Echelon Row-S vs. Hydrow: A Comparison

The Hydrow Pro and Echelon Row-S are both home rowers with sleek touchscreens and exclusive training content. But which one is right for you? This blog breaks down their key similarities and differences—covering price, resistance, build, membership features, size, storage, and more—to help you decide. 

Let’s dive in!

Echelon Row-S vs. Hydrow: A quick-reference comparison

*MSRP, may change with sales and promotions

Deep dive: Echelon Row-S vs. Hydrow

Now that you have the basics, let’s dig into each one to help you decide which rower is right for you. 

Hydrow Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Price

• Echelon Row-S: $1,799.99

• Hydrow Pro: $2,195

• Hydrow Wave: $1,695

Despite Echelon’s price tag, the Hydrow Pro’s slightly higher cost is justified by its unmatched combination of premium build quality, cutting-edge technology, and immersive workout experience. The Pro’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. 

However, if you’re budget-conscious, the Hydrow Wave offers an incredible alternative at $1,695. Despite its lower price, it delivers the same engaging content and high-performance rowing mechanics, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality or results.

Hydrow Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Resistance mechanism

The Echelon Row-S features magnetic resistance that is able to be manually adjusted via the handle mid-workout, with 32 different levels of magnetic resistance to choose from. Some reviewers have noted that if you don’t have a membership, you won’t be able to see your resistance level onscreen, which can be frustrating. 

Hydrow, on the other hand, uses a patented electromagnetic resistance mechanism that provides a realistic on-the-water feeling. Your resistance adjusts automatically based on how hard you are pressing your legs against the rower’s footplate, meaning the harder you work, the more resistance you’ll generate. This mechanism is also known to be incredibly quiet and maintenance-free. 

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 Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Materials and build

Both the Hydrow and Echelon Row-S are made from aluminum and steel, though Hydrow boasts commercial-grade materials and a sleek, futuristic design that is an accent to any home space. With a maximum user weight of 375 pounds, the Hydrow is able to hold 25 more pounds than Echelon, and some reviewers have claimed that the Hydrow feels sturdier during workouts compared to Echelon rowers.

Both the Hydrow Pro and Echelon Row-S feature a 22-inch adjustable HD touchscreen to view your workouts. 

Hydrow Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Membership and experience

Beyond hardware, the heart of the rowing experience lies in these companies’ experience offerings. 

At $39.99 a month, Echelon’s Premier Membership provides users with access to on-demand and live workouts for a variety of sports, including cycling, rowing, yoga, strength, stretching, Pilates, and barre. Rowing workouts are filmed both in studios and on scenic waterways, and users can also access entertainment streaming like Netflix or Hulu with FitOS and gamified workouts with Echelon Worlds.

Do note that some reviewers claim that some Echelon instructors use poor form while rowing, which can be confusing to new rowers trying to follow along. 

At a slightly higher $44 a month, Hydrow’s membership features over thousands of on-demand rowing workouts, as well as weekly live workouts on the water with Hydrow Athletes. Members will also have access to Hydrow’s library of on-the-mat workouts, including yoga, Pilates, strength training, circuit training, and mobility training. 

Hydrow distinguishes itself from Echelon with a more immersive and rowing-centric experience. While Echelon’s Premier Membership includes a wide range of workouts across various disciplines and entertainment options, Hydrow’s membership is designed to keep rowers motivated by transporting you to beautiful waterways around the world and offering a unique connection to nature and an elevated sense of adventure.

Hydrow Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Size and storage

At 84" L x 21" W x 45" H, the Echelon Row-S comes in smaller than the Hydrow Pro, which features a footprint of 86” L × 25” W × 47” H. If size is a concern and you’re leaning toward purchasing a Hydrow for all its other benefits, the Hydrow Wave rower comes in a lot smaller and more compact at 80” L × 19” W × 43” H.

The storage functionality of the Echelon and Hydrow rowers does differ. The Echelon Row-S can be stored by folding it in half, while the Hydrow is stored upright using the Hydrow Upright Storage Kit, which can be purchased separately. 

Hydrow Pro vs. Echelon Row-S: Shipping, delivery, assembly, and warranty

Echelon offers free shipping with the purchase of a Premier Membership, with rowers shipping in two to three business days. Hydrow, on the other hand, features free shipping regardless of whether you’ve purchased a membership, with rowers shipping between three and five days after purchase. 

Echelon offers a one-year warranty with the purchase of an indoor rower, along with an Echelon Premier Membership Guarantee, which provides full warranty coverage for five years to all active Premium Members.

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. Echelon: The bottom line

When choosing between Hydrow and Echelon, Hydrow offers clear advantages for those seeking a premium rowing experience. While the Echelon Row-S is competitively priced and provides versatile workouts, Hydrow’s Pro and Wave models deliver unparalleled realism with patented electromagnetic resistance that mimics the sensation of rowing on water and an extensive library of immersive rowing content. 

Furthermore, Hydrow’s sleek, commercial-grade build and higher maximum user weight ensure durability and stability. With free shipping, thoughtful design, and robust warranty options, Hydrow combines practicality and performance, making it the top choice for rowing enthusiasts.