Rowing machines are great for spiking your heart rate during long strength sessions, or for using as a form of low-impact endurance training. The best thing about a rowing machine though is that, unlike some cardio equipment that’s designed to just burn calories, rowing machines also work pretty much every muscle in your body throughout the stroke. Your legs cover the drive and your back and arms work during the finish, making it a great machine for increasing both your strength and cardio endurance.
When you’re deciding on the best rowing machine for your home gym, you’ll definitely have to sift through a lot of information. Water rowers, air resistance rowers, magnetic resistance rowers — what’s the best option? Whether you’re looking for a high-tech rowing machine that will have you rowing virtually alongside professional athletes, or you just want a simple machine that gets you sweating, we’re confident this list will help you find the one of the best rowing machines for your fitness goals.
Best Rowing Machines
- Best Rowing Machine Overall: Hydrow Rower
- Best Rowing Machine for Home: Sole SR500
- Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces: Sole SR 500
- Best Rowing Machine for On Demand Workouts: NordicTrack RW900
- Best Rower for the Money: Concept 2 Model D
- Best Water Rowing Machine: Life Fitness Row HX Trainer
- Best Quiet Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R
- Best Rowing Machine for Competitors: Ergatta Rower
Best Rowing Machine Overall
Our top pick is one of the most interactive rowing machines on the market, featuring a touchscreen display, live and on-demand classes, and electromagnetic resistance.
Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow rower is not only a quiet machine but is also one of the most versatile for home use. As the name suggests, this rower uses water to provide resistance, which is quieter than machines that use air resistance. With a monthly membership fee of $38, you’ll have access to the rower’s full library of coached virtual classes, all of which you can view on the large 22” touchscreen display.
The Hydrow is a high-tech rower with a library full of live and on-demand workouts, a smooth drive and electromagnetic resistance. It’s a quiet machine and provides a great full-body workout for both beginning and advanced rowers.
Its smooth ride and pivoting monitor screen make it comfortable for all users, short or tall. The Hydrow is on the expensive side upfront, though they do offer financing based on credit, so you can break up the payments into smaller bites.
Who Should Buy The Hydrow Rower
- Rowers who are looking to follow along with virtual classes as they row.
- Those who need to keep quiet in their home with electromagnetic resistance.
- Users who prefer a large touchscreen display for easy and immersive viewing.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Hydrow Rower
- Athletes who don’t want high-tech features getting in the way of their at-home workout.
- Customers who need a rower that doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.
- Anyone on a tight budget will want to read on for a more cost-effective rower.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quiet rower for your home gym that has interactive technology, streamable classes, and a smooth stroke, the Hydrow will check all of your boxes.
Read our full review of the Hydrow rower.
Best Rowing Machine for Home
If you’re looking to improve your rowing but don’t want to drive all the way to the gym, this rower allows you to have a professional quality machine in your own home. The Sole SR500 provides a top-notch rowing experience while still fitting comfortably in your house.
Sole SR500
The SR500 uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance to create a silky smooth row that mimics the sensation of a paddle being pulled through the water. This is particularly useful for those who want to train for Dragon Boat races or other boat racing events. The size is meant to fit in nearly any space and store easily with dimensions of 46 inches tall, 94 inches long, and only 18 inches wide.
The Sole SR500 is an advanced magnetic air resistance rower with a 5.5” display that tracks all your necessary stats, like heart rate, calories, wattage, strokes per minute and split time. It has a raised seat, making it easy to get in and out of and a high weight capacity of 515 pounds, which is ideal for larger users.
The wireless technology Sole included allows for seamless adjustments — using buttons on the rower’s handle, you can choose between 16 resistance levels without breaking your rowing rhythm. For comfort, the SR500 has a high sitting position at 20 inches compared to the more common 14-inch height, so you can get on and off with ease. The price is also right, as you can pick up the SR500 for around $749.
