Few pieces of exercise equipment can give you a full-body workout like the best rowing machines. With each stroke they work every major muscle group, while also putting your heart and lungs to task. The result? Serious fitness gains across the board.
It is for this reason that, if you’re considering adding one of the best treadmills (opens in new tab) to your home gym arsenal or weighing up the pros and cons of rowing vs cycling for getting your fitness fix, we humbly suggest hitting the (virtual) water.
It’s also an accessible form of exercise. Rather than learning how to perform a succession of exercises for a HIIT circuit, all you have to do is sit down and start rowing. You can, of course, learn how to use a rowing machine properly (opens in new tab) to perfect your technique, but getting started couldn’t be simpler.
What the experts say
“Rowing machines cost next to nothing to run, because you don’t plug them in like you would a treadmill,” says Personal Trainer and gym owner Steve Hoyle. “Unlike some machines, you’ll never outgrow a rowing machine, they’re suitable for all fitness levels – from complete beginner to a professional athlete.”
A 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine (opens in new tab) looked to find out how five weekly indoor rowing sessions, performed for six weeks, would impact 20 visually impaired individuals. Results showed that “after the training, fat mass and total body fat percent decreased significantly”, while the subjects’ “back strength and trunk flexion score increased significantly”.
So, for anyone looking for a home workout tool to help build their strength and cardiovascular capacity (among other healthy effects, which you can read all about in our 10 benefits of using a rowing machine feature (opens in new tab)), the best rowing machines are hard to beat.
Best rowing machines
This top-end model is beloved by rowers, thanks to its unbeatable performance and data-tracking prowess. It’s the model you’ll find used in most indoor rowing competitions and installed in gyms across the country. When we tested it out, we found it delivered a smooth, comfortable workout and we were happily surprised at how quiet it was, too.
What users say
Boasting an impressive 4.9 out of 5 on Amazon (out of over 8,000 ratings globally), it’s clear that the Concept2 Model D rower has impressed users, “this machine rides like a Cadillac”. However, one user did complain that it wasn’t suitable for building muscle, “This is a 95% a cardio only machine”.
Keeping track of how much you’ve rowed (and being rewarded when you reach landmarks) is simple with the Concept2 logbook. All that data is synced, which means you can also enter competitions and pit yourself against other users over set distances.
The flywheel is common to all air-resistance machines and produces a white noise that is certainly louder than a magnetic rowing machine, and less appealing than the swoosh of the water rower, but the Concept2 RowErg’s noise levels aren’t excessive.
The rowing machine’s monitor is compatible with the free ErgData app, which allows you to monitor all your performance statistics; it stores and displays your workout results; and it uploads everything to the Concept2 online logbook. The app also works with Android and iOS devices. The monitor also connects to a suite of other apps so you can take advantage of online classes, coaching and training programs. You can even sync up to virtual racing.
The advantage of the machine’s simple design and tech is that there’s very little to go wrong, and people tend to keep their Concept2 RowErg for many years, replacing parts as they wear out and taking advantage of the extremely helpful customer support.
The Hydrow Rower is often considered the Peloton of the rowing machine world thanks to its cinematic 22in touchscreen and on-demand follow-along workouts. But, having put one to the test, we think that description does it a disservice.
What users say
The Hydrow averages an impressive 4.6 out of five possible stars on Amazon, from more than 40 reviews. Buyers praise it for “making rowing fun” through its interactive virtual workouts and say the electromagnetic resistance feels super smooth. One said they had been struggling with injury but found the Hydrow offered a “great workout” that is “easy on my knees”.
See, where Peloton focuses on studio classes with bright lights and Duracell bunny-like instructors, the Hydrow provides a more immersive, on-water experience that we think rowing newbies and veterans alike will love.
Sessions bring you aboard a boat to row on scenic lakes and waterways such as Scotland’s Loch Lomond – much more entertaining than staring at a wall or monochrome screen as you work up a sweat. There are detailed introductory videos to give first-timers a comprehensive rowing 101, and classes are led by pedigree coaches (including former team USA Olympic rower Aquil Abdullah) who provide helpful technique tips while sprinkling in entertaining anecdotes to keep you engaged.
We loved the sport-specific focus, finding the twin goals of improving both our fitness and performance kept us more engaged than an aimless trudge on a treadmill. The inclusion of virtual leaderboards to compete with fellow Hydrow owners’ scores meant we were less likely to take our foot off the gas during workouts too.
It’s a big piece of kit and can’t be disassembled or folded like some of its competitors. There’s no easy “just row” option either, unless you pause or cancel your active membership, and the monthly subscription fee does add up. However, if you’ve got the space to accommodate it, we think the Hydrow Rower is one of the best pieces of home workout equipment on the market.
