Combining cardio and strength, rowing machines are great for total-body fitness. Rowing builds endurance, engages your core muscles, and maximizes workouts without over-stressing your joints—making it a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Since rowing machines can have different types of resistance mechanisms and handle styles, Grace D’Souza, U.S. National Rowing Team Member, U23, says you need to know what your goal is before selecting this kind of equipment. At the most basic level, she says you’ll want a device that displays essential metrics like time, meters traveled, strokes per minute, and pace. More advanced rowers, she adds, may benefit from a machine with a monitor, guided classes, and other added features.

Reviewed & Approved

We selected the Hydrow Rower Starter Package as our best overall pick for its completely immersive experience and smooth, quiet ride. If you’re looking for a good workout on a tight budget, Sunny Health & Fitness’ Full Motion Rowing Machine is also a good pick.

When researching the best rowing machines, we evaluated each one for its resistance style, handle design, durability, and special features (like built-in workouts and the ability to fold up when not in use).

This complete package was designed for performance and comfort, making it an obvious choice for our top pick. If you want your rowing workouts to feel like the real thing, the Hydrow Starter Package is worth the splurge. The rower uses electromagnetic and computer-controlled resistance to mimic the feel of real water, giving you workouts that are both dynamic and challenging.

Best Overall

Hydrow Rower

  • Most immersive rowing experience

  • Top-of-the-line design

  • Smooth and quiet strokes

  • Larger footprint than other options

  • Heavy

The rower’s large touchscreen and built-in speakers promise a truly immersive experience during your ride. Its ergonomic seat offers plenty of cushioning for long workouts, and its industrial-grade glider keeps your strokes smooth and quiet.

Testing Notes: “Throughout testing, I took a ton of classes—there are more than 2,383 on offer. Surprisingly, there were more than just rowing-specific workouts. Your Hydrow Rower also offers mobility, strength, yoga classes, and more. That is a definite bonus.”

The Hydrow Starter Package ships with a rowing machine, a mat, a heart rate monitor, and a pair of wireless headphones, so you’ll have everything you need to start rowing. And since it tilts upright, it will be easy to store between uses.

Price at time of publication: $1,695

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Electromagnetic and computer-controlled resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 375 lbs | Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 in | Product Weight: 145 lbs

The Concept2 RowERG is built by rowers, for rowers—which is evident in the product design. The machine delivers quiet air resistance through its adjustable damper and flywheel, allowing you to challenge your stroke at every workout. Featuring adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle, this rower provides functionality and comfort, too.

Best Overall Runner-Up

Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine

  • High maximum weight capacity at 500 lbs

  • Easy to assemble

  • Has a performance monitor to display user data

  • Expensive

The performance monitor displays user data—like pace, stroke rate, and calories—and allows you to program a variety of workouts. Bluetooth connectivity lets you transfer useful data to your smartphone through over 30 compatible apps. Plus, the machine has a device holder so you can follow along to your favorite workouts on your smartphone or tablet.

It is expensive, but for its high-quality design and ample features, the Concept2 RowERG is well worth the price for all rowers, beginners and advanced.

Price at time of publication: $1,220

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Adjustable air fan | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs | Dimensions: 96x 24 x 14 in | Product Weight: 57 lbs

The Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Rowing Machine is our go-to budget-friendly pick because it gives you a great workout without taking up too much space. While many rowing machines are built around a pulley, this one relies on two large handlebars. This design puts the emphasis on your upper body—instead of using your legs primarily to glide forward and back, you use your arms, chest, and back. 

Best Budget

Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Rowing Machine

  • Great for small spaces

  • Quiet

  • Easy to use

  • Changing resistance mid-workout isn’t seamless

The machine relies on hydraulic cylinder resistance, which makes it incredibly small space-friendly and puts you in control of your workouts. Simply turn the built-in dial to kick the resistance up a notch, and scale it back whenever you need to recover. 

Price at time of publication: $150

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Hydraulic cylinder | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs | Dimensions: 52.2 x 28.7 x 11.8 in | Product Weight: 35.8 lbs

Want a rower that won’t make too much noise? We recommend Velocity’s Exercise Magnetic Rower that gets its tension from a magnetic resistance system, which keeps your workouts challenging and surprisingly quiet. Meanwhile, its durable aluminum frame keeps your workouts sturdy and stable.

Best Quiet

Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

  • Solid construction

  • Easy to assemble

  • Quiet enough to use in a common area

  • Too small for tall people

Its padded seat keeps you cushioned during your longest, most grueling rowing sessions. And the non-slip pedals keep your feet firmly in place as you row. What’s more, the machine folds up for convenient storage between uses, shrinking to half its size when you’re done with your workout.

