What is the best rowing machine?

For most people, the best rowing machine is the Concept2 RowErg. It is the closest thing to a “buy once, keep forever” choice: durable, accurate, easy to repair, and used widely by serious rowers, gyms, and competitions. Multiple fitness reviews rank it as the best overall rower.

• Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - $1,431.93 (BLK BOX)
• Hydrow Wave Rower - $2,295.00 (Hydrow)
• WaterRower Original Series Rowing Machine - $2,180.62 (Sweatband)

Best rowing machines by type

🥇 Best overall: Concept2 RowErg

Best for: fitness, weight loss, athletes, CrossFit, serious training Why it wins:

• Excellent durability and resale value
• Very accurate performance tracking
• No required subscription
• Huge user community and workout ecosystem
• Air resistance feels natural and scales with your effort

Downsides:

• Louder than magnetic rowers
• Less “furniture-like” than premium home models

Men's Health Good Housekeeping### 🌊 Best-looking / quietest traditional rower: WaterRower Original Series

Best for: home gyms, apartments, people who want a beautiful machine Why it’s great:

• Real water resistance with a satisfying swoosh
• Very quiet
• Looks like furniture

Downsides:

• Less standardized performance data than Concept2
• Larger and heavier

Row HQ### 📺 Best for beginners who need motivation: Hydrow Wave Rower

Best for: people who enjoy coached classes and guided workouts Why it’s great:

• Excellent screen and instructor-led workouts
• Smooth, quiet magnetic resistance
• More beginner-friendly experience

Downsides:

• Higher cost
• Full experience requires a membership

Men's Health### 💰 Best budget choices

If you want to spend less:

• MERACH NovaRow R50 Air Rowing Machine — a lower-cost air rower option.
• XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rowing Machine — a more affordable water-style option.

My recommendation by buyer

• You want the best machine, period: Concept2 RowErg
• You want to get fit at home and don’t care about classes: Concept2 RowErg
• You live in an apartment and hate noise: WaterRower or Hydrow
• You need motivation and coaching: Hydrow
• You’re training for rowing performance: Concept2

If you tell me your budget, available space, height/weight, and whether you want classes or just workouts, I can narrow it to the best specific model.

When experts, competitive rowers, and home gym reviewers talk about the "best" rowing machine, one model almost universally takes the crown as the overall gold standard : the Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

However, the "best" choice ultimately depends on your budget, whether you want a digital screen with scenic classes, or if you prefer the quiet feel of water/magnetic resistance.

1. The Gold Standard Overall:

• Type: Air Resistance (Flywheel)
• Price: ~$990
• Why it’s the best: It is the undisputed king of durability, used by Olympic rowers, CrossFit boxes, and home garages alike. It features the PM5 performance monitor, requires no mandatory subscription, breaks apart into two pieces for easy storage, and lasts for decades with practically zero maintenance. It's loud-ish (like rushing wind), but unmatched for actual training metrics.

2. Best Smart / Immersive Rower:

• Type: Computer-controlled Magnetic Resistance
• Price: ~$1,695 (+ monthly subscription)
• Why it’s great: If you want an engaging, Peloton-style experience with on-water classes filmed in gorgeous locations around the world, Hydrow Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is top-tier. The electromagnetic drag feels remarkably smooth and quiet, and the machine has a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks great in a living room.

3. Best Gaming & Entertainment Rower: [Aviron Strong Series Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESWwHrOzAVc1pGNIagdXKRRlZ2mBmGNMINey9-j4QTD7bVx8xh1ZlKI0xfC6vcu9jdZww--G-EpgQOEwC70qzP-jB2U0dcfXLXTd-hM3o-sw2uv5mjEZie0IigL8s)

• Type: Air + Magnetic Resistance
• Price: ~$2,199 (+ optional subscription)
• Why it’s great: If traditional workouts bore you, Aviron focuses on gamified fitness—letting you race against others, play video games using your rowing strokes, or stream movies while you work out. It's heavily built, comfortable, and makes the time fly by.

