Looking for a different kind of workout instead of the same old treadmill, bike, and elliptical routines? Rowing machines are versatile and can be used for cardio, toning, and strength training. They may not be as popular as other equipment, but they're perfect for total body workouts without putting stress on your knees and joints!
But there's a lot out there to choose from, right? After all, workout equipment comes with a pretty high price tag. That's why we wrote a buying guide to help you find the perfect rowing machine for your home gym. Concept2's Model D rowing machine took our top prize for its ease of assembly, low noise level, and user-friendliness. See the rest of our favorites in our top 10 list!
These machines are different in the type of resistance, feature, and size. Make sure to carefully compare them before making a decision.
$825.92
Type | Air |
---|---|
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, backlit LCD display, PM5, Bluetooth, fitness apps, adjustable pedal straps, racing games |
Dimensions | 8 ft x 2 ft assembled, 25" L x 33" W x 54" H storage |
$769.99
Type | Water |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, heart rate monitor, race program, transportation wheels |
Dimensions | 78” L x 20” W x 25.5” H |
2636
$322.82
Type | Magnetic |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Bluetooth, MyCloud fitness app, transportation wheels, device holder |
Dimensions | 88.5” L x 21.5” W x 21.5” H |
$399.99
Type | Water |
---|---|
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, heart rate monitor, adjustable LCD monitor and pedal straps, bottle holder, transportation wheels |
Dimensions | 78" L x 17.3" W x 35.4" H |
SF-RW1205
$80.00
Type | Hydraulic |
---|---|
Warranty | 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components |
Bonus features | Digital monitor, adjustable pedal straps |
Dimensions | 54" L x 20" W x 23" H |
$222.99
Type | Magnetic |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, transportation wheels, storage box |
Dimensions | 76.4" L x 19.7" W x 19" H |
$749.00
Type | Water |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, backlit LCD display, bluetooth, machine cover, device holder |
Dimensions | 82" L x 22" W x 20" H |
MR35
$399.99
Type | Magnetic |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, cup holder, device holder, transportation wheels |
Dimensions | 71" L x 21" W x 36" H |
$189.00
Type | Hydraulic |
---|---|
Warranty | N/A |
Bonus features | Foldable, adjustable pedal straps |
Dimensions | 50" L x 36.2" W x 49" H |
$289.99
Type | Air |
---|---|
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, adjustable pedal straps, iPad holder |
Dimensions | 71.3" L x 20.1" W x 14.2" H |
Image | 1 ![]() Concept2 | 2 ![]() Merax | 3 ![]() Fitness Reality | 4 ![]() MaxKare | 5 ![]() Sunny Health and Fitness | 6 ![]() MaxKare | 7 ![]() Mr Rudolf | 8 ![]() Joroto | 9 ![]() Lanos | 10 ![]() MaxKare |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Model D | Water Rowing Machine | 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower | Water Rowing Machine | Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine | Magnetic Rowing Machine | Water Rowing Machines | Magnetic Rower | Hydraulic Rowing Machine | Air Rowing Machine |
Features | An Olympic Machine That Will Last a Lifetime! | Boost Your Motivation and Have More Fun With Racing Mode | A Versatile Rowing Machine With Extra Large Foam Handlebar | A Large Adjustable Display Stand With a Heart Rate Monitor | A Basic, Affordable Machine With a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee | A Very Quiet Machine With an Extra-Long Slide Rail | A Wooden Frame to Give You a Real Rowing Experience | 10 Levels of Resistance With Double Sensors for Accurate Data | A Compact Manual Resistance Rowing Machine | Heavy Tension With iPad Holder to Keep You Entertained |
Price | $825.92 | $769.99 | $322.82 | $399.99 | $80.00 | $222.99 | $749.00 | $399.99 | $189.00 | $289.99 |
Type | Air | Water | Magnetic | Water | Hydraulic | Magnetic | Water | Magnetic | Hydraulic | Air |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year limited warranty | N/A | 1-year limited warranty |
Bonus features | Foldable, backlit LCD display, PM5, Bluetooth, fitness apps, adjustable pedal straps, racing games | Foldable, heart rate monitor, race program, transportation wheels | Bluetooth, MyCloud fitness app, transportation wheels, device holder | Foldable, heart rate monitor, adjustable LCD monitor and pedal straps, bottle holder, transportation wheels | Digital monitor, adjustable pedal straps | Foldable, transportation wheels, storage box | Foldable, backlit LCD display, bluetooth, machine cover, device holder | Foldable, cup holder, device holder, transportation wheels | Foldable, adjustable pedal straps | Foldable, adjustable pedal straps, iPad holder |
Dimensions | 8 ft x 2 ft assembled, 25" L x 33" W x 54" H storage | 78” L x 20” W x 25.5” H | 88.5” L x 21.5” W x 21.5” H | 78" L x 17.3" W x 35.4" H | 54" L x 20" W x 23" H | 76.4" L x 19.7" W x 19" H | 82" L x 22" W x 20" H | 71" L x 21" W x 36" H | 50" L x 36.2" W x 49" H | 71.3" L x 20.1" W x 14.2" H |
Link |
Choosing the right rowing machine is easy if you keep our tips in mind. Keep reading this article and you'll find all the necessary information you need to know!
