For beginners and experienced rowers, the virtual expert-led training on tap with the Hydrow Pro Rower easily makes it one of the best rowing machines we’ve tested. With just a few taps on the super-sized touchscreen, you’ll be gliding across some of the globe’s most beautiful waters. Whether you’re heading to Seville or Alaska, you’ll be accompanied (and motivated and coached) by top rowing pros, including members of the U.S. Rowing team.
Even though the outsized screen and larger-than-life scenic rows make for a hefty price tag, we think athletes looking for engaging rowing training can’t go wrong. Whether you’re a rowing newbie in need of one-on-one coaching or you’re an old hat craving some variety, we think this tech-forward rowing machine has the goods. Check out our Hydrow Pro Rower review to see what our team of fitness experts had to say about this quiet and durable rower. For more information on how we test all our equipment, check out BarBend’s Equipment Testing Methodology.
The Hydrow Pro Rower is a high-tech rower with a library full of live and on-demand workouts, a smooth drive and electromagnetic resistance. It’s a quiet machine and provides a great full-body workout for both beginning and advanced rowers.
Main Takeaways
- This high-tech rower’s 22-inch HD touchscreen display streams live and on-demand classes via the Hydrow app.
- With a steel and aluminum build, this durable rowing machine is in it for the long haul.
- Its electromagnetic resistance system rower can help minimize noise during your workouts.
Hydrow Pro Rower Specs
| Price | $2,195 |
| Product Dimensions | 86″ L x 25″ W x 47″ H |
| Product Weight | 145lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 375lbs |
| Resistance Type | Electromagnetic |
| Display | 22” touchscreen |
In all of our years of rowing — on the water and in the gym — the Hydrow Pro Rower is one the sturdiest rowers the BarBend team has come across. But what separates this machine from the 15-plus machines we’ve used is the immersive rowing workouts streaming via the touchscreen. The Hydrow app’s library of over 5,000 on-demand workouts — including off-machine options like strength training, yoga, and Pilates — easily makes it one of the best rowing apps out there.
From New Zealand to Prague, you’ll be guided by professional rowing coaches and U.S. Rowing team members who can not only help motivate and encourage you, but aid in refining your technique. If motivation for you means less virtual coaching and more one-upping your friends and family, you can also check out the live races, leaderboards, and weekly challenges in the Hydrow app community.
The feel of Hydrow’s computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance system helps deliver the low-impact exercise that our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says can build strength throughout the body. “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” she says. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.” (1)
While we are huge fans of the rower and the scenic rows, we’re not so high on the cost. Most rowing machines come in around $1,000 to $1,600, so $2,195 for the Hydrow Pro Rower is expensive. Even with a swiveling touchscreen streaming world-class rowing workouts, “pricier than average” may be an understatement.
Our tester has owned theirs for over a year and still climbs aboard several times a week. “Even after a year, I still think these are hands-down the best rowing machine workouts I’ve ever done.” they say. “If you’re willing and able to drop this much cash, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Pro Rower.”
Although its price point isn’t the highest we’ve come across, when you factor in the additional monthly subscription for the app, unlocking this rower’s potential starts to add up. That said, for a durable long-term investment in your overall fitness, we think the Hydrow Pro Rower is a great option.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Hydrow Pro Rower
The Hydrow Pro Rower’s HD touchscreen and uniquely-authentic magnetic resistance system make it one of the most high-tech options on the market. However, it can create a decent hole in your budget, so before you commit to this rowing machine, make sure it’s a good fit for your training.
Recommended for:
- Anyone who wants a large touchscreen display for streaming content during workouts.
- Those looking to glide alongside professional rowers in virtual workouts.
- People who need a machine that won’t disturb their housemates or neighbors.
Not Recommended for:
- Athletes who aren’t interested in virtual classes and just want to row.
- Customers in tight living quarters who need a more compact unit.
- Heavier users who need a rower that can handle over 375 pounds.
Our Experience Training With the Hydrow Pro Rower
As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto explains, “Rowers are…versatile pieces of equipment. You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise. They can also be used for some strength training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.”
