April 2024
Rowing Machines: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of rowing machines rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 9 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 102 rowing machine endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
50 rowing machines were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Apr 2024, Concept2 RowErg takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed rowing machine with 8 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 rowing machine' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Stamina: 6 rowing machines
(#1 is Stamina ATS Air)
-
Sunny Health & Fitness: 5 rowing machines
(#1 is Sunny Health SF-RW5515)
-
WaterRower: 4 rowing machines
(#1 is WaterRower Ash)
-
Concept2: 3 rowing machines
(#1 is Concept2 RowErg)
-
Hydrow: 2 rowing machines
(#1 is Hydrow Rower)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Rowing Machine |
Verywell Fit
|
HiConsumption
|
The Home Gym
|
The Strategist
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Healthline
|
The Trend Spotter
|
greatist
|
Business Insider
|
SELF
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | Check price |
Concept2 RowErg
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
- | $884 |
NordicTrack RW900
|
6
|
7
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
7
|
3
|
- | $2195 |
Hydrow Rower
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
- | $228 |
Sunny Health SF-RW5515
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
14
|
-
|
9
|
3
|
5
|
- | Check price |
The Ergatta Rower
|
2
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
6
|
- | $1695 |
Hydrow Wave
|
1
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
7
|
- | $1129 |
WaterRower Ash
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
- | $600 |
Echelon Row-S
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
- | $259 |
Stamina ATS Air
|
-
|
2
|
10
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
- | $1200 |
ProForm 750R
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
- | $65 |
Stamina Trac Glider 1050
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
12
|
- | $520 |
Velocity Exercise
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Peloton Row Basics
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
18
|
- | Check price |
MaxKare Magnetic Tension
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
- | $1689 |
WaterRower Classic S4
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
- | Check price |
Sunny Health Obsidian Surge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Schwinn Crewmaster
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Concept2 RowErg #1 in April 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked Concept2 RowErg as #1.
Verywell Fit
Best Commercial
Customizable resistance
Built-in device holder
Two heights to choose from
|
Large footprint
|
HiConsumption
Best Overall
500-pound weight limit
Stores easily by splitting in half
Easy assembly
Lightweight yet very durable
Adjustable handles and footrests
|
Not as quiet as others
|
Popular Mechanics
Most Reliable
Smooth, quiet flywheel
Used by commercial fitness centers
Super durable
|
Monitor is very basic
|
Healthline
Best overall rowing machine
accommodates users of many sizes and weights up to 500 pounds
easy to assemble
two seat heights
can be separated into two parts for easy storage
|
needs a large footprint for use and storage
pricier than other rowing machines
requires some tech skills to operate
|
greatist
Best air resistance
Easy to assemble, Bluetooth connectivity
|
Air resistance can be noisy, resistance levels might not be tough enough for more advanced athletes.
|
Business Insider
Best rowing machine overall
Smooth gliding operation
ease of assembly
large size to accommodate tall people
|
Pricey
requires a bit of space (9 feet by 4 feet) but worth it
|
We ranked NordicTrack RW900 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best for Cross-Training
Quiet, even at high speeds
Adjustable screen
Large workout library with membership
|
App isn’t as intuitive as others
Can’t be stored vertically or folded
|
HiConsumption
Best for Beginners
Large rotating touchscreen
Great subscription service
Pretty comfortable
Bluetooth audio connectivity
|
Only 250-pound weight limit
Resistance ceiling may be too low for stronger individuals
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Resistance Options
Large, full-color touchscreen
Membership-based group classes
Manual and air-resistance options
|
Expensive
Servicing and support questionable
|
Healthline
Best high tech rowing machine
adjustable touch screen for off-rower workouts
silent magnetic resistance technology for a smooth and quiet ride
automatic resistance adjustment feature
quiet and smooth ride with upgraded flywheel and sliding rail system
|
requires monthly subscription to access live and on-demand classes
high sticker price
requires a large space for use and storage
|
greatist
Best for classes
1-year iFit membership with purchase, large touch screen, easy to store
|
Membership requires payment after the first year (currently $396 annually), air resistance can be noisy
|
Business Insider
Best digital resistance
Interactive workouts
easily folds up
utilizes a dual resistance design
|
Expensive
iFit membership costs $39 per month (after the first free year)
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend rowing machines.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of rowing machines, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
We ranked Hydrow Rower #3 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hydrow Rower as #1.
The Strategist
Strategist-tested: Senior writer Karen Adelson’s pick for all-in-one rowing at home
Popular Mechanics
Best "Reel Water" Feel
375-pound weight limit
Close to real-water feel
Sleek and quiet
|
Expensive
Need add-ons for storage
|
greatist
Best splurge
Real rowing feel, built-in speakers, large touch screen
|
Expensive, membership required
|
Business Insider
The best smart rowing machine
Extensive library of motivating classes and rowing events
delivers a full-body workout
features quiet
electromagnetic resistance
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Sunny Health SF-RW5515 #4 in April 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
The Strategist
Strategist family poll: The rowing machine I bought my dad for Christmas
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Pick for Tall Rowers
Portable
Long slide rail
Affordable
|
Not as durable
Small readout
|
Healthline
Best budget rowing machine
affordable sticker price for a quality, entry-level rower
eight resistance levels
extra-long slide rail to accommodate various body sizes
wheels for easy transport
|
may not be suitable for larger bodies
louder than other rowers
might not be challenging enough for very advanced users
|
Business Insider
Best for beginners
Economical with eight levels of resistance
easy to fold and store
|
Only okay cord quality
rail might be too short for tall people
|
We ranked The Ergatta Rower #5 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Water-Based
Realistic feel
High-quality audio
Seamlessly integrates with other tech
|
Seat isn’t as comfortable as other options
Handles are short
|
HiConsumption
Best for Gamers
Comes with row-based games
You can compete against others online
Folding design saves space
Wood construction is beautiful
|
Expensive
Built-in speaker doesn’t sound great
|
Business Insider
The best interactive rowing machine
Motivating video game-inspired workout platform
beautiful design
features a folding design for easy stowing
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Hydrow Wave #6 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hydrow Wave as #1.