Like the Hydrow, the NordicTrack RW900 involves a membership program.
What users say
This rower scores 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon, with 622 global ratings to draw from. Reviews are a little mixed, with 11% of the ratings being 1 star. Fans of the machine call it a “nice piece of equipment [and] great addition to my home gym”. Meanwhile, others complain about defective products arriving and poor customer service.
Although a decent machine in its own right with 26 resistance levels as well as manual resistance, the main benefit of this rowing machine is its integration with the iFit app.
The membership brings an interactive program that isn’t confined to rowing – you get access to everything from yoga to strength training as well as indoor rowing sessions led by elite rowers.
Unusually, it features a hybrid resistance system, with both magnetic resistance (great if you want to keep the noise down) plus added air resistance if you want to pump it up. A fun added extra is the capacity for the resistance to be adjusted remotely by the instructor during live classes.
The machine itself is pretty good value but the membership subscription isn’t cheap unless you’re participating in several classes a week. During the classes the screen will feed back data like calories and watts. As with the Hydrow, you can also enjoy rowing against a backdrop of waterways from around the world.
For such a high tech machine it’s disappointingly functional in appearance, apart from the screen which is nicely designed and rotates and tilts for complete comfort and to enable you to follow along when you’re doing mat work. It’s quite heavy, although it does have the advantage of folding for easy storage.
Note: This rowing machine is currently being tested and reviewed and this buying guide will be updated once the review is complete.
The Proform 750R is solid, quiet and comfortable. It’s not flashy – there’s no touchscreen display here and it’s not built from aesthetically-pleasing wood. But it performs well, offering consistent, magnetic-based resistance and a whisper-quiet workout.
What users say
Reviews give this rowing machine 3.6 out of 5 on Amazon, according to just 7 global ratings. Positive reviews say that the rower is “great value” and “very good quality”, while negative reviews discuss problems accessing the free period of iFit that comes with the machine.
Like other Proform and NordicTrack models, this rower comes with a free trial to the iFit app, which contains plenty of workouts for you to follow – some led by famous Olympians. During classes, the resistance on your machine will be adjusted by your instructor’s prompts, which is a neat little extra.
However, to access this feature – and to be able to clearly see the workout – you’ll need to secure a tablet to the front of your machine. There is a basic digital display included with the rower, which will show you metrics such as calories, distance, speed, time and strokes per minute, but you won’t be able to see the iFit classes on this.
Despite the lack of screen, we think you’d be hard pressed to find a better option at this mid-range price. The machine comes with 24 different resistance levels – we found the top-end of this to be suitably challenging. It’s also incredibly easy to fold away, making it a good option for those with limited floor space.
Be warned that the set-up process is quite tricky for this rower. The machine is incredibly heavy to move around – make sure you have a friend to help you with the installation process – and the screws come vacuum packed, which make them difficult to access. Once installed, the machine is solid and sturdy, but be prepared to sink some time into the set-up.
With many rowing machines costing more than $1,000, it’s always good to find one at the budget end of the market at under $500.
What users say
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon (with over 1,800 global ratings), this rower has quite a few fans with positive comment such as “This is a well built machine, nothing feels cheap or delicate and the resistance is good”. However, other reviewers complain about a “complicated set up” and the spring return mechanism breaking.
This is an air rower without any bells and whistles, but if you just want to get a sweat on without spending a fortune it could be a decent choice.
The design is fairly basic, though it does come in a range of colourways which makes a nice change from most rowing machines. It folds up for easy storage, so is suitable for home use. You can’t adjust the air flow – the resistance comes entirely from the amount of effort you put in – and some users report that the resistance is quite high.
The monitor is extremely simple and not the easiest to read, but it does provide most of the metrics you’d want – speed, distance, time and calories burned. In common with all air rowers, it’s not as quiet as a magnetic rowing machine.
The main drawback is its sturdiness – or lack of it. There are complaints from some users about the spring breaking and the strap fraying, often soon after purchase, and some grumbles about customer service when they reported the problems, but overall most customers find it provides excellent value for money.
Note: This rowing machine is currently being tested and reviewed and this buying guide will be updated once the review is complete.
This magnetic rowing machine would be a good choice if all you want is a no-frills machine for a basic workout to get and stay fit.
What users say
With 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon (based on 76 global ratings), this rowing machine has a variety of positive reviews that mention aspects such as the “reasonable price” and how easy it is to assemble. However, negative reviews discuss a lack of resistance and issues viewing the LCD display properly.
Because of the magnetic resistance, it provides a smooth action and is quiet. Some users complain that the resistance doesn’t go high enough, despite many levels of resistance which you adjust via a dial.
