Whether you’re training for performance or simply staying fit, a reliable rowing machine is one of the most versatile pieces of home gym equipment available. As a running coach and personal trainer, I often incorporate rowing into both my own workouts and my clients’ routines.
The best rowing machines provide a low-impact cardio option that targets every major muscle group and challenges both your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. For the most effective workouts, I look for high-quality rowing machines with smooth resistance, sturdy construction, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable tracking. Along with Verywell Fit editors, I helped test 45 top options over a nine-month period to find the best rowing machines on the market.
Thoroughly Vetted & Reviewed
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Realistic, immersive experience
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Very stable and sturdy
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High-quality video and audio system
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Reactive electromagnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 inches | Product Weight: 145 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for the rowing purist who wants to feel like they’re actually rowing on water and likes fun, immersive workouts.
Why We Love It
Hydrow’s Pro Rower uses an electromagnetic drag system to provide a smooth, immersive rowing experience. During testing, the rower felt extremely stable and never wobbled, even during sprints. We were also impressed with how realistically it simulates on-the-water rowing, especially when we followed one of the scenic workouts on the display.
The rower’s various classes are fun and engaging, keeping us motivated to continue using the machine—even during harder workouts. We love the high-quality video and audio, as well as the ability to customize the music for each class. The handle is very comfortable to grip, and our hands never feel sore or rough after a workout. Additionally, the easy-on and easy-off foot straps accommodate different shoe sizes, making this an excellent option for households with multiple users.
Potential Flaws
- The power switch is inconveniently located near the ground on the front of the machine, making it difficult to reach, especially for those with mobility issues.
Meet Our Testers
Our testers describe themselves as beginners to rowing workouts, as they haven’t been rowing regularly recently. Our testers like this rowing machine because it offers a wider range of workout options than other models, and they also appreciate its sturdiness and consistent resistance.
Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 89 x 18.9 x 23.6 inches | Product Weight: 60.9 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who want a budget-friendly, lightweight, and comfy rowing machine that’s easy to fold up and store.
Why We Love It
Sunny Health & Fitness’ Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great budget-friendly option that impressed us with its highly comfortable and roomy seat, sleek design, and smooth rowing motion. We love how simple it was to assemble, taking only about 40 minutes. We appreciate that the seat is adjustable and can be moved back to accommodate users of different heights. Plus, its grippy foam handlebars are easy to hold and prevent our hands from slipping, even during more intense workouts.
We appreciate that its large footrests have a simple Velcro attachment to help keep our feet firmly in place while rowing. Because it’s so lightweight and low-profile, it’s easy to move from room to room, fold, and store when needed, making it a great space-saving option. And unlike other rowing machines with overly hard seats, we never experience any aches or discomfort when exercising on this machine.
Potential Flaws
- Although stable, we noticed that the machine rocked slightly when we rowed at a very fast pace. Because of this, we think this machine is best suited for beginner to intermediate exercisers who don’t plan on frequently rowing at a fast pace.
- We appreciate that the display tracks metrics such as calories, strokes, and time; however, it seems quite basic and of lower quality than other options we’ve used.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an advanced exerciser who was previously on the rowing team and regularly works out. They believe this is a high-quality, budget-friendly rowing machine, and especially appreciate its comfortable seat, grippy handlebars, and adjustable options.
Credit: Amazon
Cons
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Display isn’t backlit
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Footrests may feel stiff
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Air | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 95 x 24 x 40 inches | Product Weight: 72 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for users who want a gym-quality rower at home that features a sturdy and quiet performance, along with a wide variety of workouts available via the app.
Why We Love It
With a budget-friendly price and many of the same desirable features as higher-end machines, Merach’s NovaRow R50 Rower is an excellent value. We love that it took us less than 10 minutes to assemble the machine, and using it was also extremely easy and straightforward. During testing, our strokes were smooth and quiet, and the machine felt extremely sturdy and stable.
We found that the free Merach app offers a variety of workouts for all skill levels, and we especially liked the challenges and interval training to keep us motivated. Additionally, we appreciate the ergonomic handle and seat, which enhance our overall comfort and help us maintain proper rowing form. The foldable design and built-in transport wheels make it easy to store the rowing machine, so it’s a great option for those with smaller spaces.
Potential Flaws
- The basic display is small and isn’t backlit, so it might be difficult to view in either low-light or very bright conditions.
