Best Rowing Machine for Home.
Studies show that rowing burns up to 50% more calories than an elliptical — terrific workout for thigh muscles and shoulders (and less strain on knee joints!)
#1.) Concept2 Model E Row Machine
#2.) Sunny Health Magnetic Row Machine
#3.) Sunny Health First Degree Row Machine
#4.) Concept2 PM5 Indoor Row Machine
#5.) Sunny Health Dual Function Row Machine
#6.) Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine
#7.) Sunny Health Air Rowing Machine
#8.) Sunny Health Obsidian Row Machine
#9-10.) Coming soon!
** FYI: links go to Amazon (had lowest prices)
Best Rowing Machine for Home
✅ Top #1 Pick: Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D is a top selling row machine.
It’s designed to strengthen multiple muscles while limiting strain on your joints (mostly knee and hip joints).
For monitoring your progress there’s a digital panel at face height — provides current status (such as duration and level) and your health data.
row pace, heart rate, stroke per min (spm), calories burned, and past results.
Concept 2 Model-D has excellent buyer reviews.
Many are older adults w/ arthritis — they say it’s made a huge difference.
Downside is that it’s a little expensive.
#2.) Sunny Health Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health rowing machine is one of the best sellers online.
Ergonomically constructed rowing machine w/ multiple levels of resistance — one of the best for working on hamstrings, forearms, and knee joints.
Resistance: 8 levels
Volume: 9 – 17 liters
Weight: 68 pounds
It includes non-slip foot straps + handlebars for a smooth, balanced workout.
LCD display shows all the vital data during exercise, helping you keep track of your performance.
Expensive, but includes lots of positive buyer reviews.
#3.) Sunny Health First Degree Row Machine
If you want a functional, yet simple rowing machine, then First Degree might be your best option.
Exercising on this rower is easy for anyone, with any body type thanks to the adjustable straps and footplates.
Water flywheel produces water sounds, creating a feeling of real rowing, relaxing your whole body.
Having an adjustable water resistance will keep you active all the time — easily check your progress + how much your muscle strength has improved.
Highlights
- Max user weight: 250 pounds
- Rowing resistance: 8 levels
- Row machine weight: 70 pounds
- Water volume: 9 – 17 liters
- Adjustable Fluid Resistance Technology
- Display monitor
- Seat running on precision bearings
- Adjustable footplates and straps
- Wheels for easy transportation
Possible Flaws
- Some units produce squeaking noises
- More expensive than similar rowers
#4.) Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
Concept2 PM5 is a modern and user-friendly device that shows your statistics with every row you make.
Spiral damper keeps you in control of the airflow to the flywheel — easily adjust the resistance to your preference anytime.
So far lots of positive reviews + fairly affordable
Highlights
- Max user weight: 500 pounds
- Row machine weight: 95 pounds
- Damper levels: 1-10
- Seat height: 20″ seat
- ** Low noise rower machine
- Performance monitor 5
- USB drive to save results in
- Wireless connection to your heart rate
Possible Flaws
- Seat not comfortable for all users
#5.) Sunny Health Dual Function Rowing Machine
Used mostly by professional rowers, it’s one of the most popular rowing machines on the market.
Includes 8 adjustable resistance levels and LCD screen to help monitor your progress. Health metrics include: time speeds, calories, row count, and can be hooked up with a heart rate strap.
⭐⭐ Best Rowing Machine for Price Value ⭐⭐
It also comes with wheels making it easy to store after your workout.
Compared to other rowing machines on my list, this is definitely one of the cheaper ones on the market. Considering its price, it has very good online reviews – for those on a budget, I think this is the best rower.
Highlights
- Max user weight: 300 pounds
- Rowing resistance: 8 levels
- Row machine weight: 72.8 pounds
- Magnetic tension System
- LCD display
- Ergonomically padded seat
- Non-slip grip handlebars
- Anti-slip foot pedals w/ adjustable foot straps
- Wheels for easy transportation
- Cheaper than similar products
Possible Flaws
- Fabric pulley can tear easily
- Doesn’t have a water rower
#6.) Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine
This is a true water rower than can support up to 1,000 pounds.
What’s unique is that it comes with a “water flywheel” that’s meant to replicate the actual feeling of rowing – online reviews mention the quiet ‘whoosh’ noise it makes.
This finely tuned, handcrafted rower with a hydraulic tank can really make you feel like you’re rowing in some river in the mountains. WaterRower’s water tank provides resistance which mimics the movement through water, activating every muscle in your body.
Natural and smooth rowing movements reduce pressure on your joints, making you feel better after a workout.
Highlights
- Water Rowing Machine: Yes
- Max user weight: 1,000 pounds
- Row machine weight: 117 pounds
- Handcrafted rowing machine
- Made of solid Ash wood w/ oak stain
- ** Low impact rower = easy on joints
- Series 4 performance monitor
- Wheels for easy transportation
Possible Flaws
- More expensive than other rowing machines
- Heavier than other machines at 117 lbs
#7.) Sunny Health Air Rowing Machine
Having an integrated fan increases the resistance based on the power and speed of the strokes. This adds a dynamic movement providing you with a balanced workout.
Non-slip grip handlebars and foot pedals reduce pressure on your joints, reducing the risk of injuries.
It might not have all the rower features you’d want, but it’s very affordable and comes w/ the basic necessities.
Highlights
- Max user weight: 300 pounds
- Rowing resistance: 8 levels adjustable resistance
- Row machine weight: 70 pounds
- Air Rower w/ belt tension
- Integrated fan
- Digital computer display
- A padded seat
- Non-slip grip handlebars
- Anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Cheaper than similar products
Possible Flaws
- Doesn’t have a water rower
#8.) Sunny Health Obsidian Water Rowing Machine
Rowing machines can be heavy and take up a lot of your room. The rubber wheels help you transport your rower easier from room to room, so everyone can use it.
3 hydro blades mimic the dynamic movement of competitive rowing ideal for athletes.
An R2 fitness meter keeps track of all the important workout data – calories burnt, total strokes, total time etc.
Highlights
- Water Rowing Machine: Yes
- Max user weight: 250 pounds
- Row machine weight: 81.6 pounds
- Seat height: 17″ seat
- Includes wheels for easy storage
- Comes with heart strap
- R2 Fitness Meter = track workout metrics
- Water rower w/ 3 Hydro Blades
- Molded padded seat
Possible Flaws
- Heart strap can be attached, but is not included
- Water must be added/taken out to increase/decrease resistance
** I’ll be adding #9-10 best rowing machine later this year! Stay tuned!
Conclusion
The most important thing in a rower is that it inspires you to get on it and exercise.
Spending thousands of dollars on something you won’t use is not a good idea. Hopefully, we helped you make the right rowing choice!