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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
At-home fitness equipment is undoubtedly having a moment, and we're here for it. Lots of folks are investing in stationary bikes and Pilates reformers, but if you want a head-to-toe workout and through-the-roof calorie burn, you might want to consider a rowing machine. Designed to mimic the motions of rowing an actual boat, it engages muscles throughout your entire body while calling on your heart and lungs to keep up the momentum.
"Rowing machines are an excellent form of low-impact cardio," says Beverly Hills-based physical therapist Cindy Glaser. This means the motions are easy on your joints while still pumping up your heart rate and torching fat. "They are a great full-body workout that utilizes the majority of your major muscle groups," she adds.
Scroll down for the best rowing machines available today, and get ready to elevate your fitness game.
Best Overall
NordicTrack RW600 Rowing Machine
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Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods
One-year membership included
Suitable for all fitness levels
10-year warranty
Not ideal for small spaces
The NordicTrack RW600 comes highly recommended by Dr. Glaser, and we can see why. This sleek rowing machine has a 10-inch smart touchscreen, which leads you through studio classes, global workouts, and training sessions from world-class coaches.
With 26 resistance levels to choose from, it's great for beginners and advanced rowers alike. While it's undoubtedly an investment, the RW600 comes at a reasonable price compared to other high-end models. Plus, you'll get a one-year iFit membership with your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $1600
Size: 87 x 22 x 47 inches | Features: 26 resistance levels, smart touchscreen, amplified speakers, auxiliary port | Warranty: 10 years
Best Budget
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Ergonomic design
Good for small spaces
Low weight capacity
For something a little easier on your bank account, Dr. Glaser suggests the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205. Measuring 54 x 20 x 23 inches, this compact rowing machine boasts an ergonomic design, adjustable pedal straps, comfy foam handlebars, 12 resistance levels, and a digital monitor. Plus, the aforementioned ergonomic design keeps you comfortable while you row off the calories.
Price at time of publish: $109
Size: 54 x 20 x 23 inches | Features: Digital monitor, 12 resistance levels | Warranty: One year
Best Splurge
CityRow Go Max
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CityRow
Easy to maneuver
Innovative resistance technology
Suitable for all fitness levels
Membership required
Expensive
If you can swing the price tag, you really can't go wrong with the CityRow Go Max. This high-tech water rower uses innovative resistance technology to provide a full-body burn.
What's more, your subscription includes unlimited fitness classes, which you can access through the built-in touchscreen or a mobile device. We also appreciate that it has high-fidelity speakers for crystal-clear sound.
Size: 83 x 22 x 20 inches | Features: Touchscreen, high-fidelity speakers | Warranty: Five years
What Our Editors Say
"This is the lightest rower I've ever used—I'm fairly petite and can move it all by myself (it also folds up so you can stow it away). This machine is perfect for beginners, too—every single streamable class offers a variety of variations and modifications, and there are plenty of '101' style classes that have an emphasis on teaching you the proper form to maximize your workout and minimize the chance for injury." — Holly Rhue, senior editor
Best Smart
Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine
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Amazon
Smart capabilities
22-inch screen
Live and on-demand classes
Expensive
Membership required
If you're all about smart home gadgets, you'll appreciate the Echelon Row. When you sync it to the app through Bluetooth, you'll have access to live and on-demand workouts, scenic rides, and training sessions.
Though a paid membership is required, you might find it's well worth the price, considering the wide range of classes. We also like that it has a 22-inch rotating screen, dual audio jacks, and Wi-Fi-enhanced antennas.
Price at time of publish: $1600
Size: 84.6 x 20.4 inches | Features: Rotating HD screen, Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi-enhanced antennas, dual audio jacks | Warranty: One year
Best for Beginners
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
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Courtesy of Amazon
Beginner-friendly design
Reasonably priced
Foldable design
Not ideal for small spaces
New to the world of rowing? No sweat. The Deluxe Magnetic Rowing Machine is designed to accommodate people of all experience levels—yep, even beginners.
You can choose from eight resistance modes and work your way up as you build strength and stamina. At 91 inches long, it may not be ideal for small spaces, but the foldable design and front wheels make it easy to store.
Price at time of publish: $450
Size: 91 x 20.5 x 31.5 inches | Features: Injection-molded seat, digital display, eight resistance levels | Warranty: Two years
Best for Advanced Rowers
Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine
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Amazon
Good for advanced rowers
Quiet operation
Easy to transport
Low-tech screen
Whether you rowed crew in college, compete in tournaments, or use a rowing machine at the gym, the standard-size Concept2 RowERG might be right up your alley.
With a stainless steel track and an I-beam monorail, it offers high-intensity, low-impact workouts for serious athletes and experienced rowers. This thoughtfully designed rowing machine also has an ergonomic handle, a smartphone mount, and caster wheels for easy transport and storage.
Price at time of publish: $1236
Size: 96 x 24 x 33 inches | Features: Ergonomic handle, smartphone mount, caster wheels | Warranty: Five years
Best for Small Spaces
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060 Rower
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Compact design
Smooth operation
Low weight capacity
If you're working with limited square footage, we recommend the Stamina BodyTrac Glider. Measuring just 49 inches long and 36 inches wide, it takes up minimal floor space.
