The Best Rowing Machines, According to a Physical Therapist, Rowing Coaches, and a 3-Time Olympian
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It may sound too good to be true: a (nearly) full-body workout, all from the comfort of a (backless) chair? That’s exactly what you get with a rowing machine, also known as an ergometer, an exercise machine designed to mimic the mechanics of the aquatic sport (and you don’t need to live near a body of water to benefit).
As a personal trainer certified by theAmerican Council on Exercisewith a specialization in orthopedic exercise and senior fitness, I’ve long recommended rowing to my clients and readers as a low-impact, high-intensity method of boosting cardiorespiratory endurance and activating the upper body, core, and lower body before the bulk of a workout. It can also serve as a gentle transition back into exercise after a long time away.
“The rowing machine is one of the most versatile tools out there because it works as hard as you do,” says Shane Farmer, rowing expert and founder ofDark Horse Rowing. “Unlike a barbell where you need to keep adding weight, a rowing machine just resists you more the harder you push, and that really is the golden ticket. There is no human in the world that has figured out how to break a rowing machine or be stronger than one.” He notes that because of your seated position, “you’re cutting out the trip, fall, and vertical impact risks you’d get from other modalities. A lot of people come to rowing because of its value as a risk-free activity that can suit all purposes.”
While rowing might conjure images of sinewy upper-body-heavy athletes with limited lower-body strength, it doesn’t get more full-body than a rowing workout. With proper biomechanics and force application, a rowing stroke can recruit around85 percentof the muscles in the body. “A good stroke activates the legs, hips, trunk, back, and arms in a coordinated sequence, so it is much more than just an upper-body workout,” according toNeil Bergenroth, a professional online rowing coach and rowing expert.
While I’ve been known to hit up my local gym’sMatrix Rowerfor an endurance or activation session, I set out to find out which models are best suited for at-home use and which specific elements are worth prioritizing when shopping for a machine to best suit your goals and space.
Our top rowing machines
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Respected by pros and amateurs, the Concept2 is a gym staple and the best rowing machine overall.
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Quiet, fun to use, and affordable, the Echelon is the easiest rower to fit into your lifestyle.
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With the best classes and workouts, the Wave can be the center of your fitness program.
Howtoshopforarowingmachine
Pick the right size for you
For Susan Hodgson, a rowing coach and founder ofFluid Fitness, a good rowing machine should accommodate a proper rowing sequence. What that looks like is a handle that can be pulled all the way to your body when you’re sitting with your legs straight and leaning back to an 11 o’clock position. The slide should be long enough for you to flatten your legs in a full stroke. Your hands shouldn’t collide with the machine once your arms are extended straight, she says, and your knees should bend while you’re fully forward on the slide in the “catch” phase of the motion.
While it’s fine for your heels to be able to lift, Hodgson says, the foot plate should not pivot. “Just like for an effective squat, you want to be able to push off the whole foot, which is best done off a static platform,” she says. Finally, select a wide enough handle so your hands are shoulder-width apart. “This allows you to retract your shoulders better at the end of the stroke and get a longer, more efficient stroke,” says Hodgson.
A simple way to gauge whether a rowing machine might help accommodate proper form is to assess the length of the monorail (that center track that supports the sliding seat) compared to your inseam. Most rowing machines range from about 39 to 47 inches, which accommodates users with an inseam of 36 inches or a maximum height of about six feet, four inches.
While it’s certainly crucial to evaluate your height or the length of your inseam against the rower you’re considering, many rowing machines come in only one size, so you won’t always have flexibility, points outAmanda Diver, a doctor of physical therapy, a rowing coach, and the author ofBeginner’s Guide to Indoor Rowing. She says that if you’re under six-foot-two, a standard monorail, the beam that supports your seat, of about 54 inches long should do the trick. But if you’re any taller than that or have long legs, you might want to consider a longer monorail, which is available for several of the models we recommend.
