The 7 Best Rowing Machines on Amazon of 2024 (Expert Tested)

Amazon is a one-stop online superstore hub where users can buy cat food, swimsuits, electronics, and even the very best rowing machines, with delivery, oftentimes, within a couple of days. However, navigating the website’s offerings can be jarring, with such a wide range of both high and low-quality gear available with just one click. So you’re not left taking a gamble on questionable equipment, we’ve gathered up the best rowing machines on Amazon from reputable companies that are suitable for a variety of training intensities.

When curating this list, we combed through customer reviews to ensure the equipment we were highlighting was exactly what would show up at your doorstep. As you peruse our picks, keep in mind how much room you have available, what type of technology will assist your training, and your budget. The team at BarBend has tried and tested nearly 20 of the most popular rowers on the market, and many of our favorites can be purchased from the company’s website or on Amazon — so when you’re ready, the rowing machine you want could be just a click away. 

The 7 Best Rowing Machines on Amazon of 2024

• Best Rowing Machines on Amazon Overall: Concept2 RowErg
• Most Durable Rowing Machine on Amazon: AssaultRower Pro
• Best Rowing Machine on Amazon with Programming: Hydrow Wave
• Best Smart Rowing Machine on Amazon: Echelon Row
• Best Budget Rowing Machine on Amazon: Stamina ATS Air Rower
• Best Rowing Machine on Amazon for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
• Best Water Rowing Machine on Amazon: WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines on Amazon

The BarBend team is stacked with former collegiate rowers, CrossFit coaches, and certified personal trainers and we’ve gotten our hands on nearly 20 rowing machines in our search for the best equipment for your home. The BarBend equipment testing methodology is straightforward — we scored each profile on a scale from 1 (bad) to 5 (awesome) in categories such as tech capabilities, ergonomics, and durability. The following are some of the areas we focused on when testing and choosing the top machines.

• Resistance Type: BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, sets up what’s out there: “There are several types of rowing machines, including water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and each type offers a different experience.” We’ve included water, air, and magnetic resistance rowers on our list, as these respective modes of resistance can scratch different itches for different athletes. 
• Stroke and Pull: We made an effort to only include rowers with smooth seat glides and pulls. When a rower fell short of our expectations in this area, we took note of it.
• Tech Capabilities: Technology on indoor rowing machines isn’t typically as impressive as what you’ll find on other cardio equipment, however, we still made sure to keep our eyes peeled for Bluetooth connectivity, app compatibility, and LCD displays with preset programming. 
• Comfort: Rowing machines tend to have hard plastic seats. However, when our bums felt a little more give, due to molding or padded seats, we made sure to highlight this.
• Price Comparison: While available on Amazon, we checked to see how the price compared to purchasing the equipment directly from the retailer. When we noticed a cost disparity, we made sure to include our findings to keep you informed.

[Related: Best Air Rowing Machines]

Best Rowing Machine on Amazon Overall: Concept2 RowErg

While you may not always think of Amazon providing equipment that’s built like a tank, the Concept2 RowErg’s steel and aluminum construction can support users up to 500 pounds, stand up to high-intensity training, and handle daily use. This rower is one of the most popular on the market, utilized by the U.S. Olympic rowing team and integral to any gym looking to curate the best CrossFit equipment. Value scored a 4.5 out of 5, and construction and workout capability scored a 4.75 out of 5.

I spent two years working out on this rower when I was doing CrossFit and appreciated how easy it was to hop on and get to work. While there isn’t a touchscreen display for streaming, the PM5 monitor provides stats like time, watts, strokes per minute, and distance. I’d generally use distance-based programming, rowing my heart out for 200- to 2,000 meter sprints. 

You can also utilize Bluetooth connectivity to use this rower with a variety of apps — ErgData, Zwift, Ergatta, and Kinomap — to track or support your training. This monitor scored a 4.25 out of 5 and tech capabilities earned a 4 out of 5.

While chain drives require more maintenance than belt drives — Concept2 recommends oiling the chain drive every 50 hours of use — BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger appreciated the Concept2 RowErg’s chain pull. “I especially enjoy the nickel-plated steel chain that showcases a great sense of durability and glide regardless of which dampener I have the resistance set to,” he said, scoring durability a 5 out of 5.

