Row, row, row your way to fitness this year.
Think treadmills are the ultimate home gym staple? Think again. Rowing machines deliver a joint-friendly, low-impact workout that packs just as much punch, according to Melissa Prestipino, doctor of physical therapy, certified personal trainer and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey.
Rowing is a great way to get your heart pumping. These land-based machines provide a full-body workout that activates your arms, legs, core and back, engaging every major muscle group. This means that in addition to the cardiovascular benefits of the activity, a solid rowing workout can build strength, burn calories and enhance flexibility.
That being said, not all rowing machines are built the same. Choosing the right machine can make all the difference in helping you reach your fitness goals while keeping you motivated and excited to work out. With a startling variety of options on the market, how do you find the best rowing machine for 2025?
To narrow things down, we analyzed dozens of rowing machines and consulted three fitness experts to identify key features worth prioritizing. From budget-friendly basics to high-tech smart models, we tested 13 rowing machines over six weeks. Testers across the country rated them on factors like setup, performance, data accuracy and foldability. After side-by-side comparisons, we selected seven picks from leading brands like NordicTrack, Concept2 and Hydrow. Continue reading to discover which rowers earned top marks and why.
Update, July 2, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best rowing machine remains unchanged.
Rowing machines come in various styles, each designed to cater to different fitness goals, preferences and budgets. The four main types — air, water, magnetic and electronic resistance — each offer unique benefits, from replicating the feel of real rowing to providing a quieter, high-tech workout experience. Understanding these types can help you choose the most suitable machine to power your fitness journey.
Air resistance rowing machines use a fan blade and a flywheel to create resistance via air as you row. The faster you row, the quicker the blade spins and the more resistance you'll create, according to Prestipino. Because they're reliant on your speed, air rowers have unlimited resistance. But the fan can also be noisy, which is why some shy away from air rowers.
Most models feature a damper, a lever located on the side of the flywheel housing that adjusts the airflow into the fan. While it doesn’t directly change the resistance, it regulates the airflow, much like bike gears. A higher damper setting lets in more air, making the flywheel feel heavier and more challenging to turn, while a lower setting reduces airflow, creating a lighter, easier feel.
Water rowers provide natural resistance and tend to offer a lighter, smoother pull due to reduced snag in the mechanism, explains Regis Pagett, certified personal trainer and founder of R Personal Fitness. He considers water rowers his favorite, praising their fluid motion, which helps maintain better control over form with consistent use.
These rowers feature a water tank, which you manually fill, containing a fan or paddles. As you pull the handle, the paddles push against the water, creating resistance. While you can't directly adjust the resistance, the water level influences how hard or easy the pull feels, similar to a damper mechanism on an air rower.
According to Prestipino, water rowers are typically heavier and bulkier than other types because of the water tank. They also require some maintenance, such as changing the water or adding chlorine tablets to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Magnetic resistance rowing machines use magnets to create resistance against a metal flywheel. The flywheel is connected to the handle by a chain, and as you pull, the spinning flywheel interacts with the magnets to generate resistance. Adjusting the resistance moves the magnets closer to or further from the flywheel — the closer they are, the stronger the resistance.
According to Betts, the advantages of magnetic rowers are their quiet operation and the ability to adjust resistance levels manually. However, they lack the natural rowing feel of air or water rowers, which may be a drawback for some users.
Electronic rowers, often referred to as "smart rowers," combine magnetic resistance with advanced digital features. While typically more expensive than other types, they stand out for their interactive workouts, performance tracking and enhanced connectivity. Prestipino favors these rowers for their variety and challenge, saying, "I like not being bored and having plenty of options with different live workouts and instructors."
However, keep in mind that many smart rowers require a subscription to unlock their full range of features, adding an ongoing cost to the initial investment.
When choosing a rowing machine, key considerations include the type of resistance, available technology and preloaded workout options. Additionally, think about the space you have available and whether the rower you're eyeing fits into your budget. Balancing these factors will help you find the perfect machine to meet your fitness goals and lifestyle.
The type of resistance plays a big role in shaping your workout's feel, sound level and intensity. Take time to explore the options and choose the one that aligns best with your preferences. Remember that some types, like air resistance, adjust automatically based on your effort, while others, like magnetic resistance, allow you to control the intensity manually. Whether you prefer automatic adjustment or hands-on control ultimately depends on personal preference.
Rowing machines vary widely in technological features. Some boast large touchscreens, interactive workouts and Wi-Fi capabilities, while others stick to the basics with a simple performance monitor — or none at all. If a machine lacks a screen, it may still support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect your phone or tablet for added functionality.
Consider how much tech you want in your workouts, and ensure the rower you choose meets those needs. Remember, though, that more advanced features often come with a higher price tag.
