Did you know that the first rowing machine dates back to Ancient Greece? Chabrias, an Athenian admiral, encouraged his soldiers to train on land in wooden rowing frames before going to war with Sparta. This way, they could master the proper rowing technique and be more prepared for battle.
When shopping for the best rowing machines, make sure you consider its type. Flywheel machines are great at imitating the feel of outdoor rowing, while the magnetic resistance ones are some of the most silent models you can find. There are also water rowing machines which emulate the dynamics of a moving boat perfectly. Also don’t forget about the rail length, as you need to make sure that you can extend your legs and arms fully forward while also being able to access controls without any issues. After reviewing 27 different models, we came up with a list of top 5 picks, and the Concept2 Model D ended up being our Editor’s Choice.
Quick Summary
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Editor’s Choice: Concept2 Model D"This model features a large number of features such as PC compatible software, memory cards to store your performance and workouts, and wireless connectivity so you can export your workouts to your preferred applications."
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Best Value: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639"This hydraulic rowing machine is a full-motion model with 12 resistance levels that are very easy to adjust and adjustable foot straps that provide you with extra security, so, it offers great value for money."
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Budget Pick: MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine"This budget friendly magnetic model has 16 resistance levels and is suitable for the entire family because it is highly adjustable while also having a large seat and being suitable for tall people."
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Best Magnetic Model: NordicTrack RW900 Rower"This magnetic rowing machine comes with a 22-inch monitor and loads of interactive on-screen workouts that you can follow so you are bound never to become bored with your workout again."
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Best Water Powered Model: YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine"It offers an authentic, smooth rowing experience with advanced monitoring, ensuring durability, comfort, and space efficiency for diverse fitness goals."
Top 5 Rowing Machines Review 2025
Concept2 Model D
- Type: air-resistant flywheel
- Resistance levels: 10
- Stride rail length: not specified
- Inseam rail length: 38 inches
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs.
- Dimensions: 96 x 24 inches/ 25 x 33 x 54 inches (folded)
- Weight: 57 lbs.
More features: connects with a wide range of popular fitness apps, wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility, online rankings, separates into 2 pieces for storage, frame parts 5-year warranty, all parts 2-year warranty
It’s not just the fact that it is an incredibly well-built piece of equipment that made us pick the Concept2 Model D as our editor’s choice, but also the sheer number of features you get with it. While this is a model that is priced highly than others we reviewed, the Concept2 Model D is bound to put up with years of use without any major issues.
Manufactured by Concept2, a company that has been dominating the rowing machine market for quite some time, this machine is built like a rock and comes with a comfortable seat, quality finish and build, as well as a PM5 console display that displays more information about your workout than any of the other machines we tested.
Besides the build quality, other reasons for which the Concept2 Model D is the best home rowing machine include the sheer number of features such as PC compatible software, memory cards to store your performance and workouts, and wireless connectivity so you can export your workouts to your preferred applications.
The console display allows you to track your distance, speed, watts, pace and calories, and it also comes with a selection of workouts and games to keep you engaged and motivated. You can also choose from five display options and connect the machine tool a heart monitoring system via Bluetooth. Most of the users who tested this machine were impressed by the build quality and features, and mentioned that this is a machine suitable for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Exceptional build quality
- Smooth rowing experience
- Advanced workout monitoring
- Price
- Seat might not be comfortable for larger people
- Our 1 pick for the: best Foldable Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
- Type: hydraulic
- Resistance levels: 12
- Stride rail length: 40 inches
- Inseam rail length: 38 inches
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Dimensions: 57 x 29 x 12 inches
- Weight: 37.7 lbs.
More features: full motion arms, LCD display, adjustable foot straps
If you looking for a rowing machine that offers great value for money as well as a high-quality workout experience, look no further than the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639. This is a full-motion rowing machine with 12 resistance levels that are very easy to adjust and adjustable foot straps that provide you with extra security.
The LCD monitor of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 displays all the essential information you need to keep motivated during your workout, and the nonslip handlebars come in handy for intense sessions. We particularly liked the large and cushioned seat that provides relief of pressure on your tailbone for maximum comfort throughout your workout.
The machine comes with 12 different levels of resistance, but some users mentioned that they might not be enough for experience rowers. However, it’s an excellent rowing machine for beginners, and the majority of reviewers who were quite happy with the level of comfort you get when using this machine. The free motion mechanism of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 allows you to pull back the handles at various angles, which means that you can train most of the muscles in your back. It’s also an excellent way to keep your work out interesting, because you can easily switch up the rowing motion.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 has an overall design that makes it easy to transport and store, and you can store it upright against the wall when not in use, which makes it perfect for apartment dwellers.
- 12 levels of resistance
- Affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Not ideal for experienced rowers
- Monitor is rather basic
- Our 3 pick for the: best Rowing Machine Under 200
- Our 5 pick for the: best Hydraulic Rowing Machine
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Type: magnetic
- Resistance levels: 16
- Stride rail length: 49 inches
- Inseam rail length: 45 inches
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs
- Dimensions: 76.4 x 19.7 inches/ 42.3 x 19.7 x 37.4 inches (folded)
- Weight: 57.3 lbs.
