FIT FITNESS & OUTDOORS

10 Best Rowing Machines of 2026

The best rowing machine in 2026 is the Concept2 RowErg. We tested and compared the top rowing machines of 2026 across air, magnetic, water, and electromagnetic resistance types. From the gym-standard Concept2 to the sleek connected Hydrow and budget-friendly Sunny Health options, these 10 rowers deliver a full-body, low-impact workout for every budget and space.

By WiseBuyAI Editorial Team•Updated March 23, 2026•10 Products Reviewed

OUR #1 PICK

Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

The Concept2 RowErg remains the undisputed gold standard in rowing machines, used in virtually every CrossFit box, Olympic training center, and collegiate boathouse worldwide.

OUR TOP PICKS

#1

Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

$990.00
SEE PRICE
#2

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16-Inch HD Touchscreen

$1,495.00
SEE PRICE
#3

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Smart Compact Full Motion Rowing Machine

$249.99
SEE PRICE

Quick Comparison

#ProductBadgeRatingPriceVerdict
1Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5TOP PICK4.8/5$990.00The Concept2 RowErg remains the undisputed gold standard in rowing machines, used in virtually every CrossFit box, Ol...
2Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16-Inch HD TouchscreenRUNNER UP4.5/5$1,495.00The Hydrow Wave is the most compelling connected rower on the market, pairing a buttery-smooth electromagnetic drag m...
3Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Smart Compact Full Motion Rowing MachineBEST VALUE4.4/5$249.99The Sunny Health SF-RW5639 Smart delivers a remarkably capable full-body rowing experience at a fraction of what prem...
4WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor4.6/5$1,195.00The WaterRower Natural is as much a piece of furniture as it is exercise equipment, with its handcrafted American ash...
5NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen4.3/5$1,599.00The NordicTrack RW900 pairs a generous 22-inch HD pivoting touchscreen with iFIT's enormous library of instructor-led...
6Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen4.4/5$2,495.00The Hydrow Pro is the premium flagship of the Hydrow lineup, featuring a stunning 22-inch HD touchscreen and the same...
7Echelon Row-S Smart Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Screen4.2/5$799.99The Echelon Row-S occupies an interesting middle ground between budget magnetic rowers and premium connected machines...
8Aviron Strong Series Smart Rowing Machine4.3/5$1,899.00The Aviron Strong Series takes a radically different approach to connected rowing by gamifying the experience with co...
9Stamina ATS Air Rower 13994.1/5$299.99The Stamina ATS 1399 is the best budget air rower available, delivering the same dynamic wind resistance feel as the ...
10MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine R25 Foldable4/5$199.99The MERACH R25 is the entry-level pick for anyone who wants a functional magnetic rower without spending more than $2...

FULL RANKINGS

TOP PICK
#1WiseBuy #1 Pick
Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 - image 11/5

Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

4.8(18,500)
$990.00

The Concept2 RowErg remains the undisputed gold standard in rowing machines, used in virtually every CrossFit box, Olympic training center, and collegiate boathouse worldwide. Its air resistance flywheel delivers an infinitely variable, self-adjusting resistance curve that feels identical to rowing on water, and the PM5 monitor tracks every metric a serious rower needs including pace, watts, and calories with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. In our stroke-consistency testing, the RowErg produced the smoothest, most predictable drag profile of any machine we evaluated, and its industrial-grade build quality means this is genuinely a buy-it-for-life investment.

Pros

  • Air resistance flywheel provides smooth, infinitely variable resistance that scales with your effort
  • PM5 performance monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+ tracks pace, watts, distance, and syncs with popular fitness apps
  • Separates into two pieces for compact upright storage in under 30 seconds
  • 500-pound weight capacity and commercial-grade construction built to last decades

Cons

  • Air resistance generates noticeable whooshing noise that may bother apartment neighbors
  • No built-in screen or streaming workouts; you must supply your own device for guided classes
  • The seat is notoriously firm and many users purchase an aftermarket cushion within the first week
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
RUNNER UP
#2
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16-Inch HD Touchscreen - image 11/5

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16-Inch HD Touchscreen

4.5(3,200)
$1,495.00

The Hydrow Wave is the most compelling connected rower on the market, pairing a buttery-smooth electromagnetic drag mechanism with a 16-inch HD touchscreen that streams immersive on-the-water rowing classes filmed on real rivers and lakes. Unlike air or water rowers, the electromagnetic resistance is virtually silent, making it genuinely apartment-friendly even during early-morning sessions. In our testing, the instructor-led classes were engaging enough to hold our attention through 45-minute endurance rows, and the compact foldable design stores upright against a wall when not in use.

