The 9 Best Rowing Machines of 2024, Tested

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If you want to shake up your workout routine, a rowing machine can be a powerful addition to your home gym setup. Personal trainer Salsabila Aboulalazm likes rowing because it’s a lower-impact form of cardio that helps her clients mix things up. Unlike running on a treadmill, rowing has the added benefit of working your upper- and lower-body muscles simultaneously. But all rowing machines aren’t created equal, and each style provides a slightly different experience. To find the best rowing machines, we spoke with a professional rowing instructor and a personal trainer to better understand which important features to look for

We then tested 18 expert-approved rowing machines from top brands at home for a total of 6,624 hours of testing. We used each machine regularly in our home gyms for weeks, at least three times per week, testing every single feature. When we test rowing machines, we prioritize models that feel durable and are built to last. We also consider safety features, price, and storage (for rowers that fold up or can otherwise be stashed away). Our top picks earned high scores for stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and value. We also had a certified USA cycling and triathlon coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy regarding how to use a rowing machine safely.

Thoroughly Vetted & Reviewed

Types of Rowing Machines

There are a few styles of rowing machines, each with its own feel and benefits. These are the most common styles you’ll come across as you shop:

  • Magnetic: When you pull the handle on a magnetic rower, the magnets and flywheel work together to create resistance. Sarah Fuhrmann, a certified rowing instructor, says magnetic options provide consistent resistance, no matter how hard you push yourself while using them. 
  • Air: The flywheel on air-powered rowers contains a fan. As you pull on the handles, the fan turns and pulls air in. The faster you pull, the more resistance the fan provides. 
  • Water: Water-based rowing machines are built with a water tank that has pedals inside. These rowers feel the closest to rowing in the water. As with air-powered options, you’ll experience more resistance the harder and faster you pull, Fuhrmann says. 
  • Hydraulic: Hydraulic rowers have an internal mechanism that uses hydraulic pistons to determine resistance. These rowing machines don’t usually feel as smooth as other options.

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Reactive electromagnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 inches | Product Weight: 145 pounds | Storage: Upright | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who It’s For

Best for the rowing purist who wants to feel like they’re actually rowing on water.

Why We Love It

Using an electromagnetic drag system, Hydrow’s Pro Rower provides a smooth and hyper-realistic rowing feel that isn’t choppy, earning it our top spot as the best rowing machine on the market. The rowing machine feels hyper-stable and never wobbles, even when we’re sprinting. We love how safe it feels and that it provides various classes that keep us engaged and prevent us from ever tiring of using the machine. 

The leaderboard-focused classes combined with a high-quality video and audio setup are great for exercisers who are motivated by competition. Unlike other options, the handlebars are comfortable and never leave our hands feeling sore or rough. Plus, the easy-on-and-off foot strap system works for different shoe sizes, making this a truly customizable machine.

Potential Flaws

  • The on/off switch is inconveniently near the ground on the front of the machine, so it can be hard to reach, especially for those with mobility issues.

Meet Our Tester

Despite previously exercising a lot, our tester calls themself a beginner to rowing workouts, as they haven’t been rowing much recently. They used to row twice a week about 10 years ago. Our tester likes this machine because it offers more workout variety than other options, and they also appreciate its sturdiness and consistent resistance.

ProForm Pro 750R Rower

PHOTO: Walmart
Pros

  • Handlebar position promotes good rowing form

  • Includes a 30-day free trial of the app

  • Foldable and compact design

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Magnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 45.5 inches | Product Weight: 116 pounds | Storage: Foldable | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for athletes looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Why We Love It

With a lower price point than competitors but many of the same high-quality features, ProForm’s Pro 750R Rower is an easy choice for a top-tier, budget-friendly rower. The rower is quiet and has smooth magnetic resistance. We love that it comes with a 30-day free trial of the iFit app, which features more than 10,000 trainer-led rowing workouts. Plus, when following workouts in the app, trainers can adjust your resistance remotely, making the workout even more challenging. 

The padded handlebars on the 750R are comfortable and help us maintain good rowing form. We also like that the monitor is easy to adjust to our preferred height with a knob, making for a more customizable experience. The foldable design makes it easy to store the rower when guests come over, which makes it a great option for those with smaller spaces.

