Which Brand of Rowing Machine Is the Best?

Which Brand of Rowing Machine Is the Best? Concept2 is widely regarded as the best rowing machine brand for its durability, performance, and versatility, though Hydrow excels for tech-savvy users and Sunny Health & Fitness offers strong budget options.

Leading Rowing Machine Brands

Concept2: Industry Standard

Concept2, founded in 1981, is the gold standard in rowing machines, favored by Olympic rowers and CrossFit gyms. Its RowErg model, priced at $990-$1,155, uses air resistance for a smooth, scalable workout. A 2025 Men’s Health review praised its “high-quality construction” and “smooth ride,” noting it matches pricier models’ features. With a 500-pound capacity, foldable design (25×33 inches), and PM5 monitor for tracking metrics, it’s built to last, with 97% of Olympic oars supplied by Concept2, per Good Housekeeping. A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews review gave it a 4.75/5 for construction, citing units from the 1990s still in use.

• Strengths: Durable, versatile, gym-standard, 5-year frame warranty.
• Weaknesses: Noisy air resistance, no touchscreen.

Explore Concept2’s RowErg at Concept2.

Hydrow: Smart Technology Leader

Hydrow specializes in high-tech rowers with immersive workouts. The Hydrow Wave ($1,550) features a 16-inch touchscreen and magnetic resistance, ideal for small spaces (80×19 inches). A 2025 CNET review named it the best compact smart rower, highlighting its “realistic rowing feel.” The $44/month membership unlocks 5,000+ classes, but a “Just Row” mode offers basic metrics without it. A 2025 Good Housekeeping review noted its beginner-friendly tutorials, with 90% of users still active after a year.

• Strengths: Quiet, compact, engaging classes, Bluetooth compatibility.
• Weaknesses: Subscription cost, 375-pound capacity.

Discover Hydrow’s features at Hydrow.

Sunny Health & Fitness: Budget Champion

Sunny Health & Fitness offers affordable rowers, like the SF-RW5801 ($200), with magnetic resistance and a foldable design (36.3×23 inches). A 2025 Verywell Fit review gave it 4.2/5 for its “comfy seat” and easy assembly, ideal for beginners. It supports up to 250 pounds and pairs with the free SunnyFit app for workouts. However, 15% of users reported durability issues within two years, per Consumer Reports.

• Strengths: Affordable, lightweight, space-saving.
• Weaknesses: Limited durability, short slide rail (43 inches).

Compare budget rowers at Consumer Reports.

NordicTrack: Interactive Workouts

NordicTrack’s RW900 ($1,999) combines magnetic resistance with a 22-inch touchscreen and iFit integration ($39/month). A 2025 Yahoo review praised its “fluid strokes” and SmartAdjust feature, which adapts resistance to user progress. It supports 300 pounds and folds to 86×22 inches. A 2025 Women’s Health review noted its 26 resistance levels, ideal for varied workouts.

• Strengths: Immersive display, adjustable resistance, foldable.
• Weaknesses: High cost, subscription-dependent.

Explore iFit classes at NordicTrack.

WaterRower: Aesthetic Excellence

WaterRower blends style and function with water resistance for a meditative row. The WaterRower Natural ($1,299) supports 700 pounds and stores upright (23×22 inches). A 2025 Elite Rowing Coach review by an Olympic medalist called it “perfect for flow-based rowing,” mimicking outdoor conditions. Maintenance (water treatment every 6 months) is a drawback.

• Strengths: Quiet, stylish, high capacity.
• Weaknesses: Regular maintenance, no smart features.

See WaterRower models at WaterRower.

Comparison of Top Brands

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brand

Budget

Prices range from $200 (Sunny Health & Fitness) to $2,195 (Hydrow Pro). A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found 78% satisfaction with mid-range models ($300-$700). Concept2 offers the best value for durability, while Sunny Health & Fitness suits tight budgets.

Space

Foldable rowers like Concept2 (25×33 inches) and Sunny Health SF-RW5801 (36.3×23 inches) fit small spaces. Hydrow Wave is compact but non-foldable. Ensure 2 feet of clearance, per ACSM guidelines.

Resistance Type

• Air (Concept2): Scalable, durable, noisy.
• Magnetic (Hydrow, NordicTrack, Sunny): Quiet, adjustable, less dynamic.
• Water (WaterRower): Smooth, maintenance-heavy.

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

Fitness Goals

• Weight Loss: Concept2 and NordicTrack support high-intensity sessions, burning 200-300 calories per 30 minutes, per Harvard Health.
• Endurance: WaterRower and Concept2 excel for steady-state cardio.
• Guided Workouts: Hydrow and NordicTrack offer immersive classes.

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

Durability

Concept2’s steel frame lasts decades, per Garage Gym Reviews. Hydrow and NordicTrack offer 1-2 year warranties, while Sunny Health & Fitness models may need replacing in 2-3 years.

Learn about rowing machine durability at Forbes.

Who Should Choose Each Brand?

Beginners

Sunny Health & Fitness and Hydrow offer user-friendly designs with tutorials. A 2025 Verywell Fit review praised Sunny’s simplicity and Hydrow’s guided classes for novices.

Athletes

Concept2 is ideal for competitive rowers, with a 2025 BarBend review noting its use in CrossFit and Olympic training.

Tech Enthusiasts

Hydrow and NordicTrack provide immersive experiences. A 2025 PCMag review lauded their touchscreens for engagement.

Style-Conscious Users

WaterRower’s wooden design suits home aesthetics, per Elite Rowing Coach.

Explore smart rowers at PCMag.

Potential Drawbacks

Noise

Concept2’s air resistance is noisy, per Reddit users. Hydrow and WaterRower are quieter alternatives.

Cost

Hydrow and NordicTrack require subscriptions ($39-$44/month), increasing long-term costs. Sunny Health & Fitness avoids this but sacrifices durability.

Maintenance

WaterRower needs regular water treatment, unlike low-maintenance Concept2 or Hydrow.

Space

Non-foldable models like Hydrow Pro require more room. Measure space carefully, per Men’s Health.

FAQ

Which rowing machine brand is most durable?

Concept2 is the most durable, with units lasting over 20 years, per Garage Gym Reviews.

Is Hydrow worth the price?

Yes, for tech-savvy users seeking guided workouts, but its $44/month subscription adds cost, per CNET.

Are Sunny Health & Fitness rowers reliable?

They’re reliable for casual use, but 15% of users report issues within 2 years, per Consumer Reports.

Which brand is best for small spaces?

Hydrow Wave and Sunny Health SF-RW5801 are compact and foldable, ideal for apartments, per Verywell Fit.

Which brand suits competitive rowers?

Concept2 is the top choice for athletes, used in 97% of Olympic rowing events, per Good Housekeeping.

Final Thoughts

Concept2 leads for its unmatched durability and performance, making it ideal for most users, from athletes to home gym enthusiasts. Hydrow shines for tech-driven workouts, while Sunny Health & Fitness is perfect for budget-conscious beginners. Consider your goals, space, and budget when choosing. Resources like Consumer Reports, Men’s Health, and Forbes offer detailed comparisons to guide your decision.

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.

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