Hydrow vs. Hydrow Wave – 6 Big Differences
Hydrow rower vs. Hydrow Wave
OUR TAKE
Hydrow released a more compact version of its award-winning rowing machine called The Hydrow Wave. As an alternative to having to schedule White-Glove delivery, the Wave is delivered quickly in one box, ships in 3 main pieces by UPS, is 30% lighter and smaller and costs about $600 less than the original Hydrow Rower. In general, the thing we like so much about Hydrow rower machines is that they are easy — easy to assemble, easy to set-up, and easy to use, and are truly effective if used consistently.
Should you buy the Wave over the Hydrow?
Short answer – YES. If you want to get into rowing and want a high-quality rower with excellent workout content. (See Comparison Chart below.)
Compared with the Original Hydrow you give up the larger touchscreen, but you still get a quality rowing machine in five color choices – which is kind of nice. Below we cover the main differences. Our recommendation for the Wave is a definite YES - buy it and Let’s Go Rowing!
Rowing really is one of the best low-impact fitness-kept secrets. For a good read, check out Learning to Row – My 20-minute-a-day 1-year Rowing Journey.
In our opinion, if you can swing the original Hydrow in your budget, the upgraded rowing sensation and larger 22-inch touchscreen are worth the higher price. Check out our Full Hydrow Rower Review. If you are new to rowing, follow this link to see why rowing is good for you and how to row with the correct form.
Trust Our Reviews of Fitness Equipment
When testing and evaluating the Hydrow and Hydrow Wave, we compared it to comparable models like the Proform R10, NordicTrack RW900, Peloton Row, Concept2 RowErg, and others.
maybeyesno review team understands what makes good fitness equipment – indoor bikes, rowers, treadmills, ellipticals, and strength equipment. Over the past 10 years, we have tested and published exercise equipment reviews.
We hands-on test gear, and discuss components such as the flywheel, resistance mechanism, seat, the rower’s feel, price, the display screen (if applicable), subscription content, adjustment features, noise levels, warranty and durability.
Based on extensive use and testing, we present, summarize, and compare equipment to help you determine if it’s the right one.
The 6 BIG DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED
The Hydrow frame is steel, the Hydrow Wave is made from polycarbonate.
The Hydrow Wave is 43 pounds lighter than the Hydrow.
The Hydrow Wave is 30% smaller than the Hydrow.
The Hydrow Wave touchscreen is Six inches smaller than the Hydrow
The Wave Display console does not swivel left or right or tilt up/down.
The Hydrow costs $2,495 vs. the Hydrow Wave price of $1,895.
What Sets Hydrow Rowing Workouts Apart?
What sets the Hydrow rowers apart from other rowing machines, is the live on-the-water workout content. Hydrow offers live workouts on the water. Whether on a lake, river, or estuary, you match stroke for stroke during live sessions with your instructor. Live rowing sessions are scheduled and are often in the early morning or late afternoon. Of course, you can always catch them on demand.
Hydrow Rowing Instructor Mac Evans getting ready to row live
No other company offers this level of live on-the-water rowing workouts. Hydrow is constantly adding new sessions to the list from locations in the US and internationally, like New Zealand, and Brazil, but they mostly row on the Charles River in Boston and the Intracoastal waterway in Miami.
Hydrow trainers focus on technique and form throughout a session, challenging you to improve your split times and build strength and stamina. If you are learning how to row or want to improve your rowing form and technique, the Hydrow streamed trainer content offers excellent instruction and classes.
Wave vs. Hydrow Specs.
