10 Best Rowing Machines in 2025, Per Fitness Experts and Reviews
Looking for a new at-home workout that’s both efficient and easy on your joints? The best rowing machines offer a full-body exercise at home in one compact piece of equipment—no gym membership necessary—won’t cause knee pain, back pain, and increase heart health.
As you invest in your home gym, it might be time to add a rowing machine alongside your treadmill, your weight set, and your fitness accessories for a great low-impact workout. Not fully convinced yet? Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, swears by them—he says that even just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.
Meet the experts: Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, and Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
“Using a rowing machine is one of the most efficient ways to get a cardiovascular and strength training workout in a short amount of time,” he says. “We live in an ever-stressed world, where we’re constantly sitting and rounding our backs, but rowing helps correct this by engaging those lats and sitting upright.”
There are tons of rowing machines out there, though. From ones recommended by fitness studios and professional gyms to easy-to-fold (much like an under-desk treadmill) for those looking for an option that won’t take up precious space. With our experts’ help, we’ve corralled the best rowing machines for an at-home, full-body cardio, and strength workout below. You’ll never have to wait your turn at the gym again.
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If you’ve ever used a rowing machine at the gym, chances are it’s from Concept2. Gym owners love it which says a lot, since their business depends on having reliable units available.
“It has many options for you to customize it to your needs, like adjustable footrests and adjustable airflow, and it accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall with a high maximum weight capacity at 500 lbs,” says Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios
Prevention’s digital director Allie Early is also a fan. She uses this machine twice a week for a full-body workout. “The rower is lightweight and easy for anyone to move around, and the panel folds down so you can easily store the machine vertically in a corner,” she says, adding that it measures helpful stats, like stroke rate, and offers interval options.
What the reviews say: “This is a great product and really makes it easy to never miss a workout. Great full body exercise. The machine is big and sturdy enough for most body sizes yet small enough to be moved around when/if needed,” says one reviewer before adding, “Stop thinking about your fitness goals and make them happen.”
Item Dimensions
24” x 96” x 14”
Item Weight
57 lbs
Resistance
Air
Maximum Weight Recommendation
500 lbs
This rowing machine layers on the resistance with an electromagnetic drag mechanism. It has an ergonomically designed seat for comfort and an industrial-grade strap for smooth strokes. You can follow along with more than 4,000 rowing workouts on the machine’s 22” touchscreen display, or pivot the screen for mat workouts to switch things up. When you’re not using the lightweight equipment, you can store it vertically to instantly get back your floor space.
“Hydrow offers an incredible, full-body workout in just 20 minutes,” says Karwoski. “It’s an immersive experience that makes on-the-water rowing available to everyone.” Along with the realistic rowing experience the machine provides, Karwoski loves its “super sleek” design and the fact that it’s “near silent.”
What the reviews say: “Best. Purchase. Ever. This is the quietest, sturdiest rowing machine I’ve used. The touchscreen display is high quality and delivers stunning videos. The athlete trainers are fantastic!” said one reviewer. “Best of all, the Hydrow rows like a dream.”
Item Dimensions
86“ x 25“ x 47“
Item Weight
145 lbs
Resistance
Magnetic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
375 lbs
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Often lauded as the quietest kind of rowing machines, magnet-driven devices keep noise to a minimum—ideal for using at home, any hour of the day. This affordable option (from a brand that also makes one of our favorite exercise bikes) boasts eight resistance levels, on top of an “incredibly quiet” design, according to Amazon reviewers; it’s even possible to watch TV while you use it.
Sturdy and durable, it’s made of quality, heavy-duty steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs—not to mention, it has a foldable design and wheels that make it easy to move around your home.
What the reviews say: “This is the best rower I’ve ever used. I’ve used many brands of high end rowers in gyms. I typically need the hardest or near hardest setting to feel like I’m really working muscles. This machine is hard on four; I usually use three. It’s also very quiet….The mechanics are smooth and comfortable, nothing loose or jerking.”
Item dimensions
46.5” x 27” x 8.25”
Item Weight
54 lbs
Resistance
Magnetic or Water
Maximum Weight Recommendation
350 lbs
Looking for a no-frills, compact rowing machine under $100? Try this simple, sliding machine that’s designed with 12 resistance levels. The handlebar doesn’t quite mimic rowing, but at this price, reviewers don’t really mind. It’s also designed with comfort in mind, providing foam handlebars, pivoting foot pedals, and a cushioned seat.
Plus, you can check up on your stats with a small forward-facing digital monitor that displays the time spent rowing and calorie count right on the handle–after which you can congratulate yourself on spending next to nothing.
What the reviews say: “I was skeptical of the quality of this product because of the low price, but was very surprised at how great this rower is,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “Perfect in a small area, and easy to store/lightweight. Worth every penny!”
