Hydrow vs Aviron: Which Smart Rower Is The Best For You?

Intro

The rower has risen in popularity and is now firmly on the same level as the indoor bike regarding the latest in-home gym technology and equipment.

Today we’ll compare two of the best indoor rowers on the market, the Hydrow and the Aviron. I’ll detail these top-of-the-line rowers’ pros, cons, and features and provide sound advice, feedback, and recommendation.

Let’s get rowing

In A Hurry? Compare These Two Rowers Before Buying 

Before making any significant purchase, you want to know what you’re getting with each of these impressive rowers and trust me; you’re going to get a lot. The Aviron and Hydrow indoors rowers are jam-packed with the latest features such as touch screen technology, magnetic resistance systems, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Aviron Impact and Tough models are priced slightly above the Hydrow, but that being said, the Aviron has an extremely well-built frame and can handle a maximum weight of up to 507lbs, which is quite impressive.

The Hydrow is priced very reasonably for an indoor rower of its quality, and the reputation of this indoor fitness equipment manufacturer is second to none. Live classes are available, which is the main difference between the Aviron Impact and Tough models.

Hydrow vs. Aviron Comparison Table

Hydrow Detailed Review 

Best Magnetic Pick

Hydrow Connected Rowing Machine

4.8

The Hydrow combines the design with innovative technology. Its electromagnetic, computer-controlled drag system creates the ultra-smooth feel of being on the water. Comes with Live and on-demand workouts.

Holidays Sale: Get -$300 OFF!

Price & Reviews Check Holiday Sale

The Hydrow is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new pieces of indoor fitness equipment to hit the market in recent years. 

First off, the remarkable views and the crystal clear LCD screen bring a realistic experience to your workouts that is unparalleled. Imagine rowing through a secluded lake with no one around, the birds chirping, and a gentle breeze flowing; well, that is precisely what you get with this rower.

You can join an interactive leaderboard, and best of all is access to the live classes designed and delivered by some of the best coaches in the world. Workouts are specific and target areas like cardiovascular and strength and conditioning. You have the option of joining a race and blowing your competition out of the water or simply row by yourself if you’re looking for a more chilled workout.

The monthly membership, while a little pricey, is excellent value. By simply signing up and paying the monthly fee, you get access to all the live classes, on-demand workouts, leaderboards, and much more. The best part is inviting your friends or family to sign up on your account. They, too, can benefit from all the Hydrow has to offer by getting fit and having fun at the same time.

Overall it’s tough to fault the Hydrow Rower. The rower comes jam-packed with features that you’d expect on a rower priced much higher. The access to live classes and some of the best coaches and trainers in the world is worth the money alone.

Aviron Detailed Review

$200 OFF your first Aviron purchase

Aviron Impact Interactive Rower

4.7

Lightweight with patented folding technology. Designed with a comfortable 20" seat height. No need to crouch to get on & no struggle to dismount after a workout.

Price & Reviews Get $200 OFF

$200 OFF your first Aviron purchase

Aviron Tough Interactive Rower

4.8

Built tough with a 507 lb. weight limit & premium features. The seat is equipped with commercial-grade bearings & double-width rollers to increase machine longevity.

Price & Reviews Get -$200 OFF

The Aviron brand has become one of the most recognizable and reputable indoor rower manufacturers globally. The build quality, design, engineering, and software are at the very highest levels of the indoor fitness market.

Aviron currently sells two rowers, the Aviron Impact and the Aviron Tough prices respectively at $2,199,00 and $2,499,00. Now while these prices may seem relatively high, once you understand all the latest features, gadgets, and tech that comes with it, you’ll be singing its praises.

The Aviron Impact and Tough models are superior rowing machines that offer the user a full-body workout front the comfort of their own home. Rowing is an excellent activity primarily because it’s classified as a “low-impact” exercise, meaning that your body doesn’t suffer from the injuries it usually would when running or performing CrossFit.

With 16 levels of electronically controlled magnetic resistance, the rower offers smooth resistance delivered by air systems, and it almost directly mimics the feel of rowing out on the open water. 

