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In the pursuit of full-body exercise at home, choosing a suitable rowing machine is particularly important. Among them, rowing machines provided by top brands such as NordicTrack, WaterRower, and Hydrow are undoubtedly the most worthwhile options on the current market.
Rowing machines are one of the best pieces of home gym equipment to get a full-body cardio-focused workout. They’re easy to use, gentle on the joints and are a great way to switch up your regular, monotonous cardio workouts. They’re also far more compact than other cardio machines, like the best treadmills or best ellipticals, especially as there’s foldable options too.
You can get a few different types of rowing machines: magnetic, electric and water rowers, so you should have an idea of which one you want before jumping into your purchase. If you’re not sure though, check out our FAQs at the bottom of this page where we dive into the differences. Otherwise, below are our pick of the best rowing machines to fire up your muscles and improve your stamina.
Table of Contents
Best rowing machine 2024: Top 3
BEST OVERALL
Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta Rower packs a lot of value into a surprisingly stowable package and it’s one of the best rowing machines we’ve tested to date. Whether you want to gamify your next cardio routine or simply escape to wayward waterways of the world in a virtual canoe, the Ergatta Rower makes an excellent addition to any home gym.
BEST PREMIUM
Technogym Skillrow
The Skillrow is ridiculously high-tech. Its system uses Multidrive Technology, adding additional resistance to the usual air resistance unit, and has some excellent connectivity, including its own clever app.
BEST AFFORDABLE
Echelon Smart Rower
Unlike the offer rowers listed, with the Echelon Smart Rower you use an external display – tablet, smart TV, etc. – as your performance monitor. It’s not always perfect, however, we’d still recommend it for people with a tablet or TV and want a quiet indoor rowing machine who don’t want to spend loads of money upfront.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best overall
ERGATTA ROWER
Best rowing machine overall
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: No (it can be stored upright, though) Digital display : Yes Resistance: Water |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Durable cherry frame +Whisper-quiet operation +Weekly workout updates +Large library of game-based programs +Includes competitive racing and leaderboards |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -No lumbar support -Display is a fingerprint magnet -Smaller touchscreen than competing brands |
The Ergatta Rower brings an ergonomic angle of friendly competition to an already dynamic exercise. The price of entry may give you pause, but the more you use the machine, the more value that monthly membership accrues. And with all the digital swagger those leaderboards afford, you’ll feel like the captain of your own ship in no time.
Speaking as a novice rower but seasoned expert in analyzing futuristic fitness tech that arrives at my doorstep, we’d argue the Ergatta Rower packs a lot of value into a surprisingly stowable package, and this is one of the best rowing machines we’ve tested to date. Whether you want to gamify your next cardio routine or simply escape to wayward waterways of the world in a virtual canoe, the cherry-flavoured Ergatta Rower makes an excellent addition to any home gym.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best premium
TECHNOGYM SKILLROW
Best premium rowing machine
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: Yes Digital display: Yes Resistance: Air and weighted Power Modes |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Trains for power and cardio +Interactive training function +Comfortable seat |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Not as handsome as the WaterRower |
Like much of the products in Technogym’s latest range, the Skillrow is ridiculously high-tech, offering the user way more than just a platform to idly row in front of 4Music for an hour. The system uses Multidrive Technology, which basically adds further resistance to the usual air resistance unit, allowing users to switch between training for cardiovascular fitness and back-bulging strength at the twist of a dial.
On top of this, it has some excellent connectivity, including its own clever app that offers a virtual cox to get you through those really punishing sessions. Get several Skillrows in a room, and wheel in a large screen, and an entire class can start competing against one another or rowing in total synchronicity for a more entertaining workout.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best affordable
ECHELON SMART ROWER
Best affordable rowing machine
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: Yes Digital display : No Resistance: Magnetic |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Compact design helps save space +Whisper-quiet operation +Resistance toggle placement is perfect (on the ore) +Transport wheels |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -No screen included whatsoever -Some workout in the Echelon app are pretty low-res |
Echelon’s Smart Rower is an exciting concept. It’s an affordable piece of home gym equipment that helps you save money by getting you to use an external display – tablet, smart TV, etc. – as your performance monitor. It’s not perfect, and we would’ve appreciated it if Echelon included at least a small LED display for basic stats. However, we’d still recommend the Echelon Smart Rower for people with a tablet or TV they can use with the rower and want a quiet indoor rowing machine to work out with. At least you won’t have to spend loads of money upfront.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best water rower
WATERROWER NATURAL ROWING MACHINE
Best rowing machine for people who prefer to stay unconnected
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: No, but stands up to save space Digital display: Yes Resistance: Water |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Aesthetically pleasing design +Natural-feeling WaterFlywheel +Whisper quiet operation (apart from the soothing sound of water) |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Computer lacks features |
Just take a few moments to admire the beauty of the WaterRower. Fashioned from solid ash and stained honey oak, it is designed to resemble the glorious vessels found spearing down the Thames during the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. This is more than just a seductive household ornament, though. This cleverly conceived rower features a decidedly moist flywheel that’s designed to mimic the feeling of gliding across the watery surface.
