Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: A Comparison

If you’re researching rowing machines, you’ve likely encountered the Hydrow and Rogue Echo, two popular types of indoor rowers on the market today. But what are the key differences and similarities between these two pieces of equipment—and which is right for you? 

Your choice depends on your fitness goals, budget, and preferred workout style. The Hydrow is designed for a premium, immersive rowing experience, ideal for users seeking guided workouts, scenic rows, and community-driven approach. The Rogue Echo Rower, often found in CrossFit gyms, is aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want a no-frills workout tool and prioritize functionality over features. 

Want to learn more? Below, we’ll dig into the exact differences between these two rowing machines. 

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: A quick-reference comparison

*Prices represent MSRP, may change with sales and promotions

Deep dive: Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo

Below, we take an in-depth look at how Hydrow stacks up against the Rogue Echo, comparing features, performance, and overall value.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Price

Compared to Hydrow’s three models—the Hydrow Arc, Hydrow Origin, and Hydrow Wave—Rogue Echo is the less-expensive option. 

• Rogue Echo: $895

• Hydrow Wave: $1,995*

• Hydrow Origin: $2,195*

• Hydrow Arc: $2,295*

However, Hydrow’s higher cost is certainly justified by its unmatched combination of premium build quality, cutting-edge training technology, and immersive workout experience. Hydrow’s sleek design, near-silent operation, and access to live and on-demand scenic rows led by world-class Athletes provide a level of engagement that makes every workout feel like an adventure. Arc and Wave users can also use Hydrow’s HydroMetrics technology for in-depth performance tracking and defining areas of improvement. 

Do note that accessing Hydrow’s workout library also requires an ongoing $44/month subscription fee, which should be factored into the overall cost of your rower as well.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Display and connectivity

Hydrow rowing machines feature an HD touchscreen that provides access to both live and on-demand classes led by professional Athletes. These include scenic rows filmed on real waterways around the world, which helps you keep your workouts both interesting and motivating. Hydrow rowers also track key metrics such as time, distance, calories, strokes per minute, and split time in addition to rewarding you with badges and milestone celebrations. 

The Rogue Echo display is much more limited, with a basic 4.7” backlit LCD console display screen that tracks metrics like time, distance, calories, and strokes per minute. Its focus is on essential performance data without multimedia or subscription content. 

Hydrow Arc and Wave users will also unlock access to HydroMetrics, our intelligent training system that gives you a clear picture of your progress while offering real-time tips to help you improve your performance. 

At the end of every workout, HydroMetrics provides three key scores—precision, power, and endurance—which come together to create your HydroMetrics Index (HMI), a simple way to track your progress over time:

• Precision: Tracks your highest burst of force over seven consecutive strokes. 

• Power: Analyzes your rowing form in each workout against the ideal stroke. 

• Endurance: Scores the peak five-minute effort for any row of that duration or longer.

Whether your goal is burning fat, building strength, or creating lasting fitness habits, HydroMetrics delivers personalized feedback that helps shape your next workout so you can keep moving forward with purpose.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Workout content

One of the biggest differences between the Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo is the two machines’ workout offerings. With a Hydrow membership, you gain access to a library of over 5,000 workouts, including live and on-demand rowing workouts, along with yoga, Pilates, strength training, circuit training, and mobility workouts. These sessions are all filmed in stunning destinations around the world and led by world-class Athletes to coach you and keep you motivated along the way. Hydrow is fantastic for users looking for a variety of workout types to accompany their rowing workouts, creating a gateway for a more well-rounded fitness routine. 

The Rogue Echo rower has built-in training options in its console, but all users will see on the smaller screen is performance metrics. It is possible to connect your Rogue Echo to FTMS-compatible apps, such as ErgZone, Peloton, Regatta, KinoMap, EXR, and Asensie, with an integrated smartphone holder attached to the rower. 

If you’re a rowing beginner or someone looking for more instruction with your rows, the limited content on the Rogue Echo may not be the best fit for helping you get comfortable with rowing.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Resistance mechanism and noise level

Hydrow uses a patented electromagnetic resistance mechanism that provides a realistic on-the-water feeling. This resistance automatically adjusts during your workouts depending on your level of exertion, giving you easy control of the intensity of your workout. 

The Rogue Echo rower features air resistance, which also increases as your rowing intensity does. Do note that air resistance rowing machines tend to be louder, with some Rogue Echo reviewers recommending noise-canceling headphones to drown out the sound of their rower. Hydrow’s electromagnetic resistance, on the other hand, is known for being nearly silent, making it easier to get in your workouts without disrupting others. 

If you want to feel like you’re actually rowing on the water, you can’t beat what Hydrow provides (we say that humbly—this has been verified by Hydrow Athletes and members alike!). 

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Materials and aesthetics

Hydrow features a commercial-grade aluminum and steel frame, along with a sleek, futuristic design that is an accent to any home space. The Rogue Echo rower has a sturdy aluminum frame, with rugged, heavy-duty construction made for intense workouts.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Size and storage

Hydrow offers multiple size options:

• Hydrow Arc: 86″L x 25″W x 48″H

• Hydrow Origin: 86″L x 25″W x 47″H

• Hydrow Wave: 80″L x 19″W x 43″H

Measuring 6 inches shorter in length, 6 inches narrower, and 4 inches shorter in height, the Hydrow Wave is the preferred Hydrow model for smaller spaces. 

When stored vertically, the Hydrow Arc and Origin have a 25″W x 33″D x 86″H footprint, taking up less than six square feet of floor space when not in use. The Hydrow Wave has an equally impressive small footprint at 26.5″W x 30″D x 82″H, a mere 1.5 inches wider but 3 inches shallower than the original Hydrow.  

All Hydrow models require additional accessories for storage: the Upright Storage Kit for the Hydrow Arc and Origin and the Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor for the Hydrow Wave. 

With a 99” L x 26” W x 34.5” H in-use footprint, the Rogue Echo is slightly smaller than the Hydrow Origin and Arc and slightly larger than the Hydrow Wave. The Rogue Echo is able to be folded for storage, bringing it to a size of 38" x 26”.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: Shipping and warranty

Both Hydrow and Rogue Echo offer free shipping. Rogue Echo offers a five-year warranty for frame and two-year warranty for moving parts and its monitor. Hydrow's Home Use Limited Warranty is included at no additional cost with the purchase of a Hydrow rower and covers: 

• Structural frame: Five years

• Components (handle, strap, seat assembly, and hinge on screen carriage), screen, and other electronics: 12 months

• Labor: 12 months

Hydrow also offers an Extended Limited Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection warranty for purchase on its website only.

Hydrow vs. Rogue Echo: The bottom line 

The Hydrow and Rogue Echo Rower cater to different audiences, but the Hydrow stands out for those seeking an engaging, versatile workout experience. With its sleek design, quiet electromagnetic resistance, and HD touchscreen offering live and on-demand classes, the Hydrow provides an immersive and motivational fitness journey that goes beyond traditional rowing. Its ability to simulate real-water rowing, paired with a robust library of guided workouts, makes it ideal for users of all levels looking for variety and community. That, paired with robust performance tracking through HydroMetrics, makes it uniquely equipped to help members reach their fitness goals faster.

In contrast, the Rogue Echo Rower, while durable and performance-focused, features a basic LCD console and air resistance, offering a no-frills approach better suited for intense athletes or CrossFit-style training. 

If you're looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate your fitness routine with interactive content and a premium experience, the Hydrow is the clear choice.

Interested in learning more? Check out the differences between our rowing machines on our rower comparison page.