Another factor to consider is whether the rowing machine includes preset workouts. While not a dealbreaker — you can always row manually — preset programs can be incredibly helpful. They offer structured guidance, making challenging yourself or working toward specific fitness goals easier, especially if you're unsure where to begin. Think of them as virtual personal trainers, minus the one-on-one interaction.
Space is a major consideration when it comes to rowing machines, as they often take up significant horizontal room, and many don't fold for storage. Be sure to measure your space carefully to ensure your chosen machine fits comfortably. According to Prestipino, the size of the rower also affects how easily it can be stored. The upside? Unlike treadmills, you don't need to worry about overhead clearance. A foldable or compact model is likely your best bet for smaller spaces.
Rowing machines come in a wide price range, from under $500 to over $2,000, so it's important to determine your budget before you start shopping. Don't forget to account for any subscriptions you might need to get the most out of your rower. For instance, a NordicTrack rower pairs best with an iFit subscription, which adds $15 to $39 per month, depending on the membership tier. Be sure to factor in these ongoing costs when calculating your total investment.
Our list of the best rowing machines results from thorough research and hands-on testing. We started by analyzing all the options on the market, evaluating specs, customer reviews and pricing. From there, we narrowed it down to 13 models for in-depth testing.
Each rowing machine was sent to a dedicated tester, who used it at home for approximately six weeks. Testers rated the machines based on crucial factors like ease of setup, user-friendliness, data accuracy, technology and durability. Comfort, stability and noise levels were also carefully assessed. After testing, we compiled and compared notes and performance data.
To further refine our recommendations, we consulted three certified personal trainers for their expert insights on what to look for in a rowing machine. Combining their advice with our testing results, we selected the final seven models that stood out as the best.
Rowing is a full-body workout that boosts your cardiovascular health and builds strength. "It works both your upper and lower body, improving endurance and burning calories. Rowing is low-impact, so it's easy on your joints and great for all fitness levels. It also improves posture and strengthens your core. Plus, it can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being," says Betts.
The best resistance type depends on your preferences and fitness goals. Water rowers offer the most realistic rowing experience, closely mimicking the feel of being on the water. Magnetic rowers provide precise, manual control over resistance levels, while air rowers deliver unlimited resistance that adjusts to your effort. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — each type has its strengths, so it comes down to what suits your workout style and needs.
Rowing can sometimes lead to back pain, especially in the mid- and lower back, which is one of the most common injuries associated with the sport. This isn't as prevalent in other activities, making it a specific concern for rowers. However, maintaining proper posture and incorporating variety into your workouts can significantly reduce the risk of back strain.
Nailing the proper form can take some practice, but it's vital to getting the most out of your workout. "Sit up tall at all times, load your body by coming in close to the base, with arms and shoulders relaxed. When you push from the heels as if to push the machine away from you, open up your hips to drive back (not lean back, as there has to be power in the drive). Pull the handle in only after the hands clear the knees," says Pagett.
It depends on your weight and intensity, but typically, you can expect to burn anywhere from 210 to 440 calories in 30 minutes.
If you're a beginner, look for a rowing machine that's easy to set up and use. It's helpful if the machine has tutorials on proper rowing posture, live corrections or both to help you get the hang of it. The Echelon Row-S is our top pick for beginners.
Merach R14 Water Rower (no longer available): Overall, the Merach R14 Water Rower fell short of expectations. Even at its maximum level, the water-based resistance didn't provide a challenging workout for our tester. Additionally, the seat felt too small and would likely be uncomfortable for users over 200 pounds, despite Merach's claim that it accommodates individuals up to 300 pounds.
Merach Q1S Smart Rower: While this rower could be a good option for those who want to stick to low-speed workouts, we found it wobbly and unstable at higher speeds. The display also shows only one metric at once, so you must wait for it to cycle through if you want all the data, which we found annoying.
XTerra Erg180: If you're looking for an entry-level smart rower and already have a rowing app subscription, the Xterra Erg180 may work for you. As far as smart rowers go, it's pretty bare-bones. It's Bluetooth compatible, so you can bring a screen and app, but it lacks technology compared to others. The price reflects that, though, so it's a trade-off.
Peloton Row: There's a lot to love about the Peloton Row — it's easy to set up and use, and it offers real-time form correction to help you maximize your workout. However, it narrowly missed the mark due to its price. The machine alone costs over $3,000, and you'll need to pay $44 monthly for full access to its features.
Merach 950 Dual: This rowing machine got high ratings during testing and was a near winner. It's streamlined, compact and relatively smooth. The design is also elevated to blend nicely with your decor. However, the app integration can be confusing, ultimately keeping it from making the cut.
Michael Betts, certified personal trainer and director at TrainFitness
Regis Pagett, certified personal trainer and founder of R Personal Fitness
Melissa Prestipino, doctor of physical therapy, certified personal trainer and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey
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