Smart rowing machines have become one of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment, and two brands dominate the conversation: Hydrow and Aviron. Both offer connected rowing experiences with large screens, subscription-based content, and full-body workouts that combine cardio and strength training. However, the experience they deliver — and the type of user they appeal to — is very different.
If you’re researching Hydrow vs Aviron, this detailed comparison breaks down everything you need to know, including resistance type, workout content, build quality, noise level, storage, pricing, subscriptions, and who each rower is best suited for.
By the end of this guide, you should have a clear answer on which rowing machine fits your fitness goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Overview: Hydrow vs Aviron at a Glance
Hydrow and Aviron both fall into the “premium connected rower” category, but their philosophies are nearly opposite.
Hydrow is built around immersive, instructor-led training designed to replicate the feeling of rowing on real water. Aviron focuses on gamification, competition, and entertainment, making workouts feel more like interactive challenges than traditional fitness classes.
Both machines deliver excellent workouts. The difference lies in how you’re motivated to keep rowing.
Hydrow Rowing Machines: Brand Philosophy and Experience
Hydrow markets itself as a premium rowing experience designed for people who want structure, coaching, and realism. Workouts are filmed outdoors on real rivers, lakes, and coastlines around the world, led by professional athletes and elite rowing coaches.
Rather than placing you in a virtual studio, Hydrow places you “on the water.” The experience is calm, immersive, and focused on proper rowing technique.
Key Features of Hydrow Rowers
Hydrow machines use electromagnetic resistance, which provides a smooth and consistent stroke throughout the movement. This type of resistance is widely considered one of the closest simulations of real water rowing.
Hydrow rowers are also known for:
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Quiet operation, making them ideal for apartments or shared living spaces
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Heavy, solid construction with a premium feel
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Large HD touchscreen for immersive workouts
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Automatic resistance adjustments during classes
Hydrow currently offers several models, including the Hydrow Arc, Hydrow Wave, and the original Hydrow Rower, each targeting slightly different space and budget needs.
Aviron Rowing Machines: Brand Philosophy and Experience
Aviron takes a more playful, interactive approach to fitness. Instead of focusing primarily on instructor-led classes, Aviron emphasizes games, races, competitions, and challenges.
The goal is to make workouts feel less like workouts and more like engaging experiences that keep users coming back for fun rather than discipline.
Aviron’s interface resembles a fitness gaming console, with colorful visuals, leaderboards, and competitive elements designed to drive motivation.
Key Features of Aviron Rowers
Aviron rowers use a dual resistance system combining air resistance with magnetic resistance. This creates a powerful, dynamic rowing feel that increases in difficulty as you pull harder.
Notable Aviron features include:
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High maximum user weight capacity
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Loud, powerful resistance feel similar to traditional air rowers
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Built-in games, races, and competitive modes
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Upright storage without additional accessories
Aviron offers multiple models, including the Strong Series and the StrongGo, with pricing options that make the platform more accessible than some premium competitors.
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic vs Air + Magnetic
One of the most important differences between Hydrow and Aviron is the resistance system, as it directly affects rowing feel, noise level, and workout style.
Hydrow Resistance System
Hydrow’s electromagnetic resistance is smooth, consistent, and extremely quiet. Resistance does not rely on a spinning fan, so there’s no loud airflow noise during intense rowing sessions.
Many experienced rowers appreciate how controlled and fluid the Hydrow stroke feels, especially for longer endurance workouts and technique-focused training.
Because resistance can be adjusted digitally, Hydrow classes often change resistance automatically, allowing you to focus on form rather than settings.
Aviron Resistance System
Aviron combines air resistance with magnetic resistance. The air component increases resistance the harder you row, which many users find motivating for power training and sprint intervals.
The downside is noise. Like traditional air rowers, Aviron machines produce noticeable sound during hard efforts, which may be a concern for apartment dwellers or early-morning workouts.
The upside is intensity. Aviron rowers feel powerful and demanding, especially for users who want to push maximum output.
Workout Content and Training Style
Hydrow Workout Content
Hydrow’s content library focuses on coaching, progression, and immersion. Workouts are led by elite instructors who provide constant cues on form, pacing, breathing, and technique.