Who Should Buy The Sole SR500
- Rowers who want to make adjustments to the resistance in their workouts on the fly without interrupting their rowing rhythm.
- Athletes who are interested in a realistic rowing experience that feels like they’re rowing on water.
- Anyone who doesn’t want a large, cumbersome machine will like the modest dimensions here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole SR500
- Fitness enthusiasts who specifically want water resistance to train for their sport.
- Anyone who prefers a foldable rower or one that can come apart for storage.
- Those who need a quiet rower will want to look at rowers that only use magnetic resistance on this list instead.
Having a rowing machine in your home can be a great way to stay on track with your workouts, but many of them are large and can disrupt an entire room’s flow in your house. The Sole SR500 has a smaller footprint than most machines and a bunch of convenient features to make your home workouts more enjoyable.
Read our full review of the Sole SR500 Rower.
Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces
Our top pick for small spaces folds in half for easy storage when it’s not in use, saving you a whole lot of floor space.
Sole SR500
The Sole SR500 doesn’t come with the high-tech add-ons that other rowing machines provide, but it also has a more pleasant price tag. And as far as basic machines go, it’s one of the best — especially if you’re in a small apartment or need to clear out some floor space in your home gym.
The Sole SR500 is an advanced magnetic air resistance rower with a 5.5” display that tracks all your necessary stats, like heart rate, calories, wattage, strokes per minute and split time. It has a raised seat, making it easy to get in and out of and a high weight capacity of 515 pounds, which is ideal for larger users.
It is a magnetic air resistance rower, so while it’s a little quieter than regular air resistance rowers, it will still make noise while you row. The frame is covered with a lifetime warranty and has a weight capacity of 515 pounds making this rower suitable for most people.
Who Should Buy The Sole SR500
- Rowers who need something that stores away easily and saves space when it’s not in use.
- Anyone who wants a solid, basic rowing machine without the extra technological frills.
- Athletes looking for lots of resistance levels — this one has 16.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole SR500
- Users who want virtual class streaming options that come with their machine.
- Rowers who need a near-silent machine for their home.
- Those who prefer high-tech rowers with a large screen may want to check out some other options on this list.
As far as home rowers go, the Sole SR500 is one of the best for saving space — unlike many rowers who just store vertically, this rower folds in half to get out of your way even further.
Best Rowing Machine for On Demand Workouts
If you love participating in virtual workouts that will help you increase stamina, build muscle and improve your technique, this pick is for you.
NordicTrack RW900
This NordicTrack rowing machine has one of the best libraries of virtual classes, both live and on-demand. You’ll get a free month of iFit classes with your purchase, which means access to over 16,000 coached classes to choose from. After the free trial, iFit memberships cost about $39 per month. These classes will appear on the 22” touchscreen display making it easy to follow along as you row.
The NordicTrack RW900 is a durable machine that features a 22” touchscreen display, a quiet belt drive and large pivoting pedals to fit pretty much any shoe size. You’ll also get a free month of iFit classes with your purchase, which you can view on your tilting display as you row virtually across the globe.
You can adjust between a wide range of 26 different resistance levels in order to dial in the correct workout intensity. Though this rower is on the expensive side, NordicTrack offers financing if you’d prefer to pay over time rather than up front.
Who Should Buy The NordicTrack RW900
- Athletes who prefer to follow coached virtual classes as they row.
- Users who want a lot of resistance levels to choose from — there are 26 levels on this machine.
- Anyone who values having high-end technology in their workout equipment will appreciate the level of tech in this rower.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack RW900
- Heavy-built rowers — this machine can only handle 250 pounds.
- Athletes who want a quiet machine for their home gym.
This is a high-tech option for athletes who thoroughly enjoy following along to virtual classes and maybe even learning a little bit about technique as they row. Its touchscreen display and large library of classes are sure to keep you hooked on rowing.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack RW900 rower.