Rather than the irksome humming of a fan and clanking of a chain, users are greeted by the sound of rushing water with every stroke. The unique resistance mechanism adapts to the user’s input: pull harder, and the resistance increases. It’s that simple. The result is a seriously heart-pounding, all-over workout that targets up to nine muscle groups in one fell swoop. A small S4 Performance Monitor comes with the package and displays distance, stroke rate, workout duration and distance without plugging into the mains.
Although not foldable, the relatively clunky unit does feature guide wheels at the rear and is designed to be stored vertically when not in use, although with a body like that, maybe you’ll want to show it off to house guests.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best for beginners
NORDICTRACK RW900 SMART ROWER
Best rowing machine for beginners
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: Yes Digital display: Yes Resistance: Magnetic/Air |
| REASONS TO BUY | +1-year iFit membership included +HUGE screen provides immersive workouts for beginner +Resistance can be controlled on screen |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Folding can be awkward -No dedicated on/off button |
The NordicTrack RW900 rower is great beginner-friendly rower for those with a larger budget to spend. The large touchscreen makes this rower extremely user-friendly, not to mention the automatic resistance system and foldable, space-saver design that’s ideal for smaller living spaces.
Thanks to the iFit workout library and live workouts, both amateurs and pros are likely to find at least a few dozens of exercises to follow along. The family membership also allows more than one person to set up a profile and track progress using the single rower alone. If you are happy to spend this much money on a rower, we can wholeheartedly recommend the NordicTrack RW900. It will provide a fun full-body workout and improve fitness and endurance at home.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best compact
HYDROW WAVE
Best compact rowing machine
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: No (can be stored upright, though) Digital display : Yes (16-inch screen, 1920 x 1080 Full HD) Resistance: Electromagnetic “drag control” |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Interactive training with qualified instructors +Provides a full-body workout +Addresses space and cost issues associated with full-size treadmills |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -It’s less sizeable than standard rowing machines, but still requires ample space -Additional costs for accessories |
With a plethora of classes in its library and coupled with enthusiastic instructors, rowing on the Hydrow Wave seems far more accessible to beginners than ‘normal’ rowers. Bad habits can often slip in, and it’s reassuring to have the instructors take time to break down the correct form, so rowers know how to use their legs, arms, back and core for a safer rhythmic workout.
There’s very little we don’t like about the Hydrow Wave; it’s compact, sturdy and offers more value for money than many of its competitors. If we were to be picky, we would say that from the noise point of view, the wave is not 100 per cent smooth. On odd occasions, it can be noisy, especially when sliding towards the screen. Other than that, we can safely say that the Hydrow Wave is a good investment for those looking to improve their strength training and fitness overall.
Granted, no rowing machine will give you the thrill or the mindfulness of being on the river. But designed to address two of the biggest barriers that prevent people from bringing a rowing machine into their homes – space and cost – the Hydrow Wave has addressed this perfectly.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best Peloton alternative
HYDROW CONNECTED INDOOR ROWER
The Peloton of the rowing world
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: Yes (just) Digital display : Yes (22-inch touchscreen) Resistance: Electromagnetic “drag control” |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Engaging online workouts +Motivating live leaderboards +Real athlete instructors available in the app |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Off-machine strength workouts limited |
Hydrow takes a leaf out of the Peloton book of indoor fitness and offers live or on-demand fitness sessions led by rowing professionals and elite-level athletes. But rather than being stuck in a softly lit studio, these workouts take place in authentic and stunning locations, meaning your mind is transported somewhere nice while you are sweating all over your living room floor.
Powered by a patented electromagnetic resistance system, Hydrow aims to offer a realistic rowing stroke that offers a great level of adjustability to suit different fitness levels. Although not as natural and fluid as a WaterRower, every stroke is designed to mimic rowing on water, although we found Technogym’s Skillrow (see below) to offer one of the best pure overall rowing experiences in the game.
High-definition workouts come courtesy of a crisp 22-inch display, which links up with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and wireless headphones. At the same time, built-in speakers are powerful enough to drown out the little noise of an electromagnetic rowing stroke.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best performance
JTX FREEDOM AIR ROWING MACHINE
Off the chain (driven) performance
| SPECIFICATIONS | Folding: Yes Digital display: Yes Resistance: Air |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Robust design +Proper chain-driven for a hardcore workout experience +Detailed computer readouts |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Plastic exterior is a let-down -Screen is fiddly to operate |
With its aluminium construction and nickel-plated steel chain, the JTX Freedom Rowing Machine feels like a sturdy piece of kit. In fact, it has got one of the highest user maximum weight ratings on this list (135 kg, if you’re interested), along with primo features, such as a wide padded seat and adjustable footplates.
