Hydrow
Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro)
$2195
Released 2020
Best Rowing Machines · head-to-head
Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) vs Aviron Strong Series
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aviron Strong Series is cheaper at $1999. Every spec and price links to its source.
Aviron
Aviron Strong Series
$1999Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) or Aviron Strong Series?
They split the 2 specs we compare evenly. The Aviron Strong Series is the cheaper at $1999.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) | Aviron Strong Series |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $2195 | $1999 |
| Brand | Hydrow | Aviron |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Resistance type | magnetic | hybrid |
| Max user weight (lb) | 375 | 507 |
| Footprint (in) | 86 x 25 | 84 x 27 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Monitor or touchscreen | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen |
| Subscription required | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 145 | 114 |
| Release year | 2020 | 2022 |
Sources — Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro): hydrow.com (verified 2026-06-15). Aviron Strong Series: avironactive.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) and Aviron Strong Series?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Resistance type: Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) magnetic vs Aviron Strong Series hybrid
- Max user weight (lb): Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) 375 vs Aviron Strong Series 507
- Footprint (in): Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) 86 x 25 vs Aviron Strong Series 84 x 27
- Weight (lb): Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro) 145 vs Aviron Strong Series 114
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Hydrow Origin (formerly Hydrow Pro)
Four whitelisted outlets hands-on tested this exact flagship (the original Hydrow, now sold as Hydrow Pro/Origin): Garage Gym Reviews, BarBend, TechRadar and Reviewed. All four praise the near-silent electromagnetic resistance and the immersive scenic on-water classes with pro coaching; all four flag the steep ~$2,195 price plus a required monthly subscription. None published lab-measured numbers. (4 sourced reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
Praised: Near-silent electromagnetic/magnetic resistance, quiet enough to work out without disturbing others; Immersive scenic on-water classes with strong instructor/pro coaching; Smooth, natural stroke that feels close to rowing on real water.
Flagged: Expensive (~$2,195) relative to typical $1,000-$1,600 rowers; Full features require an ongoing monthly subscription; drops to basic 'Just Row' mode without it; Large footprint and heavy (~145 lbs), not easy to move.
Aviron Strong Series
Two whitelisted hands-on testers — Garage Gym Reviews and BarBend — both recommend the Aviron Strong Series Rower, praising its gamified 500-plus-workout platform, sturdy 507-lb-capacity build, and heavy adjustable dual air/magnetic resistance for strength work. Both flag the roughly $2,500 machine price plus the subscription needed for full functionality. Neither published lab-measured performance numbers. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Gamified platform with 500-plus workouts across 8 categories keeps training varied and fun; Sturdy, stable build with a class-leading 507-lb weight capacity; Heavy adjustable dual air/magnetic resistance (levels 11-16) doubles as strength work.
Flagged: Expensive at roughly $2,500 for the machine, plus a subscription needed for full functionality; Louder than typical magnetic rowers; Shorter rail length may feel constricting for some.