With lots of innovation made in this field, there are wide varieties of indoor rowing machines available, ensuring that you don’t have to spill huge amounts on the gym membership.
To get more specific, we have done our extensive research on several indoor rowing machine models of different brands and types. If you are just starting your investigation, you might want to read out buying guide review for rowing machines. Here are our top picks for you.
10 Best Rowing Machine Reviews 2020
Table of Contents
Simply put, rowing is the most efficient means of cardio workout that you can do, it will help you shed those extra pounds while building a better body, but you can’t do it without going to the gym. With lots of innovation made in this field, there are wide varieties of indoor rowing machines available, ensuring that you don’t have to spill huge amounts on the gym membership.
To get more specific, we have done our extensive research on several indoor rowing machine models of different brands and types. If you are just starting your investigation, you might want to read out buying guide review for rowing machines. Here are our top picks for you.
#01 – Concept2 Model D Indoor Home Rowing Machine
- This item benefits from an Extended 90 Day Return Window
- Low impact workout that engages all major muscle groups; work legs, core and arms with a smooth, high calorie-burning motion
The Concept2 Model D indoor home rowing machine comes with a PM5 monitor and boasts everything you want for a powerful complete body workout no matter if you are just beginning rowing or doing it for some time at the gym. The rower’s flywheel is designed to ensure quiet row and its frame can be easily separated into two pieces ensuring easy storage.
Those with compact space or living in an apartment building could avail the benefits of rowing with this top-quality rower as it can be de-assembled into two separate pieces for easy storage.
1. Dependable performance and design
Concept2 Model D is a well-designed, properly balanced, and satisfying piece of training equipment in almost all its features. What’s best about this model is that it features a strong frame that can handle demanding workouts and deliver powerful performance. In terms of size and design, Concept2 Model D is compact making it easily be a part of any home environment.
1. PM5 Monitor
Concept2 Model D’s PM5 monitor is deceivingly simple and makes exercising a better experience. The PM5 monitor is the equipment’s workhouse device that has a pulse meter, shows you the distance covered, calories burned, heart rate, and strokes per minute. Simply press ‘just row’ and you are off to the most fun exercise.
* Separates into two pieces for easy storage
* Power method: battery
* Adjustable monitor
* Caster wheels for easy transportation
* Quick-release frame lock
* Flexfoot footrests
* Fan engineered to minimize noise
* Ergonomic handle
* Spiral Damper and Flywheel for adjustable resistance
* PM5 Monitor Features
* Heart Rate
* Pulse Meter
* Calories Burned
* Distance Covered
* Strokes Per Minute (SPM)
* LogCard and USB cable to connect the PM5 to a computer and access LogCard data
* Aluminum rail topped with stainless steel track for smooth seat movement
* State-of-the-art PM5 Performance Monitor intended for precise and comprehensive training feedback
* Expensive
* Dimensions
* Width: 14 inches
* Length: 96 inches
* Height: 24 inches
* Warranty
* 2 years parts warranty
* 5 years frame warranty
It is one of the most reliable and modern pieces of exercise equipment out there. The Concept2 Model D is one of the best rowers in the market and makes for a solid investment.
#02 – Water Rower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor
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Water Rower Club Rowing Machine is a great exercise equipment to achieve great results. Whether you want a workout that will just keep you fit or an intense workout to tone your physique, this water-resistance Rower Club Rowing Machine offers a variety of programs to the trainers. Its built and design are such that it can satisfy any training needs. From beginner to veteran rowers, this indoor rowing machine has the design and durability to keep you fit for decades to come.
Perfect for home use, this strikingly beautiful rowing machine is perfect for the adults in your home like your mom and dad or even grandparents because this is not a heavy-duty rower and can satisfy adult-exercising needs.
1. Natural rowing machine
Water Rower Club Rowing Machine makes a solid investment for the money. This next-level indoor rowing machine adds to the aesthetics of the environment you have placed it in. This piece of rowing equipment is a fresh and inspiring rower that combines durability with elegance. At the same time, this rowing machine is capable of delivering a workout you want – from beginner to intense. The rower’s flywheel guarantees dynamic resistance; therefore, you can choose the level of intensity according to your fitness levels.
1. Handcrafted in Ash Wood
Water Rower Club Rowing Machine has an aesthetically pleasing design thanks to the material used. As it is composed of Ash Wood, it gives a smooth and noiseless workout experience. The construction of the rower’s mechanism and the design of its frame are such that the trainer has a safe, smooth, and powerful rowing session all in one.
