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What Are the Best Rowing Machines to Buy?
What Are the Best Rowing Machines to Buy? The best rowing machines to buy in 2026 are the Concept2 RowErg (top overall and for serious training), Hydrow Wave (best for interactive classes and beginners), WaterRower Oak (best for quiet, aesthetic home use), and NordicTrack RW900 (best smart connected option).
These recommendations draw from expert reviews by Wirecutter, Garage Gym Reviews, BarBend, and others, emphasizing durability, workout quality, and value.
Why Rowing Machines Are Worth It
Rowing provides a low-impact, full-body workout engaging up to 86% of your muscles, including legs, core, back, and arms. It improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and burns 250-400 calories in a 30-minute session (depending on intensity and body weight). Harvard Health notes it’s joint-friendly, ideal for beginners or those with mobility concerns. The global rowing machines market is growing at a CAGR of 4.5-5.6%, reaching billions by 2030+, driven by home fitness demand and connected tech.
Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) remains the gold standard, used in gyms, boathouses, and competitions worldwide. Its air-resistance flywheel delivers a gritty, realistic feel mimicking on-water rowing, with adjustable damper levels for customizable intensity.
Key features:
- Sturdy steel/aluminum build with 500-pound user capacity
- PM5 monitor tracks precise metrics (split time, watts, meters, calories)
- Easy assembly and storage (separates into two parts)
- Durable, repairable parts with excellent warranty
Pros — Accurate, reliable, great for HIIT and competitive training.
Cons — Noisy flywheel and chain (not ideal for apartments).
Price — Around $1,000-$1,100.
Experts at Wirecutter and Men’s Health call it the best for workout experience after rigorous testing.
For more details, check the official site: Concept2 RowErg.
Best for Interactive Workouts: Hydrow Wave
For motivation through classes, the Hydrow Wave excels with electromagnetic resistance for quiet, smooth operation and a touchscreen delivering live/on-demand sessions led by real athletes on scenic waterways.
Key features:
- Compact design, easy vertical storage
- 375-pound capacity
- Engaging tutorials and “rage rows” for intensity
- Subscription ($44/month) unlocks full content
Pros — Beginner-friendly with form guidance; immersive experience.
Cons — Requires membership for best features.
Reviewers praise it as more approachable than the Concept2 for newcomers.
Learn more at the official Hydrow site: Hydrow Wave.
Best Quiet and Aesthetic: WaterRower Oak
The WaterRower Oak uses water resistance for a natural, calming whoosh sound, making it perfect for peaceful home sessions. Its wooden frame adds elegance.
Key features:
- Vertical storage capability
- S4 monitor for metrics
- Smooth, self-adjusting resistance based on effort
Pros — Quiet and meditative; stylish design.
Cons — Less precise for competitive metrics; requires tank maintenance.
Price — Around $1,300.
Wirecutter highlights it as the top choice for a serene workout.
Explore options here: WaterRower.
Best Smart Connected: NordicTrack RW900
The NordicTrack RW900 offers magnetic resistance for silent operation and a massive 24-inch touchscreen with iFit integration (thousands of workouts, including global rows).
Key features:
- Foldable for space-saving
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Immersive classes and auto-adjustments
Pros — Tech-packed; excellent for guided sessions.
Cons — Subscription needed for full iFit access; lower weight capacity (~350 pounds).
It’s ideal for those wanting variety and large-screen motivation.
See full specs at: NordicTrack RW900.
Comparison Table
| Model | Resistance Type | Price Range | Weight Capacity | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg | Air | $1,000-$1,100 | 500 lbs | Durability & accuracy | Serious training |
| Hydrow Wave | Electromagnetic | $1,500+ | 375 lbs | Interactive classes | Beginners & motivation |
| WaterRower Oak | Water | $1,300 | 300-500 lbs | Quiet & aesthetic | Peaceful home use |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Magnetic | $1,800+ | 350 lbs | Large screen & iFit | Tech-savvy users |
FAQ
What is the best rowing machine for beginners?
The Hydrow Wave or Echelon Row-S (with tutorials and form corrections) are ideal due to guided classes. The Concept2 works well but lacks built-in coaching.
Are rowing machines good for weight loss?
Yes — they burn high calories while building muscle. Consistent 30-minute sessions can lead to significant results, especially combined with diet.
How much should I spend on a rowing machine?
$1,000-$1,500 gets reliable quality (e.g., Concept2). Premium smart models exceed $2,000 with subscriptions.
Do I need a subscription?
No for Concept2 or WaterRower. Yes for full access on Hydrow or NordicTrack.
How loud are rowing machines?
Air models like Concept2 are loudest; water and magnetic are quietest.
Final Thoughts
Prioritize your needs — raw performance (Concept2), engagement (Hydrow), calm (WaterRower), or tech (NordicTrack). All deliver excellent full-body, low-impact cardio. Invest in a durable model for long-term value, and focus on consistent use for the best fitness gains. Happy rowing!
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