Looking to bring full-body cardio and strength training into your home? With so many rowing machines available today offering a range of features and resistance types, it can get overwhelming trying to decide which model best fits your needs and budget.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key considerations when shopping for rowing machines, followed by detailed reviews of the top-rated models of 2023. You‘ll learn insider tips on narrowing your choices to find the best value rower for your fitness objectives and space constraints. Let‘s explore what these amazing workout machines have to offer!
What to Look for in a Rowing Machine
Before diving into the reviews, here are the most important factors I considered when evaluating the best home rowers:
Budget – Rowing machines range from affordable options under $300 to professional-grade models over $2,000. Set realistic expectations based on what you can spend now, but also consider long-term ownership costs. High-end rowers often last for decades, while cheaper ones may wear out more quickly.
Size and Storage – Measure the space in your home where you plan to use the rower, accounting for the length of the seat rail during the rowing motion. Also consider vertical storage capabilities if you need to stow it between workouts. Folding designs with caster wheels facilitate portability.
Noise Level – Air and water rowing resistance tend to generate more noise than magnetic rowers, something to keep in mind if you live in close quarters with others. Hydraulic piston rowers are nearly silent.
Comfort and Ergonomics – Rowing works muscles many of us rarely target, so an ergonomic design helps avoid strains. Look for padded seats, swiveling foot plates, and multi-grip handlebars to accommodate proper form.
Resistance Type – Each has pros and cons:
- Air – Smooth, adjustable, and realistic, but noisy
- Magnetic – Quiet and digitally controlled, but movement can feel restricted
- Water – Most realistic to on-water rowing, but requires maintenance
- Hydraulic Piston – Compact pistons are smooth & quiet initially but may wear out
Digital Features – More affordable basic rowers simply track metrics like strokes per minute and calories burned, while high-end models offer interactive programming, games, and connectivity for virtual races. Consider whether you‘ll use the advanced features or primarily need motivation to push through each workout.
Okay, now that you know what features to evaluate…let‘s get to the 2023 reviews! I‘ve researched numerous expert resources like Consumer Reports, Very Well Fit, and various fitness publications to provide my top recommendations across all budgets and needs.
The Best Rowing Machines of 2023
Best Overall: Concept2 Model D
Recognized as the pinnacle of indoor rowing excellence, Concept2 dominates gyms and training facilities worldwide with good reason. The Model D with PM5 monitor offers air resistance that responds to your efforts, with smooth adjustability from gentle to intensely grueling.
As your conditioning and technique improves, the Concept2 grows right alongside you, built to withstand daily use for decades. And with regular preventative maintenance like lubricating the chain every 50 hours, it should provide many years of reliable service. Its folding design makes upright storage simple between demanding Crossfit style workouts.
While the Concept2 slides effortlessly across the floor, the fan does emit noise that could annoy housemates. However, many reviewers appreciate the audible feedback on their exertion and find it non-intrusive with music or TV in the background.
Key Specs:
- Resistance type: Air
- Dimensions: 96 L x 24 W x 14 H inches
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Foldable: Yes
- Display: Backlit LCD monitor (PM5)
- Connectivity: Optional Bluetooth, ANT+ wireless, USB
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| Metric | Range |
|——————————-+————|
| Resistance levels | Unlimited |
| User weight capacity | 500 pounds |
| Warranty | 5 years |
|——————————-+————|
"Simply put, the Concept2 rower is an absolute tank—durable enough to withstand daily abuse from entire teams of overzealous collegiate rowers." – Gear Patrol
Cost: $945+
Best Magnetic Resistance: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
For apartment dwellers seeking a budget-friendly magnetic rower suitable for daily cardio, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 checks all the boxes. The ultra sleek design looks far pricier than its affordable cost. But more importantly, the 16 levels of smooth magnetic resistance allow the intensity to be tailored for any fitness level. Users remark how sturdy it feels during vigorous workouts, with an exceptionally smooth slide on the rail.
The basic yet sufficiently motivating console display keeps you updated on critical metrics like time, count, total count, and estimated calories burned as you push through interval and steady state sessions. And the compact footprint plus built-in transport wheels make moving this 54 pound rower convenient since it doesn‘t fold upright quite as slim as other options when not in use. However, many buyers with limited space find it still fits well in corners.
Key Specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Dimensions: 86 L x 19 W x 23 H inches
- Weight: 54 pounds
- Foldable: No
- Display: Multi-function LCD
- Connectivity: None
|——————————-+————|
| Metric | Specs |
|——————————-+————|
| Resistance levels | 12 |
| User weight capacity | 265 pounds |
| Warranty | N/A |
|——————————-+————|
"The magnetic rower is perfectly sized for small spaces and apartments. It moves easily out of the way with built-in transportation wheels when not in use." – Business Insider
Cost: $299
Best Adjustable Fluid Resistance: Hydrow Rower
For rowers wanting to simulate the feel of cutting across water, the brilliantly designed Hydrow harnesses electromagnetic resistance technology to auto-adjust intensity in sync with your efforts – just like outdoor reality.
