The Best Rowing Machines

Buying Guide for Rowing Machines

Why should you buy a rowing machine?

When used with the correct form, a rowing machine can build muscle, burn fat, and strengthen your heart health as it engages major muscle groups in your legs, arms, back, and core. Choosing the rowing machine that’s right for you will allow you to achieve high-intensity strength and cardio workouts that are impact-free, making rowing an ideal form of lifelong full-body exercise.

What should you consider when shopping for a rowing machine?

• Frame and Features: Rowing machine frames can be made of metal or wood. Steel and aluminum frames are lower in cost and higher in durability. On the other hand, wood frames can be very stylish and may help to lower noise levels. Pay close attention to the seat, footrests, and the type of handles on the rower—these features will have a significant impact on the comfort of your rowing experience. Also, look carefully at the foot straps on a machine, especially if you have smaller- or larger-than-average feet; straps will keep your feet from slipping while rowing to help you have good form.
• Space Requirements: Be sure to measure the space where you intend to work out and the space where you want to store your machine so that you can choose one that fits. Wheels on the machine are important if you need to move your rowing machine when you’re done using it.
• Performance Monitors: A monitor or dashboard with more in-depth tracking options and data may be better for people looking to get a competitive edge or improve on specific rowing goals, but they’re not essential for a good cardio workout. High-tech features like pre-programmed workouts, streaming options, Bluetooth connection, and the ability to sync with third-party apps are features that can enhance the rowing experience.

Which type of rowing machine resistance should you get?

The exercise a rowing machine provides is based on its resistance to your pull on the handlebar or handles on the machine. Some rowing machines will change resistance based on how hard you’re pulling; others have specific resistance levels you can control yourself throughout your workout. The ability to change resistance levels easily is especially important if you share a machine with others and need to accommodate different ability levels.

Resistance mechanisms fall into four types:

• Aerodynamic: These rowing machines use fan blades to produce air resistance. They’re a prevalent type of machine in gyms. They provide a smooth rowing motion that adjusts to your pace and stroke intensity, but they can be very noisy.
• Magnetic: Magnetic rowing machines produce resistance with a braking system controlled by how near magnets are to a flywheel. The motion is smooth and fluid, and the machines that use this mechanism are very quiet.
• Hydraulic: These rowing machines use pistons, short cylinders or disks that move up and down against a liquid or gas to give you resistance. Machines that use this mechanism are quiet and the most compact.
• Water: With a water resistance machine, you pull against water with paddles in a large, enclosed tank—the motion produced is the smoothest of all the mechanisms. While there is noise, it’s the noise of splashing water, which can add to the realism and pleasantness of the rowing experience.

Our Picks for the Best Rowing Machines

Pros: It’s convenient to improve your fitness at home with this rowing machine. The magnetic tension system keeps the noise level to a minimum and provides a smooth range of motion. It has eight levels of tension to make your workout customizable and progressive. The seat is padded, so you can stay comfortable during long workouts, and it features extra-large, anti-slip footholds. For all its benefits, the rowing machine has a low profile, folds up for easy storage, and has a 48-inch long track to accommodate fitness enthusiasts of varying heights. It comes with an LCD screen for displaying metrics. The assembly is straightforward, only taking about 30 minutes to an hour.

Cons: The weight capacity is 250 pounds, which is on the lower end. The LCD screen is minimal in its metrics.

Bottom Line: Getting a smooth rowing workout that improves your fitness and frame of mind is convenient and affordable with this machine. The magnetic tension system means your rowing, whether you choose to do endurance or HIIT workouts, won’t be too noisy. The footholds, cushioned seat, and smooth track are features that make your workouts comfortable. The LCD screen helps you stay motivated to meet your goals. Not only does this affordable rower deliver an enjoyable or intense workout, it easily folds up to be convenient to use in any area of your home.

 

Pros: The rowing arms on this machine allow for a full range of motion, which creates a great workout and mimics the feel of being on the water. You can adjust the hydraulic cylinder resistance to match your desired workout intensity level. The molded seat is comfortable, even when doing an endurance workout. The LCD monitor displays current workout time, stroke count, and calories burned, allowing you to track your workout progress. This rowing machine folds up neatly to save space when it’s not being used.

Cons: The maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds. The LCD display is pretty basic. There are no wheels on the rower to make it easy to move around when folded to put it away or bring it out to use.