4. Best Premium Water Rower:

• Type: Water Resistance
• Price: ~$2,499 (+ subscription)
• Why it’s great: Handcrafted from genuine cherry or walnut wood, the Ergatta Go to product viewer dialog for this item. looks like a piece of high-end furniture rather than gym equipment. It pairs the soothing, organic sound of water resistance with a software interface that emphasizes visually driven, goal-based calibration games rather than instructor-led shouting.

5. Best Budget-Friendly Pick:

• Type: Magnetic Resistance
• Price: ~$300–$400
• Why it’s great: If you want a quiet, space-conscious machine to get a solid cardio workout without spending close to a thousand dollars, Yosuda’s magnetic rowers offer smooth resistance, a compact footprint, and wallet-friendly reliability.

To help me narrow down the absolute best fit for you, tell me:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you prefer quiet magnetic/water resistance or don't mind the wind-tunnel sound of an air rower?
• Are you looking for guided classes/screens , or a subscription-free setup?

Best overall: Concept2 RowErg

If you want one rowing machine that I’d recommend to most people, it’s the Concept2 RowErg.

• Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5 Performance Monitor - $1,250.00 (Gronk Fitness Products)

It consistently comes out on top in current 2026 testing, including Men's Health and The Independent.

Why I’d buy it

• Excellent rowing feel: Air resistance gets harder naturally as you pull harder.
• Extremely durable: It's built for heavy commercial/athletic use and has a 5-year frame warranty.
• Best performance tracking: The PM5 monitor gives you pace, watts, stroke rate, distance, calories, etc.
• No subscription: You aren't paying $40–$50/month just to get the useful features.
• Great for beginners and serious athletes: It's the standard you'll encounter in CrossFit, rowing clubs, and competitive testing.
• Easy to store: It separates into two pieces and can stand vertically.
• Good value: Current listed pricing is around $990 for the standard RowErg.

The main alternatives

The Hydrow Wave is compelling if you specifically want a big screen and instructor-led workouts; its magnetic resistance is considerably quieter, but you're paying substantially more and the full experience requires a membership.

The WaterRower is my choice if aesthetics and a quieter, water-like stroke matter more than having the best performance data.

Bottom line: Unless you have a specific reason to want a touchscreen, extreme quietness, or a furniture-quality appearance, buy the Concept2 RowErg. It's the safest "buy once, keep it for years" choice.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $500, $1,000, $2,000) and whether it's for weight loss, general fitness, CrossFit, or serious rowing, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

The "best" rowing machine depends on what you value most—durability, interactive classes, gaming motivation, or budget. However, across the fitness community, a few standout models dominate the market for specific needs:

1. Best Overall & Most Reliable: Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Air Resistance
   • Why it's the best: This is the undisputed gold standard used by Olympic athletes, CrossFit boxes, and home gym owners alike. It features an unmatched PM5 performance monitor, bulletproof commercial-grade durability, and easily separates into two pieces for storage. It doesn't require a wall plug (it powers itself via the flywheel) and holds its resale value better than any other fitness equipment.
2. Best for Gamified Motivation: Aviron Strong Go Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Dual Air & Magnetic Resistance
   • Why it's great: If you get bored easily by traditional workouts, Aviron uses game psychology, racing, and immersive virtual worlds (like escaping zombies or competing against others) to make cardio addictive. It offers up to 100 lbs of resistance and dual air/magnetic capability that allows for both cardio and actual strength training pulls.
3. Best Connected / Screen Experience: Echelon Row-S Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Magnetic Resistance
   • Why it's great: Equipped with a rotating 22-inch HD touchscreen and handlebar-mounted resistance controls, this is built for people who want studio-style instructor-led classes at home. It also folds upright, making it significantly more space-conscious in a living area than a standard fixed-frame studio rower.
4. Best Luxury / Scenic Rower: NordicTrack RW900 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Silent Magnetic & Air Resistance
   • Why it's great: Tied into the iFIT ecosystem, it features a massive 24-inch rotating touchscreen that lets you stream thousands of outdoor scenic rows or off-row floor exercises (yoga, strength training) with automatic resistance adjustments controlled by your trainer.

