After testing Hydrow’s accessory lineup, here’s what actually enhances your rowing experience and what you can skip.
Hydrow sells a lot of accessories. Some are genuinely useful. Others are overpriced solutions to problems you don’t have.
I’ve tested most of Hydrow’s official accessories over months of regular use, and I’ve learned which ones are worth buying and which ones you should skip. This guide will save you money and prevent you from accumulating unnecessary gear.
The essentials? A machine mat and a heart rate monitor. Everything else depends on your specific situation.
If you have limited space, the upright storage kit becomes essential. If you plan to use Hydrow’s off-rower workouts regularly, the resistance band kit makes sense. But if you’re primarily rowing, most of the “workout kits” are unnecessary upsells.
The Only Two Accessories Most People Need
Before we dive into the full accessory lineup, let’s be clear about what actually matters:
1. Machine Mat ($80-90)
You need a mat. Not optional.
The Hydrow machine mat protects your flooring from scratches, prevents the rower from sliding during intense intervals, and reduces vibration noise. It’s sized specifically for each Hydrow model (80″ x 24″ for Wave, 86″ x 30″ for Arc/Origin).
Is the official Hydrow mat worth $80-90? Yes, if you want a perfect fit and don’t want to deal with measuring generic mats. But you can also use a high-quality equipment mat from Amazon for $40-60 if you’re willing to trim it to size.
I use the official mat. It’s thick enough to provide cushioning, the non-slip surface works well, and it looks clean under the rower. After months of use, there’s no tearing or degradation.
Verdict: Essential. Buy it.
2. Heart Rate Monitor ($90-120)
If you care about training zones, calorie accuracy, or tracking cardiovascular progress, you need a heart rate monitor.
Hydrow officially recommends the Polar Verity Sense ($90), an armband-style optical monitor. It connects via Bluetooth, displays your heart rate on the Hydrow screen during workouts, and records data in your workout history.
The Polar Verity Sense works well. I wear it on my upper forearm, and it connects instantly when I start a workout. The optical sensor is accurate compared to chest straps I’ve tested, and the armband design is more comfortable than chest straps during rowing.
Alternative options that work with Hydrow:
- Wahoo TICKR (chest strap, $50) – Budget option, very accurate
- Garmin HRM-Dual (chest strap, $70) – Reliable, works with multiple devices
- Polar OH1 (armband, $80) – Similar to Verity Sense, slightly older model
I prefer armband monitors over chest straps for rowing because chest straps can shift during the catch phase. But if you already own a chest strap from cycling or running, it’ll work fine with Hydrow.
Verdict: Highly recommended if you train with heart rate zones. Skip if you don’t care about HR data.
Upright Storage Kits: Essential for Small Spaces
If floor space is limited, vertical storage becomes essential. Hydrow offers storage kits, but the pricing and compatibility vary by model.
Wave Vertical Anchor ($190)
The Wave can be stored vertically using the Wave Vertical Anchor, which mounts to a wall and holds the rower upright.
At $190, this is expensive for what amounts to a wall-mounted bracket and strap system. But if you need to reclaim floor space, it works.
In vertical storage, the Wave measures 82″ high x 30″ wide x 26.5″ deep. Think of it as a tall coat rack footprint.
Because the Wave weighs only 102 pounds, moving it into and out of vertical storage is manageable solo. I’ve done it dozens of times, and it takes about 30-45 seconds once you get the hang of it.
Verdict: Worth it if you have limited space. Expensive but functional.
Arc & Origin Upright Storage Kit ($80)
The Arc and Origin use the same upright storage kit, which costs $80.
This is a much better value than the Wave’s $190 vertical anchor. The kit includes mounting hardware and safety straps, and it reduces the rower’s footprint to 86″ high x 25″ wide x 33″ deep.
The catch? At 145-147 pounds, the Arc and Origin are significantly heavier than the Wave. Moving them into vertical storage solo is possible but awkward. You’ll probably want help the first few times.
Verdict: Excellent value at $80 if you have space constraints. Just know that moving 145+ pounds vertically is a workout in itself.
Resistance Bands and Workout Kits: Only If You Use Off-Rower Content
Hydrow sells several bundles designed for off-rower workouts:
Multi-Resistance Band Kit ($29-49)
Includes short resistance bands in multiple resistance levels, designed for strength training.
If you plan to use Hydrow’s strength and conditioning classes regularly, these bands work fine. They’re standard resistance bands, nothing special, but they’re sized appropriately for the exercises in Hydrow’s programming.
Are they better than Amazon resistance bands for $15? No. They’re the same quality. You’re paying for Hydrow branding and guaranteed compatibility with their workout videos.
Verdict: Buy generic resistance bands on Amazon unless you want the Hydrow branding.
On-the-Mat Workout Kit ($100-120)
Includes a floor mat, resistance bands, yoga blocks, and band handles.
This kit makes sense if you’re starting from zero and plan to use a lot of off-rower content. It’s essentially a starter pack for Hydrow’s non-rowing classes.
But if you already own yoga blocks or resistance bands, skip it. You’re paying for convenience bundling, not superior quality.
Verdict: Only buy if you’re new to fitness and don’t own any workout accessories.
What to Skip
Foam Rollers
Hydrow sells a branded foam roller for recovery. It’s a foam roller. Buy one on Amazon for $20 instead of paying $50+ for Hydrow branding.
Verdict: Skip.
Yoga Straps and Blocks
Unless you’re buying the bundled On-the-Mat kit, there’s no reason to buy individual yoga accessories from Hydrow. Generic yoga blocks and straps work identically and cost half as much.
