10 Best Rowing Machines to Buy for Your Home Gym in 2024

Rowers are among the best cardio machines for versatile training. They can raise your heart rate during training sessions or strengthen your upper body with higher resistance settings. The best thing about a rowing machine, however, is that, unlike most other cardio equipment, rowing machines also work pretty much every muscle in your body throughout every stroke.

But considering their somewhat recent spike in popularity, you can find quite a few different rowing machines on the market today. Water rowers, air resistance rowers, magnetic resistance rowers — what’s the best option? Well, we’re here to help simplify your search. After our team tested more than 20 different options, we’ve gathered the best rowing machines for all different fitness goals and needs.

Best Rowing Machines of 2024

• Best Rowing Machine Overall: Hydrow Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Beginners: Concept2
• Most Durable Rowing Machine: Sole SR550
• Best Compact Rowing Machine: Echelon Row
• Best Rower for On-Demand Workouts: NordicTrack RW900
• Best Rowing Machine for Building Muscle: LIT Method Strength Machine
• Best Affordable Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Rower
• Best Water Rowing Machine: WaterRower
• Best Quiet Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R
• Best Rowing Machine for Interactive Training: Ergatta Rower

How We Tested

Our team of expert product testers, including personal trainers and athletes, put more than 20 different rowers to the test to find an option that’s suitable for various fitness levels and goals. Here are the factors we considered while testing:

Stability

While you can do steady state rowing workouts and they have a time and place, many athletes love doing their rowing in high-intensity short bursts. But in order to do that safely, you need a machine that’s sturdy and won’t jostle or shift with every stroke. Our testers prioritized machines that felt stable as they rowed at different intensities and stroke rates, no matter the resistance.

Stroke and Glide Feel

We want every rower on our list to feel as smooth as possible. When a rower chain feels rickety or the seat sticks along the rail, it distracts from your workout. So, we kept this factor in mind during every portion of our workouts as we tested different machines.

Durability

You don’t want a machine breaking down just a year after you bought it. We kept a close eye on the different materials brands used, opting for picks with tough aluminum, steel, and wood. We also checked different plastic components to make sure they’re as durable as possible.

Workout Options

Different athletes have different preferences and training goals. So, we made sure to test a variety of workouts available on different machines. We wanted to make sure that our high-tech choices offered programs for athletes of all abilities.

Best Rowing Machine Overall: Hydrow Rower

Our top pick is one of the most interactive rowing machines on the market, featuring a touchscreen display, live and on-demand classes, and magnetic resistance for a smooth pull and a quiet workout. After putting this machine through several workouts our tester, also a certified personal trainer, gave this machine an overall 4.25 out of 5.

After comparing the Hydrow to more than 20 other rowing machines, we thought this was among the most quiet, making it ideal for indoor use. We also liked this machine’s space-friendly size and portability. “You can store this one vertically to reduce the footprint, so it doesn’t take up much space,” according to our tester, who gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for footprint. “The wheels on the front legs make it easy to move around, too.” Though this one does get heavier when you add water, the design still makes it easy to move around.

For the best home rower overall, our team also prioritized durability and this machine earned a 5 out of 5 in that category. It has a 700-pound max user weight, which is more than most, and you don’t feel it move or shake as you train. “I can definitely tell that this rower is made with durable, high-quality materials,” our tester said. “It’s smooth, quiet, and durable.”

The Hydrow rower is compatible with many programs and apps, earning a 4 out of 5 for tech capacity. 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 machine is also compatible with bluetooth and you can buy a separate sensor to track heart rate.

Unfortunately, we had to give the machine a 3 out of 5 for programming. “This rower has the capacity for many programming options but a lot of these involve buying separate apps or are sold separately,” our tester said. “You can pre-set some workouts but the machine really only tracks time, distance, or stroke goals.”

The Hydrow earned a 4.5 out of 5 for value. The price is steep at $1,995 but the company does offer financing options. But considering the wood is so durable, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing, we think it’s worth the price. 

