Hydrow is an at-home rowing machine designed as Peloton for rowing.
Found online at Hydrow.com, Hydrow offers 4,000+ low-impact, full-body workouts guided by professional instructors using the included HD screen.
Does Hydrow live up to the hype? How does Hydrow work? Please keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Hydrow and how the at-home rowing machine works today in our review.
What is Hydrow?
Hydrow is an immersive at-home rowing machine in two varieties: the Hydrow Rower (original design) and the Hydrow Wave Rower (a 30% smaller and lighter option ideal for small spaces).
Some call Hydrow the Peloton of rowing. It aims to do for indoor rowing what Peloton did for indoor cycling.
One of the unique perks of Hydrow is that every Hydrow workout is led by Olympians and champion athletes, including some of the world’s best rowers. The exercises are displayed on-screen and instantly immerse you in bodies of water worldwide – from Rio to Alaska to Loch Ness.
Indoor rowing can be one of the best workouts possible. It activates 86% of muscles, making it a full-body workout. Plus, you can complete intense training in just 20 minutes.
Your Hydrow subscription includes access to 4,000+ rowing, strength, yoga, and circuit training workouts filmed outdoors. Like Freebeat, Peloton, and other indoor workout equipment, Hydrow offers exercises on and off the machine, helping you stretch, build strength, and target multiple muscle groups.
Hydrow Benefits
Other home workout machines are available today, and most gyms have rowing machines. Why buy Hydrow? What makes Hydrow unique?
Here are some of the unique perks of Hydrow:
- Low-impact workout with significant results
- Combine cardio, strength, and recovery training in a single 20-minute workout
- Works with any fitness level while keeping you motivated
- Exercises led by Olympians and championship rowers
- 4,000+ rowing, strength, yoga, and circuit training workouts
- Get on the water, instantly immersing yourself in real rowing experiences around the world
How Does Hydrow Work?
The primary objective of Hydrow is to provide a silent and realistic rowing experience on the water.
You sit on the machine, enter a class, and then start rowing. Expert rowers, including championship and Olympic athletes, lead each class. During a 20-minute class, you’ll activate 86% of your muscles and get a full body workout.
Hydrow connects instantly to Bluetooth and heart rate monitors, allowing you to track workout progress.
If you have a spacious area, the original Hydrow Rower may be the right fit for you. Its dimensions are 86″ L x 25″ W x 47″ H, making it large enough to use while small enough to fit into most homes comfortably.
If space is a concern, then the Hydrow Wave Rower could be better. Hydrow Wave Rower uses the same technology as Hydrow Rower to simulate the feeling of rowing on water quietly, now available in a smaller size.
Hydrow workouts are about more than just rowing. The screen pivots, allowing you to follow strength and stretching routines on a yoga mat or pad nearby. While rowing activates 86% of muscles, you can train those muscles with additional movements through the Hydrow workout library.
Overall, Hydrow describes itself as “the rower that changed everything.”
Hydrow Rowing Machines
Hydrow offers two rowing machines, including the original Hydrow Rower and a smaller, more compact version called the Hydrow Wave Rower:
- Hydrow Rower
- Hydrow Wave Rower
Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow Rower is Hydrow’s flagship, original rowing machine. It features a rotating, 22″ display and patented technology to silently recreate the feeling of rowing on the water.
You sit on the Hydrow Rower, then use the display to choose from 4,000+ workouts filmed in 100+ locations worldwide. You can choose from standard rowing workouts, following along with Olympic athletes as they row across picturesque bodies of water. Or, you can choose yoga, circuit training, strength training, and other exercises designed to be done off the rower.
Other perks of the Hydrow Rower include instantly connecting to Bluetooth and heart rate monitors – including Apple Watch and Strava. You can sync workouts and heart rate information between platforms.
Hydrow has an 86″ length, a 25″ width, and a 47″ height at its highest point. It weighs 145lbs or 197lbs when boxed and holds up to 375bs.
Hydrow Wave Rower
The Hydrow Wave Rower is a more compact version of the Hydrow Rower that requires less room. It holds the same weight (up to 375 lbs) but has a smaller screen and smaller dimensions than the flagship Hydrow Rower.