The quickest way to determine if your rowing machine is properly sized for you is to place your feet on the footplate, and then straighten your knees and push the seat back. “Are you hitting the back edge or unable to straighten your knees all the way because you are hitting the back? If so, you might want a longer monorail,” Diver says. Keep in mind that a short person can still use a longer monorail with no issues. “My mother at four-foot-11 and Olympic athletes at six-foot-four can use the same machine,” she says.
And the machine has to fit your space. We get it: Not everyone has the luxury of housing a full-size rowing machine in the middle of their living room or home gym indefinitely. That’s why Hodgson says the footprint of your unit “may be an important consideration if you have less room to store your erg and need to move it around between workouts,” noting that some machines can be stored upright or separated into two parts.
Select a resistance type for your workouts and lifestyle
In your search for the right rowing machine for your space and goals, you’ll come across four main resistance types: water, wind or air, hydraulic, and magnetic. There are some differences in feel and realism that experienced athletes may notice, but if you’re just getting started, you don’t need to be too picky — any of them can get you a good workout.
You may, however, want to pick a type of resistance that fits your space (and won’t raise objections from your family). “Water-resistance machines and electromagnetic resistance are quieter, and wind-resistance machines with a fan tend to be louder,” according to Bergenroth. He explains that air resistance is popular and incredibly responsive, but it can be loud and not ideal if you’re in an apartment or a busy household. Magnetic or water resistance tends to be quieter and might be the better fit depending on your situation.
Water resistance
This type of machine uses paddles submerged in a water tank to create resistance.
Pro: It works only as hard as you do, creating a lifelike rowing experience with a therapeutic “whoosh” sound.
Con: It can be bulky, and it is difficult to adjust resistance.
Wind or air resistance
Rather than pushing against water, these machines use fan blades to create more resistance as you work harder.
Pro: Strokes feel fluid and natural.
Con: The machine can be loud.
Magnetic resistance
These use adjustable magnets surrounding a metal flywheel to create resistance.
Pro: Offers a constant and precise pull despite stroke speed with quiet operation.
Con: Rowing can feel unnatural.
Hydraulic resistance
These machines use compressed air or fluid-filled “pistons” to create resistance.
Pro: Machines tend to be compact, quiet, and budget-friendly.
Con: May feel flimsier than other models.
Prioritize performance metrics
Anyone can blindly row into the abyss, but you won’t get stronger or faster without concrete data or reliable performance feedback. “Some people are happy to jump on, row ’til they’ve had enough, and leave it at that,” says Hodgson. “However, the more you row, the more you may want to know.” She recommends looking for data metrics such as time rowed, stroke rate (in strokes per minute), meters rowed, your split per 500 meters, watts, calories burned, and power curve, which all provide information to help maximize efficiency in your stroke.
These numbers aren’t meant to bog you down, however: “The athlete or user needs to know whether they’re actually improving, not just whether the workout feels hard,” says Bergenroth.
Consider subscriptions and apps
Some users fare well rowing on their own terms and logging their own progress — while others can use the extra boost of a structured program of classes or workouts to stay accountable and engaged. “Some people will be more consistent if they have coached classes, scenic rows, or gamified workouts,” says Bergenroth. “Others may be better served by a simpler machine with excellent data and no required monthly content cost.”
Look for serviceability and durability
Because the act of rowing places repetitive stress on the unit (and thus can degrade resistance), it’s crucial for buyers to consider rowers with serviceable parts, according to Bergenroth. Farmer recommends looking into brands with a robust warranty policy and a reputation for efficient service. Similarly, Bergenroth recommends considering models used by gyms and rowing teams, which is a strong indication the unit can handle years of consistent use.
The best rowing machine overall
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Concept2 RowErg
Resistance:Air |Dimensions:8 by 2 feet |Max user height:6’6” |App platform:ErgData, free
All our experts agree the best rowing machine worth your time, money, and energy is the Concept2’s RowErg. “They have the best reputation in the industry, their machines last forever, their service is impeccable, their price cannot be beat, and they have a huge community behind them. It is the most popular machine in the world, hands down,” says Farmer.