If you want to narrow down the choice, let me know:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you want a built-in screen with a monthly subscription or a simple display/BYO-tablet setup?
• Are you tight on storage space?

If you want the best rowing machine for most people, I’d buy the Concept2 RowErg.

Concept2 RowErg

$990.00

Why the Concept2 RowErg wins

• Best rowing feel: Air resistance gives you resistance that naturally increases as you pull harder.
• Excellent performance tracking: The PM5 monitor is accurate, reliable, and widely used for rowing training and competition.
• Built to last: Aluminum/steel construction, straightforward mechanics, and readily available replacement parts.
• No subscription required: You can use the machine fully without paying for a connected-fitness membership.
• Easy to store: It separates into two pieces and has wheels for moving it around.
• Great value: Concept2 currently lists it at $990, which is remarkably competitive given its durability.
• Widely considered the benchmark: Both Men's Health's 2026 testing and Forbes' 2026 guide selected the RowErg as their overall winner.

The main alternatives

Concept2 RowErg

$990.00

WaterRower Original Series

$1,624.70

Hydrow Arc Rower

$2,295.00

Echelon Row-s

$812.50

The WaterRower is particularly appealing if you care about aesthetics and a quieter, more natural-feeling water stroke. The Hydrow makes more sense if the motivation of guided classes and a polished connected experience is what will actually get you to row consistently.

One caveat with the Concept2: it's 96 inches long, so you'll want roughly a 9 × 4 ft area for comfortable use.

Bottom line: buy the Concept2 RowErg unless you specifically want a water rower or a subscription-based, screen-driven experience. It's the one I'd recommend to someone who says simply, "I want the best rowing machine."

The best rowing machines vary by fitness goal, but top options excel in specific categories, led by the industry-standard [Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.concept2.com/ergs/rowerg?srsltid=AfmBOooQV5YQZfQ0TsGlrErLW8RJ-UBm76EcXkGyrV1EI2E_qa63Nv6s).[[1]](https://www.concept2.com/ergs/rowerg)[[2]](https://elite-rowing-coach.com/2025/01/29/what-rowing-machine-should-i-choose-the-best-rowing-machine-for-you/)[[3]](https://www.rowingrelated.com/p/rowing-machine-reviews.html)[[4]](https://www.livescience.com/best-exercise-machine-to-lose-weight)[[5]](https://www.livescience.com/best-rowing-machines)

Top Rowing Machine Recommendations

• Recognized globally as the commercial gold standard for performance tracking and professional training.

• Features the highly accurate PM5 monitor, which provides dependable, repeatable data metrics without requiring a monthly subscription.

• Uses adjustable air-resistance flywheels that instantly respond to the power of your pull.

• Best high-tech connected option for studio-style, coach-led boutique workouts.

• Employs patented electromagnetic drag technology to mimic fluid on-water motion while remaining nearly silent.

• Outfitted with a vibrant 16-inch HD touchscreen to stream thousands of immersive live and on-demand scenic rows.

• Ideal for home aesthetics and a soothing, rhythmic sound profile.

• Handcrafted from solid premium hardwood that naturally absorbs vibrations for a smoother, quieter glide.

• Utilizes a true water flywheel tank where water displacement creates dynamic, natural rowing drag.

• Best budget-friendly entry point for casual home fitness.

• Features a smooth 8-level magnetic resistance system that keeps workouts quiet and low-maintenance.

• Offers integrated Bluetooth connectivity to sync stats with the free SunnyFit app via your own smartphone or tablet.

