Aviron vs. Hydrow Rower Comparison | Games or Classes?

Dimensions/Storability

The Aviron’s weight limit is larger at 507 lbs versus Hydrow’s 375 lb capacity. The Aviron is also longer at 97” compared to Hydrow, which is 86” long.

The Aviron weighs only 114 lbs, while the Hydrow weighs 145 lbs. This doesn’t influence how each rower feels when you’re using them, but it does affect how easily they can be moved. The Aviron stands upright for storage and has transport wheels for easy relocation.

The Hydrow is a bit harder to maneuver around, but it has a really hearty feel.

The Hydrow can only be stored upright when you purchase the storage kit, which is sold separately. To move the Hydrow, you have to lift the back end to engage the wheels. Even though it can be stored upright, it won’t work if you don’t have the proper ceiling height. And not all users will be able to store it this way because it might be too heavy for some.

Aviron

• Footprint: 84″ L x 27″ W x 48″ H
• Pedals: 11” L
• Pedal Width Adjustment: 17″ (Widest) 13″ (Narrowest)
• Monorail: 47” L x 10” H
• Seat: 15” W x 10” D x 20” H
• Belt Drive: 30” from where the belt appears from the flywheel

Hydrow

• Footprint: 86″ L x 25″ W x 47″ H
• Stored Upright: 33” D x 25” W x 86” H
• Pedals: 12” L
• Monorail: 41” L x 14” H
• Seat: 12” W x 9” D x 16” H
• Belt Drive: 27” from where the belt appears from the flywheel

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The content is the determining factor that makes these rowers stand out and differ from each other. A quick overview is that the Hydrow offers top-notch trainer-led content, while the Aviron offers some trainer-led workouts plus video games, competitions, streaming apps, and more.

Aviron Content

The Aviron has probably the most extensive variety of content we’ve seen on a rower. Most notably, Aviron offers a huge selection of video games, which makes using Aviron fun. They have a lot of games to choose from. Some allow you to compete against friends and other members, while others are designed to be a well-rounded workout.

Row through virtual worlds, earning points and avoiding death!

These unique, engaging, and impressive games barely scratch the surface of all that Aviron has to offer. We love that you can stream from preloaded apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. All you need to do is log into the respective account and watch while you row.

For competitive people, the Aviron has racing games and a feature where you can see how your rowing stacks up against professional rowers and athletes. Yes, it’s intimidating, and yes, it is very motivating!

For beginners, and even just those who want a bit of guidance or to check in with their posture, the guided workouts are a good option, and we’re glad Aviron includes them.

The games and streaming are fun, but you can get hurt without proper form and guidance. Aviron has on-demand workouts that are available with and without an instructor. The video workouts feature guided training from Austin at Training Tall. He has a fun, engaging personality and offers form correction and motivation.

We were pleasantly surprised with these guided workouts available on and off the rower for more well-rounded training. However, these classes don’t compare to the quality of Hydrow’s trainer-led classes.

Last, Aviron lets you explore outdoor locations. These are okay. The videos aren’t exactly crisp, but they’re a nice option that might potentially get an upgrade at some point since Aviron regularly updates the software. Aviron has a leaderboard and connectivity with other members and friends who have an Aviron.

Hydrow Content

Although the Hydrow doesn’t offer as much variety with its content, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a large library of classes. There are over 3,000 workouts to choose from, and new classes are added all the time. The classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who guide you through workouts while rowing outside. There are live and on-demand classes.

The quality of Hydrow’s content is really unmatched.

Classes are filmed in water locations all over the world. The graphics are crisp, and the experience is immersive when rowing on the Hydrow. We like that the camera captures multiple angles of the instructor instead of just their feet as they row. The camera also pans to show the surroundings so you can enjoy more of the scenery.

In addition to rowing classes, Hydrow offers multiple series of classes to be taken over a few weeks or months, as well as training off the rower so you can incorporate strength training, yoga, and pilates into your routine.

You can also explore on your own by rowing virtually through remote areas in the Journey feature. This feature lets you work out without an instructor so you can go at your own pace. You can connect and compete against other members on the leaderboard as well.

Rowing athletes made Hydrow, and when you take the classes, you know you’re getting world-class training. The content is excellent for rowers of all levels, and their library of classes has something for everyone.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Console

Both of these rowers have large 22” touch screens attached. This is where the majority of the functionality of each rower is. The magnetic resistance is adjusted on the screen, and your metrics, content, and resistance level are displayed on the screen, too. Now, let’s take a closer look at each console.

The 22” screen can be adjusted for better visibility. Navigating the content is easy because everything is labeled with titles and images. A search bar with filters helps you narrow your search for specific games and workouts.

There are also buttons below, on the top, and on the side of the screen. You can go back in the menu, adjust the volume, turn the screen on and off, and adjust the resistance.

The speakers go up pretty loud but are mounted on the back of the screen, so the sound projects away from you. I did notice that if I’m watching a movie or show, it can be harder to hear over the sound of the rower while rowing. I have to turn the volume up almost all the way to hear some dialogue more clearly. We would like to see the speakers mounted on the front.

Every series of classes has a focus, so you can work on improving specific aspects of your fitness with each class.

This touchscreen can be pivoted 25 degrees to each side for use off the rower and angled up and down. We appreciate how the screen clearly displays the classes. Navigating Hydrow’s library of classes is straightforward, with a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. You can scroll through classes and use the filters to find what you want. You can highlight classes you like with a star to take later.

