The basic LCD display tracks split times, meters rowed and intervals, but it doesn’t offer guided workouts or other entertainment options. The best rowing machines provide a low-impact, full-body cardio workout, challenging minor and major muscle groups alike. In fact, rowing can engage more than 80% of the muscles in your body and, depending on your body weight and the intensity of a session, burn more than 400 calories in a half hour. It’s a durable machine trusted by collegiate athletes, suitable for beginners and easy to set up and use. Affordable options with good features for home exercise are available. Whether you want the best budget air rowing machine, the best budget water rowing machine, or the best budget magnetic rowing machine, you’ll find one that fits your budget.

Rowers

There are no resistance settings, so it’s all in the muscles – row harder to feel more resistance. The RowErg from Concept2 might appear a bit more bare bones than some of the others on this list, but there are some incredible features that are fully unique to this machine. Namely, this machine comes in two leg options, with the possibility of adding the extra-long monorail for those with even longer legs. They offer a 14” seat height with their standard leg model and a 20” seat height for their long leg model. And even though this rower doesn’t have a touch screen, it does have a monitor to track your stats, as well as a device holder, which you can use to work out with one of the 40+ compatible apps. One of NordicTrack’s biggest strengths is its durability, and it shows in the rower’s 10-year frame warranty—the same one offered on its higher-end rowers.

Best rowing machines for home in 2025, tried and tested

A rower that’s thoughtfully designed should offer a smooth and natural pull, whether you’re using it for 10 high-intensity minutes or an hour. Look for a comfy, well-padded seat, a grippy handle and adjustable foot straps to help keep your body madmuscles legit positioned and secure. There are a lot of low-cost rowing machines that are designed to be folded such as the ProForm 750R.

Best Budget Air Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowErg

Because it uses magnets, resistance is consistent from the beginning to the end of each stroke, making it perfect for steady-state cardio. It may not feel as natural as air or water resistance, but that’s less of a priority at this price. We chose the Echelon Row as the best budget rowing machine for streaming because it offers interactive features at an affordable price. Its compact design, magnetic resistance, and tablet holder make it perfect for those who want to follow streaming workouts without needing a built-in screen. The Bluetooth-enabled resistance control further enhances the ease of use, creating a seamless rowing experience at home. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate how rowing machines deliver high-intensity workouts with minimal impact on joints.

• Some of the best indoor rowing machines offer heart rate tracking and connectivity with smartphone applications too.
• With 16 resistance levels and a vast content library available through their subscription, you’ll be able to progress through a variety of different workout experiences and levels.
• So be on the lookout for a machine that folds, or can at least be stood up effectively.
• People can also connect their Bluetooth headphones to NordicTrack’s rower to listen to music and follow their trainer’s instructions.
• Rated 3.9 out of 5 by our team, it’s ideal for iOS or Android users keen on rowing, with over 40 live classes available year-round.
• The AHA also advises individuals to engage in moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity twice a week.

Top 5 best rowing apps in 2026 for all rowers to optimize your workouts

Or want to replicate what it feels like to actually row on H2O? Then the lovingly crafted, beautifully hand-built and a-joy-to-look-at WaterRower is by far the most realistic simulator of on-water rowing. With every pull, you’ll hear the tranquil sound of water rushing around the tank while you glide up and down the machine in a super smooth motion. However, rowing machines may not be the best home gym equipment for those with back pain. “If you like interactive workouts and a sense of competition – it has an interactive leaderboard for competing with others – this can be helpful for training and boosting fitness,” says Tony. As this is magnetic, it will feel like a weights workout and the resistance will be consistent.

Is Kinomap the best app for your rowing workouts?

This way you can connect a heart rate monitor, check how many calories you’re burning and your speed, and compare how that changes over time. The Hydrow Wave Rower has just about everything you could wish for in an at-home rowing setup. With the Hydrow membership, you can connect to over 5,000 workouts in over 100 stunning locations. And with the electromagnetic resistance providing an authentic water feeling, rowing on the Hydrow is immersive enough to keep you coming back over and over. Designed with a heavy-duty steel and aluminum frame, the RowErg is a solid pick that can withstand heavy use. Because it can support up to 500 pounds and is available in a 14- or 20-inch seat height, it’s a great option for big and tall users, too.

What is the Best Rowing Machine for Your Home Gym?

(They are on some bigger bulky treadmills.) I hope using it daily doesn’t wear the functionalty down quickly. It tends to be difficult to read the mode/function indicators when they are so low and so small on the pad. It has big print for the numbers and I did get used to recognizing the function based on the number I would see since the function indicators were so small. I haven’t had it long, so we’ll see if it still is one year from now. My husband is a big guy, and he believes the tread is too narrow.

Fitness Essentials

Ride comfortably with a wide ergonomic seat + high backrest,while streaming games, shows, or fitness apps on the 21.5″ large screen. Rowing machines are big investments, both literally and figuratively. They take up a lot of space, which is why it’s important to consider how and where you’ll store your rower. If you’re looking for a rower that doubles as a work of art, the Ergatta Rower is hands-down the best-looking option in this guide.

Product Features

Some use water resistance to create a smooth, natural feeling reminiscent of actual rowing on water. Others employ air resistance that responds dynamically to your effort – row harder and you’ll feel greater resistance. After extensive research, Concept2 rowing machines earn our highest possible recommendation with a perfect 5-star rating. These rowing machines combine industrial-grade durability with competition-level accuracy at a price point that represents genuine value. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete tracking splits to the millisecond or a fitness enthusiast looking for decades of reliable workouts, Concept2 delivers what matters most.

Learn About Rowing

It also explores some potential health benefits and risks, pros and cons, and alternatives of rowers. Water-resistant rowing machines operate via a water tank placed at the front of the machine. As you pull the handles, paddles inside the tank spin, moving the water and creating the drag.

Rehabilitation patients find rowing machines ideal for rebuilding strength without risking further injury. Even busy professionals gravitate toward rowing machines because they offer time-efficient workouts that burn significant calories in shorter sessions. And for those with limited space, many rowing machines can be folded away when not in use – perfect for apartment dwellers who don’t want a treadmill dominating their living room. The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most popular rowing machines found worldwide in gyms and fitness centers.