Price at time of publication: $632

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Magnetic resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Dimensions: 81 x 21 x 25 in | Product Weight: 75 lbs

If comfort is your priority, we recommend investing in a recumbent rowing machine like the Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Rower. While many rowing machines boast comfortable padded seats, very few of those seats come with backrests. This one offers a full seat for you to rest in while you work out, making it more comfortable and supportive than most. 

Best Recumbent

Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike and Rower

  • Great for users who need additional support

  • Convenient to fold and store

  • Two-in-one design

  • Doesn’t mimic a traditional rowing experience

Testing Notes: “The Stamina Conversion rower marries a recumbent bike and rowing machine and takes up half the space of two separate machines but has double the value. It’s built to operate primarily as a rower and recumbent exercise bike, but it can also be used as a leg press or resistance strength machine for a full arm and shoulder workout.”

Even better, the design doubles as a recumbent bike. If you’re in the mood for a cycling workout, slide your seat toward the front of the machine, slip your feet into the front-most set of pedals, grip the sides of your seat, and start pedaling. To use the machine as a rower, slide your feet into the footholds that are closer to you, grip the built-in handle, and start rowing. You can use the same resistance dial to up the intensity for both workouts.

Price at time of publication: $719

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Magnetic resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Dimensions: 75.5 x 20 x 27 in | Product Weight: 106 lbs

If you’re really low on space, you may not have room for a traditional rowing machine. That’s why we recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Rowing Machine to get a dynamic workout within a much smaller footprint. The machine boasts a unique upright design. Instead of sitting down and rowing back, you sit upright and row up. This format makes your rowing workouts more focused on the lower body, but you still get opportunities to challenge your upper body and core as well.

Best for Small Spaces

Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Rowing Machine

  • Silent
  • Very small footprint
  • Secure design

In lieu of a more traditional resistance mechanism, this rower comes with three adjustable resistance bands. Attach these to your machine to increase the intensity of your workouts, reaching a maximum resistance level of 22 pounds.

The rower’s textured pedals offer plenty of traction, and its non-slip handlebars are easy to grip. Adjust the height of the seat and the handlebars until the machine fits you just right, and take advantage of the fact that the machine folds in half for easy storage between uses.

Price at time of publication: $129

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Three adjustable resistance bands | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 lbs | Dimensions: 36.5 x 19 x 37 in | Product Weight: 24.5 lbs

If you want a rowing machine that’s easy to set up, consider Echelon’s Smart Rowing Machine. Users say it only takes an hour to set up this foldable rower without expert assembly. And if you want an even more painless setup, you can add expert assembly to your purchase for an extra $100.

Easiest Setup

Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine

  • Foldable

  • Comes with 22-inch touchscreen

  • Built-in wheels

  • Echelon membership required for full benefits

Equipped with magnetic resistance and a swiveling, 22-inch HD screen, it resembles the Peloton rower at a much wallet-friendlier price point. When you purchase the rower, you’ll also get a 30-day free trial of Echelon’s Premier Membership, which gives you access to over 3,000 both live and on-demand workout classes, much like the Peloton app. Once your free trial runs out, keeping the membership will set you back $39.99 per month. Classes include everything from rowing workouts to yoga and Pilates and are anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes long. We like that a single membership can be shared with up to five users, so you can split it with housemates or family members.

The rower offers 32 resistance levels to keep you challenged over time. Plus, it’s foldable and has built-in wheels for easy storage. And if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, Echelon offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can always return the product within 30 days of purchase if you’re not satisfied.

Price at time of publication: $1,600

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Magnetic resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Dimensions: 84 x 21 x 47 inches | Product Weight: 123 lbs

In addition to your favorite indoor cycling bike, Peloton now offers a rower to complement your at-home cardio routine. The 8 x 2 feet rower is foldable and can be stored upright in a corner of your workout space. We also love that it features a 23.8-inch HD swiveling touchscreen monitor that displays stroke rate, pace, output, and distance metrics. Plus, with a Peloton membership (an extra $44 per month) you can access tons of instructor-led rowing workouts from the Peloton’s monitor and the Peloton app, as well as mat workouts like yoga, Pilates, strength training, and more.

Best Investment

Peloton Row Basics

  • Smooth and quiet strokes
  • Trusted, premium brand
  • Form assist feature

The rower uses electronically controlled resistance that should be very quiet, and it features an ergonomic seat to make your workouts more comfortable. Beginners and advanced rowers alike can benefit from the rower’s form monitoring and insights, which help you learn how to have better rowing form while using the machine.

We love that the rowing machine comes with a 30-day risk-free home trial and worry-free warranty. The price, while a true investment, does include professional delivery and setup.