| Feature | Wave | Hydrow |
|---|---|---|
| HD touchscreen (1920x1080) | 16" | 22" |
| Screen Swivel ↔ | No | ✔ |
| Screen Tilt ↕ | No | ✔ |
| Sound | 2 / 3W front facing Speakers | same |
| Materials | Stainless steel with thermoplastic polymer frame | Aluminum steel frame, flat anthracite polymer body |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+, and WiFi | Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+, and WiFi |
| User Weight | 375 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Height Limit | up to 36-inch inseam | same |
| Footprint | 80L x 19W x 43H | 86L x 25.6 x 47H |
| Weight in Box | 128 lbs | 198 lbs |
| Weight | 102 lbs | 145 lbs |
| Price | $1,895 | $2,495 |
Get Best Wave deal at Hydrow
Hydrow | BestBuy | Amazon
MYN Pro Comparison Notes:
Features:
Hydrow Workout Content - Different from Peloton Row
Hydrow Wave uses the same subscription content as the original Hydrow rowing machine. These rowing workouts range from calming to intense, and you can also choose from the growing on-demand library to match your mood and energy level. There are full body options for Yoga and Pilates etc., but the primary objective of the Hydrow is to offer a rowing workout for you on the water.
Both the Hydrow Wave and Hydrow rowers require the Hydrow app with a monthly $44 subscription cost, similar in cost to Peloton Row, and a little more than the $39 for iFit on the Nordictrack RW-series rowing machines. This app provides access to all Hydrow workout content on and off the rower, including live and on-demand workouts.
The vibe with the Hydrow instructors is in contrast to Peloton, a little more laid back – less celeb, more authentic/real athletics than Peloton, and the backdrops for live workout scenes are picturesque. The Hydrow rows are truly zen.
Similar to iFit, Hydrow rowing instructors are rowing experts (former Olympic and competitive racers) who guide you through workouts while rowing outdoors themselves. Hydrow offers live on-the-water and on-demand classes, as well as a leaderboard where you can compete against other members. Compared to other platforms like iFit and Peloton, Hydrow has fewer classes.
Get Best Wave deal at Hydrow
Hydrow | BestBuy | Amazon
Touchscreen display - Could be larger
We believe Hydrow might want to consider offering a display for the Wave in different sizes. We can see many people wanting a larger screen with the "smaller" Wave frame and footprint. The Hydrow with its crisp 22-inch touchscreen is a winner in this category, and we also prefer a bigger screen to row with instructors during Hydrow sessions.
Live on the Water
The Frame - Lighter than Hydrow
The Original Hydrow has an aluminum and steel frame with an anthracite polymer body, while the Wave has a stainless-steel seat track with a thermoplastic polymer frame. We did not find the Wave’s hardened plastic made it flimsy, it is sturdy and durable and still holds user weights up to 375 lbs., the same as the Hydrow. The predominant use of the polymer material used for the Wave Rower’s frame makes it lighter.
Another difference we found is the Wave model produces a little more noise during workouts. This is primarily because it uses a two-roller and two-idler slide system for the seat, compared to a 10-roller seat system for the larger Hydrow.
A Final Note on the frame is that even with the 6-inch shorter length of the Wave, like all rowers it still takes up a good amount of floor space lengthwise in a room.
The Hydrow Wave Rower is closer and similar in length to the 2024 NordicTrack RW900 than the original Hydrow.
FOOTPADS
One Notch vs. Two
The Hydrow Wave has a single notch on the footpad rather than the two on the original Hydrow, making it a little easier to adjust.
SEAT
The Wave has the exact same comfortable and sturdy seat as the original Hydrow. Nicely cushioned and contoured.
Resistance AutoAdjust Drag
As we state in our Original Hydrow Review, The Hydrow rower adjusts resistance based on how many strokes per minute you’re doing (referred to as rhythm or pace) and effort, how hard you are pushing with your legs. The harder you push with your legs on Hydrow or wave rower, the more they will pull against you and the more resistance you will feel on your handle.
This resistance gives you that authentic smooth “on the water” feel. Hydrow becomes easier or harder based on your boat speed. Like rowing on water, the faster you go, the more resistance or drag you get from the water on the hull of the boat.
Both Rowing machines are super quiet, although the Wave’s seat rollers do make some noise. The Hydrow has 10 rollers and appears to make a small difference in the noise generated. There is less smoothness with the Wave over the Hydrow and less pullback when you enter the recovery stage of the rowing stroke motion. The Hydrow is amazing with a strong pullback that makes it feel like a natural flow into the recovery phase position.
