17 best rowing machines for your home gym, per experts

It’s time to row yourself to better health.

As an engaging and cardio-and-strength-combining piece of equipment, rowing machines are immaculate for total-body fitness.

And, rightfully so. While you typically think of exercise bikes and elliptical machines to be the forefront of any gym, rowing machines, like the Snode Rower or Concept2, are the diamond in the rough, especially if you want to focus on boosting your endurance levels and diving into a full-body, immersive workout.

Because rowing machines are certainly the investment to your home gym — much like treadmills — it’s important to understand which features are worth looking into and how to properly row. Ahead, we consulted three professional rowing experts to explain the ins and outs of rowing — from some quality machines they recommend to how to properly work the equipment.

Best Home Rowing Machines

Best Overall: Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

“If you want to be competitive, Concept2’s monitor can’t be beaten for recording and tracking your times and is the industry standard,” Saylor said. Prostano, who is also a fan, cites the machine’s “durability and performance tracking features” as a reason its a favorite pick at his studio.

This highly acclaimed rower boasts incredible performance tracking with its self-calibrating Performance Monitor 5, has adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle for easy-to-use equipment that’s under $1,500. It can be connected to the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor (included in order) if you want to track your heart rate, and Bluetooth and ANT+ can be used at the same time. Lastly, the spiral damper allows for adjustment of the airflow impacting the flywheel, which is handy if you need to alter the feel of the drag.

Other bells and whistles with this best rower include preset workouts, a smartphone cradle, and a resistance band. Not too shabby in our book. Here’s what one happy customer had to say about it on Amazon:

Customer review: “The Concept2 rower hasn’t changed in years because it is perfect. If you own one piece of exercise equipment, own this. They last forever, you will be leaving it to your children — an American classic.”

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Best Water: Snode Water Rowing Machine with Bluetooth Trainer-Led Workout App

We’re all about the Snode Water Rowing Machine because it features a virtual community that encourages you to hit your fitness goals and according to the experts we spoke with, it’s basically unmatched. It has 16 fans and offers water-based resistance, so if you’re looking for a more authentic rowing experience, this may be the one for you.

The model comes with a trainer-led workout app and a stunning display that’ll have you motivated for your full-body rowing machine workouts. It also can be stored upright to save space. Although some seasoned rowers who’ve reviewed it say it doesn’t compare to more expensive models, many agree that it’s great for the price and that it has an easy setup.

Customer review: “It’s smooth, solid, attractive, and easy to assemble. We put ours in my son’s vacant bedroom [upstairs], so make sure you have help getting the box to the second floor (that was the hardest part of the assembly!). Decent directions, even with the language barrier, and all the parts went together with ease. It even comes with a cool water pump and water tablets so you can fill the spinner tank thingy without spilling. It’s fun to use. The only part that made me cuss was getting the digital wiring connected...Good product.”

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Best Luxury: Hydrow Rower

Enter the Hydrow, the high-performance rower that has an incredible HD display, a paired app to measure your progress and heart rate plus a 10-roller system for effortless drag and operation. Also, it looks incredibly sleek in your home gym, has stellar rowing machine reviews, and is a perfect quality rower for consistent use, whether you’re a beginner or advanced trainer.

For more, check out our full review of the Hydrow Rower.

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Best Compact: Teeter Power10 Rower

As one of the most popularly searched-for rowers, the Teeter Power10 Rower is the rowing machine and elliptical hybrid you didn’t know you needed. With bi-directional, magnetic resistance, you’ll engage more muscles than the traditional rower for relatively the same price.

One feature we’re impressed with is the higher seat, which will be pleasing to those who have some mobility issues. We also like the multi-grip handles and the resistance selector, which can be adjusted up to seven degrees. As Prostano recommended, the machine does have a nice digital display to keep track of your workout’s progress. However, it is on the smaller side, which can be a drag (no pun intended) for the price point.

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Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

No, rowers don’t have to come with a high ticket price. The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is one of the best budget rowers out there, which includes an LCD monitor, ergonomic and slip-resistant foot pedals and 16 levels of tension to customize your workouts. The tail dislodges to be placed upright for easier storage and the handles can also be used alone if you want to single out those biceps.

Like a lot of the best rowers, there’s an app to download for access to training vids. Do you need it for this machine? No, but it’s nice, especially if you get bored easily.

