Hydrow Wave Rower Review 2025: The Best Value Smart Rower Under $1,500?

After hundreds of workouts on Hydrow’s most affordable model, here’s why the Wave might be the smartest rowing machine purchase you can make.

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The Hydrow Wave is easy to overlook. It’s the cheapest model in Hydrow’s lineup, it’s made of polymer instead of metal, and it has the smallest screen.

On paper, it sounds like the budget compromise.

It’s not. After testing all three Hydrow models extensively, I think the Wave is actually the best value in the entire smart rowing machine category.

The Wave costs under $1,500, uses the exact same electromagnetic resistance system as the $2,295 Arc, and provides access to Hydrow’s full content library with over 5,000 workouts. The only real compromises? A 16-inch screen that doesn’t rotate and a polymer frame instead of aluminum and steel.

For most people, those trade-offs are completely worth the savings.

I tested the Wave across hundreds of workouts, from steady-state endurance rows to brutal HIIT intervals. I assembled it myself, lived with it in my garage, moved it around regularly, and compared it directly against both the Arc and the Concept2 RowErg.

If you’re trying to decide whether the Wave is worth buying, or whether you should spend more on the Arc or Origin, this review will help you decide.

What’s in the Box

The Wave ships in a standard cardboard box via UPS, which is a significant practical advantage over the Arc and Origin (both arrive on freight pallets). The box measures roughly 80 inches long, and the total weight is about 120 pounds.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Main rower frame (mostly pre-assembled)
• 16-inch HD touchscreen monitor
• Seat with rollers
• Handle with rubberized grip
• Adjustable footrests with straps
• Hardware kit with all necessary bolts and screws
• Allen key (all tools included)
• Power cable
• Assembly instructions

Everything was well-protected in my shipment. The packaging uses foam corners and cardboard inserts to prevent movement during shipping.

Assembly & Setup: Easier Than Expected

Assembly took me 35 minutes working alone. The instructions say 30-45 minutes, and that’s accurate.

The Wave arrives mostly assembled, which dramatically reduces setup time compared to other rowing machines. You’re essentially just attaching a few components and securing bolts rather than building the entire machine from scratch.

What you actually need to do:

1. Remove packaging materials and cut the plastic straps.
2. Connect the front and rear frame sections by sliding them together and securing with the included pin.
3. Attach the front stabilizer foot using the Allen key and bolts.
4. Mount the monitor arm and attach the screen.
5. Install the seat on the rail (just slides on, no tools needed).
6. Connect the handle and secure the footrests.
7. Plug in the power cable and you’re done.

The process is straightforward. Hydrow includes clear instructions with photos, and everything is labeled. I worked alone and had no issues, though having a second person to hold the frame steady while tightening bolts would make it slightly easier.

One thing I appreciated: the hardware pouches are labeled by step, so you don’t need to sort through a pile of random bolts trying to figure out which one goes where.

Design & Build Quality: Polymer Doesn’t Mean Cheap

The Wave is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches high. It’s noticeably more compact than the Arc and Origin (both are 86 inches long and 25 inches wide), and at 102 pounds, it’s significantly lighter.

The Wave is available in five color options: Pirate Black, River, Forest, Sunrise, and Sunset. Note that Sunrise and Sunset cost an additional $300.

The frame is constructed from a polymer mold rather than metal. Before testing, I was skeptical about this. Polymer sounds like marketing-speak for plastic, and plastic sounds cheap.

I was wrong.

Frame Construction

The polymer frame provides more than enough rigidity for intense workouts. I’ve done sprint intervals at 30+ strokes per minute with the drag cranked up to 140, and there’s no flex, no wobbling, no creaking.

The frame stays solid.

Is it as premium-feeling as the Arc’s aluminum and steel? No. But it’s also not trying to be. The polymer keeps the cost down and the weight manageable without sacrificing structural integrity where it matters.

The finish is smooth and clean. After months of use, including moving the rower around my garage regularly, there are no cracks, no stress marks, and no visible wear.

Seat and Rail

The seat glides on the same type of rollers used in the Arc and Origin. The movement is smooth and quiet. In fact, I’d argue the Wave’s rail might be even slightly smoother than the metal rail on the Origin, though that could be subjective.

The rail length is 47 inches, identical to the Arc and Origin. Taller users (up to 6’4″-6’8″ with a 36-inch inseam) get the same amount of travel and won’t feel cramped. This was important to verify since the Wave is marketed as the compact option.

The seat padding is firm and comfortable. I’ve done 40-minute rows without discomfort.

Handle and Footrests

The handle is the same cushioned, ergonomic grip found on all Hydrow models. It’s comfortable to hold, and the texture provides enough friction that your hands don’t slip even when sweating heavily.

The footrests adjust for different shoe sizes and secure with Velcro straps. They work well and stay tight throughout workouts.

