First I'll start with you do NOT need the app OR the echelon fitness subscription to use this rower. In fact I never use the app and never subscribed to the fitness classes. The only functionality you lose is the ability to see what resistance you're at (instead just know it always starts at 1 and it's easy to just count the beeps as you increase so you know where you're at) and what your pace and stroke rate is. If you don't need that, don't worry about their app. If you are interested in pace, stroke rate, and resistance, the app itself with NO subscription WILL suffice.
Now that said, I really like this rower. It's almost silent, air resistance rowers are probably more realistic but I was worried about lots of noise spreading in my old building. This rower is silent on the flywheel, the only noise is from the movement of the seat and the foot holders squeaking a bit. It's very possible for someone to be rowing and someone else to be watching TV in the same room. It's very solid, not a lot of plastic, and feels great. Assembly was relatively straightforward and not difficult, though I would recommend having two people, it's definitely possible to assemble solo.
Circling back to the app, it's a little janky and overall I would rate it as poor. If you don't pay for the subscription the only thing you can do is a "free row" where it tracks your time and pace and the like. If you pay the $40/month you get some classes and the ability to row to a video of someone out on a river. The river rows are a nice background but really I'd rather just watch Netflix or something while I'm rowing instead. I found the classes to be alright, the music was not to my taste and overall production value was mid range at best. I didn't subscribe past the free trial. Now I use Apple Fitness for $8/month which I find much better or just watch Netflix on my iPad mounted to the rower.
I did a lot of research and for a beginning rower looking for a good home workout, high quality and not too expensive, I think this is the top pick. The ability to just mount a phone or tablet and put whatever you want on while you row is a step above most with built in screens only accessing their own app. Some will brick without internet or an app, this one works fine without either.
Overall highly recommend, all but the most serious rowers looking for a quiet machine won't be disappointed.
Update 1 year later:
Still love the rower. Would not buy the more expensive Rower S with built in screen. Original review was for their simpler Rower with no screen, just a phone/iPad mount. The machine is slightly louder now as the band moves in and out of what would be the flywheel on an air resistance rower. It's still much quieter than an air resistance rower, but louder than first purchase. This is after over a year of pretty heavy use so not terribly unexpected. If you can find it (looks like Amazon only selling the Rower S now) I'd still have to recommend this machine.
| Brand | Echelon |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Adjustable Resistance |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance Mechanism | Magnetic |
| Product Dimensions | 49.5"D x 17"W x 25"H |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 Pounds |
| Metrics Measured | Calories Burned |
| Model Name | Echelon Row S |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel |
| Item Weight | 123 Pounds |
| Tension Level | 32 Levels of Resistance |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Display Type | 22-inch HD Touchscreen |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00813061025840 |
| UPC | 813061025840 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 49 x 25 x 16.88 inches |
| Package Weight | 55.79 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 49.5 x 17 x 25 inches |
| Brand Name | Echelon |
| Warranty Description | Full warranty for 1 year from Echelon |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | Echelon |
| Style | Row S |
| Included Components | Rower |
| Sport Type | Rowing |