According to Hodgson, the RowErg was originally designed as a training tool for on-water rowers, so you can expect a lifelike feel with every stroke. Chief among its other standout features is its ability to provide more complete and accurate training data compared to other models. You get numerous display options such as “All Data,” tracking current pace, time, distance, average pace, and stroke rate, and “Bar Chart,” showcasing your power output with each stroke through Concept2’s onboard computer, the Performance Monitor 5, along with its freeErgData appthat makes you look forward to rowing — and getting better at it. It’s also compatible with50 different appsto boost your adherence to and enjoyment of the sport. “These apps range from serious training apps to more gamified experiences, online classes, or social experiences,” says Bergenroth.
The RowErg suits almost any rower, from Olympic gold medalists to collegiate-level athletes and seniors with limitations. And it fits a huge range of athletes: “Even short people can touch the frame of the rowing machine with the handle,” says Xeno Müller, a three-time Olympic medalist and expert rowing coach behindElite Rowing Coach. “It’s just right. I’m sure they’ll be really happy to hear I’m tooting their horn, but let’s give credit where credit is due.”
While its popularity among the well-versed set might make it sound intimidating for those new to the sport, Concept2 users can benefit from a range of adaptable features and add-on accessories likesupportive seats,grips, andseat raisers. “The taller version has been fantastic for classes I run for seniors who are managing hip replacements and arthritis,” says Hodgson.
The thing is just flat-out easy to maneuver, and that’s a true selling point for Diver, who appreciates its ability to store in two parts or upright in a corner, its stand-alone design (with no cable required), and its smooth wheels for efficient transport. If you everrowinto any issues, “Concept2 has excellent customer service, easily sending out replacement parts, plus there are loads of online videos for you to service your machine yourself,” says Hodgson.
The best quiet rowing machine
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Resistance:Magnetic |Dimensions:7 by 1.75 feet |Max user height:6’5” |App platform:Echelon Fit, from $11.99 per month
If fun and fitness is your goal (without waking the baby), the Echelon is “worth considering for buyers who want a connected fitness experience at a potentially more accessible price point than some premium rowers,” says Bergenroth ofEchelon Fit, its accompanying app starting at $11.99 per month. “For the right person, live or on-demand classes and a connected platform can help with motivation.” He calls it more of a “home fitness” option than a “rowing performance benchmark,” noting he’d opt for prioritizing data consistency and stroke feel over the entertainment factor Echelon is renowned for. It’s also virtually silent, making it a strong pick for early-morning or late-night workouts in a full household.
Sure, it’ll have you working up a sweat and a serious full-body burn with its 32 whisper-quiet magnetic resistance levels you can adjust via the handlebar mid-stroke without breaking momentum. But if your goal is to save money and boost endurance while doing it, this is the model to get. Instead of offering a built-in screen, the setup is BYOD (bring your own device) that you can connect via Bluetooth on its 90-degree swiveling built-in tablet or phone holder. Without any integrated software associated with the brand’s smart counterpart,the Row-Swith a 22-inch screen, you’re saving on the required membership too. You can still track your stats for free, however, using the Freestyle Ride mode within the app. A foot shorter and a hair narrower than the Concept2 with a foldable design, it’s a space-saving addition to your home-gym setup.
The best-looking rowing machine
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Resistance:Water |Dimensions:7.1 by 1.9 feet |Max user height:6’8” |App platform:Ergatta, from $27 per month
The Ergatta Luxe isn’t cheap, but for some users, its helpful features and artful aesthetic might justify the higher price tag. Ergatta calls the Luxe a rowing machine “designed for your living room,” and it seems as much a piece of fine furniture as your favorite designer emotional-support chair. From the hypnotic whoosh of its water flywheel to its museum-worthy wooden construction, it’s a showstopping piece of home fitness equipment you might not want to relegate to a dark basement.
Luckily, the Ergatta Luxe is more than just a pretty face. For Hogdson, Ergatta’s inventory of over 3,500 workouts through itsaccompanying appoffers plenty of visual and mental stimulation: It’s geared toward “anyone finding the standard rower workouts monotonous or too mentally revolting to push through alone.” Many of these workouts can be performed solo or up against fellow rowers to keep competition alive. The beauty about Ergatta’s game-based workouts and challenges is that they might help boost motivation compared to strict instructor-led classes, according to Bergenroth. If you prefer to just wing it, you can always ride and track your metrics through Free Mode, which is — you guessed it — free.