But what it lacks in size, this rowing machine makes up for in its design. It's got a molded seat, full-motion arms, a ball-bearing roller system, multiple resistance levels, and a digital monitor.
Price at time of publish: $230
Size: 49 x 36 x 20 inches | Features: Molded seat, full-motion arms, digital monitor | Warranty: One year
Best Design
XTerra ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
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Courtesy of Amazon
Reasonably priced
Smooth operation
Foldable design
Assembly required
We're also loving the XTerra ERG600W. Designed to mimic the feel and sound of rowing out in nature, this premium water rower has a multi-bladed impeller system to provide smooth movements and a uniform stroke with every rep.
We also like that it has a large contoured seat, an ergonomic handle, an LCD console, and six resistance levels, which you adjust by putting different amounts of water in the tank. And the foldable design makes it super easy to store and transport.
Price at time of publish: $399
Size: 80.7 x 22 x 33 inches | Features: Ergonomic handle, contoured seat, six resistance levels | Warranty: Five years
Best Foldable
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rower
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Courtesy of Amazon
Foldable design
Suitable for all fitness levels
Reasonably priced
Short warranty
Measuring 85 inches long, the Marcy Turbine Rower is almost a full-sized rowing machine. But when you want to stash it or take it on the go, you can count on the foldable design and built-in wheels to make your life easy.
This durable steel rower has a comfy padded seat, a non-slip foam handle, and adjustable foot straps. With eight resistance levels and a digital display, you can create a customized full-body workout.
Price at time of publish: $400
Size: 85 x 20.5 x 36.25 inches | Features: Wheels, digital display, eight resistance levels | Warranty: 30 days
Best Water
HouseFit Skyline Aqua Water Rower Rowing Machine
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Courtesy of Amazon
Stainless steel slide rail
Smooth operation
Reasonably priced
Assembly required
The Skyline Aqua offers six levels of resistance, which you adjust by filling up the water tank. Featuring a stainless steel slide rail and floor stabilizers, you can bet it offers a smooth, ultra-sturdy ride.
We also like that this rowing machine has a tablet mount for streaming your workout of choice, plus an LCD display that shows your time, reps, and calorie burn.
Price at time of publish: $420
Size: 64.5 x 21.5 x 31.5 inches | Features: Six resistance levels, LCD display, tablet mount, ergonomic seat | Warranty: Not listed
Best Wood
Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machine for Home Use
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Courtesy of Amazon
Solid wood construction
Aesthetically pleasing
Easy to store
Warranty not included
Reminiscent of an old-fashioned sled, Mr. Captain's solid wood rower is a sight for sore eyes. This aesthetically pleasing rowing machine uses water for resistance to deliver an authentic experience.
Not only that, but you can sync it to the FitShow mobile app through Bluetooth to set goals and track your progress. At 84 inches long, it's generously sized but not exceedingly large and still easy to store, thanks to the built-in wheels.
Price at time of publish: $599
Size: 84 x 20 x 22 inches | Features: Ergonomic seat, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app, built-in wheels | Warranty: Not included
Final Verdict
Our number one pick is the NordicTrack RW600 Rowing Machine. With a sleek design, 26 resistance levels, a large touchscreen, and unlimited access to the iFit world of streaming fitness, it sails past the competition. However, if you want something smaller or more budget-friendly, your best bet is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine, which has 12 resistance levels and a digital monitor.
Meet the Expert
Cindy Glaser PT, DPT, OCS, NCPT, is a doctor of physical therapy, an orthopedic clinical specialist, and a nationally certified Pilates instructor. She is the owner of Strength Unleashed, a physical therapy practice based in Beverly Hills, California.
What to Look for in a Rowing Machine
Type
There are a few main kinds of rowing machines you can buy, including water, magnetic, and hydraulic. Water rowers offer adjustable resistance through a water tank, whereas magnetic machines call on strong magnets and a spinning flywheel. With a hydraulic rowing machine, you pull against an air-filled cylinder.
Size
When shopping around for a rowing machine, you'll want to consider the size as well. Standard models are roughly 96 inches (8 feet) long, though at-home machines are often shorter. Be sure to measure your space before ordering a rower and consider getting a fold-up option if you're short on square footage.
Screen
Most rowing machines on the market today have some type of screen, though they vary drastically. At a minimum, you'll get a digital display showing the resistance level and metrics like your distance, speed, reps, and calorie burn. Fancier models have large screens (sometimes touchscreens), which often connect to a mobile app and offer on-demand rowing classes with HD imagery.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a Portland-based freelance writer with a background in fitness. For this roundup, she spoke with a physical therapist and fitness instructor, evaluated dozens of models from various manufacturers and retailers, pored over user reviews, and researched key features (type, size, weight capacity, screen, and streaming options) before making her final selections. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers exercise equipment, workout attire, and cosmetics.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any rowing machines from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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