Customer review: “I use this rowing machine nearly [every day]. I have family that also have rowing machines in a much higher price range and I find this unit just as good, [reliable, sophisticated] and just as usable as theirs. Plus, I can use the bar for vertical weight lifts, too, for toning my arms. It’s sturdy, stable and forgiving. If you are not out to have the most fashionable name in rowing machines, this one is a truly worthwhile purchase and a good addition to your gym.”

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Best Reviewed: Hydrow Wave Rower

Some have described the Hyrow Rower as the Rolls-Royce of rowing machines, and they’re not wrong. If you’re looking for something that replicates the feel of being on the open water, it’s definitely one of the best. Similarly, the Hydrow Wave Rower doesn’t disappoint. Think of it as the Bentley of rowers. Like its predecessor, it has an immersive screen, an authentically smooth pull, and is quiet. What makes it different is that it’s 30% smaller and lighter. The screen is 16 inches and doesn’t rotate, but it still connects the user to immersive classes and challenges, plus metrics can be shown in real time. One of our commerce editor’s has one. Here’s what she had to say:

Editor’s review: I got this machine for my dad after his treadmill broke. He sometimes has issues with his knees, so I thought a rower would be a nice, low-impact alternative. There are cheaper rowers on the market, but I really wanted something that was exceptionally durable.

Like my dad, I’m not very handy, so I thought it best to have the rower set up for me. It took the delivery men about 30 minutes, so I’m estimating it would have taken around an hour if I did it myself. Once it was built, I was able to lift and move it to another corner of my parents’ basement, so it is really lightweight — a huge bonus, in my opinion, especially if you like rearranging furniture. It’s also slim, so you can tuck it against a wall.

The rower itself operates like a dream. The seat is not super cushy but I think most will be fine for a 30 minute workout. The handles are thick enough to gain a good grip, and you really feel as if you can aggressively pull back without breaking anything. The pedals are sturdy, not too wide, and have straps to keep feet locked into place. Setting up a rowing profile was straight-forward (you will have to connect your wi-fi), and although the screen is a bit smaller than the one that comes with the original Hydrow Rower, it’s still nice.

Like most rowers that offer an immersive exercise experience, the Hyrdow Wave is meant to be used with a Hydrow Membership ($44/month). Once you have that, you’ll have access to 4,000 rowing workouts, stability training, yoga — all the things. While the price isn’t much more than a typical gym membership, I wanted to make sure the machine could be enjoyed without one, and it can! After you set up a profile, select the “Just Row” option, and you’re good to go. You won’t be given detailed metrics but you’ll be able to increase resistance and connect your Bluetooth to a heart monitor. That may be a deal breaker for some, but for my dad, who can literally workout for an hour in complete silence, it’s a non-issue.

So, would I recommend the Hydrow Wave? Yes, though I would suggest adding the membership to experience all the bells and whistles.It handles great, regardless, but I’m not sure if I’d spend the money for something I couldn’t fully enjoy. However, with the membership it’s amazing, and will probably keep you motivated enough to clock those miles each day.

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Best for Small Spaces: Merach Rowing Machine

For those who don’t care for fancy screens or apps, the Merach Rowing Machine may be the way to go. It does have a LCD screen to keep track of your workout progress, which is a definite plus. It also has both magnetic and water resistance, which means the machine is quiet and challenging. The 3D shape ergonomic seat is also on the larger side, which may make it more comfortable for some. Best of all, the machine only takes up to 3.3 square feet and can be stored upright.

Customer review: “My husband and I are creating our at-home gym and wanted to add a rower to the mix. When the box arrived, it was in good shape and not damaged. It was easy to assemble with very little tools needed. This rower is easy to use and provides basic information you need to know, like time, distance, and calories burned. When we are finished, we love that we can store it up against the wall.”

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Best Magnetic: Aviron Strong Go Rower

If you’re looking for a machine that makes your low-impact, full-body workout as easy as can be, look no further than Aviron’s Rower. Its sleek design not only looks gorgeous in your living room, but packs one heck of a workout.

Offering 100 pounds of dual air and magnetic resistance, muscles will stay challenged! Its handles also offer a decent amount of padding, so hands have a comfortable hold. Offering upright storage, a phone holder and a place for your tablet, it has plenty of bells and whistles for your sweat session.