Performance & Rowing Experience

This is the most important section of the review because it answers the critical question: does the Wave row as well as the more expensive models?

Yes. Absolutely yes.

Resistance System

The Wave uses the exact same electromagnetic resistance mechanism as the Arc and Origin. Same 300 levels of resistance, same drag factor range (50-300), same default setting of 104 to simulate rowing on water.

I’ve tested all three Hydrow models back-to-back, and I genuinely cannot feel a difference in resistance between them. The stroke is smooth, consistent, and responsive regardless of which model you’re using.

For most of my workouts, I keep the drag factor between 104 and 120. For intervals, I push it to 130-140 during work periods. The resistance responds instantly to changes in effort with no lag or inconsistency.

Real Workout Testing

I put the Wave through the same workout formats I tested on the Arc:

Steady-State Endurance (30 minutes, 22-24 SPM, drag 104-110): The Wave performs flawlessly here. The stroke feels natural and rhythmic. At this moderate intensity, you settle into a groove quickly. The electromagnetic system provides consistent resistance throughout the entire range of motion.

HIIT Intervals (30 seconds hard, 1 minute recovery, 20 minutes total): I tested intervals at stroke rates between 26-30 SPM during work periods, with the drag set to 120-130. The Wave handled these without issue. The seat glides smoothly even during explosive starts, and the frame stays completely stable.

Pyramid Intervals (15s/30s/45s/60s work periods at drag 120-140): These brutal sets test both the rower’s responsiveness and your cardiovascular system. The Wave’s resistance adjusts instantly when you increase effort, and there’s no mechanical delay when transitioning between effort levels.

During workout 47 (yes, I counted), I did a particularly aggressive 500m sprint test at drag 135. Hit 32 strokes per minute for the final push, and the Wave didn’t budge. No flex, no noise, no complaints.

After hundreds of rows on the Wave, I’m confident saying the performance is identical to the Arc and Origin. You’re not sacrificing anything in terms of actual rowing quality by choosing the most affordable model.

Noise Levels

The Wave is very quiet. It’s quieter than the Arc, which surprised me given they use the same resistance.

There’s a subtle hum with each stroke, but it’s minimal. You can easily row while someone else is watching TV in the same room without being disruptive. If you live in an apartment, the Wave is quiet enough that you won’t disturb neighbors through walls or floors.

It’s a lot quieter than air rowers like the Concept2, and it’s on par with or quieter than water rowers.

Screen & Software: The Main Compromise

The 16-inch HD touchscreen is where the Wave differs most noticeably from the Arc and Origin.

Screen Size and Quality

The screen is bright and responsive. Touch inputs register quickly, and the interface is smooth. The resolution is adequate for the screen size, and from the normal viewing distance while rowing (about 3-4 feet), everything looks crisp.

Is 16 inches big enough? For rowing workouts, yes. You’re close enough to the screen that you can easily see the instructor, follow along with the outdoor content, and monitor your stats. I never felt like the screen was too small during actual rowing sessions.

The outdoor rowing content still looks immersive on the 16-inch display. You’re watching instructors row through waterways in Sweden or rivers in Prague, and the production quality shines through even on the smaller screen.

The Fixed Screen Limitation

The Wave’s screen does not rotate or tilt. It’s fixed in position. This is fine for rowing but becomes limiting for off-rower workouts.

When you’re doing yoga, strength training, or Pilates beside the rower, you can’t angle the screen toward you. You’ll need to position yourself at an awkward angle or accept that you’re not getting an optimal view of the instructor.

This doesn’t bother me because I primarily use the Wave for rowing. But if you’re planning to do a lot of off-rower content, this limitation is worth considering. The Arc and Origin both have rotating screens that make off-rower workouts much easier to follow.

Content Library Access

The Wave provides access to the same content library as the Arc and Origin. Over 5,000 workouts including outdoor scenic rows, indoor studio sessions, live classes, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and more.

The $44/month membership is required. Without it, you’re stuck with “Just Row” mode, which provides basic metrics but no content, no saved workouts, no challenges, and no leaderboards.

At the Wave’s price point, the membership is still essentially mandatory, but it’s easier to justify when you’re not also paying $2,295 for the hardware.

Interface and Usability

The interface is identical across all Hydrow models. You can filter workouts by instructor, duration, difficulty, music genre, and location. Multiple user profiles are supported for household members to track individual progress.

Bluetooth heart rate monitors pair easily. I use mine during every session, and the integration is seamless.

The 16-inch screen is perfectly fine for the interface. Everything is clearly visible, and navigation is intuitive.

Day-to-Day Living: Where the Wave Excels

The Wave’s compact size and light weight provide significant practical advantages for daily use.

Space and Portability

The Wave measures 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches high. Compared to the Arc and Origin (86 inches long, 25 inches wide), that’s 6 inches shorter and 6 inches narrower.

