Rowing machines are a fantastic piece of exercise equipment for multiple reasons. They’re extremely low impact, so they won’t stress out your joints. They’re typically quiet, and easy to use while doing other activities like watching TV. And overall, they provide an exceptional workout for your shoulders, upper back, and lower back, which will not only improve your posture but also reduce back pain.
A good rowing machine is an essential addition to any home gym. But with so many options on the market, each with a distinct design and a wide price range, it can be difficult to know which rowing machine is right for you.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best rowing machines on the market, and detailed the features of each one so you can make an informed decision. Once you find a machine you like, simply click on the Amazon link to order your rowing machine right to your doorstep!
Best Air Rowing Machine
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
You can normally spot this popular air rowing machine in most gyms around your city. It should be no surprise, then, that this is one of the best indoor rowing machines you can find on the market. The Concept2 Model D rowing machine is built with an ergonomic design that works perfectly with the shape of your body to give you the optimal results.
When using this machine, compared to others, one of the first things you’ll notice is how smooth it is. Where the cords of other rowing machines may have a tendency to catch every once in a while, the Concept2 Model D moves in a fluent motion, always.
Concept2 Model D with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rower Rowing Machine Black
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.
- 14-inch seat height fits most uses. Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
- Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel
Since this machine is an air rower, the resistance comes from its air baffle fans which create increasingly more air pressure as you pull back and the nickel-plated chain pulls the flywheel.
This rowing machine comes complete with a PM5 monitor so you can see relevant data to your workout. You can use this monitor to toggle between viewing your total distance “rowed” and time, or you can view your data as “splits.” This shows you how your pace varies along two set points to give you a real time play-by-play of how you’re doing in your workout. This monitor also calculates drag factor so you can precisely measure your level of effort independent to other factors like damper resistance adjustments.
Features
- Comes available in both black and light grey.
- Extremely smooth machine with a fluent rowing motion that does not catch.
- Comes with a 5 year warranty.
- High quality nickel-plated pull chain.
- Comes with a PM5 monitor so you can see relevant data to your workout such as time and distance rowed.
- PM5 monitor calculates drag factor so you can independently measure your level of effort.
- Easily stored machine as it can be split into two pieces.
- One of the most popular rowing machines on the market.
- Quiet machine.
- This rowing machine comes with a maximum user weight of 500 pounds.
- Ergonomically built with a comfortable seat and large footrests.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine on Amazon
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor.
This beautiful, wooden, hand-crafted rowing machine works by using water-resistance. The WaterRower is one of the most high-end rowing machines available on the market. One of the main reasons this rowing machine is so popular and expensive is because it uses a water flywheel that mimics the natural feeling of actually rowing in water. This is not only great for rowers who are looking to maintain their technique and form at home when they don’t have a chance to get out on the water, but it also provides a uniquely smooth feel.
WaterRower Vintage Oak Rowing Machine with S4
- Flywheel sits in enclosed water tank to provide smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance
- Series 4 performance monitor tracks workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more
- Handcrafted rowing machine with "water flywheel" that replicates actual rowing feel
The water flywheel on this machine is a cylindrical water tank constructed with two paddles that move through the water as you pull back the cable. Just like rowing in actual water, the resistance of these two paddles against the water in the flywheel is the mechanism that exercises your muscles. And since this machine uses water mass/density to create resistance, the harder you pull, the more resistance you will encounter. This is similar to the way that if you moved your hand slowly through the water, you wouldn’t feel much resistance. But the more quickly you move your hand through water the more resistance you feel.
Rowing is one of the greatest low-impact exercises you can do. This WaterRower takes that to the next level by making the workout even more natural for your body for exercise that effective yet easy on your joints.
Features
- This rowing machine is hand-crafted out of wood.
- Uses a water flywheel to closely mimic the feeling of rowing in actual water.
- Comes with a performance monitor that allows you to track exercise metrics as you go.
- The waterwheel design of this machine is extremely easy on joints.
- Perfect for rowers who need to maintain practice in the off season or on days of unfavourable outdoor conditions.
- Requires no maintenance.
- Since this machine uses water mass/density, the resistance you encounter is based on how hard you pull, just like rowing in actual water.
- Easily assembled
- Extremely quiet machine.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine on a Budget
Stamina ATS Air Rower
If you’re looking for a more economical rowing machine that comes at a great value, the Stamina ATS Air Rower is a perfect example. This rower uses wind resistance to power your workout. The wind resistance works somewhat similarly to water resistance in that the harder you row, the more resistance you will face. If you want less resistance, simply ease off it and row more slowly.
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399
- STAMINA AIR ROWING MACHINE - Our ATS Air Rower provides effective exercise training suitable for toning major muscle groups and stimulating the metabolism for fat burning. Experience more and support your overall cardiovascular health with our air rower.