Customer review: “I purchased my rower a couple of months ago and I love it. It has so many features that keep me entertained and make me want to use it. It’s a good, hard workout but also I can row in a more relaxed way when I feel like it. The community feedback is great, and so are the challenges, even though I’m not a competitive person. Yes, it’s pricey, but I use it all the time, so it’s worth it.”

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Best Home: Stamina DT Rowing Machine 397

The Stamina DT Rowing Machine is ready to guide you on your fitness journey no matter your experience level. As you work out, the resistance will depend on your rowing strokes — the faster you go the more intense it will be. Other features include textured footbeds to keep feet secure, padded handlebars, and an LCD monitor that tracks time, count, distance, and calories.

According to several customers, it’s easy to assemble, which we always like. However, the weight capacity, which stops at 250 pounds, isn’t as high as other models on our list. Although it doesn’t fold, we’re fans of the wheels and slim design.

Customer review: “This was the perfect piece of exercise equipment for limited space. Super easy to assemble, lightweight and easy to store. It’s a fan rower, so the only sound is similar to a box fan — maybe even slightly quieter, depending on your box fan. Great machine, and I’m super happy with my purchase so far.”

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Best Smart: Echelon Smart Rowing Machine + 30-Day Free Membership

Modern and well-made, Echelon’s Smart Rowing Machine has a gorgeous LCD display and ergonomic handlebars that’ll have you rowing to the max. Plus, it comes with a free 30-day membership to have you rockin’ and rolling (or, should we say: rowing).

All jokes aside, it’s a decent machine, offering a sturdy feel and smooth pull. The screen is 22 inches and rotates, which will come in handy for many of the workouts included with the Echelon membership. Yes, that will cost extra, but the 30-day free trial will help you decide whether it’s worth it or not for you, and if you purchase through Amazon, you have 90 days to return for a full refund. According to several happy customers, it can be enjoyed without the app or membership, too.

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Best with Touchscreen NordicTrack Smart Rower with 10-inch HD Touchscreen and 30-Day iFIT Family Membership

As a top brand for treadmills, there’s no surprise that NordicTrack made the cut. Its RW900 Rower offers two types of resistance: air and magnetic, which gives slightly more control when it comes to how challenging your workout gets. We love the comfortable, molded seat, and the oversized pivoting pedals with adjustable nylon foot straps. The beautiful display highlights total strokes, distance, and calories burned — basically all the things you need to know.

The rower is also space-saving, which we always like to see, and has transport wheels to move wherever you prefer to get your sweat on. If you may have noticed, we’re not huge fans of any machine that requires membership to access trainers, workouts and metrics. However, if you grab the rower on Amazon, it comes with a 30-day free membership to iFit!

Customer review: “No impact, easy to learn, easy to fit into your schedule, and well designed for saving space. I keep mine folded in the corner and it takes about 10 seconds to be setup and row. Very well made and the workouts are fun and interactive. I love it”

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Best Folding: Marcy Foldable Regenerating Rower

If you’re working out in a tighter space, look no further than Marcy’s Foldable Regenerating Rower. The seated rowing machine is foldable (which we love) and it still has all the basic features you need to reap the benefits of rowing. It offers eight levels of resistance, which is more than enough to power up muscles, and the ergonomically designed seat should prevent saddle soreness from setting in too quickly. Although we do wish the digital display had more to offer, it does give the basics. Also, the price is — smooch — chef’s kiss.

Customer review: “I have been doing Crossfit for a while. [Because] of my work schedule changing, I have to do my workout at home sometimes, Rowing is always one of my favorite exercises of all. The Crossfit gym usually uses Concept2 rowers, but the price is much higher, so it is not in my consideration. The Marcy rower is much more affordable and fits my budget. The quality of the system is actually quite nice. It took me about 30 to 40 minutes to assemble, and I immediately started using it and did my first 5k. I think the resistance level is good and the pull is very smooth. I was [going at] 75% with the 5k and still got quite sweaty after...Overall, it’s a good system for the price.”

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Best Erg: WaterRower Rowing Machine

For those who like water-based resistance, the WaterRower is sure to be a favorite. It gives the feeling (and challenge) of being on open water without leaving the home. It doesn’t have a fancy immersive screen or a connected app, but that’s also another reason we sort of like it. Simply pop in your earbuds and row, row, row.

