Finding the right rowing machine can transform your home fitness routine, offering a low-impact, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. With so many options on the market, from authentic water rowers to high-tech smart machines, selecting the perfect model for your space and goals is key to a consistent and enjoyable exercise habit.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best rowing machines available. We’ve evaluated them based on resistance type, build quality, user comfort, and unique features to help you find the machine that will keep you motivated and moving toward your fitness objectives.
The Best Rowing Machines for Your Home Gym
- YOSUDA Water Rowing Machines with Bluetooth-Water Rowers
- Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
- Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16″ HD Touchscreen
- Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower
- WENOKER Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home
- WaterRower Ash Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
- Echelon Row Smart Rower
- Onerbl AC/DC Adapter for NordicTrack RW700 Rowing Machine
- L NOW Rowing Machine with Magnetic Resistance
YOSUDA Water Rowing Machines with Bluetooth-Water Rowers
The YOSUDA water rower is designed to provide an authentic rowing experience from the comfort of your home. Its water tank system, built with aviation-standard polycarbonate and EPDM rubber seals, is engineered to prevent leaks and rust, ensuring long-term reliability. The soothing sound of water combined with a super-soft, contoured seat and dual aluminum slide rails creates a smooth and comfortable workout.
With a robust 350-pound weight capacity and a rowing-dedicated monitor that connects via Bluetooth, you can track your performance with ease. Backed by 20 years of experience in creating home fitness equipment, YOSUDA offers a machine built for durability and user satisfaction.
Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Widely regarded as the gold standard in indoor rowing, the Concept2 RowErg Model D is built for performance and durability. Its air resistance flywheel provides a smooth, dynamic workout that naturally matches your effort, while the design minimizes noise for a less disruptive session. The machine features adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle to accommodate a wide range of users.
The integrated PM5 monitor tracks your workout data and is compatible with over 40 fitness apps, and the device holder securely keeps your smartphone or tablet in view. Easy to store upright, this rower is a favorite for both home gyms and professional training facilities.
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Wave brings a cinematic fitness experience to your home with its vibrant 16-inch HD touchscreen. This rowing machine is engineered to deliver a highly effective workout, engaging over 86% of your muscles in a single, low-impact 20-minute session. The Wave is designed to stow upright, making it an excellent choice for spaces where floor area is limited.
To access its full potential, a membership provides live and on-demand workouts led by world-class athletes, with over 5,000 sessions to choose from. The integrated HydroMetrics performance tracking analyzes your precision, endurance, and power to help you monitor your progress over time.
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 offers a compact and affordable entry into full-body rowing. Its unique design features full-motion rowing arms that mimic the feeling of being on the water, providing a workout for your back, legs, arms, and core. The hydraulic cylinder resistance is adjustable, allowing you to customize the intensity of your session.
Ideal for those with limited space or a smaller budget, this rower includes a multi-function electronic monitor to track your time, count, and calories burned. It supports users up to 250 pounds and provides a straightforward, effective rowing motion.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
This magnetic rower from Sunny Health & Fitness is built for user comfort and effective workouts. Its key feature is an extended 48-inch slide rail, which comfortably accommodates users up to 6’8″ tall. The eight levels of magnetic resistance provide a quiet and smooth operation, perfect for apartment living or late-night workouts.
The ergonomically cushioned seat ensures comfort during longer cardiovascular sessions, helping you maximize calories burned. A digital LCD display tracks your workout metrics, making it easy to monitor your progress and stay motivated.
WENOKER Rowing Machine
The WENOKER rowing machine stands out with its upgraded electromagnetic flywheel, which offers 32 finely tuned levels of quiet magnetic resistance. This allows for a highly customizable workout, suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. The smart electronic control knob lets you adjust resistance effortlessly and displays real-time data including time, distance, and calories.
For an interactive experience, the rower connects via Bluetooth to fitness apps that support the FTMS protocol. An adjustable tablet stand is included, letting you follow along with workouts or stream entertainment while you row.
WaterRower Ash Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
The WaterRower Ash is an heirloom-quality machine, handcrafted in the USA from sustainably sourced Appalachian ash wood. Its beautiful, natural finish makes it a piece of furniture that enhances any room. The resistance is generated by a water-filled flywheel, which creates a smooth, natural feel that closely mimics rowing on water.
The harder you pull, the more resistance the water provides, offering a dynamic and responsive workout. It comes with an S4 performance monitor to track your strokes per minute, heart rate, and more, solidifying its status as a premium home rowing machine.
Echelon Row Smart Rower
The Echelon Row Smart Rower is designed for a connected fitness experience with resistance controlled directly from the handlebars. This innovative feature allows for seamless transitions between 32 distinct resistance levels during live or on-demand classes. The rail has a 1.7-degree angle, which is engineered to promote optimal rowing posture and reduce strain.
As part of the Echelon ecosystem, this rower is built to integrate with a subscription service that provides a vast library of classes and real-time performance feedback, creating an immersive and guided workout.
Onerbl AC/DC Adapter for NordicTrack RW700 Rowing Machine
This is a high-quality replacement power adapter designed specifically for the NordicTrack RW700 rowing machine and compatible models. If your original charger has been lost or has failed, this unit ensures your smart rower remains operational. It is a brand-new adapter that has been tested and is in great working condition.