One great feature of this rower is that it is foldable for easy and quick storage and comes with roller wheels attached so it is also easy to move around your home or workout space. When folded, this machine can easily be tucked into your closet. The assembly time for this machine is only about 15 minutes.
The monitor of this machine allows you to monitor your speed, the time you’ve been rowing for, your calorie count, and your total stroke count. It’s also built with a robust steel and aluminum frame for year-over-year use.
The Stamina ATS Air Rower also comes with a 3 year warranty for its frame, and a 90 day warranty for its parts.
Features
- This machine uses wind resistance so the harder you row, the more resistance you encounter.
- Easily folded and tucked away into a closet for quick and easy storage.
- Comes with roller wheels for easy transportation.
- A quick assembly time of about 15 minutes.
- Constructed with a strong aluminum and steel frame for long term use.
- LCD monitor that allows you to view calories burned, stroke count, time, and speed.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty for the frame.
- Comes with a 90 day parts warranty.
- High value for a low price.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine for Tall Person
Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is a middle of the road rowing machine in terms of cost that focuses on comfort and quietness. It also has a number of interesting features such as a programmable computer that comes stocked with 12 fitness programs to keep your workout routines versatile, challenge you, and improve your overall exercise technique. This feature cannot be understated as one issue a lot of people have with exercise machines is simply getting bored of them, as the movements become monotonous and their ambition wanes.
On top of these 12 programs, this machine also gives you information on your calories burned, distance rowed, your pulse, number of strokes per minute, and overall stroke count.
Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
- DRUM MAGNETIC CONTROL SYSTEM – This rower features a DRM system for and electronic tensions control to produce the optimum friction needed to build muscle strength and enhance endurance
- ALUMINUM FRAME – The sturdy aluminum frame extends outward and houses the molded padded seat to keep your lower back muscles stress free
This machine uses magnetic resistance, which allows for a very quiet workout, so you can use this machine to exercise while watching TV at night. The tension resistance of this machine is also controlled electronically through the computer, compared to other magnetic rowers that use knobs.
Another interesting component of this machine is the heart-rate monitor strap that lets you keep track of your pulse.
Last but not least, the polyurethane molded saddle seat maximizes the comfort of this machine so you can use it for extended periods of time without getting a sore bottom.
Features
- This machine uses magnetic resistance.
- Comes with 12 built in fitness programs to keep your workout routine fresh and effective.
- Built with a comfortable polyurethane molded saddle seat.
- Features a heart-rate monitor strap to keep an eye on your pulse.
- Computer screen allows you to monitor data such as distance rowed, pulse, calories burned, stroked per minute, and stroke count.
- Extremely quiet machine.
- Tension resistance is controlled electronically through the computer.
- Available in two colours (black and grey).
- Easily folded.
- Durable frame.
- Easily assembled.
- LCD display.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine for the Price
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Obsidian SF-RW5713
The Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine is another middle of the road machine in terms of cost, but unlike the Velocity Exercise Magnet Rower listed in this article, it uses water to create resistance instead of magnets. One of the major benefits of using water to create resistance is that it more closely replicates the feeling of actually rowing in water.
Inside the water flywheel of this machine are 16 hydro steel fan blades to mimic the dynamic movements of competitive rowing. And with a no-slip HD sweat resistant handle bar, you can perform vigorous workouts on this machine and work up a sweat without any slippage.
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Rower + LCD Monitor: Time, Time/500M, Distance, Strokes, Total Strokes, Calories Burned and...
- WATER PERFORMANCE: Experience smooth, water-like rowing at home. The flywheel and 16 fan blades provide instant, adjustable resistance, with dynamic response based on stroke speed.
- DESIGN: Made with lightweight, sturdy steel for durability. 16 Hydro Blades mimic competitive rowing, with a sweat-resistant, non-slip handlebar and adjustable leveling caps.
The padded seat on the Sunny Health machine is also built to optimize comfort, and to avoid back strain when getting on and off the machine. This machine is also built with rubber wheels for easy transportation without scuffing up your floor.
This rowing machine also comes with an R2 Fitness Meter that accurately tracks your exercise metrics like time, SPM, total strokes taken, calories burned, heart rate, ambient temperature, 500 meter rowing time, and more.
Features
- Uses a water flywheel to simulate actual rowing in water.
- Uses 16 hydro steel fan blades to closely replicate the feeling of rowing.
- Comes with a comfortable no-slip sweat resistant handle bar.
- The padded seat on this machine is comfortable and prevents back strain.
- Easily transportable without scuffing your floors.
- Comes with an R2 Fitness Meter to track exercise metrics like SPM, total strokes taken, time, calories, heart rate, ambient temperature, 500 meter rowing time, and more.