- Although we liked that the adjustable footrests could accommodate a wide range of foot sizes, they felt a bit stiff, so they might not be comfortable if you like to row barefoot.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid runner and personal trainer who rows consistently about two to three times a week. She loved that this machine felt just as comfortable and performed as well as high-end rowing machines—at a fraction of the price.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Comfortable seat and handle
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Very stable, even during intense workouts
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Easy to move and store
Cons
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Small display
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No built-in workouts
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 74.6 x 20.7 x 32.5 inches | Product Weight: 57.3 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginners who want a comfortable, easy-to-use machine that’s sturdy and quiet.
Why We Love It
Featuring a comfortable, user-friendly design, Sunny Health & Fitness’s Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine is an excellent option for those who are new to rowing. During testing, we were impressed by the rower’s quiet, smooth strokes and stability, even during intense sessions. The molded, padded seat and curved, covered handle feature an ergonomic design that kept us comfortable throughout our workouts. We were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t experience any soreness from sitting or hand calluses from gripping.
We also like that the rowing machine’s lightweight frame and built-in transport wheels make it easy to store upright, for those with limited floor space. Additionally, the user-friendly app provides free access to trainer-led workouts, virtual scenic tours, rowing challenges, and engaging ways to track your progress.
Potential Flaws
- While the display was useful for tracking some helpful stats, we wish it were bigger and easier to read.
- Unlike pricier rowing machines, this one doesn’t offer built-in workouts on the display. However, we were able to follow workouts using the app on our phone.
Meet Our Testers
Our testers are beginner rowers who appreciates that this rowing machine is sturdy and quiet, and that it doesn’t have any confusing features. They also appreciate how comfortable it is to use and consider it an affordable, compact rowing machine suitable for beginners.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Lightweight but sturdy
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12 levels of resistance
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Budget-friendly
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Hydraulic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Dimensions: 58.1 x 20.1 x 24.8 inches | Product Weight: 22.4 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want to perform full-body cardio workouts at home, but have limited space for gym equipment.
Why We Love It
Lightweight and foldable, Sunny Health & Fitness’s Smart Compact Hydraulic Rowing Machine is perfect for smaller homes and apartments. We loved how easy it was to set up and use. And weighing only 22 pounds, it’s light enough to fold and carry from room to room. Despite its compact design, the rowing machine feels very stable and sturdy during test rows.
We like that the machine features 12 levels of resistance, allowing us to easily increase the intensity as our fitness improved. And the free app offers a wide range of workouts for all fitness levels, including instructional videos for beginners. With a budget-friendly price, this machine is a great value for those who don’t want to invest a lot in home gym equipment.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, the footrests initially felt uncomfortable, but we adjusted to them after a few uses.
- Although we found this rowing machine to be sturdy and stable during testing, it has a lower weight capacity than other ones we tested, so it may not be suitable for larger users.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a beginner rower who typically does strength training and kickboxing for exercise. They were so impressed with this rowing machine’s performance and comfort that they began incorporating two to three rowing workouts into their weekly training routine.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Consistent, reliable performance
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Wide, comfortable padded seat
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Very stable
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Air | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 96 x 24 x 14 inches | Product Weight: 57 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best suited for households with multiple users of varying sizes who want a highly adjustable and durable rower.
Why We Love It
Concept2’s RowErg is a high-performance rower that is popular in gyms and among rowing teams. It’s reliable, versatile, and accommodates users of all sizes—even our 6-foot, 8-inch tester could adjust the machine for a very ergonomic, consistent rowing experience. The wide, padded seat also felt extremely comfortable, even during extended rowing sessions.
During testing, we were impressed with the rower’s smooth, silent motion, which effectively mimics open-water rowing. Whether we did steady-state rows or vigorous workouts, it was very sturdy and didn’t move. With its consistent performance and stability, this rower is a standout choice for anyone who wants a reliable machine that can withstand extensive use.
Potential Flaws
- The basic display is small and lacks streaming capabilities, but you can attach your phone to the rower and use it to stream workouts or shows.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an advanced exerciser with extensive rowing experience and a former D1 rower at Syracuse University. They found this option to be a great value and a very reliable rower, noting that’s why it’s the gold standard for rowing teams worldwide.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Very quiet and easy to use
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Budget-friendly
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Lightweight, compact design
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 79.3 x 19.7 x 36.4 inches | Product Weight: 67.6 pounds | Folding: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginner or intermediate exercisers who want an affordable, no-frills rowing machine that’s simple to use and easy to move around their space.
Why We Love It
Sunny Health & Fitness’ Dual Rail Premium Smart Rowing Machine is a user-friendly, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for getting started with rowing. During testing, we found it to be very quiet and stable. With a comfortably wide seat and sturdy frame, the rower remained stable, even during intense workouts.
