The Best Rowing Machines
Home workouts have many benefits, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Therefore, investing in fitness equipment is an excellent idea to lose weight, improve your health and build up muscles.
A rowing machine is a great way to strengthen your legs, arms and other parts of your body. Rowing machines are useful for people who don’t like treadmills or cannot use them due to some physical conditions.
A rowing machine doesn’t put so much pressure on the joints, which makes it suitable for many people.
Here is the list of top ten rowing machines for your home workouts.
Highest Rated Rowing Machines (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5623 Air Rowing Machine
- 2Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood
- 3Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- 4Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
- 5Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
- 6EFITMENT Magnetic Rowing Machine
- 7Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
- 8Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine Adjustable Resistance with Folding Arms
- 9Stamina ATS Air Rower
- 10Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
1
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5623 Air Rowing Machine
This rowing machine from Sunny, Health and Fitness has a belt tension system with eight resistance levels.
The machine is suitable for both experienced trainers and beginners.
The seat is comfortable, due to thick padding.
The digital display makes it easier to keep track of your workout time, count, total count, calories, and scan.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comes with transportation wheels
- Multilevel resistance system
- Informative display
Cons
- Somewhat loud
Jake's TakeThis Sunny, Health and Fitness machine offers two additional resistance with air and fan.
Transportation wheels are an excellent touch, so you can easily move it when you need to.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood
This machine from Water Rower features beautiful ash-wood design.
It is suitable for professional rowers, to contribute to their home workouts.
The display monitors workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more.
The seat is enclosed to a water tank, for smoother and quieter resistance.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to assemble
- Compact
Cons
- No compatible software or app for tracking your workouts
Jake's TakeIf you are looking for a professional piece of equipment for your home workouts, look no more.
Water Rower unit is a holy grail of home fitness and will last for many years.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
This rowing machine from Stamina is an affordable and space-saving option.
The seat is padded with foam, for more comfort and better support.
A nice touch is textured footplates, which provide better support for your feet and easier workout.
The frame is sturdy and made of steel.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Padded handgrips
- Foldable for easier storage
- Smooth rowing stroke
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a heart rate chest strap
Jake's TakeThis Stamina rowing machine is a budget-friendly option.
It has easy-to-set adjustable hydraulic resistance and an excellent LCD workout monitor.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
The Concept2 rowing machine, model E is 6 inches higher than other similar rowing machines, which makes it suitable for everyone.
It is easy to use with just on/off switch.
The machine features a low impact workout for which engages all muscles – legs, core, arms.
The performance monitor tracks your progress and connects wirelessly to heart rate straps.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Has caster wheels for mobility
- 500-pound user capacity
Cons
- Might be too light for professionals
Jake's TakeIf you are looking for a reliable and durable home workout machine, check the Concept2 units.
It will help you to come in shape quickly last for a lifetime.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine, model SF-RW5515 has extra-long slide rail, which makes it great for rowers of all sizes.
The machine is easy to use, with a simple twist you can adjust the resistance level and choose one of eight levels.
It has a large LCD console display which shows time, count, calories, total count, and scan.
The design is convenient with non-slip pedal adjustable straps, floor stabilizers, transportation wheels, and non-slip handlebars.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comfortable for various rowers
- Magnetic tension
- Quiet workout
Cons
- Limited user capacity – 250 pounds
Jake's TakeTaller people find the rowing machines uncomfortable for serious workouts.
Luckily, it isn’t the case with this Sunny Health & Fitness model – it works great!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
EFITMENT Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Efitment rowing machine has a nylon cord with magnetic resistance.
The machine gives you a silent workout with simple maintenance.
The slide rails are made from steel and feature low profile design, which lowers the risk for injuries.
The rower is compact and has a digital monitor for scan, count, time, RPM, calories, and distance.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Space saver
- Has transportation wheels
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Somewhat slippery seat
Jake's TakeThis Efitment rowing machine is easy to assembly and works excellent for numerous workout levels.