Read our full Hydrow Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Beginners: Concept2

The treadmill doesn’t take a lot of instructions to figure out. After all, walking is one of the first things we learn to do. However, rowing machines are less intuitive, especially for beginner athletes.

For those who want to invest in a beginner-friendly rowing machine, the Concept2 is hard to match. This machine is easy to put together (we gave it a 5 out of 5 for assembly) and the minimal design makes hopping into your first workout as simple as possible. We also gave the Concept2 a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. Our testers noticed no jostling or shaking while rowing, which is great for athletes who haven’t yet perfected their rowing technique.

For newbies, we like that this machine is easy to personalize and adjust. “This machine uses air resistance and you can adjust how much air enters the machine with each stroke with the adjustable dial on the flywheel,” our tester said, giving a 5 out of 5 for customization. “Like a gear on the bike, you can move this dial to adjust how much effort you need for each stroke. So, you can really customize the challenge.”

Our team gave this rower a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability, another factor we prioritized for beginners still working on their technique. You can adjust the LCD screen so that it’s eye level for your body and you can tighten or loosen the footpads for just about any shoe. The slider accommodates athletes up to six foot, nine inches tall. We have a six foot, seven inch tester who said it’s perfectly comfortable.

The LCD display tracks all of the most important metrics, including strokes per minute, split-based time, distance, calories, calories per hour, watts, and average watts. While there are plenty of pre-programmed workouts we had to rate the tech capacity a 4 out of 5 because there’s no option to stream virtual classes, which some athletes may prefer.

“Considering this machine is under $1,000, it’s an excellent value for the price,” according to our tester, who gave a 4.8 out of 5 for value. “It can withstand daily wear and tear with decent tech capabilities.” 

Read our full Concept 2 Rower Review

Most Durable Rowing Machine: Sole SR550

If you’re an athlete who likes to put their rowing machine through plenty of high-intensity training, the Sole SR550 has the durability you need. Earning a 5 out of 5 for durability, this machine is built with aluminum and steel, which won’t break down, jostle, or move as you train.

The SR550 also has more tech capabilities than other Sole rowers (like the Sole SR500), thanks to the 10.1-inch touch screen. We gave this one a 4.5 out of 5 for the tech because it’s wifi and bluetooth compatible and the Sole+ app offers an entire library of workouts, ranging from 10 to 60 minutes.

Our team also gave the SR550 a 4 out of 5 for dynamic programming. The machine has 10 pre-programmed workouts and 12 user-defined programs already built in. But as mentioned, Sole’s app allows you access to a larger library. However, you will need a separate device (like a phone or tablet) to stream, which may not be the most convenient for some athletes — having multiple screens running at once can be overkill.

We gave this piece of fitness equipment a 3.5 out of 5 for pricing, considering it will cost you $1,399.99. While we do think the durability is hard to match, there are cheaper alternatives for athletes who may not need a heavy-duty rower.

Best Compact Rowing Machine: Echelon Row

Our top pick for small spaces, also our best foldable rowing machine, folds in half for easy storage when it’s not in use, saving you a whole lot of floor space. Earning a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, this machine is only about seven feet long when fully extended, whereas most others are about nine feet. To save you even more space, this one folds up vertically.

The Echelon Row doesn’t come with many of the high-tech add-ons that other rowing machines provide, so our team had to give it a 3.5 out of 5 for tech capabilities. It only comes with a small LCD screen to track your basic metrics. While it does have a tablet mount, so you can stream from workouts from the Echelon app, this may not be convenient for all users.

With that said, this machine does have a more pleasant price tag, earning a 4 out of 5 for value. Although it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, you do get 32 different resistance levels with an adjustable foot platform and padded seat at only $629.60.

Our team also gave the Echelon Row a 3.5 out of 5 for durability. It’s built with aluminum and steel and can withstand plenty of use. However, the 300-pound weight capacity is lower than many other rowers. So, it may not be sufficiently durable for users with larger bodies, which we don;t love.

As far as home rowers go, though, the Echelon Row 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: NordicTrack RW900

This NordicTrack rowing machine has one of the best libraries of virtual classes, both live and on-demand, earning a 5 out of 5 for tech capacity. 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.