More features: suitable for whole family use, large seat, 1-year warranty
This full-motion home rowing machine targets various areas of your body, including your arms, triceps, biceps, upper legs, abdominal muscles and more, which means that it’s an excellent machine for both cardio workouts and toning your muscle tissue.
We liked that it’s very easy to assemble the MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine, and that the machine is very comfortable and supporting. Many users found that this home rowing machine is stable and well-balanced, and that it’s made from hardwearing materials.
The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine has 16 resistance levels and is suitable for the entire family because it is highly adjustable while also having a large seat and being suitable for tall people. Adjusting the tension is very easy, even though there is definitely a learning curve associated with it. This home rowing machine has an LCD monitor to display your calories, time, and reps per minute. Because it has transportation’s wheels included, it is very easy to move the machine to exercise in whichever room you want.
This is a magnetic rowing machine that comes with a convenient storage box where you can place your water bottle or phone, and foot plates with straps for increased stability. Because the straps are adjustable, it is easy to make the foot plates suitable for everyone in the family. The large cushion seat prevents you from feeling any discomfort throughout your workout and the handles are fully foam-padded for extra comfort.
- Easy assembly
- Stable and well balanced
- Suitable for the entire family
- Changing the resistance levels may be tricky in the beginning
- Our 5 pick for the: best Foldable Rowing Machine
- Our 5 pick for the: best Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Our 4 pick for the: best Rowing Machine Under 300
NordicTrack RW900 Rower
- Type: magnetic
- Resistance levels: 26 manual
- Stride rail length: not specified
- Inseam rail length: not specified
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 inches/ foldable – not specified
- Weight: 130.6 lbs.
More features: 1 year iFit membership, 22 inches HD SMART Touchscreen Display, adjustable console angle
Featuring 26 manually adjustable resistance levels, the NordicTrack RW900 Rower is to rowing machines what Peloton is for exercise bikes. It comes with a 22-inch monitor and loads of interactive on-screen workouts that you can follow so you are bound never to become bored with your workout again. This magnetic rowing machine is a bit like having your own personal trainer in your house, which can do wonders for your motivation.
The magnetic resistance of this machine is automatically controlled by the programs you decide to use. this means that when you are following a workout, the resistance will change automatically to match the instructions of your personal trainer. Overall, this helps to get engaged while also creating a challenging rowing experience.
One of the main selling points of the NordicTrack RW900 Rower is its 22-inch HD Smart touch screen display that can rotate to 90° so you can follow a workout on the side of your machine. The monitor connects to the NordicTrack iFIT workout programs and also displays important data such as distance, time, strokes per minute, calories burned and more. You can also connect the rowing machine to various apps on your phone.
It comes with a one-year iFIT membership that includes countless workouts while also offering you a chance to row down different rivers across the world, including in countries such as Kenya, Slovenia, the UK, and Croatia. The reviews for the NordicTrack RW900 Rower are indeed glorious, with users mentioning not only the advantages of the technology that comes with this machine, but also its build quality, which is excellent, as you would come to expect from this brand that has been selling bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, and rowing machines for decades.
- 22-inch touchscreen monitor
- Excellent build and comfort
- Hundreds of interactive workouts
- 1-year iFit membership included
- Expensive
- Heart rate monitor not included
- Our 4 pick for the: best Foldable Rowing Machine
YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine
- Type: water
- Resistance levels: depends on the water level
- Stride rail length: n/s
- Inseam rail length: n/s
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Dimensions: 35.4 x 18.1 x 17.7 inches
- Weight: 65 lbs
More features: Aviation-standard Polycarbonate tank,bearings,and EPDM Rubber Sealing ring, Bluetooth
Designed with an Aviation-standard Polycarbonate tank, bearings, and an EPDM Rubber Sealing ring, users can confidently set aside any concerns about water leakage. The machine offers a comprehensive full-body workout, engaging 90% of muscle groups, making it an excellent choice for weight loss, body-building, physical therapy, and stress relief.
Those using the machine will appreciate the authentic rowing experience, thanks to the double Aluminum alloy slide rails that ensure a smooth, quiet, and stable row. The ergonomically crafted seat ensures maximum comfort during workouts. Users can monitor their progress with the dedicated rowing monitor and can also connect with the FITSHOW and KINOMAP APP for interactive live classes and virtual personal training.
Despite its extensive features, the YOSUDA rowing machine is compact, occupying a mere 4.27ft², making it suitable for any living space. Its design includes two wheels for easy movement and relocation. With YOSUDA’s promise of lifelong service, users can expect professional online support and unwavering commitment to their satisfaction. Choosing the YOSUDA rowing machine is choosing a reliable fitness ally.
- Aviation-standard materials minimize water leakage concerns.
- Smooth and quiet rowing due to Aluminum alloy slide rails.
- Ergonomically designed seat.
- Connectivity to FITSHOW and KINOMAP APP for interactive training.