Two of our experts are fans of it too. “The WaterRower uses a unique circular water tank for resistance, providing a smooth, natural rowing experience,” says Prostano. Saylor adds, “It’s is a beautiful piece of equipment because it’s made of wood, and stands upright when not in use.”

Customer review: “I just got it today but so far, my impression is like many reviews: easy to assemble and looks and feels well crafted and sturdy. Resistance is similar to actual rowing. Plus, the water sound is soothing and rhythmic, while not [being] overly loud. The only minor problem was that the hardware kit had an extra nut where a bolt should have been…so missing a bolt, but I had one that works fine. It just doesn’t match the others.”

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Best Under $500: Yosuda Magnetic Rower

A LCD screen to measure metrics? Check. Smooth operation? Check. Under $500? Check! Seriously, this rower has everything you need, minus the hefty price tag. More than 2,000 happy customers on Amazon love it, praising its easy operation and the stellar workout it provides. Featuring a 10 pound flywheel, it offers 16 levels of resistance and can hold up to 350 pounds. Although its mechanics may not impress serious rowers, for newbies, it’s a great option to get your rowing feet wet. The machine can be folded upward when not in use, and it’s also quiet, thanks to its precision magnetic drive system. And again, we love, love, love the price point!

Customer review: “Great for small spaces. It flips up easily to reduce the footprint. The resistance levels are awesome. I’m pretty fit and at level 2 (out of 10). It’s definitely a workout. Relatively quiet, too, so it’s easy to do when others are sleeping. The foot straps have held up great after 10 months.”

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Best Gym Quality: The Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta Rower is a splurge-worthy model that looks sharp and classic in your home gym. Notably, its game-based workouts provide fun challenges to your fitness routine while its digital touchscreen makes your sweat session more streamlined.

Customer review: “Love it! [It’s] easy] to navigate the tablet options, easy to row, even for someone who is overweight and way out of shape. Happy to see my stats improving a little each time. Feeling stronger already!”

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All your rowing questions, explained by professional rowers

What are the benefits of using a rowing machine?

“Rowing improves your cardiovascular fitness as well as your overall strength and mobility, especially in the hips as the fundamental motion of the stroke is the extension through the legs and hips,” Annie Mulgrew, VP founding instructor of CityRow, told the Post. “Using a rowing machine allows you to get a total body, high-intensity workout (major calorie burn!) that is also low impact, reducing the risk of injury.”

Alex Prostano, certified rowing coach and head coach at Orangetheory Fitness Manhattan at East 39 Street echoed this sentiment. He says, “Rowing is a comprehensive workout that engages an impressive 86% of the body’s muscles, providing a robust cardiovascular workout akin to running, but with significantly less impact on the joints.”

For those who want a heart-pumping workout that doesn’t wreak havoc on knees or ankles, rowing is worth consideration. Along with being an alternative to higher-impact sports, it has the mental health benefits that other forms of exercise does. And, if you happen to own your own machine, it can be done in the privacy of your home.

Can you get in shape by just rowing? Is it good for beginners?

“Absolutely,” Prostano told the Post. “Rowing is an effective way to get in shape, as it offers a full-body workout, improving both muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. It’s suitable for beginners, with a recommended starting duration of 5 to 10 minutes per session. As you advance in technique and endurance, you can gradually increase your rowing time or intensity. While it’s safe to row daily, it’s important to listen to your body and incorporate rest days as needed.”

Like with many things, form is important. “Common mistakes in rowing include improper posture and sequencing in the stroke phases,” he explains.

How to use a rowing machine correctly

“The rowing stroke is considered in a four-part process: catch, drive, release (or finish) and recovery,” USRowing Level 2 Coach and UCanRow2 Instructor Nancy Saylor, who has 19 years of professional rowing experience, told the Post.

Below, she highlights exactly an easy-to-follow guide on how to use a rowing machine:

• Catch: This is where the seat is all the way forward with the knees bent, arms straight. If you were in a scull, your blades would be “catching” (dropped into) the water to take a stroke.
• Drive: This is the only phase of the stroke where energy is expended. From the catch position, the legs are engaged by pushing through the heels as the legs straighten and the arms bend.
• Release/Finish: The legs are down flat, arms are bent with hand bringing the handle into the body. “I like to refer to this phase as ‘release’ over ‘finish’ because the word finish tends to make people pause here and there should be no pauses in the rowing stroke,” she adds.
• Recovery: This is the phase where you let the drive phase do it’s work; it’s a rest period. Your body gets set with straight arms and the knees start to bend as the seat moves toward the flywheel in preparation for the next stroke.

