Hydrow Arc Rower Review 2025: Is the Premium Model Worth $2,295?

After months of testing Hydrow’s most advanced rowing machine, here’s everything you need to know about the Arc—from HydroMetrics to real-world durability.

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If you’re considering the Hydrow Arc, you’re probably wondering whether the extra $700+ over the Wave (or the Origin) actually gets you anything meaningful. I had the same question before testing it.

The Arc is Hydrow’s flagship model. It has the largest screen at 24 inches, the most advanced performance tracking with HydroMetrics, and costs $2,295. That’s a lot of money for a rowing machine, even a premium one.

I spent months rowing on the Arc, testing everything from recovery rows to brutal HIIT intervals. I tracked the HydroMetrics data after every session, lived with it taking up space in my garage, and compared it directly against the Wave and Origin.

The short answer? The Arc is an excellent rowing machine with genuinely useful technology. But it’s not for everyone, and you need to know exactly what you’re getting (and what you’re not) before spending this much money.

What’s in the Box

The Arc arrives in a massive box measuring 91 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 33 inches high. Total shipping weight: 197 pounds.

You’ll want two people for unboxing, and if you live in an apartment or don’t have a large driveway, plan accordingly. This isn’t something a single delivery person will easily maneuver through tight doorways.

Inside the box, everything is well-protected with foam inserts and plastic wrap. The main components include:

• Main rower frame (front and rear sections)
• 24-inch HD touchscreen monitor
• Monitor arm assembly
• Seat with 10 rollers
• Handle with ergonomic grip
• Adjustable footrests with straps
• Hardware kit (bolts, washers, screws)
• Allen key and screwdriver (all tools included)
• Power cable
• Quick start guide and assembly instructions

Hydrow’s packaging is thorough. Nothing arrived damaged or loose during my delivery, and the protective materials kept everything secure despite the considerable weight.

Assembly & Setup Experience

Assembly took me 55 minutes with help from another person. The instructions say 40-60 minutes, and that’s accurate if you’re methodical and don’t rush.

You don’t need any tools beyond what Hydrow includes. The Allen key and screwdriver provided are perfectly adequate. In fact, Hydrow specifically warns against using power tools, which could over-tighten bolts and damage the frame.

Step-by-step breakdown:

1. Cut the plastic straps carefully and remove the box top and foam inserts. Take your time here to avoid scratching the finish.
2. Attach the front and rear stabilizer legs using the Allen key and supplied bolts. Tighten evenly at all four corners. This is where having a second person helps most, as someone needs to hold the frame steady.
3. Slide the seat onto the rail. It should glide smoothly with no resistance. If it doesn’t, double-check that nothing is obstructing the track.
4. Mount the monitor arm. This requires lining up bolt holes precisely, so take your time. The arm is heavy, so again, two people make this much easier.
5. Attach the 24-inch touchscreen monitor using the included screwdriver. Install the top two screws first, then the bottom two, and tighten evenly to avoid stress on any single point.
6. Connect the handle, footrests, and cable management clips. These snap into place without much effort.
7. Final bolt check. Go back through every connection and make sure everything is hand-tight (not wrench-tight).
8. Plug in the power cable and the screen should light up immediately.

The assembly process is well-designed. Hydrow labels everything clearly, and the instructions are easy to follow. My only minor complaint is that the monitor arm attachment felt slightly awkward to position while holding the weight of the arm itself, but this was a brief inconvenience.

Once assembled, the Arc feels rock-solid. No wobble, no flex, no creaking during use.

Design & Build Quality

The Arc measures 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 48 inches high when fully assembled. The seat sits 16 inches off the floor, which is comfortable for most users to get on and off.

The frame is constructed from aluminum and steel, and you can tell immediately that this is a premium piece of equipment. At 147 pounds (200 pounds in the shipping box), the Arc has substantial mass that contributes to stability during intense intervals.

Frame and Structure

The aluminum and steel construction feels overbuilt in the best way possible. Even during sprint intervals at 30+ strokes per minute, there’s zero wobble or movement. The frame stays planted, and the rail remains perfectly aligned.

I’ve tested rowers that shift slightly under hard effort. The Arc doesn’t.

The finish is matte and holds up well to regular handling. After months of use, including plenty of sweaty hands gripping the frame to move it around, there are no significant marks or wear on the coating.

Seat Comfort

The seat runs on 10 industrial-grade rollers, and this is one of the Arc’s standout features. The glide is smooth and nearly silent. Really smooth. Some rowers have seats that clunk or catch slightly at certain points in the stroke. The Arc’s seat feels like it’s floating.

