Echelon Row-S vs. Hydrow: A Comparison

Hydrow and Echelon both offer at-home rowers with sleek touchscreens and exclusive training content. But which one is right for you and your fitness goals? This blog post breaks down the key similarities and differences between the Hydrow Arc and Echelon Row-S—including 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 feature to help decide which rower is right for you. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be comparing the Hydrow Arc (the company’s most advanced rower to date!) with the Echelon Row-S. 

Hydrow Arc vs. Echelon Row-S: Price

The Echelon Row-S comes at a lower price tag than the Hydrow Arc, with Echelon’s rower costing $1,799.99 and the Hydrow Arc coming in at $2,295. 

Despite Echelon’s price tag, the Hydrow Arc’s higher cost is fully justified by its unmatched combination of premium build quality, cutting-edge training technology, and immersive workout experience. The Arc’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 Origin ($2,195) and Hydrow Wave ($1,995) provide an incredible alternative. These rowers deliver the same engaging content and high-performing rowing mechanics, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality or results.

Hydrow Arc 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 Arc vs. Echelon Row-S: Materials and build

Both the Hydrow Arc 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.

At 24”, the Hydrow Arc also has a larger, more immersive HD touchscreen than the Echelon Row-S (22”).

Hydrow Arc 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 Arc vs. Echelon Row-S: Metrics and progress tracking

Echelon Row-S offers personalized fitness plans that adapt to your progress, with real-time tracking, smart schedule management, and AI-powered class recommendations.

While all Hydrow models offer real-time data tracking—including split time, strokes per minute, distance, watts, and calories burned—Hydrow Arc and Wave users will unlock access to HydroMetrics, our intelligent training system. With this feature, you’ll receive a clear picture of your progress, along with 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 Arc 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 Arc, which features a footprint of 86” L × 25” W × 48” 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 Arc is stored upright using the Hydrow Upright Storage Kit, which can be purchased separately.

Hydrow Arc 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 Arc, Origin, 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.