Direct Comparison

Community Perspectives

Reviewers emphasize how tech features and build materials change the long-term enjoyment of a machine:

“The Concept2 Model D rowing machine features an advanced PM5 Performance Monitor, improved ergonomically designed handles, adjustable foot-rests, and a flywheel designed for smooth movement with minimal noise.”

“The WaterRower Original models are crafted from solid wood, with a dual-rail design. Its main feature is the water tank with its ergonomically shaped water flywheel, delivering the most natural rowing feel – smooth, quiet and 100% efficient.”

To narrow down your choice, let me know:

• Your approximate budget range?
• If you prefer interactive video classes or independent data tracking?
• How much floor space you have available for storage?

The "best" rowing machine depends on your budget, space, and whether you want a basic, indestructible workhorse or an immersive, digital class experience . Fitness experts and reviewers consistently point to a few standout models categorized by their strengths:

Best Overall & Gold Standard: Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Type: Air Resistance
• Price: ~$990
• Why it’s the best: This is the machine you see in almost every CrossFit box, college boathouse, and commercial gym. It is virtually indestructible, highly accurate for tracking metrics, and features the legendary PM5 monitor. It splits into two pieces for easy storage and holds its resale value better than any other fitness equipment.

Best Connected / Immersive Rower: [Hydrow Wave Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://hydrow.com/products/rowers/hydrow-wave/forest/?srsltid=AfmBOopWf4XayfsDoMKGd3uknPyy0Zo7XcwWLF7YokZNrLVtFKWHssS8DDQ)

• Type: Magnetic (Computer-controlled)
• Price: ~$2,295
• Why it’s the best: If you want studio-style on-demand classes led by Olympians while "rowing" virtually on scenic waters around the world, Hydrow is the top choice . The Wave is 30% smaller and lighter than the original Hydrow, making it much more apartment-friendly, though it does require an ongoing monthly membership fee to unlock its full content.

Best Gamified / Water Rower: Ergatta Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Type: Water Resistance (built on a WaterRower frame)
• Price: ~$2,500
• Why it’s the best: Instead of watching instructors, Ergatta focuses on "workout gamification"—offering visual-based games, calibrated pacing challenges, and distance goals on a sleek, cherry or oak wood frame that looks like a piece of furniture in your living room.

Best Streaming & Entertainment Option: Aviron Strong Series Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Type: Air + Magnetic Resistance
• Price: ~$2,549
• Why it’s the best: Aviron stands out by letting you play video games, race against others in real time, or stream Netflix/YouTube while you row, providing an incredible distraction from the physical effort of the workout.

Best Budget / Apartment-Friendly Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Type: Magnetic Resistance
• Price: ~$200
• Why it’s the best: If you don't want to spend a grand or more, Sunny Health's budget magnetic rowers are quiet, compact, fold up easily, and get the job done for basic steady-state cardio without any fancy screens or subscriptions.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you prefer quiet magnetic/water resistance or the whoosh of an air rower?
• Are you interested in live/on-demand classes or self-guided training?

If you want the best rowing machine for most people, I’d buy the Concept2 RowErg.

Concept2 RowErg

$1,045.00

Why the Concept2 RowErg wins

• Excellent rowing feel: Air resistance closely matches the demanding feel of an actual erg workout.
• Outstanding durability: It’s built for years of heavy use and is widely used by serious rowing programs and fitness facilities.
• Best performance tracking: The PM5 monitor gives you pace, watts, stroke rate, distance, and other useful metrics, with no subscription required.
• Great value: Current 2026 pricing is around $990 for the standard model, versus roughly $2,000+ for premium connected rowers.
• Easy to store: It separates into two pieces and can stand vertically.
• Huge ecosystem: ErgData, Concept2's Logbook, and numerous third-party apps work with it.

But there are better choices for specific people

The big tradeoff with the Concept2 is noise: the flywheel produces a noticeable whooshing sound. If you're in an apartment or need something very quiet, a magnetic rower such as Hydrow makes more sense. Hydrow is also considerably more expensive and its full experience uses a paid membership.