- Great value for the low cost.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine for Full Body Workout
Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower.
This rowing machine actually doubles as an exercise bike, making it one of the more versatile rowers on this list. Not only can you use this rowing machine for leg workouts due to its capability as an exercise bike, but the rowing handlebar is also built so that you can use it for bicep curls and shoulder exercises. And, if you attach the rowing handle to the seat hook, you can also use it as a leg press.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one piece of equipment that will allow you to exercise both your upper and lower body while taking up minimal space in your home gym, the Stamina Conversion II may be the one for you.
This machine also comes with an electronic monitor with a large LCD display so you can track your distance, time, calories burned, and even your pulse using the sensor that’s built right into the hand grips.
While this machine is a bit more expensive than some others on the list, it also offers much more than the traditional rowing machine. With the Stamina Conversion II, you can perform a full body workout without needing a number of different machines. In terms of what it provides, the Stamina Conversion II comes at a great value, and is more economical (and space conserving) than buying a rower, exercise bike, and leg press separately.
Features
- Combination of a rower and exercise bike in one machine for upper and lower body workouts.
- The handlebar on this rowing machine can also be used for bicep curls, shoulder exercises, and even as a leg press.
- Features a large, electronic LCD monitor to track distance, time, calories, and heart rate beats per minute.
- Hand sensor is built right into the grips for reading pulse.
- Great value for the variety of workouts that can be performed on this machine.
- Takes up little space in your home gym compared to buying an exercise bike and rowing machine separately.
What customers are saying
Best Home Rowing Machine Under 500
Kettler Home Exercise Favorit Rowing Machine
This rowing machine is mid-ranged in terms of price, simply designed, and built to last. Unlike some of the other rowing machines on this list, you can adjust the resistance by adjusting the clamps on the pistons to the various knurl marks on the rower oars. There’s a total of 50 knurl marks on each oar with which you can set the resistance levels, so you can make your exercises more or less challenging challenging.
The pistons are industrial strength and hydraulic, meaning they’re high quality and constructed for year-over-year use. This machine also comes with bio-mechanically correct footplates for a more natural feeling pivot motion, and complete longitudinal rowing motion.
Kettler Home Exercise/Fitness Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine
- Displays 6 functions simultaneously: Time, Distance, Energy Consumed, Strokes, Pulse Rate and Frequency; Includes a recovery feature which provides a cardio wellness grading indexed 1 to 6 to track improvement
This rowing machine is also comfortable to sit on with a cushioned seat that slides along a steel track with ball bearings, so you never have to deal with a seat that catches or squeaks.
Finally, the Kettler Home Exercise machine comes with a unique earlobe clip sensor, which you can use to measure your pulse, viewable on the LCD display. The weight capacity of this machine is 285 lbs.
Features
- LCD display that simultaneously shows your time, energy consumed, distance rowed, number of strokes taken, pulse rate, and frequency.
- Sturdily built with two industrial strength hydraulic pistons.
- Resistance is adjustable to any one of the 50 knurl marks on each rower oar, so you can increase or decrease the difficulty of your workout.
- Footplates are built with a bio-mechanically correct design for climate comfort, pivot naturally, and to provide a full longitudinal rowing range of motion.
- Uses a unique infrared earlobe clip sensor to accurately measure pulse rate.
- Includes a LCD display.
- Weight capacity of up to 285 lbs.
- Mid-ranged pricing.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine Under 1000
First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower
The First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower is another high quality machine that uses water to create resistance, more closely mimicking the natural feel of actually rowing on a lake. This rower uses a water tank that’s comprised of a robust polycarbonate shell, and a paddle crafted from triple-bladed stainless steel. The water volume is also variable, ranging from 9 to 17 litres.
While you’ll find a slightly more advanced water rower lower down on the list for $999, we’ve listed this machine in the (under $1,000) section as not to toe the line of $1,000. (Of course, the XtremepowerUS rower further down on the list for $999 is better, but the First Degree rower is more economical and fairly similar.)
First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower - AR Newport
- Max User Weight: 140kg (300lb)
The display on this machine will show you your time elapsed, distance rowed, 500 meter split time, number of calories burned per hour, strokes per minute, and more. And with an ergonomically designed handle, this rower will not strain your wrists or arms, even throughout rigorous use. The seat on this rowing machine is also ergonomically designed, and glides effortlessly on precision bearings.
Another great feature of this rowing machine is that it’s incredibly quiet. This gives you the freedom to use this machine at any time of the day, without fearing that you’ll disturb or wake somebody in your household up.
If you live in a small space, this machine can easily be stored upright. Finally, the foot plates on the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower are adjustable, so people of all heights can use this machine.
Features
- High quality water resistance design to mimic the feeling of actually rowing on water.
- This machine’s durable polycarbonate shell ensures year-over-year use.
