Looking for a quick, effective way to stay in shape, build strength, and do cardio? The best home rowing machine is the perfect all-in-one solution! However, a quality rowing machine can be costly, so you better make sure you set enough money aside.
Even though there isn’t a single best machine, the ones on our list are better than the rest. Since people have varied preferences, we included several options from the best brands, including air and magnetic ones.
The Top 10 Best Home Rowing Machines
We may earn a commission when you buy certain products through the links on this page. Note that this does not influence the content created by our team. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. NordicTrack RW900 Review
The best foldable rowing machine
- Innovative, top-rated rowing machines with 26 resistance levels
- Big display with personalized workout videos
- Great for both beginners and experienced users
NordicTrack RW500 Review
The best budget rowing machine
- Tremendous value in a single product
- Encourages balanced, gradual improvement
- Compact, unique, and intelligent design
Hydrow Rower Review
The best rowing machine for an apartment
- Groundbreaking immersive technology
- Feels like real rowing in the comfort of your home
- Durable, supports a lot of weight
Top-rated rowing machine
Top-rated rowing machine
- Impressive quality
- Authentic design
- Built to last, and comes with an excellent warranty
WaterRower A1 Home Rowing Machine with A1 Monitor
Best rowing machine for beginners
- A best-buy option for beginners
- Doesn’t make much noise
- Straightforward monitoring display
Schwinn Crewmaster Rower Review
The best rowing machine under $500
- Incredibly cheap
- Ergonomic seat and pedal design
- Great for larger people
Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
The best inexpensive rowing machine
- Fantastic value for a cheap product
- Free shipping and a thirty-day money-back guarantee
- Silent and smooth operation
Sunny Health and Fitness Water Rowing Machine Review
A top compact rowing machine
- Cheap water rower
- Stable, durable, and comfortable
- Great reviews
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review
The best rowing machine for home
- Easy to assemble and store
- Quality build, high-tech parts for a fair price
- Amazing weight capacity
Rowing Machine Reviews
Now that we’ve assembled the best rowing machines the market has to offer, let’s dig deeper to help you find exactly what you need.
NordicTrack RW900 Review
The best foldable rowing machine
- Type: Magnetic rower
- Warranty: Ten years for the frame, two years for the parts, and one-year labor warranty
- Shipping: Free threshold delivery
NordicTrack is a sports equipment industry leader, and they have a lot to offer. Even though they manufacture bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, and more, they’re possibly best-known for their rowers.
The RW900 is its flagship model and the best rowing machine for the money from NordicTrack. You receive a free yearly iFit family membership, which is otherwise valued at $468.
Even though the $1,700 price tag might seem too much, this rowing machine has a lot to offer, and is very innovative. For one thing, it comes with a 22-inch rotating smart HD touchscreen that allows you to immerse in the workout fully.
You can tilt and adjust the screen to your liking. The iFit videos are there to help you improve and ease the process, even if you’re working out at home.
The variety of exercises and helpful content, such as yoga and mindfulness videos, is enormous. You can balance between building strength and relaxing after workouts using this good rowing machine.
The RW900 also comes with daily workout recommendations, stat-tracking, and personalized exercise profiles. The iFit instructors are world-class experts, so you’re getting a fantastic deal to build a workout regime from the ground up.
There are up to 26 digital resistance levels, which is essential for gradual improvement. Since this is a top rowing machine, you’ll be happy to know it’s silent.
It also comes with oversized adjustable pedals. Additionally, this rower has two digitally amplified speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.
It is built to fold, so you can save space, and the machine can handle users weighing up to 250 lbs. The product’s dimensions are 86.5 by 22 by 50.4 inches, and it weighs 131 lbs in the box.
Lastly, the frame has a ten-year warranty, and the parts warranty is two years, which is more than fair.
