The Best Rowing Machines for Fun, Efficient Exercising at Home

At-home fitness doesn’t need to be an upstream battle. Rowing machines can offer quick, low-impact workouts that are easy to approach and downright fun to complete. Indoor rowing has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years, so it makes sense that a number of brands have begun to offer quality equipment to match athlete needs. Even a certain at-home fitness staple now offers a rowing machine, proving the discipline’s popularity as a go-to full-body workout.

But while the market is aplenty with viable options, deciding on a singular silhouette can take some doing. After all, rowing machines aren’t the smallest (or cheapest) pieces of fitness equipment, and you want to ensure your setup is prime for delivering those desirable cardio and strength benefits. Thankfully, we’ve logged the miles for you to keep your perfect home gym dreams afloat.

How We Tested

Gear Patrol

We offered up our basements, living rooms and training spaces to get a feel for some of the best rowers on the market today. We’ve been logging our daily sessions atop these vessels, highlighting key features like workout engagement, ease of use and in-workout comfort. Additionally, we took notice of how much space these home rowing machines took up in our pads, seeing if they were a worthwhile addition or a new hurdle to navigate when stepping through a room. Bonus points were also awarded for quality of build and overall aesthetics. (would you want to work out on an ugly piece of equipment?)

Think you’re ready to set sail with this popular training discipline? Let’s get started.

The Best Rowing Machines

Aviron Strong Series Rower

Aviron

BEST OVERALL ROWING MACHINE

Aviron Strong Series Rower

• $2,299.00 at avironactive.com

• Dimensions: 83.5” L x 27” W x 48” H
• Weight: 114 lbs.
• Resistance System: Dual air and magnetic resistance system

Want to have the feeling of a fun arcade game while also melting away those calories? The Aviron Strong Series Rower brings the fun back to fitness thanks to the brand’s wide array of gamified modalities. Our tester thoroughly enjoyed the arcade-style workouts, as they put more emphasis on managing paces and outputs that wouldn’t have been thought of with other regimens.

Ben Emminger

The Strong Series Rower is also relatively compact at just 83.5 inches long, but earns bonus points for its ability to be stored upright without any additional hardware. While we’d recommend breaking out the home toolkit to make initial setup an easier experience, once built, the plethora of gaming and streaming opportunities will make you find any excuse to get a quick circuit in.

Hydrow Rower

Hydrow

BEST UPGRADE ROWING MACHINE

Hydrow Rower

• $2,495.00 at hydrow.com

• Dimensions: 86” L x 25” W x 47” H
• Weight: 145 lbs.
• Resistance System: Computer-controlled electromagnetic drag system

This luxe piece of home fitness equipment has been a top-performing behemoth for quite some time, and for good reason. The sleek profile and buttery smooth rail system creates an exceptional training experience that’s ideal for beginners and veterans, alike. Hydrow even includes tutorials on how to row properly at the device’s initial startup, so you’re able to master the craft from the first workout.

To get the true Hydrow experience, though, you need to log into the brand’s membership service. One subscription to Hydrow’s All-Access Membership can be used for unlimited profiles, unlocking over 4,000 live and on-demand classes and workouts to get your training in flow. All this premium performance does come at a hefty price, however, but in this instance, you get what you pay for.

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515

Amazon

BEST BUDGET ROWING MACHINE

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515

• $239.99 at Amazon
  $399.00 (40% off)

• Dimensions: 89” L x 18.9” W x 23.6” H
• Weight: 60.9 lbs.
• Resistance System: 8-level magnetic resistance

If you want to bring home a reliable rower for less than $400, this may be your best bet. Simple in its design and aesthetics, the SF-RW5515 features an LCD screen displaying time, count, calories and other key data. Meanwhile, a twist of the dial near your feet lets you access eight levels of magnetic resistance, perfect for challenging yourself as you get stronger. You’ll have to supply your own motivation however — there’s no fancy screen on this unit, nor is there any place to add one.

The SF-RW5515 is also foldable for more convenient storage when not in use, which is great because the low-to-the-ground profile can easily become a tripping hazard if you’re not aware of your surroundings. This lower profile can also be a strain to get into and out of during workouts, so be sure to have your knees warmed up before beginning your day’s session.

NordicTrack RW900

Nordictrack

MOST VERSATILE ROWING MACHINE

NordicTrack RW900

• $1,999.00 at NordicTrack

• Dimensions: 82” L x 22” W x 54” H
• Weight: 163 lbs. (in box)
• Resistance System: Inertia-enhanced flywheel and SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance

This impressive rowing machine from NordicTrack earns its superlative through the expansive iFit library that can take your workouts to the newfound heights … and positions. The trainer-led programs keep your sessions fresh and engaging, and there’s even further potential for strength training and yoga guidance for off-the-rower circuits. And while you train, you don’t have to worry about following your instructor’s recommended settings — the RW900’s AutoAdjust technology seamlessly adjusts your resistance in tandem with the on-demand workout.

