The Hydrow Wave occupies a strange middle ground in the connected rowing machine market—expensive enough to demand serious justification, but not quite premium enough to stop people from questioning the cost. After years of testing rowing machines across every price tier, I've seen plenty of hype around this particular model. The 22" screen is genuinely impressive, the build quality is solid, and the on-demand classes keep people engaged. But here's what most reviews won't tell you: rowing machines have a loyalty problem, and the Hydrow Wave doesn't solve it.
Let's be direct about what you're actually buying. With over 500 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the Wave has earned respect in a crowded field. It's not a fluke rating—people generally like this machine. The question isn't whether it's good. It's whether you're the type of person who'll actually use it, and whether paying premium price for a screen and streaming classes makes sense for your specific situation. July is actually prime decision time for fitness investments, with most people now committed to their mid-year resolutions and ready to upgrade their home setup.
The Hydrow Wave is legitimately well-built and offers an excellent user experience through that 22" screen. The 4.3-star rating reflects real satisfaction among owners who actually use it. But this machine costs substantially more than comparable equipment, and that premium is primarily for the connected experience. If you're already committed to rowing as part of your routine, if you respond well to coached classes, and if you have the space and budget without stretching yourself—buy it. The quality holds up. If you're hoping the premium features and screen will convert you into a regular rower, or if you're price-sensitive, the Wave is aspirational equipment that becomes expensive storage. Start with a mid-range smart rower first. If you're still using it in six months, upgrade then.
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FED Fitness →These serve different purposes. The Concept2 is the rowing gold standard—used in gyms and competitions, proven over decades, zero subscription required. The Hydrow Wave offers a modern connected experience with classes and gamification. Pick Concept2 if you want a tool for serious technique work; pick Hydrow if you want motivation, variety, and entertainment alongside your rowing. The Wave isn't 'better'—it's different and more expensive.
Technically yes, you can use it without subscription—the resistance works fine as a standalone rower. But the entire value proposition of the Hydrow Wave is built around those on-demand classes and live sessions. Using it as a dumb machine defeats the purpose of paying premium price. You're essentially paying thousands of dollars extra for capabilities you're not using.
The Hydrow Wave sits in the upper-middle tier of the connected rowing market. You'll find less expensive smart rowers with decent screens, but none with the same build quality or on-demand library. You'll also find more expensive options like premium Peloton models. The Wave's sweet spot is if you specifically want rowing (not biking or running) with a strong community experience without the absolute premium price tag. Factor in ongoing subscription costs when comparing—that shifts the total cost of ownership significantly.
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