- Triple-bladed stainless steel paddles.
- Variable water volume ranging from 9 to 17 litres.
- Comes with a display that shows you strokes per minute, calories burned, 500 meter split time, distance, time, and more.
- Ergonomically designed seat for optimal comfort.
- Ergonomically designed handle to prevent wrist, arm, or hand strain.
- Incredibly quiet machine.
- Easily storable with an upright storage capability, perfect for those who live in smaller spaces.
- Adjustable foot plates.
What customers are saying
Best Home Rowing Machine for Beginners
Avari A350-700 Stamina Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower
This is an excellent machine for beginners who are looking for a reliable rower that they can continue to use as they improve their technique and grow into more advanced users. With the Avari A350-700, there will be no need to upgrade your machine as you improve your form.
In terms of price, the Avari is a mid-ranged rowing machine. It comes with 12 workout programs built into the machine that can help you perfect your workout, and that ensure you’ll never get bored.
Avari A350-700 Stamina Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower, 81" L x 20" W x 24.5" H, Black/Silver
- 12 workout programs including 6 cardio Profiles, 1 Manual, 4 Custom user programs and 1 Heart rate program
- Fitness monitor keeps you motivated by tracking time, count, distance, calories, strokes per minute, pulse and watt
The monitor of this rowing machine is programmable and multi-functional. It comes equipped with a heart rate program that tracks your pulse as your row, and allows you to adjust the magnetic tension accordingly. This lets you increase the intensity of your workout as needed.
The foam-cushioned rowing handle of this rowing machine also ensures that you remain comfortable throughout your workout, and a molded seat that will help you maintain perfect posture as you row. The footplates of this rowing machine are also adjustable, and fasten securely to your feet so that you remain stable as you exercise.
Features
- Middle of the road pricing.
- Great machine for a beginner who doesn’t want to replace their machine as they progress into a more advanced level.
- Comes with 12 workout programs built into the rowing machine that can assist you with performing the most effective exercises, and to keep things interesting.
- Multi-functional and programmable monitor.
- Comes equipped with a heart rate program so you can track your pulse.
- Allows you to adjust the intensity of your workout.
- Foam cushioned rowing handle.
- Molded seat that helps you maintain your posture.
- Adjustable footplates so you can secure yourself to the machine and remain stable as you workout.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine for Heavy Person
XtremepowerUS Exercise Water Rowing Machine
The XtremepowerUS Exercise Water rower is another fantastic machine that uses water resistance to more closely mimic the feeling of rowing on water. This design makes for an extremely smooth workout, and allows you to easily adjust the resistance by simply pulling harder or softer. The harder you pull, the more resistance you’ll encounter.
While this machine is on the higher end of price, that’s because water based rowing systems are simply the best. This water based rowing system is also extremely quiet, so you can exercise while watching TV, or late at night without disturbing anyone.
XtremepowerUS Exercise Water Rowing Machine Water Rower, Luxury Wood Frame
The Xtremepower rower is also super easy to assemble, and it comes with wheels that allows you to easily roll and transport it. It’s also easy to store so you can take it out and put it away at the beginning and end of your workouts if you live in a smaller space and can’t leave it out.
Finally, the wooden design of this rowing machine is aesthetically pleasing, and will compliment the look of your home.
Features
- Water based rowing system to more closely replicate the feeling of rowing on water.
- Extremely quiet machine that can be used late at night, or while watching TV.
- Comes with wheels that makes this machine very easy to transport.
- Comes with a multi-functional digital watch that allows you to monitor distance, time, and intervals.
- Supports up to 550 pounds of weight.
- Built with an ergonomically designed handle.
- Easily constructed.
What customers are saying
Best Rowing Machine for Tall Man
The best rowing machine for a tall man is the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower. Read more about the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower above!
back to menu ↑Best Rowing Machine for 300 Pounds
The best rowing machine for 300 pounds is the XtremepowerUS Exercise Water Rowing Machine. Read more about the XtremepowerUS Exercise Water Rowing Machine above!
back to menu ↑Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces
The two best machines for small spaces would be either the Stamina ATS Air Rower or the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower listed above. Both of these machines are super compact, and fold up so they can be easily stored.
The Stamina ATS Air Rower is much cheaper than the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower, but of course, you pay for what you get. If you’re looking for something of high quality, or are already used to exercising regularly, the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower is going to be a much better machine. Unlike the Stamina ATS Air Rower, the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower uses water resistance to closely mimic the feeling of actually rowing on water.
Read the sections above for the Stamina ATS Air Rower and First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower to learn more about these machines and decide which one is best for you and your small space!
Image Credit: “Mann macht Fitnessübung auf Rudergerät in Fitnessstudio” by Marco Verch is licensed under CC BY 2.0
