Hydrow Wave

Overview

The Hydrow Wave is the company's answer to the criticism that its flagship is too big and too expensive for the average home. It shrinks the chassis by about a third in weight and trims the screen to 16 inches, while keeping the same electromagnetic resistance and the same library of filmed on-water rows and studio classes. The smaller motor brake is still computer-controlled and adjusts as the instructor calls out efforts, and it stays impressively quiet, so a row early in the morning or late at night will not wake the household. The screen no longer swivels, which makes off-machine floor workouts slightly less convenient, but the trade-off buys a footprint and price that fit far more rooms. Like every Hydrow, the experience leans on a subscription, and without it the Wave does little beyond a basic just-row mode, so factor the recurring cost into the decision. The frame stores upright with the optional anchor and the lighter weight makes it genuinely easier to move than the Pro. For someone sold on guided rowing who wants the Hydrow ecosystem without the flagship outlay, the Wave is the sensible entry point.