Potential Flaws

  • If you don’t opt to continue paying for an iFit membership after your 30-day free trial, you’ll lose a lot of the perks of this rower, like the auto-adjust resistance feature.
  • The footrests are difficult to adjust and don’t feel very durable compared to the rest of the rower.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester used to work out on a rower a lot, but after having a second child, they fell off their exercise game for a bit, so they feel like a beginner again when using a rower. They found this option the smoothest of any rowers they’d used before.

ProForm Pro R10 Rower

PHOTO: ProForm
Pros

  • Easy to stow with front wheels

  • Stays stable, even when using it with high resistance

  • Comfortable and adjustable

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Magnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 45.5 inches | Product Weight: 122 pounds | Storage: Foldable | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for the apartment dweller who can’t afford to give up space when not working out.

Why We Love It

ProForm’s Pro R10 Rower is foldable and has a very small footprint when folded, which makes it great for people with limited space. It’s easy to fold and features front-mounted wheels that help to make storage even easier. The compact foldability of this rower doesn’t make it any less stable, and the machine never wobbles, even when we’re using it with high resistance. 

Like ProForm’s 750R version, this one also comes with a 30-day free trial of the iFit app. This option also lets trainers adjust your resistance remotely when following a workout in the app. The adjustable handlebars and footrests are easy to tailor to different heights and foot sizes, making it a great machine for the whole household. Plus, the padded seat and handlebars make rowing much more comfortable.

Potential Flaws

  • The rower doesn’t feature a tablet or cup holder, which is disappointing given its higher price point.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an intermediate exerciser with little rowing experience, but they have used a rower a few times before testing one for Verywell Fit. They like that the iFit app offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced class options, so there is room to grow as you become stronger.

Peloton Row

PHOTO: One Peloton
Pros

  • Works well for taller people 

  • Has cup and phone holders

  • Offers form improvement feedback

Cons

  • Seat isn’t very comfortable

  • Handlebars can be hard to reach once you’re strapped in

  • Peloton app membership is separate

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Magnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 94 x 24 inches | Product Weight: 156.5 pounds | Storage: Foldable with upright wall anchor | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for form fanatics looking to get rowing class-level feedback from their home.

Why We Love It

Peloton’s Rower is great for anyone looking for a studio-like experience. The Peloton app features a variety of rowing classes for every level that keep us engaged and motivate us to give our all during workouts. We also like that the app offers real-time form feedback when paired with your rower and lets you know if you make mistakes while you row. It often will inform us that we’re pulling on the handlebars too early or we’re using our legs more than we should, mimicking the experience of working out in person with a trainer

Peloton’s Rower features smooth magnetic resistance and the included wheels make it easy to move around when not in use. It also mimics the sensation of rowing on water more than other options we tested. The audio and video streamed from the rower are super clear, and we particularly enjoy the scenic rowing workouts that can be streamed from the app. Plus, we like that the Peloton features a phone and cup holder.

Potential Flaws

  • The seat lacks cushioning and feels less comfortable compared to others we’ve tested.
  • We find it hard to reach the handlebars once our feet are locked into place on the rower.
  • You’ll need to pay for a Peloton All-Access Membership to take advantage of the full features of this rower, and to get access to the class library.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an intermediate rower who was on their high school’s rowing team for a year. With the dozens of rowing classes offered in Peloton’s app, they feel this option is a good choice for both beginners and advanced rowers. They’re 6 feet, 5 inches tall, and found the Peloton Rower stable enough to support them.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • Rotatable monitor for workouts off the rower

  • Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes offered

  • Smooth, quiet strokes

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Magnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 22 x 54 inches | Product Weight: 163 pounds | Storage: Wheels for transport | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for exercise fanatics looking to get in more than just a rowing workout each day.

Why We Love It

Equipped with an adjustable monitor and a crystal-clear screen, NordicTrack’s RW900 Rower can be used for rowing workouts and other iFit classes, including yoga and weightlifting. We love that the 22-inch monitor rotates, so you can easily stream classes from an exercise mat instead of the rower on your cross-training days. 

With beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes available, it’s a versatile option for any level. Rowing workouts feel smooth and quiet, and the beginner classes offered by iFit are good at teaching proper rowing form. Our tester, an advanced competitive rower, notes that this option is great at mimicking rowing on water. As in open-water rowing, this rower requires you to push extra hard from your feet at the beginning of each stroke. The rower’s seat also mimics that of a rowing boat, improving stability and giving rowers a feel for the real deal.

Potential Flaws

  • This option doesn’t store vertically, although it has wheels which make it easy to move when not in use. 
  • The seat feels uncomfortable during longer rows because it’s not as cushioned as other options.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an advanced rower who rows three to five times weekly and is on a competitive team. They found the drive to be smooth but noted that this rower machine may be better suited to a beginner.

Echelon Row-S

PHOTO: Echelon

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Magnetic | Max Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 21 x 45 inches | Product Weight: 123 pounds | Storage: Foldable | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for people new to rowing who want good, introductory classes without spending a fortune.

Why We Love It

Offering moderate-intensity workouts and a more no-frills design, Echelon’s Row-S Connected Rowing Machine is a less intimidating entry point to at-home rowing workouts. It offers beautiful scenic workouts, which made one of our testers want to try open-water rowing for the first time. We love that the Row-S remains stable, even during intense sessions. The rower features a comfortable seat and footrests with adjustable straps that keep you locked in as you row. 

We love that the 22-inch touchscreen rotates so you can stream mat workouts from your rower and rowing workouts when on your machine. You’ll need an Echelon Premier Membership to unlock live classes, but at $12/month, the membership cost is more reasonable than other options we’ve tested. When rowing, the touchscreen displays basic stats like calories burned, output, and workout duration—nothing fancy, but it’s enough to keep beginners motivated as they see progress.

Potential Flaws

  • We found the setup of this rower tedious and difficult, so you may need help assembling it.
  • The resistance buttons are located on the handlebar, which caused us to change resistance while rowing a few times accidentally.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a newbie to consistent rowing who found the scenic workouts offered by this rower helped keep them engaged. They also liked how comfortable the rower felt and said this is a good value option for beginners.

Aviron Strong Go

PHOTO: Aviron

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Dual air and magnetic resistance | Max Weight Capacity: 507 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 27 x 48 inches | Product Weight: 105 pounds | Storage: Upright | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for larger bodies and people looking for intense rowing workouts.

Why We Love It

With a 507-pound weight capacity, Aviron’s Strong Go is one of the most durable rowers we tested. It features an aluminum construction that keeps it stable no matter how hard you’re pushing yourself. A wider seat also helps keep the machine from wobbling, even when we push off particularly hard during strokes.

To get full access to all that Aviron’s rower offers, you’ll want to purchase a membership, which isn’t included. But with unlimited profiles and more than 1,000 trainer-led workouts for all skill levels, we think the membership is worth it. With the membership, you’ll also be able to follow structured rowing workout programs that range from two to 12 weeks and focus on either building strength or improving rowing form. The handlebars, seat, and footrests were all comfortable, and the rower is easy to set up and has a sleek design.

Potential Flaws

  • It doesn’t come with a display, but it features a device holder, so you can easily place your tablet or smartphone in that slot and stream workouts from there.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an intermediate exerciser who is relatively new to rowing. They felt this rower was well-suited to any skill level, with various workout programs to keep people engaged. They also love that this machine is extremely stable and easy to set up with a modern design that’s very space-efficient.

Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine

PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • Accommodates all heights

  • Comfortable seat 

  • Very stable

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Wind resistance | Max Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 96 x 24 x 14 inches | Product Weight: 57 pounds | Storage: No | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for a household with multiple users of different shapes and sizes who want a highly adjustable rower.

Why We Love It

With an adjustable footrest and seat, Concept2’s RowErg is a highly customizable option that worked great for our average-size tester and their husband, who’s 6 feet, 8 inches tall. It offers a very smooth and consistent rowing experience and is exceptionally stable. The Concept2 is the gold standard in the rowing industry and feels as close to open-water rowing as you can get. The 14-inch seat is very comfortable and fits rowers of different sizes. 