Those dimensions might not sound like much, but in practice, they make a noticeable difference. The Wave fits more easily into smaller rooms, and there’s less awkwardness maneuvering around it.

At 102 pounds, the Wave is 40+ pounds lighter than the Arc and Origin. This matters more than I expected. I can tip the Wave back on its wheels and roll it around my garage without much effort. Moving it 15-20 feet to change its position takes maybe 30 seconds.

The Arc and Origin? At 145-147 pounds, moving them more than 10 feet gets tiring quickly. They’re manageable, but it’s a workout in itself.

Vertical Storage (Built-In)

The Wave can be stored vertically by simply removing a pin. No additional storage kit required (unlike the Arc and Origin, which charge $80 for this).

In vertical storage, the Wave measures approximately 82 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 26.5 inches deep. About the footprint of a coat rack or tall lamp.

Because of the reduced weight, I’m far more likely to actually store the Wave vertically when I’m not using it. With the Arc, the idea of lifting 147 pounds to store it upright is enough of a hassle that I just leave it out. The Wave? I can move it without much thought.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning routine is identical to the other models:

• Wipe down the rail and seat after each session (30 seconds with a damp cloth)
• Clean the touchscreen weekly
• Check bolts monthly and tighten if needed
• Every six months, dust the vents and inspect the seat rollers

The electromagnetic resistance is sealed and maintenance-free. No water to change, no air filters to clean, no lubrication needed.

After months of regular use, the Wave requires no more or less maintenance than any other rowing machine.

Direct Comparisons: Wave vs Arc, Origin, and Concept2

You’re probably trying to decide between the Wave and something else. Based on my testing, here’s how they compare.

Long-Term Durability: Built to Last

After months of regular use and over a million meters logged by other long-term testers, the Wave has held up exceptionally well.

What’s Holding Up

Frame: No creaks, no rattles, no looseness. The polymer construction shows no stress cracks or structural issues even after intensive use.

Seat and rollers: The seat glides smoothly with no degradation. No catching or rough spots on the rail.

Handle and straps: No fraying or wear on the handle grip. Footrest straps remain secure.

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

Maintenance Required

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.

If you don’t wipe down the rail regularly, you’ll see minor cosmetic marks where the seat rollers contact the surface. This doesn’t affect performance, but it’s easily avoidable with basic cleaning after workouts.

Warranty Coverage

The Wave comes with a 5-year warranty on the structural frame and a 12-month warranty on components, electronics, and labor. This matches the Arc and Origin.

Hydrow support has been responsive when issues arise. Most problems are resolved through troubleshooting guides or by sending replacement parts.

Who Should Buy the Hydrow Wave

After extensive testing, here’s who I think the Wave makes sense for:

Buy the Wave if:

• You want the full Hydrow experience at the lowest price point
• You’re primarily interested in rowing (not extensive off-rower workouts)
• You have limited space or need a rower that’s easy to move and store
• You live in an apartment and need quiet operation plus standard shipping
• You’re new to rowing and want to minimize initial investment
• You value practical portability and built-in vertical storage

Skip the Wave if:

• You plan to use a lot of off-rower content and need a rotating screen (get the Arc)
• You want the most advanced HydroMetrics analysis (get the Arc)
• You prefer a metal frame for the premium feel (get the Arc or Origin)
• You want a simple performance tool with no subscription (get the Concept2)

For most people, the Wave is the smartest choice. You get the core Hydrow experience (immersive content, smooth resistance, excellent coaching) for much less money than the Arc or Origin.

Final Verdict

The Hydrow Wave is the best value in the smart rowing machine category. Period.

At under $1,500, it delivers the same rowing performance as models costing $700-800 more. The electromagnetic resistance is smooth and responsive, the content library is massive and engaging, and the build quality is solid despite the polymer construction.

The compromises are minor. The 16-inch screen is good for rowing (though limiting for off-rower workouts), and the polymer frame feels less premium than metal (but performs just as well).

Over five years of ownership including the $44/month membership, the total cost approaches $4,140. That’s still expensive, but it’s $800-900 less than owning the Arc over the same period.

My recommendation? If you’re shopping for a Hydrow, start with the Wave. It’s the model I’d buy with my own money. Unless you specifically need the larger rotating screen or advanced HydroMetrics, there’s no reason to spend more.

The Wave proves that the smart choice isn’t always the most expensive one.

Rating: 4.5/5

The Wave loses half a star only because the screen doesn’t rotate (limiting off-rower workout visibility) and because the membership is still mandatory at $44/month. But for sheer value and rowing performance, it’s nearly flawless.

FAQ

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Final Thought: The Hydrow Wave delivers premium rowing performance at a mid-range price. If you’re choosing a Hydrow, this is where I’d spend my money.