The 12 Best Rowing Machines, Tested by Certified Trainers

"If I can’t use a Concept2, this is my go-to," says Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director.

The Hydrow Wave—a more streamlined and slimmed-down version of Hydrow's original Rower Connected Rowing Machine, (a 2022 Men's Health Home Gym Awards winner)—is a smart connected rower with a focus on recreating the real-world rowing experience.

"It fits easily in my basement training area, and can stand up for storage. Despite the compact size, the Wave is SUPER-durable: I can go hard on this rower for sprints, or take on longer intervals."

Take live or on-demand classes, or take an unguided "journey", to explore the water from the comfort of your own home. The best part is that the virtual classes are immersive and surprisingly lifelike.

"A free mode would be nice, so I could build my own workouts, but this is the best magnetic resistance rowing experience on the market."

It offers a long list of other high-tech features, including a crisp and responsive touchscreen display. Unique "electromagnetic drag" technology also makes for more realistic and lifelike rowing—more so than any other machine we tested. Plus, it sets up and stows in seconds. The optional Upright Storage Kit ensures it takes up minimal space, which is especially nice for storing in apartments and other tight spaces.

The Hydrow Wave features the sleekest, most streamlined design of any rowing machine we've seen. It's enough to elevate the look of any home gym, although it comes at a premium—the device is nearly $1,900 delivered and requires an ongoing monthly subscription fee of $44, too.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 9,000 Trustpilot reviews, 94% recommend the Hydrow Indoor Rowing Machine with at least a 4-star rating.

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We might be a little biased, but this Men's Health-branded rowing machine is a solid choice for beginners looking to get started with home rowing workouts. With 14 levels of resistance, it's easy to start small and build up as your fitness level increases over time.

"This rowing machine isn’t for everyone. But on days I’m not going hard, I love this rower. It’s relatively quiet. The resistance can be a little slow to catch, so I don’t love doing sprint workouts on this. But for a longer, more relaxed cardio session, this is great," explains Samuel.

You'll get real-time fitness analytics wirelessly (cadence, watts, mileage, calories burned, and more) with the device's built-in Bluetooth connectivity.

This machine also provides access to a deep library of on-demand classes, so you can go beyond rowing with cycling, yoga, bodyweight exercises, and more. The surprisingly lightweight construction (around 60 pounds) and space-saving design also folds down small. So, it's a great option for apartment dwellers and anyone with limited home gym space. Plus, it's a steal at around $550 delivered.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 200 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Men’s Health x Women's Health Bluetooth Rower with at least a 4-star rating.

Read more: Men's Health x Women's Health Rower Sale

The RowErg with Standard Legs is the new name for Concept 2's Model D rower, and it's the first device that comes to mind when we think of training on a rower at home. Our editors have never come across a better rower than this one, point blank. In a nutshell, it offers many of the same features as the best rowing machines that cost twice as much.

"It's an industry standard used by CrossFit and in many high-profile competitions for a reason," according to Samuel. "It relies on a variable resistance flywheel that provides a constant challenge, making it great for high volume or experienced rowers."

It's extremely easy to assemble, too. In our experience (and many Amazon reviewers agree) setup takes around 20 minutes with minimal tools or hardware (just eight screws are required). The design is versatile enough to support users up to 500 pounds with adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle. It's built with high-quality materials throughout, so it's plenty durable too.

City dwellers and users tight on space will appreciate the clever design that allows this machine to separate into two pieces for easy storage. Built-in caster wheels make setting up and putting away a breeze. Plus, it's surprisingly affordable at $1,240 delivered.

This is the definitive home rowing experience, and why it's our pick for the best value rowing machine of 2023.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 11,900 Amazon reviews, 98% recommend the RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine with at least a 4-star rating.

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Want group fitness workouts in the comfort of your own home? This rowing machine from NordicTrack has you covered. The RW900 Smart Rower has a crisp, 22-inch touchscreen, which allows you to take classes on-demand and automatically adjusts your resistance level according to the trainers' preferences. Professional class instructors will even challenge you to go beyond just cardio, with strength training and yoga classes, too. The comprehensive virtual program library ensures you'll never be bored.

We like the long list of other nice-to-haves like Bluetooth headphone connectivity, quick-adjust pedals, and easy assembly. A few other standout features make it one of Samuel's go-to's for a long rowing workout, "the seat’s extra-comfortable, and the magnetic resistance on this is ultra-quiet so it’s easy to watch Netflix or listen to a podcast while training."

