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

Intro

The indoor fitness niche has seen an ever-increasing boom in popularity over recent years, with everything from stationary bikes and home gyms to fan bikes and rowers.

Today we take a detailed look at two of the leaders in the indoor rowing market; Hydrow and CITYROW. These two rowers offer exceptional features and quality, and what better way to get fit than from the comfort of your own home.

So let’s put these two top rowers head to head and see which one comes out on top. 

In A Hurry? Glimpse The Main Differences

When it comes to the design and style of these two rowers, they couldn’t be further apart. The Hydrow is modern, sleek, and looks like it came directly from a sci-fi movie, while the CITY ROW emphasizes function over design.

For what you get, the Hydrow is a bargain, and for a brand that’s known globally for its quality, tech, design, and manufacturing, the Hydrow rower is very inexpensive. You also get access to an extensive library of on-demand classes designed by some of the best fitness trainers in the world.

The CITYROW is a rower built on a water resistance platform, meaning instead of using the traditional magnetic or electronically controlled resistance systems, the CITYROW uses water. The user experience with this rower is incredibly realistic, and the sound of the water swirling around is practically mesmerizing.

Hydrow vs CITYROW Go Max Comparison Table 

Hydrow Detailed Review

Our Best Magnetic Rower

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.

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Without question, the Hydrow rower has become an industry leader in recent years, and its rise looks to continue.

The LCD screen has crystal clear quality, which helps to bring an unmatched level of authenticity to the workouts and all while in the safety of your own home. Authenticity and realism can’t be emphasized enough because it’s that realistic rowing experience that makes you come back for more and more. And we all know the more you train and enjoy training, the fitter you’ll become.

The live classes coupled with the interactive leaderboard and the unlimited number of on-demand workouts will keep your enjoyment levels high and your fitness levels even higher. The training programs are designed and delivered by world-class experts in the fields of sports science. Workouts are varied, and there are plenty of programs for all fitness levels.

Expect to pay for the monthly membership access, but in all honesty, the app, classes, and training programs are of such a high level the price is easily justified.  With access to leaderboards, on-demand, and live classes, you and your family can all enjoy the tremendous benefits the sport of rowing has to offer.

All in all, the Hydrow is so jam-packed with the latest technology and features that make the rowing experience realistic you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better machine out there. Hydrow is now one of the benchmarks for indoor rowers, a reputable brand that has grown in reputation over time.

CITYROW GO Detailed Review

CITYROW Max Rower

4.7

Features innovative water resistance technology and a built-in touchscreen with high fidelity speakers for a fully immersive workout.

Price & Reviews

The CITYROW group was founded in 2014 in New York and has since grown from a single fitness studio to more than 10 locations nationwide. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the company released its first home rowing machine, which launched the brand on a global scale.

Currently, the company has two rowers on offer; the CITYROW GO MAX and the Classic model. Priced at $1,945,00 and $1,245,00, respectively, there is quite a significant difference in price between the two models. That’s because the two models vary dramatically in the features and specs they have on offer. I like the drastic difference in models as it gives the user a clear option to consider when purchasing.

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CITYROW Classic Rower

4.6

A completely wireless workout. Features innovative water resistance technology. Pair your own device for an immersive at-home experience.

Price & Reviews

Another feature of the water rower is that it’s significantly quieter than other rowers in the same class, which means you won’t be distracting others at home while working out. The ergonomically designed frame and seat make it ideal for those wanting to work out for longer sessions, and the foam padding keeps your bum nice and comfortable.

Not only does the CITYROW look sleek and stylish, but the wood used to manufacture it is sourced sustainably, so you get to work out and keep the earth green; a win-win. The brand makes this rower hard to fault with a five-year warranty on the frame and three years for other componentry. 

The tablet also comes with a one-year warranty which helps give peace of mind to users during those first 12 months.

MAX Vs Classic Comparison Table

CITYROW MAX GO	CITYROW CLASSIC
Real live time data and metrics tracking	An attachment arm to hold mobile devices
19.5” dirt and sweat resistant touch screen	A cordless free rowing experience
Rotating screen providing various angles for viewing	The battery has an extended long life
Bluetooth connectivity makes for seamless connection and workouts	The Bluetooth monitor connects to the app for real-time data
Easily stores away by simply standing	As with the GO model, the classic stores easily by standing upright.

Detailed Comparison

Resistance 

The Hydrow rower uses an electronically controlled resistance system that provides for one of the smoothest, quietest, and most efficient training experiences out there. The changes in resistance can hardly be felt, and when it comes time to ramp up your intensity effort, the Hydrow does it with consummate ease.

The CITYROW rower combined with WaterRower in 2014 and developed a resistance system based on, that’s right, water. The resistance system is not a gimmick as the water provides infinite resistance only restricted by the users themselves. 

The sound of the water sloshing around can be mesmerizing, and the feel and sensation you get from the water are as close to the real things you’re going to get.

Workouts

It’s hard to fault either one of them when it comes to the sheer number and high quality of the workouts Hydrow and CITYROW offer.

Both offer live classes and have a massive library of on-demand classes with something for every fitness level. World-class coaches have designed the programs, and better than that, the classes are delivered by some of the very same coaches. You will never be left for variety with the training programs targeting all areas of the body, including upper and lower, strength and conditioning, and aerobic.

Although the apps require a monthly membership fee, it’s more than worth the money, and without access to the workouts, it isn’t very meaningful. 

Build Quality

When it comes to owning a water rower many people think the water will go green, but in fact, this is not the case at all, and by simply using a drop or tablet of chlorine, the water can stay fresh for months. Personally, I would change the water regularly to keep things nice and clean and the rower running as smooth as possible. 

The advantage of the water rower is two-fold; it’s simple to use; simply start rowing to create the resistance, and secondly, the sound and the feel the water produces is almost therapeutic and gives you the sensation of rowing outside. 

Price And Affordability

In terms of price and affordability, that comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking to get out of the machine; what’s affordable to me might not be affordable to someone else. 

There is not a substantial difference in price with a range of about $200, so it will differ for most people depending on what you want. Both rowers offer excellent warranty terms, and you can’t go wrong with two of the most reputable names in the indoor rowing niche.

Hydrow vs CITYROW vs Ergatta Rowers: How They Compare 

The Ergatta, Hydrow, and CITYROW rowers are all high-quality pieces of fitness equipment from three of the most reputable brands in the indoor rowing niche.

Related:
Hydrow vs Aviron – Comparison
Hydrow vs Concept2 – Comparison

Hydrow or CITYROW: Which Is Best For Me?

The answer to which rower is best for you, the Hydrow or the CITYROW, is complex but yet straightforward.

There is no “one” answer as most people will have vastly different reasons for looking to purchase any piece of indoor fitness equipment. It’s essential to take into consideration several other factors, all of which heavily influence the rower you are buying.

Factors such as budget, how much space you have, how often you plan on using the rower, will other people use it, what your goals are, and your current fitness levels all need to be considered. It’s only then should you look to seriously purchase a rower and put down a significant amount of cash.

But really, with these two rowers, you can’t really go wrong if you take your time to answer all the questions above. Both rowers offer superior workouts designed by top professionals. The build quality is second to none, meaning if looked after correctly, you should be rowing for many years to come.

The Hydrow is perfect for:

The CITYROW is perfect for:

F.A.Q.

Conclusion

It’s rare to review two pieces of indoor fitness equipment that can’t be faulted, but that’s exactly what we have done here.

So, if you’re looking for a rowing machine that’s affordable, durable, and equipped with the latest tech, you won’t go wrong with the Hydrow or CITYROW.