“IFIT programming is absolutely amazing,” said our tester, giving this rower’s programming a 4.75 out of 5. “You can choose from endless great workouts with plenty of filter options to find your ideal workouts and programs. The trainers are easy to follow and it also works with an app on your phone for different training styles.”

You can adjust between a wide range of 26 different levels of resistance in order to dial in the correct workout intensity. “It also has automatic adjustment by your remote coaches during live workouts, which is so cool,” our tester said, giving the customization capabilities a 4.25 out of 5. “So, during a workout, you don’t have to think about adjusting your resistance.”

This smart rower isn’t one of the stockiest on this list but it’s certainly tough, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. “I can definitely see this one lasting for a long time,” according to our tester. “Most of this machine is aluminum and steel. Though there are some plastic pieces, these are pretty thick and shouldn’t break or crack.”

At $1,999.99, this rower is definitely on the more expensive side. There are definitely less expensive options out there for users who don’t really need as much tech. With that said, we gave this machine a 3.75 out of 5 for value because we think the construction and workout options are hard to beat.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review. 

Best Rowing Machine for Building Muscle: LIT Method Strength Machine

As far as water rowers go, the LIT Strength Machine stands out for doing triple duty as a rower, a strength training machine, and a Pilates reformer all in one machine. Unlike standard rowers, this one goes above and beyond by including resistance bands that clip on to the front, middle, or back of the rower, so you can use it to do off-rower workouts using the bands for resistance. The anchored bands are also useful for Pilates, where you can use the sliding seat just like you would a Pilates reformer. 

For customization, we had to give this machine a 5 out of 5. After all, there’s no other rower that we found that can rival the versatility of the LIT Strength Machine. Considering you can do both cardio and strength work on this one piece of equipment, it can function as your entire home gym.

Watch our tester take you through all you need to know about the LIT Strength Machine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTauHhxERYI

Surprisingly, putting this one together was simple. “About 85 percent of this rower was already assembled,” according to Jake Herod, Barbend’s expert product tester who gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for assembly. “It only took about 10 to 15 minutes to do the rest myself, which is nice for obvious reasons.”

To help you get the most out of the Strength Machine, LIT Method offers a three-month trial of the LIT app, which offers over 2,500 classes that will take you through workouts that can be done on and off the rower. But we did have to give this machine a 2 out of 5 for tech, as it doesn’t actually have a screen built in — you have to use your phone or tablet. 

“The classes themselves I’ve found to be really helpful,” Herod says, giving a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. “They’re really high energy and makes it seem as if you’re right in the room with the instructors.”

One issue we had with the rower was storage. Although it’s meant to be stored vertically, that’s not actually possible without the drum leaking water. But having to empty and refill the tank every single time you want to use the machine is a huge burden. So, unless you’re okay with keeping the machine horizontal at all times, you may want to opt for another machine.

Read our full Lit Method Rower Review

Best Affordable Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Rower

Hunting for the best budget home gym equipment is a great way to save some money. And for those who want to add rowing to their workout routine, this pick from Sunny Health & Fitness certainly won’t break the bank.

We gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for value, considering it’s one of the most cost-friendly — and it’s available on Amazon. “At only about $250, this budget-friendly rower is great for people who want this cardio machine but don’t need all the bells and whistles you get with some of the pricier options,” according to our product tester, also a personal trainer.

With that said, you won’t get any of the tech capabilities or programming other machines offer, so we had to give Sunny Health & Fitness’ rower a 1 out of 5 in those departments. However, this one does have a small digital monitor to track the most basic stats like time, calorie burn, and stroke count. 

After trying the machine out, our tester gave this rower a 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. “I was surprised by how comfortable the seat is, especially compared to other rowers,” they said. “The seat is wide and reminds me of a recumbent exercise bike seat because it has a lot of padding.” However, this one sits pretty low to the ground, which may not be optimal for some older adults or athletes who have trouble bending down and getting up off the floor.

