13 Best Rowing Machines (Review) In 2021

We’re kicking things off with our Best Choice recommendation, which is the Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. Widely accepted to be one of the best machines currently available on the market today, it’s a popular choice for both home workout spaces as well as commercial gyms. This model isn’t cheap, but it’s an excellent piece of equipment, with solid and sturdy engineering, which has been manufactured to last for many years to come. It’s constructed from high-quality aluminum and steel.

The Concept2 Model D provides a comprehensive cardiovascular, low impact workout and comes with an excellent PM5 onboard computer to keep you sufficiently motivated. There are plenty of program options to choose from, plus it also accurately tracks a wide range of exciting metrics. It can also be connected wirelessly via a compatible smartphone to provide feedback and results of your sessions. You can also control the intensity of your workout with an easy change of the damper. There are ten levels available, so plenty of scope for progression and regression. We’ve also selected this particular unit because we think you will appreciate how easy it is to assemble, move and store. It smoothly rolls into position on caster wheels and can be separated into two pieces for easy storage when not in use. The ergonomically designed handles can be pivoted to multiple positions, plus the footrests are adjustable to accommodate different heights. You may also like some of the best folding treadmills from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Up next, we’re taking a look at our Best Value choice, which comes from Sunny Health & Fitness. Sunny proudly manufactures high-quality health and fitness products that are designed with maximum user efficiency in mind. This SF-RW5515 model is a magnetic style rowing machine that has recently been improved to deliver smoother and quieter operation. It features eight adjustable tension levels alongside a bright LDC monitor to track vital metrics, including time, count, and calories, which is hugely motivational. The levels can be adjusted with a simple twist of the resistance knob, increasing or decreasing accordingly.

The SF-RW5515 is comfortable to use with a large padded seat as well as ergonomic, non-slip grip handlebars for your comfort. There are also anti-slip foot pedals, which are large and sturdy, ensuring your feet remain securely in place throughout your workout session. It’s suitable for users with a maximum weight threshold of 250-pound. With a heavy-duty steel mainframe, it’s been manufactured to withstand the test of time, and the design also incorporates built-on transportation wheels for each maneuverability. For more amazing fitness gear, check out our selection of the best battle ropes.

We’re back again looking at what Concept2 has to offer with our Premium Pick. We’ve selected their E indoor model, which features a flywheel using for smooth and quiet operation. It’s another hugely popular choice and, like their D model, contains that PM5 onboard computer, which delivers accurate and comparable data every time you row.

With this model, the seat is pitched at a 20-inch height, and once again, there are adjustable footrests as well as ergonomic handles for user comfort. Still, it quickly separates into two pieces for more compact storage, and there are caster wheels to help you move the rowing machine into the optimum position. It’s constructed from welded steel and features a nickel-plated chain which requires less regular oiling. With a maximum user weight capacity of 500-pounds, this commercial-quality rowing machine is an excellent investment for a home or professional gym setup. Aesthetically, this is a premium-looking machine made from the highest quality, durable materials featuring a glossy powder-coated finish. Be sure to also check out our reviews of the best elliptical machines for more cool fitness equipment like this.

If you find it hard to motivate yourself and you want to bring the gym environment into your own home, then you are going to love this latest rowing machine from fitness experts, Nordic Track. Featuring a 22-inch HD SMART touchscreen display that can be angled according to your needs, you get to experience 26 different coach controlled resistance levels. The Nordic Track iFit coach experience is your very own at-home interactive personal training buddy! Stream high-energy classes direct to your display for a motivating experience. You could go around the world or workout with an elite personal trainer.

In terms of the rowing machine itself, this piece of home gym equipment uses two different forms of resistance; manual air resistance control and 26 different adjustable resistance levels designed so that you can build up the intensity of your workouts as you get stronger and fitter. With silent operation, a comfortable ergonomic seat as well as soft-touch ergonomic handles, this machine is a joy to use. It also features oversized pedals and quick-adjusting straps. The innovative space-saving design also enables your Nordic Track to be folded away for compact and straightforward storage while front-mounted wheels ensure it’s easy to move your rower from one location to another.

From Fitness Reality, this Bluetooth Magnetic Rower offers a full body low impact workout with 14 different levels of resistance. The 1000 Plus comes complete with a large 3.5” LCD Display so that you can track distance, times, and calories burned as well as strokes per minute. It can also be connected via Bluetooth to the Smart Cloud Fitness all so that you can track and compare workouts and set different fitness goals.

