Hydrow Wave Review
The best connected rowing experience — and the Peloton moment for rowing.
Jake tested the Hydrow Wave for 8 weeks, logging 120,000+ meters and completing 45+ on-water workout sessions.
The Concept2 vs. Hydrow Decision
This is the central question anyone considering the Hydrow Wave faces: is the connected experience worth $900 more than a Concept2 Model D? The honest answer depends entirely on how you use it.
If you're an athlete who needs performance data — watts, split times, rate comparisons — the Concept2's PM5 is superior. It measures real physics. Hydrow's resistance doesn't produce comparable absolute data. If you're an athlete motivated by beautiful scenery, instructor guidance, and an immersive experience that makes rowing feel like a trip down the Thames rather than a metabolic punishment, Hydrow wins decisively.
The on-water video workouts are filmed on actual rivers worldwide with real Hydrow athletes rowing. The cinematography is excellent. After 8 weeks of testing, Jake (who rows as a sport) admitted the Hydrow made him want to row more than the Concept2 did. That's meaningful data for adherence.
- ✓ Best connected rowing experience available
- ✓ Electromagnetic resistance is significantly quieter than Concept2
- ✓ On-water video content is genuinely immersive
- ✓ 16 HD touchscreen is excellent quality
- ✓ Premium build quality — living room appropriate
- × $1,895 + $38/month subscription is expensive
- × Does not fold — requires permanent floor space
- × Heavier than Concept2 at 104 lbs
- × Resistance is not comparable to Concept2 PM5 for performance data
Verdict: Buy Hydrow Wave if connected content and adherence matter most. Buy Concept2 Model D if performance metrics, portability, and value matter most. Both are excellent. See full rowing machine comparison.
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