Bottom Line: This affordable hydraulic rowing machine is sturdy and durable, holding up to regular use. The resistance can be adjusted, making this a piece of equipment that can accommodate your progress and fitness goals. While the machine folds up to save space, it would be better if it had wheels to make it easy to move in and out of the way.

 

Pros: This rower may be the nicest-looking piece of exercise equipment out there. Beautiful red zebrawood constructs the sturdy frame. The resistance is generated with water, which keeps the noise level low, and for some, it’s even calming. You get a lot of data and workout variety with the LCD monitor that’s BlueTooth compatible. The footplate is adjustable and can comfortably fit feet of any size. The maximum weight for this rower is 320 pounds, a respectable limit. The assembly is not difficult, and it comes with an electric pump to make filling the water tank easy. If you want to change up your scenery for a rowing workout, the wheels make rolling it to a new place easy.

Cons: The resistance can’t be adjusted. The foot straps can become loose during longer workouts, requiring periodic adjustments.

Bottom Line: Get the feel of rowing on the water with this rowing machine. The gentle sound and smooth feel of rowing provide an effective workout for nearly everyone in their quest for better health and fitness. While this rower does not have adjustable resistance, the LCD screen has a variety of displays and preset programs to help inspire more workout variety. When you’re not using the rowing machine, it can stand up to decrease its footprint and save on space.

 

Pros: This is one of the most trusted models. It’s proven to last for years, even with heavy use on a daily basis. It is the most common model found in a commercial gym, so you may be more familiar with the air resistance feel. The smooth rowing motion has 10 levels of resistance along with a monitor that tracks a wide variety of metrics. It includes preset workouts and games to add excitement to your workouts. It also features wireless BlueTooth and ANT+ compatibility to monitor heart rate and other app integration. The foot straps are tight to keep your feet in place, even for a long rowing workout. Even though this is one of the largest and sturdiest rowing machines, it can be folded and moved around easily, making it a convenient piece of home gym equipment. The maximum weight recommended for this rowing machine is 500 pounds, making it the most accommodating of all the picks.

Cons: This is the most expensive rowing machine on our list. While it’s not extremely loud, air resistance does make this a louder option.

Bottom Line: Concept2 is one of the most recognized and trusted brands of rowing machines among seasoned athletes and even casual gym-goers. This rowing machine will last through heavy use for years. The strong foot straps and smooth stroke make it a comfortable option, whether you do interval training or long endurance workouts. While it is the most expensive option on the list, people who love rowing will feel they get their money’s worth.

 

Pros: This is a great option if you’re looking for a compact piece of equipment that will still allow you to do a rowing workout at home. It folds away easily between uses and is lightweight to maneuver. This rowing machine runs on hydraulic resistance and has 12 levels, so you can get the workout that is right for you. The foam handles and wide, cushioned seat are a few elements that make your workout more comfortable. Unlike most rowing machines, these foot pedals pivot to help find a comfortable position and range of motion, which is especially beneficial for beginners or those with tight leg muscles.

Cons: The weight limit is the lowest on the list at 220 pounds. The LCD display is very basic.

Bottom Line: This compact indoor rower is a great option for those beginning their health and fitness journey or looking for a low-impact workout. As you progress in your workouts, you can adjust the hydraulic resistance among 12 levels, allowing you to intensify your exercise. The rowing machine is quiet and has features to maximize comfort. While this rowing machine is intended for beginners, the weight capacity is only 220 pounds, which is the lowest amount on the list.

 

Pros: This rower uses magnetic resistance to provide 16 levels of adjustable resistance. This type of resistance also means that your workouts, even when done with great intensity, will be quieter than other types of rowing machines. Adjusting the rowing machine is easy with a knob that is right in front of the machine and easy to reach. The LCD monitor displays data on your time, distance, calories, stroke count, and RPM for tracking your workout progress. This full-size rower can fold up when not in use to save space. This strong and sturdy rowing machine supports 350 pounds.

Cons: While the machine does fold up to save space, it is a bit awkward to move because of its size.

Bottom Line: Getting in an intense workout or just beginning your workout journey is possible with this quiet, sturdy, and adjustable rowing machine. The magnetic resistance keeps it undisruptive, while the easy-to-adjust knob allows you to kick up your intensity to 16 different levels. You can keep track of your progress and workouts with an in-depth LCD monitor.

Final Thoughts

This list includes rowing machine options for each budget and resistance type. Consider your specific needs and include rowing into your healthy lifestyle or fitness program with one of these top picks.