9 Rowing Machines For Your Home Gym
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
While the rowing machine offers a single, pretty specific activity, its benefits are numerous. These machines facilitate a rare combination of strength training and cardio — all while managing to be low-impact. Some of the everyday benefits we love from rowing include improved posture and core stability, and who doesn’t need that in this age of “tech neck,” So if you’re interested in embracing the rowing machine, or just looking to get more regular with your rowing practice, we’ve rounded up our favorite options from minimal to tech-smart for building out your home gym.
What should you look for in an at-home rowing machine?
Everyone has different priorities, from budget to mobility, but some things you may want to keep in mind as you search are: Setting range, smart capabilities, warranty, and storage options. (We’ve noted details about all of these elements below!) You may also want to look for a machine based on feel — some offer an authentic on-the-water feel while others prioritize digital resistance. Whether you want something a bit more basic or you want a wider range of settings and resistances, there are plenty of options to float your boat. 🚣♀️
Our criteria:
Our editors have tested and researched the best wellness gear on the market. These are our favorite rowing machines to add to your home, selected after vetting brands and scouring hundreds of customer reviews. We’ve made selections that are easy to use, super effective, and built to last at a range of price points so you can find the one that works best for your setup.
- PERFORMANCE | These machines are built to give you the best workout possible, with some including the latest tech and smart features so you can track your progress.
- DURABLE | The brands chosen use high-quality materials, and many offer trials and warranties so you can be sure you’re making an investment that will last.
- AFFORDABLE | Workout equipment can be expensive! For this guide, we’ve included options are various price points. Even if your budget is small, there’s a solution for you here.
If you’re building out the perfect fitness centre at home, check out our guides on home gyms and at-home reformers!
1. Hydrow
Best For | Digital connectivity
Features | Stores vertically, metrics and motivation, connects to Apple watch and Strava, multiple colors, one-year warranty, on-the-water feel
Price | $1,695
The Hydrow Wave Rower has just about everything you could wish for in an at-home rowing setup. Not only does it come in a variety of colors and store vertically to fit with the flow and aesthetic of your space, but it connects to both Apple Watch and Strava, and features a 16” HD screen and on-the-water workouts led by expert athletes and Olympians. 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. Hydrow is also HSA/FSA-eligible.
Customer Review | “I don’t think I’ve ever been more pleased with a big purchase, worth every cent. I was hesitant to buy a rower, as I’ve never rowed before, but this is the “easiest”, hard workout I’ve ever done. The machine is very well made, compact, & sleek looking. I can easily move it as a 5’1 women. The content is limitless. I love this rower! Thank you Hydrow!” – Christina (Read more reviews.)
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2. Concept2
Best For | Tall users
Features | Available in two heights, separates for storage, integrates with over 40 apps, connects to ErgData, includes a device holder
Price | $990
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. Another amazing feature of this machine? It stores easily by separating into two parts. 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.
3. Ergatta
Best For | Vertical storage
Features | Interactive 17.3” HD Touchscreen, naturally-adjusting water resistance, stores vertically, game-based workouts, water-based, supports up to 500lbs and 6ft8in
Price | $2,049
Designed to store seamlessly and beautifully in your living room, the Ergatta rower is sleek and stylish, made from locally-sourced cherry wood and handcrafted in the USA. It’s lightweight and safe for all floor types, at only 105 lbs including water. The real water tank gives that authentic on-the-water feel without the noise, as it’s designed to be a nearly-silent ride. Ergatta’s rower doesn’t bother with resistance settings — it uses dynamic resistance, meaning the harder the stroke, the greater the resistance, just like on the water. Ergatta’s membership is also unique, with game-based workouts, form feedback and instruction, and programs designed to achieve your goals. Of course, it also has the capability to pair with your Apple Watch, Strava, headphones, and heart rate sensors.
Customer Review | “I’ve really been enjoying the Ergatta. It is a quiet machine, the water noise is pleasant, and it looks good in my home when not in use. The machine has a nice weight to it, feels solid, and well built. The scenic rows and games keep me engaged a lot more compared to other rowers I’ve used in gyms. This really is a key for me as it keeps me motivated to stay consistent. Finally, customer service is great! I’ve had a couple of support tickets and they were resolved fast and professionally.” – Alex (Read more reviews.)
4. Peloton
Best For | Feedback on your form
Features | Bluetooth connectivity, 23.8″ Full HD swivel touchscreen with a vertical tilt up to 25° and a horizontal tilt of up to 45°, quiet electronically-controlled resistance, real-time feedback, supports up to 300 lbs
Price | $2,995
Peloton is famous for their bikes, but did you know they have a rower where you can get the Peloton experience, too? This machine offers full Bluetooth connectivity for all of your smartwatch and fitness tracker needs, as well as a swivel HD touchscreen to get the most out of your Peloton experience. With their membership, you’ll have access to live and on-demand fitness classes for the rower as well as off the rower, such as yoga and strength training. You’ll also have access to streaming, progress tracking, and the ability to create profiles for the whole family. This rower also gives visual feedback on your form, so you can make improvements while you row.