My biggest complaint about this rower is that the hard plastic seat is uncomfortable on the hiney for longer workouts. When shopping on Concept2’s website, there’s an option to add an adhesive-backed foam pad for an additional cost, but this isn’t available on Amazon. 

Additionally, while this rower is available on Amazon, the cost is roughly $200 to $300 more than when purchased directly from Concept2. So while Amazon may provide an easier and more familiar checkout, purchasing this directly from the retailer can save you some cabbage.

Read our full Concept2 Rower Review.

Most Durable Rowing Machine on Amazon: AssaultRower Pro

If you’re like me, you’ve probably pulled the trigger on some Amazon orders that turned out to be low-quality duds. However, you won’t make that misstep with the AssaultRower Pro, our choice for the most durable rowing machine on Amazon. We love its durable, corrosion-resistant steel frame, which we think can stand up to daily HIIT workouts. Durability scored a 4.5 out of 5, and portability, footprint, and setup scored a 4 out of 5.

Assault Fitness is known for their rugged equipment — air bikes, treadmills, and rowers — and their powder-coated steel frames that can help resist scratches, chipping, corrosion, and rust. (1) This weather-resistant exterior — and its user-powered operation — gives you the freedom to take your workout to the great outdoors, aka your backyard. “

The steel build makes it heavier than some other rowers, but it should last a good long time,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave durability a 4.5 out of 5.

“There wasn’t any shake or wobble during my workout,” they added, while noting the generous 350-pound user weight capacity. “This thing is super solid and the pull is smooth and consistent.”

Air rowers generate resistance based on how hard you row, and how hard the fan spins against the air. This makes for a noisier experience as compared to magnetic or water rowing workouts. And while this fan creates more resistance the harder you row, it lacks the kind of adjustment mechanism you’ll find on the Concept2 RowErg. “There isn’t a damper to adjust how much air is allowed into the flywheel,” our tester mentioned. However, adjustability still earned a perfect 5 out of 5. “I love that the seat can lock into place, so I could just pull with my upper body.”

The LCD you’ll find on this rower is similar to the screen provided on the Assault AirBike. “You can connect to a heart rate monitor and there are some interval programs, but it’s a simple device. There isn’t really any impressive tech features here,” said our tester, who gave a 4 out of 5 score for tech capabilities. 

So, no, you won’t find a touchscreen to stream programming, but the LCD monitor does provide basic training metrics like calories, watts, strokes per minute, distance, split time, and average time.

[Related: Assault AirBike Review]

Best Rowing Machine on Amazon with Programming: Hydrow Wave

Our choice for the best rowing machine on Amazon with programming is the Hydrow Wave, a sturdy, foldable machine with an interactive 16-inch HD touchscreen that provides access to over 4,000 trainer-led on-demand and live classes. Customizations, tech capabilities, and dynamic programming scored a perfect 5 out of 5.

Hydrow’s programming is viewed from the touchscreen, providing immersive classes that can take you around the globe, from Los Angeles and Norway to Italy and Ireland. 

“These [classes] aren’t just limited to rowing,” mentions Jake Herod NASM-CNC, our lead video reviewer. “You’ll have access to strength training, yoga, pilates… and there’s even circuits that incorporate rowing and strength training at the same time.” The trainers are also top tier, featuring Olympians, former D1 athletes, and U.S. national rowing team members. Dynamic programming earned a 5 out of 5. 

See what else Herod has to say about the Hydrow Wave in the below video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzlGs0POylI&t=443s

Accessing Hydrow’s programming requires a monthly $44 membership, which may be an unwanted recurring expense for some users. “This is pretty pricey compared to a lot of other memberships out there, but… you’re going to have more classes… than you’ll know what to do with,” says Herod. 

Our tester agreed, giving value a 3.5 out of 5 score, “Similar to Peloton All-Access or iFIT, it’s fairly pricey, but the programming is so good, I’d still recommend it,” they said. 

The compact footprint takes up 80 inches by 18 inches — or 10.56 square feet, which is roughly the same square footage as a baby’s crib. And while there are transport wheels, the large HD touchscreen can make moving this around a little bit of a challenge. 

