The best rowing machines of 2024

The Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) features solid aluminum front legs, steel rear legs, a flywheel with air resistance, and a maximum user weight capacity of 500 pounds, making it our top pick.

Essential for executing powerful and uninterrupted strokes, the RowErg's flywheel has a damper for adjusting its air resistance, granting you complete control of the resistance yourself. The harder and faster you row, the more wind the flywheel generates and the more drag you'll feel.

With an air-resistance rowing machine, you'd expect a bit of noise. However, the RowErg runs quiet enough for rowers to listen to music or watch television at a normal volume during workouts. Its performance monitor tracks stroke rate, calories burned, distance, pace, and watts and has several built-in workouts.

The RowErg is available in two heights: 14 or 20 inches. The latter is ideal for taller users.

Concept2 recommends allowing extra space around the RowErg, which could be an issue for those living in small homes. However, the RowErg is designed to be taken apart easily (no tools required) for storage.

Although it lacks the smart functions of a rower like the Hydrow or Peloton, the RowErg's LCD computer can connect to Concept2's free ErgData app. The app tracks your rowing workouts, displays real-time data, offers training exercises, and lets you challenge other users.

The Stamina BodyTrac Glider Rowing Machine offers excellent value. Although it's compact and quiet, this hydraulic resistance rowing machine provides a great workout with a smooth-gliding padded seat and separate, movable arms.

What makes the BodyTrac Glider so special is its versatility in arm movements. You can row forward or backward, move your arms in circular directions, pull the handles close together for a conventional stroke, or hold the grips apart to exercise different arm, shoulder, and upper back muscles. 

The machine can maintain a variety of consistent resistance levels for roughly 30 minutes of hard rowing, but like most hydraulic rowers, fluid in the hydraulic piston heats up, decreasing resistance. When this happens, you'll need to pause and increase the resistance setting manually. 

The BodyTrac Glider is unlike other rowing machines that use a pulley system, so the experience may feel different. But its smaller design means it doesn't take up as much floor space.

The Ergatta Rower uses a touchscreen to display on-demand workouts, which are mostly comprised of a series of video game-inspired exercises. You "play" against the machine itself for goal-based routines and interval workouts while also competing against other Ergatta users in simulated races.

The actual rower itself is a beauty, too. Made of cherry wood and featuring a traditional water rowing mechanism made by WaterRower — the company that invented the water flywheel system — it achieves a premium look and feel while the soothing swoosh of the water reservoir adds to an already enjoyable experience. 

Its downside is that it isn't cheap, and there's a recurring $39 a month for its streaming classes and workouts that we enjoy. Still, the Ergatta Rower delivers a full-body workout disguised as an interactive gaming experience — think of it as the smart version of the WaterRower — and it's one of the most enjoyable we've tested.

The Ergatta also comes in a slightly less expensive version called the Ergatta Lite. It supports less weight (320 lbs.) and users up to 6 ft. 4 in., versus the 500 lbs. and 6 ft. 8 in. that the Ergatta can handle. But its smaller size makes it more compact for storage inside a closet.

Read our full review of the Ergatta Rower.

One of the best rowers we've tested that delivers the same kind of connected content fans of NordicTrack and Peloton have come to love is Hydrow and its Pro Rowing Machine. 

Built with an aluminum and steel frame on a flat, anthracite polymer body, the Hydrow Pro is a durable and sturdy rower. Attached to the front of the machine is an HD touchscreen where you're able to access its library of interactive workouts. These workouts include everything from on-demand routines, open swim-style free rows, whole body-specific workouts, and live classes.

The machine also comes with the ability to read your heart rate via an included monitor and features whisper-quiet electromagnetic resistance. Hydrow does well to not only provide classes that highly motivate you to finish a row but it also creates a competitive environment where you can see how you rank with other global users or anyone else using your machine. 

It has a steep sticker price plus a recurring monthly fee of $44 for access to the classes, but it's well worth the investment.

Read our full review of the Hydrow.

While the original Hydrow is a quality rower in its own right, the brand's follow-up, called the Hydrow Wave, is an impressive improvement in two areas: its ability to replicate the on-water experience and its cheaper price tag. 

Of the rowers we've tested, none came as close to what it feels like to actually row on water as the Hydrow Wave. This is due in large part to its ultra-smooth rowing operation that allows for a quite pleasant and rhythmic experience. It's also incredibly quiet when in use, something that we found to be calming and, at times, a bit hypnotic (in a good way). 

What makes the Wave even better is that it is about $500 cheaper than the Hydrow Pro (MSRP). It is still a hefty investment, but it's impressive for a smart machine of this caliber to cost less than $2,000. 

There are a few big differences, however. First, it has an unadjustable 16-inch built-in touchscreen display, compared to the original Hydrow's moveable 22-inch display. It also has smaller dimensions, though this isn't necessarily a drawback as it still supports the same amount of weight and takes up less space. 