The rower is designed and engineered with quality and durability in mind, with high-strength steel and aluminum construction. These rowers are robust and durable, particularly the Tough Model, which can handle up to 507lbs of weight.

Main Differences Between The Aviron Impact And Tough

Detailed Comparison

Let’s take a detailed look at how the Aviron Rower and the Hydrow Rower stack up against each other in some key areas; first up, the resistance system.

Resistance System

If you have a home gym or fitness equipment at your office, you are well aware that most machines like bikes, air bikes, and weights can make a lot of noise, making it not so pleasant for your partner or your work colleagues.

The Aviron and the Hydrow utilize the latest resistance technology by employing the magnetic electronically controlled system. The significant advantage of these resistance systems is that they are incredibly smooth and, more importantly, quiet. The Hydrow has a dynamic and responsive computer-controlled resistance that provides a smooth feel while offering a challenging workout.

On the other hand, both the Aviron Impact and the Tough models use the constant resistance produced by the air system to simulate rowing on the water. The magnetic system makes efficient torque support perfect for strength training and cardiovascular workouts.

App

The Hydrow app is a state-of-the-art interactive fitness platform that offers a wide variety of challenging workouts. At the cost of $38 per month, the app is something you should consider, especially if you’re looking to work out quite a bit.

The Aviron app will set you back $29 a month, and similar to the Hydrow, the workouts are designed and delivered by world-class coaches and fitness trainers to help you level up your strength and cardio fitness.

Construction Quality

The Hydrow and the Aviron are built to the highest standard levels using high-grade materials that are robust, durable, lightweight, and affordable. The Aviron has a maximum weight capacity of an impressive 507lbs while the Hydrow can handle up to 375lbs, a remarkable engineering achievement.

The Hydrow also uses an aluminum steel frame with an anthracite polymer covering, while the Aviron is not to be outdone with FCC, CE & IC

Accreditation ensures quality, safety, and peace of mind in its construction quality.

Tech 

The Aviron and the Hydrow utilize the latest technology combining modernity with simplicity. Both rowers have BlueTooth connectivity, and the Hydrow has a fantastic 22″ touchscreen with impressive front-facing speakers that turn your living room into an entertainment hub.

The engineers at Hydrow have patented a technology they call the “Drag Mechanism.” Electronically controlled, the unique elements mimic the feel of rowing in the water,

Designed with state-of-the-art air and magnetic resistance systems, it’s hard to go past the Aviron for the pure thrill and reality it brings to the workouts. Aviron offers full-body workouts, on-demand classes, and a patented “Auto Resistance” technology that automatically changes the resistance to keep you working at your optimal levels.

Classes 

The workouts for both these rowers have been developed with the highest intention of maintaining and directing the focus to the user. The Aviron rower offers the user seven different workout plans: virtual, performance, games, pros vs. joes, guided programs, competition, and power play. 

The virtual programs take you through spectacular scenery, while the pros vs. joes concept give users the chance to compete against world-class professional and Olympic athletes. My favorite, though, is the “competition mode” that lets you race against other competitors for the chance of bragging rights.

The team at Hydrow has hit a home run with their interactive performance-focused training programs designed to improve your level of fitness while having fun. They offer live workouts, on-demand journeys, and even an on-the-mat workout for those passionate about yoga. 

The Hydrow does an incredible job combining strength and conditioning while still focusing on beefing up your cardio fitness. 

Price And Affordability

Ther Aviron and the Hydrow are both priced at the higher end of the indoor fitness equipment range but considering that both rowers are loaded with innovative and interactive features, the price is worth it.

The Hydrow is priced at $1,795,00 while the Aviron Impact and Tough are priced respectively at $2,199,00 and $2,499,00.

Although the initial outlay seems quite a lot when you consider what you get and the high quality of the rowers themselves, the price is very affordable, and both rowers will last for years.

