Rowing machines provide one of the most effective low-impact exercise options to build endurance, lose weight or support whatever fitness journey you’re on. To find the best rowing machines on the market, I researched top options from brands like Concept2, Hydrow, NordicTrack and Ergatta, and spoke with an expert at USRowing to learn more about these machines. After comparing models, I found that the Concept2 RowErg emerged as the clear winner. It’s a durable machine used by collegiate athletes and beginners alike, and it’s easy to set up and use.

Whether you’re a diehard rower or just getting started, there are a few variables to consider before buying one of these machines. For example, the type of resistance affects how the experience of rowing feels, while its profile and foldability determine whether a full-size or compact model works best in your home. Features like a big screen and rowing classes can make workouts more engaging, but they also add to the sticker price. And details like a padded seat, rail length and secure foot straps make a big difference in terms of comfort. With these things in mind, and with insights from an expert at USRowing, here are the best rowing machines you can buy today.

Our Top Recommendations

Best Rowing Machine Overall

A Well-Rounded Option For Beginners And Pros Alike

Concept2 RowErg

Dimensions: 24 x 96 x 20 inches | Weight: 64 pounds | Resistance: Air | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: PM5 LCD

The Concept2 RowErg is a popular rower that checks all the boxes for anyone in need of a comfortable, durable, reliable machine that’s ready to withstand regular use. As the first machine to make an appearance in the CrossFit games back in 2015, it’s competition-ready and designed to take your training to the next level. While this is the go-to erg for many professional rowing teams, it can adapt to all skill levels; the expert I spoke with at USRowing had nothing but great things to say about it, recommending it for athletes at all stages in their rowing journey.

Designed with a heavy-duty steel and aluminum frame, the RowErg is a solid pick that can withstand heavy use. The flywheel and damper system deliver smooth resistance that’s consistent, though unlike rowers with selectable resistance levels, the RowErg’s perceived resistance is a result of how hard you row—it doesn’t have adjustable “levels” to choose from. Because it can support up to 500 pounds and is available in a 14- or 20-inch seat height, it’s a great option for big and tall users, too. The frame separates into two pieces without tools, so you can store it away and save space, and the nickel-plated chain needs to be lubricated every now and then. Otherwise, maintenance is minimal. 

While it’s a dependable and well-made rower with a proven track record, the RowErg isn’t packed with all that many features. The basic LCD display tracks split times, meters rowed and intervals, but it doesn’t offer guided workouts or other entertainment options. Technically, it comes with a device holder, so you can clip your smartphone in and sync it with training apps via Bluetooth to log progress and follow workouts, but that’s as far as it goes to make the experience more immersive. 

If you’re after guided workouts, games or the ability to stream media from a large display, models like the Peloton Row, Ergatta Rower and Hydrow Pro will better meet your needs, though you’ll pay at least twice as much for that technology. But if you want a gym-quality rower for less than $1,000 that has a proven track record, this one is hard to beat.

Best Budget Rowing Machine

A Basic Rower That Delivers A Stress-Free Workout

MOST POPULAR

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

Dimensions: 89 x 18.9 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 60.9 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: 8 | Display: LCD monitor

If you’re looking for an affordable rowing machine that’s perfect for casual use, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is a solid pick. At less than $300 (and often dropping below $200 when it’s on sale), this is a budget-friendly rower that helps you stay active. Granted, it skips a few features, but still delivers a solid workout experience.

Weighing just under 61 pounds, it’s the lightest rower in this guide, and the steel rail folds up and out of the way for easy storage. The basic tension control dial offers eight levels of resistance, which is less than what you’ll find on higher-end models, but expected at this price, and the tiny digital monitor keeps things simple with just three buttons. Because it uses magnets, resistance is consistent from the beginning to the end of each stroke, making it perfect for steady-state cardio. It’s incredibly quiet, too. It may not feel as natural as air or water resistance, but that’s less of a priority at this price.

Unfortunately, taller and heavier users will have to look elsewhere for a more accommodating rower—the 46.5-inch slide rail can feel a bit short, and with a 250-pound weight capacity, it doesn’t meet the industry standard of 300 to 350 pounds. If you need additional room or support, models like the Concept2 RowErg or Aviron Strong Go (Aviron’s more affordable rower that lacks a display but supports up to 500 pounds) will better meet your needs. But if simplicity and price are your biggest concerns, this rower is a great option.

