Product · Hydrow
Hydrow Wave: 16 inch touchscreen and speakers
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The Hydrow Wave is a fully connected rower: a 16 inch HD touchscreen and front-facing speakers sit on the machine, and Hydrow streams instructor-led workouts to it. Electromagnetic drag is tuned to mimic rowing on water. It is built for people who want to sit down, press play and be coached, and who accept that the classes come with a membership that the listing says is required and sold separately.
- Resistance
- Electromagnetic
- Levels
- Not stated
- Rail / length
- 203 cm long
- Max user
- 170 kg
- Storage
- Upright with kit sold separately
- App
- Hydrow membership
In its favour
- A 16 inch HD touchscreen with front-facing speakers is built in, so no tablet is needed.
- It pairs with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and wireless headphones, per the listing.
- The 375 lb (about 170 kg) weight limit is generous for a connected rower.
Good to know
- The listing states a membership is required and sold separately.
- Upright storage needs a kit that is sold separately.
Our take
Screen, classes and HydroMetrics
Hydrow says the membership unlocks more than 5,000 workouts with instructors, plus personalised recommendations based on your goals and performance. HydroMetrics analyses precision, endurance and power in each workout so you can see where to improve.
Because the screen and speakers are built in, there is no tablet to prop up. The rower also pairs with Bluetooth devices including Apple Watch, heart rate monitors and wireless headphones.
Resistance and ride feel
Resistance is electromagnetic and described as patented drag technology designed to feel like water. The listing does not state a number of levels or a peak figure. A padded seat, adjustable foot straps and a low-stress grip handle complete the contact points.
The machine is corded electric, so it needs a socket nearby to power the screen and resistance.
Size, weight and storage
Hydrow lists 80 by 19 by 43 inches (about 203 by 48 by 109 cm) and 102 lb (about 46 kg), with a weight limit of 375 lb, around 170 kg. The aluminium frame folds, and it can be stored upright with Hydrow's Upright Storage Kit, which is sold separately. Plan for its full length in use and for the extra kit if it must stand against a wall. At around 46 kg it is also one of the heavier machines to move, so decide on its permanent spot before it arrives.
Is a cheaper smart rower enough?
The MERACH Q1S electric lets its free app change resistance during classes, though video runs on your own device. The WaterRower Original Performance pairs with Peloton, EXR and CITYROW via your tablet and uses real water. The Wave's advantage is that everything, from the screen to the coaching, lives on the rower itself.
Verdict
Buy the Hydrow Wave if you want guided classes on a built-in screen and are happy to pay for a membership. If you would rather avoid ongoing fees, the MERACH Q1S electric offers free app courses, and anyone who wants water resistance with app options should consider the WaterRower Original Performance.
Compared with alternatives in: Best rowing machines for home in the UK, Best smart rowing machines with a screen or app
Amazon listing title: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16" HD Touch Screen and Speakers - Foldable | Live Home Workouts Subscription Required