Classes include:
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Beginner rowing fundamentals
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Endurance and steady-state rows
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High-intensity interval training
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Power and sprint sessions
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Strength training, Pilates, yoga, and mobility workouts
Hydrow also offers structured programs that guide users through multi-week training plans, making it easy to follow a long-term fitness path.
Hydrow’s scenic filming locations are a major highlight. Instead of staring at a digital avatar, you row through real waterways, which many users find calming and motivating.
Aviron Workout Content
Aviron’s content is designed to keep workouts engaging through variety and competition. Rather than traditional classes, users can choose from:
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Interactive rowing games
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Virtual races against others
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Competitive challenges
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Scenic rows with performance targets
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Strength-based workouts
Some Aviron workouts include coaching, but instruction is not the primary focus. Instead, motivation comes from trying to beat scores, climb leaderboards, or complete challenges.
This approach works especially well for users who struggle with consistency or get bored with repetitive workouts.
Build Quality and Durability
Both Hydrow and Aviron produce high-quality machines, but they prioritize different aspects of construction.
Hydrow Build Quality
Hydrow machines are heavy and solid, designed to feel stable even during intense workouts. The frame materials and finish reflect a premium product, and the machines feel planted during use.
Hydrow’s weight contributes to stability but also makes the machines more difficult to move unless stored upright.
Aviron Build Quality
Aviron machines are also well-built but emphasize capacity and versatility. One standout advantage is the significantly higher maximum user weight capacity, making Aviron a strong option for larger athletes or households with multiple users.
Aviron machines feel sturdy and durable, though slightly less refined than Hydrow in terms of finish and overall polish.
Noise Level Comparison
Noise can be a deciding factor for many buyers.
Hydrow machines are among the quietest connected rowers available, thanks to electromagnetic resistance. You’ll primarily hear the sound of the seat rolling and the handle movement.
Aviron machines are noticeably louder due to air resistance. The sound is similar to rowing machines commonly found in gyms and CrossFit facilities.
If quiet operation is important, Hydrow has a clear advantage.
Storage and Space Requirements
Both Hydrow and Aviron rowers are large machines, but they offer vertical storage options.
Hydrow rowers can be stored upright, though some models require a separate vertical storage kit, which adds cost.
Aviron rowers are designed to store upright without additional accessories, making them slightly more convenient for smaller spaces.
If storage simplicity matters, Aviron has a small edge.
Subscription Costs and Ongoing Fees
Both Hydrow and Aviron require a monthly subscription to access their full content libraries.
Hydrow Membership
Hydrow’s subscription unlocks all rowing classes, programs, and off-rower workouts. The content is tightly integrated with the machine, and the experience feels polished and premium.
Hydrow memberships are priced in the higher range of connected fitness subscriptions.
Aviron Membership
Aviron’s subscription provides access to games, races, challenges, and performance tracking. The platform is flexible and constantly updated with new content.
Aviron subscriptions are generally competitive with other connected fitness platforms and may feel like a better value for users who want entertainment-driven workouts.
Who Should Choose Hydrow?
Hydrow is best suited for:
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Users who value coaching and technique
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People who want quiet, immersive workouts
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Those who enjoy scenic training environments
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Rowers focused on endurance, form, and progression
If you’re the type of person who likes structured programs and instructor guidance, Hydrow delivers one of the most refined rowing experiences available.
Who Should Choose Aviron?
Aviron is best suited for:
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Users who enjoy competition and gamification
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People who get bored with traditional workouts
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Athletes who want powerful resistance and high intensity
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Households with multiple users and varied fitness levels
If motivation is your biggest challenge, Aviron’s interactive approach can make consistency much easier.
Hydrow vs Aviron: Final Verdict
There is no single “better” rowing machine between Hydrow and Aviron. The right choice depends entirely on how you prefer to train and what keeps you engaged long-term.
Hydrow excels at delivering a premium, coach-led rowing experience that emphasizes realism, technique, and immersion. It’s quiet, smooth, and ideal for users who treat rowing as a serious training discipline.
Aviron excels at making workouts fun, competitive, and interactive. It’s louder, more intense, and perfect for users who thrive on challenges, games, and performance tracking.
If you want rowing to feel like a guided on-water experience, choose Hydrow.
If you want rowing to feel like an engaging, competitive game, choose Aviron.
Both are excellent machines. The best investment is the one you’ll actually use consistently.