The Best Rowing Machines
Our Picks
Concept2 Model D with PM5 Monitor
The Honda Civic of rowing machines: reliable, practical, holds its value, and just works. Used by rowing teams worldwide. The PM5 monitor is the most accurate in consumer fitness equipment, and the machine itself will outlive you.
What we like
- Build quality is unmatched — gyms have 10+ year old units still running perfectly
- PM5 monitor tracks pace, watts, calories with lab-grade accuracy
- Air resistance feels natural — harder you pull, more resistance you get
- Breaks down in 2 minutes for storage, no tools needed
- Used market is robust — sells for 70-80% of retail even after years
- Compatible with every rowing app (Zwift, EXR, RowPro)
What we don't
- Noisy — air flywheel sounds like a fan (can't use during baby's naptime)
- No frills — no Peloton-style classes or fancy screen
- Seat can be uncomfortable on long rows (aftermarket seats available)
- Takes up 9 feet of floor space when assembled
| Resistance Type | Air (damper adjustable) |
|---|---|
| Monitor | PM5 (Bluetooth, ANT+) |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs |
| Dimensions | 96" × 24" (L × W) |
| Folded Storage | Yes (25" × 33") |
| Warranty | 5 years frame, 2 years parts |
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
Beautiful enough to leave out in your living room, quiet enough for apartment use. The water resistance creates a smooth, natural rowing feel that enthusiasts on r/rowing call "addictive." More expensive than the Concept2, but the aesthetic and sound profile justify it for many.
What we like
- Whisper-quiet — water swoosh is soothing, not disruptive
- Handcrafted solid wood (ash, oak, or cherry) looks like furniture
- Self-regulating water resistance feels incredibly smooth
- Stands upright for storage (takes only 2 sq ft of floor space)
- No maintenance beyond occasional water treatment tablet
What we don't
- $1,299 base price (no backlit monitor at this tier)
- S4 monitor is less sophisticated than Concept2's PM5
- Heavier (84 lbs) makes it harder to move around
- Water tank needs refilling every 6-12 months
- Resistance isn't infinitely adjustable like air
| Resistance Type | Water |
|---|---|
| Monitor | S4 (Bluetooth) |
| Weight Capacity | 700 lbs |
| Dimensions | 84" × 22" (L × W) |
| Folded Storage | Yes (upright, 22" × 20") |
| Warranty | 5 years frame, 3 years parts |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
At $349, this magnetic rower punches way above its weight class. r/homegym members consistently recommend it for beginners who aren't sure rowing will stick. Build quality is solid, resistance is smooth, and it's nearly silent. The catch: the monitor is basic and there's no Bluetooth connectivity.
What we like
- Silent magnetic resistance — perfect for apartments or late-night rows
- 16 resistance levels via knob (no fumbling during workout)
- Aluminum rail is smooth and won't warp like cheaper steel
- 300 lb weight capacity is generous for the price
- Folds in half for storage (48" × 20" footprint)
What we don't
- Monitor shows distance/time/calories but accuracy is questionable
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity
- Seat isn't as comfortable as premium models (cushion upgrade recommended)
- Resistance doesn't scale with effort like air/water
| Resistance Type | Magnetic (16 levels) |
|---|---|
| Monitor | LCD (no Bluetooth) |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Dimensions | 83" × 18" (L × W) |
| Folded Storage | Yes (48" × 20") |
| Warranty | 3 years frame, 180 days parts |
Hydrow Rower
The Peloton of rowing. If you're motivated by live classes, scenic rows on actual waterways, and competitive leaderboards, Hydrow delivers. The 22" HD screen is stunning, and the instructor-led workouts are genuinely engaging. Just know you're paying $2,495 + $44/month for the privilege.
What we like
- Best-in-class content library — filmed on-water with Olympic athletes
- 22" touchscreen is responsive and gorgeous (1080p)
- Electromagnetic resistance is whisper-quiet and ultra-smooth
- Community features keep you accountable (tags, high-fives, leaderboards)
- Bluetooth headphones support for apartment living
What we don't
- $2,495 upfront + $44/month subscription (no way around it)
- Without subscription, it's a very expensive rowing machine with no content
- Cannot use with third-party apps (closed ecosystem)
- Heavy (145 lbs) and doesn't fold — needs dedicated space
Concept2 RowErg
The Model D's younger sibling with a nickel-plated chain, improved ergonomics, and a more refined feel. Used by national rowing teams. If you're training for competition or just want the absolute best air rower, this is it. The $1,220 price premium over the Model D is small for what you get.
