10 Best Rowing Machine Reviews 2021 [Updated!]

#01 – Concept2 Model D Indoor Home Rowing Machine

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.

* Maximum User Weight: 350kg
* 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

* Dimensions
* Length: 84 inches
* Width: 22 inches
* Height: 21 inches
* Warranty
* 3 years parts warranty
* 5 years frame warranty

Both professionals and beginners can use this rowing machine as it seamlessly combines durability, comfort, and style offering smooth and quiet workout.

#03 – Stamina ATS Air Rower

Best known for its quality, ease of storage, ease of use, and of course the fact that it has air resistance, the Stamina ATS Air Rower caters to novices, intermediates, and professional users alike, all at such a low price. The rower employs wind-resistance through a fan to create a smooth workout. This fitness equipment boasts a very sturdy construction composed of high-quality steel. Moreover, the sliding seat is padded, upholstered, and surprisingly comfortable. Stamina ATS Air Rower has large footpads that can accommodate users with any shoe size. The best part, this indoor rowing machine comes in a foldable design.

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.

* Maximum User Weight: 250lbs
* Built-in Wheels
* Floor Protectors
* LCD Display
* Large Foot Pads
* Steel Frame
* Upholstered Seat
* Wind Resistance

* Monitor Features
* Speed
* Calories Burned
* Distance Covered
* Time

* Engineered for comfort
* 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

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.

1. Adjustable Resistance
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.

* Maximum User Weight: 250lbs
* Hydraulic Resistance
* LCD Display
* Foam Grip Handlebars
* Non-Slip Foot Pedals
* Transportation Wheels

* Monitor Features-
* Time
* Total Count
* Calories
* Scan

* Provides Low Impact Aerobic And Cardiovascular Exercise
* Adjustable Resistance – 8 Levels Of Adjustable Resistance

* Small LCD screen
* The resistance offered is not up to the mark

* Dimensions
* 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

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.

1. Design and Sturdiness
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

* 12 workout programs including 1 heart rate program, 4 custom user programs, 1 manual program, and 6 cardio profiles

* The quality of nylon pulleys is poor

* Dimensions
* 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

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

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

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

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)

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.

#11 – Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine

Aside from the fact that it is one of the few rowing machines made of wood, the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine is a premium quality exercise option that you can consider investing in. This is one of the best home rowing machines that can help you workout your upper body without questions.

The water resistance mechanism allows superior working out of the muscles present in the upper and lower body for optimal comfort like no other. The ergonomic seat and natural recoil system makes this an ideal workout machine for all your needs.

If you have a separate gym at home or space around in your backyard, this is your perfect pick. Since it does take up some extra space, we’d recommend that you designate a specific space to this before you end up splurging on it. 

If this is your first time buying a rowing machine, we’d recommend you consider the amazing features for making a purchase worth the money. Here’s why the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine is a valuable purchase.

1. Features a Bluetooth monitor

This is one of the few rowing machines in the market that leverage the best of technology. The responsive digital display can show you the kind of time and distance you have covered. Also, it shows the strokes per hour and calories you burned per hour.

2. Ergonomic Design

The comfortable and ergonomic design of this rowing machine with the padded seat and active recoil system comes with adjustable footplates to accommodate everyone’s needs.

3. Real water rowing experience

The design and construction of the equipment allows you to have real water rowing experience, designed like a professional ship for an original rowing experience.

* Real-life rowing experience
* Ideal for upper body workout
* Adjustable monitor and digital display
* Adjustable footplates
* Ergonomic design

* Convenient storage options
* Durable and stable construction
* Dual rails design
* Amazing weight capacity

* Bulky design
* Not storage efficient

* Dimensions – 84 x 20 x 22 inches
* Weight – 58.5 pounds
* Material – Wood
* Color – Oak
* Frame material – Oak

If you want to experience the best kind of rowing experience at home, the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine is pretty much one of the best pieces of equipment that you can get your hands on.