Best Rowing Machines (Expert Consensus)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-15
(This page is updated periodically as expert recommendations and market conditions change.)

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Table of Contents

Category Overview & Market Context

What This Category Is

Rowing machines — also called ergometers, ergs, or indoor rowers — are stationary fitness machines that simulate the motion of rowing a boat. Each stroke engages the legs, core, back, and arms, making rowing one of the most efficient full-body cardiovascular exercises available for home use. Resistance is generated through one of four main systems: air (flywheel), magnetic, water, or electromagnetic, each producing a different feel, noise level, and training experience.

State of the Market

The home rowing machine market has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by the rise of connected fitness platforms and increased interest in low-impact cardio alternatives to running and cycling. The Concept2 RowErg remains the dominant standard for performance rowing, used by Olympic training programs, CrossFit gyms, and competitive rowers worldwide. At the same time, subscription-based smart rowers from brands like Hydrow, Peloton, and NordicTrack have introduced streaming workouts and interactive coaching to attract buyers who want a guided fitness experience. Budget-friendly magnetic rowers from Sunny Health & Fitness and others have made rowing accessible at entry-level price points, though with trade-offs in metric tracking and build quality.

Who This Is For / Not For

A rowing machine is well suited for anyone seeking a full-body, low-impact cardio workout at home. Rowing is particularly beneficial for people with joint issues or those recovering from high-impact exercise injuries, as it places minimal stress on knees, hips, and ankles. It is also an efficient cross-training tool for runners, cyclists, and other athletes.

Rowing may not be ideal for people with chronic back pain, herniated disks, or difficulty bending low and squatting, as most rower seats sit only about one foot from the floor. Anyone with preexisting health conditions should consult a physician before beginning a rowing program. Buyers with very limited floor space should also note that most rowers require at least eight by three feet of open space during use.

How This Review Was Produced

This review is based on expert consensus rather than a single reviewer’s opinion.

We analyze and synthesize recommendations from multiple independent expert review sources that meet our editorial quality and transparency standards. We document where experts agree, where they differ, and why. No single source determines our recommendations.

We do not conduct original product testing. Instead, we rely on experts who do — such as publications that perform hands-on testing, lab measurements, or clearly documented evaluation methodologies.

Manufacturers do not influence our recommendations. Advertising, affiliate relationships, or commercial considerations do not affect which products are included, how they are ranked, or how they are described.

When helpful, we also consult additional secondary review outlets to understand how broader expert opinion aligns — or conflicts — with the primary consensus. These secondary sources do not determine winners but may provide context or confirmation.

Top Picks at a Glance

Best Overall

Concept2 RowErg

The industry standard for indoor rowing, backed by the broadest expert consensus of any product in this category for its unmatched durability, metric accuracy, and long-term value.

Best Smart/Connected Rowing Machine

Hydrow Wave

The most accessible entry point into subscription-based interactive rowing, combining a compact design with immersive on-water workouts led by world-class athletes.

Best Budget Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine (SF-RW5515)

A quiet, foldable magnetic rower that delivers a solid entry-level workout at a fraction of the cost of premium machines.

Top Picks in Detail

Below are our recommendations explained in more depth, including why experts agree and where each pick has trade-offs.

Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg

BEST OVERALL

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is the most widely recommended rowing machine across expert sources, trusted by Olympic training programs and home users alike. Its air-resistance flywheel delivers a responsive, dynamic feel that closely simulates on-water rowing, while the PM5 performance monitor provides competition-grade metrics. Built to last decades with minimal maintenance and readily available replacement parts, it represents the strongest long-term value in the category.

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Why It’s a Top Pick

The Concept2 RowErg demonstrates the strongest expert consensus of any rowing machine on the market. It is named the top overall pick by Wirecutter, Garage Gym Reviews (GGR), and Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) — three of the five Primary sources for this review — and by at least 11 additional Secondary sources including Forbes Vetted, Business Insider, Men’s Health, and Live Science. BarBend, the remaining Primary source to designate it, names it Best for Beginners while awarding it top marks for durability and value.

Wirecutter tested eight rowing machines with 25 testers, including competitive rowers, and concluded that the RowErg provided the best overall workout experience. GGR’s team of certified fitness professionals rated it as their top pick after testing 12 machines. GHI’s certified personal trainer selected it as Best Overall after evaluating eight machines.

The RowErg’s dominance stems from its combination of performance accuracy, build quality, and longevity. Its PM5 performance monitor is universally recognized as the standard for reliable rowing metrics, and its nickel-plated steel chain and air-resistance flywheel are built to withstand decades of heavy use. Consumer Reports, which did not include the RowErg in its latest test cycle, noted that when it previously tested the machine (under its former Model D designation), it performed nearly as well as machines that cost significantly more.

What Experts Like

  • The air-resistance flywheel provides a dynamic, responsive feel that changes with rowing intensity — the harder you pull, the more resistance you generate, closely simulating on-water rowing
  • The PM5 monitor tracks all key metrics including time, distance, pace, stroke rate, watts, and calories, and connects via Bluetooth to apps like ErgData and Strava for long-term progress tracking
  • Exceptional durability and repairability — Concept2 sells every replacement part individually, and users routinely report 10-20 years of daily use with minimal maintenance
  • Separates into two pieces for storage without tools, and at 57 pounds with built-in caster wheels, it is easy to move and store despite its full-size footprint
  • Accommodates a wide range of body sizes with a 500-pound weight capacity, a 54-inch rail suitable for taller rowers, and adjustable foot holsters that fit securely across shoe sizes

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • The air-resistance flywheel is noticeably louder than magnetic or water rowers, which may be a concern in shared living spaces or apartments
  • The seat is made of hard plastic and can become uncomfortable during longer sessions, a common complaint across multiple sources
  • There is no built-in screen, streaming content, or guided workouts — the PM5 display is a basic black-and-white LCD focused purely on performance data
  • Changing the resistance damper requires stopping and reaching to the outside of the flywheel housing, as it cannot be adjusted from the seated rowing position

Runners-Up

The Concept2 RowErg’s dominance in this segment is clear, but two strong alternatives serve buyers with different priorities — one for those who want interactive streaming workouts, and one for those who prioritize a quiet, aesthetically pleasing rowing experience.

  • Hydrow Wave — Wirecutter recommends this as their connected rowing pick, and GGR names it Best Smart Rowing Machine. It offers a quiet electromagnetic resistance system and immersive on-water workouts through a 16-inch HD touchscreen. The Wave is 30% smaller than Hydrow’s full-size models, making it a strong choice for space-constrained homes. It requires a monthly membership for full functionality. Also our Best Smart/Connected Rowing Machine winner.
  • WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor — Wirecutter’s Best for a Peaceful Row pick and BarBend’s Best Water Rowing Machine. Its patented WaterFlywheel creates a soothing whooshing sound with each stroke, and the handcrafted solid oak frame blends into home decor. However, multiple experts note that its performance metrics are less accurate than those of air rowers — Wirecutter observed split times more than a minute faster than on the Concept2 for comparable effort, and rowing coaches cautioned against using WaterRower times for competitive benchmarking.

Best Smart/Connected Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

BEST SMART/CONNECTED ROWING MACHINE

Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave

The Hydrow Wave brings immersive, instructor-led rowing workouts into the home through a compact, near-silent machine. Its electromagnetic resistance mimics the feel of on-water rowing, while live and on-demand classes filmed on scenic waterways keep workouts engaging. At 30% smaller than full-size connected rowers, it fits comfortably in apartments and smaller spaces.

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Moderate Consensus Note: The smart/connected rower market is more fragmented than the overall rowing machine category. No single connected rower achieves the dominant consensus that the Concept2 RowErg holds in the Best Overall segment. The Hydrow Wave leads on breadth of cross-source support, but viable alternatives exist from NordicTrack and Ergatta, and different expert sources emphasize different strengths.

Why It’s a Top Pick

The Hydrow Wave wins a second segment here, a result of its genuinely broad expert support rather than a lack of competition. Wirecutter recommends it as their interactive rowing pick, noting its suite of excellent programming for various experience levels. GGR names it Best Smart Rowing Machine after testing 12 rowers. Across Secondary sources, the Wave receives designations including Best for Beginners from Live Science and Fit&Well, Best for Small Spaces from Men’s Health and SELF, and Best Budget Smart from Business Insider.

The Wave’s electromagnetic resistance system is near-silent, a meaningful advantage over the Concept2 RowErg for buyers in noise-sensitive environments. Hydrow’s workout library features classes filmed on open waterways around the world, led by professional rowing athletes. The 16-inch HD touchscreen displays both the scenic footage and key performance metrics without clutter.

Buyers considering this segment should be aware that the original Peloton Row — which earned Consumer Reports’ highest score (95 out of 100) and GHI’s Best Connected designation — has been discontinued and replaced by the Peloton Cross Training Row+. Because the Row+ has not yet been independently tested by the sources that reviewed the original Row, we cannot include it as a recommendation. The original Peloton Row reviews may contain stale product information. Buyers interested in the Peloton ecosystem should verify current product specifications on Peloton’s website.

What Experts Like

  • Near-silent electromagnetic resistance makes it suitable for apartments and shared living spaces without disturbing others
  • Immersive on-water workouts filmed on scenic waterways worldwide, led by professional rowing athletes and Olympians, provide motivation that basic rowers lack
  • At 30% smaller and lighter than full-size connected rowers, the Wave fits into tighter spaces and can be stored vertically with an optional anchor kit
  • The drag mechanism provides a smooth glide that multiple testers described as realistic and engaging, with one Wirecutter tester calling it “relaxing”

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • Requires a monthly All-Access Membership (currently $50 per month) for full functionality, adding significant long-term cost beyond the hardware purchase
  • Limited to Hydrow’s own workout content library — unlike some competitors, it does not integrate with third-party fitness apps or streaming services for on-screen use
  • The 375-pound weight capacity is lower than the Concept2 RowErg’s 500-pound capacity and may not accommodate all users
  • Wirecutter noted that the seat occasionally produced an annoying sound during testing, similar to a broken windshield wiper, possibly due to the rail needing cleaning

Runners-Up

  • NordicTrack RW900 — BarBend’s Best for On-Demand Workouts pick. Yahoo Health names it Best Overall among all rowers tested, and it receives Best for Beginners designations from Verywell Fit, SELF, Forbes Vetted, and Prevention. Its 24-inch pivoting touchscreen is among the largest in the category, and iFit’s SmartAdjust technology automatically adapts resistance during workouts. The current model (NTRW19425) replaces an older version that was subject to a fire-related recall in October 2025; the current model is not affected by that recall. Note: An iFit subscription is required for full smart features and is sold separately.
  • Ergatta Luxe — BarBend’s Best Smart Rowing Machine and GGR’s Best Water Rowing Machine. Forbes Vetted, TreadmillReviews.com, and Shape also recommend it as their top water rower pick. The Ergatta stands apart from other connected rowers by using water resistance and gamified programming rather than instructor-led classes — its workout modes turn rowing into competitive games that adapt to your fitness level. The cherry wood frame gives it a furniture-quality aesthetic that blends into living spaces. GGR and Runner’s World also recommend the more compact and affordable Ergatta Lite as a separate pick.

Best Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine (SF-RW5515)

BEST BUDGET ROWING MACHINE

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine (SF-RW5515)

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine (SF-RW5515)

The most widely recommended budget rowing machine, earning top budget designations from more expert sources than any other entry-level rower. Its quiet magnetic resistance and foldable steel frame make it a practical starter machine for home use, delivering a full-body workout at a fraction of the cost of premium models.

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Why It’s a Top Pick

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 earns the strongest budget-segment consensus for any single model. Consumer Reports rates it 82 out of 100 with top marks for construction and user safety. Among Secondary sources, SELF, Forbes Vetted, Business Insider, and Breaking Muscle all specifically recommend the SF-RW5515. BarBend and Garage Gym Reviews recommend the closely related SF-RW5801 from the same Sunny Health & Fitness product family, which shares a similar magnetic-resistance design and budget positioning but is a distinct SKU with 16 resistance levels (versus the SF-RW5515’s eight) and a slightly higher weight capacity.

Consumer Reports’ testing found the SF-RW5515 to be well built and safe, with solid construction quality for its price point. Its magnetic resistance system is virtually silent, making it suitable for early-morning or late-night workouts in shared living spaces. The foldable steel rail and built-in transportation wheels allow it to be stored compactly when not in use, and the extended 48-inch slide rail accommodates rowers up to six feet eight inches tall.

What Experts Like

  • Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance system allows workouts without disturbing others in the household
  • Foldable steel rail and transportation wheels make it easy to store in closets or corners when not in use
  • Eight levels of adjustable resistance provide enough range for most beginners and intermediate users
  • Extended slide rail accommodates taller users, a feature often missing from budget rowers

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • The LCD monitor displays only time and stroke count — it does not track distance, pace, split time, or calories, which Consumer Reports and multiple sources flag as a significant limitation for users who want to measure progress
  • The 250-pound weight capacity is the lowest among all recommended products and may not accommodate larger users
  • Magnetic resistance provides a constant feel throughout the stroke rather than the dynamic, effort-responsive resistance of air and water rowers, which some users find less engaging
  • Multiple user reviews report durability concerns with extended heavy use, including tension belt wear and seat track issues after a year or more of regular rowing

Runners-Up

  • ProForm 750R — BarBend’s Best Quiet Rowing Machine and GGR’s Best Foldable Rowing Machine. Live Science names it Best Value and Fit&Well selects it as Best Budget. The 750R bridges the gap between basic budget rowers and premium connected machines by offering 24 levels of magnetic resistance and iFit integration through a personal device. Its SpaceSaver foldable design reduces the footprint by roughly half when stored. The 250-pound weight capacity matches the SF-RW5515.
  • Merach NovaRow R50 — GHI’s Best Value pick and Verywell Fit’s Best Value selection. Live Science names it the Best Concept2 Alternative. Unlike the magnetic SF-RW5515, the R50 uses air resistance with a 10-level adjustable damper, providing the dynamic, effort-responsive feel typically found only in higher-priced machines. It tracks distance, pace, watts, and strokes per minute — metrics the SF-RW5515 lacks. A newer entrant with a shorter track record, but a compelling option for buyers who want performance-oriented metrics without spending four figures.

How to Choose the Right Rowing Machine for You

Understand resistance types and what they mean for your workout experience. Air rowers like the Concept2 RowErg generate resistance through a spinning flywheel — the harder you pull, the more resistance you encounter. This dynamic response closely mimics on-water rowing and is preferred by competitive rowers and CrossFit athletes. Magnetic rowers use adjustable magnets to create smooth, quiet, constant resistance that does not change with rowing speed. Water rowers use a paddle moving through a water-filled tank, producing a natural-feeling stroke with a soothing whooshing sound. Electromagnetic rowers, used by connected machines like the Hydrow, offer fine-tuned digital resistance control that can be adjusted automatically during guided workouts.

Factor in total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. Smart rowers with streaming workouts require monthly subscriptions that add significantly to the lifetime cost. Hydrow’s membership is currently $50 per month, NordicTrack’s iFit is $39 per month, and Peloton’s All-Access membership is $49 per month. Over three years, subscription fees alone can exceed the original hardware cost of a non-connected rower like the Concept2 RowErg or WaterRower, neither of which requires any ongoing subscription.

Measure your space before buying. Most rowing machines are seven to eight feet long when in use and require at least three feet of width for comfortable movement. Many models fold, separate into pieces, or store vertically to reduce their footprint when not in use. The Concept2 RowErg separates into two pieces without tools. The Hydrow Wave and ProForm 750R fold for compact storage. If floor space is limited, check both the in-use dimensions and the stored dimensions before purchasing.

Consider noise levels if you live in a shared space. Air rowers are the loudest category — the spinning flywheel generates a constant whirring sound during use. Wirecutter testers noted the Concept2 RowErg was noticeably louder than all other machines tested. Magnetic and electromagnetic rowers are significantly quieter, and water rowers produce only a gentle whooshing sound. If you plan to row early in the morning, late at night, or in an apartment with neighbors below, a quiet magnetic or electromagnetic model may be the better choice.

Check weight capacity and fit for your body. Weight capacities range from 250 pounds for budget magnetic rowers to 700 pounds for the WaterRower and 500 pounds for the Concept2 RowErg. The rail length and seat height also affect comfort for taller users — the Concept2’s 54-inch rail accommodates taller rowers better than many competitors, and its standard seat height is 14 inches from the floor (with a 20-inch tall-leg option available for users with mobility considerations).

Decide whether performance metrics matter to your training goals. The Concept2 RowErg’s PM5 monitor is universally recognized as the standard for accurate, comparable rowing data — split times recorded on any Concept2 machine are directly comparable to any other. Wirecutter’s expert sources noted that water rower metrics are often skewed, with one University of Washington rowing coach recounting an incident where recruit times recorded on a water rower were dramatically faster than on a Concept2. Budget magnetic rowers like the SF-RW5515 track only time and strokes, providing no distance, pace, or calorie data. If tracking progress over time is important, prioritize a machine with comprehensive, accurate metric tracking.

How We Make Our Recommendations

Our recommendations follow a documented, repeatable editorial process designed to prioritize expert agreement, comparability, and clarity.

For each category, we:

  • Define clear category scope and exclusions
  • Identify and vet independent expert review sources
  • Inventory all products reviewed across those sources
  • Analyze patterns of agreement and disagreement
  • Apply editorial judgment only after consensus is documented

When a category includes materially different product types, we segment recommendations rather than forcing a single “best overall.” For more information, see How We Work.

Sources & Citations

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources Consulted for Context

Updates & Ongoing Review

This review is monitored on an ongoing basis. We update recommendations when expert sources publish new test results, products are discontinued, or consensus meaningfully changes.

Version History

  • 2026-05-15 — Initial publication

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