Price at time of publication: $3,195

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Electronically controlled resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Dimensions: 96 x 24 in | Product Weight: 156 lbs

It’s rare to find a foldable workout machine that’s also sturdy and durable, but the ECHANFIT Foldable Rowing Machine is just that. We love that you can climb on the rower for an intense workout, and fold it away when you’re done to make room for other activities. The frame remains stable as you row, and the 16 magnetic resistance levels keep you challenged. Adjust the built-in handlebars, pedals, and console until you feel comfortable, and settle in for a solid workout.

Best Foldable

ECHANFIT Foldable Rowing Machine

  • Very easy to move

  • Sleek and sturdy design

  • Quality resistance mechanism

  • Tracker needs improvement

When you’re finished using the rowing machine, you can fold it in half. This design makes it easy to store against a wall, but you can also tilt it onto its transport wheels and roll it into another room.

Price at time of publication: $420

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Magnetic resistance | Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 lbs | Dimensions: 44.5 x 25.5 x 8.75 in | Product Weight: 61 lbs

Crafted with style in mind, The Ergatta Rower is handmade from American cherry wood and designed for the home—not the gym. We love that the back wheels make it easy to store and move with minimal effort, and the rower can be placed upright, minimizing the space it occupies when not in use.

Best Design

Ergatta Rower

  • Multiple features and workouts

  • Easy to move and store

  • Bluetooth compatibility

  • Expensive

  • Technology takes time to master

Featuring a clear, fillable 3-pound tank, The Ergatta Rower relies on water resistance to scale naturally with your pull, meaning the harder you work the more resistance you’ll receive from the rower.

Testing Notes: “I’ve been using the Ergatta for eight months and am fully converted to the rowing lifestyle. I love that I can work out on my own time—5-, 10-, and 20-minute workouts allow me to sneak in a sweat session during my lunch break—and I can still be part of the Ergatta community with group races and a very active Facebook group. The Ergatta isn’t some dusty old machine that you need to hide in your basement. With a little midcentury-modern flair, it’s good-looking enough to keep in your living room.”

It also offers goal-based training plans—like races, open-row experiences, interval and endurance workouts, and challenges—that will help you reach your fitness objectives, even if you’re a beginner. For those seeking foolproof training, the rower is equipped with a high-definition touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity to help you track your workouts over time.

Price at time of publication: $2,499

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Water tank | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs | Dimensions: 86 x 23 x 40 in | Product Weight: 76.5 lbs

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower is a feature-packed rowing machine that delivers a solid workout every time. The rower boasts 26 different resistance levels, which you can use to scale the intensity of your workout, and since the machine relies on magnetic resistance, your strokes will be smooth and quiet. The rowing machine also comes with an ergonomic padded seat and large comfortable pedals. We love that it folds in half, making it incredibly easy to store between uses.

Best High-Tech

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

  • Great workout program integration

  • Comes with 22-inch touchscreen

  • Versatile resistance options

  • Heavy

When paired with an iFit membership, the NordicTrack RW900 Rower reaches its full potential. The membership gives you access to hundreds of on-demand rowing workouts, which you can use to get started with your new machine. You can also activate iFit’s Automatic Trainer Control feature to let a trainer virtually control your resistance level while you row, making it easy to build strength without taking your eyes off your workout.

Price at time of publication: $1,599

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Silent magnetic resistance and adjustable air | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 in | Product Weight: 131 lbs

We like Stamina’s ATS Air Rower because it’s a solid rowing machine that will keep you balanced as you build strength. While many rowers get their tension from magnetic, hydraulic, or water-based resistance, this one draws on dynamic wind resistance. A wheel on the front of the bike spins every time you row, adding resistance as you gain speed. This design allows for your workouts to become more intense as you grow stronger. The faster you row, the harder your workouts get.

Best Wind Resistance

Stamina ATS Air Rower

  • Resistance naturally changes based on your intensity

  • Lightweight

  • Comfortable

  • Louder than other options

The dynamic wind resistance design isn’t the only thing that makes this machine worth buying. Its cushioned seat, padded handlebars, and adjustable pedals keep your workouts comfortable, and the seat smoothly glides forward and back as you row. Since the machine’s frame folds up, it’s particularly easy to store between uses as well. Simply fold the rower, tilt it onto its built-in transport wheels, and roll it away. 

Price at time of publication: $400

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Air fan | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Dimensions: 77 x 18 x 22 in | Product Weight: 54 lbs

Many rowing machines offer a total-body workout, but we like that the Stamina Orbital Rowing Machine offers a particularly dynamic one. Because the rower boasts two large handlebars instead of a single handle on a pulley, it gives your arms a fuller range of motion as you row. This design helps you challenge more muscles in your upper body while strengthening your core and lower body the way any rowing machine would. The result: A killer workout from head to toe.