The padding is firm but comfortable. I’ve done 45-minute rows without any discomfort, which isn’t something I can say about every rowing machine. The seat is wide enough (about 13 inches) that it doesn’t feel narrow or restrictive.

Handle and Footrests

The handle is cushioned with a rubberized grip and has subtle finger grooves. It’s comfortable to hold for extended periods, and the grip texture provides enough friction that you don’t need to death-grip it even when sweating.

The footrests are fully adjustable and secure with Velcro straps. They accommodate a wide range of foot sizes, and the straps stay tight throughout workouts. Your heels will naturally lift during the rowing stroke (that’s proper form), but the straps keep your shoes locked in place.

Performance & Rowing Experience

This is where the Arc justifies its price, at least partially. The electromagnetic resistance system is the same one used in the Wave and Origin, but experiencing it on the larger screen with more advanced feedback makes a noticeable difference.

Resistance Feel

The Arc uses electromagnetic resistance with 300 levels ranging from a drag factor of 50 up to 300. The default setting is 104, which Hydrow claims simulates the feel of rowing on water. After rowing on actual water and on air rowers like the Concept2, I’d say the claim holds up.

Smooth, consistent, and responsive.

For most workouts, I keep the drag factor between 104 and 120. For interval training, I push it up to 130-140 during work intervals and drop back to 104-110 for recovery. The resistance adjusts dynamically based on your effort, so you don’t need to manually change settings mid-workout unless you want to.

Real Workout Examples

I tested the Arc across a variety of workout formats to see how it performs under different conditions:

Steady-State Endurance (30 minutes at 22-24 SPM, drag 104-110): Bread-and-butter rowing. Moderate intensity, consistent pace, focusing on technique. The Arc excels here. The stroke feels natural and rhythmic, and the HydroMetrics feedback afterward showed exactly where my form started to deteriorate around the 20-minute mark.

HIIT Intervals (250m sprints at drag 130-140, 30 seconds rest, 10 rounds): This is where I really pushed the Arc. Sprint intervals at 28-30 strokes per minute with the resistance cranked up. The electromagnetic system responds instantly to changes in effort. There’s no lag between pulling hard and feeling the resistance increase. The seat glides smoothly even during explosive starts, and the frame stays completely stable.

Pyramid Intervals (15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s hard efforts, drag 120-140): Pyramid sets are brutal, and the Arc handled them well. The quick transitions between effort levels showcased how responsive the resistance system is. Going from a 15-second all-out sprint to a 60-second sustained hard pull without any mechanical delay or inconsistency is impressive.

After each workout, HydroMetrics provides a breakdown of precision, power, and endurance. More on that in the next section.

The Noise Factor (Yes, It’s Real)

I need to be honest about something that surprised me: the Arc is louder than I expected.

Electromagnetic rowers are typically whisper-quiet. The Concept2 RowErg (an air rower) sounds like a fan. Water rowers have a sloshing sound. Magnetic rowers? Usually nearly silent.

The Arc isn’t silent.

With every pull, I hear a noticeable hum and some mechanical noise from the resistance system. It’s not as loud as an air rower, and it’s comparable to a water rower in volume, but it’s definitely louder than I anticipated for a magnetic system.

This doesn’t bother me personally. But if you live in an apartment with thin walls, or if you’re planning to row at 5 AM while others are sleeping, know that this rower isn’t as quiet as you might assume based on “electromagnetic resistance” alone.

HydroMetrics Technology: Is It Actually Useful?

HydroMetrics is what separates the Arc from the Origin (and justifies part of the price premium). It’s Hydrow’s AI-powered performance analysis system, and after months of use, I can confirm it’s legitimately useful if you care about technique and marginal gains.

How It Works

After every rowing session longer than 5 minutes, HydroMetrics generates a “Hydro Index” score based on three metrics:

Precision: How consistent is your stroke rate and rhythm? Are you maintaining steady pacing, or are you speeding up and slowing down erratically?

Power: How much force are you generating with each stroke? This isn’t just about pulling hard (it’s about efficient power application throughout the drive phase).

Endurance: How well are you maintaining output over the duration of the workout? Are you fading in the second half, or staying strong?

Each metric gets a score, and the system learns how you move over time. It provides specific feedback on what you’re doing well and where you need improvement.

Real-World Example

After a 20-minute steady-state row, HydroMetrics told me my power output was strong (score: 82/100) but my precision was inconsistent (score: 68/100). Specifically, my stroke rate was fluctuating between 22 and 26 SPM when I should have been holding steady at 24.

The system recommended drills focused on maintaining a consistent rhythm, and it flagged that my splits were drifting slower in the final 5 minutes, indicating endurance could improve.