With a worldwide AC input range of 100-240V, it provides a reliable power supply for your machine, allowing you to continue accessing interactive workouts and features without interruption.
L NOW Rowing Machine with Magnetic Resistance
The L NOW Rowing Machine offers a magnetic resistance system for a quiet and consistent home workout. Magnetic rowers are known for their smooth operation and minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for daily use. This machine is designed to provide a full-body workout, targeting major muscle groups in the legs, core, back, and arms.
While specific details are limited, magnetic rowers like this one typically feature multiple resistance levels and a compact footprint, appealing to users looking for an effective and space-efficient fitness solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine for You
So you’re thinking about getting a rowing machine. That’s a fantastic choice. I’ve used a lot of them over the years, and a good rower is one of the most effective full-body workouts you can have at home. But with so many types and price points, it can be a bit overwhelming. Let me walk you through the main things I consider when helping someone pick out the perfect machine.
First up is the resistance type. This is the heart of the machine and dictates the feel and often the price. You’ll mainly find four kinds:
Air Resistance: These use a flywheel and fan. The harder you pull, the more resistance you get. They’re super smooth, durable, and give you a great workout. The trade-off is that they can be quite loud.
Magnetic Resistance: These use magnets near the flywheel for resistance. The big win here is that they are virtually silent, which is great for apartments. The resistance is also very consistent and adjustable electronically.
Water Resistance: These have a tank filled with water and paddles. They mimic the feel of actual rowing on water better than any other type. The sound is a soothing “whoosh,” but they are the heaviest and usually require the most maintenance.
Hydraulic/Piston Resistance: These are the compact, often cheaper models with pistons under the seat. They’re fine for light use but don’t offer the same full-body, smooth stroke as the others. I usually suggest looking at the other three types first for a serious workout.
Next, think about the monitor. What data do you want to see? Basic models might just show time and strokes per minute. More advanced ones connect to apps, track your heart rate, and offer pre-programmed workouts. If you get bored easily, a machine with interactive programming can be a game-changer.
Don’t forget about the physical fit. Check the weight capacity and the machine’s overall dimensions, both when in use and when folded for storage. Make sure the footplates are adjustable and the handle is comfortable. If you’re tall, pay close attention to the rail length; you need enough room for a full, comfortable extension without feeling cramped.
Finally, set a budget. Rowing machines range from a couple hundred dollars for a basic model to well over two thousand for a high-end connected bike. Knowing your price range will help you narrow down the resistance type and features quickly. Remember, the best rowing machine is the one you’ll actually use consistently. It’s worth investing in quality that fits your space, your workout style, and your wallet. This guide should help you sort through the options for the 10 Best Rowing Machines – Reviews and Essential Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does a rowing machine work?
A rowing machine is a true full-body workout, which is a big part of why I like it so much. The driving motion with your legs works your quads, glutes, and calves. The pulling motion engages your back muscles (lats and rhomboids), biceps, and shoulders. Even your core is constantly activated to stabilize your body throughout the entire stroke. It’s not just an arm or leg workout; it efficiently hits nearly every major muscle group.
How often should I use my rowing machine?
This really depends on your fitness level and goals. For a general fitness routine, aiming for 3 to 5 sessions per week is a great target. A good starting point is sessions of 20-30 minutes. The key, especially when you’re beginning, is to allow for rest days in between to let your muscles recover. Listen to your body—it’s better to build up consistency slowly than to overdo it and get burned out or injured.
Are rowing machines good for weight loss?
Absolutely. Because rowing is a high-calorie-burning, cardiovascular exercise that uses so many muscles, it’s very effective for weight loss. Combining regular rowing workouts with a healthy diet is a powerful strategy. The intensity of your workout will determine how many calories you burn, but even a moderate-paced session can be very effective. The full-body nature means your metabolism stays elevated for a while after you finish.
What’s the difference between a cheap and an expensive rowing machine?
The main differences come down to durability, smoothness of the stroke, and technology. A cheaper machine might have a less robust frame, a jerky or limited resistance system, and a basic monitor. More expensive models are built to last for years, offer a much smoother and more natural rowing feel (like on water or air resistance models), and often include advanced consoles with connectivity, workout programs, and app integration. You’re paying for a better experience and a machine that won’t need replacing soon.
I have a bad back. Can I still use a rower?
This is a very common concern. For many people with back issues, a rowing machine can actually be beneficial because it strengthens the back and core muscles without high impact. However, proper form is absolutely critical. If you use poor form and round your back, you can make things worse. It’s always best to consult with your doctor or a physical therapist first. If you get the green light, start with low resistance and focus on maintaining a straight, strong back throughout the entire motion. This is a key point in any 10 Best Rowing Machines – Reviews and Essential Buying Guide because safety comes first.
How do I know if my rowing form is correct?
Good form is everything in rowing. The stroke is broken down into a sequence: the catch, the drive, the finish, and the recovery. Your legs should initiate the drive, followed by your core and back leaning back, and finally your arms pulling the handle to your chest. On the recovery, you reverse the sequence: arms extend, body swings forward from the hips, and then you bend your legs. A lot of people make the mistake of using their arms and back first. I highly recommend watching video tutorials or, if possible, getting a quick lesson at a gym to build good habits from the start.