Best Rower for the Money
There’s a reason that this rower is the machine of choice for high-use gyms like CrossFit boxes — it’s cost-effective and extremely durable. If you’re looking for a good deal, the Concept 2 Model D is a rowing staple that offers great quality for your money.
Concept 2 Model D
This rower is probably the most popular model that you can find in gyms around the world. The Concept 2 Model D, often referred to simply as the Concept 2, is basic when it comes to features, but durable and very popular throughout the rowing community.
The Concept2 is one of the most tried and true rowers on the market. The "erg" (as it's commonly known) provides a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to track meters rowed and calories burned.
In fact, Olympic athletes use the Concept 2 Model D for daily training, so you know it can withstand consistent use. It’s one of the louder rowers — it has both air resistance and a chain belt—but for a lower cost, you’ll get a high quality and lasting machine.
Who Should Buy The Concept 2 Model D
- Users who aren’t looking for anything fancy when it comes to technology.
- Athletes who need a durable rower they can use every day.
- Customers who aren’t looking to drop a ton of money on a new machine.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Concept 2 Model D
- Rowers who want virtual classes to follow along with as they row.
- Anyone who needs a quiet machine for their home gym.
- Customers who are looking for a modern, high-tech piece of equipment.
The Concept 2 Model D is the Olympic rowers’ machine of choice, so you know it’s going to be high quality, even at its lower cost. If you don’t care about noise or technology, you can’t go wrong with the Concept 2.
Read our full review of the Concept 2 Model D.
Best Water Rowing Machine
As far as water rowers go, the Life Fitness Row HX stands out because — unlike many other water-resistance rowing machines — you can adjust the resistance levels.
Life Fitness Row HX Trainer
Most water rowers’ resistance stays the same, and you make your workout harder or easier by producing a more or less powerful stroke. However, with the Life Fitness Row HX, you’ll find that you can change the resistance to four different levels.
The Life Fitness HX rower is a durable water rower that offers four resistance levels, quality stat tracking and a beautiful wood frame that will add to the aesthetic of any room. With a contoured seat and adjustable footboards and straps, this rower can fit most any user.
The added benefit of being able to choose a consistent resistance is a nice option to have for varying the types of workouts you perform. On top of that, this machine also has a natural wood frame, making it a beautiful addition to any room. This rower comes with a five-year warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on the tank, mechanical parts, and seals.
Who Should Buy The Life Fitness Row HX Trainer
- Rowers who would like a workout that feels similar to rowing on the water.
- Athletes who prefer a water rowing machine but also would like to be able to choose their resistance levels.
- Anyone who doesn’t need fancy technological frills that come along with their rowing machine.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Life Fitness Row HX Trainer
- Rowers who want a lot of choices for their resistance levels like you’d find on magnetic or air-resistance machines.
- Athletes who like virtual classes or other more advanced technological features.
This is one of the more unique water rowing machines because it features four resistance levels, which most water rowers don’t. It has a smooth ride and looks great in any room of your house with its natural wood frame.
Read our full review of the Life Fitness Row HX Trainer.
Best Quiet Rowing Machine
The ProForm 750R isn’t only quiet, but also allows for class streaming and makes for a high quality addition to any home gym space.
ProForm 750R
The ProForm 750R is a magnetic resistance rower, which means it’s one of the quietest options on the market. You’ll only hear a soft whirr as you row instead of the loud spin you usually hear with air resistance or water rowers. In addition, the ProForm 750R comes with one month of iFit streaming for free.
The ProForm 750R is a sturdy 116-pound magnetic resistance rower. It’s practically silent and offers 24 levels of resistance to challenge your strength and endurance throughout your workout. Plus, you’ll get three free years of iFit with it, so you can stream virtual rowing classes across the globe.
With the machine’s tablet holder, you’ll be able to prop up your tablet, and stream from the library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes. If you like utilizing iFit’s training features you can subscribe after your free first month for about $39 per month.
Who Should Buy The ProForm 750R
- Users who need a quiet magnetic resistance rower for their home gym space.
