Hi everyone! If you’ve spent more than a few minutes on my site, you’ll realize that I not only own a Hydrow, but I also think it’s one of the best rowing machines ever made.
The best doesn’t come cheap, however, and you’ll also need the space to use and store it.
Yes, the Hydrow storage kit helps, but what about other rowing machines? It’s all about choice, right?
Side Note: We have a coupon code for all our loyal readers – use coupon code “ROWINGCRAZY” and you will save $100 off Hydrow!
Everyone should have a choice in my book, which is the point of today’s article!
Whether you are looking for something other than a magnetic rowing machine, want something that isn’t the most expensive rowing machine, or are looking for more budget-friendly options, you’re on the right page!
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 4 Picks:
Short on time but need to know which are the top alternatives to Hydrow? Here are my recommendations.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
You can read my full breakdown and review on each individual machine further down in this article, where we go into our findings for each machine.
I’m going to give you a list of what I believe are the top 7 options when it comes to indoor rowing machines. Bookmark this page because I bet you are going to want to refer to it again and again, especially as you get closer to making your selection.
There are some amazing deals if you know where to look. Check out my full list below.
If You’re Short on Time- Check Out This Quick Comparison Below
Comparison Chart – Best Hydrow Alternatives
| Rowers |
Ergatta | Nordic Track RW900 |
LIT Method |
Aviron Strong Series | Nordic Track RW700 | ProForm R10 |
Echelon Row S | Hydrow Wave |
| Type of Resistance | Water | Magnetic and Air | Water | Magnetic and Air | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| User Weight Capacity | 500 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 450 Pounds | 507 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 300 Pounds | 375 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 103 Pounds w/ water | 163 Pounds | 89 Pounds w/ water | 114 Pounds | 146 Pounds | 120 Pounds | 114.5 Pounds | 102 Pounds |
| Warranty | 5 yrs frame, 1 yr tablet, 3 yrs all other parts | 10 yrs frame, 2 yrs all other parts, 1 yr labor |
Lifetime frame & drum, 5 yrs all other parts |
10 yrs frame, 1 yr all other parts |
10 yrs frame, 2 yrs all other parts, 1 yr labor |
5 yrs frame, 1 yr all other parts, 1 yr labor |
1 year | 5 yrs frame, 1 yr all other parts, 1 yr labor |
| Overall Dimensions | 86” x 23” x 40” | 82” x 22” x 54” | 84” x 21” x 19.2” | 84” x 27” x 48” | 87” x 22” x 47” | 86.5” x 22”x 45.5” | 84” x 21” x 47” | 80” x 19” x 43” |
| Monthly Subscription Cost | $29 unlimited profiles | $15 individual $39 family | $24.99 | $29 unlimited profiles | $15 individual $39 family | $15 individual $39 family | $11.99 Fitpass, $34.99, 5 profiles | $44 multiple users |
| Machine Price*** | $2,199 | $1,999 | $1,799 | $2,199 | $1,499 | $1,403 | $1,500 | $1,695 |
| Size of Monitor | 17.3” | 22” | None (You provide) | 22” | 10” | 10” | 22” | 16” |
Ergatta
Water
500 Pounds
103 Pounds w/ water
5 yrs frame, 1 yr tablet, 3 yrs all other parts
86” x 23” x 40”
$29 unlimited profiles
$2,199
17.3”
Nordic Track RW900
Magnetic and Air
250 Pounds
163 Pounds
10 yrs frame,
2 yrs all other parts,
1 yr labor
82” x 22” x 54”
$15 individual $39 family
$1,999
22”
LIT Method
Water
450 Pounds
89 Pounds w/ water
Lifetime frame & drum,
5 yrs all other parts
84” x 21” x 19.2”
$24.99
$1,799
None (You provide)
Aviron Strong Series
Magnetic and Air
507 Pounds
114 Pounds
10 yrs frame,
1 yr all other parts
84” x 27” x 48”
$29 unlimited profiles
$2,199
22”
Nordic Track RW700
Magnetic
250 Pounds
146 Pounds
10 yrs frame,
2 yrs all other parts,
1 yr labor
87” x 22” x 47”
$15 individual $39 family
$1,499
10”
ProForm R10
Magnetic
250 Pounds
120 Pounds
5 yrs frame,
1 yr all other parts,
1 yr labor
86.5” x 22”x 45.5”
$15 individual $39 family
$1,403
10”
Echelon Row S
Magnetic
300 Pounds
114.5 Pounds
1 year
84” x 21” x 47”
$11.99 Fitpass, $34.99, 5 profiles
$1,500
22”
Hydrow Wave
Magnetic
375 Pounds
102 Pounds
5 yrs frame,
1 yr all other parts,
1 yr labor
80” x 19” x 43”
$44 multiple users
$1,695
16”
***Subject to change
The Top Hydrow Competitors
If you’re new to rowing, you might think that an indoor rowing machine is an indoor rowing machine, right?