It also sets up and stores easily, making it easy to get ready and break down at the end of your workouts. Given the long list of smart features and the NordicTrack brand name, it's surprisingly well priced at around $1,600.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 800 Amazon reviews, 80% recommend the NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower with at least a 4-star rating.

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Sometimes simpler is just better. WaterRower's Club Rowing Machine takes things back to basics. The made-in-the-USA design is streamlined with a vaguely vintage aesthetic of stained ash wood. That also makes it the heaviest-duty rowing machine on this list, supporting users up to 700 pounds.

The traditional water-based flywheel not only looks great but also mimics the dynamic motion of rowing through real water. Users can fully customize the resistance by filling the water tank with more or less water, as desired.

At around $1,200, it's not surprising that this model lacks the fancier gadgetry of the pricier models on this list. Still, the integrated performance monitor tracks all the essentials, including stroke rate, intensity, distance, workout duration, and more. For anyone looking for a durable, handsome rower without unnecessary bells and whistles at a good price, this is your man.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 180 Amazon reviews, 86% recommend the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with at least a 4-star rating.

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Echelon's base model rowing machine has an ergonomic cushioned seat and oversized, adjustable foot pedals for extra comfort. The 32 silent, magnetic resistance levels allow you to customize your workout, whether you're a rowing newb or an advanced rowing machine.

While it lacks the jumbo high-tech displays of many other machines on this list, it features a device holder that swivels and flips around for use during off-row workouts instead. With an optional Echelon Fit US membership (you can use the rower without it), you get access to 3,000+ live and on-demand classes including rowing, strength, yoga, and more. Plus, all those scenic rides that high-end rowers twice the price boast. Dual built-in speakers also allow you to hear the trainers in your virtual workout programs loud and clear, too.

Best of all, it's foldable. Built-in wheels help for easy transport to tuck it easily away when it's not in use.

Bonus: It's the second most affordable rowing machine on this list. So, if budget is a concern, the Smart Rowing Machine is definitely worth considering.

What do buyers say? "I love using the machine, especially with the iFit workouts. I've rowed in Zambia, Montana, the French Polynesian Islands, and more. I love the iFit coaches, the variety of workouts and scenery, and the encouragement they provide," wrote one Google reviewer.

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The top-rated Ergatta Rower (a Men's Health Fitness Awards Winner) is all performance, complete with game-based workouts that challenge you daily. It's the most "gamified" water-based rowing machine on this list with a long list of virtual workout programs to choose from. Rowers can opt for head-to-head races, high-intensity endurance workouts, or goal-based gamified training plans.

"This is one of the smoothest water rowers I’ve used, and the games are plenty of fun and keep me interested in basic workouts," says Samuel.

The solid wood construction is extremely durable, ensuring it can accommodate even the largest rowers with body types up to 500 pounds and frames up to 6'8". That same warm cherry wood also gives the rower a sleek retro-modern aesthetic that will elevate the look of any space from your home gym to your garage to your living room. It looks so good.

We found the game-based workouts to be a much needed changeup from typical hard workouts on a C2, and actually relaxing and good for dialing in form. The lone downside: The feet are positioned a little more tightly than we’d like

It's among the priciest rowing machines on this list. But, if you're in the market for a top-of-the-line rower that doubles as a home accessory, Ergatta is hard to beat.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 600 reviews, 99% recommend the Ergatta Rower with at least a 4-star rating.

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Whether you're competing live against your peers, trying to out-row world-class athletes, or even being chased by a deadly Kraken, the Strong Series Rower is a perfect fix to boring rowing workouts.

A massive and crisp definition 22" touchscreen allows for tracking stats and streaming content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and YouTube all in one place. Developed using game psychology to incentivize greater rowing output, you can also enjoy immersive animated games like fending off ships of killer pirates or teaming up to battle space bugs in an enchanted forest.

The patented auto-resistance feature adjusts the resistance to meet your needs, while the 20" elevated seating makes it easy to get on and off the machine (especially for those with limited mobility due to age or obesity). When we first tried this rower, we weren't accustomed to the noticeably unique seat height. After getting used to, the less intense hip flexion angle felt great, and didn't negatively affect power output.

You can adjust the foot placement to your comfort and measurements, and they're also more wide-set than the average rower. Meaning it's great for those with wider hips or bigger bellies who typically feel crammed on a standard machine. And this machine offers some of the best-in-class resistance with up to 100+ lbs. available with each stroke, allowing you to challenge yourself as you get stronger.