Item Dimensions
20” x 54” x 23”
Item Weight
20.5 lbs
Resistance
Hydraulic or Magnetic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
220 lbs
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If you’re looking for a reliable rowing machine, this model has all the essentials necessary for a powerful at-home rowing workout. Because it uses a magnetic tension system (complete with eight levels of resistance), this rowing machine is always quiet.
It also comes with a large LCD console that displays your meters rowed, calorie count, and time—so you can easily keep track of your workout. And bonuses like the fully padded seat, no-slip foot pedals, and handlebars make it comfortable to row so you can go the distance.
“All in all, this is a great option to think about when buying a rowing machine,” says White, who notes that this Sunny Health & Fitness rower is a step up from the RW5801 model that also made our list.
What the reviews say: “This is the quietest rower I’ve ever used,” says one reviewer. “It’s smooth and has decent number of levels of resistance. Very stable and doesn’t move on a wood floors during a vigorous workout…honestly, this rower is better than some I’ve used in professional gyms.”
Item Dimensions
18.8” x 81.8” x 23.6”
Item Weight
60.9 lbs
Resistance
Magnetic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
250 lbs
NordicTrack’s RW900 is the rowing machine to beat: With an ergonomic, molded seat made for comfort, an easy-to-use 22” touchscreen display, and powerful performance trackers, it’s a major upgrade on the rower you might be used to using at the gym.
Better yet, the iFit membership includes personalized training built upon 26 coach-controlled resistance levels. Even as you’re sweating like crazy, the RW900 works quietly. And when you’re done, it folds up and wheels away for easy storage.
What the reviews say: “The rower itself is very very smooth and sturdy…the iFit videos are excellent and make my workouts zip by!” writes one reviewer. “All in all, the NordicTrack rower is definitely the complete package!”
Item Dimensions
22” x 86.5” x 50.4”
Weight
135 lbs
Resistance
Magnetic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
250 lbs
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This indoor rowing machine is hydraulic, delivering smooth, adjustable resistance that’s also budget-friendly. With 12 levels of adjustable resistance, the machine’s design ensures that it actually feels like the natural motion of rowing, with reviewers saying that it provides quite the workout.
Plus, it’s designed with comfort and convenience in mind: A deep, ergonomic seat and textured footplates allow you to row comfortably, and it also has a compact, foldable design, so that once you’re done, you can stow it away easily.
What the reviews say: “The machine is quiet, runs smooth; [I] never felt any excessive strain anywhere in my body. It never squeaked at all. The resistance was excellent and never lost resistance for me. I got a great work out on it,” writes one satisfied customer on Amazon.
Item Dimensions
42.5” x 58.25” x 18.13”
Item Weight
38 lbs
Resistance
Hydraulic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
250 lbs
This home rower will help you reach your fitness goals in style. Handcrafted from locally sourced cherry wood, the exterior is sleek and perfect for just about any room in your home. It also folds up for easy storage. The wheels on the back of the rower make it easy to move and store all by yourself (no need to call your neighbor to help you move your machine).
Plus, it has an android-powered touchscreen and is Bluetooth-enabled for both heart rate monitors and audio (though WiFi is required). Although this pick comes in at a steep price, reviewers say it’s worth it.
What the reviews say: “When I say we love this product, I mean we LOVE it. It’s beautiful, compact and gives you a rocket of a workout every time you strap in. The content options are endless and I love exploring new rows/challenges,” raves one reviewer.
Item Dimensions
86“ x 23” x 40”
Item Weight
105 lbs with water
Resistance
Water
Maximum Weight Recommendation
500 lbs
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Though it’s listed for $300, this Merach Rowing Machine has just about everything you could want in an at-home rower. It uses a magnetic flywheel system and allows you to toggle between 16 levels of resistance with a straightforward knob that controls the tension. It also connects to an app via Bluetooth so you can track and measure you workouts and accomplishments.
Made with dual alloy steel slide rails, it’s stable and quiet. It can hold up to 350 lbs and accommodate people who are up to 6’ 2” tall.
What the reviews say: “This machine is incredible for the price! It is very responsive and has an amazing range on the resistance levels.”
Item Dimensions
65“ x 19.3“ x 24.8“
Weight
45 lbs
Resistance
Magnetic
Maximum Weight Recommendation
350 lbs
Details like a wide, ergonomic seat and a smooth, dual-rail glide make this machine a good buy, but it’s the aesthetics that catch your eye at first. You can definitely pay a lot for a solid wood rower, but this one starts at just $500.
An oversized water tank provides six customizable levels of resistance, and it also has adjustable non-slip pedals as well as a place to put your phone or tablet.
Made of quality solid oak and able to support up to 350 lbs, the machine folds in half neatly when you want to roll it away for storage. Don’t worry about the water tank, here. Reviewers say it hasn’t leaked on them yet.