The durability wasn’t up to snuff of some of the higher-end models but it wasn’t bad either, earning a 3 out of 5. It probably won’t last a whole decade with frequent use, according to our tester, but it doesn’t shake too much when you move quickly. 

Unfortunately, this one has a pretty low weight capacity, though, which means it isn’t suitable for all athletes. Sunny Health & Fitness recommends a 250-pound weight max.

[Related: The 8 Best Budget Rowing Machines of 2024: All Options Under $1,500]

Best Water Rowing Machine: WaterRower

Unlike magnetic or air rowers, the strokes of this water rower feels more like you’re rowing on water. And the WaterRower is probably the closest you can get to the smooth feel of rowing on a lake.

“Within just the first few strokes, I noticed this rower felt extremely smooth and comfortable the entire workout,” our tester said, giving this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. “The seat also moves really smoothly, the cushioned seat is comfortable even after a long workout, and you can hold the handle several different ways.”

Our team also gave the WaterRower a 5 out of 5 for durability. The 700-lb weight limit means it can withstand plenty of intense workouts and our tester noticed no shaking or movement during their training session. Unique to this machine, it also has floor stabilizers, so you don’t have to worry about any movement. “Just by looking at the high-quality oak in person, you can tell this machine is well made,” our tester said. “It’s also surprisingly quiet.”

One small downside with the WaterRower is maintenance. Though some other rowing machines definitely require more upkeep, you do need to keep the water clean. The brand recommends adding purification tablets to the water every three to six months to keep your machine in good shape. But since this one doesn’t have a chain, you won’t need to do any oiling.

We gave the WaterRower a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities. The S4 monitor that’s built in can track your time, distance, speed/intensity, stroke rate, and heart rate (but the monitor is sold separately). You can upgrade the technology if you want to enhance your workout experience and stream apps, though this involves additional purchases. 

“Although this machine is a little more expensive than others, it’s so well crafted,” according to our tester, who gave the value a 4.5 out of 5. “With this machine, you’re definitely paying for a high-end, top-of-the-line rower.”

[Related: The 6 Best Water Rowing Machines of 2024]

Best Quiet Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R

The ProForm 750R is among the best magnetic rowing machines, 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. So, for those who live with roommates (or just want a quieter workout), this machine is worth considering.

Our team gave this rower a 3.75 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as it’s not the smallest or lightest. It’s just over seven feet in length and weighs about 116 pounds. However, you can fold it up to save some space when not in use and it has wheels on the front for easier portability.

“This rower feels pretty durable. It’s not like some of the pricier machines but it still feels stable during training,” according to our tester, who gave the durability a 4 out of 5. This one has a lot of aluminum and steel with very few plastic pieces.

There’s no screen on this rower, though, so you’ll have to use the machine’s tablet holder. But we gave the tech capabilities a 4 out of 5 because you do get access to iFIT’s library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes. This machine also has auto-adjustable resistance, bluetooth capabilities, and nice speakers. However, there are 20 built-in workouts on the rowers monitor.

We do wish this one had a higher weight capacity, though. With a 250-pound max, it won’t necessarily work for all athletes. But we did give the ProForm 750R a 4.5 out of 5 for value, as it’s so cost-friendly at only $699.

Read our full ProForm 750R Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Interactive Training: Ergatta

The Ergatta features interactive workout programs, competitions, and games where you compete with yourself to motivate you as you go. Although it doesn’t have the trainer-led programming you may see with other rowers, it keeps you on track using games and competition. 

“I actually prefer Ergatta’s style of programming,” according to our tester who gave the tech a 4 out of 5. “I think the system is really clever, using games and competition to keep you pushing yourself. It’s also a more simple programming, which is appealing. There isn’t too much to mess with and I get all the most important data.”

Plus, the water resistance provides the feel of rowing on an actual body of water and it creates a “whooshing” sound that our testers found soothing. “It’s almost meditative,” one tester says. We gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5 for durability, though, as some customers have reported the plastic drum leaking over time, which is a pretty big oversight.

We gave the customization options a 3 out of 5, as you can’t increase or decrease the resistance as with some other machines. However, this is how all water rowers work — the workout is as challenging as you make it.

