A rowing machine works about 85% of your muscles in one smooth, low-impact movement. The best rowers feel consistent at every intensity and track your effort accurately.
We compared six rowing machines across air, magnetic, water and hydraulic resistance. For specific needs, see the best rowing machines for beginners, best rowing machines for tall people and best rowing machines under $500.
Top 3 Rowing Machines
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower
- Magnetic, 16 levels
- 300 lb max user weight
- 64″L x 19.3″W x 27″H, 41 lb
- 45.7″ rail, SunnyFit app
WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor
- Original WaterFlywheel design
- Handcrafted in the USA
- S4 BLE monitor
- Stands upright for storage
Rowing Machine Comparison
| Rowing Machine | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Concept2 RowErg | Best Overall | Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10; PM5 performance monitor; About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user | 4.9/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower | Best Magnetic | Magnetic, 16 levels; 300 lb max user weight; 64″L x 19.3″W x 27″H, 41 lb | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 3. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor | Best Water Rower | Original WaterFlywheel design; Handcrafted in the USA; S4 BLE monitor | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. MERACH R50 Pro Air Rower | Best Concept2 Alternative | 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels; 440 lb max user, 72 lb; 95″L x 24″W | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 5. Merach RS3 Scull Rower | Best Sculling Rower | Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion; Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels; 350 lb max user, 58 lb | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 6. Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower | Best Budget | 12-level hydraulic resistance; Inclined rail; 58.1 in. long, 22 lb | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
1. Concept2 RowErg – Best Overall
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
Pros
- ✓ The standard erg for racing, CrossFit and online rankings
- ✓ 4.9 stars on 13,000+ ratings
- ✓ PM5 data is consistent across machines
Cons
- ✗ About $990
- ✗ Needs roughly 9 x 4 ft of floor
- ✗ Louder than magnetic rowers
The Concept2 RowErg is the best rowing machine for most people, and nothing else is close on track record: about 13,000 ratings at 4.9 stars, a smooth air flywheel with a 1 to 10 damper, and the PM5 monitor that gyms, coaches and indoor rowing competitions use. It supports about 500 lb and splits in two for storage.
At about $990 it is not cheap, but it lasts for years and holds its resale value. It needs roughly 9 x 4 ft of space while rowing.
Best for: Anyone serious about rowing
May not fit: Very tight spaces and budgets
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower – Best Magnetic
- Magnetic, 16 levels
- 300 lb max user weight
- 64″L x 19.3″W x 27″H, 41 lb
- 45.7″ rail, SunnyFit app
Pros
- ✓ 19,000+ ratings, the most here
- ✓ About $199
- ✓ SunnyFit app classes
Cons
- ✗ 300 lb limit
- ✗ 45.7-inch rail is short for tall rowers
- ✗ Resistance feels capped for athletes
Sunny’s smart magnetic rower is quiet and compact with about 19,000 ratings for about $199.
Shorter rail.
Best for: Quiet homes
May not fit: Tall rowers
3. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor – Best Water Rower
- Original WaterFlywheel design
- Handcrafted in the USA
- S4 BLE monitor
- Stands upright for storage
Pros
- ✓ The classic water rower
- ✓ Commercial-grade components
- ✓ 4.7 stars
Cons
- ✗ About $1,324
- ✗ Does not fold, stands upright
- ✗ Heavy
WaterRower’s handcrafted wood frame and water flywheel give the classic water feel.
About $1,324.
Best for: Water feel and design
May not fit: Budget buyers
4. MERACH R50 Pro Air Rower – Best Concept2 Alternative
- 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels
- 440 lb max user, 72 lb
- 95″L x 24″W
- Backlit monitor + MERACH app
Pros
- ✓ High 440 lb user rating
- ✓ Backlit monitor with 20+ training modes
- ✓ Arrives about 90% assembled
Cons
- ✗ About 55 ratings
- ✗ App data is not Concept2-comparable
- ✗ About $560
MERACH R50 Pro is an air rower rated to 440 lb for about $560.
Fewer ratings.
Best for: Air rowing for less
May not fit: Proof seekers
5. Merach RS3 Scull Rower – Best Sculling Rower
- Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion
- Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels
- 350 lb max user, 58 lb
- MERACH app with 1,000+ classes
Pros
- ✓ Real sculling motion
- ✓ 4.7 stars
- ✓ Single and dual-arm modes
Cons
- ✗ About $360
- ✗ Wider footprint
- ✗ Different feel from a standard erg
Merach RS3 mimics sculling with independent arms.
Wider.
Best for: Variety
May not fit: Standard technique
6. Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower – Best Budget
- 12-level hydraulic resistance
- Inclined rail
- 58.1 in. long, 22 lb
- 300 lb max user, SunnyFit app
Pros
- ✓ 20,000+ ratings
- ✓ Very compact and light
- ✓ About $130
Cons
- ✗ Hydraulic, not magnetic
- ✗ Less smooth stroke
- ✗ Short rail
Sunny’s compact hydraulic rower costs about $130 with 20,000+ ratings.
Hydraulic stroke.
Best for: Very small budgets
May not fit: Serious training
How to Choose a Rowing Machine
Resistance type
Air rowers (like Concept2) scale with effort and are the training standard. Magnetic is the quietest. Water gives a natural, building feel. Hydraulic is the cheapest and most compact.
Rail length
Tall users need a long rail; look for an inseam or height range that fits you.
Capacity and frame
A 300 lb+ rating and a heavier frame stay steadier at hard stroke rates.
Storage
Many rowers stand upright or fold; air rowers often split in two.
Monitor and fees
Good monitors show 500 m split, stroke rate and calories. Connected rowers may need a membership.
FAQ
What is the best rowing machine?
The Concept2 RowErg for most serious rowers; Sunny’s magnetic rower for quiet budget rowing.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
Rowing works more muscles with less impact; treadmills suit walking and running goals.
How long should I row?
Start with 10 to 20 minutes and build to 30 minutes, three to five times a week.
Final Verdict
The Concept2 RowErg is the best rowing machine for most people. Sunny’s smart magnetic rower is the best quiet budget pick, and WaterRower is best for water feel.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!