What Is the Best Rowing Machine?

What Is the Best Rowing Machine? The best rowing machine depends on your budget, space, and fitness goals, but the Concept2 RowErg stands out for its durability, performance, and versatility, while the Hydrow Wave excels for smart features and compact design.

Top Rowing Machines for 2025

Concept2 RowErg: Best Overall

The Concept2 RowErg is the industry standard, used by Olympic rowers and CrossFit gyms. Its air resistance system scales with effort, offering a smooth, adjustable workout. A 2025 Men’s Health review praised its “high-quality construction” and “smooth ride,” noting it matches features of pricier models at $990-$1,155. It supports users up to 500 pounds, folds for storage (25×33 inches), and includes a PM5 monitor for tracking distance, pace, and watts. Its durability is unmatched, with 97% of Olympic oars supplied by Concept2, per Good Housekeeping.

• Pros: Durable, versatile, foldable, accurate performance tracking.
• Cons: Noisy air resistance, basic display.

Learn more about the Concept2 RowErg at Concept2.

Hydrow Wave: Best Smart Rower

The Hydrow Wave offers a compact, high-tech experience with a 16-inch touchscreen and immersive workouts. Priced at $1,550, it’s ideal for small spaces (80×19 inches) and includes a $44/month membership for on-demand classes. A 2025 CNET review named it the best compact smart rower, highlighting its “realistic rowing feel” and fast assembly. It supports users up to 375 pounds and features quiet magnetic resistance.

• Pros: Compact, quiet, engaging classes.
• Cons: Subscription required for full features.

Explore Hydrow Wave features at Hydrow.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801: Best Budget

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 is a budget-friendly magnetic rower at $200, perfect for beginners. A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews review rated its value 4/5, noting its compact design (50 pounds, foldable to 36.3×23 inches). It offers eight resistance levels but lacks advanced programming. Durability concerns arise, with 15% of users reporting issues within two years, per Consumer Reports.

• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, space-saving.
• Cons: Limited durability, no preset workouts.

Check budget options at Consumer Reports.

NordicTrack RW900: Best for Interactive Workouts

The NordicTrack RW900 features a 22-inch touchscreen and iFit integration for guided classes. Priced at $1,999, it offers 26 resistance levels and a 300-pound capacity. A 2025 Verywell Fit review gave it 5/5 for its “extensive workout library” and scenic rows. It folds to save space (86×22 inches folded) but requires a $39/month iFit subscription.

• Pros: Immersive display, versatile workouts, foldable.
• Cons: Expensive, subscription-dependent.

Discover iFit classes at NordicTrack.

WaterRower Natural: Best for Aesthetics

The WaterRower Natural combines a wooden frame with water resistance for a quiet, smooth row. Priced at $1,299, it mimics outdoor rowing and stores upright (23×22 inches). A 2025 Independent review lauded its “fabulous design” and performance, though maintenance (water treatment every 6 months) is required. It supports up to 700 pounds.

• Pros: Quiet, stylish, durable.
• Cons: Regular maintenance, no touchscreen.

See WaterRower models at WaterRower.

Comparison of Top Rowing Machines

Key Factors to Choose the Best Rowing Machine

Budget

Rowing machines range from $200 to $3,000. Budget models like the Sunny Health SF-RW5801 suit casual users, while premium options like the NordicTrack RW900 offer advanced features. A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found 78% of users were satisfied with mid-range models ($300-$700).

Space

Most rowers are 6-8 feet long but fold to half their size. The Hydrow Wave (80×19 inches) is ideal for apartments, while the Concept2 RowErg folds to 25×33 inches. Measure your space, ensuring 2 feet of clearance, per ACSM guidelines.

Resistance Type

• Air: Scales with effort, durable but noisy (e.g., Concept2).
• Magnetic: Quiet, adjustable, less dynamic (e.g., Hydrow Wave).
• Water: Smooth, quiet, requires maintenance (e.g., WaterRower).
• Hydraulic: Compact, less durable, budget-friendly.

A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews poll rated air rowers highest for workout intensity.

Fitness Goals

• Weight Loss: Rowing burns 200-300 calories per 30 minutes, per Harvard Health. HIIT on the Concept2 or NordicTrack maximizes fat loss.
• Strength: Higher resistance settings on air or water rowers build muscle.
• Endurance: Long, steady sessions on any rower improve stamina.

A 2022 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study found rowing HIIT increased fat loss by 12% over steady-state cardio.

Durability and Warranty

High-end rowers like Concept2 offer 10-year frame warranties, while budget models may last 2-3 years. A 2025 Forbes review emphasized durability for daily use, recommending steel or aluminum frames.

Learn about rowing machine durability at Forbes.

Who Should Use These Rowing Machines?

Beginners

The Sunny Health SF-RW5801 and Hydrow Wave are beginner-friendly with adjustable resistance and tutorials. A 2025 Verywell Fit review noted magnetic rowers suit novices for their quiet operation.

Athletes

The Concept2 RowErg is ideal for CrossFit or competitive rowers, with a 2025 BarBend review calling it “perfect for high-intensity training.” Its air resistance supports intense workouts.

Small Space Owners

The Hydrow Wave and Echelon Row (folds to 7 feet) suit apartments. A 2025 Men’s Health review highlighted foldable rowers for small gyms.

Tech Enthusiasts

The NordicTrack RW900 and Hydrow Wave offer immersive classes. A 2025 PCMag review praised their touchscreens for keeping users engaged.

Explore smart rowers at PCMag.

Potential Drawbacks

Noise

Air rowers like Concept2 are noisy, per Reddit users, though magnetic (Hydrow) or water (WaterRower) models are quieter.

Cost

Premium rowers and subscriptions (e.g., Hydrow’s $44/month) add up. Budget options may lack durability, with 20% failure rates in 3 years, per Consumer Reports.

Space

Even foldable rowers need storage space. Measure carefully, as advised by Men’s Health.

Learning Curve

Improper form reduces effectiveness. A 2023 Journal of Sports Medicine study noted 10% of new rowers experience strain due to poor technique. Use tutorials from Concept2 or YouTube.

FAQ

What is the best rowing machine for home use?

The Concept2 RowErg is best for most due to its durability, foldability, and versatility, per Men’s Health.

Are budget rowing machines worth it?

Yes, for casual users. The Sunny Health SF-RW5801 offers value but may lack longevity, per Consumer Reports.

Which rower is best for small spaces?

The Hydrow Wave is compact and effective, ideal for apartments, per CNET.

Do smart rowers require subscriptions?

Some, like Hydrow and NordicTrack, need subscriptions ($39-$44/month) for full features, per PCMag.

How durable are rowing machines?

High-end models like Concept2 last over 10 years, while budget rowers may need replacing in 2-3 years, per Forbes.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best rowing machine depends on your needs. The Concept2 RowErg excels for durability and performance, while the Hydrow Wave suits tech-savvy users with limited space. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the Sunny Health SF-RW5801, but prioritize durability for frequent use. Use resources like Consumer Reports or Men’s Health to compare models and ensure your investment aligns with your fitness goals.

About Author

Mariar Fernandez

Hi, I’m Mariar Fernandez, and I consider that every person can attain the frame in their goals. I’m a certified health and fitness trainer and have helped customers acquire their dream bodies for 15 years. Whether you’re looking to get beach body prepared, compete in a bodybuilding display, or really to enhance your confidence and well-being, I can help.

See author's posts