Pros
- + Innovative, top-rated rowing machines with 26 resistance levels
- + Big display with personalized workout videos
- + Great for both beginners and experienced users
Cons
- − Price might be too high
NordicTrack RW500 Review
The best budget rowing machine
- Type: Magnetic rower
- Warranty: Ten years for the frame, two years for the parts, and one-year labor warranty
- Shipping: Free threshold delivery
NordicTrack focuses on quality, and it shows. Their RW500 is reasonably priced, yet it provides the same, if not higher, value than most other top rowing machines. It also comes with a one-year iFit family membership, which isn’t exactly cheap otherwise.
More importantly, it offers 26 digital resistance levels, and is a magnetic rower that operates silently. It has oversized, adjustable pedals with foot straps for stability.
It takes up 86.5 by 22 by 47.1 inches when unfolded and weighs 118 lbs with the box. It’s covered by a prolonged warranty, especially on the frame. Overall, it’s ergonomic, comfy, and safe to use. Even large people can use it, so long as they weigh up to 250 lbs (115 kg).
The RW500 is the best compact rowing machine with a 10-inch smart HD touchscreen. There’s also an auxiliary audio port, an adjustable console, and two digitally amplified speakers.
The iFit perks are the same on all the NordicTrack models, and they’re amazing. You can track your stats, set up multiple profiles, find new workouts every day, and you’re getting the best coaching from world-renowned rowers.
It also has programs for practicing mindfulness and meditation, best combined with strength-building exercises. The NordicTrack rowing exercise equipment allows you to feel fully immersed in these fantastic full-body exercises.
Pros
- + Tremendous value in a single product
- + Encourages balanced, gradual improvement
- + Compact, unique, and intelligent design
Cons
- − Some people might find the display a bit small
Hydrow Rower Review
The best rowing machine for an apartment
- Type: Hydraulic rower
- Warranty: One-year home use warranty
- Shipping: Free standard delivery
The Hydrow rower is an immersive machine that makes you feel like you’re rowing on the water. Its design is innovative, sleek, and sophisticated. Besides the nice aesthetic, you’re getting a 22-inch touchscreen display with speakers.
What makes this rower so immersive is the Hydrow patented drag mechanism. It’s AI-controlled and electromagnetic. Hydrow rowing machines for home use run smooth, and are virtually silent.
Another key feature of this home rower is comfort. It has a ten-roller-system seat, which is ergonomic, cushioned, and comfy, even if you use it extensively.
Above all, this rower is built to satisfy your home rowing needs, as it doesn’t take up much space, especially if you turn it upright when you’re not using it.
The dimensions of Hydrow’s best-rated rowing machine are 86 by 25 by 47 inches. It weighs 145 lbs; it’s even bulkier in the box — nearly 200 lbs. However, this rower can hold up to 375 lb, which is incredible.
Finally, the Hydrow rower supports Bluetooth 5.0, and its screen has 1920 by 1080 full HD resolution. Everything is covered with a one-year warranty, and the shipping is free if the delivery costs up to $150.
There’s even a 30-day risk-free period that allows you to get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. The Hydrow best–value rowing machine has some extra perks, but they’re sold separately. These are starter and pro packages that add some additional utility, but they’re optional.
Pros
- + Groundbreaking immersive technology
- + Feels like real rowing in the comfort of your home
- + Durable, supports a lot of weight
Cons
- − On the pricier side
Top-rated rowing machine
Top-rated rowing machine
- Type: Water rower
- Warranty: Three years for the parts, five years for the frame
- Shipping: $69.95 for all wooden models
WaterRower is a renowned brand with stellar reviews. They offer various rowers, from cheap to expensive, wooden to metal, etc. This classic machine with an S4 monitor is a beautifully designed wooden water rower.
We chose the American Black Walnut model; however, there are many other models, both in terms of color and perks included. Its color is very distinctive and pleasant. Each wooden model has a finish of three coats of Danish oil, which adds to its beauty.
WaterRower’s best indoor rowing machines are made of wood because it has fantastic engineering properties, such as sound and vibration absorption.
In other words, this rower operates silently. Black walnut is a quality hardwood that is lasting and stable. WaterRower cares about preservation, so it only takes wood from replenishable forests.