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

A High-End Experience That's Sleek And Fully Featured

Hydrow Pro Rower

Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 inches | Weight: 145 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: N/A (dynamic, based on stroke rate) | Display: 22-inch swivel touchscreen

If you’re looking for a rowing machine that creates a realistic on-water experience, the Hydrow Pro Rower should be on your list. It uses a patented electromagnetic resistance system that you can adjust via its 22-inch touchscreen display. Hydrow calls this the “drag setting,” and it ranges from 50 to 300. Like the Concept2 RowErg, the actual resistance you feel is mostly based on your stroke rate, not the drag setting. In fact, Hydrow doesn’t really recommend changing it from the default setting of 104—but the option is there if you want to fine-tune the experience.

What really sets the Pro Rower apart is its interactive programming. Unlike other platforms that feature instructors rowing on machines, Hydrow’s classes are filmed on open water for a more immersive experience. You can also stay active with some off-rower content, like yoga and strength training, if you swivel the display around, but rowing definitely remains the focus here. To access the classes, you’ll need to purchase a membership that runs you $44 per month, which is the same as Peloton’s subscriptions service and slightly more expensive than NordicTrack’s $39 per month iFit plan.

Weighing 145 pounds, this is one the heavier rowers in this guide, but a set of front wheels make it a bit easier to move. With that said, it doesn’t fold or disassemble, so you’ll need a dedicated space to house it. If storage is a concern, Hydrow sells an $80 upright kit to stow it vertically. Or consider the Hydrow Wave Rower that’s 30% smaller if you’re sold on the Hydrow Pro’s features but don’t have the room for it. 

Best Premium Rowing Machine

A Reliable Rower From A Reputable Brand

Peloton Row

Dimensions: 94 x 24 inches | Weight: 156.5 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: 23.8-inch HD swivel touchscreen

If you’re after a premium rowing experience from a reputable brand, look no further than the Peloton Row. In classic Peloton fashion, it features a swiveling 24-inch HD touchscreen display (the largest in this guide), making it perfect for traditional rowing workouts or off-rower workouts. The rower hits the industry-standard 300-pound weight capacity and accommodates users up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall. And the adjustable footplates fit shoe sizes up to men’s 13.5, so it’s a comfortable, customizable experience. And again, magnetic resistance maintains a consistent, quiet environment, though the Row creates resistance automatically—it increases, or gets harder, the faster you pull.

Given Peloton’s premium products (which come at premium prices), it may not come as a surprise to learn the Row is the most expensive model in this guide, at $3,300. When you add in the $44 monthly membership that gives you access to rowing classes along with Peloton’s full library of workouts (including strength training, yoga, Pilates and more), it’s even more expensive. Still, you get two free months of membership with your purchase, and if you have HSA or FSA funds, you can put those toward the rower as well. That said, if you’re looking for a similar experience that uses the same quiet magnetic resistance system and comes with a large screen but costs less, consider the Hydrow Pro.

Best Rowing Machine For Beginners

An Ergonomic Design And Easy-To-Use Features

NordicTrack RW600

Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 42.8 inches | Weight: 117 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: 26 | Display: 7-inch HD touchscreen

The NordicTrack RW600 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a high-quality rowing machine. As the more affordable sibling to the RW700 and RW900, it’s a great entry-level machine at just under $1,000, and with 26 levels of magnetic resistance, it offers plenty of room to progress. The smooth drag mechanism makes it feel like a high-end rower, and the adjustable footplates are great for households in which multiple people are going to share the machine. The long slide rail also allows for a full range of motion, making it a better option for taller folks.

NordicTrack’s iFit subscription costs $39 per month, which is on par with Peloton in terms of quality and the library of classes to choose from. You’ll have access to rowing, strength, treadmill and elliptical classes, though the smaller 7-inch touchscreen isn’t all that compelling. (For reference, it’s smaller than an iPad Mini.) If you’re after a rower with a bigger screen, you’ll have to level up to the Ergatta Rower, Hydro Pro Rower or Peloton Row instead, but keep in mind that you’ll spend a lot more for the upgrade.

One of NordicTrack’s biggest strengths is its durability, and it shows in the rower’s 10-year frame warranty—the same one offered on its higher-end rowers. With that said, the 250-pound weight capacity is below the industry standard, and it falls behind the 300-pound weight limit of the RW900. If that’s not a dealbreaker, this is a great beginner-friendly rower that offers whisper-quiet magnetic resistance and meets basic needs.

