Is Hydrow Worth the Money?

When it comes to investing in your fitness, choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from gym memberships to at-home machines, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. 

If you’re considering buying a Hydrow rowing machine—a high-end rowing machine that offers live-streamed workouts and scenic rows—you may be wondering whether Hydrow is worth the money. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the features and benefits of the Hydrow and whether the experience lives up to the cost, helping you decide if it’s the best fit for your fitness goals and budget. 

How much does a Hydrow cost?

A Hydrow rowing machine could cost you between $1,895* to $2,495* depending on whether you choose the Hydrow Pro or Hydrow Wave rowing machine. It’s also highly recommended to purchase a Hydrow membership, which costs $44 a month (or $528 a year), plus any applicable taxes. Without a membership, the Hydrow operates in Just Row mode, which offers limited functionality. 

*MSRP, may change with sales and promotions

How the cost of Hydrow compares to other fitness equipment and gyms

Hydrow’s membership costs are very comparable to other fitness memberships, with Peloton’s all-access membership running $44 a month and iFit’s family plan costing $39 a month. 

If you want to know how Hydrow stacks up to gym memberships, it ranges depending on where you live and what type of gym you’re joining. Large national gyms with limited services and machine types can cost you as low as $10 a month, while higher-end national chains can get up to $159 a month. 

Costs also increase quickly when you invest in classes, not just gym memberships. For example, you can attend exactly one SoulCycle class (or with an equivalent spin class brand) in New York City for $40, roughly the same monthly price as a Hydrow membership (which provides unlimited access to workouts).

So, if you take one class per month on Hydrow (we hope you do more!), you’re getting your money’s worth. 

What makes Hydrow worth the money? 

Hydrow combines the best of rower quality and design with immersive, motivational, and engaging workouts to be worth your investment. Learn more about what makes Hydrow worth it: 

1. A high-quality rowing machine that’s built to last 

From the quiet, dynamic, and responsive computer-controlled resistance to the ergonomic, low-stress grip handle, every element of Hydrow rowing machines is designed for comfort, performance, and durability. Our ergonomically designed cushioned seat offers comfort and support, while your footbed will easily adjust for correct foot placement. 

You also won’t find any chains, fans, or water tanks to maintain. We use a patented electromagnetic drag mechanism and an industrial-grade web strap that provides an elevated rowing experience that you won’t find anywhere else. 

2. A sleek design you’ll be proud to display 

By buying a Hydrow, you’re also getting a rowing machine that looks good! When we designed our rowers, we wanted them to be something you’re proud to have in your home. These machines complement your home decor rather than detract from it. 

Our rowing machines feature sleek, contemporary designs with clean, high-definition touchscreen displays. These machines aren’t ones you’ll want to tuck away when you have company (but if space is a concern, both models can be stored vertically between workouts with Hydrow’s Upright Storage Kit or Wave Vertical Anchor). 

3. Immersive rowing workouts designed to motivate and challenge you at every fitness level

With a Hydrow membership, you’ll have access to a library of thousands of both live and on-demand rowing workouts, all filmed on stunning waterways around the world. Workouts range in length from five to 60 minutes, catering to different fitness levels and schedules, and are led by world-class and Olympic Athletes to keep you motivated along the way. 

“What really struck me about Hydrow was how genuine the workouts felt,” says Hydrow member Robert Page. “Coming from doing what felt like more gimmicky workouts, I felt Hydrow was different. The workouts were organic, and the instructors were sincere, which helped me connect with them on a deeper level.”

Our on-demand rowing workouts cater to all paces, experience levels, and schedules and range from intensity. Hydrow also offers distance rows between 250 and 10,000 meters that are perfect for testing your endurance and tracking your progress. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner rower, you’ll find a workout that will meet you at your current fitness level and push you harder as you improve. 

4. A library of on-the-mat workouts to round out your fitness routine

Your health and fitness journey with Hydrow isn’t limited to rowing, however. Your Hydrow membership also provides access to a wide range of non-rowing workouts, including yoga, Pilates, circuit training, strength training, and mobility training. 

“What I love most about Hydrow is that it’s a one-stop shop for fitness,” says Hydrow member Felice Kapfhamer. “It offers rowing, on-the-mat exercises, and stretching—all the essentials for a well-rounded fitness routine. I knew that strengthening my core was going to be necessary after I had back surgery, and Hydrow provided the perfect solution.”

5 Guidance and inspiration with world-class Athletes at your side

Through your Hydrow membership, you will have access to world-class Athletes and rowers, including medaled Olympians, world champions, National Team members, NCAA champions, and other top-tier competitors. 

What does that mean for you as a Hydrow member? In every Athlete-led workout, you’ll receive the high level of instruction you’d expect from an elite champion who lives and breathes their sport every day—but with the personalized support you would expect from a dear friend who cares deeply about seeing you succeed. 

6. A motivational community of fellow rowers

When you join Hydrow, you’ll join a global team—a vibrant, positive community ready to cheer you on, no matter what your goals are. If you want to push yourself and your limits at your own pace, you can connect with the Hydrow community directly from your rowing machine with our leaderboard, which displays your performance compared to other Members who have done the same workout. 

“I’ve really benefited from encouragement from the Hydrow community,” says Hydrow member Erin Dickinson. “There are so many funny, kind people who can find just the right buttons to push in the moments you need, whether they’re posting their milestones on Facebook or liking my workouts on the Hydrow interface.” 

7. Progress incentives to celebrate your achievements

Hydrow keeps you motivated with progress tracking, analytics, and badges. Celebrate key achievements—such as hitting the Million Meters Club—and monitor your progress with detailed performance metrics. 

You’ll also have access to detailed analytics and progress tracking so you can monitor your improvements over time and set personal goals. 

Additionally, every 25 days of workouts also results in a donation to Water.org, adding an element of social impact to your fitness journey. 

So, is Hydrow worth the money?

Yes! If you’re looking for a high-quality rowing machine paired with immersive, guided workouts and a supportive community, Hydrow is definitely worth the investment. Hydrow offers exceptional rower design, durable construction, and top-tier performance, with a sleek look that fits seamlessly into your home. The membership provides access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts led by elite athletes, along with non-rowing options like yoga and strength training. For those seeking connection, progress tracking, and a well-rounded fitness routine, Hydrow is a valuable investment that offers far more than just a rowing machine.

If you’re looking to buy a Hydrow rowing machine, check out our different models today to see which is right for you.