Despite its solid support, this rower was lighter and less bulky than some other options we tested, so it was easy to stow away (especially thanks to transport wheels). We also appreciate the hook-and-loop foot straps that allow us to adjust for just the right amount of tension. Additionally, the ergonomic handle feels comfortable to hold, and the display adjusts to provide the perfect viewing angle.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, the machine’s stroke motion didn’t feel as smooth as some other rowers.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an experienced exerciser who has used several rowers. They prefer this option for its great value and simple design, which gets the job done without many extra bells and whistles, prioritizing functionality over premium features.
Credit: One Peloton
Pros
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Packed with features, including a large touchscreen display
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Very smooth, consistent operation
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Offers form improvement feedback
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 94 x 24 inches | Product Weight: 156.5 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best if you want to invest in a premium at-home rowing experience with access to live and on-demand classes.
Why We Love It
If you want a studio-like experience right in the comfort and convenience of your home, Peloton’s Rower is a standout choice. When testing it, we loved the access to a wide variety of live and on-demand classes for every level, which kept us engaged and motivated during workouts. We also like that the rower provides real-time form feedback and advice, as if you were working out with a trainer.
With a large, rotating touchscreen display and super clear video and audio, the rower delivers an immersive rowing experience. We found it to be extremely smooth and quiet, mimicking the sensation of rowing on water more than other options we tested. Additionally, the rower comes with a phone and cup holder, as well as transport wheels that make it easy to move around when not in use.
Potential Flaws
- Once our feet were locked into place on the rower, we found it difficult to reach the handlebars, which might be an issue for more petite people.
- A Peloton All-Access Membership is required to access all features and classes, which increases the overall cost.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an intermediate rower who was on their high school’s rowing team for a year. With the dozens of rowing classes offered in Peloton’s app, they feel this option is a good choice for both beginners and advanced rowers. They’re 6 feet, 5 inches tall, and found the Peloton Rower stable enough to support them.
Credit: Aviron
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Dual air and magnetic resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 507 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 27 x 48 inches | Product Weight: 105 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers of all skill levels who want an incredibly stable and durable rowing machine for solid workouts.
Why We Love It
With a 507-pound weight capacity, Aviron’s Strong Go Rower is one of the most durable and stable options we tested. It features a sturdy aluminum construction and a wide seat that keeps us stable no matter how hard we push ourselves. During testing, the machine never wobbled once, and our strokes stayed smooth and silent.
We were also impressed with the rower’s ease of use and overall comfort. Setting up and getting started was a breeze, and we love that the app offers a variety of workouts for all skill levels. With a sleek, modern design, the rower has a very comfortable handle and a padded seat that we found provides just the right amount of firmness.
Potential Flaws
- The rower doesn’t have a display, but it features a device holder, so you can stream workouts from your tablet or smartphone.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an intermediate exerciser who is relatively new to rowing. They felt this rowing machine was well-suited to any skill level, with various workout programs to keep people engaged. They also appreciate that this machine is extremely stable and easy to set up, featuring a modern design that’s very space-efficient.
Credit: Rogue
Pros
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Very sturdy and stable, even during intense workouts
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Quiet, smooth operation
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Easily adjustable footrests and display
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Air | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 99 x 26 x 16 inches | Product Weight: 72.6 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those with limited space who want a compact and foldable rower that remains sturdy and durable.
Why We Love It
We love Rogue’s Echo Rower for anyone with space constraints. It’s easy to fold and very compact. And thanks to the front transport wheels, storing it is a cinch after your workout. We were surprised at how sturdy and stable the rower felt during testing—it never wobbled, even when we used it with high resistance.
The footrests and display are easily adjustable and customizable for various heights and foot sizes, making this a great machine for the whole household. We also love the machine’s quiet, smooth operation, which makes us feel like we’re using one found at a commercial gym. Plus, the display is very clear and easy to use, whether you’re following one of the rower’s pre-programmed workouts or setting your own custom one.
Potential Flaws
- Unlike some of the other rowing machines we tested, this one doesn’t offer a proprietary app for workouts and tracking. However, it’s compatible with third-party apps such as ErgZone, Regatta, and Peloton.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is training for a marathon and enjoys incorporating rowing into his strengthening and cross-training routine. They were impressed with the machine’s quiet operation and sturdiness, especially given its portability and space-saving design.
Credit: Ergatta
Pros
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Scenic, engaging workouts
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Aesthetically-pleasing design
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High-quality speakers and crisp display
Key Specs
Resistance Type: Water | Maximum Weight Capacity: 320 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 23 x 38 inches | Product Weight: 40 pounds (without added water) | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers who like engaging, interactive workouts to boost motivation and exercise intensity.