Best Water Rowing Machine

Can A Rower Also Be Art?

Ergatta Rower

Dimensions: 86 x 23 x 40 inches | Weight: 105 pounds | Resistance: Water | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: 17.3-inch HD touchscreen

If you’re looking for a rower that doubles as a work of art, the Ergatta Rower is hands-down the best-looking option in this guide. Made in the USA from cherry wood, it looks more like a piece of furniture than gym equipment, and the 17.3-inch HD touchscreen could serve as a TV replacement if you’re ready to cut ties with cable and streaming.

Joking aside, this machine uses water resistance, which means you’ll need to fill the tank yourself, but step-by-step instructions break it down. You’ll also need to treat the water, though doing so only requires adding a provided purification tablet every six months. Technically speaking, there’s no adjustable resistance because it doesn’t have a flywheel or electronics, but you can add or remove water to tweak the resistance—the sloshing of water will create subtle differences in resistance from stroke to stroke. If you’re rowing slowly, it’s a peaceful ride; go faster, and it feels a lot like rowing against the current. Just keep in mind that it isn’t as versatile as air or magnetic resistance.

For bigger and taller users, the 500-pound weight capacity and 80-inch height limit make this one of the more accommodating rowers on the market. It’s spacious and sturdy, but the five-year warranty is a little lackluster at this price. A $39 monthly subscription fee gives you access to gamified programming, including races, scenic rows and interval challenges, for fun and interactive workouts.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted health and wellness team consists of editors, writers and staffers who put together fitness guides, test products and share insights to help our readers make more informed buying decisions. From equipment like treadmills and walking pads to apparel like shoes and shirts, we cover a range of products across the health and wellness space.

  • Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor, Cam Vigliotta, has over six years of experience evaluating outdoor, fitness and wellness equipment. With a background in kinesiology, he spent years working with various fitness machines, from treadmills to power racks, and he understands the importance of investing in quality at-home equipment that encourages you to move.
  • This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director, Brinda Ayer. She has over a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism and is a longtime endurance athlete.
  • Beyond our own experiences as fitness enthusiasts and product testers, we spoke with Peter Choi, director of sports growth and chief of staff at USRowing, to learn more about rowing machines and what you should consider when the time comes to buy one.
  • We regularly update this story to confirm all of our picks are still in stock and to ensure we’re providing you with the most relevant shopping information available. This story was last updated in April 2025.

How We Chose The Best Rowing Machines

To find the best rowing machines, we set our sites on models that create a smooth, effective workout while balancing performance, comfort and long-term durability. Here’s what we looked for:

  • A rowing machine’s resistance system determines how it feels when you’re using it, and this resistance becomes even more important if you’re using a rower consistently. We evaluated air, magnetic, water and hydraulic rowers, and prioritized models that offer consistent and adaptable resistance based on your needs.
  • Rowing machines are usually big and bulky, so we looked for a balance between full-size models and those with space-saving features like foldable frames and upright storage, that make them perfect for complete home gyms and small spaces alike.
  • From HD displays to instructor-led classes, we considered how each rower’s features impact your desire to use it and how easy it is to use. Models with easy-to-understand displays, interactive workouts and Bluetooth connectivity scored additional points.
  • At the end of the day, a reliable rowing machine should feel sturdy and comfortable through every workout. We looked at aspects like seat cushioning, rail smoothness, foot strap adjustability and overall quality to find machines that are comfortable and durable.

How To Shop For A Rowing Machine

When the time comes to invest in a rowing machine, there are a handful of important factors to keep in mind beyond the type of resistance (though that’s important, too). From how smooth it feels to how you can interact with the machine and even how easy it is to store away when it’s not in use, here’s how to break it all down:

Resistance Type

Rowing machines feature different forms of resistance (including air, magnetic, water and hydraulic) and each one creates its own unique experience.