From its cutting-edge virtual workouts and HD touchscreen to its durable build and vertical storage, the Hydrow Pro Rower checks all the boxes we look for in the best magnetic rowing machines. With a roster stacked with collegiate rowers, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches, the BarBend team knows what to look for in a high-quality rowing machine. We’ve used our multi-point methodology to rate the Hydrow Pro Rower on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including durability, footprint, tech capabilities, and more.
Immersive Virtual Workouts
Firing up on-demand virtual rows on the Hydrow app created an immersive rowing experience for our tester and easily earned the Pro Rower a 5 out of 5 for both dynamic programming and tech capabilities. Professional rowers — including members of the U.S. Rowing team — lead on-water rows that, together with the swiveling 22-inch touchscreen, can help you get lost in your session.
Not only does the app offer over 5,000 workouts — including off-machine options like strength training, yoga, and Pilates — the challenges, leaderboards, and live classes could be a motivating push to keep you coming back for more.
While the stunning backdrops of the Scottish Highlands or California coast are breathtaking, after a year of owning their Hydrow Pro Rower, our tester most appreciates the structure of the training. “Your instructor is rowing in tandem with you, but they’re actually on the water rather than in a studio like you’d see with, say, a Peloton class,” they say. “Plus, there’s a leaderboard to the side of your display, which I enjoyed. Healthy competition is always a go-to motivator for me.”
They have also found that the Bluetooth connectivity serves two important purposes — isolating the audio with compatible headphones and tracking your heart rate during your session with a third-party heart-rate monitor. “I just connect my Apple Watch to keep tabs on my heart rate, but you can connect just about any Bluetooth monitor,” they say. “The dual speakers are also fine, but if you need to keep the noise to a minimum, just connect some headphones.”
The app can also track your metrics and workout history to provide a full picture of your progress towards your fitness goals.
Unfortunately, all this high-tech goodness does not come cheap. At $44 per month, the Hydrow app costs as much as many of the best fitness apps, like iFIT ($39.99) or Peloton (also $44). If you have access to a rower, but still want to check out Hydrow’s world-class programming, they do offer a basic version for $19.99 per month. You’ll be able to access the library of on- and off-machine workouts, but keep in mind that you’ll miss out on live races and tracking features.
Without a monthly membership, you’ll be relegated to “Just Row” mode. You’ll save that extra $44 per month, but won’t be able to save workout totals or follow those top-notch virtual rows.
Quiet, Electromagnetic Resistance
Both the Hydrow Pro Rower and its compact sibling, the Hydrow Wave Rower, utilize the company’s unique electromagnetic resistance technology. Both use a computer-controlled electromagnetic drag system that effortlessly adjusts to your pull, creating as close to an on-water experience as these types of rowing machines can.
“In general, magnetic rowers can feel a little clunky compared to chain-driven options like the Concept RowErg,” they say. “But I have to say, the Hydrow’s belt-drive system, along with the railing, made for an incredibly smooth stroke that feels darn close to being on the water.”
[Related: Hydrow Wave Rower Review]
The glide of the 10-roller seat and handle also helped this rower earn a 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. “Ok, the handlebar is amazing. It is just grippy enough, without being overly sticky as you start to sweat,” says our tester.
After trying out the Hydrow Wave Rower, I totally agree that it feels as smooth as any rowing machine I’ve used, but I also love their magnetic resistance setup because it’s very quiet. Whether you have a ton of roommates, sleeping children, or ornery neighbors, you can easily get a workout in without disturbing anyone.
Footprint and Vertical Storage
In homes where floor space is at a premium, squeezing in fitness equipment like a rowing machine can be challenging. When you finish a session on the Hydrow Pro Rower, you can cut its footprint from 14.93 square feet (slightly less than the average two-seater sofa) down to just 5.73 square feet by storing it vertically. (2) Our tester also appreciates that the dual transport wheels help with portability.
“The Pro Rower is a fairly typical size for rowing machines, but I do like the sleek design,” they say, rating its footprint and portability 4 out of 5. “At 145 pounds, it’s not as heavy as any of the best treadmills or ellipticals, but it’s not exactly easy to move, either. The wheels help, but I’d definitely plan to just park it in one spot.”