Well, that’s true in part because they all mimic rowing on water, but there is a huge difference between a smart rowing machine, a magnetic rowing machine, air rowing machines, and oh yes, don’t forget budget rowing machines!
In this article, I’m going to tell you about the best rowing machines you can buy for less than what you’ll pay for a Hydrow.
If you’re looking for Hydrow alternatives, take a look at these terrific rowing machines:
1. Ergatta
Get the Best Deal at Ergatta Compare on Amazon
With all the buzz over Hydrow in the past couple of years, you may not have heard about one of the best alternatives to the Hydrow rowing machine – the Ergatta.
This is a water rower, which makes it very different from Hydrow, but still a cardio machine that offers everything a magnetic rower does. Instead of whisper-quiet magnets, this rower has the soft, sweet sound of rushing water.
If you’re looking for an interactive rowing experience, Ergatta is a great choice. The programming is very different from anything else you’ve ever seen.
Ergatta workouts are more of a gaming type of platform, where you can catch meteors for points, get extra credit for working harder than usual, or collect tokens in the addictive Vortex game. Be challenged by the Pulse interval workouts that will get you doing HIIT, endurance, and technique workouts.
I’m the competitive type so I really enjoy the live races and weekly race challenges. You can race against friends, race against others in your class, or try to beat your own time.
It’s the programming that makes Ergatta different from other smart rowers. If you hate instructors, love doing your own thing, or want short but effective workouts, this is the rowing machine for you!
Did I mention that Ergatta is drop-dead gorgeous? Made from cherry wood, this rower will look more like a piece of furniture than a piece of exercise equipment!
Everyone tells me how beautiful my Ergatta is, and I must agree with them, of course!
If playing games sounds more fun to you than instructors, or if you like the sound of rushing water and would love a beautiful smart rower in your home, you should check out the Ergatta.
2. NordicTrack RW900
Get the Best Deal at NordicTrack Compare on Amazon
You already know the NordicTrack name, but did you know that they make indoor rowing machines?
NordicTrack makes several models, all of which use the iFit app. If you already own iFit, then you know how terrific that app is when it comes to workouts. On top of the iFit program (which is cheaper than your gym membership), the rower has about 30 built-in workouts that put other rowing machines to shame.
Learn from Olympic Rower Rachael Taylor as She Tries the NordicTrack RW900 Rower:
The NordicTrack RW900 is NordicTrack’s top-selling rowing machine, and it’s no surprise why that is. The 22-inch monitor is the same size as Hydrow’s, but it uses something Hydrow doesn’t and that is a combination of magnetic and air resistance.
Air is unlimited, so if you should reach a fitness level where the magnetic resistance simply isn’t strong enough, the air resistance will kick in and keep you burning calories like crazy!
The iFit app offers all kinds of exercise sessions, including yoga and weight training programs, which means you can throw out that gym membership and enjoy the benefits of iFit. Side Note: Check out our list of ifit compatible rowing machines
If you are looking for a rower that is similar to Hydrow but costs less, you should check out the NordicTrack RW900.
3. LIT Strength Machine
Get the Best Deal at LIT Compare on Amazon
We’re all looking for a machine that will last forever so we don’t have to keep buying new ones. If you’re thinking along those lines, the LIT Strength Machine is right up your alley (check out our LIT Axis Review ).
Simply put, the LIT rowing machine is a smart buy. There is no tablet or fancy electronic devices to go bad, you don’t even need an electrical outlet, which makes it perfect for basements, garages, or other places.
How does this work? You download the LIT Strength app to your phone or tablet, and if you prefer, you can cast it to your television! How is that for ingenious?! Imagine watching a workout program on your 65-inch TV? Sounds awesome, right?
LIT is into live classes and on-demand rowing workouts. No scenic views but the instructors will mix things up to ensure that boredom is never a problem.
If you look at the rower, you’ll find anchors where you attach resistance bands. Most workouts are HIIT, which means you might find yourself rowing for 20 minutes, then jumping off the rower and doing some strength training, then getting back on the rower to cool down.