* Ergonomic Saddle
* 15’’ Ergonomic Handle
* Water Flywheel
* Honey Oak Stain finished in Danish Oil
* American Ash Wood Frame
* S4 Monitor Features
* LCD S4 Performance Monitor
* Workout Duration
* Distance Covered
* Calories Burned
* Heart Rate
* Stroke Rate
* Miles per Hour
* Intensity in m/s
* Dual Rail Design
* Polar Compatible
* Expensive
* The ash wood frame gets bonus point for elegance but the wood may start to wear out if not given proper care
* Length: 84 inches
* Width: 22 inches
* Height: 21 inches
* Warranty
* 3 years parts warranty
* 5 years frame warranty
#03 – Stamina ATS Air Rower
- Versatile fitness: rowing is widely known as a powerful, full-body workout solution and helps tone muscle, improve heart health and burn fat
- Dynamic air resistance: Simple fan-powered cage makes for fun, intuitive movement – pull harder for more resistance, ease off for less
Due to its steel frame and sturdy construction, this amazing rowing machine is best-suited for tall people. Its big footpads can accommodate any shoe size.
1. Air/Wind Resistance
Wind/air resistance is one of the best and slickest kinds of resistance you can find. Bring this indoor rowing machine home and you will be getting a top-notch full body workout at home, sculpting your lower and upper body and that too in a low-impact way. This is because the harder you work out, the more resistance is generated, and hence, kicking up your workout intensity becomes easy. It is a different feel from water or magnetic resistance, but after several usages, people get the hang of it.
1. Easy Storage
Because of the rower’s excellent compact dimensions, and because its frame can be folded, Stamina ATS Air Rower can be easily stored anywhere in your home. Unless you have a home gym, you don’t want your rower covering your living room space.
* Built-in Wheels
* Floor Protectors
* LCD Display
* Large Foot Pads
* Steel Frame
* Upholstered Seat
* Wind Resistance
* Monitor Features
* Speed
* Calories Burned
* Distance Covered
* Time
* Ease of use
* Ease of storage
* A bit louder than other counterparts
* Dimensions
* Length: 77 inches
* Width: 18 inches
* Height: 22 inches
* Folded Dimensions
* Length: 28 inches
* Width: 18 inches
* Height: 48 inches
* Warranty
* 90-days parts warranty
* 3 years frame warranty
This exceptionally designed and inexpensive air-resistance machine boasts comfortable seats, a nice monitor, and above all, offers seamless rowing.
#04 – Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor by SF-RW5515
- DIGITAL MONITOR: The large LCD console displays time, count, calories, total count, and scan. The convenient scan mode displays your progress to assist you in tracking all your fitness goals.
- EXTRA LONG SLIDE RAIL: At 48 inches in slide rail length, and 44 inches in inseam length, the SF-RW5515 can accommodate rowers nearly any size.
Those who are looking for a budget indoor rowing machine, you may want to consider this rowing machine from Sunny Health & Fitness. This is a hydraulic resistance rowing machine designed primarily for the beginners; however, it gives the users a surprisingly effective workout experience. The best part is that this rowing machine comes pre-assembled, meaning it comes ready-to-use. The rower’s thick padding will accommodate those whose bodies aren’t habituated to more challenging low-impact workout.
This rowing machine is for those who are under budget and don’t want to spend too much on an exercise equipment. This is a great rower, economically speaking, but also boasts all the features and functionalities of a high-end rower.
With a simple twist, the user can decrease or increase the resistance. This means that your workout can remain demanding and effective throughout your fitness journey. The rower offers eight resistance levels, perfect for beginners.
1. Non-slip Foot Pedals
The rower’s textured non-slip foot pedals ensure safe footing during the most vigorous and demanding workouts. The pedals come with foot straps that keep your feet saddled so that you can focus on your workout.
* Hydraulic Resistance
* LCD Display
* Foam Grip Handlebars
* Non-Slip Foot Pedals
* Transportation Wheels
* Monitor Features-
* Time
* Total Count
* Calories
* Scan
* Adjustable Resistance – 8 Levels Of Adjustable Resistance
* The resistance offered is not up to the mark
* Length: 53 inches
* Width: 20 inches
* Height: 21 inches
* Warranty
* 90-days parts warranty
* 1-year frame warranty
This is the best economic rower people with limited budget can avail. It best-suitable for beginners who are new to this type of cardio workout.
#05 – Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rowing Machine
- 12 workout programs including 6 cardio Profiles, 1 Manual, 4 Custom user programs and 1 Heart rate program
- Fitness monitor keeps you motivated by tracking time, count, distance, calories, strokes per minute, pulse and watt
If you are looking for a rowing machine that focuses on total body workout and helps build stamina, then Stamina Avari Programmable rowing machine is a perfect option to go with. This indoor rowing machine has magnetic resistance system that uses controlled levels of resistance, a smooth braking system, and is known for its quiet and smooth operation. The exercise equipment has a sturdy construction boasting stainless steel frame with aluminum beam and durable nylon pulleys.