The Hydrow Wave Rower is 26.5″ wide, 30″ in diameter, and 82″ high. It features a 16″ HD (1,920 x 1,080p) screen instead of the 22″ screen on the original Hydrow Rower. It’s also 102lbs, making it 30% smaller and lighter overall.
Besides being smaller, the Hydrow Wave Rower provides the same rowing experience as the original. You interact with your membership via the screen, choosing from 4,000+ workouts in 100+ locations worldwide.
If you have a smaller space but want a similar rowing experience on a budget, then the Hydrow Wave Rower could be the right choice.
Hydrow Features
There’s plenty of home workout equipment available today. Why buy Hydrow? What makes Hydrow unique compared to other home workout machines or rowers?
Here are some of the features that distinguish Hydrow from other leading options available today:
Free Standard Shipping
Hydrow ships to your door at no additional cost. The cost of shipping is bundled with your Hydrow purchase.
Adjustable Drag and Resistance Settings
Workouts automatically adjust drag and resistance at different times. Or, in Just Row mode, you can change these settings on demand.
30-Day Home Trial
Hydrow lets you bring Hydrow home for 30 days with no risk. If you decide Hydrow isn’t for you, the company will issue a refund and pick up your rowing machine.
Rotating Display
The Hydrow Rower has a 22″ immersive, crystal-clear display. You can use the display to follow workouts on or off the rowing machine.
Full Body Workouts Filmed in 100+ Locations Worldwide
Hydrow immerses you in 100+ locations worldwide, and the Hydrow team filmed workouts in Rio, Alaska, Loch Ness, and other picturesque locales. You can join championship rowers and Olympic athletes as they row across natural bodies of water.
Heartrate Monitor Connectivity
Hydrow connects instantly to Apple Watch and Strava, letting you sync workouts and track heart rates across platforms.
Upright Storage Kit to Free Up Floor Space
You can free up floor space with Hydrow’s optional Upright Storage Kit. If you want to fold away Hydrow when not in use, use the Upright Storage Kit to reclaim your space.
Stored Stats and Progress
Hydrow stores your stats and progress over time, making it easy to track your total distance rowed or compare your results to other members.
Weekly Racing Challenges
Compete with other members of the Hydrow community with weekly racing challenges.
Hydrow Mobile App
Hydrow streams workouts via the mobile app, making it easy to get the most out of your Hydrow membership from anywhere. The mobile app is available for iOS or Android.
Does Not Work Without the Internet
Hydrow stops working if you’re not connected to power or the internet. An internet connection is required to use Hydrow at all times – even in Just Row mode without a membership.
Sleek Aluminum and Steel Frame
Hydrow describes its Hydrow Rower as “both art and machine” because of its sleek aluminum and steel frame.
Works 86% of Muscle Groups
Many people like rowing because it works more muscle groups than an average workout. There are plenty of stationary pieces of exercise equipment to work out legs and arms, but rowing works out both. According to the official website, a Hydrow workout will work out 86% of your muscle groups overall.
Live Workouts Available
Hydrow offers live workouts, allowing you to follow along with professional trainers in real-time.
Works in Just Row Mode Without a Membership
To use Hydrow, an active membership is required. If you don’t have an active membership, you can enter Just Row mode, which tracks your distance, calories, heart rate, 500m average, and other stats. Just Row mode does not include access to preloaded or free workout videos.
20 Minute Workouts Per Day
You can do as many Hydrow workouts per day as you like. However, you can get an entire exercise in just 20 minutes daily with the Hydrow Rower or Hydrow Wave Rower.
4,000+ Workouts Available, from Rowing to Circuit Training
Hydrow’s library includes 4,000+ workouts, including hundreds of rowing and yoga workouts, circuit training sessions, strength training routines, stretching, and more.
Month-to-Month or Prepaid Subscriptions Available
You can pay month-to-month with Hydrow for $44 per month. Or, you can pre-purchase a membership for additional savings.
Personalized 14-Day Training Programs Available
Hydrow lets you complete a quiz and receive a 14-day training program customized to your unique needs.