- Compact design suitable for small spaces.
- Equipped with two wheels for easy relocation.
- Proper setup needed to prevent water leakage.
- Advanced features require specific app connectivity.
- Might be large for very constrained spaces.
Rowing machine health benefits
Unlike in the case of other fitness machines designed for cardio workouts such as treadmills and stationary bikes, a rowing machine is a cardio dream for many fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike. A workout on a rowing machine targets no less than 85% of the muscles in your body, which means that you will be able to activate all the major muscles in your arms, legs, back and core in order to perform the full movement properly.
Besides being able to work at any intensity you like, a rowing machine also has a low impact on your body, which means that it is a good choice for those who have injured their knees or ankles by running. Moreover, a rowing machine allows you to increase your cardio fitness as a runner without putting extra pressure on your knees.
Exercising on the rowing machine is a great way to achieve sustainable fat loss because you can raise your heart rate easily. It’s also an excellent way to improve posture because you need to be upright as you pull, so you can easily avoid slouching, which is particularly important if you have a job that requires you to sit in front of a computer all day long.
Features to consider while choosing a rowing machine
Rowing machines, with different features depending on the manufacturer and the price range are looking into. Some of the most important ones to consider when doing your research include type, resistance levels, weight capacity, dimensions and weight, as well as land of warranty and price.
Type
There are three main types of rowing machines available on the market, and even though they basically require you to perform the same motions during your workout, they are different when it comes to resistance levels and maintenance.
- Flywheel rowing machines are some of the popular ones around because they offer a feel that is similar to that of outdoor rowing. This type of machine that receives its resistance from the user’s pulling motion, which spins the flywheel. All you need to do if you want to increase the resistance of this type of machine is pull harder. This is probably the most natural rowing stroke you can achieve with the rowing machine, which sets flywheel models apart from magnetic ones.
- Magnetic resistance rower machines are some of the most silent models you can find and they used a magnetic brake system to receive resistance. Many people prefer these because they don’t produce much sound at all, which makes them ideal for those who don’t want to disturb their entire family with their morning workout.
- Finally, water rowing machines, such asthe most affordable best water rowing machine the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine, are the perfect choice for users who like to participate in outdoor rowing, because they can emulate the dynamics of a moving boat. In a similar way to rowing outdoors, the flywheel of a water rowing machine receives resistance from water. This is also very silent type of rowing machine but it comes with the added benefit of hearing the swishing of the water, which makes it feel just like the real thing.
Resistance levels
While the type of resistance you choose for your home rowing machine depends on your budget and individual fitness needs, the resistance levels are generally built inside a machine. Thus, you need to be careful about the number you want to have because you can’t change it later, except in the case of water resistance machines that don’t come with preset resistance levels because you can set them yourself by adding or removing water from the tank.
Some models, such as the NordicTrack RW900 Rower come with 26 manually adjustable resistance levels, and the machine has the ability to change them according to the present work and that you decide to go for. Others come with 16 resistance levels that you can easily change manually.
When looking at resistance levels, you should keep in mind the fact that while beginners should be perfectly happy with a low number of resistance levels, advanced users may want to look for a rowing machine that allows them to choose from as many resistance levels as possible.
Rail length
The rail length of a rowing machine is very important especially for tall users, because having ample seat rail length is essential in order to be able to fully extend your legs.
Make sure that the rail length of the rowing machine you purchase is a suitable fit for you by making sure that you can extend your legs and arms fully forward while also being able to access controls without any issues.
Weight capacity
Different types of rowing machines can support people of different weights, so it’s important to make sure that the machine you are choosing is a good fit for everyone in your family who will use it. For example, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is more accommodating, providing a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs.
Dimensions and weight
The dimensions and weight of a rowing machine are important not just when it comes to un-boxing and assembling the fitness equipment, but also for those moments when you want to transport it from one room to one another.
Look closely at the dimensions of your preferred rowing machine to make sure it will fit well in the space you intend to use it, be it a basement or your bedroom.
Warranty
Many of the rowing machines we tested and included in our top come with at least one year of warranty, with our editor’s choice, the Concept2 Model D providing users with two years of limited warranty and a total of five-year warranty. Make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding warranty when you purchase the machine, as some models may require you to register the product on the website of the producer.
Price
The price of a quality rowing machine differs according to the brand you decide to go for, as well as the number of features it includes. Some models are more budget friendly, whereas high end products with countless features and connectivity options such as the NordicTrack RW900 Rower, may cost upwards of $2,000.
FAQ
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Our verdict
In the fitness landscape, rowing machines have emerged as a powerhouse, offering a comprehensive workout that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously. These machines blend cardiovascular training with muscle toning, ensuring users get the most out of their exercise sessions. As we wrap up our exploration of the best rowing machines, it’s clear that the right choice can elevate one’s fitness journey, providing both efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just embarking on your fitness path, investing in a top-tier rowing machine can be a game-changer. Remember, the best rowing machines are those that cater to your individual needs while promising durability, functionality, and comfort. Choose wisely and row your way to optimal health and wellness.