Besides offering magnetic resistance, this unit also features a large and comfortable cushioned seat pad, as well as a patent-pending front foot stabilizer. This converts the rower into a full-body workout machine, enabling you to complete additional exercises including bicep curls, tricep extensions as well as bent-over rows. The sizeable pivoting foot pedals also provide a more extensive range of motion for a more challenging and intense workout. If you’re concerned about space, the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus rowing machine folds for convenient storage when not in use. It’s also fitted with transportation wheels for a smooth relocation. If you are looking for a comfortable and fully comprehensive piece of equipment, then look no further than the 1000 Plus. Set your goals, track your workouts, and so much more besides. Our guide to the best stepper machines features more quality workout equipment like this, so check them out.

This beautiful looking solid oak wood dual-rail rower has been designed to look and mimic the physical action of rowing on open water. From a design perspective, the aesthetics are beautiful, so much so, that whether you leave this machine out on display or prop it up on its end, Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine still looks awe-inspiring. With transport wheels, you can quickly relocate your machine, storing it against a wall when not in use. If you are looking for something that replicates that real-life outdoor rowing experience, then you will love this Mr. Rudolf water rowing machine. Even down to the gentle whooshing of water, every detail counts.

It comes with an onboard workout monitor, although it is a little on the small side. Still, you can track all the usual statistics, including time, distance, 500m split time, strokes per minute, calories per hour as well as watts. This is all hugely motivational and should encourage you to put in that extra effort. It also provides a super smooth workout thanks to the thoughtful, ergonomic design. This machine features a contoured seat, active recoil system as well as height-adjustable footplates with secure straps to hold your feet comfortably in position. Our guide to the best vertical climbers features more great machines like this.

If you are looking for a near-silent running rowing machine, then take a look at this Magnetic Model from Joroto. Offering no-touch magnetic resistance, it delivers smooth and comfortable, quiet operation. Featuring a solid aluminum flywheel, this is a well constructed and attractive looking machine with a digital display monitor as well as a phone holder built into the dieting. Double sensors ensure the accurate transmission of that date for results that will really keep you motivated. There are large anti-slip foot pedals as well as floor protectors. The pedals can be adjusted to fit different sized feet allowing more people to experience the fun of this workout. Your rowing machine also features built-in wheels so that it can be easily relocated and features a large and comfortable contoured cushioned seat with ergonomic foam handlebars.

In terms of levels of resistance, this Joroto comes with ten, which can be adjusted by twisting the resistance knob. It’s suitable for a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs, and the machine itself weighs 53 lbs. With the digital monitor, you can track time, count, and calories, monitoring your progress to keep yourself better motivated. For a comfortable, convenient, and adjustable workout, take a look at this Joroto MR35. You may also like to add some of the best free weight to your home gym collection, so check out our selection of the best ones on the market.

If you are short on space and looking for a rowing machine that is compact and space-saving, then take a look at this SF-RW1205 model from Sunny Health & Fitness. It provides all the benefits of a rowing workout from the comfort of your own home and offers 12 adjustable levels with hydraulic cylinder resistance. You can easily adjust the intensity of your workout according to how challenging you’d like it to be today.

The rowing machine itself benefits from having a small and compact space-saving design, but it is still reliably and durably constructed. It’s manufactured from a high-quality commercial-grade steel frame, and features cushioned non-slip handles as well as comfortable, contoured seat. The foot pedals are adjustable while the straps secure your feet firmly in place and ensure you remain balanced throughout. With an easy to read LCD monitor, you can also track and monitor motivational statistics, including time, count, and calories. When you’ve completed your latest workout, the compact design makes it easy to store away. For those of you who want to strengthen their grip, we have prepared our selection of the best grip trainers, so check them out.

We’re taking a look at another rowing machine from the popular brand Sunny Health & Fitness only this time it’s a water resistance machine that features powerful hydro blades. Water performance provides the ultimate smooth workout, and best replicates the experience of rowing on water. This unit, the Obsidian SF-RW5713, features non slip HD, sweat-resistant handlebars alongside a comfortable, molded, ergonomic seat for the ultimate rowing experience. The high profile designed seat is also much more convenient to get on and off without having to bend over uncomfortably.