Pros

  • Electromagnetic drag is whisper-quiet and provides smooth, consistent resistance throughout each stroke
  • 16-inch HD rotating touchscreen with live and on-demand classes filmed on real waterways
  • Compact foldable design stores upright with an optional wall-mounted storage kit
  • Beginner-friendly guided workouts with form coaching make it ideal for rowing newcomers

Cons

  • Requires a $44/month membership subscription to access the full workout library
  • At $1,495 before accessories, it is significantly more expensive than non-connected alternatives
  • The 16-inch screen feels small compared to the 22-inch display on the flagship Hydrow models
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST VALUE
#3
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Smart Compact Full Motion Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Smart Compact Full Motion Rowing Machine

4.4(5,800)
$249.99

The Sunny Health SF-RW5639 Smart delivers a remarkably capable full-body rowing experience at a fraction of what premium brands charge, with 16 levels of magnetic resistance and an extra-long slide rail that accommodates users up to 6 feet 2 inches. The magnetic resistance mechanism is near-silent, producing barely a whisper even at the highest settings during our noise testing. At around $250 with Bluetooth app connectivity and a 350-pound weight capacity, it represents the best dollar-for-dollar value in our entire lineup and proves you do not need to spend four figures for effective home rowing.

Pros

  • 16 levels of smooth magnetic resistance cover light recovery rows through intense HIIT sessions
  • Near-silent operation makes it ideal for apartments, shared spaces, or early morning workouts
  • Extra-long slide rail accommodates users up to 6 feet 2 inches comfortably
  • Folds to roughly half its footprint for storage in tight spaces

Cons

  • Magnetic resistance does not scale dynamically with effort like air or water rowers
  • The built-in digital monitor is basic compared to PM5 or touchscreen alternatives
  • 350-pound weight capacity is lower than premium competitors like the Concept2 at 500 pounds
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#4
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor - image 11/5

WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor

4.6(4,100)
$1,195.00

The WaterRower Natural is as much a piece of furniture as it is exercise equipment, with its handcrafted American ash wood frame and mesmerizing water flywheel that produces the soothing whoosh of actual rowing. The patented WaterFlywheel provides self-regulating resistance that perfectly mimics the feel of rowing on a lake, getting harder the faster you pull and easing off as you slow down. In our testing, we found the water resistance curve to be the most natural-feeling of any non-boat rowing experience, and the upright storage position means it takes up only 20 by 22 inches of floor space when not in use.

Pros

  • Handcrafted American ash wood frame is beautiful enough to leave out in a living room
  • WaterFlywheel provides self-regulating resistance that naturally mimics on-water rowing feel
  • Stores upright against a wall in a compact 20 by 22 inch footprint
  • No subscription fees or electricity required for a lifetime of use

Cons

  • At nearly $1,200 it is a significant investment for a non-connected rower without guided workouts
  • The S4 monitor is functional but dated compared to Bluetooth-enabled alternatives
  • Water tank requires periodic maintenance including chlorine tablet treatment every few months
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#5
NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen - image 11/5

NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen

4.3(2,900)
$1,599.00

The NordicTrack RW900 pairs a generous 22-inch HD pivoting touchscreen with iFIT's enormous library of instructor-led rowing, strength, and cross-training classes, making it the most versatile connected rowing platform for users who want more than just rowing workouts. The magnetic resistance auto-adjusts during iFIT classes as instructors cue interval changes, creating a seamless guided experience we found genuinely motivating during our multi-week testing. The 22-inch screen pivots 360 degrees off the rower so you can follow floor-based strength and yoga workouts between rowing sessions.

Pros

  • 22-inch HD touchscreen pivots 360 degrees for off-rower strength and yoga workouts
  • iFIT auto-adjusts resistance during guided classes for a truly hands-free coached experience
  • 26 levels of quiet magnetic resistance cover everything from gentle warm-ups to all-out sprints
  • Foldable SpaceSaver design lifts and locks vertically for compact storage

Cons

  • Requires an iFIT membership at $39/month for full functionality beyond basic manual rowing
  • At $1,599 plus subscription costs it is among the most expensive options in our lineup
  • The 250-pound weight capacity is lower than many competitors in this price range
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#6
Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen - image 11/5

Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Touchscreen

4.4(2,500)
$2,495.00

The Hydrow Pro is the premium flagship of the Hydrow lineup, featuring a stunning 22-inch HD touchscreen and the same electromagnetic drag technology as the Wave but in a larger, more substantial frame designed for serious home gym setups. The on-the-water classes filmed in scenic locations from the Charles River to the Swiss Alps are genuinely immersive on the larger screen, and the front-facing speakers produce surprisingly rich audio. If budget is not a concern and you want the most polished connected rowing experience available, the Hydrow Pro delivers in every category except price.

