The Best Rowing Machines to Buy for Your Home Gym in 2025, Expert-Approved

Why We Like It

Our top pick is one of the most interactive indoor rowing machines on the market featuring an HD touchscreen display, live and on-demand classes, and magnetic resistance for a smooth pull and a quiet workout. After putting this machine through several workouts, our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the Hydrow Pro Rower at an overall score of 4.25 out of 5.

After comparing the Hydrow Pro to more than 20 other rowing machines, we thought this was among the quietest, making it one of the best rowing machines for apartments. We also like this machine’s space-friendly size and portability. “You can store this one vertically to reduce the footprint, so it doesn’t take up much space,” according to our tester, who scores the footprint at 4 out of 5. “The wheels on the front legs make it easy to move around, too.”

For the best home rower overall, our team also prioritized durability — this machine earned a 5 out of 5 in that category. It has a 375-pound max user weight, which is more than most, and you don’t feel it move or shake as you train. “I can definitely tell that this rower is made with durable, high-quality materials,” our tester says. “It’s smooth, quiet, and durable.”

The Hydrow Pro is compatible with many programs and apps, earning a 4 out of 5 for tech capacity. With a monthly membership fee of $38, you’ll have access to the rower’s full library of coach-led virtual classes, all of which you can view on the 22-inch HD touchscreen display. The machine is also compatible with Bluetooth and you can buy a separate sensor to track your heart rate.

Unfortunately, we do give the machine a 3 out of 5 for programming. “This rower has the capacity for many programming options but a lot of these involve buying separate apps or are sold separately,” our tester says. “You can pre-set some workouts but the machine really only tracks time, distance, or stroke goals.”

The Hydrow earns a 4.5 out of 5 for value. The price is steep at $2,195 but the company does offer financing options. That said, given the frame is so durable, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing, we think it’s worth the price. You can also opt for the Hydrow Wave Rower — a similar profile to the Pro with a smaller footprint and cheaper price point.

Read our full Hydrow Rower Review.

Why We Like It

For those who want to invest in a beginner-friendly rowing machine, the Concept2 is hard to match. The RowErg is easy to put together (we give it a 5 out of 5 for assembly) and the minimal design makes hopping into your first workout as simple as possible. We also gave the Concept2 a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. Our testers noticed no jostling or shaking while rowing, which is great for athletes who haven’t yet perfected their rowing form.

For newbies, we like that this machine is easy to personalize and adjust. “This machine uses air resistance and you can adjust how much air enters the machine with each stroke with the adjustable damper on the flywheel,” our tester says, giving it a 5 out of 5 for customizations. “Like a gear on the bike, you can move this dial to adjust how much effort you need for each stroke. So, you can really customize the challenge.”

Our team scores the RowErg’s adjustability at 4.5 out of 5 — another factor we prioritized for beginners still working on their technique. You can adjust the LCD screen so that it’s eye level for your body and you can tighten or loosen the footpads for just about any shoe. The slider accommodates athletes up to six foot, nine inches tall, as well. We have a six foot, seven inch tester who said it’s perfectly comfortable.

The LCD display tracks all of the most important metrics, including strokes per minute, split-based time, distance, calories, calories per hour, watts, and average watts. While there are plenty of pre-programmed workouts to choose from, we had to rate the tech capacity a 4 out of 5 because there’s no option to stream virtual classes. Other rowers such as the Hydrow Pro and NordicTrack RW900 may be better options for athletes in need of engaging, trainer-led workouts.

Lastly, our tester scores the value at 4.8 out of 5. “Considering this machine is under $1,000, it’s an excellent value for the price,” they note. “It can withstand daily wear and tear with decent tech capabilities.” 

Read our full Concept 2 Rower Review.

Why We Like It

The ProForm 750R is among the best magnetic rowing machines, which means it’s one of the quietest options on the market. You’ll only hear a soft whirr as you row instead of the loud spin you usually hear with air resistance or water rowers. So, for those who live with roommates (or just want a quieter workout), this machine is worth considering.

