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What are the best Rowing Machines in 2023?
The workout provided by a rowing machine is hailed as one of the best that you can get. It provides a low-impact exercise that tones the arms, legs, back, and core abdominal muscles. It also provides you with the heart benefits of a vigorous cardio workout. Stationary bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals cannot reach all of these muscle groups.
To help you navigate the many options out there, we have rounded up the Best Best Rowing Machines in the post for you:
QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full top 8 list with in-depth reviews.
#1: Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine (Best overall)
#2: Hydrow – Connected Rowing Machine
#3: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5854 Magnetic Rowing Machine with Dual Resistance (Best value)
#4: NordicTrack – RW900 Rowing Machine
#5: ProForm Pro R10 Smart Rower with 10” Touchscreen
#6: Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine – SF-RW5713
#7: ProForm 750R Folding Smart Rower
#8: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor (Best budget)
Types of Rowing Machine
There are four main types of rowing machine classed by the resistance mechanism used. Here are the 4 types:
Hydraulic
If you are looking for an economical option or you are living in a space that is limited in size the hydraulic rowing machine can be a wise choice. This machine gets its resistance from the air and fluid that is being compressed with a cylinder inside that can be adjusted by the user. The problem with these machines is they do not allow you to pull in a straight line and you therefore are unable to perform a natural stroke row stroke.
Water
The Water rowing machine is prized as the best rowing machine out there by many people because it emulates the motion, feel, and resistance of being in a true row boat because of its patented water flywheel design. The water rower rowing machines gain resistance by dragging through water just like your performing outdoors. They have a tank of water that the machine moves through so the resistance is similar and the sound is almost silent. You do hear the movement of water but with most water rowers it is ever so slightly.
Most water rowing machines are made of wood but there are a few commercial models that are mostly constructed of metal. The disadvantages of water rowing machines are that they tend to be larger than other types of rowing machines and the prices start at a higher price point.
Magnetic
Magnetic resistant fitness rowing machines are very popular due to their silent stroke and smooth resistance. Unlike flywheel based indoor rowers which receives its resistance from the wind, magnetic rowing machines utilizes a magnetic brake system. This provides for multiple levels of resistance and easy adjustability. This ease of resistance adjustability makes them very popular in the rowing world today, especially for the use in the home. Because they use magnetic resistance there is no friction and there is virtually no sound out of the machine.
Air or Flywheel
The Flywheel Rowing Machines are often referred to as an air rowing machine and can usually aim to give you a feel like outdoor rowing. The air rowing machine uses a flywheel that is spun from the pulling motion. This flywheel then spins blades from a fan that puts out wind. The resistance is increased the faster you pull on the rowing machine because the faster you go the faster the blades spin and this creates more resistance. The problem with these machines is the can be very noisy for indoor use.
To figure out which model is the best rowing machine for your use, you will need to examine the following criteria: Rider weight may have a maximum limit of 250 pounds up to a possible 500 pounds. Obviously, your personal situation will dictate the appropriate model. You will also have to examine height limits if you are extremely tall or short. You will also need to determine your space requirements. If you have a home gym with room to spare, it is not a concern. For those who need a model to fold and store in the closet or under the bed, it will be more of a consideration.
Your goal in shopping for one of these machines is to find a model that is best suited to your individual needs and preferences. You want to find a unit that balances affordability with reliability and resistance. Evaluating the 4 kinds of resistance available will help you to determine the most suitable rowing machine for you.
1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Amazon.com
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.
- 14-inch seat height fits most uses. Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
- Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel
- Includes the Performance Monitor 5, giving you accurate, comparable data for every row. Bluetooth and ANT+ functionality to connect wirelessly to apps and heart rate monitors.
- Smooth gliding operation
- Ease of assembly
- Large size to accommodate tall people
- Reliable and robust with readily-available replacement parts
- Pricey
- Requires a bit of space (9 feet by 4 feet)
- No in-built apps, fancy graphics or live workouts
- Not the most aesthetically attractive
2. Hydrow – Connected Rowing Machine
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- WORK MORE MUSCLES IN LESS TIME. Build with low-impact workouts that engage more than 86% of your muscles in under 20 (yes, 20!) minutes.
- GET A MEMBERSHIP, THEN GET STARTED. For just $44/month, unlock over 5,000 at-home workouts for all fitness levels. Explore a range of workout styles, including cardio, strength, recovery, and more — all led by world-class instructors in stunning locations around the world. (NOTE: Memberships are sold separately from Hydrow rowing machines.)