The best rowing machine to make the center of your fitness plan
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Resistance:Electromagnetic |Dimensions:6.7 by 1.58 feet |Max user height:6’6” |App platform:Hydrow, $50 per month
If you’re the kind of person who really commits to a new workout plan, and you’re looking to make a real change in your fitness program, the Hydrow Wave is your best bet.
The rower itself, with its smooth and relatively quiet electromagnetic resistance, is only part of the story. Hydrow’s 6,000 classes (which Farmer considers the most robust out there) are taught predominantly by Olympians and nationally ranked athletes and are accessible to those who’ve never even set foot on a rower. The Wave isn’t cheap, but if you really want to establish proper form on a quality machine, it can be worth the initial investment versus a flimsier machine that might break down in a few months or years or even teach you bad habits that promote muscular imbalances that can put you at risk of injury.
With its three-partLearn to Row series, aspiring rowers can gain basic-level training on proper technique for an efficient stroke and a reduced likelihood of injury. “Workouts are offered for complete beginners needing to learn technique to seasoned athletes and are recorded on waterways all over the world so you can truly escape it all from the comfort of your front room,” says Hodgson, adding that its motivational messaging from coaches “really help you keep the effort going.” Bergenroth appreciates itsall-in-one subscription model, offering the likes of strength, mobility, yoga, and other off-machine content that can help promote consistency through the thrill of variety.
Also, the Hydrow Wave is nearly a foot and a half shorter than the Concept2, so it’s easier to store, and you’ll be able to devote a little extra space to off-machine endeavors. It’s also lightweight and compact and relatively easy to maneuver. The caveat is that you’ll need to pay $190 extra for avertical anchorto facilitate storage. And, as Hodgson points out, between its up-front hefty cost and substantial subscription costs (the 22-inch monitor only tracks basic metrics if you don’t subscribe), it’s a pretty significant investment all-around. But if you’re looking to learn and can budget for it, you can get what you pay for from the Wave.
The best rowing machine for serious athletes
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Resistance:Air |Dimensions:8.2 by 1.6 feet |Max user height:6’6” |App platform:RP3 App, free subscription
If you’re an experienced rower who’s looking to stay in shape during the offseason or level up against your competitors, our experts agree there’s no machine out there that delivers a realistic rowing experience quite like RP3. “For high-end buyers, RP3 makes an exceptional machine, but it’s really built for serious rowers rather than general fitness,” says Farmer.
Müller explains that unlike your typical footboard that doesn’t move, the RP3 features a dynamic system that moves away from your arms as you row, mimicking the way a boat moves back and forth against the water. “The beauty about the RP3 is that you get the feeling of moving like you’re rowing a boat, like you’re pushing your legs out from your extended upper body,” he says. “You feel the hang, the skeletal suspension. Is it a tricker machine? Yes. Is it easier to learn on it? Also yes.”
Of all the models recommended here, Müller says RP3 offers the most precise stat tracking. “If you want a lot of metrics, the RP3 is it,” he says, adding that you can connect your iPad to determine stroke length and power curve over your choice of time or distance as a fixed metric for better accuracy.
The cheat code to proper training off water is a double rail that helps promote stability, which is why Müller specifically recommends the T model with this feature. “It’s easier for people who are not quite aware they need to sit balanced on a monorail; it’s more forgiving,” he says.
Our experts
• Xeno Müller, a three-time Olympic medalist and expert rowing coach atElite Rowing Coach
• Shane Farmer, rowing expert and founder ofDark Horse Rowing
•Neil Bergenroth, professional online rowing coach and rowing expert
• Susan Hodgson, rowing coach and founder ofFluid Fitness
•Amanda Diver, doctor of physical therapy, rowing coach, and author ofBeginner’s Guide to Indoor Rowing
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