To top it all off, LIT offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and water drum. Those are the expensive parts of a water rower, so if they should break, LIT will replace them. This means you might never buy another indoor rower ever again! For all other parts, LIT offers a 5-year warranty, which is impressive.
If you like on-demand workouts or studio setting, or if you love the sound of water and the idea of doing strength training and cardio at the same time, then you’ll love the LIT Strength Machine.
4. Aviron Strong Series Rower
Get the Best Deal at Aviron Compare on Amazon
Aviron is the rowing machine for people who are interested in fun as much as they love working out. Aviron doesn’t believe that those two ideas are mutually exclusive!
Aviron uses a combination of magnetic resistance and air resistance, but you won’t have to worry about the noise that most air rowers make. I don’t know how they did it, but Aviron managed to make their rower super quiet!
If you love racing, Aviron has that. If you would rather play video games than exercise, why not exercise while you play? You’ll find fully animated video games that reward you for getting in your exercise.
I love Aviron because they give their users what they really want. There are no live or on-demand classes, but they offer 8 interactive ways to exercise.
You can work out using games (think escaping from zombies), streaming your favorite platform (Netflix, Hulu, and more), training with a coach, racing with friends, scenic rowing, competing live, customizing your workouts with their guided programs, and rowing against professionals and Olympians.
Every single workout is designed to give you the maximum benefit in the shortest amount of time. Less time exercising? I like that!
Most other smart rowers don’t allow access to YouTube, Netflix, etc., but Aviron let’s you do that. Cardio fitness is cardio fitness whether you’re watching Peaky Blinders or doing a workout on YouTube, right?
See, that’s what I love about Aviron – they get you! They know that you want to exercise but don’t want to be there for hours. They know that sometimes, you want to watch your favorite shows, and sometimes, you just want to play some games.
If all of the above sounds like something you’d be interested in, you absolutely have to check out the Aviron Strong Series rowing machine.
Budget Priced Rowing Machines
OK, I get it. You’re loving all the machines I’ve just mentioned, and you wish you could afford a piece of fitness equipment like the ones above but… aren’t there cheaper machines that compare to Hydrow?
I hear you, and I’ve found awesome budget rowing machines that you can opt for instead of the Hydrow Rower for less money.
1. NordicTrack RW700
Get the Best Deal at NordicTrack Compare on Amazon
If you liked what the NordicTrack RW900 had to offer, but the price left you a bit cold, check out the NordicTrack RW700!
This sleek, sophisticated indoor rowing machine has everything that the RW900 has but at a more wallet-friendly price.
How did they do that? The screen size is only 10 inches, rather than 22 inches. I’m betting you have a 10-inch tablet, and you’re already used to seeing that size, so what the heck! Why not check out the RW700 and save some serious money?!
With 26 levels of magnetic resistance, a premium 30-watt sound system, and fully functional Bluetooth capabilities, you’re getting everything you want and none of the fluff that you don’t need.
Most rowing machines in this price range don’t offer half of the items that the NordicTrack RW700 does, so why not check it out?
- Trending Topic: Can I Watch Netflix on NordicTrack?
2. ProForm R10 Indoor Rowing Machine
Did you know that NordicTrack not only owns iFit but also makes ProForm fitness equipment?
It makes sense when you realize that ProForm makes some really high-quality machines!
The ProForm R10 rowing machine is nearly identical to the NordicTrack RW700 in many ways.
This indoor rowing machine features the same 10-inch touchscreen tablet and the same fantastic iFit workouts including trainer-led classes, scenic locations, and interactive classes you’ve come to expect from iFit. Not only that, it has a space-saving design, too!
That’s right, if you need an indoor rowing machine that folds up, the ProForm R10 does so with a simple twist of the hand! Roll it wherever you want, using R10’s front transport wheels.
Want to get this rowing machine completely free? You can!
Simply purchase a 3-year iFit family membership, and ProForm will send you the awesome indoor rower, the R10, absolutely free.
How can you beat free? I mean, you’re going to pay for iFit anyway, right? Why not get a full-body workout and a smart rowing machine for free at the same time?
You won’t find a better deal anywhere for your home gym! Check out the ProForm R10 indoor rowing machine, and be prepared to be amazed.
3. Echelon Smart Rower
The Echelon Smart Rower is perhaps the rower that is closest to a Hydrow but without the high price tag.
