The 9 Best Rowing Machines For Your Home Gym In 2024, Per Certified Trainer Reviews

The Concept2 is every rower's fave–and has almost 100 percent positive reviews on Amazon. "The durability, maintenance, and feel of the machine is perfection and their customer service is amazing!" Crawford says.

Bergenroth also lauds this machine (he has two of his own). "I'm sure there are other [quality] options out there, but [the Concept2] is the go-to. It's built like a tank. I bought one almost 12 years ago, and I just replaced it in the last year," he says.

The machine allows you to track your progress in real-time with its attached monitor, can connect to heart rate straps and apps, and can easily separate into two parts for easy storage. Plus, if you're looking to become a real rower, Bergenroth says this is the brand most professional coaches respect.

Looking for a "smart" rowing workout without dropping nearly $3,000 on a Peloton? Meet the Hydrow Wave, hailed as a top pick by our very own fitness editor Talene Appleton, CPT. "Think of the Wave as a sleek alternative to the Concept2," she says. "This smart connected rower offers an immersive digital experience and delivers a workout that feels a whole lot like real-world rowing."

The machine itself is one of the most compact of any smart rower, yet it's also one of the most durable. The Hydrow Wave easily fits into compact home gym spaces and can be conveniently stored upright when you're not crushing a workout on it. "I use this machine in my apartment for everything from intense sprints to longer intervals. It feels just as solid as a Concept2, just as fun and immersive as a Peloton, and takes up less room than either one."

Whether you crave structured classes or prefer to free row on a solo journey, the Hydrow Wave caters to you with live or on-demand sessions. Lifelike virtual classes transport you to picturesque waterways, and trainer-led programs are entertaining and easy to follow. While some users may miss the option for customizable workouts, the Hydrow Wave delivers the best magnetic resistance rowing experience for its price.

Talene put the Peloton Row to the test, and it’s poised to give every other smart rowing machine a run for its money.

According to Talene and the WH fitness team, the Peloton Row excels in comfort and aesthetics with its wide, contoured seat and easily adjustable foot pedals, featuring straps that glide smoothly without any annoying catches. Plus, its electric resistance system makes for a whisper-quiet rowing workout.

But what truly sets the Peloton Row apart is its software. Talene emphasizes that Peloton’s strength lies not only in its durable, comfortable, and good-looking hardware, but also in its exceptional software capabilities. From live classes to thousands of on-demand workouts for on and off the rower, it's programming is top notch. The Form Assist function stands out, offering valuable guidance to improve rowing technique for users of all skill levels (which is really beneficial when rowing at home without a trainer adjusting your form).

Despite its strengths, we need to point out one drawback: the absence of an adjustable manual mode. However, if you just want to free row, you shouldn't invest in Peloton’s technology and programming anyway. Bottom line: This machine is expensive, but if you want the pinnacle of fun, immersive home rowing workouts, this is the machine for you.

You'll be hard pressed to find a rowing machine that's a better value than this one. For just $120, you can grab a machine with 12 levels of resistance, making it good for most fitness levels. It's also designed with a digital monitor that makes it easy to keep track of strokes.

This might just be the best budget-friendly rower we've found on Amazon in the past couple of years. This option is noticeably quieter than similarly priced competitors, and requires minimal setup.

It provides a satisfactory workout for someone who knows what they're doing when it comes to rowing and wants a no-frills machine to row on at home. While it does lack the bells and whistles of pricier models, for the price, it's an absolute steal—highly recommended for those seeking a basic, straightforward rower on a budget.

This rower can actually double as a cable machine, making it two pieces of home gym equipment in one. Not bad, right? Its glide bar also folds up for easier storage and the 14-level magnetic resistance system it uses allows you to fine-tune intensity and challenge yourself as you progress.

The anti-slip pedals and handlebar ensure your footing remains secure throughout your sweat session, allowing you to focus solely on performance. While it doesn't feature a fancy touchscreen or a library of digital programs, Bluetooth connectivity and access to external apps serve as solid options to guide workouts and track performance metrics. Thanks to its nylon rowing belt and ball-bearing rollers, this machine also operates quietly.

With 26 (!) resistance levels, this is by far the most advanced rower on this list, making it A-okay for more experienced rowers. Use its built-in, 22-inch tablet to access on-demand workouts using the accompanying app, making it simple to access on-demand group fitness classes and pre-set programs.

If you're someone who needs the push from an IRL instructor, you'll appreciate the interactive technology NordicTrack uses to digitally adjust your resistance and ensure you're always getting stronger. The automatic resistance adjustment feature syncs with virtual trainers' cues to help you challenge yourself while working out at home.

The quick-adjust pedals are another feature on this machine worth calling out, as it makes customizing your foot position way easier and less frustrating than most rowers out there. Easy assembly and stowaway capability simplify the home use process, allowing me to focus more on my workouts and less on logistics.

If you're still building your home gym, this rowing machine is a perfect addition. Some of its features include a large, adjustable LCD monitor and a quiet, magnetic rowing experience. But, it also comes with additional workout equipment.

This rower is equipped with a slant board for stretching, and resistance bands to give your arms an even more intense work out. Making the most of your space is difficult with specialized equipment, and this machine offers a multifunctional approach. While it lacks smart features and provides only basic software functions like performance metrics tracking, it serves as a solution to those who may only have room for one piece of equipment and don't want to choose between a rower and a resistance trainer.

This top-rated rowing machine (more than 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon) includes eight levels of magnetic resistance. Many reviewers age 50+ loved the ease of setting up and say they enjoy using this machine for a casual workout while watching TV.

We find this machine great for beginners and seniors since the resistance is a little less intense than other machines. It's not the most advanced or tech-forward option on this list, but the price is right for what you get. It's lightweight, easy to store upright, and quiet—what else could you ask for for less than $400?

According to users, this air rower is a solid dupe for the more expensive Concept2 Rowing Machine favored by CrossFitters. It relies on wind resistance, rather than magnets or water power, to challenge your strength and stamina. You can track your progress by keeping tabs on your distance, time, strokes per minute, calories burned, and more on the built-in LCD monitor. The rower is also designed with built-in wheels and a foldable frame to make it easy to store.

It doesn't have the same bells and whistles as some of the more expensive ones, but it gets the job done. We also love that setup is a breeze, taking two people less than 30 minutes from box to workout.