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Unless you’re into CrossFit or paddle sports, rowing machines kind of go unnoticed when it comes to cardio equipment. Rowing is one of the best aerobic exercises, especially for people who need low-impact workout options, therefore it’s bad.
If you’re looking for an Best Rowing Machine for Home, this guide to the best rowing machines can help you pick the right one.
We’ve compiled a list of the top rowing machines available right now after researching more than 50 rowing machines and testing more than 12 of them among our team of product testers and licensed fitness experts.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hydrow Wave Rower | Check Price | |
 | Concept2 RowErg 2712 | Check Price | |
 | Sunny SF-RW5801 | Check Price | |
 | NordicTrack RW900 | Check Price | |
 | WaterRower NATURAL | Check Price |
Best Rowing Machine for Home Reviews
When evaluating each product, we considered its performance, warranty, cost, and accessibility.
1. Hydrow Wave Rower
On it, I’ve done both lengthier conditioning exercises and shorter HIIT workouts. The Hydrow fulfills my expectations in both modalities. You are guided through exercises by coaches who are on open water and a 16-inch HD touchscreen. There is a sizable selection, and you can engage in live competition with players from all over the world.
You can get on the Hydrow and row at your own pace, which is another fantastic feature of the Hydrow arrangement. There are two methods for doing this: distance rows and journey rows. Journey rows allow you to concentrate on your rowing technique and experience because there is no set speed, instructor, or music. Instead, it’s just you and a view of your “boat” on the lake for as long as you choose.
The ride finishes when you reach your predetermined distance, although distance rows are effectively the same thing. The distances can be any distance within 180 minutes using the Open Row mode, ranging from 250 meters to 10,000 meters.
Instead of using air resistance, the Hydrow Wave uses electromagnetic resistance. This means that it is extremely quiet, making it a wonderful alternative for those who don’t want to disturb their neighbors with an air rower.
In the past, magnetic rowing machines were extremely affordable and simple to break, but the Hydrow Wave’s magnetic resistance is implemented properly. There are no blips or bumps in the rowing stroke, making the ride extremely smooth. The Hydrow is one of the heaviest rowers you’ll find, weighing in at 102 pounds. Its substantial use of steel during building results in an extremely stable environment.
However, moving about is difficult. You also need to get the storage kit if you want to store things vertically. However, because of how gorgeous this machine is, leaving it on the ground doesn’t actually make a mess.
2. Concept2 RowErg 2712
One of the most well-known and, in my view, one of the greatest rowing machines available is the Concept2 RowErg Rower. Nearly every CrossFit facility in the nation has it. It’s also my choice for the top home rowing machine.
Anyone can use the RowErg (formerly known as the Model D) to receive an excellent workout, whether they row for recreation or simply want to better their health. The machine is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge, making it a suitable choice for novices.
Elapsed time, strokes per minute, average pace, split meters, heart rate, and anticipated meters in 30 minutes are all tracked by the performance monitor (PM5). The Concept 2 global leaderboard, which lets you compare your performance to others across the world in numerous challenges, is unmatched by very few other rowing.
This rower has an average footprint that is 24 inches wide and 95 inches long while in operation. The front wheels, however, make it simple to move it into an upright position so you can store it out of the way. If you’d want even more portability, it separates into two parts for simple storage.
This rower uses low-maintenance air resistance. There is no padding on the seat, which makes it a little harder than those on other machines. This has led to some user complaints that the seat is uncomfortable.
3. Sunny SF-RW5801
Sunny Health & Fitness is renowned for its reasonably priced home exercise gear. No exception applies to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Rower.
This rowing machine’s inexpensive price and tiny size are both advantages: The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 is only 77 inches long, while the majority of indoor rowers are between 86 and 96 inches long. It can also be stored vertically, making it only a few feet deep while upright. Bonus: It only weights 50 pounds, making moving it quite simple. Furthermore, it folds to a size of 36.3 inches long by 23 inches broad and 47 inches high.