As mentioned, the WaterRower Classic comes with an S4 performance monitor. This monitor is high-tech, but easy to navigate — its display shows the most important parameters such as rowing time, distance, speed, stroke rate, and heart rate. However, the heart monitor is sold as a separate piece of gear with this model.
The dimensions of these rower machines for sale are 82.25 by 22.25 by 20 inches. The rower weighs 66.5 lbs when dry. The water adds about 40 lb.
The shipping for this and all other wooden rowers from WaterRower is $69.95. Note that this model comes with a three-year part warranty and five-year frame warranty. Finally, the company states that shipping takes between two and three weeks, with possible delays in the holiday season.
Pros
- + Impressive quality
- + Authentic design
- + Built to last, and comes with an excellent warranty
Cons
- − Somewhat bulky
WaterRower A1 Home Rowing Machine with A1 Monitor
Best rowing machine for beginners
- Type: Water rower
- Warranty: Three years for the parts, five years for the frame
- Shipping: $69.95 for all wooden models
WaterRower is one of the leading manufacturers of home rowing equipment. Their rowers are well made, and they don’t cost too much. We chose their A1 home rowing machine as an exceptional entry-level rower, suitable for everyone.
This is a quality Ash hardwood rower with a neat aluminum monorail design. It is also coated three times with Danish oil, which gives it a polished finish. WaterRower sticks to hardwood because of its moldable and durable properties, and uses only sustainable wood from conscientious sellers.
This best indoor rowing machine allows you to row at your home without too much noise, yet you’ll feel like rowing on a calm river.
The dimensions of this rower are 83.5 x 22.25 x 20 inches, it weighs 61 lbs when dry. This model also requires 4.5 gallons of water for operation, significantly adding to the weight.
There is a five-year warranty on the frame, and a three-year warranty for the parts, if you’re using the rower at home; i.e., the warranty doesn’t apply to commercial use.
Lastly, it’s is equipped with an A1 monitor. This monitor comes with a rowing intensity, distance, and time display. Additionally, it has a Quick Start option, and allows you to program and time your workouts.
Pros
- + A best-buy option for beginners
- + Doesn’t make much noise
- + Straightforward monitoring display
Cons
- − Heavy piece of equipment
Schwinn Crewmaster Rower Review
The best rowing machine under $500
- Type: Magnetic rower
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, three years on parts
- Shipping: Free
Even though it’s very affordable, the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is very well made. It comes with an excellent LCD that tracks rowing distance, time, strokes, calories, pulse rate, and recovery. It’s a quiet magnetic rower with ten resistance levels. It’s also equipped with an adjustable console that adapts to your height.
There’s a steel seat rail that glides smoothly while rowing. The seat is extra large and comfy, with vinyl padding. It’s easy to clean, and so is the rest of this rower. You can fold the best affordable rowing machine for storage.
Even the pedals are comfy and large, with straps that hold your feet in place and make for efficient movement. The ergonomic handle is also comfortable and durable enough, even if you plan on working out a lot.
What could potentially be the best at-home rowing machine can hold up to 300 lbs. In other words, this rower is steady, reliable, and costs only $499. For that kind of money, this rower is more than worth it. Some users mentioned it wasn’t as durable as advertised, so serious rowers might want to get a second opinion.
Pros
- + Incredibly cheap
- + Ergonomic seat and pedal design
- + Great for larger people
Cons
- − Might not be best for dedicated rowers
Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
The best inexpensive rowing machine
- Type: Magnetic rower
- Warranty: Three years on the frame, 180 days on parts
- Shipping: Free
Sunny Health and Fitness offer a fantastic range of budget rowing machines. If you’re new to this or want a cheap rower, you should check out their magnetic rowing machine. It costs just under $500, and the shipping is free.
If you don’t like it, you can get your money back within 30 days of purchase. However, you probably will, and here’s why: It can handle up to 300 lbs in rower weight. The best–value home rowing machine has a whopping 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, and a performance monitor.
The monitor is there to let you keep track of workout length, strokes, and calorie burning. Additionally, it enables you to customize your activities with four presets, two challenge modes, and a recovery mode.