With all of the before-mentioned features, it's an ideal pick for beginners or bigger-bodied individuals looking for an accessible at-home machine.

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Assault Fitness' AssaultRower Elite was purpose-built for commercial gym usage, so you know it's built to hold up to the toughest workouts and years of abuse. With a solid steel frame and parts that can take a beating, this thing will take your worst—and give you a full-body workout to make your body its best.

It offers all the essential features that novice and advanced users demand in the best rowing machines. A sweat-proof seat, multi-grip handles, and adjustable footrests all help ensure you're getting a comfortable workout. The simple LCD display offers basic onboard training programs, and there's a built-in heart rate monitor too.

The only downside? That same solid steel construction means that this rower is heavy—more than 140 pounds to be exact. So it's not as easy to setup, breakdown, and store as others on this list.

What do buyers say? "Design is attractive and engineering is smooth and sturdy. Doesn't take a ton of space. I love that I'm getting cardio in and working posterior chain muscles at the same time. Using the rower fits perfectly in my HITT workouts. It's also great for longer cardio workouts," wrote one Google Reviewer.

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Life Fitness machines are found in fitness clubs around the world. And for good reason: they're durable, easy to use, beginner-friendly, suitable for advanced rowers, and reasonably priced. The Row HX Trainer is no exception. It's reasonably heavy at 108 pounds (with water) and designed to run well for years. It also folds almost in half to neatly stow away in even the smallest spaces.

Unlike some of the more premium models we tested, it features a simple water-based design for ultra-smooth resistance, so there's less gadgetry to worry about. We love that, unlike many other water-based rowers, you never need to add or remove water to change the resistance. Five manually adjustable resistance levels make this a great option for novice to advanced users.

This model lacks a built-in touchscreen display (surprising given the roughly $1,800 price tag). But, it's designed to work seamlessly with the Aaptiv app to keep you motivated with thousands of workouts and new ones added regularly.

What do buyers say? "Great quality and the ability to change resistance levels makes for an intense workout. Looks good too," wrote one Amazon reviewer.

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Concept 2's premium Model E rowing machine steps up from the brand's RowErg with a low-maintenance, nickel-plated chain and several other features that set it apart. At its heart is the same PM5—a simple, yet sophisticated performance monitor that keeps track of your vitals between workouts. USB flash drive compatibility allows you to easily backup your workout data between sessions.

The aluminum and steel construction is extremely durable with support for rowers up to 500 pounds. But, at less than 70 pounds, it sets up and moves easily. When you're ready to stow it, it splits neatly in half with a simple framelock mechanism to fit into an ultra-compact footprint.

It's well-priced at around $1,400—right in the middle of the price range for the indoor rowing machines we researched and tested this year—making it our pick for the best mid-range rowing machine of 2023.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 800 reviews, 96% recommend the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rower with at least a 4-star rating.

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High-end home fitness equipment company Peloton launched the simply named Peloton Row in December of 2022. Men’s Health fitness writer and strength coach David Otey, C.S.C.S., took it for a spin (pun intended) and confirmed that it’s set to give every rower on this list—even the best rowing machines—a run for their money.

Both the seat and strap are extremely comfortable and easy to use. Otey describes the strap’s pull as “silky smooth” without the annoying catching found in lesser chain-linked rowers. The electrically controlled resistance also allows for whisper-quiet operation. But, “Peloton's best asset isn't its hardware; it's a great software company,” says Otey. Case in point: The built-in Form Assist function is a game-changer to help novice (and even experienced) users row with better form to maximize their workouts and eliminate unnecessary post-workout aches and pains.

It’s not perfect, however. Otey notes that its most obvious shortcoming is the lack of an adjustable manual mode. “This is a stark difference from many manual rowers, which shows Peloton is more confident in their programming and instructors than your ability to create your own workouts.” It’s also reliant on power and a Wi-Fi connection. If either goes down, you’re out of luck. And, of course, there’s the sky-high price. At north of $3,000, it’s among the most expensive indoor rowing machines on the market.

Still, after early testing, he concludes that “Peloton pairing its best-in-class programming with this luxe machine is a combo for results … [The Row] is a perfect option for someone who is short on time and looking for an efficient and effective workout (if they have a big enough wallet).”

Read more: Peloton Rower Review