VerdictAI
#2 in Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16" HD Touchscreen & Speakers - Foldable | Live Home Workouts, Subscription Required

Hydrow

Best for

Best Hydrow (smart-screen)

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.0(117)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGood
78/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$1,795.99

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Updated May 17, 2026 · 1 min read

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16" HD Touchscreen & Speakers - Foldable | Live Home Workouts, Subscription Required

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Hydrow Wave is the consensus pick when a buyer specifically wants a streaming-class experience on a rower. garagegymreviews.com called out the 16-inch HD touchscreen, the more compact footprint versus the original Hydrow, and the durable polycarbonate frame as genuine wins, while also noting it's affordable by smart-connected-rower standards (which is not the same as affordable in absolute terms). r/Rowing owners describe the rowing motion as 'natural' and quieter than the Concept2, with the class library being the main reason they stay engaged.

What reviewers liked

  • High-trust expert reviewer garagegymreviews.com praised compactness, screen, and frame durability
  • r/Rowing owners describe motion as smoother and quieter than the Concept2
  • Foldable for storage despite the large touchscreen
  • Strong beginner programming and class library noted across reviews

Where it falls short

  • r/Rowing threads repeatedly question value vs. a Concept2 at roughly half the price
  • Touchscreen is fixed — no pivot or tilt for off-rower workouts
  • Subscription is effectively required to access the core experience
  • Amazon rating of 4.0 is notably softer than budget magnetic rowers in the category

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Hydrow Wave is the consensus pick when a buyer specifically wants a streaming-class experience on a rower. garagegymreviews.com called out the 16-inch HD touchscreen, the more compact footprint versus the original Hydrow, and the durable polycarbonate frame as genuine wins, while also noting it's affordable by smart-connected-rower standards (which is not the same as affordable in absolute terms). r/Rowing owners describe the rowing motion as 'natural' and quieter than the Concept2, with the class library being the main reason they stay engaged.

The conflict the reviewers surface honestly: r/Rowing threads repeatedly question whether the Hydrow earns its price premium given that the Concept2 RowErg costs roughly half as much and is the universally accepted training standard. The 16-inch screen is fixed (no pivot or tilt), which limits off-rower workouts, and the experience is heavily dependent on an active Hydrow membership — a recurring cost that doesn't show up on the sticker. The Amazon rating of 4.0 is notably softer than the budget magnetic rowers in this roundup, which tracks with the subscription-friction complaints.

For the buyer who wants instructor-led classes and an immersive screen and isn't price-sensitive, the trust-weighted verdict is positive. For the buyer who wants the best pure rowing machine for the money, the same reviewers point elsewhere.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Highlight 1
Work more muscles in less time. The Wave rowing machine builds strength for the long term with low-impact workouts. In just one 20-minute workout on this at-home row machine, engage more than 86% of muscles.
Highlight 2
Get a Membership, then get started. For just $50/month, tap into the step-by-step training it takes to push beyond what you thought was possible. With 5,000+ at-home workouts for all levels, intelligent guidance to keep improving, encouragement from world-class instructors, and more, it’s no wonder that 90% of Members are still rowing a year after joining. (NOTE: Memberships are sold separately from Hydrow row machines.)
Highlight 3
Keep building with advanced performance tracking. Learn how you’re doing and what you can change to improve with HydroMetrics, a measurement system that analyzes your precision, endurance, and power during every workout.
Highlight 4
Get personalized workout recommendations. Stay on track with workouts selected for you based on your goals and performance. Just show up, and this smart rowing machine will show you what you need.
Highlight 5
Escape into every workout. The Wave’s patented electromagnetic drag technology is designed to mimic the feeling of rowing on water. And with a crystal-clear 16” HD touchscreen display with front-facing speakers, the experience is about as immersive as it gets. Features include padded seat, adjustable foot straps, and a low-stress grip handle.
Highlight 6
Move it out of sight anytime. This foldable rowing machine can be stored upright using our Upright Storage Kit (sold separately). Dimensions: 80"L x 19"W x 43"H; Weight: 102lbs; Weight limit up to 375 pounds.
Highlight 7
Connect with your go-to devices. The Wave rower is compatible with Bluetooth-based fitness devices like Apple Watch, heart-rate monitors, and wireless headphones.

What customers say

2 verified voices
Overall I am very satisfied with the Hydrow and feel I get my moneys worth. I am rowing 4 days a week usually and am still interested in the workouts.
Trustedvia r/Rowing
The machine itself is very good; it is well built, the rowing motion feels natural, and it is quieter than the concept 2. I eventually decided I ...
Trustedvia r/Rowing

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

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Hydrow Wave Rower Review” · Does This Beat The Concept2?!

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