Although the wood is great quality and visually appealing to keep in your home, we had to give the value a 3.25 out of 5. “This one is comparable to other rowing machines, which cost a little less,” our tester said. “I also think the $29 per month subscription for the workout streaming is a bit steep.” However, if you’re an athlete who loves interactive training and wants a more competition-style workout, the programming on this smart rowing machine is definitely unique.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Benefits of Rowing Machines

There are plenty of rowing machine benefits, which is why rowers have gained so much popularity. This smooth motion of rowing is easier on the joints than running on a treadmill — plus, it works a good percentage of your body with every stroke. And even though it seems repetitive, there are many ways to vary your workouts, keeping them fresh over time. 

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. 

A Full Body Workout

Rowing is a cardio workout that engages the entire body while also helping to build strength in your back, core, arms, and legs. 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 or CrossFit workouts with sprint intervals. Kick the resistance up and make powerful strokes in quick succession, and you’ll be feeling a burn in all your major muscle groups 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.

[Related: Does Rowing Build Muscle? How to Get Ripped on a Rowing Machine]

How To Properly Use a Rowing Machine

Rowing machines aren’t as intuitive as, say, a treadmill, but you can learn the basics with a little bit of practice. There is some nuance to getting the most out of each pull, and it’s going to require some coordination between your upper and lower body. Before you try a new indoor rowing workout, hone your rowing form.

Starting Position

You’re going to start each pull with the handle closer to the front of the machine. You should be leaning forward with your knees bent and your back straight, similar to your starting position with the deadlift. 

Stroke 

To ensure an efficient stroke, separate your pull into three movements. First, drive your heels into the footbeds and straighten your legs. Once your legs are straight, lean your torso back to about a 45-degree angle from the floor. Finally, while you maintain that lean, use your arms to pull the handle to your chest. 

Return

To get back to your starting position for the next stroke, simply reverse the steps: Straighten your arms, lean forward (keeping your back straight), then bend your legs until you return to the starting position. Repeat until your workout is complete.

[Related: Is Running or Rowing Better for Strength Athletes?]

How To Avoid Injury on a Rowing Machine

While rowing is a very low-impact method of cardio, it can lead to injury if you aren’t careful. The most common injury we’ve seen in the gym are results of poor back positioning and leaning too far during their pull. 

Back Position

A lot of people will bend their backs to try to get the row handle as close to the front of the rower as possible. While this gives you a longer pull, it can increase the chances of a back injury. A row stroke is very similar to a deadlift, and the main cue that coaches give during deadlift is to keep your back straight. The same goes for rowing — you can lean forward at the hips as much as you can, but make sure to keep your back straight instead of hunching over to get those extra few inches.

Over Leaning

If you’ve seen any gym fails on YouTube, you’ve probably seen someone lean back too far and fall off of a rower. This, again, is usually because someone’s trying to get a few more inches out of every pull. To avoid this, start out with a mild lean when you pull. For most people, this will get you to about a 45-degree angle to the floor, more or less. Figure out what lean is comfortable and safe for you, and you should be able to avoid going viral. 

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, either propping up tablets and mobile devices or 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 $1,995 before add-ons and accessories
Best Rowing Machine for Beginners	Concept2	Starting at $990 before membership or accessories
Most Durable Rowing Machine	Sole SR500	Starting at $1,399.99 before membership or accessories
Best Compact Rowing Machine	Echelon Row	Starting at $629 before membership or accessories
Best Rowing Machine for On Demand Workouts	NordicTrack RW900	Starting at $1,999.99 before membership or accessories
Best Rowing Machine for Building Muscle	LIT Method Strength Machine	Starting at $1,699 before membership
Best Affordable Rowing Machine	Sunny Health & Fitness Rower	$249.98
Best Water Rowing Machine	WaterRower	Starting at $1,099 before membership or accessories
Best Quiet Rowing Machine	ProForm 750R	Starting at $699 before membership or accessories
Best Rowing Machine for Interactive Training	Ergatta	Starting at $2,249 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 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. 

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. 

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