While vertical storage is a huge perk for this rower, we were less impressed that Hydrow’s mountable storage kit was an additional cost. “I can’t really just pick it up and lean it against the wall,” our tester notes. “I had to actually drop another $80 just on their vertical storage kit.”
Durability
The Hydrow Pro Rower’s solid steel and aluminum build helped it earn a durability score of 4 out of 5 from our tester. “The sturdy build is what makes it weigh a little more than the average rower, but that’s because it’s so well-built,” they say. “After a year of using mine regularly (and moving it around the house and garage) I’ve yet to have a single issue.”
One byproduct of its durable construction — a 4 out of 5 from our tester — is its above-average 375-pound user weight capacity. A few rowing machines we’ve tested can support athletes up to 500 pounds, but most top out around 300 pounds.
What to Consider Before Buying the Hydrow Pro Rower
Whether you’re an experienced rower or are just figuring out how to use a rowing machine, our our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says equipment like the Hydrow Pro Rower can tee up a challenging full-body workout. “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” Here are a few key factors to consider before investing in a new home rowing machine like the Hydrow Pro Rower. (1)
- Tech Capabilities: If you’re intrigued by the top-notch virtual rows the Hydrow app has on offer, Capritto reminds us to take a look at what else is out there. “You can choose between a smart rowing machine and a “not smart” one, meaning one that has a fancy screen that streams stuff or one that has a simple LCD screen that reads out basic metrics,” she says. “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”
- Price: The Pro Rower lands above the average range for rowing machines (roughly $1,000 to $1,600), earning a 3.5 out of 5 for value from our tester. You’ll find many of the best air rowing machines under that mark, but magnetic rowers are generally more expensive because they are quieter. A lot of them include streaming or tech additions that bump up the price even more.
- Footprint and Storage: The Hydrow Pro Rower is just over 7 feet long, so Capritto recommends grabbing your tape measure before clicking checkout. “Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” she explains. “Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion.”
- Resistance Type: Magnetic rowing machines tend to be a bit pricier, but we think the Hydrow computer-controlled resistance system makes it feel close to real-life rowing. As Capritto says, consider whether electromagnetic resistance is a good fit for training goals and experience level.
Hydrow Pro Rower Vs. Competitors
After years of sweating on over 15 rowing machines, we have found several models and types of resistance that are worth a look. For immersive virtual workouts, we think the Hydrow Pro Rower stands above the rest, but there are still some worthy competitors out there. Check out how this high-tech rower stacks up against two others we love — the CrossFit darling Concept2 RowErg and the iFIT-powered NordicTrack RW900.
The closest comp for the Hydrow Pro that we’ve tried out is probably the NordicTrack RW900. It has a marginally smaller footprint than the Pro Rower, but I don’t think its 26 levels of magnetic resistance come close to the feeling of on-water rowing. I would say though, the equally-large 22-inch touchscreen and iFIT programming ($39.99 per month) are close to what the Hydrow app has to offer. iFIT routinely earns 5 out of 5 scores from our team, but its rowing content is not quite as developed as the rest of its disciplines. That could certainly change, but for now, the Hydrow app is my personal favorite.
If you’ve stumbled into a CrossFit box lately and heard the roar of a rowing machine, chances are it was the Concept2 RowErg. We think this popular air-powered rower is among the best home gym equipment we’ve used because its rock-solid frame can support users up to 500 pounds, plus the basic display offers preset programs designed for HIIT workouts.
