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With its low-impact combination of strength and cardio, a rowing machine is a must-have for home workouts. These are the best magnetic, air, and water-resistance models on the market in a variety of budgets.
A rowing machine is a solid addition to anyone’s at-home gym, and if you only have space for one machine, this is a good option thanks to the full-body combo of strength and cardio.
Using a rowing machine, you can be tailor your workout exactly towards you’re looking to get out of it, from hardcore workouts to mellow cross-training days. Rowing workouts are low-impact, and when done correctly, the movement activates more muscle mass than other forms of exercise like cycling or running. A rowing machine workout will engage your back, arms, quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core.
One of the benefits of rowing machines is even if they aren’t collapsible, most stand up on their end and tuck vertically into a corner. If you have a tight space for at-home workout gear, look for folding models, or choose one with upright storage options.
Peloton amplified the trend of at-home workouts, allowing your solo gym time to be more social and motivating. These days, there are plenty of at-home workout machines that come with a full-color screen, compatibility with group workouts, membership options, or the ability to stream virtual workouts on your phone or iPad.
There are a few different types of resistance options for rowing machines. Water or air resistance has a smooth rowing experience and the widest variety of resistance options, as it’s all based on how fast you row. Water- and air-resistance rowers also have the most natural feel, but are often more expensive than magnetic or hydraulic. Magnetic-resistance rowers are some of the quietest on the market, ideal for apartments or close quarters.
Some machines might not have adjustable resistance. Instead, your workout intensity is based on how hard you’re pulling. Depending on your goals, precise resistance changes might be nice. Most rowing machines have a readout that displays your resistance, amps, distance, speed, and calories burned.
We looked at rowers in a range of sizes, storing options, and price points. In an effort to have something for everyone, we’ve included budget picks and top-of-the-line models, and we chatted with gym owners and people who dedicate themselves to rowing workouts to find the best picks no matter what your goals and budget are. We considered different types of resistance, screens, and sizes as well.
This is one of the best-selling rowing machines on the market, used by gyms and fitness centers all around the country. This is a durable, dependable machine and comes recommended by athletes cross-training for a variety of sports—not just rowing.
This has a basic monitor partially powered by the rowing action, adjustable footrests, and a smooth, quiet flywheel. This breaks down into two parts for storage, and the aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track offers a smooth back-and-forth slide without catches.
The magnetic resistance keeps this rower on the budget-friendly side of things without compromising too much in the way of construction and materials.
The slide rail is 48 inches long, which can work with rowers of almost any height. This machine has eight different levels of resistance, and a small LCD console that tracks time, calories, and rowing count.
This machine has built-in wheels for easy transport, can fold up when not in use, and has nonslip foot pads (and straps) for balance and security.
Tap into iFit’s full array of group classes with this higher-end rowing machine. This machine features a 22-inch touchscreen, on-demand classes, and has options for strength and cardio classes as well.
The RW900 Rower has 26 resistance levels, and we love that it’s either manual air resistance or programmable magnetic resistance. These levels can be programmed to automatically adjust based on training needs as well as simulating real bodies of water.
This rower can fold up when not in use, and is also Bluetooth-compatible.
Don’t want to spring for a $1,500-plus rower, but want the group workout options? This option from ProForm fits the bill, with iFit membership compatibility (you'll need to purchase the class membership) and options for virtual workouts that mimic famous routes and bodies of water.
This rower has 24 resistance levels, and the simple readout displays distance, calories, and time. The steel rail is smooth and durable, and the company has a proprietary SpaceSaver design for easy storage when the machine isn’t in use.
Unlike the pricier options, this machine doesn't come with a large screen. You’ll have to use your own device to stream classes and workouts, but it comes with a handy tablet holder for that exact purpose.
This sturdy rower is a steal of a deal for an air-resistance machine. It has built-in sensors on the grips that measure your heart rate. A small screen will display that data, plus speed, distance, time elapsed, and estimated calories.
The rower folds up for storage, and the seat is ultra-padded and comfortable.
Despite the lower price, this is a durable machine with a smooth rail and fluid movement through all phases of the rowing motion. Since this is solely an air-resistance machine, the increased resistance comes from your rowing, not from manually dialing it up or down.
Despite the long, 43-inch slide rail, this is a very compact machine, folding down to just 26 by 16 by 49 inches. It’s lightweight and affordable, and has a similar LCD screen to others on this list, displaying time, calories, and distance.
The handles and larger foot pads are comfortable and secure, and the seat is ergonomically designed. This model has 14 levels of magnetic resistance, and the 264-pound weight limit is on the higher end, even on a smaller, compact machine.
If a rowing machine was going to be a statement piece in your house, this would be the one. Built from sturdy ash and oak, this machine has a water flywheel for actual water resistance.
This is fully self-regulated, so like air resistance, you don’t turn a knob up or down to change the resistance. It has a simple performance monitor that displays stroke rate, heart rate, distance, and speed, and the solid construction absorbs a good amount of noise and vibration during use.
The wood types are chosen for their ability to absorb sound and the incredible dimensional stability. This machine can be stored upright, but it doesn’t fold or collapse.
As a bonus, all wood used in these machines has been harvested from replenishable forests.
Sleek, modern, and quiet, this Hydrow Rower offers a top-of-the-line aesthetic and rowing experience. Hydrow has developed an updated pull feel, which they say is closer to the feeling of being out on actual water.
It has a 22-inch touchscreen and their patented “drag mechanism” is electromagnetic, controlled by a computer to give it that realistic feel. It has wheels for moving around when not in use, and stores upright, though you’ll need to purchase an additional storage kit for vertical storage.
This machine has interactive workouts and classes, also for an additional fee. The cost of the machine comes with a free home installation as well. Right now, you can even get $250 off a Hydrow Rower using code HC250 through March 17th.