Why We Love It
With features like an AI coach for form improvement and scenic, guided rowing workouts, Ergatta’s Lite Rower is a unique, high-performance rower. During testing, we were motivated by its game-based workouts, which offer the ability to race other Ergatta users or set goals and compete against yourself. The rower uses water resistance, so our strokes felt smooth. Plus, the water whooshing in the reservoir created a pleasant sound that mimics rowing on water.
We also love the high-quality speakers and clear, crisp display that rotates for off-rower workouts. Plus, the machine never wobbles or feels unstable during workouts. Its compact, lightweight design features beautiful oak wood, so it definitely won’t be an eyesore in your living room, bedroom, or home gym.
Potential Flaws
- Petite people may find the handlebars to be too far away from the seat.
- We found that adjusting the monitor’s position is a bit challenging and takes some time to get used to.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a beginner exerciser with little experience in rowing. They liked this option because it offers smooth resistance and scenic routes that encourage an immersive feel.
We Also Tested
We tested 45 rowing machines, but only 11 earned spots on our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of this rower’s features, it ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.
- We liked Yosuda’s Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine for its quiet and smooth operation, as well as the variety of workouts offered in the app. However, the rower’s rotating pedals and poor pacing data reduce its effectiveness for serious training.
What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best rowing machines, we’ve continued to long-term test our previous picks and hands-on tested five new products from top brands. We evaluated each rower based on its stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and value, and have included these new insights in our article.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve added one new superlative: Best for Small Spaces.
- We’ve reevaluated our previous picks and have ultimately selected new rowing machines for our Best Value, Best for Beginners, and Best Foldable superlatives.
Sunny Health & Fitness’ Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine has an extra-long 50-inch rail.
Verywell Fit
How to Use a Rowing Machine
The rowing motion involves a series of four distinct phases, each of which is crucial for achieving an effective workout and preventing injuries. Here’s a basic guide.
- Catch: Sit tall on your rowing machine, with your arms straightened, knees bent, and ankles flexed. Relax your shoulders and engage your core as you lean slightly forward.
- Drive: Push off with your legs, straightening them and keeping your core engaged. As your legs extend, lean back from your hips at a 45-degree angle. Then, pull the handle toward your chest with your arms, stopping a few inches short of your belly button. This sequence of legs, core, and arms should be done in one smooth, fluid motion.
- Finish: Continue leaning back with the handle pulled toward your body. Your elbows should be tucked into your sides and pointed behind you. Keep your back straight, not rounded, and continue engaging your core.
- Recovery: Straighten your arms, hinge your hips forward to bend your torso over your legs, and then bend your knees to return to the catch position. Keep the motion fluid and controlled.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some experts helped us better understand what key features to look for when shopping for rowing machines, while others helped us better understand the benefits of using one. We choose products independently, but expert input helps inform our decisions to ensure our recommendations are grounded in professional expertise.
- Kaleigh Ray, ACSM-certified exercise physiologist
- Sarah Fuhrmann, certified rowing instructor and CEO of UCanRow2
- Sergio Pedemonte, CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of Your House Fitness
- Salsabila Aboulalazm, CPT, certified personal trainer at Iron Culture Gym
- Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rowing machine is best for home use?
Magnetic and water rowers are both great options for home use, but it depends on your personal preference. Some people choose magnetic rowers for their quiet, smooth operation, while others like that water rowers simulate realistic on-water rowing, says Ray.
How long should I row for as a beginner?
Fuhrmann recommends that beginners start by rowing for five to 10 minutes, a few times each week, and then gradually increase the duration over time. You should generally start to see results once you can row for 20 minutes or more a few times per week.
What are the benefits of rowing?
Using a rowing machine may help you burn more calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your upper body, core, and lower body muscles, and even improve posture. It’s also a lower-impact form of cardio, compared to running, making it accessible to all fitness levels.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
A rowing machine provides a full-body, low-impact workout that engages both upper and lower body muscles, and is easier on the joints than running, making it ideal for both strength and endurance training. However, running on a treadmill is generally better for improving cardiovascular health and bone density through weight-bearing aerobic exercise, so the best option depends on your overall health and fitness goals.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym enthusiast, and writer for Verywell Fit, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and equipment. Her decades of training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best products for optimal performance and comfort. As a distance runner, she supplements her weekly mileage with cardio workouts on a rowing machine. For this article, she hands-on tested our choice for Best Value and also used the test results to select our top picks.