A built-in computer offers a plethora of rowing read-outs, while the 16 levels of resistance and multiple training programmes ensure there’s a workout for all abilities. That said, the overall construction and tough air resistance offered here makes it more suitable for those with a bit of rowing experience rather than someone new to the business, seeing as it tickles the more premium end of the budget spectrum.
Best rowing machine 2024: Best foldable
JLL R200 ROWING MACHINE
Compact, foldable, affordable
| SPECIFICATIONS | Foldable: Yes Digital display: Yes Resistance: Magnetic, 10 levels |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Good price point – ideal for athletes on a tight budget +Quiet operation thanks to magnetic resistance |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Low maximum user weight (100 kg / 220 lbs) -Screen is very basic |
This rower sits very much at the cheaper end of the scale, but unlike lots of rivals in this price bracket, it uses clever magnetic resistance technology to deliver not only a more realistic rowing experience but also offers seven different resistance levels. There’s a basic LCD monitor that counts calories, reps and time exercising, but that’s really where the gizmos end. Instead, this is a well-built and affordable rower with smooth action and the ability to fold and store away when not in use. So long as you’re not expecting to train for the next Olympic Games on this thing, it will more than suffice as a fat-burning tool.
How to Buy The Best Rowing Machine
Before you click purchase and buy your rowing machine, make sure you’ve considered the factors below first:
Space: While a rower may be one of the smaller pieces of cardio equipment, it still requires a decent amount of space, so make sure you have an adequate amount and have taken a look at the dimensions before purchasing. If you’re really tight on space then a foldable rower may be the better option.
Noise: Some rowers are noisier than others. For example, air rowers are pretty loud, whereas water and magnetic rowing machines are far quieter. If you’re living with someone or are in a flat, then it’s definitely one worth thinking about.
Type of rowing machine: There are three main types of rowing machines; air, magnetic and water. The former is the most common type of rower and it provides resistance by blowing air through a flywheel, which you can adjust manually. Magnetic rowers are very similar to air rowers, but use a magnet on the flywheel instead, making them very quiet. The latter, water rowers, have a drum filled with water with fan blades inside, and when you pull the rower handle it moves the blades around, creating resistance.
Best rowing machine 2024: FAQ
| CAN THE ROWING MACHINE BUILD MUSCLE? |
|---|
| The rowing machine fires up 86% of the muscles in your body, so this piece of kit can definitely help you build muscle. However, if hypertrophy is your end goal, then research shows that resistance training is best when it comes to muscle growth. According to the European Journal of Applied Physiology, rowing mainly activates type 1 muscle fibres (slow-twitch fibres), whereas studies have shown that type 2 muscle fibres (fast-twitch) promote greater muscle growth. |
| CAN YOU LOSE BELLY FAT ON A ROWING MACHINE? |
|---|
| Indoor rowing is an excellent way of losing belly fat. Rowing is a moderate-intensity exercise that is perfect for losing weight. It also provides a full-body workout, unlike cycling, meaning that it works the upper and the lower body. You’ll need to use those glutes and quads plus the arms (mainly the biceps) and the back too. If your goal is to lose weight, we recommend going easy and sticking to low to moderate-intensity rowing workouts, especially if you’re new to rowing. It can take a while to get used to the movement, and it’s really easy to overdo it initially, tiring yourself out early on the workout. Slow and steady wins the race, be patient with both the rowing and the weight loss process. |
Choosing the right fitness equipment is essential when pursuing health and a perfect body. Among them, the rowing machine, or fitness rowing machine, is undoubtedly the ideal choice for those who love aerobic exercise. The rowing machine simulates the action of rowing on water and can fully exercise multiple parts of the body, including arms, back, legs and core muscles.
However, just owning a rowing machine does not mean that you can fully enjoy its benefits. Knowing how to use a rowing machine and how to use a rowing machine properly is the key to ensure the effectiveness of your exercise. First, adjust the seat and foot pedals of the rowing machine to a suitable height for yourself, ensuring that you can maintain a comfortable posture during rowing. Then, hold the handles and press your feet firmly on the pedals to prepare for the rowing action.
When rowing, you should keep your body straight and avoid bending or twisting. Simulate the action of rowing by pushing the foot pedals and pulling the handles. It is important to control the coordination of breathing and movements, which can more effectively improve cardiopulmonary function and burn calories.
So, how to choose a good rowing machine or the best rowing machine? In addition to considering the brand and price, you should also pay attention to the stability, durability and functionality of the rowing machine. A good rowing machine should be able to provide a smooth rowing experience while being able to withstand the test of long-term use. In addition, some advanced rowing machines are also equipped with smart displays that can display exercise data in real time, such as calories burned, rowing distance and time, to help users better track their exercise progress.
In short, the rowing machine is an efficient and comprehensive aerobic exercise equipment. By using the rowing machine correctly and choosing a suitable rowing machine, you can enjoy more fun and benefits in your exercise.