Since we last reviewed the Wave, Hydrow now offers it in different colors. However, this comes at a higher price, and it's up to you to decide if it's worth the $300 premium.

Read our full review of the Hydrow Wave.

Ever since Peloton debuted its massively popular stationary bike, the brand has continued to build the majority of its name on offering motivating, interactive classes led by its energetic and charismatic carousel of instructors. With the Peloton Row, that strategy remains the same, albeit in a different form factor. 

Although the aesthetic differences between a rowing machine and a stationary bike or treadmill are obvious, where the Peloton Row truly differentiates itself from the other machines in Peloton's lineup is with the type of workout it delivers. Rowing can be a more effective full-body workout than running or cycling, and this is especially true when you factor in the kinds of motivating classes available to stream on the Row.

In addition to the classes, the rower also provides input on your form to help you get the most out of each stroke. You can set certain pace targets to hit during each workout, which will provide added motivation even on classes you may have already taken. This gives the Row's wide variety of class offerings a lot of replayability. 

The machine itself doesn't look all that different from something like the Hydrow, as it features an ergonomic seat, a large, built-in HD touchscreen display, and an adjustable strap system to fit folks of various heights. It's worth noting that it does have a weight limit of 300 lbs. which is less than either Hydrow model in this guide. 

Like Peloton's other machines, a monthly subscription is required to access the library of streamable classes. This costs $44 per month and is worth the expenditure so long as you use both the Row and the available classes often. 

Though NordicTrack may be more well-known for its stationary bikes and treadmills, the company also sells high-quality row machines — and its new RW900 is its crown jewel.

Since we last looked at the RW900, NordicTrack has redesigned it to mimic rowers from Hydrow and Peloton. It features a 24-inch HD touchscreen display and a library of interactive workout classes by real trainers.

What makes the rower particularly impressive is its dual resistance. While rowing away during a class, an instructor can digitally adjust the resistance based on how they want you to row. But if it's too hard or you want to kick your workout up a few notches, there's the ability to manually adjust this resistance on the fly.

The RW900 also shines with its workout offerings via its iFit interactive platform. Whether you're looking for studio routines from its roster of iFit trainers or more calming sessions in real locations around the world, the options are diverse. There are even yoga and cross-training courses to mix things up a bit.

Unfortunately, while the redesign looks sleek, it's also bigger than before and no longer folds for storage.

All new purchases also come with a free year of iFit (auto-renews at $39 per month), so you won't have to worry about a monthly recurring charge for access to the library of content for at least the first year. NordicTrack also offers different rowers with smaller screens and lower price points.

The reasonably priced Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine offers quite a few convenient features: a comfortable, cushioned seat, anti-grip handles, an LCD monitor that tracks stroke counts, time, and calories burned, and eight levels of knob-adjusted magnetic resistance for various intensities.

Level two is good for warming up before progressing to levels three and four for a more vigorous workout. Levels five and higher are more intense and perfect for long cardio-building rowing sessions. Level seven is for endurance and all-out sprints while level eight offers the greatest resistance (and hardest workout).

Able to support up to 250 pounds, Sunny's Magnetic Rowing Machine has a 48-inch-long rail in which the padded seat rolls smoothly and quietly. The rower can easily fold up for convenient storage and even has built-in wheels. It's easy to assemble and relatively compact, taking up minimal space when folded up and very little square footage when open.

If the WaterRower Rowing Machine looks familiar, that's because it's the base unit used by Ergatta, our pick of the best interactive rowing machine.

But it's the WaterRower that originated the water flywheel system, invented by John Duke, an engineer and former rower. Like the Ergatta, it's made in the USA from ethically sourced wood. Its look is so iconic that it's featured in the MoMA Design Store.

For an indoor rower, the WaterRower comes closest to recreating the sensation of actual outdoor rowing as its flywheel pushes through water in a heavy-duty tank. It even delivers soft and soothing swooshing sounds of water as you work out.

In addition to controlling resistance through your strokes — the harder and faster you row, the greater drag the flywheel encounters — you can increase resistance by adding water to the tank. In essence, the more water there is, the heavier the drag on the flywheel and the harder your workout.

The machine's maintenance is also easy. Just fill the tank using the included siphon pump and add a chlorine tablet every six months.

With a comfortable, stable seat that rolls smoothly along dual rails, you'll experience an excellent workout where you can keep track of distance, time, and calories burned, as displayed on the monitor.

Unlike the Ergatta, it does not have a touchscreen or smart features, but WaterRower offers connected apps that work with your smartphone or tablet in conjunction with the onboard S4 computer.

The rower comes with a three-year warranty on its parts and a five-year warranty on the frame.

Each rower featured in this guide went through a testing process to gauge how well it performed across these four categories: Ease of use, experience, reliability, and value. Here's how each category specifically factored into which rowers ultimately made this guide.

