The 12 Best Rowing Machines For Your Home Gym, Tested by Personal Trainers Who Rowed 500+ Miles (2024)

The Concept2 RowErg Rower is one of the most popular rowers in the world and, in our opinion, one of the best rowing machines out there. It can be found in nearly every CrossFit gym in the country.

Pretty much anyone, from those who row for sport to those who simply want to improve their health, can jump on the RowErg (formerly called the Concept2 Model D) and get an outstanding workout. The machine requires few adjustments to begin use, and it’s not overly tech-y, so it’s a good option for beginners. Home gym equipment expert and certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele explains just how versatile this machine is in her Concept2 RowErg video review:

Garage Gym Reviews editorial team member and CrossFit Level 1 trainer, Kate Meier, has owned this machine for nearly five years. “And it still works just as well as it did on the first day,” she says. “I’ve been using this model of a rower in the gym or at my home for about a decade. The only issues I’ve ever had were on the rowers in the CrossFit box that would need service from time to time, but those were heavily used. My own personal rower has only ever needed new batteries.”

In fact, most of our team here at GGR has used the Concept2. We all rate it highly for its performance monitor (PM5), which tracks every metric you’d ever want to know: elapsed time, strokes per minute, average pace, split meters, heart rate, and projected meters in 30 minutes. Very few other rowers hold a candle to Concept 2’s worldwide leaderboard, which allows you to see how you stack up to others across the world in various challenges.

(Pssst: Here’s how to find a Concept 2 Coupon.)

When in use, this rower has an average footprint of 95 inches in length and 24 inches in width. However, it earns a 5 out of 5 on our footprint and portability rating, because you can easily maneuver it into an upright position using the front wheels, so you can store it out of the way. “I love rolling the rower out into the driveway during good weather,” Kate says. “But, you do have to clean it really well if you do that. Dust and dirt getting into the fan can damage parts.”

Should you want even more portability, it breaks down into two separate pieces for easy storage.

This rower uses air resistance, which is low maintenance. The seat is a bit firmer than those on other machines (there’s no padding). We’ve seen some complaints about the seat being uncomfortable, though none of the people on our team have any complaints.

We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics because the handles are angled to provide a more natural pulling motion, the footpads are adjustable, and the seat slider can accommodate people up to 6′ 9″ tall.

Read more in our in-depth Concept2 RowErg review.

The Concept2 RowErg is the most frequently used rowing machine in CrossFit gyms and competitions. However, the newly-released Rogue Echo Rower is now the official rowing machine of CrossFit, so Concept2’s domination in the space may start to fade.

It’s clear that Rogue wanted to make a rower that could directly compete with the Concept2 RowErg. When constructing the machine, Rogue consulted with a third-party engineering firm to verify that the Echo Rower’s outputs would allow it to be used in competition.

Plus, the construction of the two rowers is nearly identical—so much so that GGR founder Coop Mitchell said if you closed your eyes, you wouldn’t be able to tell whether you were on the Rogue rower or the Concept2. We rate the durability a 5 out of 5. In our experience, the Concept2 rower is nearly indestructible, and since Rogue’s rower has a similar construction, we expect it to last for a long time.

The quick-release foot straps are another highlight that make the Echo Rower ideal for CrossFit. Instead of wasting precious seconds in your workout of the day (WOD) getting in and out of the foot pads, you can make fast transitions on and off the rower.

The Rogue Echo Rower is also a solid choice for those with small home gyms. It’s a foldable machine that has a footprint of just 38 inches by 26 inches when folded. Even if you have short ceilings, you don’t have to worry about it taking up much vertical space.

Additionally, the oversized turf tires make it a breeze to roll around. In our Rogue Echo Rower review, Coop said he wished other manufacturers would consider using similar tires. The rower earns another 5-out-of-5 rating for footprint and portability.

There is no virtual programming, but the Rogue Echo Rower comes with about 10 pre-set workout options, so we rate it a 3 out of 5 for programming options. However, the monitor is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible and allows you to sync with popular rowing apps like ErgZone and Regatta.

This is the “Peloton” of rowers, folks. It’s just straight-up sexy. The price tag? Not so sexy, but at least the Hydow Wave is less expensive than the original Hydrow! Plus, Hydrow usually offers good sales around Labor Day, Black Friday, and other holidays (and if you’re looking for a Hydrow discount code, we can help!). 