A shorter rower translates to a shorter slide rail, so keep that in mind. Compared to devices like the Concept2 RowErg, this rower’s rail is 43 inches long. Although I am impressed that a 50-pound machine boasts a weight capability of 285 pounds, a more compact rower could provide problems for taller folks. Compared to some of the other models on this list, that is more.
This rower accomplishes your objectives: it works your entire body and tracks your metrics on a very basic LCD screen. As I frequently repeat, you get what you pay for. This Sunny Health & Fitness rower doesn’t come with many accessories, but it does offer a gadget holder, a water bottle holder, and a padded seat for comfort.
A decent “starter” rowing machine to see if you like it as a workout is the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5801. It is a cheap magnetic rower.
4. NordicTrack RW900
The greatest personal trainers will advise you to mix up your exercise routines. Even though our team of trained fitness experts adores rowing, we are aware that the greatest fitness regimens also involve a mix of resistance training exercises, high-intensity workouts, and steady-state aerobic exercise.
We think the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine is the best NordicTrack rower because of this. It integrates with iFIT, a popular website for live fitness sessions taught by certified trainers and on-demand workout streaming. You may perform strength training and other exercises away from the rower thanks to the RW900’s 22-inch HD touchscreen’s swiveling and tilting capabilities.
Additionally, the RW900 currently includes a complimentary set of NordicTrack SpeedWeight Adjustable Dumbbells so you can begin a thorough exercise regimen right away.
Our product testers could talk about the iFIT integration and technical specifications all day long, but let’s get to the specifics of the machine itself: The RW900 rower boasts wide, flat feet to prevent rocking and an overbuilt, extra-wide seat rail for maximum stability.
A sizable magnetic flywheel with 26 levels of resistance is used by the RW900. Using NordicTrack’s AutoAdjust changeable resistance technology, instructors can remotely modify your resistance level during trainer-led workouts.
The RW900 rowing machine was put through its paces at our equipment testing facility by Garage Gym Reviews writer and personal trainer Amanda Capritto, who had this to say about it: “This rowing machine has all of the lux and high-tech features you see in Hydrow and Aviron, but the pivoting display and access to different types of fitness training make this a great choice for people who prioritize variety in their workout routines.”
The RW900’s maximum weight capacity is only 250 pounds, which is a rather low number considering its in-box weight of 163 pounds.
5. WaterRower NATURAL
The WaterRower Natural is a fantastic rower that (drumroll) uses water as its primary method of resistance rather than air. This sounds wonderful and nearly mimics the resistance you would experience when rowing in real life. The WaterRower’s body is often made of handcrafted wood. The most frequent comment I received when I asked individuals what they liked best about the WaterRower was that it was “the most aesthetically pleasing rowing machine available.”
Orangetheory Fitness centers may be located all over the country, and they all have WaterRowers, however theirs are metal and a very bright orange color.
Because it uses a water tank, this machine does need additional maintenance. Mold can develop in stagnant water if you don’t change it out. Additionally, there have been complaints of leaks, which can harm your house.
And yes, the wood adds a lovely touch, I’ll admit that. It’s stunning. But as a result, the WaterRower lacks the robustness of, instance, devices built of aluminum and steel.
Additionally, your right foot is right adjacent to the monitor. Again, this improves the machine’s overall appearance, but also has an impact on operation. I didn’t enjoy having to look at the screen while exercising.
The WaterRower Natural is a fantastic rower that (drumroll) uses water as its primary method of resistance rather than air. This sounds wonderful and nearly mimics the resistance you would experience when rowing in real life.
Final Verdict
More than 50 rowers were the subject of our initial research. We combed through all of the major manufacturers to create the list, in addition to speaking with business leaders and visiting forums like home gyms.
Additionally, our team’s product testers tried a variety of rowers at our fitness testing facility in Springfield, Missouri, and provided feedback on what they liked and didn’t like about each one.
Our product testers did both long and short duration intervals, including exhausting long-distance rowing events and all-out sprints, during testing (and during our years of training expertise).
We looked at the construction quality, disassembled the individual parts to determine how they were made, and spoke with representatives from numerous companies. Last but not least, we considered elements like price, warranty, and customer service.