Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Hydrow Arc
Best Smart RowerWaterRower Natural
Best Water RowerPrice
$2,195-$2,495
$1,100-$1,500
Summary
The best connected rowing experience money can buy, with a 24-inch immersive display and world-class live and on-demand workouts. PCMag's Editors' Choice for smart rowing.
The most aesthetically stunning rowing machine available, with a water flywheel that mimics the feel of rowing on open water. A favorite for home gyms where looks and feel both matter.
Pros
- 24-inch rotating display with immersive scenic and instructor-led workouts
- Refined rowing-first experience with upgraded performance analytics
- Screen rotates for yoga and off-rower workout classes
- PCMag Editors' Choice for best smart rowing experience
- Gorgeous handcrafted wood design that doubles as furniture
- Water resistance closely mimics the feel of on-water rowing
- Quieter than air-resistance machines like the Concept2
- Strong community and brand reputation among fitness enthusiasts
Cons
- Requires ongoing subscription for full content library
- Significantly more expensive than non-connected rowers
- Less ideal for competitive training compared to Concept2
- Not ideal for competitive training or improving personal splits
- Requires periodic water tank maintenance and refilling
- More expensive than comparable air-resistance rowers
Our take
For people who need the motivation of a class-based experience to actually use their rower, the Hydrow Arc is worth every penny — the content quality is genuinely in a different league than competitors.
If the Concept2's industrial look doesn't fit your living space, the WaterRower is the next best thing — it's genuinely beautiful and the water resistance feels closer to real rowing than air.
Buy
