Best Rowing Machines 2026 - Top 5 Compared

The Concept2 RowErg has earned its reputation as the undisputed champion of indoor rowing machines. Found in boathouses, CrossFit boxes, and home gyms around the world, this air-resistance flywheel ergometer provides a workout experience that is both authentic and brutally effective. The RowErg uses a nickel-plated steel chain and a spinning flywheel to create variable resistance that increases with the user's effort, closely simulating the feel of moving a boat through water. The sturdy build inspires complete confidence, with a 500-pound weight capacity and a frame that feels rock-solid even during the most intense intervals.

The machine features a simple, no-frills black-and-white LCD monitor that displays all essential metrics, including time, distance, 500-meter split, stroke rate, calories, and watts. While it lacks the flashy touchscreen of smart rowers, the display is clear, easy to read, and can be customized to show specific data in a larger font. The RowErg also connects via Bluetooth to over 30 popular fitness apps, allowing users to track their workouts or follow virtual training programs.

The footrests are secure and easy to adjust, accommodating a wide range of shoe sizes. The 54-inch rail provides ample legroom for taller users, accommodating individuals up to 6 feet 9 inches. The seat is comfortable and slides smoothly along the rail. The RowErg separates into two pieces for convenient storage and features front wheels for easy maneuverability. Concept2 offers a two-year warranty on moving parts and the monitor and a five-year warranty on the frame, with replacement parts readily available, ensuring this machine can last for 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.

The Hydrow Wave Rower is a streamlined and more affordable version of the brand's flagship rower, designed to bring the immersive, instructor-led rowing experience to a wider audience. This machine features a 16.5-inch HD touchscreen that broadcasts thousands of on-demand and live classes filmed in breathtaking locations around the world, from the rivers of London to the coast of Miami. The instructors, many of whom are champion rowers and Olympians, are highly motivating and provide expert coaching on form and technique.

The Wave uses electromagnetic resistance, which is incredibly smooth and quiet, making it ideal for apartments or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. The machine is smaller and lighter than the original Hydrow, measuring 77.5 inches long and weighing 102 pounds, yet it still feels solid and stable during use. It can be stored vertically to save floor space when not in use.

Beyond the guided classes, the Wave offers a "Just Row" mode for self-paced workouts. The screen displays key metrics including time, distance, stroke rate, and calories. The machine is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, allowing for heart rate monitor connectivity and software updates. The foot pedals are comfortable and adjustable, and the handle is ergonomically designed. While the monthly membership fee is an ongoing cost, the quality and variety of the programming make the Hydrow Wave a compelling choice for those who need external motivation and enjoy the structure of guided workouts. The build quality is excellent, with a durable steel and aluminum frame that provides a stable rowing platform.

The WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor is a showpiece of home exercise equipment, combining form and function in a way few other fitness machines can match. Constructed from high-quality, hand-laminated oak wood, this rower looks more like a piece of fine furniture than a piece of gym equipment. Its elegant design allows it to be left out in a living room or home office without being an eyesore.

The machine uses a water flywheel for resistance. A tank located near the front of the rower is filled with water, and paddles spin through it as the user rows. This creates a smooth, natural resistance that increases with the intensity of the stroke, closely mimicking the feeling of rowing on a calm lake. The sound of the water whooshing is gentle and meditative, providing a much more peaceful workout experience than the loud whir of an air rower.

The WaterRower is equipped with the S4 Performance Monitor, which tracks time, distance, stroke rate, calories, and heart rate (with an optional chest strap). The monitor is simple but effective. The machine is also relatively easy to store; it can be lifted from the end and rolled into a corner or stored upright. At only 14.5 inches wide, it has a small footprint.

Potential owners should be aware that water rowers require more maintenance than air or magnetic models. The water needs to be treated with purification tablets every three to six months to prevent bacterial or algal growth, and the tank may need to be drained and refilled occasionally. The WaterRower has a generous 700-pound weight capacity. While it may not be the best choice for competitive training due to potentially skewed metrics, it is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet, aesthetically pleasing, and effective full-body workout.

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower is a top-tier smart rowing machine designed for users who want a fully connected and interactive workout experience. The standout feature is its massive 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen, which allows users to follow along with thousands of iFIT workouts filmed in stunning locations around the world. The iFIT platform offers a vast library of classes led by professional trainers who provide real-time coaching and motivation.

One of the most innovative features of the RW900 is its AutoAdjust technology. During an iFIT workout, the trainer can automatically change the machine's magnetic resistance levels to match the terrain or intensity of the session. This hands-free adjustment allows the user to focus entirely on their form and effort without needing to fiddle with controls. The magnetic resistance itself is exceptionally smooth and quiet, providing 26 different levels to choose from.

The RW900 is built with a solid aluminum and steel frame that feels durable and stable during intense workouts. The seat is large and comfortable, and the pedals are oversized with easy-to-adjust straps. The machine also features a quiet belt drive instead of a chain, reducing maintenance needs. While the RW900 is a premium machine with a high price tag, the combination of its large screen, vast content library, and automatic resistance control makes it a powerful tool for staying motivated and engaged with a rowing routine. It is a particularly great choice for those already invested in the iFIT ecosystem with other NordicTrack equipment.

The Aviron Strong Series Rower is a unique and innovative machine that redefines the indoor rowing experience by focusing heavily on gamification and entertainment. Developed with input from game designers, the Aviron platform transforms workouts into engaging video games, interactive races, and story-driven challenges. Users can compete against a Kraken, race through post-apocalyptic landscapes, or row against professional athletes, making the workout feel less like a chore and more like play.

Beyond the games, the Aviron Strong Series features a powerful dual-resistance system that combines air and magnetic resistance. This provides a wide range of intensity, from a gentle warm-up to a challenging strength workout with up to 100 pounds of resistance. The magnetic system allows for precise adjustments, while the air flywheel adds a dynamic element that increases with effort. The machine is built on a sturdy steel and aluminum frame with a 507-pound weight capacity, making it exceptionally durable.

The 22-inch HD touchscreen is a central feature, offering crisp graphics and a responsive interface. A key differentiator is the ability to stream popular entertainment services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube directly on the screen, allowing users to watch their favorite shows or movies while they row. The screen also rotates, making it easy to follow off-rower strength workouts. The seat is elevated 20 inches from the ground, which is higher than most rowers, making it easier to get on and off, which is a significant advantage for users with limited mobility. The Aviron Strong Series Rower is a premium, high-tech machine that excels at making fitness fun and engaging.