Next, this good home rowing machine is equipped with an 11 lb flywheel. Combined with the rower’s dual resistance, you can set yourself up a challenge if you feel up for it. The slide rail is silent while gliding at 45 degrees.
You don’t have to worry about slipping, either, because the footpads included are non-slip. There are also transportation wheels, which make moving this thing less daunting. Next to this, this top-rated home rowing machine is foldable, and only takes up 43 by 20.5 by 60.5 inches when folded.
The regular dimensions are 92 by 20.5 by 32 inches. The rower weighs 75.8 lbs, but its shipping weight is nearly 93 lbs. The warranty on the frame is three years, which is excellent, but the rest of the parts only have a six-month warranty.
Pros
- + Fantastic value for a cheap product
- + Free shipping and a thirty-day money-back guarantee
- + Silent and smooth operation
Cons
- − Relatively short parts warranty
Sunny Health and Fitness Water Rowing Machine Review
A top compact rowing machine
- Type: Water rower
- Warranty: Three years on the frame, 180 days on parts
- Shipping: Free
Water rowers aren’t cheap, but Sunny Health and Fitness does have a pretty sweet deal for this one. The shipping is free too, and you get a three-year warranty for the frame and a 180-day warranty for the parts.
Overall, this best-rated home rowing machine is stable, durable, and ergonomic. There is a 48-inch aluminum slide rail that allows silent gliding. The handlebar is padded, and doesn’t cause fatigue even after prolonged use.
The frame is incredibly durable. It can take up to 265 lbs. The elastic rope mechanism lets you push four blades through the water tank with each stroke while you’re pulling against the belt drive.
This rowing machine for home use also comes with a performance monitor that lets you track time, distance, calories, row count, and total distance. There is a two-way adjustable non-slip pedal, equipped with nylon Velcro straps. Even the seat is wide and padded, so it provides extra comfort.
What’s impressive about maybe the best rowing machine for home use is that it allows you to choose between six water resistance levels. Finally, this rower has transportation wheels and can be folded.
Its folded dimensions are 48 by 23 by 55 inches, while the regular measurements amount to 88 by 23 by 19 inches. The shipping weight is 99 lb, while outside the box, this rower weighs 80 lb.
Pros
- + Cheap water rower
- + Stable, durable, and comfortable
- + Great reviews
Cons
- − Potentially squeaky seat
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review
The best rowing machine for home
- Type: Air rower
- Warranty: Limited two-year and five-year warranty
- Shipping: Calculated on checkout
Many people consider the Concept2 Model D as one of the best house rowing machines money can buy. Most rowing machine reviews rave about how good this rower is, and we have to agree.
The machine is relatively light, weighing only 57.3 lbs, even though it’s made from aluminum. Its dimensions are 96 by 24 by 14 inches, and it comes in two colors, black and light gray.
There is an LCD with the PM5 performance monitor. Most astoundingly, this machine can support rowers of up to 500 lbs in weight.
First up, this is an air rower, and that’s the best type of rowing machine because it provides perhaps the most authentic experience. Next, Concept2 creates quality products, and there’s always a huge waiting line when ordering these.
The PM5 monitor tracks time, distance, and intervals between each stroke. It’s also Bluetooth- and ANT-plus-compatible for heart rate monitoring or app connectivity. There are ten resistance levels, and each is smooth and quiet.
Next, the Model D is compact and easy to move and assemble. It folds to 54 by 33 by 25 inches, and splits into two pieces for storage. It is one of the best rowing machines of 2020.
It has a decent warranty, a fair price, and it’s very home-friendly, meaning you can use it and store it almost anywhere.
Pros
- + Easy to assemble and store
- + Quality build, high-tech parts for a fair price
- + Amazing weight capacity
Cons
- − Potentially uncomfortable seat
How to Pick the Best Home Rowing Machine — Buyer’s Guide
Rowing machines are far more efficient than most workout equipment money can buy. If you wish to get one to use at home, there are several things you should consider, as it’s not a small investment.
