Hydrow
A premium connected rowing machine with a 22-inch HD touchscreen, electromagnetic resistance, and live outdoor rowing workouts filmed on real water.
Those who want an immersive, guided rowing experience with premium design and are willing to pay for a monthly subscription
Our Verdict
A premium connected rowing machine with a 22-inch HD touchscreen, electromagnetic resistance, and live outdoor rowing workouts filmed on real water.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing Hydrow across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning immersive on-water workout content filmed on real waterways
- Near-silent electromagnetic resistance system
- Beautiful premium design that fits any living space
- Excellent instructor-led programming with 5,000+ workouts
Cons
- Premium price at $2,195 plus mandatory $44/month subscription
- Heavy at 145 lbs making it difficult to move around
- Upright storage kit costs an additional $190
- Limited functionality without an active subscription
Full Review
Overview
The Hydrow is a premium connected rowing machine that brings the outdoor rowing experience indoors through immersive on-water workouts. With its sleek design, electromagnetic resistance system, and 22-inch HD touchscreen, it represents the luxury end of the home rowing market.
Immersive Workout Experience
What sets Hydrow apart is its library of over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts filmed by world-class athletes on real waterways around the globe. The 22-inch HD touchscreen delivers these workouts in stunning clarity, making you feel like you are rowing alongside instructors on rivers and lakes.
Electromagnetic Resistance
Unlike air or water rowers, Hydrow uses computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance that can adjust dynamically during workouts. This provides an incredibly smooth and quiet rowing experience with precise resistance control across multiple levels.
Design and Build
The Hydrow features a polished aluminum and carbon steel frame that looks like a piece of modern furniture. The front-facing speakers deliver quality audio, and the rower stores upright with the optional Upright Storage Kit ($190). At 145 pounds, it is heavier than some competitors.
Subscription and Value
The Hydrow requires a $44/month All-Access Membership for full functionality, which includes unlimited profiles for the whole household. Beyond rowing, the subscription includes yoga, Pilates, and strength workouts accessible on the rower or via the mobile app.
Alternatives to Hydrow
Frequently Asked Questions
If you thrive on instructor-led, immersive workouts, yes. The $44/month subscription provides access to 5,000+ classes across rowing, yoga, Pilates, and strength training. Without the subscription, the rower has limited manual-mode functionality.
Hydrow is a connected fitness experience with a screen and guided workouts, while Concept2 is a pure performance rower. Hydrow is quieter and more visually appealing, but Concept2 is more durable, costs less than half, and requires no subscription.
Final Verdict
Hydrow scores 8.7/10
With a score of 8.7 out of 10, Hydrow is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for those who want an immersive, guided rowing experience with premium design and are willing to pay for a monthly subscription.