While this hands-off feature is a nice perk, those wanting a more utilitarian experience may want to forgo this versatile rowing machine. There’s no manual toggles present across the guide, so all adjustments need to be made through the iFit program. Additionally, stronger athletes may be too fit for the 26 resistance levels.

Hydrow Wave

Hydrow

BEST COMPACT ROWING MACHINE

Hydrow Wave Rower

• $1,795.00 at hydrow.com
  $1,895.00 (5% off)

• Dimensions: 80” L x 19” W x 43” H
• Weight: 102 lbs.
• Resistance System: Computer-controlled electromagnetic drag system

Want all the training potential of our top pick without the extended footprint? Enter Hydrow’s smaller offering — the Hydrow Wave. Taking up just 10.56 square feet of space, this compact rowing machine packs all the immersive workout sessions of the original Hydrow Rower into a compressed frame that’s ideal for any living room or spacious bedroom. While our tester does admit that it’s still a good chunk of space when in training mode, the ability for upright storage does make its presence less known outside of workouts.

Sean Tirman

We also appreciate the tiny yet effective 16-inch HD screen that boasts front speakers for easy-to-follow instructions across Hydrow’s ever-expanding library of training modules. Be mindful, though, that while this all-new rower is smaller than others on this list, it still requires some add-ons for ideal storage. A separate vertical anchor is needed if you want to really shrink the footprint when not in use.

CITYRow Max

CITYRow

BEST ROWING MACHINE WITH WATER RESISTANCE

CITYROW Max

• $2,199.00 at cityrow.com

• Dimensions: 83.5” L x 22.25” W x 20” H
• Weight: 61 lbs.
• Resistance System: Water resistance

For athletes wanting that on-water feel without, well, getting on the water, you can opt for a home rowing machine utilizing a water resistance system, and we’ve found no better pick than the CITYRow Max Rower. Our tester appreciated how simple this machine was to set up and store thanks to the convenient upright capabilities, and getting into rowing as an exercise regimen was a breeze thanks to the expert-led training sessions.

It should be noted, though, that to maintain a clean training environment, it’s best to drain and replace your water on a regular basis. Plus, because you’re working against the water for resistance, you cannot adjust the levels for easier or more difficult strokes outside of changing the water amount within the vessel. While a little maintenance is to be expected, the extra steps and less versatile training scenarios may be a turnoff for athletes wanting a more fine-tuned experience.

Assault Fitness Rower Elite

Amazon

BEST ROWING MACHINE WITH WIND RESISTANCE

Assault Fitness Rower Elite

• $1,296.02 at Amazon
  $1,499.00 (14% off)

• Dimensions: 92.5″ L x 20.1″ W x 48.6″ H
• Weight: 143.3 lbs.
• Resistance System: Dual-stage chain and belt drive

Wind resistance can also be a worthwhile option, albeit a loud one. For those that want to get after their workouts without abiding by a noise ordinance, this sturdy Assault Fitness Rower Elite is tough to beat. We appreciate the durable stainless steel construction that can hold a max user weight of 350 pounds. Plus, this rowing machine is eco-friendly with a small carbon footprint, since there’s no required power source to operate (unless you count the display’s four AA batteries).

The Assault Fitness Rower Elite also comes onboarded with a handful of training programs surrounding heart rate and HIIT, but the library is nowhere near as vast as some other platforms in this roundup. Additionally, make sure you have the available room for this rig before making a purchase. At nearly 93 inches in length, it’s one of the longest profiles we’ve found.

Echelon Row-s Connected Rowing Machine

Echelon

BEST FOLDABLE ROWING MACHINE

Echelon Row-s Connected Rowing Machine

• $2,179.50 at echelonfit.com

• Dimensions: 84” L x 21” W x 47” H
• Weight: 114.5 lbs.
• Resistance System: Magnetic resistance

Thanks to a 22-inch class HD touchscreen display that can flip 180 degrees for on-rower and off-rower training modules, the Echelon Row-s can be a great one-stop-shop for all your training needs. Our tester found the available metrics including miles logged, strokes, calories burned and more to be easy to follow, as they’re placed right at eye level. Additionally, the slide rail folds vertically for convenient storage and there’s no external hardware to keep the machine in place.

Ryan Brower

If you do sign up for Echelon’s membership service, valued at $35 per month, you unlock a slew of live and on-demand training opportunities. Our tester states, however, that the scenic waterway timed rows are more than enough for a well-rounded workout. Also, while this rowing machine does have wheels at its front base for easier maneuvering, it is on the heavier side. It may be best to have a helper on standby if you need to move it further than from one side of the room to the other.

Ergatta Rower

Ergatta

MOST STYLISH ROWING MACHINE

Ergatta Rower

• $2,499.00 at ergatta.com

• Dimensions: 86” L x 23” W x 40” H
• Weight: 103 lbs.
• Resistance System: Water resistance

Made from cherry wood that’s sourced and crafted in the United States, the Ergatta Rower might be, as our tester states, “the nicest piece of furniture [you’ll] own.” Like the Aviron Strong Series, the Ergatta also employs a gamified training structure that can really unlock your inner competitor through live races and sprints against your previous PRs.

Evan Malachosky

While the Ergatta Rower is easy to store when folded up, our tester did note that in-use setup needs to be rather close to an available outlet. The included power cord is not the longest, which means you’ll need to pay close attention to your planned training space before purchase. Still, if you like your workout equipment to double as modern decor, we challenge you to find a rig that’s more visually stunning than this.

Concept2 RowERG

RowERG

BEST ROWING MACHINE FOR HIIT TRAINING

Concept2 RowErg

• $1,290.00 at Amazon

• Dimensions: 96” L x 24” W (height not available)
• Weight: 57 lbs.
• Resistance System: Air resistance

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a CrossFit box, you’ve probably seen this iconic rower on some adjacent wall, and for good reason. The Concept2 RowErg is a favorite among many athletes for its simple build construction and effective air resistance system. Our tester notes that they use their Concept2 daily, as it’s a great way to get a satisfactory full-body workout in as little as 15 minutes.

While you won’t find a large HD screen on the RowErg, the onboard monitor can connect via Bluetooth to a wide range of apps, including the brand’s own ErgData. Additionally, if you’re a faithful follower of live classes or sessions, there’s an integrated device holder for convenient viewing. Expect to give up some floor space, though, when this rig is in-use — the 96-inch frame is one of the longest in this roundup.

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639

Amazon

BEST ROWING MACHINE FOR MINIMALISTS

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639

• $129.99 at Amazon
  $149.99 (13% off)

• Dimensions: 28.7″ L x 52.2″ W x 11.8″ H
• Weight: 35.8 lbs.
• Resistance System: Hydraulic resistance

Don’t want a bulky rowing machine eating up space in your living room? This sleek, compact silhouette from Sunny Health and Fitness is as bare bones as they come. The hydraulic resistance system helps save space across the SF-RW5639 silhouette and provides a unique experience in training. We also enjoy how the handles act more similarly to real-world oars, and they pivot outward at the recovery portion of your stroke to better mimic on-water rowing.

As simple and intriguing as this machine is, though, it doesn’t take an experienced trainer to realize this profile’s lack of a display. A small multifunctional digital monitor sits at the base of your feet, but it’s not going to deliver the same on-demand class experience you’d find with other rowers in this guide. This is a machine for someone looking to avoid all forms of technology, rather than embracing them in exercise.

Peloton Row

Peloton

BEST SMART ROWING MACHINE

Peloton Row

• $2,995.00 at Peloton
  $3,195.00 (6% off)

• Dimensions: 96” L x 24” W (height not available)
• Weight: 156.5 lbs.
• Resistance System: electronically-controlled flywheel

When Peloton (finally) delivered its long-awaited rowing machine last December, it sent the market ablaze thanks to its sleek design, electronically-controlled resistance and Form Assist software providing realtime adjustments to your strokes. Admittedly, we were hesitant to accept this shiny new toy given its exorbitant price tag, but the sticker shock has worn off by now and we’re very pleased with the results.

Of course, this Peloton Row gives you access to the brand’s plethora of engaging on-demand classes, but for more utilitarian sessions, you’re out of luck. There’s no manual program where you set your distance and resistance on your own, so to take part in a workout, you need to hop into one of the on-demand courses. Oh well — if you’re interested in this rowing machine, odds are it’s for the programming, which is definitely Peloton’s wheelhouse.

The Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine

Much like the treadmill or indoor spin bike, the rowing machine has cemented itself as a must-have piece of home gym equipment. But how did these rigs go from perennial dust collectors at your local gym to the chic living room or pain cave additions of today? Well, it’s all due to the benefits that rowing can bring to your training routine.

Rowing is a low-impact discipline.