Verywell Fit
Best Overall
Very stable
Smooth feel
Helpful, engaging videos and classes
|
Pricey subscription
Screen isn’t adjustable
|
HiConsumption
Best for Small Spaces
30% smaller than regular Hydrow
Can be mounted on the wall with add-on device
Can simulate real rowing with electromagnetic drag tech
Hydrow has one of the best fitness subscriptions around
|
Pricey, especially with subscription
|
Business Insider
Best budget smart rowing machine
Extensive library of streaming classes, incredibly smooth rowing, closely simulates the on-water experience, very quiet when in use, tons of helpful safety features
|
Smaller screen than the regular Hydrow and it's not adjustable
|
We ranked WaterRower Ash #7 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Water-Resistance Rowing Machine
Beautiful design
True water-based resistance
|
Not foldable
|
greatist
Best high weight capacity
High weight capacity, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing design
|
Assembly requires power tools, resistance level difficult to change
|
Business Insider
Best water resistance
Gorgeous appearance,
meditative whooshing sounds
simulation of open-water rowing sensations
|
Expensive
included monitor is fine but limited
|
We ranked Echelon Row-S #8 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Foldable
32 resistance levels
Adjustable screen
Two water bottle holders
|
Some users may not like that the resistance controls are on the handle
No dedicated space for devices
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Connected Class Package
Reliable brand
Smooth action
Resistance controls on handles
|
Heavy
Need to pay for class membership after free trial
|
Healthline
Best rowing machine with adjustable resistance levels
180-degree screen rotation for off-equipment training
foldable for easy storage
easy-glide seat
32 magnetic resistance levels
|
high sticker price
monthly subscription required to access live and on-demand classes
requires a large space
|
greatist
Best magnetic resistance
Quiet, access to rowing and nonrowing classes with app subscription
|
Extra cost for app subscription, need to use your own tablet or smartphone
|
We ranked Stamina ATS Air #9 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
HiConsumption
Best Foldable Rower
Great space saver
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Dynamic resistance setting changes based on your effort
|
Only 250-pound weight capacity
Not everyone will love the lack of dial controls
No screen
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Rowing Machine
Affordable
Durable materials
|
No manual resistance options
|
We ranked ProForm 750R #10 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
HiConsumption
Runner-Up
Super quiet
Comes with 1-year iFit membership
User-friendly
Has a smart device holder
Really comfortable seat and handles
|
Low weight limit (250lbs)
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget-Friendly Interactive Rower
Affordable with streaming capabilities
Compact and foldable
|
Need separate device for streaming
|
We ranked Stamina Trac Glider 1050 #11 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine for small spaces
good size for apartments and small rooms
very low price
foldable for simple storage
low tech for easy use
|
limited warranty
can be cumbersome to operate
might be too basic for advanced fitness levels
|
Business Insider
The best budget rowing machine
Low price
independent arms for a full range of movement
ease of assembly and folding
|
Resistance declines as piston heats up during long rowing sessions
short warranty (90 days for parts/one year for frame)
|
We ranked Velocity Exercise #12 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
HiConsumption
Best Rower for Comfort
Very smooth rowing experience
Molded-foam seat is best in the bunch
Super ergonomic handles
Non-slip foot stops are helpful
Affordable
|
A little long but too heavy to move frequently
|
greatist
Best for small spaces
Quiet, easy to store, comes with a heart rate monitor
|
Durability concerns from reviewers, hard to reach customer service
|
We ranked Peloton Row Basics #13 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Investment
Adjustable screen
Gives you tips to adjust your form as you row
Comes with a wall mount
|
Seat may be too narrow for some
Pricey subscription
|
We ranked MaxKare Magnetic Tension #14 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine for beginners
foldable for simple storage
large cushioned seat
affordable entry-level rower
|
might be too low tech for advanced users
maximum user weight of only 245 pounds
only 16 resistance levels
|
We ranked WaterRower Classic S4 #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
HiConsumption
Best Water-Like Rower
Feels like you’re actually rowing on water
Low profile makes it very stable
Several wood options
Pretty quiet
|
Heavy
|
Healthline
Best water rower
easy to use
stows upright, making it a good option for smaller spaces
can be used with add-ons such as the Bluetooth ComModule and Ergatta WaterRower Upgrade package
|
expensive
not easy to change resistance level
no built-in touch screen or sound system
|
We ranked Schwinn Crewmaster #17 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine with an oversized seat
foldable for easy storage
affordable sticker price for an entry-level rower
adjustable LCD screen
|
only 10 resistance levels
maximum user weight of 300 pounds
not Bluetooth-enabled
|