There are four main types of home gym rowing machine: air, water, hydraulic, and magnetic.
Air rowing machines use, well, air to create resistance. They are the most common type that you see in fitness centers. If you have little experience with rowing machines, you may want to consider air rowing machines.
Although they can be noisy, you can row at your own comfortable pace. This is because the tension levels are automatically adjusted according to how hard you row. The faster you pull, the greater the resistance level.
Water rowing machines have a water tank in front of the machine and the resistance levels are generated by water. They have the most elegant designs and usually made with either wooden or steel frames. Plus, they're also smooth and very quiet.
Like an air rowing machine, the tension levels are adjusted by your pace. They’re quite expensive compared with other types, but they provide the most efficient and realistic experience.
Hydraulic are the cheapest and the most compact design among all types of rowing machines. They use air or fluid for resistance and can be adjustable.
Unlike others that have one handlebar in front, hydraulic are equipped with two oars on both sides of the body. So, they’re great machines for an upper body workout. However, you may find some models that come with one handlebar, too!
Another popular type of rowing machine that you can see everywhere, these are generally quiet, provide a smooth rowing motion, and are very durable.
Magnetic rowing machines use a braking system to generate the level of resistance. Some models offer manual resistance while others offer automatic resistance.
Some machines require electricity, which isn’t convenient for everyone; but it’s a good option for someone who has a low budget since they’re known as one of the most affordable models in the market.
Some of the basic features for rowing machines are things such as an LCD monitor that shows your workout stats, including time, distance, calories, strokes, and rpm, to help you track your workout progress.
Other bonus features are a foldable design, transportation wheels, a water bottle holder, heart rate monitor chest straps, preset-programmed workouts, an HD touch screen display, interactive training, and applications that can connect to your phone.
Rowing machines are pretty bulky, so it’s important to make sure that you have enough space for the machines. The average size of a machine is 2 feet wide and 8 feet long.
If you have a small space, we suggest you look for one with a folding design that doesn't take up as much space and is easy to move around.
Besides the machine itself, we suggest you not put the machine too close to the wall and spare a little space at the back for your arms and elbows when rowing.
In general, rowing machines can be used by most people. The average weight capacity for the cheap models are 250 pounds and 300 pounds for average-priced models. However, there are some models that can hold up to 600 pounds!
It'll waste your time and money if you buy a machine that matches all your needs but you can't use in reality. Thus, we recommend you pay attention to safety and convenience concerns, too!
The pedals and handlebar should be made with a non-slip material. It would be great if you can get pedals with adjustable straps to fit your feet.
We also suggest you look for a machine with a wide cushioned saddle to support your back and bottom. When you feel comfortable with the saddle and you sit in the right form, it can prevent injuries as well as improve your workout performance.
If you live in an apartment, you may want to take this concern more seriously than someone who lives in a house. We suggest you choose a quiet rowing machine like a water, magnetic, or hydraulic one. Try to avoid air rowing machines since they tend to be the noisiest type of all.
The warranty is another important thing and we suggest you get a machine that comes with one. It'll be ideal if you can get a lifetime warranty, but a lot of machines offer a few years' warranty.
However, we suggest you carefully check the terms and conditions to make sure that it covers all the parts and frame, not just some parts like handlebars or digital display only.
Unlike training at gyms, training at home makes you feel relaxed and is more convenient because you can do it at your own pace and at any time you want. Check out our suggestions for machines that you can add to your home gym.
Make sure you pick the right type of rowing machine that has the features that fit all your needs. Don't forget to think about your neighbors and the people around you, too! And remember, buying a good rowing machine will be meaningless if you pick one that is difficult to use.
We hope this article will be useful for you and you find a good rowing machine in the near future. Good luck with your search!
Author: Apinya Masuda
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications