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A quick look at our top Rowing Machines for your Gym


Best Rowing Machines for Building Strength and Cardiovascular Health

woman training on a rowing machine

Rowing machines are low-impact cardio equipment that can help burn calories and develop stronger muscles.

But unlike jogging on a track or the highway or working on a treadmill, training on a rowing machine will not put much pressure on your joints, making them safer for all athletes, irrespective of their age and fitness levels.

Installing a rowing machine in your home gym can be a worthwhile investment allowing you to target your core and other muscles together.

It is a time-saving device that can help improve your cardiovascular health and strength without the risk of injury to your joints.

Getting the best rowing machine for your home gym can be a daunting task that could involve spending many hours evaluating and analyzing countless units.

But our team has done all the leg work for you to help save you the headache and allow you to use your precious time for other things, such as exercising.

We have narrowed the choices and are confident one of the best rowing machines discussed here can help meet your requirements.

Best Rowing Machine Overall: Concept2 RowErg Rower with PM5

best rowing machine - black concept 2 rowerg rower-image 02
Image courtesy of Rogue Fitness

The Concept 2 RowErg Rower is the best rowing machine for any home gym.

It is a low-impact, full-body workout machine built by and for rowers, making it one of the most sought-after rowing machines for health clubs and gyms of all sizes.

Related: 7 Best Vertical Climbers For A Challenging Whole Body Workout

The design and build quality are to the highest possible standards. It is well-constructed, runs smoothly, and is challenging to set it up and maintain.

Its air resistance, combined with the adjustable damper and flywheel, reduces noise to the minimum, allowing you to concentrate more on your workout.

A built-in easy-to-read performance monitor makes it easy to view various statistics, such as speed, burned calories, stroke rate, etc. And because it is Bluetooth enabled, you can transfer the data to your SMART device.

Concept 2 RowErg Rower-image-03 - best rowing machine for home and commercial gyms
Image courtesy of Rogue Fitness

Aside from programming and accessing several workouts through the monitor, you can also set up your SMART device on the built-in holder to give you access to your favorite programs, apps, and exercises.

It features ergonomic handles and adjustable footrests, making it functional and allowing you to find the best position to help you work out comfortably.

The Concept 2 RowErg Rower comes in standard height and elevated seat height. Thus one of the two versions should meet the needs of every lifter.

The price tag of the Concept2 RowERG Rower is at the high end, but the price reflects the high build quality, engineering, and durability, and it is worth every cent.

It is smooth to operate and not challenging to use. It should suit both beginner and advanced rowers.

Pros

  • Commercial grade
  • High build quality, reliable, and durable
  • Ease of assemblyHigh weight capacity
  • Different height options to cater to different-sized users
  • Onboard workouts and exercises
  • Performance data display monitor
  • Wide range of features
  • Space-saving storage facility

Cons

  • High price tag. Price at the top end
  • Some may find the seat uncomfortable
  • Some may find it noisy at time
  • Display monitor is outdated and not fit for the 21st century

Product Weight: 57.3 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Product Length: 96 inches | Product Width: 24 inches | Product Height: Standard Legs: 14 inches (seat), Tall Legs: 20″ (seat) | Foot Print: 8 x 2 feet


The Concept2 RowERG is available to view on Amazon.

Alternatively, you can purchase the Concept2 RowERG Rower from Rogue Fitness, where both leg height options are available.


Best High-End Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine

The Hydrow Wave is the rowing machine to go for if you want to get a similar experience of rowing on water in your gym.

It is, more or less, a reduced version of the original Hydrow Rower and features an immersive touchscreen HD monitor with built-in speakers.

The Hydrow wave focuses on giving you a rowing experience in the real world, and it does that without question.

It allows you to explore lifelike waters through elite coach-led live and on-demand classes in the comfort of your gym.

Its electromagnetic drag facility, the only rowing machine with that feature, ensures your experience is as natural as possible.

The build quality of the Hydrow Wave is hard to beat, and so are its high-tech features. It is sleek, well-designed, well-built, and durable.

The ergonomic seat is well-cushioned and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy long rides without stress.

It is easy to set up and put away. Purchasing the optional Upright Storage Kit will ensure the rowing machine takes up minimal storage space in your gym.

The Hydrow Wave is a hard-to-beat rowing machine. But the price is much higher than the class-leading Concept2 RowERG Rower, taking it out of the league of many athletes and rowers.

But it will not disappoint those with a budget looking for high-end equipment. It is a joy to row, build strength, and burn calories on some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.

Pros

  • Exceptional design, high build quality, and durable
  • An immersive, lifelike experience
  • Large Interactive HD touchscreen with built-in speakers
  • Access to an extensive library of live and on-demand classes and workoutsFoldable and easy to store

Cons

  • Much more expensive than those of the competition
  • Needs paid subscription to get access to the complete library of exercises and classes

Product Weight: 102 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Product Length: 80 inches | Product Width: 43 inches | Product Height: 43 inches


You can view and purchase the Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine on Amazon


Best Compact Rowing Machine: ‎Echelon Smart Row S

The Hydrow Wave is the rowing machine to go for if you want to get a similar experience of rowing on water in your gym.

It is, more or less, a reduced version of the original Hydrow Rower and features an immersive touchscreen HD monitor with built-in speakers.

The Hydrow wave focuses on giving you a rowing experience in the real world, and it does that without question.

It allows you to explore lifelike waters through elite coach-led live and on-demand classes in the comfort of your gym.

Its electromagnetic drag facility, the only rowing machine with that feature, ensures your experience is as natural as possible.

The build quality of the Hydrow Wave is hard to beat, and so are its high-tech features. It is sleek, well-designed, well-built, and durable.

The ergonomic seat is well-cushioned and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy long rides without stress.

It is easy to set up and put away. Purchasing the optional Upright Storage Kit will ensure the rowing machine takes up minimal storage space in your gym.

The Hydrow Wave is a hard-to-beat rowing machine. But the price is much higher than the class-leading Concept2 RowERG Rower, taking it out of the league of many athletes and rowers.

But it will not disappoint those with a budget looking for high-end equipment. It is a joy to row, build strength, and burn calories on some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.

Pros

  • 22-inch touchscreen included
  • Oversized and well-stuffed seat for comfort
  • Wide range of resistance levelsSpace-saving foldable design
  • Built-in wheel for easy maneuvering
  • Access to live and on-demand classes and workouts

Cons

  • Requires monthly paid Echelon Premier Membership to get access to the training library

Product Weight: 123 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Length: 84.65 inches | Product Width: 20.47 inches | Product Height: 43.7 inches


The Echelon Smart Row S is available to view and purchase on Amazon


Best Rowing Machine For Streaming: NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower

Look no further than the NordicTrack RW900 if you want a rowing machine with the best connectivity and streaming features.

Build quality is very high, with the SMART rower having an extensive assembly of high-tech features.

Your purchase gives you access to iFit, a fitness app for smart devices that allows you to stream live and on-demand classes and workouts in a wide range of fitness disciplines, including cardio, rowing, strength training, and yoga.

The RW900 has an adjustable 22-inch HD touchscreen monitor that rotates for you to view the screen even when you are not using the rower.

The onboard magnetic resistance has 26 manually or automatically adjustable levels, allowing you to control the intensity of your workout.

Training on the NordicTrack RW900 gives you an immersive rowing experience, taking you through some of the world’s best lakes, rivers, waterways, and sceneries while training in the comfort of your gym.

Assembly is not challenging, and many will find it straightforward to put the RW900 together. And its patented SpaceSaver Design allows you to easily fold it up and tuck it out of the way when you finish your training.

The NordicTrack RW900 is an excellent rowing machine worth having in any gym. But it’s expensive, making it accessible only to high-end home gyms, those with a high budget looking for the best, and commercial gym outfits.

Pros

  • High build quality with an array of high-tech features
  • Compact, foldable, and state-of-the-art design
  • iFit app connectivity, with access to a wide range of fitness classes and training22-in HD touchscreen display
  • Immersive rowing experience

Cons

  • Expensive with the price at the very top end of your budget
  • Needs continuous subscription to iFit membership to enjoy the full features of the rower
  • Weight capacity not as high as others

Product Weight: 130.6 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Product Length: 22 inches | Product Width: 86.5 inches | Product Height: 50.4 inches


The NordicTrack RW900 is available to order on Amazon.


Best Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Sunny Rowing Machine is the best for those on a budget and will be a good fit for athletes and rowers with a small frame. But a built-in extra slide rail allows users of different heights to use it.

It is a no-frills roller with basic features. But you still get an LCD monitor to help you track your performance. You can view statistics, such as calories burned, and time, and a scan mode display for your progress.

It features an 8-level resistance facility, through an adjustable dial, for controlling the difficulty of your workout.

It is foldable, making it easy to stow away when not in use.

Other features include

  • built-in wheels for easy transportation,
  • anti-slip handlebars for a firm grip, and
  • a cushioned seat for comfort.

Build quality is acceptable but not exceptional.

But it would be a good buy for anyone looking for a low-cost option for rowing or adding cardio to their training.