Because it is compact, the rower is suitable for smaller apartments, even dorms.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
The Obsidian SF-RW5713 model from Sunny Health & Fitness has 16 hydro blades to mimic the dynamic of competitive rowing.
The machine is ergonomic, with a molded high-profile seat.
It has a performance monitor which tracts total time, 500 m time, SPM, total strokes, calories, HR, ambient temperature, and more.
The maximum user weight is 300 pounds.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Mimic the real rowing
- Improved weight capacity
- Comfortable footrest
Cons
- Somewhat bulky
Jake's TakeThis rower is a great way to achieve professional-grade workouts in the comfort of your home.
Details such as wheels and floor stabilizers make it even better.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine Adjustable Resistance with Folding Arms
The Harvil hydraulic rowing machine has a steel frame construction suitable for users up to 250 pounds.
The resistance is easy to set, due to the manual control knob which makes it easier to customize the workout.
The LCD monitor shows time, row count, and calories burned, and it operates on 1 AA battery.
The seat is molded, for better comfort and easier moving on the rail.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to use
- Affordable and compact
Cons
- Shorter people might find it uncomfortable
Jake's TakeThis is a great machine undoubtfully.
The design, the LCD screen, the control – everything works flawlessly to make your workout better.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Stamina ATS Air Rower
The Stamina ATS Air Rower provides an effective cardio workout.
You can lose weight, improve your muscles, and heart health.
Because it is air rower, it can always match your pace and provide suitable workouts, whether you are a professional or a beginner.
It has a folding frame for easier storage.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Dynamic air resistance
- Easy to assemble and store
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Heavier
Jake's TakeThis Stamina air rower is an excellent choice for home workout equipment.
It is budget-friendly, durable, and easy to use and fold.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
Model D from Conecpt2 is designed to fit all users and their needs.
It is a versatile rower with 500-pound user capacity, adjustable footrests, and ergonomic handle.
The model provides a low-impact workout for your legs, arms, and core, engaging all major muscle groups.
It has a performance monitor 5 which shows all major workouts data.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to assemble, move and store
- Wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility for heart rate monitoring
Cons
- Somewhat uncomfortable seat
Jake's TakeConcept2 makes excellent workout machines – durable, compact and efficient.
It has 10 levels of air resistance to match all your needs!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Rowing Machines Buying Guide
Rowing machines are one of the few fitness equipments that can engage large groups of muscles.
Therefore, a rowing machine is an excellent investment, whether you want to lose weight, get in shape or train as a professional.
But, you want to get the one that fits you in many ways.
A machine with proper frame, durable, simple to use, the one that fits your workouts and needs.
To achieve that, continue reading our buying guide.
The buying guide will include all important factors for rowing machines, including hardware, software, and a few useful tips.
Don’t think that rowing machines are just of off-season rowers.
Yes, the rowers train on them when the weather conditions don’t allow them to train outside, but these units are versatile.
Even if you don’t have previous rowing experience, you can still achieve great results.
To begin with, you will need a suitable machine.
That is the whole purpose of this guide.
Things To Consider When Buying a Rowing Machine
Even if you are an experienced athlete, you could still use research before spending money on home equipment.
The technology develops so fast, and there are so many things that contribute to your rowing machine.
Let’s go briefly through the most significant factors.
Size
A rowing machine takes space.
How much space it will need, it depends on the type of the machine.
If you have a smaller room, pick the foldable unit with casters.
That way you can easily fold it after a workout.
On the other hand, if space isn’t an issue, you can get a professional range rowing machine with large weight capacity, long, adjustable rails, and large screen.
Generally, water and air resistance machines take the most space.
Resistance Type
There are a few resistant types when it comes to rowing machines.
Those are hydraulic, air, magnetic, and water.
Hydraulic-piston
These are the most affordable rowing machines.
As far as the performance goes, these are suitable for beginners and mid-experienced athletes.