You may have used an Echelon bike in place of a Peloton for the same reason. Echelon makes a great many pieces of gym equipment because most gyms and hotels want something that stands up to daily use, and they don’t care about the brand name.
This pretty much describes the awesome Echelon indoor rowing machine. It has 32 levels of magnetic resistance, and with controls located on the handle, you don’t need to stop exercising to adjust the resistance. How cool is that?
I love the combination of steel and aluminum that Echelon uses. The sturdy steel frame means that it can absorb years of abuse, but the aluminum rail makes the rower light enough to move anywhere.
Oh, I forgot to mention that, unlike Hydrow, the Echelon folds for easy storage.
The Echelon Row-S connected rowing machine uses its own workout program called Echelon Fit, which allows you to add up to 5 user profiles. It means everyone in your household can use it.
For off-the-rower workouts, the screen can flip 180 degrees so you won’t strain your neck trying to watch the workout.
If you want the closest thing possible to Hydrow but want to pay less, you should check out the budget rowing machine Echelon. You won’t be disappointed.
Why Not Get What You Want – a Cheaper Hydrow?
If you’ve wanted to own a Hydrow but can’t spare the cash or the space, I’ve got good news for you.
Get the Best Deal at Hydrow Compare on Amazon
Hydrow has created another version of the Hydrow Rower called the Hydrow Wave (FYI: read my other article Hydrow Wave vs Hydrow ). It is 30 percent smaller than the original Hydrow and costs about $1,000 less.
The footprint is smaller overall, but it’s the monitor that you will notice right away. The original Hydrow monitor is 22 inches in size, while the monitor on the Hydrow Wave is 16 inches.
The Hydrow Wave offers the same outstanding programming, the same nearly silent computer-controlled magnetic resistance, and a slightly different but awesome design, with a smaller footprint and a smaller monitor.
Oh, did I mention that if you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can get your Hydrow Wave in a variety of colors?
You can order one of these amazing rowing machines in Sunset (orange), Forest (green), River (blue), Sunrise (yellow), or shiny and simple Pirate (black).
I’m seriously considering buying one in Forest myself!
This is a fantastic option for anyone who needs to save space and/or some cash and still get the best indoor rowing machine ever made – the Hydrow rowing machine.
Check out the Hydrow Wave indoor rower today. Don’t you just love the color selection? Which one is your favorite?
Is Hydrow Worth Buying? Plus Save $100!
It absolutely is!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you about these other rowing machines because there is something wrong with Hydrow, but rather, because I understand that not everyone has that much room at home or that much money in the bank!
Side Note: We have a coupon code for all our loyal readers – use coupon code “ROWINGCRAZY” and you will save $100 off Hydrow!
A rowing machine is truly an investment, so you’ll want to do some research first.
The Hydrow rower is unlike a standard rowing machine, not only because of the fantastic programming but also because it has a truly different feel to it that no one else has been able to replicate.
You can check out a Hydrow free in your home for 30 days (and don’t forget to use our coupon code above to save an extra $100!) If you don’t agree that it’s the best rowing machine ever, you can return it for a full refund.
You’ve got nothing to lose, and I bet that once you try it, you won’t want to return it!
The Bottom Line
For anyone looking for an indoor rower, you’ll find that Hydrow is mentioned again and again because it set the standard for rowing workouts and is, without question, the best indoor rowing machine.
However, that doesn’t mean that other rowing machine brands aren’t excellent choices!
Take a look at the chart at the beginning of this article and do a little comparison shopping depending on your weight, space, and wallet.
I’m sure that no matter which rowing machine you choose, you’ll find that you get the full-body workout you want at a price that makes you happy.
Stay fit, everyone, and have fun rowing!
FAQs
1. Can I still use NordicTrack or ProForm rowers without iFit?
Yes, you can! One of the best things about these rowing machine brands is that unlike the Hydrow rower, you can enjoy your magnetic rower without the iFit subscription if you really need to.
2. Are magnetic rowers quiet?
Absolutely! A magnetic rowing machine makes almost no noise. You can’t say that about air resistance machines like the Concept2 Model D!
3. Which is the best rowing machine?
The Hydrow rower is considered to be the gold standard for a smart rower, but you can get the best for less when you purchase a Hydrow Wave rower. Not only that, this list shows you the best alternatives to Hydrow, which would be either the Ergatta or the NordicTrack RW900 magnetic rower.
Written by Petra Amara – RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer
Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.