It’s deliberately designed for use in the home. Although it’s not designed with looks in mind, it does fold up for storage and you won’t bother the neighbors with the noise. It’s not as sturdy as some higher-end machines, and some users report that it moves across the floor when in vigorous use.
If you like feedback and data, this won’t be the machine for you, as there is only limited data on the digital monitor (which isn’t particularly easy to read). Although it tracks stroke rate, time and calories, it doesn’t show the distance rowed, which many people regard as a basic piece of data.
There are no apps and unlike the Concept2 RowErg it doesn’t have a smartphone holder. But if it’s a budget option you’re after, it still gives you a solid workout and plenty of sweat for your buck.
Note: This rowing machine is currently being tested and reviewed and this buying guide will be updated once the review is complete.
“At Ergatta we believe that working out should feel like playing a sport, not taking a class,” says Ergatta’s promotional video.
What users say
Reddit reviews of the Ergatta Rower are generally positive, with one commenter saying “I think it’s absolutely worth it. Without the ‘gamification’ I think my workouts would be 3-4x per week and would not last nearly as long or [be] as fun”. However, another commenter mentioned a two month delay and issues sourcing a technician to assemble the rower.
Like some of the other subscription-based rowing machines, it involves a program, only this one isn’t class-based. Inspired by gaming technology, instead of following instructors you can participate in competitions and challenges such as interval workouts, with real-time feedback and personalised targets that adjust as you get fitter.
Competition is a big element of the program and you can pit yourself against other users in global rankings. To keep things fresh, Ergatta releases at least five new workouts each week, has a Race of the Week and a new program and community challenge each month.
The rowing machine itself is a specially-designed machine made by WaterRower (see below). The main difference is that it is made from American cherry wood (making it probably the best-looking rowing machine out there), plus it has a 17.2” touchscreen (instead of the S4 monitor) with impressive HD graphics. It will sync with Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitors.
As with all models of the WaterRower it has that distinctive hiss-and-swish sound and a smooth action. The resistance isn’t adjustable without removing water from the drum.
The main drawback is the price. The machine itself is significantly more expensive than any of the wooden WaterRowers outside the Ergatta program. The cost of the membership, which is sold separately, is on a par with Hydrow and NordicTrack.
If you like the idea of a membership program but hate the fist-pumping vibe of instructor-led group sessions, this could be a great program for you, especially if you’re motivated by competition. If, on the other hand, you are spurred on by an instructor teaching and encouraging you, a rower with a group class program would work better. And if it’s just the beautiful wooden water rower you’re after without the program, go straight to WaterRower.
Note: This rowing machine is currently being tested and reviewed and this buying guide will be updated once the review is complete.
Handcrafted in solid ash, this is one of the best-looking rowers on the market. Although it can be placed upright for storage, you’re just as likely to want it on display.
What users say
WaterRower receives a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on almost 2,000 reviews. One commenter says that they’ve had their WaterRower “for over 25 years. It’s great to be able to get replacement parts to keep it going”. However, there are a few reviews that mention shipping delays.
It’s not just the design that makes the WaterRower a popular choice – it sounds fabulous, too, with a distinctive, soothing whooshing noise. WaterRower says it recreates the experience of rowing on the water, and it certainly does deliver a smooth, comfortable row, but it’s telling that most serious rowers favor the Concept2 RowErg over the WaterRower.
One of the reasons rowers don’t tend to go for the WaterRower is that you don’t get as much data as on the RowErg. Although the S4 monitor is a big improvement on the previous design (and can be retrofitted on older machines), it’s still pretty basic, is hard to read and misses some key functions. It shows time, distance (in metres, miles, km and number of strokes), speed/intensity (in metres per second, mph, 500m split, 2K split and calories per hour), stroke rate and heart rate. It’s a bit fiddly to program and, importantly for some, there’s no option to set time intervals, unlike the Concept2 PM5 monitor. The 2K split is a nice touch for anyone planning to compete, though.
The downside of the water resistance is that you can’t adjust the resistance. Upkeep isn’t too arduous, though you do need to pop a tablet in from time to time.
Note: This rowing machine is currently being tested and reviewed and this buying guide will be updated once the review is complete.
Why should you buy the best rowing machine?
Rowing machines are a great investment, as they offer great low-impact fitness benefits and they’re easy to use. The best rowing machines are built to last as Personal Trainer Stephen Hoyle explained to Live Science: “A good rowing machine will last you a very long time, with minimal upkeep. There’s no complicated machinery, just a chain that needs occasional oiling and a computer that will require the odd battery change.”
Still undecided about making the switch from a treadmill to a rowing machine? To help you, we’ve summarized our thoughts on the rowing machine versus treadmill (opens in new tab) debate; give it a read to determine what machine is best for you! We’ve also put together some advice on how to use a rowing machine to lose weight (opens in new tab).