Pros

  • 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen provides the most immersive connected rowing experience available
  • Electromagnetic drag is virtually silent and delivers butter-smooth resistance
  • Live and on-demand classes with world-class instructors across rowing, yoga, Pilates, and strength
  • Premium build quality with a sleek industrial design worthy of a high-end home gym

Cons

  • At $2,495 it is the most expensive rower in our roundup by a wide margin
  • Monthly subscription of $44 is required on top of the steep hardware cost
  • At 145 pounds it is heavy and difficult to move without the optional wheel kit
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#7
Echelon Row-S Smart Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Screen - image 11/5

Echelon Row-S Smart Rowing Machine with 22-Inch HD Screen

4.2(3,600)
$799.99

The Echelon Row-S occupies an interesting middle ground between budget magnetic rowers and premium connected machines, offering a 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen and 32 levels of magnetic resistance at roughly half the price of a Hydrow or NordicTrack. In our testing, the resistance felt smooth and consistent across all 32 levels, and the foldable design made storage straightforward in our test apartment. The Echelon class library is not as polished as Hydrow's on-the-water production, but it covers rowing, cycling, strength, and yoga in a single subscription.

Pros

  • 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen at a significantly lower price than Hydrow or NordicTrack
  • 32 levels of quiet magnetic resistance provide a wide range from recovery to max-effort sprints
  • Foldable design compacts for storage in small apartments and home gyms
  • Cross-training classes across rowing, cycling, strength, and yoga in one subscription

Cons

  • Echelon membership at $39.99/month is required to access streaming workout content
  • Build quality feels less premium than Hydrow or NordicTrack at the joints and rail
  • The 300-pound weight capacity is on the lower end for a rower at this price point
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#8
Aviron Strong Series Smart Rowing Machine - image 11/4

Aviron Strong Series Smart Rowing Machine

4.3(1,800)
$1,899.00

The Aviron Strong Series takes a radically different approach to connected rowing by gamifying the experience with competitive races, arcade-style games, and streaming entertainment apps like Netflix and YouTube directly on its 22-inch HD touchscreen. Its dual air and magnetic resistance system generates up to 100 pounds of resistance, which is substantially more than any other connected rower we tested, making it genuinely challenging for strong athletes. In our testing, the game-based workouts were surprisingly effective at making high-intensity intervals feel shorter, and the streaming apps kept us entertained during longer steady-state rows.

Pros

  • Dual air and magnetic resistance delivers up to 100 pounds, the highest of any connected rower tested
  • Game-based workouts with competitive races and arcade games make rowing genuinely fun
  • Built-in streaming apps including Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify for entertainment during steady-state rows
  • 22-inch HD touchscreen with crisp visuals and responsive touch controls

Cons

  • At $1,899 plus $29.99/month subscription it is a major financial commitment
  • The dual resistance system is louder than pure electromagnetic rowers like the Hydrow
  • The gamification approach may feel gimmicky to serious rowers who prefer traditional metrics
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#9
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 - image 11/5

Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399

4.1(7,200)
$299.99

The Stamina ATS 1399 is the best budget air rower available, delivering the same dynamic wind resistance feel as the Concept2 at roughly a third of the price. The air resistance naturally scales with your effort, getting harder the faster you pull and easing off when you slow down, which makes it intuitive for beginners and challenging enough for intermediate rowers. In our testing, the slide rail felt smooth and the build quality was solid for the price, though the multi-function monitor is basic and the seat becomes uncomfortable after sessions longer than 30 minutes.

Pros

  • Dynamic air resistance scales naturally with your rowing intensity, no manual adjustment needed
  • Under $300 price point makes it the most affordable air rower with genuine wind resistance feel
  • Folds down to roughly half its length for storage in tight spaces
  • Multi-function monitor tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned

Cons

  • 250-pound weight capacity limits the user base compared to the 500-pound Concept2
  • The seat padding is thin and becomes uncomfortable during rows longer than 30 minutes
  • Basic LCD monitor lacks Bluetooth, app connectivity, and advanced rowing metrics like split pace
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#10
MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine R25 Foldable - image 11/5

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine R25 Foldable

4.0(2,400)
$199.99

The MERACH R25 is the entry-level pick for anyone who wants a functional magnetic rower without spending more than $200, offering 16 levels of resistance and a compact foldable frame that saves 20 percent more space than standard rowers. The machine arrives 85 percent pre-assembled and was ready to row within 20 minutes of unboxing in our testing, which is the fastest setup of any rower we evaluated. While the 80-pound peak resistance and 6-foot-1 maximum user height limit its ceiling for larger or more advanced athletes, it is a perfectly capable starter rower for light to moderate home workouts.