Verdict: Skip.
Wireless Headphones
Hydrow sells Jaybird Vista wireless headphones as an “official” accessory. They’re fine headphones, but you’re paying full retail price (or more) for something you can buy cheaper elsewhere.
Use whatever Bluetooth headphones you already own. They’ll work perfectly with Hydrow.
Verdict: Skip.
Where to Buy and How to Save Money
Buy Direct from Hydrow for Bundles
If you’re buying multiple accessories, Hydrow’s bundles offer 20-30% savings compared to individual purchases.
Starter Bundle typically includes: rower + mat + 6-month membership Training Bundle typically includes: rower + mat + heart rate monitor + 12-month membership Elite Bundle typically includes: rower + mat + heart rate monitor + resistance bands + 12-month membership
These bundles are worth it if you’re buying a new rower and need multiple accessories. You’ll save $100-200 compared to buying everything separately.
Watch for Sales
Hydrow runs significant promotions during:
- Black Friday (up to $450 off rowers, 20-30% off accessories)
- Prime Day (varies, but usually 15-20% off)
- New Year (January sales on rowers and membership bundles)
If you can wait, buying during these sales periods will save you money.
Third-Party Retailers
Best Buy, Fitness Town, and other authorized retailers occasionally discount Hydrow accessories, but selection is limited. Hydrow’s direct website usually has better inventory and bundle options.
My Actual Recommendations
Here’s what I’d buy if I were setting up a new Hydrow:
For most people:
- Machine mat ($80-90) – Essential
- Heart rate monitor ($90) – Highly recommended
- Nothing else
If you have limited space:
- Machine mat ($80-90)
- Upright storage kit ($80 for Arc/Origin, $190 for Wave)
- Heart rate monitor ($90)
If you plan extensive off-rower workouts:
- Machine mat ($80-90)
- Heart rate monitor ($90)
- Resistance bands ($15-20 on Amazon, not Hydrow branded)
- Generic yoga mat if you don’t already own one
The key insight? Most Hydrow accessories are nice-to-have, not need-to-have. Focus your budget on the rower itself and the membership (which is mandatory anyway at $44/month). Accessories should enhance your experience, not drain your wallet.
Accessory Compatibility
All Hydrow accessories work with Wave, Origin, and Arc models, with two exceptions:
- Machine mats are model-specific – Wave uses a smaller mat (80″ x 24″), Arc/Origin use a larger mat (86″ x 30″)
- Storage kits are different – Wave uses the Vertical Anchor ($190), Arc/Origin use the Upright Storage Kit ($80)
Everything else (heart rate monitors, resistance bands, workout kits) is universal across all models.
Final Verdict
Hydrow’s accessory lineup is a mix of essentials and unnecessary upsells.
Buy the machine mat. Buy a heart rate monitor if you train with HR zones. Buy the upright storage kit if space is limited.
Skip everything else unless you have a specific reason to buy it.
The Hydrow rower itself is excellent. The membership content is worth the $44/month. But don’t let Hydrow upsell you on accessories you don’t need. Be strategic, buy what enhances your actual rowing experience, and save your money for the monthly membership that unlocks the real value.
FAQ
Do I really need the official Hydrow mat?
No, but it’s the easiest option. The official mat is sized perfectly for your rower model and provides adequate protection. You can use a generic equipment mat from Amazon for less, but you’ll need to measure and potentially trim it. For most people, the $80-90 official mat is worth it for convenience.
Which heart rate monitor is most accurate with Hydrow?
The Polar Verity Sense (official recommendation) and chest straps like Wahoo TICKR or Garmin HRM-Dual are all highly accurate. Armband monitors are more comfortable for rowing, but chest straps work fine if you already own one. Avoid wrist-based monitors (like Apple Watch used alone) as they’re less accurate during rowing.
Is the Wave Vertical Anchor worth $190?
Only if you have limited space. At $190, it’s expensive for a wall-mount bracket and strap. But if you live in a small apartment and need to reclaim floor space, it’s functional and well-designed. At 102 pounds, the Wave is light enough to move into vertical storage solo.
Can I use non-Hydrow accessories?
Yes. Generic resistance bands, yoga mats, foam rollers, and Bluetooth heart rate monitors all work perfectly. You’re paying for Hydrow branding and guaranteed compatibility, but third-party accessories function identically and cost less.
Do Hydrow bundles actually save money?
Yes, if you need multiple items. Bundles typically offer 20-30% savings versus buying accessories individually. If you’re purchasing a new rower and need a mat, heart rate monitor, and extended membership, bundles are worth it. But don’t buy a bundle just to get accessories you won’t use.
What’s the best time to buy Hydrow accessories?
Black Friday and Prime Day offer the deepest discounts (20-30% off). January sales also provide solid savings. If you don’t need accessories immediately, waiting for a major sale will save you $50-100+.
Are resistance bands included in any bundles?
Yes, the Multi-Resistance Band Kit is included in most Training and Elite bundles. If you’re buying a bundle anyway, this is convenient. But if you’re buying accessories separately, generic resistance bands from Amazon are identical quality for half the price.
Do I need the upright storage kit if I have space?
No. If you have adequate floor space (86″ x 25″ for Arc/Origin, 80″ x 19″ for Wave), there’s no reason to buy the storage kit. Only buy it if you need to reclaim floor space by storing vertically.
Final Thought: Buy the essentials (mat, heart rate monitor), skip the upsells, and invest your budget in the monthly membership that makes Hydrow actually worth owning.
