6 of the Best Rowing Machines (Prices Start at $230 Shipped)
Looking for a rowing machine recommendation? Here are some options for the best rowing machine!
In the mood for a full-body workout?
If you’re looking for a low-impact, full-body workout, consider getting into rowing! It’s a great exercise for those of all levels of fitness as you can adjust the resistance levels for what you’re comfortable with. For this reason, we’ve rounded up some of the best options to buy, starting as low as $229!
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!
Before buying, here’s how to use a rowing machine.
Before potentially hurting or overexerting yourself, we encourage you to research the proper form of using 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!
Here are our top picks for the best rowing machines:
- Best Inexpensive Rower – Women’s Health Men’s Health Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Best Incline Option – Total Gym Ergonomic Folding Incline Rowing Machine
- Best Value – NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower
- Most Discreet Option – Echelon Smart Rowing Machine
- Most Reliable – WaterRower 150-S4 Club Rowing Machine
- Most Overall Value – Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
1. Women’s Health Men’s Health Magnetic Rowing Machine
250-pound maximum weight limit.
Women’s Health Men’s Health Magnetic Rowing Machine – $229 shipped (regularly $549)
We found this option courtesy of this Men’s Health article, and it’s the perfect starter option for those not reading to drop too much money yet. It comes with 14 adjustable resistance levels, so you can crank up the difficulty as your skill increases.
The smart power sensor is designed to keep track of the calories burned and your watts output. This machine is also compatible with smart fitness apps on both iPhones and Androids!
2. Total Gym Incline Rowing Machine
300-pound maximum weight limit.
Total Gym Ergonomic Folding Incline Rowing Machine – $599.70 shipped (regularly $730.99)
Containing six levels of resistance, this Total Gym option offers over twenty workouts both strength and cardio-based. It also has a helpful digital monitor that tracks all your statistics.
While six levels may not seem like a ton, do not underestimate how tiring the inclination of this fitness machine is!
3. NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower
250-pound maximum weight limit.
NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower – $973.23 shipped (regularly $1,599)
We’re fans of NordicTrack bikes and treadmills, and their rowers are no exception. It contains 26 resistance levels, meaning that this option is perfect for those looking to stick with this kind of fitness long-term.
It also comes with a 30-day iFIT family membership, which includes a handful of live and on-demand workout videos and classes!
4. Echelon Smart Rowing Machine
300-pound maximum weight limit.
Echelon Smart Rowing Machine – $999 shipped
Echelon has gotten praise from our team and CNET! It features 32 levels of magnetic resistance. It has a foldable design so you can easily store it when you’re putting your workouts on pause. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee; if you’re not happy, you’ll get a full refund!
With an Echelon, you’ll enjoy a FREE 30-day trial of the Echelon Premier Membership! It includes over 3,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.
5. WaterRower 150-S4 Club Rowing Machine
700-pound maximum weight limit.
WaterRower 150-S4 Club Rowing Machine – $1,160 shipped
Unlike the others mentioned in this listicle, this option is powered by an actual water flywheel, mirroring the actual rowing feel as closely as possible. The water tank delivers a smooth, quiet yet effective resistance. It even tracks your heart and stroke rates!
6. Concept 2 Rowers
500-pound maximum weight limit.
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor – $1,202 shipped
Live Science actually rates this Concept2 option as the overall best rowing machine! This is due to its reliability. It may now have a monitor or any advanced tech features, but it’s definitely splurge-worthy. Live Science mentions this is even used in competitions!
Not a fan? There’s a 90-day return policy, so you have time to really make sure this is the option for you!
Check out the best exercise bikes, too!
I have the concept 2….WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! Quality gym equipment is worth the investment. …and honestly I love that it’s not “connected”. It gives me what I need without all the crap and tech that too often goes wrong.
YAY! So glad to hear you’re loving your rowing machine, Jennifer! 🙌 I agree about having quality gym equipment, it will hold up for years! 💕
I agree with the Concept. The main reason I bought it was for the maintenance ease. Concept is a rare company that sells every single part individually. So if ever you need something fixed(which I’ve never) you can easily by a replacement part. It was a huge deciding factor for me after months of research. Plus she is quiet
WOW! That is so awesome that replacement parts are easy to get for your machine, Ruthie! Thanks for taking a moment to share why you went with that brand! 💗
Ive had the echelon rower for a little over a year now. Went with that one because I was already part of the echelon ecosystem but I’ve loved it and the classes!
Thanks for sharing about the brand you own, Serena! So happy you’re loving it! 💞