The resistance is adjustable and the machine is very quiet.
On the plus side, hydraulic-piston rowing machines are compact and easy to store.
Magnetic
Magnetic resistance is quiet and provides smooth rowing.
Usually, there are around ten levels of customizable resistance.
However, sometimes the magnetic resistance cannot withstand professional-grade workouts because it is a bit lighter.
It is an excellent choice for beginners and people who train regularly but aren’t professional rowers.
Also, it takes time to get used to magnetic resistance, if you are used to the water.
For example, if you row slowly, you can feel a stronger resistance due to magnets.
Water
Water rowers mimic the real rowing experience in the water.
The rowing motion is the same as it would be in the water, so it is a great choice for off-season rowers and professionals.
You can adjust the resistance by adjusting the intensity of your workout.
It doesn’t produce noise, but it makes the watering sound contribute to the realistic water rowing experience.
The water-resistance rowing machines are among the highest-priced machines.
Air
Air resistance rowing machines are common in gym and fitness centers.
Similar to water rowing machines, the trainy determines the resistance with the intensity of the workout.
For example, if you train like a beast, the resistance will be high.
On the other hand, if you prefer lighter motions, the resistance will follow.
The rowing is smooth, but the fan blades may produce noise, which annoys lots of people.
Residential or Commercial Use
If you are getting a machine to use at home, you are good to go with any of the machines, as long as it fits your needs and budget.
On the other hand, if you own a gym and want to improve the offer, there are some differences.
The frame and the weight capacity must be high-grade and extended.
Also, the unit should be ergonomic, which means that you can adjust it.
More adjustment features mean more users will find it comfortable.
Monitor
Most rowing machines come with some sort of monitor.
Some may show only basic information, and others have advanced features.
Those include tracking a workout, heart rate, compatibility with apps, and workout software, burnt calories, distance, etc.
If you arent familiar with these features, don’t make the monitor primary factor when choosing the rower.
Rather focus on the frame and resistance.
Also, if you have a limited budget, pick the machine with a basic display.
Advanced features add to the user experience and price tag, but mean nothing when it comes to the quality of the workout session.
Design
The design of the rowing machine includes the seat, the frame, the footplates, handles.
Every piece should be comfortable for your needs.
If you prefer a molded seat for comfort, get the machine with this seat type.
If you are tall, get the machine with a taller seat.
The low-profile seats can be uncomfortable for people with mobility issues and taller people.
But, professional rowers may find them more realistic.
On the other hand, an adjustable footrest is very convenient, especially is some of your family members will use the machine as well.
Does the Brand Name Matter?
A common dilemma is whether to pick the item from a well-known brand or a smaller company.
There are a few companies that produce top-notch rowing machines, such as Stamina, Water rover, and others.
However, don’t pick the unit just because of the brand name.
Focus on the features.
Budget
There are basic rowing machines that come with an affordable price tag.
You can get a decent machine with essential features for less than 400$.
However, a sturdier frame and advanced resistance type will cost you more money.
High-end rowing machines cost significantly more money, but no everyone needs it.
Determine your budget and stick to it.
Also, occasionally check sales.
You can get a great discount and purchase high-quality machines.
If you decide to buy a used machine, make sure to know what the condition of the machine is.
Sometimes you don’t need the latest technology to lose weight and be satisfied with your shape and weight.
Conclusion
A rowing machine is a common piece of gym equipment, but many people prefer them as residential use.
When getting a rowing machine, pay attention to the size and features.
The resistance type is one of the most important factors, as it determines the workout intensity and the price.
Hydraulic and magnetic rowing machines are suitable for anyone, while water and air resistance is a better choice for professional use.
Also, pick the unit with a comfortable seat and adjustable arm sets.
If the noise bothers you, avoid water and air machines, because they can produce noise.
Hydraulic and magnetic are quiet.
What's your take on Rowing Machines? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