Mix up steady state endurance sessions with intense interval workouts engineered by on-staff Olympic medalists in the expansive class library. The stunning 22 inch touch display immerses you in courses on rivers, lakes, and seas worldwide while tracking performance metrics to help tailor your training.
And unlike traditional water rowers requiring siphon maintenance, Hydrow‘s enclosed tank eliminates upkeep besides wiping debris from the roller. The upright storage position secured by gas shock cylinders lends it one of the slimmest profiles around. Just note the machine itself sits 36 inches tall to accommodate the 22 inch vertical screen even when stored.
Key Specs:
- Resistance type: Electromagnetic & auto-adjusting
- Dimensions: 86 L x 25 W x 36 H inches
- Weight: 145 pounds
- Foldable: Yes, upright storage
- Display: 22” touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT+
|——————————-+—————-|
| Metric | Specs |
|——————————-+—————-|
| Resistance levels | Auto-adjusting |
| User weight capacity | 375 pounds |
| Warranty | 5 years |
|——————————-+—————-|
"Hydrow takes the experience of rowing on water and seamlessly transitions it indoors for an incredibly realistic full-body workout." – Forbes
Cost: $1,695 + $44/month membership
Best Budget Magnetic: Echanfit Rower
Working out at home on a budget? The Echanfit Magnetic Rower proves you don‘t have to sacrifice durability or a smooth rowing motion in an affordable machine. The sturdy steel frame feels reassuringly solid, easily handling over an hour of daily sweat sessions for years.
Choose from 16 levels of magnetic resistance to progressively boost the intensity of cardio sessions. The LCD clearly displays essential metrics like time, count, calories and more to stay motivated each minute. And when ready to store out of the way, the space-saving foldable arms lift upright quickly with built-in transportation wheels for maneuverability around the house.
Reviewers praise how easy it is to assemble right out of the box, typically under thirty minutes. Though if wanting to stream classes or track advanced performance metrics, users recommend considering the Echanfit rower as primarily a well-built budget rower rather than expecting extensive built-in technology.
Key Specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Dimensions: 82 L x 20 W x 28 H inches
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Foldable: Yes, upright position
- Display: LCD console
- Connectivity: None
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| Metric | Specs |
|——————————-+————|
| Resistance levels | 16 |
| User weight capacity | 265 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year |
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"The Echanfit provides exceptionally smooth magnetic resistance and complete upper and lower body motion for less than $300. Tough to beat!" – FitRated
Cost: $259
Most Realistic: WaterRower Club Series
Want to feel as if you‘re slicing across a mist-covered lake each morning? For rowing enthusiasts seeking the true fluid dynamism of water resistance, nothing beats the handcrafted WaterRower Club Series.
The black walnut frame finished in honey oak stains emanates graceful opulence sure to elicit envious gazes. But beyond the visual elegance lies precision calibrated fluid resistance. As you increase pacing, the self-regulating water flywheel responds by creating smoother momentum to challenge your muscles through the full range of motion. Such responsiveness allows focusing on perfecting each stroke rather than adjustments.
The easy-read S4 monitor presents your critical metrics clearly, while connecting wirelessly to smart devices for syncing workout data to fitness apps. Just note maintaining proper water clarity occasionally requires popping tablets to inhibit algae. A small price for owning what devotees consider the pinnacle of rowing machines short of hopping in an actual vessel!
Key Specs:
- Resistance type: Self-regulating water
- Dimensions: 96 L x 22 W x 20 H inches
- Weight: 117 pounds
- Foldable: No
- Display: S4 monitor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
|——————————-+————+|
| Metric | Specs |
|——————————-+————+|
| Resistance levels | Fluid |
| User weight capacity | 1,000 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years |
|——————————-+————+|
"From the gorgeously crafted frame to the sublime replication of on-water rowing, the WaterRower Club Series delivers an experience unmatched in fluidity and organic serenity." – Forbes
Cost: $1,199
Start Rowing Your Way to Fitness!
Now that you know what to look for in finding the best home rowing machine for your training style and budget, which model resonates most with your needs?
Whether you value the smooth adjustability of air and water resistance, a space-saving foldable design, the extensive built-in training libraries from leading fitness brands, or simply having an affordable and sturdy option for cardio – there‘s a perfect rower ready to launch your routines to new heights!
I challenge you to commit attending at least three 30-minute sessions weekly for the next month. Before long, you‘ll notice your cardiovascular endurance improving, legs and core gaining definition, and likely an uptick in energy levels and mood from those feel-good endorphins. Here‘s to unleashing your inner champion!
