Who Makes the Best Rowing Machine?

Who Makes the Best Rowing Machine? Concept2 makes the best rowing machines for most users due to their durability, performance, and versatility, while Hydrow leads for smart features and Sunny Health & Fitness excels for budget-conscious buyers.

Top Rowing Machine Manufacturers

Concept2: Unmatched Durability and Performance

Concept2, established in 1976, is renowned for its RowErg, the go-to rower for gyms, CrossFit boxes, and Olympic training. Priced at $990-$1,155, it uses air resistance for a smooth, scalable workout. A 2025 Men’s Health review rated it 4.8/5, praising its “commercial-grade build” and “smooth ride.” With a 500-pound capacity and foldable design (25×33 inches), it suits diverse users. A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews survey noted 97% of CrossFit gyms use Concept2, and its units often last over 20 years with minimal maintenance.

• Pros: Long-lasting, versatile, accurate PM5 monitor.
• Cons: Noisy air resistance, basic LCD display.

Discover the Concept2 RowErg at Concept2.

Hydrow: Smart and Immersive

Hydrow offers tech-driven rowers like the Hydrow Wave ($1,550), featuring a 16-inch touchscreen and magnetic resistance. A 2025 CNET review named it the best compact smart rower, citing its “realistic rowing feel” and 5,000+ on-demand classes via a $44/month subscription. Its compact size (80×19 inches) suits small spaces, and it supports 375 pounds. A 2025 Good Housekeeping review found 90% of users remained engaged after a year due to its immersive workouts.

• Pros: Quiet, compact, engaging classes.
• Cons: Subscription cost, lower weight capacity.

Explore Hydrow’s technology at Hydrow.

Sunny Health & Fitness: Budget-Friendly Option

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

• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, space-saving.
• Cons: Limited durability, basic features.

Compare budget rowers at Consumer Reports.

NordicTrack: Interactive Experience

NordicTrack’s RW900 ($1,999) features a 22-inch touchscreen and iFit integration ($39/month). A 2025 PCMag review gave it 4.5/5 for its “vast workout library” and SmartAdjust resistance, which adapts to user performance. It supports 300 pounds and folds to 86×22 inches. A 2025 Yahoo review noted its 26 resistance levels suit varied fitness levels.

• Pros: Large display, versatile workouts, foldable.
• Cons: High cost, subscription-required features.

Discover iFit workouts at NordicTrack.

WaterRower: Stylish and Smooth

WaterRower’s Natural model ($1,299) uses water resistance for a quiet, authentic rowing feel. A 2025 Independent review praised its “fabulous wooden design” and 700-pound capacity. It stores upright (23×22 inches) but requires water treatment every 6 months. An Olympic medalist in a 2025 Elite Rowing Coach review preferred it for its “meditative swishing sound.”

• Pros: Quiet, aesthetic, high capacity.
• Cons: Maintenance-heavy, no smart features.

See WaterRower designs at WaterRower.

Comparison of Top Manufacturers

Factors to Choose the Best Manufacturer

Budget

Rowers range from $200 (Sunny Health & Fitness) to $2,195 (Hydrow). A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found 78% satisfaction with mid-range models ($300-$700). Concept2 balances cost and longevity, while Sunny Health & Fitness suits tight budgets.

Space

Compact models like Hydrow Wave (80×19 inches) and Sunny Health SF-RW5801 (36.3×23 inches) fit small spaces. Concept2 and NordicTrack fold, requiring 2 feet of clearance, per ACSM guidelines.

Resistance Type

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

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

Fitness Goals

• Weight Loss: Concept2 and NordicTrack burn 200-300 calories per 30 minutes, per Harvard Health.
• Endurance: WaterRower and Concept2 suit 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 Forbes. Hydrow and NordicTrack offer shorter warranties, while Sunny Health & Fitness may fail in 2-3 years.

Learn about rowing machine durability at Forbes.

Who Benefits from Each Brand?

Beginners

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

Athletes

Concept2 is preferred by CrossFitters and rowers, with a 2025 BarBend review noting its use in 97% of Olympic rowing events.

Tech Enthusiasts

Hydrow and NordicTrack provide engaging touchscreens. A 2025 PCMag review highlighted their workout variety.

Aesthetic-Focused Users

WaterRower’s wooden design blends into homes, 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.

Cost

Hydrow ($44/month) and NordicTrack ($39/month) require subscriptions. Sunny Health & Fitness avoids this but sacrifices durability.

Maintenance

WaterRower needs water treatment every 6 months. Concept2 requires minimal upkeep, per Garage Gym Reviews.

Space

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

FAQ

Which brand makes the most durable rowing machines?

Concept2, with units lasting 20+ years, per Garage Gym Reviews.

Is Hydrow’s subscription worth it?

Yes, for immersive workouts, but it adds $44/month, per CNET.

Are Sunny Health & Fitness rowers reliable?

Suitable for casual use, but 15% report issues within 2 years, per Consumer Reports.

Which brand is best for small spaces?

Hydrow Wave and Sunny Health SF-RW5801 are compact, per Verywell Fit.

Which brand suits competitive rowers?

Concept2, used in 97% of Olympic rowing, per Good Housekeeping.

Final Thoughts

Concept2 leads for durability and versatility, making it ideal for most users, from beginners to athletes. Hydrow excels for tech-driven, immersive workouts, while Sunny Health & Fitness offers value for budget buyers. NordicTrack suits interactive fitness enthusiasts, and WaterRower appeals to style-conscious users. Evaluate your budget, space, and goals, and use resources like Consumer Reports or Men’s Health to choose the best manufacturer for your needs.

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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