This kind of feedback is invaluable if you’re serious about improving your rowing technique. It’s not just telling you “row harder” or “row longer.” It’s identifying specific technical inefficiencies that you can address in future workouts.

Who Actually Needs This?

If you’re a casual rower who just wants a good cardio workout, HydroMetrics is interesting but not essential. You’ll get fit without it.

If you’re a data-driven athlete who enjoys optimizing performance, or if you’re trying to improve your rowing form to prevent injury, HydroMetrics is genuinely useful. It provides insights that would otherwise require a coach watching you row or analyzing video footage.

The Arc’s HydroMetrics is more advanced than what’s available on the Wave (the Wave has basic HydroMetrics but less detailed analysis). The Origin doesn’t have HydroMetrics at all.

Is this feature alone worth the $700+ premium over the Origin? Probably not for most people. But if you’re already considering the Arc for the larger screen and premium positioning, HydroMetrics is a nice bonus that adds real value.

Screen & Software Experience

The 24-inch HD touchscreen is the largest in Hydrow’s lineup, and it makes a tangible difference for both rowing workouts and off-rower content.

Screen Quality and Size

The screen is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate. Touch inputs register instantly, and the interface feels polished. The resolution isn’t the highest I’ve seen on fitness equipment (you can see individual pixels if you look closely), but from the normal viewing distance while rowing, it looks crisp and clear.

The 24-inch size is noticeably larger than the 22-inch Origin screen and significantly bigger than the 16-inch Wave screen. For rowing workouts, this means the immersive outdoor content fills more of your field of view. For off-rower workouts (yoga, strength training, Pilates), the larger screen makes it much easier to see the instructor and follow along with movements.

Screen Movement and Positioning

The screen rotates left and right and tilts up and down. This adjustability is crucial for off-rower workouts where you’re positioned beside the machine rather than seated on it.

For rowing, I keep the screen tilted slightly upward. I’m 5’9″, and this angle puts the screen directly in my line of sight. Taller users (over 6 feet) will want to tilt it further up, and even then, you’ll be looking slightly downward at the screen. This isn’t unique to the Arc (most rowing machines have console heights that require taller users to look down a bit).

Content Library Access

The Arc provides access to Hydrow’s full content library, which includes over 5,000 workouts. Rowing classes (both outdoor scenic rows and indoor studio sessions), strength training, yoga, Pilates, stretching, and more.

The outdoor rowing content is what Hydrow is known for, and it’s genuinely special. Filmed in real locations around the world with instructors rowing on actual water, these workouts are immersive and engaging. I’ve rowed through waterways in Sweden, rivers in Prague, and coastal routes in Chile. The production quality is excellent, and the instructors are motivating without being annoying.

Live classes are scheduled throughout the day, and you can see real-time leaderboards showing how you’re stacking up against other members. Watching my rank climb from 200th to 150th mid-workout is surprisingly motivating.

The $44/month membership is required to access all of this content. Without it, you’re stuck with “Just Row” mode, which is bare-bones and not worth the Arc’s price tag. Factor the membership cost into your decision.

Interface and Usability

The interface is intuitive. You can filter workouts by instructor, duration, difficulty, music genre, and location. Finding a specific type of workout takes seconds.

Multiple user profiles are supported, so different household members can track their own progress separately. Bluetooth heart rate monitors pair easily, and the integration with services like Strava works seamlessly.

One minor annoyance: there’s some glare on the screen from overhead lighting. If you have bright lights directly above the rower, you’ll see reflections. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable.

Day-to-Day Living: Storage, Cleaning, and Space

Owning the Arc means accommodating its substantial footprint and committing to regular (but minimal) maintenance.

Space Requirements

In use, the Arc occupies 86 inches of length, 25 inches of width, and 48 inches of height. You’ll want at least 12 inches of clearance in front and behind the machine for unrestricted rowing motion. Ideally, leave 18-24 inches on each side for easy access.

Think of the Arc’s footprint as similar to a small couch or sideboard. It’s not compact, but it’s not absurdly large either. I keep mine in my garage against a wall, and there’s still plenty of room to walk around it.

Vertical Storage

Hydrow sells an upright storage kit for $80. With this kit installed, the Arc can be stored vertically against a wall, reducing the footprint to 86 inches high, 25 inches wide, and 33 inches deep. Essentially, it becomes the size of a tall wardrobe.

I don’t use vertical storage myself. At 147 pounds, the Arc isn’t something I want to lift and reposition frequently. But if floor space is at a premium, the vertical storage option is there.

The Arc has wheels on the front, so you can tip it back and roll it around fairly easily. “Fairly easily” is relative though (it’s still 147 pounds, and moving it more than 10 feet gets tiring quickly).