“Tipping it up to roll it around was a little awkward because of the screen,” said our tester, who gave footprint and portability a 4 out of 5. Additionally, for vertical storage, users will need to fork over an additional $190 for a wall anchor.

“This is one of my favorite rowers on the market, but that definitely comes with a price tag,” concludes Herod. At $1,695, this rower is nearly double the cost of some of our favorites, though they don’t have the same programming options. 

If programming is what you’re after, this rower won’t disappoint. However if your membership lapses, you won’t have access to any workouts or programs.

Read our full Hydrow Wave Rower Review.

Best Smart Rowing Machine on Amazon: Echelon Row

The Echelon Row is our choice for best smart rowing machine on Amazon. Its Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair this machine with the Echelon Fit app to track your training, compete on leaderboards, and take live and on-demand classes or scenic rides. We tested out the Row-S, which has the same build as the Row, except it includes a 22-inch HD touchscreen which is missing from the Row. Adjustability, ergonomics, durability, and customizations scored a 4 out of 5.

Bluetooth connectivity allows users to pair their rower to the Echelon Fit app, which comes packed with a whole host of endurance and HIIT rowing workouts. Users can access this app from their phone or tablet, which can then be stowed on the device holder for easy access to your training metrics or streamed programming. 

We think it’s worth noting, though, that while this rower has Bluetooth connectivity, it’s only compatible with the Echelon Fit app. I confirmed this with customer service, who I was able to get on the phone within 30 seconds.

Our tester gave this app’s dynamic programming a 3.75 out of 5. “The production value is nice, but I didn’t like the coaches as much as the ones on Hydrow or CITYROW,” they mentioned. “Also, some instructors didn’t look like they knew how to row. I took some classes where the coaches had poor form, which isn’t going to do you any favors.” 

While there are various membership tiers, you’ll need a full-access Premier subscription, which costs $39.99 a month, to view rowing classes. While Premier is priced closer to Peloton’s $44 All-Access membership, we think its programming isn’t as impressive. However, Premier does give you access to FitOS, Echelon’s fitness platform, providing entertainment streamers (with your own subscriptions), social media, and Worlds, a gamified racing experience where your rowing intensity controls your avatar.

Additionally, the Bluetooth adjustable resistance allows you to adjust tension mid-stroke. “You can control the 32 resistance levels right from the handlebar,” mentioned our tester “There isn’t a dampener, but that’s because the resistance is magnetic, similar to the Hydrow Row.” Customizations earned a 4 out of 5.

For those on a budget, but still looking for connected rowing, the $999.99 Echelon Row (which can sometimes be found on sale for even less), may be a smart choice for you.

Read our full Echelon Row Review.

Best Budget Rowing Machine on Amazon: Stamina ATS Air Rower

The best budget home gym equipment can provide those with limited financial means access to at-home workouts. The Stamina ATS Air Rower is our choice for the best budget rowing machine on Amazon due to its $279 price tag, a drop in the bucket when compared to other rowers we’ve tested, some of which can cost as much as $2,000. Footprint, portability, delivery, and setup all scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester.

For this budget-friendly price tag, users get an air rower where the resistance adjusts depending on how hard you push off the pedals and pull with the padded handlebar. Unlike typical rowing machines with hard plastic seats, this rower features an upholstered, padded seat, which can help beginners focus on building their routine from a more comfortable position.

For those looking for equipment conducive to easy storage, this foldable rower transforms from 9 square feet down to 6 square feet. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, pointed out that while there are transport wheels, the machine has to be angled just right to be able to roll away. “Since it weighs around 50 pounds, it’s almost easier to just pick it up and move it.” Portability scored a 4 out of 5.

There aren’t any tech features besides a basic LCD screen, which provides data such as speed, distance, calories burned, and time, but limited tech is to be expected at a price this low. 

Additionally, our tester pondered how this rower’s rail length would suit taller athletes. “I’m 5 feet 6 inches and I couldn’t get a full range of motion for my row,” they said, “so I can’t imagine anyone taller than me fitting comfortably on this rower.” 

