6 Best Rowing Machines to Buy in 2024 (Starting Under $200 Shipped!)

Looking for a rowing machine recommendation? Here are some options for the best rowing machine!

Looking for a rowing machine? Check out these options for the best rowing machine, priced as low as under $200!

But first, what are some rowing machine benefits?

Per Healthline, the American Fitness Professionals Association claims that rowing consists of 75% leg work and 25% upper body work. It’s effective, efficient, and good for the heart! Investing in a rowing machine offers a full-body workout that combines cardio and strength training, promoting efficient calorie burning and muscle toning from the comfort of your home. It’s a low-impact exercise option that supports joint health while providing a versatile workout suitable for all fitness levels. Basically, if you’re looking for an all-in-one kind of workout equipment, this is it!

Before buying, here’s how to use a rowing machine.

Before potentially hurting or overexerting yourself, we encourage you to research the proper way to use a rowing machine. This video by Nerd Fitness breaks down the ins and outs of how to use the machine and everything you need to know before getting started! Since your arms, core, and legs will be engaged, the more knowledge you have about this machine, the better!

Below are our top picks for the best rowing machines in 2024:

1. Rogue Fitness Concept 2 RowErg Rower – PM5

Live Science rates this Concept 2 as the overall best rowing machine! It remains a popular choice due to its robust build quality, smooth performance, and accurate performance metrics. It features Bluetooth and ANT+ functionality to connect wirelessly to apps and heart rate monitors, and it easily separates into 2 pieces for easier storage.

It’s definitely splurge-worthy and compatible with over 40 apps with the integrated phone/tablet holder. In fact, It’s often used in gyms and by serious rowers (including competitions, according to Live Science) due to its reliability and ease of use. There’s even a 90-day return policy and a 5-year frame warranty, so you can buy with confidence!

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

This rowing machine is an excellent choice for beginners and is extremely budget-friendly too! Reviewers praise this rowing machine for its smooth operation, ease of assembly, and surprising sturdiness, considering its affordable price point at under $200!

You can personalize every session with the magnetic resistance system that boasts 16 tension levels. Even though it’s one of the more affordable options, it still has plenty of high-end features like a padded seat, a slip-resistant handlebar, and foldability for easy storage. While it may not include all the bells and whistles of premium models, its affordability makes it an ideal choice for practical fitness enthusiasts seeking quality and convenience.

3. Stamina BodyTrac Glider

The Stamina BodyTrac Glider is known to be a super compact rower. It’s designed with unique full-range rowing arms to mimic real rowing, unlike the other rowers on our top list. The frame is made of steel and aluminum, so it’s stable and comfortable despite its super affordable price. It also features a padded seat, and the resistance is easily adjustable with the turn of a button. With the Stamina BodyTrac Glider, you’ll be able to keep track of your workouts with the digital fitness monitor which tracks fitness time, stroke count, total strokes, and calories burned.

4. Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine with Bluetooth

This rowing machine combines affordability with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity for workout data tracking. It offers 14 levels of magnetic resistance, a comfortable molded seat, and a foldable design for easy storage. Through the GameFIT app, you can race virtually and enjoy on-the-water workouts, race against others, and track your speed, RPM, watts, calories burned, cadence, and mileage. You can also link up to the MyCloudFitness App for access to hundreds of on-demand classes in cycling, rowing, and more. Best of all, when you’re not using it, it can fold in half, making its footprint much smaller.

5. XTERRA ERG220 Rower

The XTERRA rower provides a solid rowing experience for users of various fitness levels and utilizes a combination of air and magnetic resistance systems. This dual resistance mechanism allows for a smooth rowing motion while offering adjustable intensity. The display console allows you to track time, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), calories burned, and more. It also has a generously sized padded seat, padded handles, and large, pivoting footrests. If you’re looking to splurge on something slightly above beginner level, this is the luxury rower you need.

6. WaterRower 150-S4 Club Rowing Machine

Since this rowing machine uses real water, it mimics real rowing as closely as possible and is also the most eco-friendly option on the market since it doesn’t require mains power either. The water tank delivers a smooth, quiet yet effective resistance of up to 1,000 pounds while tracking your heart and stroke rates! We also love that this rowing machine is very aesthetically pleasing and made in the USA to ensure quality and durability. With sleek wheels on the end, you can even store it upright, doubling as decor in your gym, office, or modern home.

It comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is upgradeable to 3-year parts, while a 5-year frame is free of charge with registration.

Did you know these apps pay you to work out?