It is a low-impact workout machine making the workout session more comfortable. So anyone who is not a regular or finds it hard to take time for a decent workout, this is a suitable machine because they will not find their muscles soaring when they decide to use the machine irregularly due to its low-impact features.
Stamina Avari magnetic rower is composed of a sturdy aluminum rail providing a stable rowing motion. The center of gravity of this rowing machine is extremely low which keeps the machine stable during intense workouts. The rowing motion provides a realistic experience and will keep you on the machine for extended workouts.
1. In-Touch Fitness Monitor
The machine’s In-Touch Fitness Monitor comes pre-equipped with 12-programmed workouts for different fitness levels. The workouts stimulate mountains, ramps, valleys, rolling hills, and more.
* LCD Backlit Fitness Monitor
* Magnetic Resistance
* Extruded aluminum rowing beam
* Foldable
* Monitor Features
* Tracking Time
* Count
* Calories
* Strokes per minute
* Distance
* Pulse and Watt
* 12 workout programs:
* Four User Defined Modes
* Target Heart Rate Mode
* Interval Mode
* Mountain Mode
* Ramp Mode
* Fat Burn Mode
* Valley Mode
* Rolling Hills Mode
* Manual Mode
* Length: 81 inches
* Width: 20 inches
* Height: 24.5 inches
* Folded Dimensions
* Length: 36 inches
* Width: 20 inches
* Height: 53.5 inches
* Warranty
* 90-days parts warranty
* 3 years frame warranty
This low-impact rowing machine can help you burn those extra calories and maintain a decent physique all at the comfort of your home.
#06 – Merax Water Rowing Machine – Fitness Indoor Water Rower with LCD Monitor Home Gym Equipment
- 【Stronger Resistance Adjustment】Sleek and elegant in design with the dashing blue, Merax water rower is highly refined with solid steel construction for steady performance and durability, which...
- 【Quiet & Smooth Rowing】Merax water rowing machine provides a soothing glide which mimics the dynamic rowing movements across the real water. You can enjoy the relaxing sound of water splashing...
This water rowing machine is within the mid-range price.
∙ Ergonomic Design
∙ Compact Footprint
∙ Multi-Feature Monitor
∙ Strong Water Resistance
∙ Blocks the extra movements
∙ Less credibility developed because the product right now has fewer purchases
Even though there isn’t information available due to fewer sales, but you are open to exploring the product by purchasing if you find this suitable for yourself.
#07 – Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine Folding Rower with LCD Display and Adjustable Resistance Exercise Cardio Fitness Equipment
- 【Durable and Comfortable Material】Our rowing machine uses high-quality aluminum beam, with better hardness and thickness than regular ones. Besides, it can be used for a long term without leaving...
- 【Adjustable Resistance and Foot Straps】Magnetic tension system with 8 levels of adjustable resistance, and the large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps, it is suitable for different...
It is an Amazon Choice product available at a decent price with significant features of a rowing machine.
∙ Durable and Comfortable Material
∙ Easy to use and move
∙ Large LCD Console Displays
∙ Adjustable Resistance and Foot Straps
∙ Bar and strap are placed too low
∙ Velcro straps are of very poor quality
The Verdict – Its credibility can be derived from the fact that it has been chosen for Amazon’s Choice list; however, it still stays disputable because the product still has to enter its growth phase which it hasn’t through its gross sales.
#08 – Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor
- Extended weight capacity of 350 lb.
- 12 Levels of adjustable resistance
The product aims to offer a good quality product, especially regarding resistance levels at a very nominal cost.
∙ Extended weight capacity of 350 lbs
∙ 12 Levels of adjustable resistance and LCD digital displays-scan, time, count, calorie, total count
∙ Full-motion arms allow for a larger range of motions for the shoulders
∙ Fully padded seat and non-slip grip handlebars provide optimal comfort and support
∙ Large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps for secure footing
∙ Rower not for physically strong people
∙ Requires bigger heel cups
∙ It doesn’t provide enough resistance challenge
∙ It’s only good for at a price it is offered
The Verdict – 50 % reviews of this product are 5 stars which mean other than some poorly manufactured machines, the good product hails.
#09 – Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine
- Commercial-grade, folding rowing machine with 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- 15 preset programs and 4 heart rate control programs compatible with Polar HRM products
At a price it is being offered it directly comes in the competition with the Concept2 Model E. And that seems interesting, let’s find out what this rowing machine can offer.