Customer Review | “I’ve always been a fan of rowing for exercise. If you are, you will love this machine. Not only is it good looking, but I particularly love that it guides me on my form. I like being a part of the Peloton community and how easy it makes it to achieve your goals. The metrics and data that you receive are extremely helpful. I pre-ordered this machine and since then the content has grown. It’s great to row and feel as if you’re on the water or working out one on one with a Personal Trainer. It folds perfectly and takes up very little space in my small apartment. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an investment for sure, but it pays off in many ways and if you’re dedicated and disciplined, you will definitely get your money back.” -KDB (Read more reviews.)
5. Sunny Health & Fitness
Best For | Smaller budgets
Features | 8-level magnetic resistance, foldable for storage, digital monitor, anti-slip foot pedals and handlebars, supports up to 250 lbs, upgrade to smart for $40
Price | $280
If you’re a beginner or you’re simply looking to row on a budget, The Magnetic Rowing Machine from Sunny Health & Fitness is the perfect no-frills machine to get you where you want to go. With its 8-level magnetic resistance, you can control the difficulty of your workout while you track your progress on the digital monitor. It also stores easily by folding upright, so it works incredibly in small spaces. Additionally, you can upgrade this machine to the version with smart fitness connection capability for an extra $40 — so if that’s something you’re interested in, you can add it onto this machine no problem.
Customer Review | “My first experience with this rower was while I was visiting family in AZ and my brother had purchased this and I used it. It was wonderful !! So Once returning home I had to buy one for myself for my home gym. It’s so easy to put together and very efficient. Excellent work out tool! Highly recommend!” – Julie (Read more reviews.)
6. WaterRower
Best For | Real water tank
Features | Available in an array of finishes, immersive workout metrics, preset training sessions, racing options, free app, water resistance
Price | $1,499
If you have a specific look you’re going for with your rower and you haven’t quite found the right fit, this one might be the right direction, as it’s available in a variety of woods from light oak to walnut to black-stained wood. The WaterRower has a real water tank for that on-the-water sensation and water resistance. It also has a device holder so you can connect to any workout you’d like, including their free SmartRow app, which can connect you to training sessions, workout metrics, and racing other users from around the world. The WaterRower can also connect to your Apple or Android smart devices.
7. NordicTrack
Best For | Automatic resistance adjustments
Features | SmartAdjust that changes your resistance automatically, 26 resistance levels, iFit app integration, stat tracking, 7” Smart HD touch screen
Price | $899
If you’re looking for something to hit beneath the thousand-dollar mark while still offering an array of impressive features and smart capabilities, you’re in luck — NordicTrack’s RW600 is exactly what you’re hunting for. One of its major features is SmartAdjust, which adapts your workout to you by changing the resistance based on your needs as you row — finding your sweet spot among the 26 levels of resistance. Additionally, the RW600 connects to the iFit app, which gives you access to daily recommended workouts, on-demand workouts for both on and off the rower, up to five profiles, stat tracking, and more when you subscribe.
Customer Review | “This is my first rower-so I didn’t want to spend a million dollars-but also wanted quality. I got this with this rower. Comfortable. Easy to put together. The iFIT programs are awesome and keep me motivated. I love the scenery and the coaches are fun!” – Stacey (Read more reviews.)
8. Aviron
Best For | Cooling effect
Features | Cooling gills, wide rotating handlebar, streaming, classes, 16 resistance levels, stores upright, quiet operation, streaming access, supports up to 507 lb
Price | $1,799
Aviron has just what you need if you’re looking for something sleek, quiet, and with a lot of variety. 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. You can stream through all the major streaming services, take classes, play games, and compete with others. Their subscription offers a variety of workouts for both on and off the rower, so you can get a well-rounded fitness experience. This rower also has other useful features like adjustable foot width and gills for a cooling effect.
Customer Review | “I was skeptical about purchasing home exercise equipment but am so thankful I chose Aviron! I look forward to my daily pre-work exercise, and especially enjoy the weekends when I have more time to explore new options! The FB group is incredibly supportive and is always loaded with useful content.” – Damom (Read more reviews.)
9. OxeFit
Best For | Many workouts in one machine
Features | Instructor-led classes, Pilates reformer, 280+ Strength Training exercises, SkiCross, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddle, Canoeing, SurfSwim, Gaming
Price | $3,999
If you want a truly everything-machine, Oxefit XS1 Peak is the way to go. Not only does it function as a rower, but it fully transforms into a variety of exercise machines, including a strength training center, a Pilates reformer, and a skicross, kayaking, stand-up paddle, canoeing, and surfswim machine. While it is a bit of an investment piece, if you want variety in your workouts and have the space for one solid machine, this can give you everything you need. With their subscription and the built-in screen, you can access workouts for all of the machine’s modes. The design is sleek, sturdy, and versatile, so if you’re looking for a high-quality machine that can do it all, OxeFit is your one-stop shop.
Featured image by Hydrow
Jamie Kahn is a writer and yoga teacher based in New York. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Brooklyn Magazine, Epiphany, The Evergreen Review, and others.