  • Air: Air resistance rowing machines generate resistance using a flywheel that spins as you pull the handle. The faster and harder you row, the more air the flywheel moves and the more resistance you generate. It’s all based on the intensity of your stroke. Some rowers, like the Concept2 RowErg, include a damper that adjusts how much air flows into the flywheel, and this manipulates the “feel” of the stroke. It’s lighter and faster at lower settings, and heavier and slower at higher ones. “Air resistance rowers, like the Concept2, have long been the go-to standard in competitive rowing,” explains Peter Choi. “They’re responsive, consistent and widely used by athletes across all levels, from beginners to Olympians." The sound of the flywheel is louder than a magnetic rower, but it sounds like a house fan.
  • Magnetic: Magnetic rowers offer a quieter, more consistent experience. Unlike air resistance rowers that make noise and create variance in each stroke, “magnetic resistance rowers, such as those from Hydrow or Peloton, are impressively quiet and have a very smooth pull,” says Choi. They deliver a more consistent degree of resistance throughout each stroke, which is good for steady-state cardio. And while the power application can feel a bit delayed, this isn’t a big drawback unless you’re really into HIIT routines and sprint starts.
  • Water: Water resistance rowers create a different kind of experience altogether. According to Choi, “The resistance is self-regulated by the user’s effort, though the water’s natural flow can introduce subtle variability from stroke to stroke.” Ultimately, you’ll opt for this form of rowing resistance if you like the sensory feel and general aesthetic of water rowing, or if you actually row on water and want a setup that most closely mimics the real thing. Otherwise, an air or magnetic rower will meet your needs, and you won’t have to fill, clean or otherwise fiddle with a water tank.
  • Hydraulic: Hydraulic rowers use pistons filled with fluid or air to create resistance. According to Choi, they’re "compact and often very affordable, which makes them appealing for small spaces or basic conditioning." While you won’t find hydraulic rowers in team or high-performance settings because the resistance doesn’t resemble water rowing, they’re a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, low-impact workout.

Ultimately, the type of resistance isn’t the only variable to consider, but it is the most important one because it directly impacts the overall experience. “Whether someone is a beginner looking to build cardio or a competitive athlete training for their next regatta, there’s likely a machine that fits their specific needs and environment,” says Choi.

Storage

Rowing machines are big investments, both literally and figuratively. They take up a lot of space, which is why it’s important to consider how and where you’ll store your rower.

“If space is tight, I’d recommend looking for a rowing machine that can either fold, separate into components or stand upright,” says Choi. “Concept2 (C2) and Hydrow’s products are great examples. C2 can separate into two pieces and both C2 and Hydrow can be stored vertically, which helps minimize the floor space it takes up when not in use.”

While a rowing machine that folds in half or disassembles might be cause for concern because it introduces a point of weakness, Choi points out that these machines are just as sturdy and reliable as their traditional counterparts. “Just because a machine can fold or be stored upright doesn’t mean it’s less durable," he explains. "These features are built with high performance and long-term use in mind, not as a compromise.”

Features

From basic LCD displays to Bluetooth speakers and even HD touchscreens with interactive workouts, modern rowing machines come with a range of features to enhance your workouts. If you want guided workouts or virtual training, models like the Ergatta, Hydrow and Peloton offer immersive, app-connected experiences, though you’ll pay more upfront for the rower itself and over time if you purchase a subscription service.

For those who want to track their progress, Choi explains that, “At a minimum, you’ll want a rowing machine with a screen that tracks basic metrics: meters rowed, split time, watts, stroke rate, etc." Fortunately, industry standards have reached a pint that ensures most rowing machines come with at least a basic LCD screen to record metrics.

And if you prefer simplicity and don’t need immersive screens, speakers or fancy add-ons, a no-frills rower like the Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Rower is enough to work up a sweat.

Comfort And Ergonomics

A rower that’s thoughtfully designed should offer a smooth and natural pull, whether you’re using it for 10 high-intensity minutes or an hour. Look for a comfy, well-padded seat, a grippy handle and adjustable foot straps to help keep your body positioned and secure.

“Comfort matters a lot, especially for anyone planning to row consistently over time,” says Choi. “Most standard rowing machines are designed with ergonomics in mind, but smaller adjustments can make a big difference. Seat pads, for example, can improve comfort for longer sessions, and handle grips vary in shape and texture.”

Foot placement is usually an afterthought, but it’s also an important factor to consider. While adjustable footplates are standard on most machines to accommodate different shoe sizes and leg lengths, budget-friendly models tend to offer less adjustability. “Ideally, users should be able to strap in securely while still having free movement through the ankle and hip during the stroke,” explains Choi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)