Before shopping below, take a list at our quick shops for rowing machines: Amazon, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart, among other retailers we feature.

Ahead, find the top rowing machines our experts recommend, paired with top-rated rowing machines that fit the bill. And, be sure to check out our expanded, expert-backed FAQ at the end of this guide for more advice and information on rowing.

Is rowing considered a strength workout?

“Yes, rowing is both a cardio and strength workout that uses the power of resistance to build muscle,” Mulgrew said. “The resistance provided in water [rowers] as well as the effort put into the stroke by the rower allows for a much more natural feeling of resistance and helps you get stronger, faster.”

What muscles does a rowing machine work?

“Rowing uses 86% of the muscles in your body; it’s a total-body workout that uses all of the major muscle groups including chest, back, shoulders, arms, most significantly, your legs and glutes — which makes it a killer calorie and fat-burning machine,” Mulgrew adds. “Remember, your largest muscle groups use the most energy in order to function- — with the pulportionary part of the rowing stroke being 90% legs and hips. This means [with] each stroke, you’re maximizing your energetic reserves!”

What’s the best way to row while preventing injury?

According to Saylor, “good form and technique” coupled with “knowing your limitations” is important for preventing injury.

“Once you have your technique down, you will be able to work to higher intensities,” Mulgrew adds. “Because of the low impact nature of the rowing machine, the risk of strain to the joints is significantly lower compared to other forms of cardio like running and spinning.”

To break down the basic rowing movement, Prostano gave how he and his fellow trainers teach it at OrangeTheory. “[We recommend] the Start, Drive, Finish, and Return phases for optimal rowing,” he explains.

“The Start Phase is the loading phase, characterized by bent knees, long arms, a forward gaze, flat back and a slight forward lean, with shoulders in front of the hips at an 11 o’clock position. The Drive Phase is where power is generated, involving pushing the seat back by extending the legs, swinging the torso from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, and pulling the handle to the chest.

“The Finish Phase is a transitional phase with extended legs and bent arms, leading directly into the Return Phase. [This] is a recovery phase that involves extending the arms, leaning the torso from 1 o’clock back to 11 o’clock and bending the knees once the handle passes them, returning to the starting position.”

What are the best rowing exercises for beginners?

“Beginners can start by working on their form and with short intervals of rowing to get a feel for the machine and the movement,” Mulgrew recommends. “You can work your way up by testing out different resistance and stroke rates to find what works for you.”

What are the best rowing exercises for advanced-level athletes?

“Being an advanced rower means that you are able to be consistent in both your stroke rate and your split times,” Mulgrew said. “So, the best advance level rowing workouts are ones that demand higher intensities for longer periods of time.”

What should I look for in a rowing machine?

“When purchasing a home rowing machine, key factors to consider include your budget and the machine’s features,” says Prostano. “Look for a rower that can track essential metrics like time, split time, watts and stroke rate. Top options like the WaterRower and Concept 2 also offer workout and interval settings. Choose a machine that suits your space and aligns with your fitness goals. Additionally, you can look for access to quality instructional guidance and virtual coaching.”

“If your goal is to be competitive, the monitor is key,” Saylor advises.

“A padded seat will give added comfort during your workout and foldability is key for those living in smaller spaces to stand and store,” Mulgrew adds. “A rower with a waterwheel simulates the experience of rowing on water, which makes for a more natural, organic feeling.”

How often should I row? Should I row every day?

“To feel and see results, you’ll want to be consistent in your rowing workouts by doing at least 30 minutes two to four times a week,” Mulgrew said. “Rowing can be done daily depending on the intensities at which you row (and your own specific goals may have you rowing daily), but it doesn’t have to be done daily to reap all its benefits.”

Plus, consistently committing to two times a week for months at a time is better than burning out after doing seven times a week for only a few weeks, Mulgrew explained. 

Can I lose weight by rowing?

“Like all calorie-burning workouts, rowing can result in weight loss if it’s included as part of a healthy lifestyle,” Mulgrew said. “With consistency, you’ll not only lose weight, but rowing’s resistance will help you develop muscles throughout your body. To feel your best, commit to a varied weekly routine that includes rowing as well as strength and mobility workouts.”

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