery or optional in-home assembly
Est. Time to Delivery: 2–3 weeks

Hydrow Vista Rower

Screen Size/Resolution: Curved 27” / 2560x1440
Screen Adjustment: Adjusts 15°, pivots 180° left & right
Product Footprint: 86” L x 25” W x 47” H, 160 lbs
Stored Dimensions: 25” W x 33” D x 86” H
Shipping Box & Weight: 91” L x 18” W x 33” H, 212 lbs
Assembly Time: Under 30 minutes
Flywheel: Virtually silent
Materials: Aluminum and steel frame with polymer body
Seat & Slide System: 10-roller system, ergonomic cushion
Foot Bed Adjustment: Easy adjustment
Resistance: Patented electromagnetic drag, mimics water rowing
Speakers: 2x3W front-facing, 2x10W rear-facing
Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet (optional), ANT+ and Bluetooth 5.0
Membership: Hydrow All-Access Membership required
Warranty: 1-year home use warranty, optional extended
Trial: 30-day risk-free trial
Delivery: Free porch delivery or optional in-home assembly
Est. Time to Delivery: Pre-order, shipping expected winter 2024-2025

This review focuses on the Hydrow Pro Rower model.

Delivery and Setup

The Hydrow Pro delivery experience is exceptional. The drivers carried the rower to the room of my choice, unpacked, and assembled it. Unlike other brands that leave assembly to you, Hydrow ensures a smooth setup process.

Design and Feel

Hydrow’s design is modern, sleek, and functional. The foot straps and layout are similar to the Concept2 rower, offering familiarity for experienced rowers. Hydrow’s quiet, smooth seatbelt handle system requires less maintenance than a typical chain and creates a natural rowing feel, making each stroke feel like you’re gliding across water.

Technology and Classes

Hydrow’s tech features are top-tier, with a highly responsive touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. The Live Outdoor Reality™ tech immerses you in scenic waterways worldwide, and the real-time leaderboard allows you to compete with other rowers globally. The classes themselves range from high-energy to restorative rows, making it easy to find something that fits your mood or fitness level.

Footprint, Durability, and Maintenance

While Hydrow does occupy significant space, it’s easily stored upright. Built with a steel and aluminum frame, this rower is designed for durability, with maintenance only requiring the occasional wipe-down and check on bolts. This low-maintenance design and sturdy build ensure longg-term usability without fuss.

Price

The Hydrow Pro Rower is priced at around $2,195, with the Hydrow Wave available for $1,695 if you're looking for a more affordable model. The subscription fee is $38/month, which might feel steep but adds tremendous value for the high-quality classes and interactive content.

My Experience With Hydrow

From my first row, the Hydrow felt comfortable and fluid. The ergonomic seat and handle made long sessions enjoyable, while the immersive virtual waterways kept things interesting. The live leaderboard made every workout competitive, pushing me to improve with each row. After months of regular use, the machine still performs like new, attesting to its build quality.

However, the footprint might be a consideration for those with limited space, and the ongoing subscription fee may deter those on a budget.

Customer Reviews

Users echo similar experiences, praising the immersive sessions and high-quality construction. Many mention feeling motivated by the real-time leaderboard and enjoying the on-water experience. However, some point to the subscription cost and space requirements as potential drawbacks.

Hydrow Alternatives

Concept2 Model D: Durable, affordable, and highly reliable but lacks interactive classes and an HD screen.
WaterRower Natural: Provides an authentic rowing feel with water resistance and a beautiful wooden frame but lacks immersive classes.
NordicTrack RW900: Features a 22-inch touchscreen with iFit classes, but some users report it’s less durable than the Hydrow.
Ergatta Rower: Offers gamified rowing sessions rather than instructor-led classes, perfect for those who prefer a gaming approach to fitness.
Peloton Row: Ideal for those in the Peloton ecosystem but newer to the market and slightly more costly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Hydrow without a subscription? Yes, but you’ll only see metrics like splits and wattage without video or instructor guidance.

Is Hydrow suitable for small spaces? The Hydrow Wave is more compact and suited for smaller spaces.

What makes Hydrow unique? Hydrow’s immersive visuals, interactive leaderboard, and fluid rowing motion make it a standout for indoor rowing.

Do you need strong internet for Hydrow? Yes, stable internet is essential to prevent buffering during workouts.

Can beginners use Hydrow? Yes, Hydrow offers beginner-friendly workouts that are easy to follow.

Final Verdict

Hydrow impresses with its sleek design, immersive classes, and competitive leaderboard, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. While alternative rowers offer solid performance, the Hydrow’s premium tech and build quality provide a uniquely engaging experience that stands out in the rowing machine market.

===>Check Latest Exclusive Hydrow Discounts & Deals<===

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