My bottom line: Unless you specifically want a built-in screen and instructor-led classes, get the Concept2 RowErg. It's the rowing machine I'd choose even if the budget were considerably higher.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $500, $1,000, $2,000) and whether noise matters, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

The absolute best overall rowing machine is the Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , widely considered the gold standard by competitive athletes, casual gym-goers, and CrossFit boxes worldwide. However, the ideal rower for you depends heavily on whether you prefer data-driven metric tracking, immersive studio classes, or the soothing sound of real water.

Top Rowing Machines Compared

Detailed Product Highlights

This is the industry benchmark for indoor rowers . It utilizes adjustable air resistance via a spiral damper, giving you complete control over your stroke dynamic. The included PM5 monitor provides highly accurate, universally comparable workout metrics without locking you into a monthly fee. It features a commercial-grade aluminum and steel frame, splits into two pieces for storage, and famously requires almost zero maintenance. Available directly from Concept2.

Best for those who get bored easily and want an immersive experience. It features a 16-inch HD touchscreen that broadcasts live and on-demand workouts filmed on gorgeous waterways around the world. The patented electromagnetic drag mechanism automatically adjusts to mimic the drag and feel of actual water while remaining whisper-quiet. It is 30% smaller and lighter than the original Hydrow, making it highly suitable for compact spaces. Available at Hydrow.

Best for home aesthetics and natural feel. Handcrafted in the USA out of sustainably sourced premium hardwoods like ash, cherry, or oak, it functions as a beautiful piece of furniture when stored upright. It features a physical water flywheel tank that creates a smooth, variable resistance—the harder you pull, the more resistance you create. It features a basic S4 Bluetooth monitor for essential tracking and produces a relaxing, rhythmic rushing water sound during workouts. Check options at WaterRower.

Best for technique improvement and studio-style workouts. It offers an ultra-quiet, electronically controlled magnetic resistance belt drive and features a massive 23.8-inch swivel touchscreen. Its standout feature is "Form Assist," which tracks your stroke in real-time to provide immediate posture and rhythm corrections. It integrates seamlessly into the Peloton ecosystem for cross-training, but requires an active membership to use. Available via Peloton.

To help narrow down the list, please share:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you prefer a connected screen with a monthly subscription , or do you want a subscription-free machine?
• How much dedicated space do you have in your home?

If you want one rowing machine that’s best for most people, I’d buy the Concept2 RowErg.

Concept2 RowErg

$1,050.00

Why the Concept2 RowErg wins

• Excellent rowing feel: Air resistance responds naturally to how hard you pull.
• Built to last: It’s a commercial-grade machine used by serious rowers, gyms, and CrossFit athletes.
• Outstanding data: The PM5 monitor gives you accurate pace, watts, distance, stroke rate, etc.
• No required subscription: You can use it completely on its own, or connect it to apps.
• Easy to store: It separates into two pieces and can stand vertically.
• Great value: Current listings are around $1,000–$1,200, depending on the seller.

For 2026, multiple expert roundups still put the Concept2 at or near the top overall.

But there are two reasons you might choose something else

Want quiet + instructor-led workouts?
Consider a Hydrow. Its electromagnetic resistance is much quieter, and the guided/on-water workouts are considerably more engaging for some beginners—but the subscription adds ongoing cost.

Want a more entertaining "smart gym" experience?
Aviron's Strong Series combines air and magnetic resistance with a large touchscreen and interactive workouts.

Aviron Strong Series Rower

$1,999.00

My bottom line:
Concept2 RowErg = best overall. If your priority is getting fit, improving cardio, losing weight, or serious rowing training, I'd choose it over the more expensive smart rowers.

If you tell me your budget, height/weight, and whether you care about quiet operation or interactive classes, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices for you.