∙ Commercial-grade, folding rowing machine with 16 levels of magnetic resistance
∙ 15 preset programs and 4 heart rate control programs compatible with Polar HRM products
∙ Ergonomically designed seat and handles; angled footrests with pivoting heel supports
∙ Measures 92 x 19 x 36 inches unfolded; 600-pound weight capacity
∙ Warranty: 5 years parts/1 year labor for residential; 2 years parts/1 year labor for light commercial; 1-year parts for full commercial
∙ An interactive display could have been appreciated
∙ The rower is for tall people
∙ Critical reviews of the machine reveal that Model E would beat this product any day in comparison with the overall quality
The Verdict – The products tagged at this price should be worth at least the quality assurance, but this product doesn’t seem to deliver that.
#10 – Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine (BK)
- 【Various Workout Equipment-Multiple Resistance 】Switch up the intensity of your rowing workout with the convenient adjustable resistance tension knob. With a simple twist, you can increase or...
- 【 Extra Padding & Rotary Design-Fully Padded Seat&Multi-angle Rotary Footplates 】A sliding, extra padded and upholstered seat to support your bottom and back, ensure proper blood flow in the...
This is Meraki’s another range of rowing machine where the aim is to sell a rowing machine at an affordable price with all the necessary features with the assurance of quality.
∙ Large LCD
∙ 8 Levels of Resistance
∙ Seat Padding for Prolonged Comfort
∙ Rotary Foot Pedal
∙ Too Jerky for the initial pull
∙ Plastic parts are not good on the grip
∙ More features could have been added
The Verdict – The product can be worth a try looking at the price and the brand’s name.
Final Words
So these were our top picks for best indoor rowing machines 2020. The mentioned rowing equipment provides one of the best workouts possible. Working out on one of these rowers will allow you to target a great majority of muscle groups. Overall, the best rowing machine is the one that fits your body and obviously your budget.
My pick is Stamina ATS Air Rower, it’s in my budget and specifications match my needs. And, added warranty just lures me. Thanks for the assistance. I am all set
Superb Molly!
Stamina ATS Air Rower indeed is a wise selection. Warranty for sure will cover you up till late future.
Good Luck.
I really feel awesome with Rowing machine.
Rowing machines one of the best workouts possible. Exercising on a rower will allow you to target the great majority of your muscle groups and give them as hard and challenging a workout as you feel like giving them.
It’s excellent
I use the rowing machine before two months it’s really awesome for exercise, Weight loss, and live fit. I have a really excellent experience with a rowing machine.
The rowing machine is the most efficient for the cardio workout that you can do, it will help you shed those extra pounds while building a better body, but you can’t do it without going to the gym. But nowadays it’s available for the home that one also really good experience out of Gym.
Actually, a rowing machine is great for both cardio and bodybuilding. It just depends on the routine you employ. If you increase the intensity of your workouts and use high-intensity routines, you are bound to get stronger muscles.
The best thing about a rowing machine is that it targets both your upper body muscles and lower body muscles at the same time hence you stand a chance of working your entire body.
A rowing machine is not enough to make you huge or bulky as it works your lean muscles. This is because of the high number of reps performed when rowing whereas, for bodybuilding, you will require more weight with fewer reps.
The rowing machine enables you to work your cardiovascular muscles hence making it a great equipment for cardio.
Who wants really fit they must use the rowing machine.
The best solution for people who are either too tall or too short is to buy the rowing machine at a physical shop as opposed to online so that it may be easy to assess if the machine is good for you or not. The rowing machine is really very nice for exercise.
Rowing machines have advanced greatly such that they come with wheels for easy moving. So it’s very comfortable for the home you can use it easily.
The number of calories you are bound to burn while rowing is dependent on the workout routine you are going to employ. Intense workouts tend to burn more calories but on average.
Thanks a lot, mate for such a wonderful, well researched and informative article on Rowing Machines. Can you please tell me more about Stamina ATS Air Rower and Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rowing Machine with there reviews and pricing? I would really love if you give me a reply as I am about to buy a one.
Very informative article…You have listed the best Rowing Machine in your top 5 lists great work done. Can you please increase the count from top 5 top 10 as there are a lot of other Rowing Machines missing who’s reviews I want.
Each thing explained so well. thanx, buddy. I also want to buy Rowing Machine. This article gives me a good head start for my search.
Apart from being expensive what are the other cons of Concept 2 Model D Indoor Home Rowing Machine? As I’m planning to get one for myself.
I was wondering how to buy a Rowing Machine before this Christmas. I google and found this site thegymguides.com and to my surprise, this is the best site I could ever go through for buying the best Rowing Machines The articles are deep and contain everything you need to know before buying a Rowing Machine. Thanks mate, for such a wonderful work. I will surely recommend your work to others.