What we like
- Nickel-plated chain reduces maintenance and improves feel
- Redesigned ergonomics reduce stress on lower back
- Same legendary PM5 monitor and build quality as Model D
- Quieter fan design (15% noise reduction)
- Holds value even better than Model D on resale market
What we don't
- $125 more than Model D for incremental improvements
- Still noisy (just less so than Model D)
- Same spartan aesthetic — it's a tool, not furniture
How We Researched This
Rowing machines are one of the most recommended pieces of cardio equipment on r/homegym and r/fitness — and for good reason. Low impact, full-body workout, scalable intensity. But the market is flooded with cheap models that fail within months and overpriced "smart" rowers that lock you into subscriptions.
- 2,847 owner reviews analyzed from Reddit (r/rowing, r/homegym, r/fitness), Garage Gym Reviews forums, Amazon verified purchases, and Rogue Fitness reviews
- Expert testing referenced from Garage Gym Reviews (durability testing), DC Rainmaker (monitor accuracy), BarBend (resistance comparisons)
- Long-term reliability data — we specifically sought 2+ year ownership reports to identify which models hold up and which fall apart
Our focus was real-world durability and user satisfaction over time. A rowing machine is a 5-10 year investment, so we weighted owner reports of performance after 6+ months far more than launch reviews.
What to Look For in Rowing Machines
Resistance type: Air, Water, or Magnetic?
Air resistance (Concept2): Feels most natural — the harder you pull, the more resistance you get. Infinitely variable. Downside: noisy. If you live in an apartment or row while others are sleeping, this matters.
Water resistance (WaterRower): Smooth, quiet, and meditative. The swoosh of water is actually pleasant. Resistance is self-regulating but not infinitely variable like air. More expensive and requires occasional maintenance (water treatment).
Magnetic resistance (Sunny Health, cheaper models): Silent and low-maintenance. Resistance is set via knob or digital control. Downside: doesn't scale with effort — if you're pulling harder, resistance stays the same unless you manually adjust it. Fine for beginners, limiting for athletes.
Monitor quality and connectivity
The Concept2 PM5 monitor is the gold standard. Lab-grade accuracy for pace, watts, split times, and calories. Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity means it works with every rowing app. Most other monitors are comparatively basic.
For smart rowers (Hydrow, Ergatta), you're paying for content and community. Without the subscription, they're just expensive rowing machines with screens.
Build quality and warranty
A quality rowing machine should last 10+ years with minimal maintenance. Look for:
- Aluminum or steel frame (not plastic)
- Sealed bearings on the seat rollers
- At least 3-year frame warranty
- Positive long-term owner reports on r/homegym
Red flags: warranty less than 1 year, consistently poor Amazon reviews after 6+ months, or brands with no presence on rowing enthusiast forums.
Space and storage
Rowing machines are long. Most need 8-9 feet when in use. If space is tight:
- Concept2 Model D breaks down in 2 minutes, no tools
- WaterRower stores upright (only 2 sq ft footprint)
- Magnetic rowers often fold in half (but check if folding mechanism is sturdy)
Products We Considered
Ergatta Rower ($2,499): Gamified rowing with interactive workouts. Beautiful wood construction. Didn't make the final list because it's essentially a WaterRower with a tablet mount and $44/month subscription. If you want water resistance, get the WaterRower and use free rowing apps.
NordicTrack RW900 ($1,999): 22" screen, good build quality, iFit integration. Excluded because iFit subscription is required for most features, and long-term reliability reports aren't as strong as Concept2 or WaterRower.
Stamina ATS Air Rower ($649): Often called the "budget Concept2." We tested it extensively through owner reviews. Build quality is decent but PM5 monitor equivalent isn't close to Concept2's accuracy. At $649, you're better off buying a used Concept2 Model D for $700-800.
Aviron Impact Series ($2,199): Gaming-focused smart rower with 22" screen. Content is engaging but niche. If you want gamification, Ergatta does it better. If you want rowing classes, Hydrow does it better. Aviron is stuck in the middle.
XTERRA ERG600W Water Rower ($899): Looks like a WaterRower at half the price. The catch: water resistance feels choppy, build quality is inconsistent (frequent complaints about seat rails and tank leaks after 6-12 months). Water rowers are hard to do cheaply — either buy the real WaterRower or stick with air/magnetic.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when long-term owner reports indicate changes in reliability. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026 following analysis of 18+ month owner reviews for recent releases.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].