Pros

  • A good choice for those on a budget
  • A low-cost option to add cardio to your
  • Adjustable resistance
  • Built-in wheels for transportation
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • Extra long slide makes it possible for different-sized users to use it.

Cons

  • Not the best build qualityInconsistent readings from the monitor
  • May not be a good fit for those with a large body frame.
  • Low weight capacity
  • Basic display monitor

Product Weight: 60.9 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Product Length: 89 inches | Product Width: 18.9 inches | Product Height: 23.6 inches


You can view and purchase the Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine on Amazon


Best Rowing Machine For Beginners: Stamina BodyTrac 1050 Rowing Machine

The design of the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 is not exceptional, but its low price makes it an appealing rower to those on a budget.

It is a hydraulic rower, making it different from other low-priced machines, most of which have magnetic resistance. But that doesn’t give it much advantage. Users complain the piston starts causing problems after intensive use.

The build quality is acceptable for the price. It is compact, lightweight, and foldable for storage.

The molded plastic seat is acceptable and should do for short rows, but users looking for extended rowing may have to look elsewhere or find ways to make it comfortable.

The design of the handles and the way it operates allow you to get a lifelike experience during your workout. The handlebars have padding to give a good grip.

Its built-in adjustable resistance allows you to row slowly or quickly, but some users complain its effectiveness drops after about 15 minutes, making it physically less challenging and ineffective. While this may be true, it is worth noting that rowing without proper form could also cause that.

Other features include a multi-function monitor that allows you to track your performance. Apart from its low quality, some users also question the reliability of the displayed data.

Oversized foot pedals with traps should help keep your feet in place. But being too large for many, some may also find its position is not the best for convenience and comfort.

Aside from the shortfalls, the BodyTrac Glider operates smoothly, with the handles giving a full range of motion to help give you the workout you want.

The Stamina BodyTrac will be a good buy for casual and moderate rowers, those on a low budget, and those with small gym spaces looking for a cheap compact roller to improve their fitness.

Pros

  • Low price point
  • Acceptable build quality for the price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Foldable and space-saving
  • Adjustable resistance

Cons

  • Oversized foot pedals are not the best
  • Unreliable resistanceErratic performance
  • Low-quality seat and display console

Product Weight: 38 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Product Length: 42.5 inches | Product Width: 58.25 inches | Product Height: 18.13 inches


The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is available on Amazon


Best Budget Compact Rowing Machine for Beginners: Fitness Reality 1000 Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Fitness Reality Rowing Machine is compact and a good alternative for those on a budget looking for a machine for a small gym.

It’s foldable, making it suitable for small gym spaces.

The built-in display console allows you to view statistics on your performance. You also get a holder for your SMART device to connect to other fitness apps and platforms via Bluetooth, helping to expand your training options.

Its built-in adjustable magnetic resistance operates smoothly to allow you to control the intensity of the rowing.

Some may not find the resistance levels not high enough to help them meet their goals.

The build quality is acceptable, and the price is low, making it a reasonable buy for many novices and those looking for a cheaper way to incorporate some rowing or cardio into their training.

Pros

  • Acceptable build quality
  • Compact and foldable for storage
  • Smooth operation
  • Built-in resistance
  • Bluetooth-enabled
  • Built-in wheels for easy transport
  • Low price point
  • A good buy for those on a budget and those with small gym spaces

Cons

  • Some quality control issues
  • Low-quality display console
  • Not for serious rowers

Product Weight: 28.83 kilos | User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Product Length: 21.5 inches | Product Width: 88.5 inches | Product Height: 21.5 inches


The Fitness Reality 1000 Rower is available to view and purchase on Amazon.


Best Foldable Rowing Machine: XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower

The Xterra Fitness ERG220 looks quite different from the rowing machines on our list, spotting a large turbine flywheel in front of you as you row.

The flywheel houses a 3.5-inch LCD console that displays various statistics on your performance, including distance, calories, and pulse. But the size and quality fall short of expectations. The screen size, in particular, makes it challenging for many to read the display.

A built-in 8-level adjustable resistance allows you to control the difficulty of your workout.

It is a budget-priced model. Thus the price is the low end. But the build quality is acceptable and in line with others in the price range.

Assembly is not challenging, and it features stabilizers to help keep the equipment sturdy when training.

Adjustable foot pedals, padded handlebars, and an ergonomic padded seat are some of the comfort features of the ERG220.

It is foldable, making it appealing to those with small training areas. You can lift the rail and keep it upright to help free some room for other activities or tuck it into a corner with the help of the built-in wheels after use.

The performance is respectable and smooth for the price, but some users may not be very comfortable with the creaking and squeaking of the rower. Others may also not be happy with the seat, especially after doing long sessions on the rowing machine.