- Athletes who like to stream virtual classes as they row.
- Customers who want a lot of resistance levels to choose from — this machine has 24.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The ProForm 750R
- Heavier people who need a machine with a very high weight capacity.
- Rowers who prefer the on-water feel of a water rower.
The ProForm 750R is a great pick for those who need to stay quiet in a large household. On top of its magnetic resistance, this machine also has a lot to offer technologically, making it a well-rounded option.
Read our full review of the ProForm 750R.
Best Rowing Machine for Competitors
This pick features games and competitions you can play on-screen for anyone who needs a little added fun to keep them hooked on rowing.
Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta rower was created for home use to motivate athletes who need a little extra push. For those who don’t do well when listening to inspirational quotes from fitness instructors, the Ergatta features workout programs, competitions, and games where you compete with yourself to motivate you as you go.
The Ergatta rower is ideal for athletes who want an elevated home workout experience. You can choose from pre-programmed workouts, games, and competitions to make your row more interesting, or you can select an open row to simply push your limits. This machine will adjust as your strength and stamina increase to challenge you even further.
This way, you’ll still be able to get the class experience, but you’ll be competing against your own numbers instead of trying to row faster than your instructor. On top of that, this machine is made of beautiful cherry wood, so it will look good in any room of your house.
Who Should Buy The Ergatta Rower
- Athletes who like to challenge themselves with games and competitions.
- Rowers who don’t love listening to fitness instructors throughout their workouts.
- Customers who want the feel of being on the water with a water rower.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Ergatta Rower
- Anyone who doesn’t need a machine with added technological features to get a good workout.
- Athletes who prefer a quiet machine to add to their gym space.
With a library full of games and competitions, the Ergatta rower will keep you excited about rowing and provide a smooth workout every time. If you enjoy a little friendly competition, this rower may be just what you’ve been searching for.
Read our full review of the Ergatta Rower.
Benefits of Rowing Machines
Rowing machines can offer a variety of benefits, like a cardio workout that engages the entire body while also helping to build strength in your back, core, arms, and legs. Spring rowing in particular is one of the few types of cardiovascular exercise that offers improvements in muscular fitness as well. The stroke begins with the legs generating power and finishes with your back, core, and arms, all making for a long and steady pull each time. Repeated for hundreds or thousands of meters worth of rowing distance, the gains can quickly pile on.
Variety of Workouts
Rowing machines may seem boring at first glance, but they offer a ton of variety in a relatively compact package. Most people are likely familiar with the long-distance rowing that constitutes steady-state cardio exercise for endurance benefits, but you can also perform HIIT workouts with sprint intervals. Kick the resistance up and make powerful strokes in quick succession and you’ll be feeling a burn in your whole body in no time.
Many higher-end rowers also offer off-machine exercise routines that are included or used in tandem with rowing workouts via their on-demand fitness streaming apps. True, you’ll have to pay a monthly membership in nearly every case for these, but the benefits may make it worth it for some.
Lower Joint Impact
Contrary to treadmills and many other types of cardio equipment where your body is bearing the impact of every step on your joints, rowers are low-impact. Rowing machines support your weight and provide resistance using air, water, or magnets instead of your own bodyweight. For that reason, many people prefer rowers to other cardio machines. The decreased joint impact means you may also be able to increase workout frequency more quickly as your muscles and cardiopulmonary system adapt instead of waiting for your joints to recover and get up to speed.
How We Chose the Best Rowing Machines
When deciding which rowing machines to list for our readers, we consider many factors — from noise levels to durability, everything is a consideration. You can use this list as your complete guide on your hunt for the perfect rowing machine.
Price
A high quality rowing machine doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find rowing machines that are both affordable and long-lasting, so you can get a solid piece of equipment for your gym without taking out a second mortgage on your home.