- Extensive library of motivating classes and rowing events
- Delivers a full-body workout
- Features quiet, electromagnetic resistance
- Superb graphics
- Expensive
- Membership not included
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5854 Magnetic Rowing Machine with Dual Resistance
Amazon.com
- SILENT GLIDE: Avoid sliding noises with the aluminum slide rail. The soft touch metal on the fitness equipment allows for a quiet slide as you produce powerful rowing strokes. The aluminum build is rust resistant and lightweight. It can also support up to 300 lb.
- MOVABLE LCD: Never worry about batteries when using the adapter-powered rower. Pivot your workout meter up and down to get the best view of your data while you're working out on the exercise rower.
- Enlarged digital monitor
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- 7 workout programs
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Folding frame for storage
- ANT+ heart rate monitor compatible
- Pivoting foot pedals
- Quiet operation
- Easy assembly
- Price
- Warranty could be longer
- An HR chest strap is not included
4. NordicTrack – RW900 Rowing Machine
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- iFIT Pro Membership Required; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment
- 22” HD Interactive Touchscreen Display streams on-demand iFIT workouts into your home directly on your rowing machine; Adjustable Console Angle for a variety of training both on and off your equipment
- 26 Digital Resistance Levels; Your iFIT Trainer auto-adjusts your smart rower’s resistance for an optimized workout that meets your goals and realistically simulates famous bodies of water
- Interactive workouts
- Comprehensive program including cross-training
- Easily folds up for easy storage
- Utilizes a dual resistance design
- Pricey
- iFit membership costs $39 per month (after the first 30 day)
5. ProForm Pro R10 Smart Rower with 10” Touchscreen
Amazon.com
- iFIT trainers automatically adjust the resistance as you work out.
- Full access to the iFIT mobile app for an ever-growing library of trainer-led content, from yoga classes to cross-training.
- 3-Year iFIT Family Membership gets you all the benefits of a personal trainer at home.
- A credit/debit card is required to activate this offer. iFIT membership will automatically renew at then‐current rates (currently $396 USD per year) plus tax after 3 years, unless canceled in advance.
- Totally free with a 3-year iFit subscription
- 10″ HD touchscreen
- Oversize, pivoting foot pedals
- Folds and rolls for storage
- Only one month’s iFit subscription included in price
- The touchscreen could be larger
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine – SF-RW5713
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- WATER PERFORMANCE: Experience smooth, water-like rowing at home. The flywheel and 16 fan blades provide instant, adjustable resistance, with dynamic response based on stroke speed.
- DESIGN: Made with lightweight, sturdy steel for durability. 16 Hydro Blades mimic competitive rowing, with a sweat-resistant, non-slip handlebar and adjustable leveling caps.
- ERGO-EFFICIENT: The molded, padded seat sits 17" high for easy on/off access. Non-slip foot pedals with nylon straps ensure secure footing and allow natural foot/ankle movement.
- High-density rubber wheels make it easy to maneuver
- Built-in fitness meter helps to track workouts easily and accurately
- Constructed with sturdy steel that provides maximum durability
- Smooth rowing action
- Adjustable water levels
- Heart rate monitor compatible
- May not be ideal for people with short height
- Water can leak from tank when stored vertically
- Heart rate monitor not included
7. ProForm 750R Folding Smart Rower
Amazon.com
- [30-day iFIT trial included] - Follow expert iFIT Trainers in 10,000+ outdoor workouts around the world. Internet and WIFI required. iFIT Membership auto-renews for $39/mo plus tax unless canceled in advance. Cancel at any time.
- [Large aluminum seat rail] - Large aluminum seat rail allows for smooth and balanced rowing.
- [Auxiliary Input] - Connect your smartphone or tablet to the machine to play music of your choice during your workout.
- Good value
- Optional membership program
- Folds up for storage
- Integrated tablet holder
- Only one month’s iFit subscription included in price
- Design not the most attractive
8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor
5 used from $206.29
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- 【TOTAL BODY WORKOUT】Full-body Workout with Extended Slide Rails. Engage & strengthen legs, glutes, core, back, arms & shoulders. Rowing activates multiple muscles, promoting balanced development & strength. Unlock your potential.
- 【EXTENDED SLIDE RAIL】At 48 inches in slide rail length, and 44 inches in inseam length, the SF-RW5515 can accommodate rowers up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.
- 【SUPREME COMFORT】Designed for effectiveness without compromising in comfort, its ergonomically crafted cushioned seat allows for extensive cardiovascular rowing workouts maximizing calories burned.
- Economical with eight levels of resistance
- Easy to fold and store
- Only okay cord quality
- Rail might be too short for tall people
[…] >>> Discover the Top Rowing Machines […]
[…] you can’t get a run in or you really want to avoid the treadmill, try the rowing machine. If you haven’t tried it before, run into a local gym and check it out. This isn’t something […]