Anyway, the machine itself? Very high quality. And the guided workouts? Awesome.

Coop, the founder of GGR and the world’s most well-known home gym equipment expert, has done shorter, HIIT-style workouts and longer conditioning pieces on it. In both modalities, the Hydrow Wave exceeded his expectations. “This could be a true alternative to the Concept2 RowErg,” he says. “I love that now Hydrow has a creme de la creme option, now they have a more budget-friendly option.”

RELATED: Hydrow Review

Coaches who are on open water take you through workouts, which are displayed on a 16-inch HD touchscreen. There is a big library of options, and you can compete live with people around the world. “The instructors are fantastic, the leaderboard is motivating, and seeing the metrics is helpful,” Coop says.

Another great thing about the Hydrow setup is that you can hop onto the Hydrow and row at your own pace. There are two ways to do this: Journey rows and Distance Rows. Journey rows have no set pace, instructor, or music—it’s just you and a view of your “boat” on the water for as long as you want, allowing you to focus on your rowing form and experience.

Distance rows are essentially the same thing, but the ride ends when you hit your preset distance. The distances range from 250 meters to 10,000 meters, or any distance within 180 minutes with the Open Row setting.

The Hydrow Wave uses electromagnetic resistance, not air resistance. This means it’s very quiet, so it’s a great option for people who risk bothering their neighbors with an air rower. 

Coop gives the resistance profile on the Wave a perfect 5 out of 5. “If you go on Amazon and type in ‘rower,’ you’ll find a ton of rowers that are absolute crap and use magnetic resistance,” Coop explains. “The reason they’re crap is because the resistance isn’t consistent, and it ends up breaking down over time. The magnetic resistance on the Wave, however, is extremely smooth.”

Historically, magnetic rowing machines were really cheap and easy to break, but the Hydrow Wave features magnetic resistance is done right. The ride is ultra-smooth, with no blips or bumps in the rowing stroke. At 102 pounds, the Hydrow is a heavy machine and one of the heavier rowers you’ll find. It uses a lot of steel in construction, which makes for a very stable experience.

However, we did find that the Wave isn’t easy to move around (though it’s still easier to move than the original Hydrow). And for vertical storage, you need to purchase the storage kit. However, this is a beautiful machine, so leaving it on the floor doesn’t really create an eyesore.

Back to the price: Coop gives this machine a 3.5 out of 5 on value because of the high cost and the fact that you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription if you want trainer access. “Very similar to a Peloton, but it’s so good,” he says. “I still recommend paying it if you need extra motivation.”

Check out my full Hydrow Wave review to learn more.

Rowing is a great form of cardio exercise for beginners to try because it’s low-impact, combines conditioning and strength components, and works the entire body. In fact, a 2015 study¹ of 24 visually impaired people, who the study says “frequently have abnormal body composition, low physical fitness, and scoliosis,” found that rowing five days per week for six weeks led to significant decreases in body fat and increases in physical strength.

The Aviron Strong Go Rower is an excellent choice for beginners for several reasons. First, the price point provides a solid machine without totally robbing you of hard-earned cash. Second, interactive programming makes rowing workouts fun and engaging for anyone, especially beginners. Minutes fly by on this rower with games, live competitions, classes with an instructor, and scenic rowing sessions. 

The Aviron Strong Go rower is remarkably similar to the Aviron Strong rower, sans built-in touchscreen. What that means is you need your own iPad or smartphone to stream the Aviron app and enjoy gamified workouts. While this may sound like a disadvantage, the upside of not having a built-in touchscreen is that you don’t have to pay the premium price tag of the Aviron Strong series rower (which we also featured in this roundup because it’s super solid and so much fun to use). 

Our testers appreciate the fact the Aviron Strong Go rower is still a fully functional rowing machine with or without the Aviron app membership, so if you decide the app isn’t for you (or you want to cut out the $25 per month expense) you can still use your rowing machine. 

However, we think you’ll be more apt to get on the rower and even participate in longer workouts if you use the app and take advantage of racing and sporting games. You’ll even be rewarded for working by unlocking new levels, backgrounds, and avatars. Plus, in the Aviron app there are specific features for beginners including a how-to-row tutorial. The wide variety of workouts available in the app helps it earn a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming.