During class, you can see your workout metrics and adjust the drag factor of the resistance on the screen. We appreciate the front-facing speakers on the Hydrow. The sound projects toward you rather than away like on the Aviron. You can also adjust the volume of the trainer’s voice or music to mute one or the other or balance them both. The volume goes plenty loud, too.

Build Quality

The Aviron and Hydrow have completely different looks. The Hydrow is sleeker and resembles a rowing shell on the water. The Aviron, on the other hand, has a new design that we haven’t seen on other rowers. Even though they look so different, we are impressed with both constructions. They feel stable and can comfortably fit all our reviewers, who range from 5’0 to 6’5”.

Aviron Vs Hydrow Frame

Both rowers have a sturdy monorail design that is smooth and stable to support rowers of most sizes.

The Aviron is made of steel and aluminum and is significantly lighter than the Hydrow.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Footboard & Pedals

The pedals on both of these rowers are nicely spaced apart. Other rowers, such as the Ergatta, have pedals that are very close together, which can make larger users feel a little cramped. All our reviewers are comfortable using the pedals on the Aviron and Hydrow.

The Aviron Strong’s pedal spacing can be adjusted wider or narrower.

The pedals adjust easily on the Hydrow and they accommodate any athletic shoe like the Aviron.

When measured, the footboards on the Aviron are slightly longer, but both can accommodate most athletic shoe sizes. The pedals adjust similarly on each rower, and they allow for some flexion when you’re in the catch. The straps on either aren’t my favorite because I prefer Velcro, but they’re easy enough to tighten and loosen.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Handle

We like the handle on both the Aviron and the Hydrow. They are round and fit well in your hands. The Aviron’s can be rotated to help keep your hands and wrists in proper form, while the Hydrow’s is ergonomically angled. Both are comfortable and wide enough for all of our reviewers. We wish they both included vents or a cut-out for single-armed rowing, though.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Seat

The Aviron’s seat has a lot of cut-outs and a different design than what we’ve seen on other rowers, but the cushioning isn’t as forgiving as the Hydrow.

I don’t get any discomfort from using either seat and most users should find either seat to be sufficient. Most users should feel plenty supported by each seat as they are wide, sturdy, and smooth when gliding over the rails.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Flywheel

The flywheels on these rowers are a little different. The flywheel on the Hydrow is built into the body, while the Aviron has a fan attached.

They both use belt drives. This is much quieter than chains, which can be found on air rowers like the Concept2 and AssaultRower Elite. The Hydrow’s belt feels a bit tighter and encourages you into the recovery position a bit more than the Aviron. They each create smooth, consistent strokes, though.

The flywheels on the Aviron and the Hydrow do make some noise when you’re rowing. The Aviron sounds more like a fan, while the Hydrow makes more of a whirring sound. Neither rower’s noise output is excessive, but if noise is an issue, this is something to consider.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Resistance

The Hydrow uses magnetic resistance, which is adjustable on the screen. Magnetic resistance is measurable, so you can see how much resistance you have on the screen. Instead of just levels, though, Hydrow uses a drag factor, which signifies how much tension there is when you’re rowing. The default setting is 104, but it can be adjusted up or down.

The resistance on the Hydrow feels very smooth.

The Aviron Strong is a hybrid rowing machine using magnetic and air resistance. Air resistance is known for providing unlimited tension to pull against because the harder your row the more air enters into the flywheel to give more resistance. You can adjust the magnetic resistance on the screen up to level 16. Both rowers provide plenty of tension for users to row against.

Warranty

Aviron and Hydrow offer fairly standard warranties for their rowers. Hydrow offers 5 years for the frame and storage kit and one year for components, the screen, other electronics, and labor. Aviron is a little more extensive, with a 10-year warranty for the frame and a 1-year warranty for parts.

We recommend two people for a smoother assembly process, but one person can assemble the Aviron pretty easily, considering it is lightweight. The Hydrow offers in-home delivery and assembly, which we highly suggest getting. The Hydrow is large and heavy, and it’s always helpful when a brand offers assembly.

Should You Buy The Aviron or Hydrow Rowing Machine?

The big difference between these two rowers is the experience. Rowing is an intense workout that sometimes requires extra motivation. That’s where the 22” touchscreen and subscription content come in. If you’re looking for a rower just to track your workout metrics, I recommend checking out rowers like the Concept2 or AssaultRower Elite.

For engaging content, the Aviron and the Hydrow are excellent choices. It just depends on what kind of content you’re looking for. Hydrow excels in trainer-led outdoor rowing classes and training off the rower. It’s considered the Peloton of rowing machines, and for good reason. The Aviron offers trainer-led and gamified content.

So, if you love following along with an instructor, check out the Hydrow. But if you want more options, like games and even streaming from popular apps like Hulu and Netflix, then the Aviron is for you. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with either rower.

Aviron vs. Hydrow Q&A / FAQ

Can I watch Netflix on an Aviron rower?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on an Aviron rower. You just need an Aviron and Netflix membership.

Who are the competitors of Aviron?

Ergatta is Aviron’s top competitor for a rowing machine with gaming content. The Hydrow, NordicTrack, and ProForm rowing machines are other magnetic rowing machine options.

Does Aviron work without a membership?

Yes, you can use the Aviron without a membership. It will show your metrics, adjust resistance, and allow you to add and follow friends.

Can I watch Netflix on a Hydrow rower?

No, you cannot watch Netflix on the Hydrow Rower.

Does Hydrow work without a membership?

Yes, you can use the Hydrow rower in ‘Just Row’ mode. However, Hydrow strongly recommends subscribing for all the rower’s features.