The light 52-pound build is said to be constructed with carbon steel, but our tester doubts this machine’s durability due to the generous use of plastic components. “Frankly, I don’t think the machine is built to last,” they said, noting that their workout was accompanied by the machine shaking and wobbling as they rowed. Durability scored a 2.5 out of 5.

For those curious about rowing workouts for beginners — or individuals unsure if they’ll get much use out of a rower — the Stamina ATS is a worthwhile consideration to save you some coin.

Best Rowing Machine on Amazon for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine is our choice for best rowing machine on Amazon for small spaces because it can shrink from 12.30 square feet down to just 5.80 square feet — about the size of a king-size pillowcase. (3) Footprint and portability scored a 4.25 out of 5, and setup and value scored a 4 out of 5.

Sure, this rower is light on tech and lacks any built-in programming, but we still think it’s one of the best foldable rowing machines. “This thing is really small, and when you need it out of the way, you can fold it up in half,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. They scored its footprint and portability a 4.25 out of 5. 

To fold this rower, users unscrew a turn knob and then tilt the sliding rail up vertically. The user manual notes to be cautious of your fingers and head during this transformation, since the seat can come sliding down and pinch fingers (also, the rear stabilizer tilts up to the perfect head-bonking position). 

Our tester swears this rower didn’t come with wheels for transportation, however, this could be because the wheels are itty-bitty. “It was light enough to pick up and move around,” they said, referencing the 49-pound build.

The seat rail is made from steel, but this small and lightweight frame is partially thanks to the use of plastic components. What we’ve learned about fitness equipment over the years is that builds with plastic parts don’t tend to stand the test of time. “This machine isn’t the sort of thing that’s going to last you 10 years,” said our tester, who scored durability a 3 out of 5. 

“The seat is incredibly comfortable,” noted our tester, “It reminds me of a recumbent bike seat because it’s super wide and has some really nice padding to it.” However, adjustability and ergonomics scored a 3.5 out of 5 because the seat felt too low to the ground and there was a small amount of catch to the flywheel on the return. 

“The ride was smooth, except for when I’d return the handle back towards the flywheel there’d be a little bit of stick to it,” they concluded.

Best Water Rowing Machine on Amazon: WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor

The best water rowing machines can replicate the feeling of being out on a lake, pulling against the resistance of water. If you close your eyes while on one of these machines, the sound of the water sloshing can be transportive. The WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine is our choice for the best water rowing machine on Amazon due to its gorgeous Black Walnut build, 700-pound user weight capacity, and consistent water resistance, which we think creates one of the smoothest pulls possible on a rower machine.

When people walk into my apartment and see my fitness equipment stuffed into corners of the room, I tend to feel some mild embarrassment. Sorry, I’m poor, and my home gym is also my living room. But if you’ve ever walked into someone’s home and witnessed a water rower, it’s like a work of art. The WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine’s frame is handcrafted Walnut wood that reminds us of Ikea if Ikea made gorgeous fitness equipment. 

However, should you want to move your rower out of the way, this machine can be tilted upright to be stowed vertically. When stowed away as such, this takes up 3.06 square feet of floor space — about one-third the footprint of a stationary bike. Footprint and portability scored a 4 out of 5.

In use, the sound of this water rower is a mesmerizing whoosh as the water within the tank swooshes in circles. “While this isn’t loud, it does make some noise,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It’s not as loud as an air rower, and the noise it made was actually really calming.” 

You won’t find a touchscreen on this rower, but the S4 performance monitor is an upgrade from the A1 model’s LCD display. It provides general training metrics and some distance- and time-based programming. Customizations and dynamic programming scored a 3 out of 5.

Lastly, you’ll want to add purification tablets to the water tank every three to six months to keep the water from getting funky. “The only real maintenance on this water rower is checking the water a couple times a year and adding a purification tablet when needed,” said our tester. 

Benefits of Rowing Machines on Amazon

“Rowing is great for those who want a full-body workout and are looking for a form of cardio that is low impact,” says Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial member and former collegiate rower. From stronger muscles to improved cardio fitness, rowing holds the key to a wealth of rewards. (4) Here are some of the benefits of rowing machines on Amazon.