Beginners will also like the Aviron’s ergonomics. The rower features a seat positioned 20 inches off the ground and a low rail, making it more accessible for all ages and abilities to get on and off the rower with ease. Additionally, the foot pedals are adjustable from side to side and up and down so you can customize your foot placement for the most power and comfort. We rate it a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics.

The RW900 uses a large magnetic flywheel that has 26 levels of resistance. During trainer-led workouts, instructors can remotely change your resistance level using NordicTrack’s AutoAdjust adjustable resistance technology. The automatic adjustments mean you can remain focused on your workout without messing up your rhythm by manually changing the resistance.

As much as our team of certified fit pros loves rowing, we know that the best fitness routines include a variety of steady-state cardio exercises, resistance training, and high-intensity workouts. That’s why we love the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine, and why it’s our pick for the best NordicTrack rower. It works with iFIT, a leading platform for on-demand workout streaming and live trainer-led fitness classes. The 22-inch HD touchscreen on the RW900 swivels and tilts, so you can do strength training and other workouts off of the rower. 

Additionally, at the time of writing, the RW900 comes with a free pair of NordicTrack SpeedWeight Adjustable Dumbbells so you can get started with a comprehensive fitness program right away. 

Our product testers could harp on the iFIT integration and tech specs all day, but let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the actual machine: The RW900 rower has an overbuilt, extra-wide seat rail for optimal stability, plus wide, flat feet to keep it from rocking in any manner. 

“The seat is padded and contoured so no hard plastic like you find on the Concept2 RowErg,” says former triathlete and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, who tested the RW900 at length. However, she rated it a 3.75 out of 5 for ergonomics because she had trouble getting the foot pedals to fit just right despite them having six adjustment options.

Amanda can verify that 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. 

“There are virtually endless workouts to choose from and multiple filtering options so you can easily find what you need,” says Amanda, who rated the rower’s programming a 4.75 out of 5.

Our one main complaint: The maximum weight capacity on the RW900 is only 250 pounds, which is very low for its in-box weight of 163 pounds. 

Check out more in our NordicTrack RW900 Rower review.

The Ergatta Lite is an excellent rower that uses (drumroll) water instead of air as its main mode of resistance. This closely simulates the resistance you would receive in real-life rowing, and it sounds pretty amazing, too. We like the Ergatta Lite as one of the best water rowing machines for its aesthetics and functionality. 

The Ergatta Lite is a smaller, lighter, less expensive version of the OG Ergatta Rower, but it still has a lot to offer. First, its 7-feet-long-by-2-feet-wide footprint and lightweight oak wood frame (it’s 72 pounds when filled with water) earns it a 4.5 out of 5 in the footprint and portability category because it’s easy to move and stow away when not in use.

Despite it being smaller than other rowers, our testers, including GGRE lead reviewer and CPT Lindsay Scheele, found it to feel solid when in use. “It feels super sturdy even though it’s a lightweight machine,” Lindsay explains. 

The tech capabilities also come in at a 4 out of 5 on the Ergatta Lite as it utilizes Ergatta programming for trainer-led classes, live races, and games, among many other features on the 17.3-inch touchscreen. The Ergatta Lite also syncs with popular devices, like the Apple Watch and Whoop, for even more utility. 

“The Ergatta programming is one the best rowing apps I’ve tested,” Lindsay says. “It’s easy to use, intuitive, and full of variety. I love it!”

Read our full Ergatta Lite review for all of the details. 

The Bells of Steel Blitz Rower may not be the smallest rower out there, but in the opinion of our product testers, it’s one of the better air rowers for its price point, and can be disassembled into two parts. For footprint and portability, our testers scored the Blitz Rower 4.5 out of 5 stars due to the overall size, weight, transport wheels, and the option to disassemble. 

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Expert tester and founder of GGR, Coop Mitchell, says the disassembly process for storage is pretty quick, but warns to be careful because it can be a pinch point. It’s also not designed to be stored vertically like the Concept 2 RowErg, so keep that in mind before purchasing. 

The Blitz Rower offers users a 320-pound max. And although it’s not listed on the website, our experts anticipate users with a 38-inches inseam to feel comfortable rowing on this machine, which will be suitable for a wide variety of people. 