Here are the benefits of each type of rowing machine and the optimal price range for them.
Air Rowing Machine
The rowing machine review consensus is that air rowing machines are better than other types of rowers. Air rowers have existed since the 80s, and they’re still popular. They offer the best natural resistance that resembles real-life rowing.
Additionally, they’re durable and allow you to improve and gain strength gradually. The air rowers’ only drawback is the noise they produce, which can be irritating to some. If this doesn’t trouble you, consider trying out an air rower.
Magnetic Rowing Machine
Magnetic rowers are the second-favorite choice, according to home rowing machine reviews. They are very durable, compact, and well-suited for home use. They also produce minimal amounts of noise.
They have more resistance levels, and you can use them virtually anywhere, like in a smaller flat. Finally, they don’t require much in terms of maintenance.
Their only major drawback is that rowing on a magnetic rower is not the same as actual rowing. For those seeking a balanced, full-body workout, they’re amazing. People who have rowed before might be disappointed by the difference from the natural rowing feel.
Hydraulic Rowers
Hydraulic rowers are inexpensive and quiet, which gets them high rowing machine ratings. They are also tiny, meaning they’re ideal for home use. However, their list of flaws is lengthy compared to other types of home rowers:
- The rowing doesn’t feel smooth
- Resistance levels depend on oil heat
- They require frequent maintenance
Water Rowers
Water rowing machines are relatively new, but they’re quiet, smooth, and offer a very lifelike rowing feeling. They are some of the best-rated rowing machines.
They require almost no maintenance, except replacing the water from time to time. So far, these sound amazing, right? Well, there are two main setbacks: they usually cost a fortune, so they aren’t good entry-level home rowers, according to many best home rowing machine reviews.
Additionally, they’re much bulkier than their dry counterparts. If you live in a flat or are otherwise space-restricted, you should probably steer clear of water rowers. Of course, if you’re on a tight budget, they aren’t a great option either.
Optimal Price Range
Quality home rowing machines are costly, for the most part. Most of them are in the $1,000 – $2,000 range, but you can find decent entry-level options for around $500. The best budget rowing machine we talked about in our reviews costs about $500, and it’s very much worth it.
We suggest getting a new, top-of-the-line home machine rower because they offer the most value. Also, they come with an extended warranty to put your mind at ease.
Conclusion
By acquiring the best home rowing machine, you’ll get an ultimate workout tool that can replace so many others. True, these are not the least expensive machines, but they make up for their price because they give you a full-body workout.
They’re suitable for beginners or people with health conditions, because using them is not as tiring as some other workouts. Still, they provide fantastic results, and with the help of our reviews, you can get the rowing machine with the most value for its price.
FAQs
Which is the best rowing machine for home use?
- Sunny Health and Fitness
- Concept2
- NordicTrack
- Hydrow
- Schwinn
- WaterRower
Are rowing machines worth it?
A good rowing machine is worth every penny. However, some of them are too expensive, or they are falsely advertised. That’s why it’s best to read our reviews before investing in a rowing machine because, let’s face it, they aren’t cheap.
Is rowing the best full-body workout?
Indeed, rowing is the best full-body workout for more than one reason:
- Anyone can benefit from rowing, no matter their physique, fitness level, etc.
- It affects and strengthens all major muscle groups
- It represents solid cardio exercise
- Even though rowing is a full-body exercise, it’s low-impact, meaning it doesn’t add much stress to your body.
For best results, make sure to pair it with other forms of exercise.
Are magnetic or air rowers better?
They say it boils down to personal preference, but we’re leaning towards the air rowers’ side. They feel more natural because they increase resistance with rowing speed, while magnetic rowers have artificial resistance levels.
They are noisier, though, so they’re not perfect. If you can, try out both kinds of rowers and see which one fits you best.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
The title question is an apples and oranges type of problem. The former impacts your entire body, while the latter focuses more on cardio and your legs.
Generally speaking, the best home rowing machine is better than a treadmill only because it does much more, but if you want to lose weight exclusively, then you’re probably better off with a treadmill.