When considering lower-priced machines, we look for the qualities you’ll find in all higher-priced rowers to make sure you’re still getting quality even at a lower cost. There are obviously some options included on this list that are extra durable or include high-tech features that will generally cost a little more, but rest assured, we think those picks are worth the cost. No matter which rower you pick on this list though, we’ve vetted them all to be worthy of the price tag that comes with them.
Special Features
Some people will look for special racing features or virtual classes, while others have no interest in a large touchscreen display. We’ve included both options on this list to satisfy each type of customer.The rowers we included with special features are great for streaming, propping up tablets and mobile devices, as well as offering fancy display screens. Some have virtual classes, libraries full of competitions, and some even come with a free class-streaming membership with your purchase.
With all of the high-tech options out there, we’ve made sure to gather up the rowing machines with — what we consider to be — some of the most popular and innovative features on the market. But rest assured, even those who are trying to steer clear of added technology and special features can find a rowing machine on this list that will suit them, too.
Build
No matter how much money you are putting down on a piece of gym equipment, you’re going to want to make sure you’re getting something that is lasting and high quality. Every rower you find on this list is durable and sturdy, so you won’t be putting your money in the wrong place. As far as these rowers go, the cheaper options tend to have fewer features rather than a shorter lifespan, so even with the less expensive picks you’ll be getting a lasting piece of equipment — no downgrades here.
How Much Do Rowing Machines Cost?
When discussing the cost of rowing machines, there are two main elements to consider before any peripherals — the price of the machine itself and the annual or monthly membership cost of guided workouts. Rowers are admittedly quite costly, especially when compared to some other less expensive pieces of home gym equipment. They can accommodate a full-body workout on their own though and have numerous benefits. You can expect to spend anywhere from right under $1,000 to nearly $3,000 after all is said and done for a top-shelf rower.
| Best Rowing Machine Overall | Hydrow Rower | Starting at $2,495 before add-ons and accessories |
| Best Rowing Machine for Home | Sole SR500 | Starting at $749.99 before membership or accessories |
| Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces | Sole SR500 | Starting at $749.99 before membership or accessories |
| Best Rowing Machine for On Demand Workouts | NordicTrack RW900 | Starting at $1,999 before membership or accessories |
| Best Rower for the Money | Concept 2 Model D | $1,202 |
| Best Water Rowing Machine | Life Fitness Row HX Trainer | Starting at $1,849 before add-ons and accessories |
| Best Quiet Rowing Machine | ProForm 750R | Starting at $699 before membership or accessories |
| Best Rowing Machine for Competitors | Ergatta Rower | Starting at $2,499 before membership or accessories |
The rowers on this list range from the most cost-effective at around $700 to the most expensive at about $2,500. Those prices are before even discussing the want or, in some cases, need for an on-demand fitness streaming service, which usually sets you back anywhere from $30 to $50 monthly (though many offer discounted annual billing). It’s also important to consider the accessory bundles that many companies offer that may be necessary to get the most out of the streaming platform and guided workouts. Many rowers offer a weight training or resistance band kit for a true full-body workout with their machines.
What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine
Just as we considered many features when building this list, you also need to consider the details you want in a rowing machine before making your decision. Here are a few things to think about before you drop any amount of money on a new machine for your gym.
Size
Size is definitely a factor when it comes to buying a new piece of equipment for your home or commercial gym. One of the most important things to consider when looking for rowing machines is if you need a rower that folds or stores vertically, or if you have enough room to just keep your rower at its full footprint even when it’s not in use. The dimensions and folding capabilities sections in our individual reviews should help you with this part of the decision.
Durability
You’re definitely going to want to make sure your rower can withstand daily usage for many years to come if you’re going to drop any amount of money on it. A solid frame, strong belt and sturdy flywheel or water tank will ensure durability. Overall, rowing machines are low-impact pieces of equipment, so they tend to last a long time, but it’s still important to learn what amount of usage you’ll be able to get out of your purchase before you make your decision — especially for those who plan to use it as their main form of exercise every day. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a steel or solid wood frame.