Best for Total-Body Workouts

Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine

  • Full range of motion for arms

  • Mimics rowing outdoors

  • Very compact

  • Challenging to assemble

Since the machine gets its tension from hydraulic cylinder resistance, it mimics the feeling of rowing outdoors. An adjustable tension dial helps you keep your workouts challenging while a thick, padded seat keeps you comfortable while you row. The machine is also surprisingly compact, making it a pretty easy addition to small spaces. 

Price at time of publication: $377

Key Specs:Resistance Style: Hydraulic cylinder | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Dimensions: 49 x 14 x 7 in | Product Weight: 52 lbs

How We Selected the Best Rowing Machines

We researched dozens of options from trusted retailers and selected the best rowing machines based on a variety of factors. First, we asked Grace D’Souza, U.S. National Rowing Team Member, and Kenny Rosenzweig, co-founder and CEO of Rowgatta, for their insight on what features make a rowing machine stand out from the rest.

Then, we looked at the resistance mechanism, or how each machine creates resistance while you use it. We also considered price, durability, noise, and how easy each rowing machine is to store or bring with you. Finally, we reviewed any additional features each machine offered, including specific handle designs, touchscreens, and workout programs.

What to Look for in a Rowing Machine

Durability

If you choose rowing as your form of exercise multiple times a week, a durable machine is necessary. “A more affordable option might seem attractive at first, but you’ll get much more value from a machine that is a bit pricier and more durable since it lasts for a longer time,” says Kenny Rosenzweig, Co-founder and CEO of Rowgatta.

Resistance Mechanism

All rowing machines offer some amount of resistance, but the source of this resistance can vary. Some rowers come equipped with water tanks that handle the tension for you. Others rely on internal resistance mechanisms like hydraulic or magnetic resistance. And some others come with built-in fans that provide wind resistance. 

“I highly recommend air resistance as it best replicated the feel of rowing on water,” Rosenzweig says. “In my opinion, it also generates the best workout.” He also says that the type of resistance is a personal preference and that you should choose one that feels most comfortable during use.

Handle Design

Classic rowing machines boast a single handle, which you grip with both hands to pull. But some rowers boast two handlebars, instead. These handlebars look a little like what you’d find on an elliptical, and you can use them to get a fuller range of motion in your upper body.

“The best handlebar is one that will not tear your hands apart after a long session on the rower,” Rosenzweig says. He says that finding a handlebar with traction and grip is also important, but warns that ones with too much texture can cause blisters over time. Find one that feels good from the first use.

Storage and Portability

Rowing machines can get large and heavy, which can make them hard to transport or store. But many rowers are designed with portability and convenience in mind. Some come with built-in transport wheels that make them easy to move from place to place, some are designed to be turned on their sides and propped up against your wall, and some even fold in half.

Special Features

Some rowing machines come with high-tech options like built-in workouts, games, or guidance from an instructor. “The connected rowing machines can be more fun and motivating,” Rosenzweig says.

He warns that these options can often be more expensive since many require a corresponding content subscription. But if you have the budget to splurge, it could be a good option for beginners in need of additional instruction, or advanced rowers trying to add a new dimension to their workouts.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to row every day?
  • Depending on the intensity with which you row, you can enjoy this total-body workout safely every single day—and for hours, if you choose to do so. Just pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you’re feeling particularly sore or stiff, consider a day of gentle stretches and rest to give your body a period of recovery. If you feel great, keep rowing!
  • How much do rowing machines cost?
  • A quality rowing machine will typically cost between $130-$3,195. Cheaper options are available, but when it comes to fitness equipment you’ll want to consider spending more for a higher-quality, long-lasting product, says Rosenzweig. Pricier options may offer a more dynamic design, high-tech features, and greater durability.The cheapest rowing machine on our list is often available for less than $130, while our top recommendation, the Hydrow Rower Starter Package was $2,495 when we published this list.

Depending on the intensity with which you row, you can enjoy this total-body workout safely every single day—and for hours, if you choose to do so. Just pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you’re feeling particularly sore or stiff, consider a day of gentle stretches and rest to give your body a period of recovery. If you feel great, keep rowing!

A quality rowing machine will typically cost between $130-$3,195. Cheaper options are available, but when it comes to fitness equipment you’ll want to consider spending more for a higher-quality, long-lasting product, says Rosenzweig. Pricier options may offer a more dynamic design, high-tech features, and greater durability.

Michelle Parente is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who is passionate about making well-vetted product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness content, always reading up on the latest wellness research.