Fitted with an onboard tracking, you can monitor interesting statistics such as total time, 500 m split, total strokes, and also ambient temperature, plus much more besides. It’s highly motivational and will spur you on to put in the extra challenging effort. It’s also fully compatible with ANT+ heart rate technology. This unit also benefits from being easy to store and is fitted with high-density non-marking rubber wheels so that you can easily transport your machine and store upright when not in use. It has a maximum overall user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. For more must-have workout equipment, check out our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells.

Our next best rowing machine is from Max Kare and is a water resistance design, which is an excellent option for anyone looking to replicate that real-life rowing experience, but from the comfort and warmth of their home! With a maximum weight threshold of 264 lbs, Max Kare Water Resistance Rowing Machine is suitable for a wide range of different height and sized users and delivers a challenging and motivational workout.

There’ a large, easy to adjust LCD display that’s positioned for optimum visibility while you are working out. It can track strokes per minute, distances, and calories burned to help you stay motivated and on track of your fitness goals. This rowing machine has been designed with strong ergonomics in mind. It features adjustable footplates as well as a large cushioned seat for a comfortable rowing experience. It also has padded foam handles which offer a wide range of motion to optimize that upper body workout too. Stabilizers at the back help to keep the machine securely in place throughout your workout session while built-in transport wheels mean you can easily place your machine wherever it is most convenient. There’s also a water bottle holder incorporated into the design so that you can stay adequately hydrated. You may also be interested in some of the best assault bikes from our list, so check them out. 

From the popular fitness brand, Stamina, our next best rowing machine, is an example of an air resistance rower. It utilities the principles of dynamic air resistance to deliver the power, so the harder you work, the more intense your workout becomes. Ultimately, you get out what you put in. Row harder for more resistance or drop right back to keep it slow and steady.

This Stamina 1399 model is also fitted with an LCD display so that you can track and monitor your progress. During your workout, you can manage your speed, distance, time, and calories to keep you fully motivated and powering through your performance. The display is large and easy to view. The rower itself is also comfortable to use with a padded sliding seat alongside padded non-slip grip handles. There are also secure pivoting footplates which provide a good range of movements as well as being adjustable in design too. With built-in wheels and a fully folding frame, moving and storing your Stamina 1399 Air Rower is a breeze. Our guide to the best squat racks features more quality workout machines like this, so check them out.

This foldable design from Circuit Fitness is an excellent choice if you are searching or a rowing machine that is hard wearing and durably constructed. It’s made from heavy-duty still and aluminum and has been manufactured to withstand repeated use. It provides variable resistance utilizing a magnetic system that can offer multiple intensities for a varied and challenging workout. It also provides a comfortable training session, too, thanks to a durable injection-molded seat that delivers plenty of comfort and support. This Deluxe Model Rowing Machine from Circuit Fitness also features foam covered handlebars as well as adjustable foot straps for security and stability.

There’s a digital screen display to keep you motivated, tracking, and displaying essential metrics such as speed, distance, time, and calories burned. You can also keep track of the ambient temperature too. The intelligent folding design also allows the unit to be conveniently and quickly stored away when not in use. If you’re on the hunt for a multi-functional and reliable piece of gym equipment for your home set up, then this is an excellent recommendation. Get ready to tone and tighten your body while working on your cardiovascular fitness thanks to this magnetic rowing machine from Circuit Fitness. You may also like some of the best ab machines, so check them out and start working on that six-pack.

For today’s final product recommendation, we’ve picked out something slightly different from the traditional looking rowing machine we’ve so far taken a look at. This model from Sunny Health & Fitness is what’s known as a Row N Ride design that you sit on rather like an exercise bike as opposed to a rowing machine. It can be adjusted to three different inclines to provide a more intense squat position. Just angle that saddle to either 30, 60, or 90 degrees according to the depth of squat and range you want to achieve.

The versatile handlebars are also fully adjustable and can be placed into multiple hand positions so that you can really target all the muscles of the back, chest, and arms. You can adjust the machine according to your body length by changing the set up of the handle and saddle distance. With this Row N Rider, you will develop strength and speed while achieving a leaner physique. Adjustable resistance bands further add to the intensity of this workout. With the onboard digital monitor, you can keep track of time, count as well as calories. If you’re looking to perfect and hone your squat technique, then this is the perfect piece of equipment to add to your home gym.