Unlike other fitness disciplines, rowing doesn’t require a lot of strain on your body. You’re constantly in a seated position, meaning there’s less stress on your knees and back as you work through the resistance showcased through the machine’s system. To compare it to running, each stride features some impact and stress at the joints when you make contact with the ground.

Rowing employs multiple muscle groups at once for a full-body workout.

Rowing can target 85 percent of your body’s muscles in one properly-executed stroke. This means that instead of targeting your lower body while treadmill running or lifting weights, you’re taxing your frame across a wider landscape for a more efficient workout. This multifaceted profile can help increase your body strength as well as your cardiovascular capacity, effectively giving each training session a double dose of performance potential.

Rowing can provide an effective workout in less time.

Because you’re working so many muscles at once while doubling down with cardiovascular training, you’re able to accomplish an effective workout in less time atop a home rowing machine. This can keep your daily schedule as efficient as possible, and offers some versatility depending on your training goals. Want to increase your aerobic capacity? Keep your strokes well-paced at a lower resistance level and pull for a longer period of time. Want to focus more so on strength training? Crank it up and pound through a high-intensity interval. There’s really no limitations when it comes to these effective workout vessels.

How to Use a Rowing Machine

To effectively train atop your rowing machine, first ensure you’re seated comfortably in the saddle and your feet are strapped in properly. From here, you can begin your stroke, broken down into four key parts.

The catch is the start of your stroke where you begin to load up for the backward pull across your frame. Begin with your knees bent and your shins facing vertically. Your back should be straight and hips bent. If viewing yourself from a side point of view, you should look as if you’re sitting at a one o’clock position. Reach out with straight arms and grab the handle.

Next, the drive portion of your stroke is where you pull the handle back and slide the seat toward the rear of your machine. Begin your drive by straightening your legs. When your lower body is near straight, lean back slightly to about a 10 o’clock positioning while keeping your back straight. Finish your drive by pulling your arms into your chest. Avoid pulling your arms at the start of your drive.

At the end of your drive comes your finish. As you lean back slightly with straight legs, aim to have your handle meet your chest. Keep your shoulders down and wrists straight. Avoid pulling the handle too high toward your neck or head, and don’t hyperextend your back at the final lean.

Finally, the recovery portion of your stroke follows a flipped sequence from your drive. Straighten your arms, lean your body back to that 1 o’clock position and begin to bend your legs. You should then end back up at the front of your rower with the same body positioning as your catch.

What to Consider When Buying a Rowing Machine

Size and Storage

While rowing machines can bring a ton of potential to your at-home fitness routine, you shouldn’t expect these rigs to be compact additions to your setup. Rowing machines are long, sleek structures that can quickly consume your space, so plan to leave about 32 square feet for your equipment. This can allow for the structure itself, as well as some open room to easily hop in and out of the seat.

Additionally, rowing machines are typically more lightweight than your average treadmill, but are still by no means light pieces of equipment. A rower’s weight dimensions are very dependent on the resistance style used, so think about where you would like to store your unit in your home before purchase — unless you’re really wanting a rowing machine-sized skylight.

Lastly, some rowing machines can be stored upright for added convenience, but this style may require wall anchors to achieve this vertical profile. Make sure your walls are capable of housing the required equipment, or plan to keep your rower horizontal and on the floor for the entirety of its use.

Noise

Rowing machines work by employing a resistance system to give each stroke the desired intensity. There are a number of different systems to choose from, including water, fanned or magnetic. Water-based and magnetic systems can be quieter than fanned rowers, so if you share a home with youngsters or work-from-home enthusiasts, these could be the better options.

Workout-Specific Features

A rowing machine can be an unbearable training tool if you’re not comfortable in the seat, so look for rigs that feature a well-cushioned saddle, as well as stable, secure foot placement. Additionally, many rowers feature large display screens that allow you to stream workouts or track your workout metrics. Ensure you’re able to view all your desired metrics as you work through your sessions. Also, if you like to mix in off-rower exercises as part of your regimen, it can help to look for rowing machines that feature an adjustable display if you’re following along with live or on-demand classes.

Extra Capabilities

Technology has made fitness a more connected experience than ever, and rowing can be the perfect discipline to take advantage of the day’s most innovative features. If you’re a fan of classes or battling for that top leaderboard position, make sure your rowing machine has access to live and on-demand workout programs.

Some rowers even offer streaming capabilities, allowing you to catch up on your favorite series while you get in a good sweat. Spotify or music integration is another popular add-on that can really take your training to the next level. While these aren’t necessarily must-haves for a quality rowing experience, they can make it more enticing to regularly hop on for your daily strokes.

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