Other Alternatives? How Do They Compare To Hydrow & Aviron 

Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta Rower is a classically designed rower that is one of the most eye-pleasing pieces of fitness equipment on the market today. With a weight capacity of over 500lbs, the rower is solid and provides the user with confidence and peace of mind when rowing strenuously.

If you’re a person who likes to work out and do things your way, then the Ergatta Rower is right up your alley. Compared to the Hydrow and the Aviron rowers, the Ergatta is a bit more clunky and offers more of an old-school feel than the smoother, quieter experience of the Aviron and Hydrow.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

Runner-Up

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

4.8

With the RW900’s Rotating Smart HD Touchscreen, you can take part in immersive workouts, then hop off your rower for a strength training session or yoga in beautiful locales. Stream live & on-demand workouts on iFIT.

Amazon Reviews Check Price

Priced at $1,599,00, you almost can’t go wrong with the RW900 rower from one of the most reputable names in the indoor fitness industry.

The RW900 NordicTrack rower is simply a fantastic machine that offers on-demand and live workouts that have been designed by top coaches and are focused on getting the best out of yourself in an interactive and fun way.

The Hydrow and Aviron brands are focused solely on making great rowers, while NordicTrack focuses on a wide range of indoor fitness equipment such as bikes and treadmills. 

Concept2 Rower

Best Air Pick

Concept2 RowErg (Known as Model D)

4.9

The best-selling rowing machine in the world for over 40 years. Used by elite athletes for competitive training, the versatile Model D fits in as well in fitness facilities and home gyms as it does in boathouses around the world.

Amazon Reviews Buy from Concept2

The Concept2 rower comes in priced at the lower range and offers those new to the sport an affordable but durable indoor rower. Priced at $900, the Concept2 is more than $1000 cheaper than both the Aviron Tough, Impact, and the Hydrow.

But as everyone knows. You get what you pay for, and with Concept2, you miss out on a lot of technology that the Aviron and Hydrow offer. For example, there are no 22″ touch screen monitors or BlueTooth speakers. However, the Concept is a solid rower and perfect for those dipping their toes into the home gym scene.

Related:
Hydrow vs Concept2 Rowerg

LIT Strength Training Machine

If you’re looking for more than just an indoor rower, then the LIT Strength Training Machine is going to be for you. This machine does everything and allows you to perform exercises such as rowing, pilates, cardio, and strength training, and a total of 500 low-impact exercises.

It’s hard to make a direct comparison here between the Aviron and the Hydro as they are stand-alone rowers. The LIT Strength Training Machine is perfect for those looking for a total body workout, including pilates and stretching routines that provide a holistic training strategy.

Peloton Smart Bike 

The Peloton Smart bike is probably the most recognizable in the indoor fitness niche, and with good reason. Peloton is known for its state-of-the-art interactive workouts and live classes, which give the user a fun and friendly experience.

The bike and the rower are two different pieces of equipment, so it will determine the piece of equipment you choose depending on your goals. It would be great to have both in an ideal world, but unfortunately, that’s probably out of most people’s budgets. 

So choose carefully and consider all factors before burning a big fat hole in your wallet.

Related:
Hydrow vs CITYROW: Detailed Comparison

Hydrow Or Aviron: Which One Is For Me? 

When it comes time to choose which rower is right for you, it all comes to personal preference, but there are factors that everyone should consider.

The main difference between rowers and other indoor equipment like fitness bikes is that the rower takes up a lot more space. Because of this, you need to make sure that you have ample room to fit the rower and work out safely. 

Apart from that, all the typical factors you’d consider when buying an indoor bike also apply to an indoor rower. How much space do you have? How often do you plan on using the rower, will others use the rower, how much is your budget, and what are your fitness goals.

Take your time when considering these factors; When spending thousands of dollars on indoor gym equipment, you want to make sure you select the right rower for you.

The Hydrow is perfect for:

The Aviron is perfect for:

FAQ 

Conclusion

You really can’t go wrong with either of the rowers we’ve reviewed today; both the Aviron and the Hydrow are excellent rowers that will help you on your way to achieving your fitness goals.

Related:
Hydrow vs CITYROW Comparison