Is the Hydrow smart rower worth it? What to know before you buy

Hydrow

The home fitness industry has exploded in recent years, with many choosing to invest in exercise bikes, treadmills, and fitness subscription apps instead of returning to their gyms. If you're still looking for a workout machine that you won't be afraid to jump into regularly, the Hydrow might be your choice. Read on to learn more about this new immersive rowing machine.

The best products in this article:

Hydrow Rowing Machine, $2,195 (reduced from $2,495)

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine, $1,695

What is a Hydrow rowing machine?

A hydraulic machine is worth it — Hydrow

Hydrow rowing machines are designed with the goal of “making every stroke feel like you're in the water.” The company has two rowing machines, the Hydro Rower and the Hydro Wave. Both are designed with patented electromagnetic drag technology that helps the paddler feel as if they are actually in a boat.

The newest addition to the Hydrow paddle family, the Hydro Wave, was created for small spaces, but still features Hydrow's immersive design. It's also significantly cheaper at just $1,695, compared to the Hydro Rower's $2,495 price tag.

Along with the machine itself and several optional accessories, you'll need a subscription to Hydrow's virtual fitness platform. Membership costs $38 per month, but you also have the option to bundle a membership for a year when you purchase a Hydrow rowing machine.

Hydrow offers three ways to experience your rowing training: live sessions, on-demand courses and remote rowing challenges. A Hydrow membership also includes yoga, pilates, strength training, mobility and stretching workouts. Hydrow has also added training circuits for all users. The workout combines strength training with a mix of weights and bodyweight, with short periods of rowing mixed in.

Is the Hydrow rowing machine worth it?

A workout on a rowing machine, also known as ergometers or ergs, works both the upper and lower body simultaneously. According to Hydrow, a workout on one of their rowing machines can engage 86% of the major muscle groups while still being relatively low-impact. So whether you're in the water or on a Hydrow rowing machine, rowing can be a full-body workout and great cardio.

Hydrow sets itself apart from other old-school rowing machines with its innovative electromagnetic drag technology, which helps you feel like you're actually in the water. Hydrow's fitness platform also offers over 4,000 live and on-demand classes, so if you're worried about your workout getting stale, Hydrow has you covered.

“Interactive pro athletes feel like friends who are cheering me on every row,” said one reviewer. “I feel great after every practice and look forward to the next one.”

“I've been rowing on several machines for years at gyms, this one is solid and very well built,” wrote another reviewer. “I love how quiet it is and how the stretch feels. The screen is big and the content is great to keep you motivated.”

Hydrow rowing machines

Shop the Hydrow Rower, Hydrow Wave and various Hydrow accessories below.

Hydro Rower

The Hydrow rowing machine features an adjustable 22-inch HD screen, an aluminum and steel frame, and a customizable template. The Hydrow Pro Rower is designed to fit people with an inseam up to 36 inches and a weight of up to 375 pounds. For a limited time, shoppers can get $300 off the brand's original rowing machine.

Hydrow Pro Rower, $2,195 (reduced from S2,495)

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine

The space-friendly successor to the Hydro Rower features a 16-inch HD screen, stainless steel seat track, durable polymer frame and adjustable insole. Despite its smaller size, the Hydrow Wave is also designed to fit people with an inseam up to 36 inches and weighing up to 375 pounds.

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine, $1,695

Hydrow Vista rowing machine

Coming soon, the Hydrow Vista rower features a curved 27-inch QHD display that rotates to enhance the immersive experience, which extends even to workouts outside of rowing. Available now for pre-order at a price of $3,995, it is expected to ship in winter 2024-2025.

Reserve the Hydro Vista Rowing Machine for $3,995

Hydrow Rower Vertical Storage Kit

This storage kit includes a stand, strap and detailed installation guide, so you can store your Hydrow Rower in a space-saving upright position.

Hydrow Vertical Storage Kit, $80

Hydrow Wave vertical anchor

Safely store your Hydrow Wave rowing machine with the help of this vertical wall anchor (not compatible with the Hydrow Rower).

Hydrow Wave vertical anchor, $190

Hydrow On The Mat Training Kit

This multifunctional training kit includes a multi-purpose training mat, two yoga blocks, two short resistance bands, two long resistance bands and three resistance bands with handles. It's got everything you'll need to take advantage of Hydrow's range of non-rowing workouts.

Hydrow On The Mat Training Kit, $180

The best alternatives to Hydrow

Want to start paddling but not sold at Hydrow? Check out these other rowing options from NordicTrack, Echelon and more.

NordicTrack smart shirt

The NordicTrack Smart Rower features an adjustable 22-inch HD touchscreen, is equipped with 26 resistance levels, and can be folded in half for compact and easy storage. The NordicTrack Smart Rower comes with a free 30-day subscription to iFIT, a fitness subscription platform that offers live and on-demand workouts. This rowing machine has a weight limit of 250 pounds.

NordicTrack Smart Shoe, $884 (reduced from $1,600)

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine

Also featuring a 22-inch rotating HD screen, the Echelon Smart Rowing Machine features an easy-slide seat, ergonomically designed handlebars, and 32 resistance levels. The machine folds flat for easy storage and comes with a free 30-day membership to Echelon Premier, a membership offering over 3,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine, $1,215 (reduced from $1,600)

Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

This inexpensive rowing machine has eight resistance levels and a monitor that shows time, count, calories and more. Designed with an extra long slide rail, this machine is a great choice for taller rowers.

Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine, $228 (reduced from $400)

Danica Creahan

Danica Creahan is a streaming expert for CBS Essentials. When he's not evaluating the best new shows and movies to stream or comparing all the ways to watch NCAA March Madness this year, he's probably playing with his dog or shopping.