Hydrow Review: Is This Premium Rowing Machine Worth the Hype?

What Is the Hydrow Rowing Machine?

The Hydrow rowing machine is a premium, immersive indoor rowing machine. Having said that, most ergometers are still built in the same way; the Hydrow, on the other hand, employes electromagnetic resistance that provides the actual feel of rowing on water compared to standard ergometers. Combined with a 22-inch HD touchscreen, this cutting-edge technology offers a connected fitness experience that feels more like rowing on outdoor waterways around the world.

The Hydrow is a sleek and minimalistic addition to modern homes while allowing live and on-demand workouts with professional rowers (Hydrow Athletes) as your guide. Natural waterways in the United Kingdom to shores in the U.S., this machine can make your workout a global experience.

Hydrow Design and Build Quality

One of the two things ancient Greeks have left us is the impressive build quality of the Hydrow. It has a steel and aluminum frame which makes it stable and strong during vigorous sessions. The Hydrow measures 86″ L x 25″ W x 47″ H (218 cm x 63 cm x 119 cm) and weighs 145 lbs (66 kg), but it actually moves very easily on its built-in front wheels. Store it vertically with the optional upright storage kit, which frees up floor space.

With a cushioned seat, adjustable footrests, and a quiet, smooth rail system, the ergonomic design fills every stroke with natural fluidity. You can start your workout early in the morning or late into the night without disturbing your household thanks to its virtually silent electromagnetic resistance system.

Features and Technology Integration

One of the Hydrow’s most notable features is its 22-inch 1080p HD display. 使用此显示屏，您可以进入一个大型健身生态系统，流式传输您所有四千多个摇摆，瑜伽，普拉提，力量训练等工作。 The ability to train with immersive video content filmed on authentic waterways with world class athletes helps with the motivational component.

Bluetooth support for heart rate monitors and wireless headphones is another one of the accessories that Hydrow supports. It offers playlists curated to your workout intensity, but it doesn’t let you play personal music through third-party apps like Spotify.

Performance and Muscle Engagement

In fact, 86% of your body’s muscles are used during a Hydro row, with other engaging areas including your quads, glutes, core, back, shoulders, and arms. It offers a low-impact movement, encouraging its use from those with joint sensitivity or recovering from injury. Rowing for endurance, power or active recovery, the Hydrow has adjustable drag to mimic the sensation of water, allowing you to challenge yourself while being easy on the joints.

After only a few weeks of regular use, users notice significant increases in strength, cardiovascular performance, and posture improvements. Instead of a user-adjusted resistance, the rowing machine calculates how much effort you are using and adjusts course on-the-fly, imitating real-life rowing.

Hydrow Membership and Content Library

A Hydrow membership is $38/month or $456/year and includes all live and on-demand workouts. You can create several user profiles with one membership so everyone in your household can monitor their own progress.

With everything from 5-minute cooldowns to 60-minute endurance rows, the content library covers every workout length and intensity. Plus, scenic rides, yoga flows, mat-based strength classes and cross-training in Pilates. Never have to worry about running out of options with daily content updates.

Coach and Community Experience

Hydrow Athletes — the platform’s term for its coaches are not just fitness experts but seasoned rowers with authentic stories. These unscripted, personable workouts resonate with users seeking genuine interaction over robotic guidance. However, while the energy and enthusiasm are exceptional, the lack of age and body diversity in the coaching lineup has been noted.

The platform includes a leaderboard feature where users can compete in real-time or asynchronously with others. Filters by age and gender enhance community engagement, creating a personalized competitive environment.

Hydrow App and Portability

The Hydrow app extends functionality beyond the rower. It allows access to bodyweight workouts, mobility sessions, and guided recovery routines — ideal for travel or when away from your machine. While the Hydrow rower itself is not portable, the app-based flexibility makes it a viable companion for people with dynamic routines.

Price and Value Breakdown

The Hydrow base price starts at $2,495, with additional accessories sold separately. Optional bundles, like the Essentials Package, include:

• Machine Mat

• Heart Rate Monitor

• Performance Foam Roller

• 1:1 Coaching Session

Expect a full setup to cost upwards of $2,600, not including the ongoing membership fee. Although the price is premium, the immersive experience, content variety, and build quality justify the investment for users committed to long-term fitness.

Hydrow vs. Competitors

Hydrow vs. Ergatta

And while Ergatta uses water resistance and gamified, competitive training. Hydrow has a lot of storytelling and coaching; Ergatta is more performance- and racing-focused.

Hydrow vs. Concept2

Alternatively, Concept2 offers a budget-friendly option at less than $1,000; best for rowers who care less about distractive visuals and more about data tracking. But it doesn’t have the on-demand, scenic components of Hydrow.

Hydrow vs. NordicTrack RW900

The RW900 is priced a bit lower and integrates with iFit. Still, iFit content is common across machines and doesn’t have the rowing specialty and on-water filming that Hydrow does.

Hydrow vs. CityRow Go Max

CityRow balances touchscreen classes with water resistance and a more studio-style approach to group fitness. The competition is fierce, but does not achieve Hydrow’s cinematic effect or the depth of the athletic coaching.

Customer Satisfaction and Brand Trust

On Trustpilot, Hydrow sports an “Excellent” rating based on more than 9,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average. Supported by investors including Kevin Hart, Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce, the brand rose to mainstream fame. Their not BBB-accredited per se but do have a solid B+ rating which shows a certain level of commitment to customer service & transparency.

Is Hydrow Worth It?

Hydrow — More Than A Rowing Machine Hydrow is more than a cardio machine — it is a rowing fitness platform that combines technology, entertainment, and functional training. Perfect for individuals or families that want a fun and effective low-impact all-over body workout.

While it’s not cheap, the quality of materials, coaching depth, and mindset content offers long-lasting value. Hydrow grows with you, whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your journey to fitness, it can be done at your pace.