What the reviews say: “Setup is super easy and took less than 30 minutes. First workout went great. I’m 5’11” and had plenty of space to fully extend, with several inches still behind me on the rail. Rowing is all about cardio and keeping a consistent pace, and for that, this machine has all the resistance you need and more.”
Item Dimensions
38.6″ x 18.1″ x 12.9″
Weight
48.9 lbs
Resistance
Water
Maximum Weight Recommendation
350 lbs
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How to choose the best rowing machine
✔️ Pick your mechanism. Rowing machines with water, magnetic, hydraulic, and air resistance are all available, and each has its pros and cons. Water and air are smoother, magnets are quieter, and hydraulics are usually cheaper. Depending on your space, experience level, and budget, each could end up being an ideal option.
✔️Consider size. When you’re making your final decision, make sure you have enough space for your ideal model—it might be longer or wider than you’re anticipating, and it’s a pain to return a rowing machine. (We suggest measuring your home gym before you start your search.)
✔️ Balance features with cost. There are rowing machines at pretty much every price point, from $100 to over $2,000. Features like touchscreen displays, built-in workouts, and data reporting come at a premium, but they really do help beginners and serious athletes alike make their workouts better. However, they’re not necessary if they’re not in your budget. Some high-end rowers also require subscriptions, so watch out for those fees, too.
How to use a rowing machine
Proper form is key to an efficient and safe rowing workout. Here’s how to use a rowing machine, as previously reported by Prevention.
Step 1: Get into catch position. In this starting position, feet are in the heel cups of a rowing machine with the strap tightly secured over your shoelaces. Holding onto the handlebar with both hands and arms extended, knees are bent and torso is leaning slightly forward as you sit on the seat cushion toward the front of the machine.
Step 2: Straighten legs. The first movement on a rowing machine is led with the legs. Push both legs straight out powerfully, using the glutes and quads to send the seat toward the back of the machine.
Step 3: Lean back. Once legs are straight, lean the torso back farther than a 90-degree angle, keeping a flat back. Use your core to maintain the position and take the work out of the lower back.
Step 4: Pull arms to chest. While engaging your core and leaning back with straight legs, pull the handlebar to your chest. Finish the movement by pushing the arms forward and reversing the first three steps: Lean forward, bend knees, and return to the starting position. That’s one rep. You’ll repeat this motion until you meet your time or rep goal.
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What are the benefits of using a rowing machine?
Using a rowing machine regularly can provide numerous benefits throughout the whole body. “The rowing machine combines strength and endurance and as a cardio exercise can strengthen a person’s cardiovascular system as well with progressive use,” says White.
This type of exercise provides a full body workout, White says. “Consistency with this machine will bring about positive effects to not only your quads, calves, and glutes but also secondary benefits to the upper body muscles, such as pecs, arms, and abs as well,” he explains.
Check out more of the benefits of using a rowing machine:
Full-body workout in a compact space
Combination of strength and cardio means you’ll build power and boost endurance
Effective even when used for short periods of exercise
Low-impact exercise that’s easy on joints
Practicing proper rowing form my help with posture, as it engages the lats and encourages sitting upright
Accessible to most fitness levels and abilities
Cardio element is good for your heart and lungs
Can you lose weight by using a rowing machine?
Rowing machines a great calorie-burning exercise that strengthens your cardiovascular system—which means that yes, consistent exercise with a rowing machine may help with your weight loss goals, given that you’re pairing it with a proper healthy diet.
“The intensity of the workout mainly depends on the user, but performing the workout still burns a substantial amount of calories and adding this to your exercise routine along with maintaining a caloric deficit-based diet will certainly yield an increase in weight loss,” explains White.
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What muscles does a rowing machine work?
Although rowing might appear to be mostly an upper-body workout, your legs and glutes are actually the main muscles driving your stroke. “Rowing is 80% legs and 20% upper body,” Karwoski says. “But it also forces you to engage your core and back, so you feel completely connected from your feet to your shoulders.
Unlike running and other high-impact exercises like HIIT, it’s a low-impact workout that goes easy on your joints, making rowers ideal for just about anyone, especially those recovering from an injury or who are newer to exercise.
Is it safe to row every day?
Though it may depend on the intensity with which you’re engaging in the exercise, you can generally use a rowing machine every day. But like with any other workout, it’s crucial that you don’t overexert yourself or push yourself over the limit, to avoid any potential injury.
If you’re aiming to row for weight loss, Hydrow recommends generally using a rowing machine for at least 30 minutes per day, anywhere from four to six times a week. However, the frequency and duration of your workout should depend on your own personal fitness goals, your fitness level, and your expertise level.
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How we chose the best home rowing machines
We consulted Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, as well as Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, to find the best rowing machines for at-home workouts. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the only rowing machines that you should use to level up your fitness routine.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