The Hydrow Wave and the Original Hydrow can stand upright
The Wave, not so much – still a nice and smooth stroke, just not as good as the original. The Wave’s monorail is slightly angled to be lower in the front than the back, the Wave utilizes the rail to guide users during the recovery phase.
Floor Space
Although the Wave is overall smaller and shorter, both rowers take up significant floor space lengthwise, so the space where you row will be dominated by your rower. When not in use, store it upright out of the way. That said, even in a small bedroom or studio apartment, for instance, your rower can fit snuggly. You really only need 33 inches in width to fit your rower.
We think the combined benefits of rowing, with the convenience of rowing sessions at home, make it worthwhile. Find a space at home for your rower and enjoy adding it to your fitness schedule.
Delivery
The UPS delivery option is much easier and less hassle than trying to coordinate a freight shipment. And you can assemble it yourself.
Hydrow and Hydrow Wave Shipping Boxes
Unlike the original Hydrow, which requires coordination of the shipment with a freight carrier or scheduling White-glove delivery, the Hydrow Wave can be shipped domestically via UPS.
The Wave Box is about half the length of the original Hydrow box and much easier to handle with a boxed weight of 128 pounds. Less weight makes the Hydrow Wave easier as a package to ship to and move around for delivery.
That said, it is still a heavy item, so if you do not have someone to help bring the Wave inside or upstairs where you wish to use it, it may pay to spend the White-Glove delivery and assembly fee of $299, your rower will be set up and tested in your room of choice, plus all packaging removed.
Assembly
Hydrow Wave requires more assembly than the original rower (usually assembled by the delivery team). Putting together your Hydrow Wave is relatively simple and easy to do. Hydrow provides detailed instructions, labeled item packets for the bolts, and the tools needed to piece everything together so you can assemble the Wave yourself.
It can take longer to unbox and lay out the itemized pieces as the Wave, like most exercise equipment ships very well-packed. It took about 20 -30 minutes to assemble the Hydrow Wave, which included attaching the feet, securing the monitor, connecting the footrests, positioning the rail onto the front assembly, and sliding the seat into place. It took 30 minutes to unbox it and ensure all individual pieces were accounted for.
[MYN Pro Tip:] Use the cardboard block inside the box to support the Waves’ front end to help install the rowers’ legs.
Moving the Rower - easy to move
The Original Hydrow is heavy and somewhat awkward to move. On the other hand, the Wave is really easier to move around. Both rowers have front wheels to assist when moving them. You can purchase a kit to stand upright both rowers for floor space saving when they are not in use.
SO IN THE END — Final thoughts
Both Hydrow rowing machines are great options to consider. The Hydrow rowing workout content is excellent and available for both the Original Hydrow and the Wave Rower, along with outstanding elite instructors who share helpful tips, tricks, techniques, and anecdotes throughout a workout — you will not be bored.
We really enjoyed the daily live rows from water and appreciate the expertise of Hydrow trainers. Hydrow rowing workouts keep you motivated as you actually feel like you are on the water rowing. Best described, it’s like “being there” Hydrow’s vivid wide HD touchscreen makes class selections and rower adjustments simple with a touch or quick swipe on its sweat-proof, dust-resistant display.
But, if you want to save $600, a Hydrow Wave rower is an awesome alternative to the original Hydrow — lighter, easier to move, it comes in five colors with the exact same content, same seat, and resistance drag mechanism.
Hydrow Wave comes in Five Color Selections
Alongside the original color Black, the Hydrow Wave is available in Sunset, Sunrise, River, and Forest. Select a color that makes you happy :).
On a slightly less positive side, one takeaway regarding the Wave is the rowing is not quite as smooth as the original Hydrow — still very good and is close. The Wave is quiet just like the Hydrow, just not as quiet, but it’s incredible workout content is the same, and you get the Hydrow app for all the off-the-rower on-the-mat workouts.
If you can fit the extra $600 in your budget and have the space for the superior design and bigger 22-inch touchscreen of the Hydrow over the Wave rower, we recommend that option. Yet the Wave rowing machine does deliver big at a lower price point and comes in cool color options. You will have no regrets about purchasing a Wave either.
Select your Hydrow Rowing Machine
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