Water, Air, or Magnetic Resistance
There are three types of rowing machines: water resistance rowers, air resistance rowers, and magnetic-resistance rowers. Water resistance rowers use a tank of water to create resistance, while air and magnetic resistance rowers use a flywheel. Magnetic resistance rowers tend to be quieter than both air and water resistance rowers, but water resistance rowers will give you the feeling of being on the water that air and magnetic resistance rowers can’t. That’s a tongue twister if we’ve ever seen one.
To get down to the nitty gritty, just consider your priorities. Do you need something that is quiet? Do you want something that feels as close as possible to an on-water workout? Are you just looking for whatever is cheapest? If it’s the latter, air resistance rowers tend to be the most basic and you’ll be able to get those at the lowest price point if you don’t mind the noise. Water rowers, though still noisy, tend to be a little more expensive for their on-water feel and visual appeal. And magnetic rowers are a bit pricier because they are much quieter than the other two options. All options are great for the right buyer, and they’re all represented on our list.
Display
Most rowing machines will track basic stats on your workout, including stroke count, time, and distance, while more advanced models include built-in workout plans and even games. As far as displays go, many of the “best” picks on our list have touchscreen displays, making interacting throughout your workout just a tap away.
We expect to see more and more rowing machines adopt bigger displays to accommodate for streaming classes and competing in virtual races, but if you’re on the hunt for a simple rower to start shaving calories there are still plenty of options out there. Just consider what you want out of your rower when it comes to a display and what you’ll be happy with years down the road.
Weight Capacity
Not all rowing machines are created equally in terms of weight. Some of the smaller models are not equipped to hold folks over a certain threshold, so be sure to consider your weight when selecting a rower.
Final Word
Purchasing a rower is a big decision no matter how much you decide to spend. Finding a machine that will last, fit your needs, and help you increase strength and endurance effectively is no small task. We’ve provided options for the best rowers available on the market for a wide variety of needs in order to help pare down your search and focus your intentions on what you value most. Before you dive in, write out a list of priorities you need in your rowing machine, and as you’re scouring the web (or this list) make sure the rowing machine you are considering checks off your biggest must-haves on that priority list.
Once you’ve got your list and know what you want, this process will feel a lot less overwhelming. Regardless of which rower you choose, it won’t be a small investment so consider trying out the on-demand workouts (if your machine offers that) for a few weeks since most provide them for free for a limited time when you purchase your rower. It may help you gather more ideas for future workouts you can perform on your own, and learn what type of rowing workouts you enjoy and what kind you might not like as much.
FAQs
What's the best rowing machine?
With so many rowing machines to choose from, it all comes down to your priorities. If you like streaming classes and competing, opt for the NordicTrack or Hydrow on our list. If you want something simple, straightforward, and less expensive consider a rower like the Sole SR500 or Concept 2 Model D. We’re partial to the Hydrow though since it’s sleekly designed and has a ton of high-tech options for nearly any type of rowing workout. It also features a buttery smooth pull, which is a joy to use.
How much do rowing machines cost?
Rowing machines generally cost anywhere from around $700 to $2,500 depending on the technology and features included, as well as the resistance type (magnetic, air, or water). You should also consider the peripheral costs of potentially needing or wanting an on-demand fitness streaming service, which many rowers utilize — they generally cost around $30 to $50 per month. Another cost may be additional strength or stretching equipment that many companies sell to use with their fitness classes. Try to factor all the costs in before making a final decision.
Can I get stronger using a rowing machine?
Absolutely. Rowers are certainly great for cardio, but they can also be great tools for strength and endurance training. Rowers where you can adjust the resistance can really help you grow and put your strength to the test.
How do I choose between similar rowers?
There are always differences between rowing machines, even similar ones. Consider weight capacity, screen size and brightness, and how big the rowers are. The details will matter as a rower isn’t just a csh investment, but a time and space investment as well.