Multiple Color Options Available
Hydrow has five unique color options: black, blue, green, yellow, or orange. You can choose the color that works best with your indoor aesthetic.
Hydrow Reviews: What Do Customers Say?
Hydrow has strong reviews online from thousands of customers who have enjoyed working out with Hydrow. Customers have left positive reviews on the official website and at review aggregator websites like Trustpilot. We’ll explore those reviews below.
First, Hydrow has an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5, with 9,600+ reviews on Trustpilot. The company’s ratings have 84% 5-star reviews overall, and most customers are overwhelmingly happy with their Hydrow purchase.
Customers like how the Hydrow workout is a full-body experience, feeling the machine hit every muscle in their body – different from a standard treadmill or exercise bike.
Many customers also like the diversity of workout classes available with the Hydrow subscription, including picturesque rowing workouts in diverse locales worldwide, yoga, pilates, weight training, strength training, stretching, and more. With 4,000+ exercises to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
The few negative reviews for Hydrow come from people who dislike the high price tag of the membership. At $44 per month when paying month-to-month, Hydrow membership may be out of reach for some people. However, you can add multiple members per account or save money by signing up for longer subscriptions.
Hydrow has strong reviews on Reddit on /r/rowing and other communities. Hydrow offers an affordable and versatile rowing experience for beginners and experienced rowers. One Redditor described Hydrow’s videos as “extremely motivating,” praising the coaches for keeping things interesting. That Redditor passed 175,000 meters on Hydrow after rowing on it several times weekly for two months.
GQ described Hydrow as “essentially the Beyonce of home of at-home rowers,” while CNET described it as “one of the most luxurious smart rowing machines you can buy.”
Other popular indoor rowing machines are available today, including Concept 2. Although Hydrow is more expensive than Concept 2, many like Hydrow’s advanced features better. However, if you don’t want a membership or smart features, you may want a more budget option than the original Hydrow.
Most customers are satisfied with their Hydrow Rower or Hydrow Wave Rower, finding the machines work as advertised to provide an excellent rowing experience even if you have a limited schedule.
Hydrow Membership Pricing
Hydrow is designed to be used with an active membership. You can enter “Just Row” mode without a membership, but there’s limited functionality beyond that mode.
Membership is priced at $44 per month. If you do not own a Hydrow machine but want to test the Hydrow experience before you buy, you can sign up for the Digital Basic Hydrow Membership for $19.99 per month, giving you access to the on-demand Hydrow library.
Here’s how pricing works:
- Month-to-Month Hydrow Subscription: $44 per month
- Digital Basic Hydrow Membership: $19.99 per month
The Digital Basic Hydrow Membership lets you take membership for a “test drive,” giving you access to the entire on-demand workouts library. You can sign up for this membership even if you don’t own a Hydrow machine. Essentially, you’re paying to access the Hydrow app.
You only need one Hydrow membership for an entire household. Each membership lets you create multiple individual profiles without raising the monthly cost.
Hydrow Refund Policy
Hydrow has a 30-day at-home trial period. You can request a refund on your purchase within 30 days. If you decide the Hydrow isn’t unsuitable, contact the company for a refund, and they will pick it up.
Hydrow Warranty
Hydrow has a one-year home use limited warranty included at cost with your purchase. You can purchase an extended warranty at checkout.
About Hydrow
Hydrow was conceived by rowing champion and US National Team coach Bruce Smith. Bruce and his team designed Hydrow to emphasize human physiology, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and accessibility. The goal was to create the most effective home workout machine.
You can learn more about Hydrow’s CEO and founder, Bruce Smith, on the official website.
Or, you can contact Hydrow and the company’s customer service team from 10 am to 7 pm ET, Monday to Saturday:
- Phone: +1 833 889-3121
- Online Support Center: https://support.hydrow.com/s/
Final Word on Hydrow
Hydrow is an industry-leading at-home rowing machine designed to replicate the feeling of rowing on the water silently.
Hydrow offers two models: the Hydrow Rower and the smaller Hydrow Wave Rower.
To learn more or to buy Hydrow online today, visit the official website.