While it doesn’t feature a touchscreen monitor like other options we tested, it’s equipped with a small display that shows basic data like pace, watts, stroke rate, and calories burned. It’s also one of the most reliable options on the market, used by rowing teams worldwide, which more than makes up for its lack of screen features. 

Potential Flaws

  • It’s not geared toward people who prefer a monitor to compete and take live classes, but you can attach your smartphone to the rower and use it to stream workouts or shows. 

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an advanced exerciser with extensive rowing experience and a former D1 rower at Syracuse University. They found this option to be a great value and a very reliable rower, noting that’s why it’s the gold standard for rowing teams worldwide.

The Ergatta Lite

PHOTO: Ergatta
Pros

  • Scenic workouts

  • Super clear display

  • No jerkiness

Key Specs

Resistance Type: Water | Max Weight Capacity: 320 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 23 x 38 inches | Product Weight: 40 pounds (without added water) | Storage: Folds upright | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for people who need some extra competitive incentive to crush a workout.

Why We Love It

Features like an AI coach for form improvement, scenic rowing options in Europe and Asia, and the ability to race other Ergatta users make the Ergatta Lite a unique rower. If you prefer to use yourself as competition, you can set goals and compete against them on the rower’s crisp display. 

We love that the display is super clear and rotates for off-rower workouts and that the speakers are also high quality. Plus, the Ergatta Lite never wobbles or feels unstable during workouts, and the water whooshing in the reservoir as we row creates a pleasant sound that mimicks rowing on water. Unlike lower-quality rowers, this one is super sturdy and never feels jerky during strokes. 

Potential Flaws

  • Shorter people may find the handlebars to be too far from their bodies. 
  • Changing the monitor’s position is a little difficult and takes time to get used to.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a beginner to exercise who has some experience with rowing. They liked this option for its ability to offer smooth resistance and scenic routes that encourage an immersive feel. 

What to Look for When Shopping for a Rowing Machine

  • Handle Design: Grip shouldn’t be a limiting factor to getting a good workout on a rower. Consider rowing machines with textured handles so sweaty hands won’t slip off as easily, especially if you wearing jewelry like silicone rings. Just make sure the handle is still comfortable to hold (and isn’t so rough that it gives you blisters).
  • Durability: Most rowing machines are significant investments, so make sure yours is designed with materials that will last. Fuhrmann recommends looking for sturdy machines with a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds. 
  • Storage and Portability: Most rowing machines are fairly large, so measure your space before purchasing. If you have a smaller home gym, consider a foldable rowing machine or something with wheels that can be moved out of the way when needed. 
  • Programming: Many machines come with built-in programming to help encourage a better workout. This can be achieved through features like automatic resistance changes or scenic rowing options to help keep users engaged. While these extra features are nice and may be worth it for avid rowers, Aboulalazm says that beginners or those on a budget can also get a great rowing workout without these add-ons.
  • Additional Features: Many modern rowers have helpful, high-tech features to enhance your workouts and performance. Some can monitor your heart rate, while others provide real-time form feedback as you row. You may also want a rower that lets you screen classes taught by professional instructors or one with a great audio system for your favorite playlists. When it comes to the rower’s design, some have fans or phone holders. According to Fuhrmann, your rower should, at the bare minimum, be able to tell you how long you’ve been rowing, how many strokes you’re doing per minute, and your split per 500 meters, which is the average time it’s taking you to row 500 meters.

How We Test Rowing Machines

To find the best rowing machines for at-home workouts, we tested 18 rowing machines for a total of 6,624 hours. Each machine was tested a minimum of three times per week in our testers’ homes. When testing rowing machines, we evaluate each pick based on the following key criteria:

  • Stability: A high-quality rower should be stable and solid to keep you safe while using it. As we test each rower, we note if it wobbles or shakes during both easy and intense workouts. We also pay attention to how the seat feels—is it wide enough, or are we struggling to feel supported and secure?
  • Performance: During testing, we judge the overall experience of using the rower. Does the mechanism feel smooth, or does it jerk us around? How loud is it? How does the feel compare to rowing on open water? If the rower includes a subscription with classes, we try as many live sessions and pre-recorded workouts as we can. And if it syncs with an app, we check to see how functional it is. Is it easy to use, and does it enhance our experience? 
  • Adjustability: A high-quality rowing machine should be adjustable, especially if it’s used by multiple people in your household. When testing, we prioritize rowers with adjustable footrests and monitors. We also note if they’re foldable or have other features that make them easy to store. 
  • Comfort: A rower’s seat, handles, and footrests all contribute to its comfort. During testing, we note how grippy the handlebars are and how padded the seat is. We also note if we form blisters or other irritation on our hands from using the rower.
  • Display: If a rower has a digital display or monitor, we make sure it clearly shows a wide range of data. How does the audio sound? Can we rotate and tilt the screen? This is especially important for rowers with a subscription that gives you access to non-rowing workouts. In general, does the display add to our rowing experience?
  • Value: To accurately rate each rower’s value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the rower’s performance, how much would we pay for it? Rowers with high value scores often cost less than what we’d consider paying for them, taking into account their other scores and features. 
We utilize all of the rower’s features to ensure they function properly, are easy to use, and enhance the overall experience.
Verywell Fit/Julia Warren

Our Experts

We spoke with three experts at different stages of our testing and research process to better understand what key features to look for in the best rowers. For example, we spoke with Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, a physical therapist, before testing to understand what green and red flags to look out for when evaluating each rowing machine. During and after testing, we spoke with a rowing expert and a personal trainer to better understand the benefits of using a rowing machine and any additional recommendations.

  • Salsabila Aboulalazm, certified personal trainer at Iron Culture gym in New Jersey
  • Sarah Fuhrmann, certified rowing instructor and CEO of UCanRow2
  • Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy in New York
Our testers tested each machine at least three times per week in their homes.
Verywell Fit/Cecily McAndrews

How to Use a Rowing Machine 

A rowing machine can provide an excellent low-impact cardio workout if you use it correctly. There are four phases to the rowing motion—you’ll need to master the proper form to get the best workout and prevent injuries. 

  • Catch: Proper posture is vital at the beginning of each rep. Make sure you’re sitting up tall, with your arms straightened. Using your lats, pull your shoulders down (away from your ears) and engage your core to protect your lower back. Lean forward slightly to begin phase two. 
  • Drive: Start pushing through your legs, keeping your core engaged. When your legs are straight, hinge at your hips and lean back—aim for 45 degrees. Finish by pulling the handle all the way into your body, stopping a few inches short of your belly button. Order is important: legs, core, shoulders and hips, arms. 
  • Finish: The opposite of catch. By the end of phase two, your legs should be completely straight. Keep leaning back with your hands, the rower’s handle pulled in toward your body, and your elbows tucked into your sides.
  • Recover: Reverse the drive phase to return to the catch position. Straighten your arms, hinge your hips forward to bend your torso over your legs, then bend your knees. Repeat all four phases for each rep.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of rowing machine is best for home use?

Neither is better than the other—it’s up to your personal preference. Some people like water-based rowers because they mimic the sound and feel of rowing on open water, while others like magnetic rowers for their smooth, silent operation, Fuhrmann says. 

How often should I row to see results?

Fuhrmann recommends that beginners start by rowing for five to 10 minutes a few times each week and then increase over time. They should generally start to see results once they can row for 20 minutes or more a few times per week.

What muscles does a rowing machine work?

Rowing machines target both your upper and lower body, meaning you can get a full-body workout from the comfort of your home. Aboulalazm likes them because they allow you to emphasize certain body parts while engaging the core.

What are the benefits of rowing?

Using a rowing machine may help you burn more calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, provide a joint-friendly fitness option, strengthen your upper and lower body muscles, and even improve posture.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jack Byram is a freelance writer and exercise fanatic constantly seeking new ways to improve his fitness and well-being. As a former athlete and longtime gym-goer, he knows the value of exercises like rowing that work your muscular and cardiovascular systems without overwhelming your joints. For this article, he had the pleasure of speaking with two fitness experts to better understand all of the benefits of rowing.

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