The machine itself is a no-frills rower, so don’t expect a high-tech experience on the Blitz. You can use the Bluetooth connection for third-party apps, but our testers thought the Bluetooth was a bit tricky to set up. For this reason, the Blitz Rower earns a 3-star rating for tech features. 

The LCD monitor shows basic metrics including 500-meter split time, elapsed time, calories, and projected finish. You’ll also see the air damper setting on the monitor, which Coop thought was a nice touch. It’s worth noting there are no preset programs to use on this machine. 

And lastly, we appreciate that BoS has a 5-year warranty policy on the Blitz Rower, 30-day return policy, and free shipping. We have more details about BoS as a company and this rowing machine in our Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower review. 

Echelon is a brand known for high-quality cardio machines and the Echelon Row Connected Rower is no different. Well, there is one difference: There is no built-in touchscreen, so you’ll have to use your own device to stream the Echelon app. 

But, there is a pretty big upside to opting for a row erg without a screen and that is the fact you don’t have to pay a premium price for tech you (most likely) already have. You can use the Echelon app on your phone or tablet like any other app. You can also sync with third-party apps like Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, FitBit, and Spotify. 

At the time of writing, the Echelon Row is marked down to $800 on the brand’s website and about $600 on Amazon. Either way, you’re getting a great deal on a sturdy rowing machine with optional programming and 32 levels of magnetic resistance. 

This Echelon Row earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for durability, weighing in at 105 pounds and a user weight limit of 300 pounds. The heavy-duty steel frame offers a solid base for rowing sprints or steady-state cardio. Plus, Echelon Row is foldable for easy storage when not in use. 

If you’d prefer your workouts to feel more like video games, you have to check out the Aviron Strong Series Rower. When our product testers began debating which rower is the best interactive rower, the Aviron was quick to rise to the top. We have tested the Aviron Tough and Impact series rowers (both of which have since been discontinued). All of them feature an incredible gaming experience.

Truly, there’s no other rower on the market that features interactive programming like Aviron (yet…). Not only does the $25 per month Aviron membership get you access to gorgeous virtual rowing workouts filmed in locations around the world, but it also provides a large number of video game-style workouts to keep you engaged and focused. 

The Aviron membership also features instructor-led workouts, on-demand guided programs, competition mode, live peer-to-peer racing, and free mode, according to GGR founder and rowing machine aficionado Cooper Mitchell.

“The large touchscreen is very snappy, and well done,” Coop says of the 22-inch monitor that has a beautiful metrics layout, which is available without the subscription. The Aviron rower captures more metrics than you probably care about, including meters rowed, stroke rate, calories burned, time elapsed, heart rate (with a Bluetooth monitor), and output in watts and kilojoules per hour (kj/hr). 

Programming and metrics aside, the Aviron rower is expertly built. It earns a 4 out of 5 on our construction rating chart thanks to its steel and aluminum frame that supports a maximum weight capacity of around 500 pounds. It also features a comfortable padded seat, angled handles, and a 20-inch frame height to make getting on and off of the rower easier. 

Aviron’s dual air and magnetic resistance is unique and provides more resistance training opportunities than an air or magnetic flywheel can alone. 

At a price point of just over $2,000, this rowing machine certainly isn’t cheap, so we give it a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value. Still, we think the vast majority of people would be more than happy with this purchase if they’re looking specifically for something interactive and well-built. “The gamification is unlike any other option on the market,” says Coop.

For more, check out our Aviron Strong Series Rower review.

One thing we’ve noticed about foldable rowing machines is that there seem to be two extremes: Folding rowers are either cheap, small, and lacking in specs, or they’re massive, beautiful, tech-infused devices. What about all of the folks who want a full-sized rowing machine with good performance that folds up—and doesn’t break the bank? Well, we have the pick for you.

The ProForm 750R rowing machine is foldable and packed with a bunch of great features for a palatable price point well under $1,000. 

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Certified personal trainer and former triathlete Amanda Capritto personally tested the 750R, and she gave it a 4 out of 5 for construction and durability. “It’s not a tank like the Hydrow, Aviron, or NordicTrack rowers, but it’s very stable during use and has a lot of aluminum construction,” Amanda says. “There is some plastic, such as on the footing of the machine and the foot cradles, but not an excessive amount.”