The 300-pound weight capacity is higher than others, making it accessible to more users than the Sunny rowing machine. The long rail makes it possible for different-sized users to use it.

The ERG220 is a good piece of equipment. It doesn’t have the qualities and features of the more expensive rowers. But it has all the basic features, making it a good rowing machine for beginners. Getting one for your gym can help incorporate some cardio into your training.

Pros

  • Low price, making it a good buy for beginners
  • Acceptable build quality for the price
  • Easy to assemble
  • Decent weight capacity
  • Foldable and easy to stow away
  • Built-in resistance levels.

Cons

  • Some quality control issues
  • Basic display console
  • More for beginners than serious athletes and rowers

Product Weight: 62 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Length: 80 inches | Product Width: 80 inches | Product Height: 29 inches


The Xterra Fitness ERG220 is available on Amazon.


Best Rowing Machine For Small Spaces: Women’s Health Men’s Health Magnetic Rowing Machine

It’s compact and foldable, and the build quality is acceptable for the price.

The built-in display console gives you access to your performance data, including time, calories burned, mileage, and watts.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync the data with other devices. And you get a holder for your mobile device to connect to other apps and platforms, making it possible to stream classes and workouts.

Your purchase also gives you 30-day access to the MyCloudFitness app, which contains a library of on-demand coach-led classes in rowing, yoga, cycling, and many others.

The 14-level magnetic resistance allows you to control the intensity of your workout.

It is a good and affordable option worth considering.

Pros

  • Good build quality at a reasonable price
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Access to on-demand classes
  • Compact and foldable for storage

Cons

  • Resistance levels may not be enough for seasoned rowers.
  • Low-quality display console
  • Low weight capacity

Product Weight: 123 pounds | User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Length: 84.65 inches | Product Width: 20.47 inches | Product Height: 43.7 inches


You can view and order the Women’s Health Men’s Health rowing machine from Amazon


How to choose the best rowing machine – A buyer’s guide

Investing in a rowing machine may involve analyzing a wide range of options, some of which could be confusing.

Below are some guidelines to help you make the best choice that can help you to meet your physical and fitness goals.

  • Build Quality and Durability
    Exercising on a rower involves activating many movable components in the rowing machine. That means you need the equipment to withstand your intensive activities.
    You will need a rowing machine that is well-built, durable, and able to stand the test of time if rowing is an integral part of your fitness goals.
    Cheaper or budget rowing machines may seem like a good option, but these may have low-grade components compared to more expensive models. A low-priced rowing machine may not withstand daily or continuous physical activities.
    Ensure the best rowing machine you choose will be durable enough to withstand the intensity and frequency of your exercises.
  • Quality of Resistance
    Rowing machines rely on a tension system to create the needed resistance. That can be magnetic, hydraulic, water-powered, or air-powered.
    Each system has its benefits and weaknesses.
    Cheaper and compact rowers use hydraulic tension, while high-quality and commercial-grade rowing machines like the Concept2 RowERG use air-powered with built-in fans for resistance.
    Opt for air resistance if you want a lifelike rowing on-water experience. These rowing machines are some of the best but could also be expensive.
    Those looking for a smooth and quiet rowing experience may opt for a rower with a magnetic tension system.
  • Sturdiness
    As said earlier, a rowing machine involves many moving components.
    Thus ensure your choice is stable and will not slide around as you exercise.
    High-quality machines are heavy and sturdier.
    Some lightweight rowers have foot stabilizers to help keep them grounded firmly.
  • Dimensions and Gym Space
    While many rowing machines have portability in their design, they can be heavy and bulky. That means they can take a good chunk of your gym space.
    Ensure your choice has built-in wheels, for example, that make it easy to transport or move around, or is foldable if you don’t have enough room to set it up and leave it permanently in place.
  • Other Features
    High-tech features have crept into many modern rowing machines.
    Features like LCD monitors, Bluetooth connectivity, access to online workouts and classes, apps, and other entertainment platforms are now commonplace. Access to these can help you to reach your goals. They can also provide a more comfortable and inviting environment within which to work.
    Remember, however, that the more extras and features a rowing machine has, the higher the price may be.
    Ensure you do not splash out on features you do not need.

Can you lose weight with a rowing machine?

Losing weight requires burning more calories than you take in (1). Thus physical activities that allow you to dispense more energy can help your weight loss effort.

The American Council on Exercises estimates that a person weighing 170 pounds can burn around 269 calories through 30 minutes of moderate rowing activity, while a 200-pound person can burn around 317 calories within the same period (2).

Thus, like all aerobic activities, exercising on a rowing machine can help you burn calories, improve your stamina, and boost your cardiovascular health.