Ease of use: Row machines have a naturally low learning curve — the general idea is to just sit down and row. But we know there's more to it than that. Ease of use also refers to the process of setting up the machine in your home, how easy it is to get started, whether there's a companion app, and if that learning curve (however steep) dramatically impacts the following category: your experience.

Experience: Since a row machine delivers a full-body workout, you want one that won't feel like some sort of grueling game of tug of war. Ideally, a proper row machine offers smooth operation, an engaging platform (whether that means it offers digital feedback or is just fluid to use), and is comfortable to use. 

Reliability: If the rowing machine you invest in doesn't last longer than a few months, you'll likely be cursing whatever inclination you had to want to buy it. Put plainly, at-home workout machines aren't cheap and the one you ultimately end up spending a large chunk of money on should work and work often. 

Value: Value is a mixture of the categories that came before it, as well as some attention to its actual sticker price — but this doesn't mean that more expensive models should be ignored. It's better to spend more money once on a machine that's reliable, easy to use, and delivers a fun workout than to struggle with a different budget model every few months. 

Proper rowing form consists of an initial drive phase followed by a recovery phase, and it's the best way to get the most out of your workouts and avoid injury. Here's how to execute it: 

• For the drive, start first with your legs and once those are extended and your back is vertical, use your arms to pull the handle into your body. Your finished position should be your legs fully extended, the rower's handle pulled into your body with your wrists in line with your forearms. From here, you'll move on to recovery.
• The first step of recovery is to straighten your arms and pivot your body from your hips, making sure to avoid hunching forward or bending backward. This fluid motion will then have your legs flexing in until your shins are completely vertical.

Finally, don't think of this exercise as a race. Focus on perfecting your form, not on how fast you can row.

Is rowing better than running? 

Rowing activates more muscle groups than just running, according to a study by Dr. Cameron Nichol, a former Olympic rower. In addition to activating roughly 85% of your body's muscles and upwards of nine different muscle groups, rowing also helps strengthen your back, tone your arms, and benefit both your upper and lower body.

Can you row every day?

In short, yes. But like any workout routine, it's important not to overdo it or consistently push yourself over your limit. Personal trainer Irving Hyppolite told Business Insider that people tend to try to do too much and that there's an actual limit on how much your body can handle.

Hyppolite says three to five days a week of exercising from 45 minutes to an hour (including warm-up and cooldown) is a good standard.

Can you lose weight by using a rowing machine?

Consistent exercise is just one component of being able to manage your weight, so it's irresponsible to say that a rower can be singularly able to help you lose weight. Caley Crawford, NASM CPT and Director of Education for Row House told Business Insider that "it's crucial you partner a strong and healthy diet with your exercise routine." 

What type of rowing machine is best for home use?

The best rowing machine for home use depends on the amount of space you have to use a machine as big as a rower. Some rowers do fold up, making them easier to store against a wall or even stash in a garage, but many others do not and will take up a large footprint.

Measure the available space in your home and compare the sizes of each rower you're considering to get an idea of what will fit best.

Can you build muscle with a rowing machine?

Yes, using a rowing machine is a great, beginner-friendly way to build muscle. Plus, it works your entire body, allowing you to strengthen a variety of muscles and it's a much more low-impact workout than something like running or lifting weights.

With so many different kinds of rowers, it's important to examine each model to choose one that best fits your needs and keeps you motivated and injury-free.

You'll want to consider features like:

Type: At-home rowers are available in a variety of types, including folding options, those that come with a water reservoir, and others that have independently moving handles. There are also several resistance types (more below) that differentiate rowers. 

Resistance: Different types of resistance include magnetic (electromagnets slow the erg's metal flywheel), air (wind from the spinning flywheel creates drag), hydraulic (resistance is created by hydraulic fluid in a piston or two connected to the erg's handles), and water (the flywheel pushes against water in a tank).

Price: The price for rowers can cost anywhere from $150 for a basic, entry-level option to more than $2,000 for a smart rower with a built-in screen and streamable workouts. 

Maintenance: Most rowers simply need to be wiped down after use to preserve their durability. This includes wiping off any sweat and cleaning any grime that appears. Rowers that feature a water reservoir also need to have their water treated occasionally, and it's also smart to clean out the reservoir every six months.

Maximum user weight capacity: Models vary in how much they support, but many accommodate 220 to 265 pounds or more.

Size: The machine should be large enough for you to straighten your legs and maintain proper rowing form yet small enough to fit into your workout space.

Foldability: Some machines (usually magnetic and hydraulic resistance) fold up for easy storage, while others (often air and water resistance) don't. 

Monitor: A monitor or computer tracks information like distance, duration, speed, and/or calories burned while rowing.

Seat: It should be contoured and large enough to keep your backside comfortable while allowing you to maintain proper form.