The Hydrow Pro Rower and the workouts available through the Hydrow app have it beat in technology by a mile, but the RowErg was a favorite among my crew and many experienced rowers. However, air rowers like this are a bit noisy, so I wouldn’t recommend them for those living with roommates or children. It’s basically like working out with a commercial-grade fan.
| Hydrow Pro Rower | Concept2 RowErg | NordicTrack RW900 | |
| Price | $2,195 | $990 | $1,999.99 |
| Product Dimensions | 86″ L x 25″ W x 47″ H | 95” L x 24” W | 82″ L x 22″ W x 54″ H |
| Product Weight | 145lbs | 57lbs | 163lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 375lbs | 500lbs | 250lbs |
| Resistance Type | Electromagnetic | Air/Fan | Magnetic |
| Display | 22” touchscreen | LCD Monitor | 22” touchscreen |
| Programming | Hydrow app | Preset programs | iFIT |
Ordering and Assembling the Hydrow Pro Rower
As our tester explains, ordering from the Hydrow site was quick and easy. “It was a standard process, plus it arrived in a few weeks with free shipping,” they say. “Assembly was also straightforward — a few screws, connect to Wi-Fi, and get to work.”
Delivery and setup earned a 4 out of 5, but if you need some help, you can also upgrade. “Hydrow offers at-home professional assembly options,” they note. “You can also finance through Klarna to set up a monthly payment plan.”
Places to Buy the Hydrow Pro Rower
You can purchase the Hydrow Pro Rower on their website, or at major retailers like Best Buy.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
The Hydrow Pro Rower was designed to replicate the feel of rowing on actual water while providing expert instruction and coaching. Hydrow’s founder comes from a family of rowers and their mission is to bring the cardiovascular and strength-building benefits of rowing machines to the masses.
After scouring the Hydrow rowing machine reviews on the Hydrow Pro’s product page, the overwhelming majority rave about their experience. “There are thousands of Hydrow reviews on there and they average out to 4.7 out of 5,” our tester notes. “Most people love the programming, while others mention the durability.”
We shared the customer service concern of some reviewers and rated our experience 3.5 out of 5. They even share a note on their contact page that says not expect a response for two to three days. You can reach out to their support team by calling 1-833-499-3769 or filling out a contact form on their website.
Warranties
Hydrow’s frame and upright storage kit are covered for five years, while the “components” — screen and electronics — have a one-year warranty. This meets the standard coverage we typically see among rowing machines and earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester.
Final Thoughts on the Hydrow Pro Rower
After firing up virtual workouts, I’m convinced the Hydrow app offers up the best rowing workouts for beginners and pros alike. With rowing pros and U.S. Rowing team members guiding you along scenic routes via the crystal-clear touchscreen, you can immerse yourself in gorgeous destinations from Vancouver to London. And as a former collegiate rower myself, I can attest to the authentic feel of Hydrow’s unique, computer-controlled resistance system.
While you may need to crack open a piggy bank to buy it, the Hydrow Pro Rower’s steel and aluminum build can help ensure you won’t need to do so again anytime soon. Experienced rowers will appreciate the variety of global routes, while the coaches can help beginners learn proper technique. For all athletes, the full-body workouts offered aboard the Pro Rower can help boost your cardiovascular health, along with building muscle throughout the body. (1) Despite the added subscription, we think this high-tech rowing machine is worth a second look.
FAQs
How much does the Hydrow Pro Rower cost?
The Hydrow Pro Rower costs $2,195 on their website. We think the combination of impeccable virtual programming, durability, and authentic feel justifies the price tag.
Is the Hydrow Pro Rower worth the money?
If you love taking virtual classes and would enjoy taking them with professional rowers even more, this will be a great investment for you. The best rowing machines under $1,000 won’t have the touchscreens and programming of high-end models, but if you prefer to just sit down and row, there are plenty of more affordable options out there.
Can you use the Hydrow Rower without a membership?
Yes. However, you won’t be able to follow the virtual workouts or track your workout history and data. If you want to check out the scenic rows, you will have to pay $44 per month for Hydrow’s all-access membership or $19.99 for the limited “Basic” version.
Should I use my Hydrow rowing machine every day?
You totally can. Rowing is a great low impact, full-body workout. Unlike high-impact exercise exercises, like running, rowing is much more conducive to everyday use. If you’re looking to expand your fitness routine, you should also incorporate strength training and stretching (like yoga) into your regimen. But as far as safety is concerned, you are fine to hop on your Hydrow every morning.
References
- Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. (2022, January 14). https://thesportjournal.org/article/relationships-among-muscle-characteristics-and-rowing-performance-in-collegiate-crew-members/
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