In terms of resistance, the 750R utilizes a near-silent magnetic flywheel with AutoAdjust, a tech feature that allows certified iFIT instructors to remotely change the resistance during your workout. This means you don’t have to worry about leaning forward and trying to quickly adjust resistance mid-rowing stroke. (Of course, this feature doesn’t work in manual mode.)

The full-length seat rail folds up for easy storage after your workout, and the front casters make it easy to maneuver the rower wherever you want it. 

If you suspect a rowing machine can’t be perfect for less than $1,000, you’re right: The 750R has some minor downfalls. Despite its heavy weight of 116 pounds, it only supports a maximum user weight of 250 pounds, leading us to rate it a 4 out of 5 for durability. 

It also does not have an integrated display for interactive workouts—while the small 5-inch display shows basic metrics, you’ll need to supply your own tablet to watch instructors lead you through the waters of Venice. 

All in all, however, our product testers think the ProForm 750R is a fantastic mid-tier rower with good programming and a space-saving design. 

Check out our full and in-depth Proform 750R Rower review.

If you’re a sucker for an interactive workout experience but want to exercise at home, the Ergatta Rower might just be your compromise. Not only does this machine offer personalized workouts, live racing, challenges, tutorials, and form feedback and instruction, it also allows you to track stats and use analytics to progress over time. All of this takes place on a large 17.3-inch touchscreen, too. We rate the tech capabilities and dynamic programming both a 4 out of 5. 

“The screen has beautiful hi-definition graphics that really intensify the ‘gaming’ experience,” says Garage Gym Reviews founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell in our Ergatta Rower review. “I feel like I’m playing an old-school, first-person arcade video game.”

Beyond its tech specs, the Ergatta Rower is a solidly built water rower. Its body is made of U.S.-sourced cherry wood, and the sleek look means it could even stay out and blend into a modern environment. However, while it looks nice, it also means this machine is most likely less durable than a rower made from aluminum. We rated the overall durability a 3.5 out of 5, but with that said, it has a weight limit of 500 pounds, much heavier than other rowers on this list.

RELATED: Ergatta vs WaterRower

Our product testers say it’s a smooth ride, stating that the seat has cushioned support that is still comfortable after an extended period of time. They also note that the seat glides very smoothly across the machine and the hand grips are angled and comfortable to hold, which is enough for the ergonomics to earn a 4 out of 5.

This machine does require more maintenance since it uses a water tank. If you don’t change the water out, it can grow mold. There have also been reports of leaking, which can do damage to your home. Unlike other rowing machines, the Ergatta has no cogs and chains and so no oiling is required.

Read our full Ergatta Rower review for more information.

Sunny Health & Fitness is known for its budget-friendly home fitness equipment. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Rower is no exception. 

In addition to its low price tag of around $200, this rowing machine is also small-space-friendly: Whereas most indoor rowers fall between 86 and 96 inches long, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 clocks in at just 77 inches. You can store it vertically, too, which makes it just a few feet deep in its upright position. Bonus: It’s super easy to move because it weighs just 50 pounds.

It also folds to 36.3 inches long by 23 inches wide by 47 inches high. The only reason it didn’t earn a perfect score from us on portability is because there are no transport wheels, but it still earned a 4.25 out of 5 in that category.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Keep in mind that a shorter rower means a shorter slide rail. This rower has a 43-inch rail, whereas machines like the Concept2 RowErg have about a 54-inch rail. A more compact rower could be problematic for taller people.

Our testers were impressed that a 50-pound machine touts a weight capacity of 285 pounds. That’s more than some of the other models on this list. We don’t know how durable this rower will be over time; it does have a steel seat rail, but there are a lot of plastic components, including the foot cradles and flywheel housing. It doesn’t shake or tremble in use even when moving quickly, though.

This rower does what you need it to do: Gives you a full-body workout and tracks your metrics on an extremely basic LCD display. Like we always say, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect a lot of extras from this Sunny Health & Fitness rower, though it does have a device holder, water bottle holder, and padded seat for comfort. 

“It’s a solid deal for people just looking to move without any of the bells and whistles,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.

It does not, however, have any preset workout programming.

For more, read our in-depth Sunny Health and Fitness rower review.