Sunny compact hydraulic rower
Sunny compact hydraulic rower, the most-reviewed rower on Amazon

Amazon sells hundreds of rowing machines. Review volume is the fastest way to see which ones hold up after months of use.

We ranked six rowers on Amazon by ratings, reviews and value. For our overall picks, see the best rowing machines.

Top 3 Rowing Machines on Amazon

Best Overall Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower

Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower

  • 12-level hydraulic resistance
  • Inclined rail
  • 58.1 in. long, 22 lb
  • 300 lb max user, SunnyFit app
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Magnetic Pick Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower

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
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Top Rated Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

  • 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
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Amazon Rowing Machine Comparison

Rowing MachineBest ForKey SpecsAmazon RatingPrice
1. Sunny Compact Hydraulic RowerMost Reviewed on Amazon12-level hydraulic resistance; Inclined rail; 58.1 in. long, 22 lb4.4/5Check Price
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic RowerBest Magnetic on AmazonMagnetic, 16 levels; 300 lb max user weight; 64″L x 19.3″W x 27″H, 41 lb4.4/5Check Price
3. Concept2 RowErgHighest RatedAir flywheel with damper 1 to 10; PM5 performance monitor; About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user4.9/5Check Price
4. Sunny Smart Full Motion RowerBest Full MotionFull motion arms, 12 hydraulic levels; Up to 400 lb (180 kg) per listing; Compact, 36 lb4.4/5Check Price
5. YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic RowerBest Mid-RangeMagnetic, 16 levels; 350 lb max user weight; 64.57″L x 17.72″W x 28.35″H, 54 lb4.5/5Check Price
6. Merach Q1S Magnetic RowerBest Dual RailMagnetic, 16 levels; 350 lb max user weight; 65″L x 19.3″W x 24.8″H, 42 lb4.4/5Check Price

1. Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower – Most Reviewed on Amazon

Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower
  • 12-level hydraulic resistance
  • Inclined rail
  • 58.1 in. long, 22 lb
  • 300 lb max user, SunnyFit app
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Pros

  • ✓ 20,000+ ratings
  • ✓ Very compact and light
  • ✓ About $130

Cons

  • ✗ Hydraulic, not magnetic
  • ✗ Less smooth stroke
  • ✗ Short rail

Sunny’s compact hydraulic rower leads our Amazon list with more than 20,000 ratings at 4.4 stars. It offers 12 levels of hydraulic resistance, an inclined rail that adds leg-drive challenge, a 300 lb rating and the free SunnyFit app, all in a 58-inch, 22 lb frame for about $130.

The hydraulic stroke is not as smooth as an air or magnetic rower, but no rower on Amazon is easier to store or cheaper to start with.

Best for: Budget buyers and tiny spaces

May not fit: Serious or competitive rowers

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2. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower – Best Magnetic on Amazon

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
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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 has about 19,000 ratings.

Shorter rail.

Best for: Quiet rowing

May not fit: Tall users

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3. Concept2 RowErg – Highest Rated

Concept2 RowErg
  • 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
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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

Concept2 RowErg has 13,000 ratings at 4.9 stars.

About $990.

Best for: Serious training

May not fit: Budget

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4. Sunny Smart Full Motion Rower – Best Full Motion

Sunny Smart Full Motion Rower
  • Full motion arms, 12 hydraulic levels
  • Up to 400 lb (180 kg) per listing
  • Compact, 36 lb
  • SunnyFit app
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Pros

  • ✓ 7,000+ ratings
  • ✓ Very compact
  • ✓ About $180

Cons

  • ✗ Hydraulic, not a true erg stroke
  • ✗ Arms move differently from a cable rower
  • ✗ Light frame

Sunny’s full motion rower has 7,000+ ratings for about $180.

Hydraulic.

Best for: Compact full-body work

May not fit: Erg-style technique

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5. YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic Rower – Best Mid-Range

YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic Rower
  • Magnetic, 16 levels
  • 350 lb max user weight
  • 64.57″L x 17.72″W x 28.35″H, 54 lb
  • Bluetooth app
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Pros

  • ✓ 4.5 stars on 2,500+ ratings
  • ✓ Heavier 54 lb frame feels steadier
  • ✓ Narrow 17.7-inch width

Cons

  • ✗ About $260
  • ✗ Not as smooth at high stroke rates as air
  • ✗ Monitor lacks watts

YOSUDA H-185 has 2,500+ ratings and a 350 lb rating.

Basic monitor.

Best for: Value

May not fit: App lovers

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6. Merach Q1S Magnetic Rower – Best Dual Rail

Merach Q1S Magnetic Rower
  • Magnetic, 16 levels
  • 350 lb max user weight
  • 65″L x 19.3″W x 24.8″H, 42 lb
  • Dual slide rail
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Pros

  • ✓ Very quiet magnetic brake
  • ✓ 2,300+ ratings at 4.4
  • ✓ About $190

Cons

  • ✗ Resistance tops out early for strong rowers
  • ✗ Short rail for riders over about 6’2″
  • ✗ No watt readout on the basic monitor

Merach Q1S has 2,400+ ratings and a dual rail.

Basic monitor.

Best for: Stability

May not fit: Tall users

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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-selling rowing machine on Amazon?

Sunny Health & Fitness rowers lead in review volume, each with about 19,000 to 20,000 ratings.

Is Concept2 sold on Amazon?

Yes, the RowErg is listed with about 13,000 ratings.

Are cheap Amazon rowers good?

Fine for light use; serious rowers should choose air or quality magnetic models.

Final Verdict

Sunny’s compact hydraulic rower is the most-reviewed budget pick on Amazon. Sunny’s magnetic rower is the best quiet option, and Concept2 is the highest rated.