• Shopping on Amazon: Purchases from Amazon often qualify for free shipping, and consumers can expect that shipment relatively quickly, sometimes within two days. Additionally, potential buyers can peruse loads of customer reviews and photos when trying to figure out the right exercise machines for them.
• Full-Body Workout: “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.” 
• Low-Impact: “Because a rowing machine is a low-impact workout, not only will it avoid pounding on your joints, but it’s also often recommended by doctors post hip and knee surgery,” mentions Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach.
• Mental Health: Bringing a rowing machine into your home can give you access to a cardio workout that can aid in uplifting your mood. Some studies have shown that physical exercise can help increase sleep quality, decrease anxiety, and improve body image. (5)

How Much Do the Best Rowing Machines on Amazon Cost?

Amazon’s dynamic pricing strategy uses algorithms to keep product prices competitive, constantly adjusting prices based on competitors, stock, demand, and trends. At the time of writing, these were the prices of our favorite home use rowers on Amazon. 

Best Rowing Machine on Amazon Overall	Concept2 RowErg	$1,309.99
Most Durable Rowing Machine on Amazon	AssaultRower Pro	$999
Best Rowing Machine on Amazon with Programming	Hydrow Wave	$1,695
Best Smart Rowing Machine on Amazon	Echelon Row	$999.99
Best Budget Rowing Machine on Amazon	Stamina ATS Rower	$279
Best Rowing Machine on Amazon for Small Spaces	Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine	$249.98
Best Water Rowing Machine on Amazon	WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine with S4	$1,689

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine on Amazon

If you’ve made the decision to bring a rower into your home, you may feel antsy about making a selection so you can start your fitness routine as soon as possible. However, taking the extra time to make sure the machine you’re eyeing will provide you with the training you want can save you from the headaches of disassembling equipment and shipping it back to Amazon. Here are some areas to consider.

Rowing vs the Competition

Consider what type of cardio workout you want. Similar to the best air bikes, rowers can help target your total body, but perhaps you’d prefer jogging on a treadmill or cruising on an elliptical or stationary bike.

Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach, notes, “Rowing is so cool because it is a full-body, low-impact workout. Unlike other cardio machines, rowing will target your glutes, quads, back, lats, and shoulders with every stroke you take.”

What Type of Rower?

“What kind of rowing machine do you want? …Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. 

Water rowers, often, are more aesthetically pleasing and users tend to like the sound the water makes during each stroke. Air rowers are the loudest option but are the most commonly used, thanks to their ease of use — they don’t tend to need electricity — and affordable build. The best magnetic rowing machines are typically the quietest option, but they tend to cost more than the competition. 

Tech Capabilities

Knowing how much technology you’d like integrated with your rowing experience will help you sift through the options. Rowing machines tend to have basic LCD displays, and if you’d like a smart rower with Bluetooth connectivity or app integration, you can expect to pay more for these features. “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality,” notes Capritto. 

Will It Fit?

Before you even start your search, it’s important to know where you plan to use your equipment and if you’ll need to be able to stow it away when not in use. “Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” says Capritto. 

If you’ve got a dedicated home gym or ample room to spare for the best home gym equipment — you lucky dog — you may not be too concerned about the footprint and portability of the rowers you’re considering. However, those who are looking to save some space will want to consider the footprint of the rower, folding capabilities, transport wheels, and whether or not the rower can be stowed vertically. 

Price

Prices on Amazon are constantly changing, so it’s important to keep track of how much the cardio equipment you’re interested in is going for from one moment to the next. Additionally, consider the cost on Amazon against the cost when purchased directly from the retailer, since sometimes you may find a better price elsewhere.

Best Rowing Machines on Amazon FAQs

References

1. KeystoneKoating. (2023, September 26). Benefits of powder coating. Keystone Koating. https://www.keystonekoating.com/blog/powder-coating-benefits/
2. Rae, H. (2024). Mattress Size Chart & Bed Dimensions. U.S. News. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/sleep/mattress/mattress-sizes
3. Liman, S. (2024) Pillowcase Sizes and Dimensions. Amerisleep. https://amerisleep.com/blog/pillowcase-sizes/
4. Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, K. S., & Kwon, T. K. (2014). Comparative analysis of basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. https://doi.org/10.3233/BME-141056
5. Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475