Cleaning and Maintenance

After each rowing session, I wipe down the rail and seat with a damp microfiber cloth. Takes 30 seconds. This prevents sweat from corroding the metal or damaging the finish.

I clean the touchscreen weekly with electronic-safe wipes to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Every month, I check all the bolts to make sure nothing has loosened. So far, I’ve only needed to tighten bolts once in several months of regular use.

Every six months, Hydrow recommends a more thorough inspection: dusting the air vents, checking the seat rollers for debris, and ensuring all cable connections are secure.

That’s it. The electromagnetic resistance system is sealed and maintenance-free. There’s no water to change (like water rowers) or air intake to clean (like air rowers). The Arc is low-maintenance, which is a significant advantage for long-term ownership.

Direct Comparisons: Arc vs Wave, Concept2, and Peloton Row

You’re probably cross-shopping the Arc against other options. Based on my testing, here’s how it compares to the main competitors.

Long-Term Durability: What Holds Up (and What Doesn’t)

After months of regular use, here’s what I’ve observed about the Arc’s durability.

What’s Holding Up Well

Frame and structure: No creaks, no rattles, no looseness. The aluminum and steel construction feels as solid as day one.

Seat and rollers: The 10-roller seat glides smoothly with no degradation. I’ve done hundreds of rows, and there’s no catching or rough spots on the rail.

Handle and straps: No fraying, no wear. The rubberized grip still feels new.

Touchscreen: The monitor has been reliable with no dead pixels, flickering, or connectivity issues.

Minor Issues and Fixes

Bolt tightening: About every six months, I go through and hand-tighten all the bolts. A few have loosened slightly with regular use, but this is normal for any piece of fitness equipment.

Rail cleaning: If you don’t wipe down the rail regularly, you’ll see minor scuffing where the seat rollers contact the metal. This is cosmetic, not structural, but it’s avoidable with basic cleaning.

Monitor cable: Once, the monitor connection felt loose. I unplugged and reconnected the cable, and it’s been fine since. Not a recurring issue, just something to be aware of.

What Hydrow Support Covers

The Arc comes with a 5-year warranty on the structural frame and a 12-month warranty on components, electronics, and labor. This is shorter than some competitors (Concept2 offers 5 years on the frame and 2 years on parts), but it’s in line with premium home fitness equipment.

If you do encounter issues, Hydrow support has been responsive in my experience and in reports from other users. Most problems are resolved via troubleshooting guides or by sending replacement parts.

Who Should Buy the Hydrow Arc

After months of testing, here’s who I think the Arc makes sense for:

Buy the Arc if:

• You’re serious about rowing and want detailed performance analytics to improve your technique
• You plan to use a lot of off-rower content (yoga, strength, Pilates) and want the largest, most versatile screen
• You love data and enjoy tracking marginal improvements in precision, power, and endurance
• You have the space and budget for Hydrow’s premium model
• You want the best rowing experience Hydrow offers and are willing to pay for it

Skip the Arc if:

• You’re primarily interested in rowing and don’t care much about off-rower workouts (get the Wave instead)
• You’re on a tighter budget and $700+ extra isn’t justified for a larger screen and HydroMetrics (get the Wave)
• You want a simple, no-frills performance tool without a subscription (get the Concept2)
• You’re not sure how much you’ll use the rower and want to test the waters with a lower investment (get the Wave)

The Arc is for enthusiasts. If you’re reading this review and thinking “I’m not sure if I need HydroMetrics,” you probably don’t. But if you immediately recognized the value of AI-powered form analysis and detailed performance tracking, the Arc is worth the investment.

Final Verdict

The Hydrow Arc is an excellent rowing machine. The electromagnetic resistance is smooth and responsive, the 24-inch screen creates an immersive experience, and HydroMetrics provides genuinely useful performance insights.

But it’s expensive. At $2,295 plus a mandatory $44/month membership, you’re making a significant financial commitment. Over five years of ownership, the total cost approaches $4,935.

Is it worth it? If you’re serious about rowing, plan to use the full content ecosystem, and value the advanced metrics, yes. The Arc delivers a premium experience that justifies the price.

If you’re a casual rower who just wants a good workout, save your money and get the Wave. You’ll get 90% of the experience for significantly less investment.

My personal take? The Arc is the best Hydrow model, but the Wave is the smartest buy for most people. The Arc is for those who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for marginal improvements.

Rating: 4.7/5

For serious rowers who value data and immersion, it’s an excellent investment.

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FAQ

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Final Thought: The Hydrow Arc is a premium rowing machine that delivers a premium experience. Just make sure you actually want (and will use) the features that justify the premium price before you buy.