Our team rates the 750R at 3.75 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as it’s not the smallest or lightest silhouette we’ve tested. It’s just over 7 feet in length and weighs about 116 pounds. “What saves this silhouette, though, is the fact that you can fold the slide rail vertically for more convenient storage,” says our tester. “Plus, I appreciate the front transport wheels that make wheeling this profile into position an easier endeavor.”

“This rower feels pretty durable. It’s not like some of the pricier machines but it still feels stable during training,” according to our tester, who gives the durability a 4 out of 5. This one has a lot of aluminum and steel with very few plastic pieces.

There’s no screen on this rower, though, so you’ll have to use the machine’s integrated device holder. But we gave the tech capabilities a 4 out of 5 because you do get access to iFIT’s library of over 16,000 on-demand classes. This machine also has auto-adjustable resistance, bluetooth capabilities, and nice speakers. That said, we recommend the NordicTrack RW900 if you’d rather take advantage of these iFIT perks through a built-in console rather than your personal devices.

We do wish the 750R had a higher weight capacity, though. With a 250-pound max, it won’t necessarily work for all athletes. However, we did give the ProForm 750R a 4.5 out of 5 for value — we’ve routinely found this rower discounted below its listed MSRP of $1,499.

Read our full ProForm 750R Review.

Why We Like It

The Ergatta features interactive workout programs, competitions, and games where you compete with yourself to motivate you as you go. Although it doesn’t have the kinds of trainer-led programming you may see with other rowers, it works to keep you on track using games and competition. It also has an impressive 500-pound weight capacity, making it one of the best rowing machines for heavy people.

“I actually prefer Ergatta’s style of programming,” according to our tester, who scores the tech a 4 out of 5. “I think the system is really clever, using games and competition to keep you pushing yourself. It’s also a more simple programming, which is appealing. There isn’t too much to mess with and I get all the most important data.” Comparable gamified workouts can also be found on the Aviron Strong Series Rower, if you’d prefer a machine not using water resistance.

Speaking of, the water resistance provides the feel of rowing on an actual body of water and it creates a “whooshing” sound that our testers found soothing. “It’s almost meditative,” one tester says. We gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5 for durability, though, as some customers have reported the plastic drum leaking over time, which is a pretty big oversight. You’ll also need to routinely change the water to prevent bacteria buildup, which can add to your maintenance schedule.

We gave the customization options a 3 out of 5, as you can’t increase or decrease the resistance as with some other machines. However, this is how all water rowers work — the workout is as challenging as you make it.

Although the wood is great quality and visually appealing to keep in your home, we had to give the value a 3.25 out of 5. “This one is comparable to other rowing machines, which cost a little less,” our tester says. “I also think the $29 per month subscription for the workout streaming is a bit steep.” 

However, if you’re an athlete who loves interactive training and wants a more gamified workout, the programming on this smart rowing machine is definitely unique.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Why We Like It

The best magnetic rowing machines offer adjustable resistances and quiet flywheels, making them excellent additions to any home gym. In our opinion, Aviron’s Strong Series Rower is the best of the bunch thanks to its impressive durability, wide range of gamified workouts, compatibility with entertainment services like Netflix and Spotify, and its dual (yes, dual) air and magnetic resistance system offering up to 100 pounds of high-intensity challenge.

I’ve previously owned an Aviron Strong Series Rower and do feel it’s one of the smoothest profiles in the category. The dual air and magnetic resistance tandem gives every stroke a unique sense of intensity. Plus, the air system isn’t so loud that it drowns out your programming, although I do suggest training with a Bluetooth-paired set of headphones to fully lock in.

In terms of programming, I rate the available modules at 5 out of 5. Not only does Aviron offer thousands of gamified workouts that make your sessions resemble a trip to the arcade, but the 22-inch HD touchscreen is also capable of pairing to your Spotify, Netflix, ESPN, and other entertainment services for additional mid-training viewing options.

The Aviron Strong Series is 84 inches in length and can support user weights up to 507 pounds, earning a rating of 4 out of 5 for durability. Other comparable rowers often cap weight capacities closer to 400 pounds, so having the extra support can be excellent for a wider range of athletes. “I also appreciate the vertical storage capabilities,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “The machine’s front wheels make maneuvering the profile easy, as well.”

Despite these impressive qualities, I score the overall value at 3.5 out of 5. The Strong Series Rower costs nearly $2,500 on its own, and you’ll also need to subscribe to the brand’s membership service costing $29 monthly. This may put this magnetic rower outside some budgets. For a cheaper alternative, I suggest exploring the Aviron Strong Go Rower, which eliminates the built-in display yet still offers all the on-unit features of the original Strong Series silhouette.

Read our full Aviron Strong Rower Review.

Why We Like It

If you’re an athlete who likes to put their rowing machine through plenty of high-intensity training, the Sole SR550 — among the best air rowing machines on the market — has the durability you need. Earning a 5 out of 5 for durability, this machine is built with aluminum and steel, which won’t break down, jostle, or move as you train.

The SR550 also has more tech capabilities than other Sole rowers (like the Sole SR500), thanks to the 10.1-inch touchscreen. We gave this one a 4.5 out of 5 for the tech because it is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-compatible and the Sole+ app offers an entire library of workouts, ranging from 10 to 60 minutes.

“Generally, the workout was pretty good,” reports Alex Polish, certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial team member. “It was unique, given a few features of this rower — the raised seat, the hooked holder for the handle, and the huge, 360-degree swivel screen. A 3.5 out of 5 for overall experience, with a point docked because I prefer to not have to plug in my rowing machines for maximal experience, especially when they fold. I also don’t love the hook on the handle, which prevents a very smooth lift-off when you’re starting your workout. It’s not the worst inconvenience, but having to pull down and away from you before unhooking the handle isn’t the typical rowing experience I’m looking for.”

Polish also finds the resistance mechanism unique on this rower. They explain: “There’s a simple two-button toggle at the center of the handle. I didn’t find it the most intuitive because you have to adjust your grip quite a bit to actually use it. Plus, on a rower, you typically adjust your resistance by simply rowing harder or lighter, so I’m not the hugest fan of this manual adjustment. That said, because of how tech-oriented this rower is, it makes it easy to follow along with the workouts.”

We’re scoring this piece of fitness equipment a 3.5 out of 5 for pricing, considering it will cost you a hefty $1,499.99. While we do think the durability is hard to match, there are cheaper alternatives for athletes like the Concept2 RowERG.

Why We Like It

The Echelon Row is among the best compact rowing machines we’ve seen. This space-saving magnetic rower folds in half for easy storage when it’s not in use, saving you a whole lot of floor space. Earning a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, this machine is only about 7 feet long when fully extended, whereas the average rower we’ve tested is roughly 9 feet.

The Echelon Row doesn’t come with many of the high-tech add-ons that other rowing machines provide, so our team had to give it a 3.5 out of 5 for tech capabilities. It only comes with a small LCD screen to track your basic metrics. There is a device holder, though, so your cardio workouts aren’t completely left without streaming capabilities (provided you’re okay with some DIY setup before getting into training).

While we haven’t personally tested the Echelon Row, we have spent time on the similar Row-s, pictured below. The main difference is the large screen that comes on the Row-s. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, scored the adjustability of the Row-s a 4 out of 5, as they were able to quickly make adjustments without missing a beat. “I do tend to prefer rowers with magnetic resistance, just because they are so much quieter. It makes them a bit more practical for shared spaces,” they said. “Plus, all you have to do is tap a button to adjust it.” 

We like that this rower is built with aluminum and steel, though we do wish it had a higher weight capacity as 300 pounds is relatively low compared to other rowers in the space. That said, our tester did appreciate the comfort at play with the cushioned seat. “It’s pleasantly surprising how cozy I feel during workouts,” they note. “If you’re comfortable with the weight rating, you’ll definitely be comfortable in the saddle with this rower.”

Read our full Echelon Row Review.

Why We Like It

This NordicTrack rowing machine has one of the best libraries of on-demand virtual classes, earning a 5 out of 5 for tech capacity. You’ll get a free month of iFIT with your purchase, which means access to over 16,000 coached classes to choose from catering to all fitness levels. After the free trial, iFIT memberships cost about $39 per month. These classes will appear on the 22” touchscreen display making it easy to follow along as you row.

“The iFIT programming is absolutely amazing,” says our tester, giving this rower’s programming a 4.75 out of 5. “You can choose from endless great workouts with plenty of filter options to find your ideal workouts and programs. The trainers are easy to follow and it also works with an app on your phone for different training styles.”

You can adjust between a wide range of 26 different levels of resistance in order to dial in the correct workout intensity. “It also has automatic adjustment by your remote coaches during workouts, which is so cool,” our tester says, giving the customization capabilities a 4.25 out of 5. “So, during a workout, you don’t have to think about adjusting your resistance — the machine does it for you.”

This smart rower isn’t one of the stockiest on this list but it’s certainly tough, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. “I can definitely see this one lasting for a long time,” according to our tester. “Most of this machine is aluminum and steel. Though there are some plastic pieces, these are pretty thick and shouldn’t break or crack.” Be mindful, though, that the RW900 is rated for user weights up to 250 pounds, which may be too low for some.

At $1,999, this rower is definitely on the more expensive side. There are less expensive options out there (like the Concept2 RowERG or Sole SR550) for users who don’t really need as much tech. With that said, we gave this machine a 3.75 out of 5 for value because we think the construction and workout options are hard to beat.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review. 

Why We Like It

As far as water rowers go, the LIT Strength Machine stands out for doing triple-duty as a rower, a strength-training machine, and a Pilates reformer. Unlike standard rowers, this one goes above and beyond by including resistance bands that clip on to the front, middle, or back of the rower, so you can use it to do off-rower workouts using the bands for resistance. The anchored bands are also useful for Pilates, where you can use the sliding seat just like you would a Pilates reformer. 

For customization, we had to give this machine a 5 out of 5. After all, there’s no other rower that we found that can rival the versatility of the LIT Strength Machine. Considering you can do both cardio and strength work on this one piece of equipment, it can function as your entire home gym.

If you want to see it in action, watch BarBend‘s Jake Herod, a certified nutrition coach, put it to the test in the below video.

Surprisingly, putting this rowing machine together was simple, as well. “About 85% of this rower was already assembled,” according to Herod, who scores this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for assembly. “It only took about 10 to 15 minutes to do the rest myself, which is nice for obvious reasons.”

To help you get the most out of the Strength Machine, LIT Method offers a 3-month trial of the LIT app, which features over 2,500 classes that will take you through workouts that can be done on and off the rower. But we did have to give this machine a 2 out of 5 for tech, as it doesn’t actually have a screen built in — you have to use your phone or tablet. The Ergatta Rower, Hydrow Pro, or NordicTrack RW900 are all possible alternatives if you really need a built-in display.

“The classes themselves I’ve found to be really helpful,” Herod says, giving a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. “They’re really high energy and make it seem as if you’re right in the room with the instructors.”

One issue we had with the rower was storage. Although it’s meant to be stored vertically, that’s not actually possible without the drum leaking water. But having to empty and refill the tank every single time you want to use the machine is a huge burden. So, unless you’re okay with keeping the machine horizontal at all times, you may want to opt for another machine.

Read our full LIT Method Rower Review.

Why We Like It

Looking for a rowing machine that’s heavy on performance yet light on your wallet? We recommend the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine from Sunny Health and Fitness. Also branded as the SF-RW5801, this rower costs less than $300 — a far cheaper metric than the roughly $1,600 average we’ve often found in other high-quality machines.

BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Matt Cummings rates the value of this Sunny Health and Fitness rower at 4 out of 5, comparing the profile to some of the best budget rowing machines we’ve had the pleasure of testing. “The feel of this rower is impressive given its price point,” he states. “I like the intuitive resistance control knob, and the added floor stabilizers help shore up any potential shakes or wobbles you may feel mid-training.”

The SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine is lightweight at just 49.6 pounds, and the slide rail can fold upright for more convenient storage. The integrated front wheels also help with maneuverability. As such, we rate the footprint and portability at 4.5 out of 5.

Like other examples of the best budget home gym equipment, this rowing machine is easy to assemble, per our testers. “All you need to do is attach the rail, seat, pedals, and digital monitor,” they add in reference to the 4.5 out of 5 assembly rating. “It’s quite a simple machine and most should be able to handle the setup on their own.”

Of course, though, the tech is limited when it comes to this budget-friendly Sunny Health and Fitness profile. The LCD monitor is capable of tracking just a handful of basic metrics like time, stroke count, calories, and others. There is a device shelf for DIY streaming, but the slot isn’t as supportive as some may like. We’ve had our devices topple out of placement during high-intensity workouts. For less than $300, though, you sort of get what you pay for.

Read our full Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine Review.

Why We Like It

Compared to magnetic or air rowers like the Hydrow Pro or NordicTrack RW900, the strokes of the best water rowing machines feel more like you’re rowing on water. And the WaterRower is probably the closest you can get to the smooth feel of rowing on a lake.

“Within just the first few strokes, I noticed this rower felt extremely smooth and comfortable the entire workout,” our tester says, giving this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. “The seat also moves really smoothly, the cushioning is comfortable even after a long workout, and you can hold the handle several different ways.”

Our team also gave the WaterRower a 5 out of 5 for durability. The 700-pound weight limit means it can withstand plenty of intense workouts and our tester noticed no shaking or movement during their training session. It also has floor stabilizers, so you don’t have to worry about any movement. “Just by looking at the high-quality oak in person, you can tell this machine is well made,” our tester said. “It’s also surprisingly quiet.”

One small downside with the WaterRower is maintenance. Though some other rowing machines definitely require more upkeep, you do need to keep the water clean. The brand recommends adding purification tablets to the water every 3 to 6 months to keep your machine in good shape.

We gave the WaterRower a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities. The S4 monitor that’s built in can track your time, distance, speed/intensity, stroke rate, and heart rate (but the monitor is sold separately). You can upgrade the technology if you want to enhance your workout experience and stream apps, though this involves additional purchases. 

“Although this machine is a little more expensive than others, it’s so well crafted,” according to our tester, who gave the value a 4.5 out of 5. “With this machine, you’re definitely paying for a high-end, top-of-the-line rower.”

Read our full WaterRower Review.

Why We Like It

For athletes struggling to fit a rowing machine comfortably within their available space, the best foldable rowing machines can offer convenient solutions via slide rails that won’t constantly eat up a plethora of your floor plan when not in use. The Merach 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower can be a great pick for space-strapped individuals for two reasons — the dual slide rails can fold vertically, and the entire profile can be stored upright for even more post-workout floorspace.

While our tester, a certified personal trainer, admits that this dual-storage makeup is a bit overkill, “I still rate the overall footprint at 4 out of 5. The fact that you can store this rower in multiple fashions does bring some versatility to your setup and could potentially work in your favor if you like to mix up layouts more often than not.”

The Merach 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower, as the name suggests, is constructed from oak wood, which gives this profile a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. Our tester notes that the other included components are well built and should last a while, resulting in a 4 out of 5 score for durability. Plus, the oak wood aesthetic can be more appealing for athletes that may be looking to place their rower in more lived-in areas such as a living room or finished basement.

This foldable rowing machine does come equipped with a small LCD display, but per our tester, the tech earns a 3 out of 5 rating for its limited capabilities. “I also suspect that the small LCD console will be difficult to read for some athletes,” they add. “I know I even struggled to decipher the readouts at times while trying to focus on my form and intensity.”

Finally, the Merach 950 boasts dual magnetic and water resistance, which gives each stroke a unique feel. Like other water rowers, though, we do recommend getting in the habit of regular maintenance — you’ll need to change the water on a regimented schedule to help prevent bacteria buildup.