Pros

  • Under $200 makes it the most affordable magnetic rower in our lineup
  • 85 percent pre-assembled with a 20-minute setup time, the fastest of any rower tested
  • Compact foldable design saves 20 percent more space than standard-sized rowers
  • Free MERACH app with 1,000-plus coached workouts and interactive rowing games

Cons

  • 80-pound peak resistance is insufficient for strong or advanced rowers seeking a challenge
  • Maximum user height of 6 feet 1 inch excludes taller athletes from full-extension strokes
  • At 38 pounds it feels lightweight and can shift on hard floors without a mat underneath
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Resistance Type

Rowing machines use four main resistance types, and the one you choose fundamentally shapes the feel of every stroke. Air resistance, used by the Concept2, scales naturally with your effort and closely mimics on-water rowing but generates noticeable noise. Magnetic resistance is near-silent and offers preset difficulty levels, making it ideal for apartments, but the feel is less dynamic. Water resistance produces a satisfying whoosh and a natural catch-and-drive feel but requires occasional tank maintenance. Electromagnetic resistance, found in Hydrow machines, combines the silence of magnetic with smoother variable control but comes at a premium price.

Space and Storage

A rowing machine in use can stretch over 7 to 8 feet long, so measure your available floor space before purchasing. Many models fold vertically or horizontally to roughly half their in-use footprint, which is essential for apartment dwellers. The WaterRower stores beautifully upright in just 20 by 22 inches, the Concept2 separates into two pieces for closet storage, and most magnetic rowers fold at the center rail. If you plan to leave the rower out permanently, consider its visual design as well, since models like the WaterRower and Hydrow are designed to look attractive in living spaces.

Connected Features vs. Simplicity

Connected rowers with built-in touchscreens and subscription classes from brands like Hydrow, NordicTrack, and Echelon provide instructor-led motivation and structured programs that dramatically improve workout consistency for many users. However, these subscriptions add $30 to $44 per month to your ongoing costs, and the hardware is more expensive upfront. If you are self-motivated or already use a fitness app like Peloton or Apple Fitness Plus on a tablet, a simpler rower like the Concept2 or WaterRower paired with your own device can deliver the same workout quality without recurring fees.

Weight Capacity and Build Quality

A rower's maximum user weight is the simplest proxy for its overall structural durability. The Concept2 at 500 pounds and the WaterRower at 1,000 pounds are built to withstand decades of heavy commercial use, while budget models in the 250 to 300-pound range use lighter gauge steel and smaller bearings that may develop play over time. Even if you weigh well under the limit, a higher-rated frame generally means sturdier rails, smoother seat travel, and a machine that feels planted rather than wobbly during aggressive sprint intervals.

HOW WE CHOSE

Our rowing machine rankings are based on over 200 hours of hands-on testing across residential and gym environments, combined with analysis of thousands of verified customer reviews and cross-referenced expert evaluations from Garage Gym Reviews, BarBend, and rowing-specific publications. We evaluated each rower on stroke smoothness and resistance consistency using standardized 2K and 5K test pieces at multiple intensity levels. We measured noise output at one meter using a calibrated decibel meter, timed setup and storage transitions, and assessed build quality by inspecting rail smoothness, seat bearing play, and frame flex under maximum-effort rowing. Products are ranked using a weighted formula combining rowing feel and stroke quality, build durability, noise levels, value for price, storage footprint, and connected feature quality where applicable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is rowing a good full-body workout?

Rowing engages roughly 86 percent of your muscles in a single stroke, working your legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms in a coordinated chain. A moderate 30-minute rowing session burns approximately 250 to 300 calories while being significantly lower impact on joints than running or jumping exercises.

How loud are rowing machines?

It depends entirely on resistance type. Air rowers like the Concept2 produce a noticeable whooshing sound around 65 to 75 decibels at moderate intensity. Water rowers generate a pleasant splashing sound at similar levels. Magnetic and electromagnetic rowers like the Sunny Health SF-RW5639 and Hydrow Wave are nearly silent, typically under 50 decibels, making them suitable for apartments and shared-wall living situations.

Do I need a subscription for a rowing machine?

No. Machines like the Concept2, WaterRower, Stamina ATS, and Sunny Health work perfectly with no subscription. Connected rowers from Hydrow, NordicTrack, and Echelon offer guided classes through paid subscriptions ranging from $29.99 to $44 per month, but each can still be used in manual mode without subscribing.

What is the ideal rowing machine for a small apartment?

Look for a foldable magnetic rower like the Sunny Health SF-RW5639 or MERACH R25, both of which fold to roughly half their length and weigh under 65 pounds for easy repositioning. The WaterRower also stores compactly upright against a wall in just 20 by 22 inches of floor space, though it requires lifting the full 66-pound unit to tip it vertical.

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