May 2023
Rowing Machines: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Rowing Machine rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 5 May 2023 and 7 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 109 Rowing Machine endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
50 Rowing Machines were endorsed in total, only 19 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 7 May 2023, 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. It is followed by Hydrow Connected Rower and NordicTrack RW900 , with 8 and 9 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Sunny Health & Fitness:
6 Rowing Machines
(#1 is Sunny SF-RW1205 )
-
Stamina:
6 Rowing Machines
(#1 is Stamina 1215 )
-
WaterRower:
4 Rowing Machines
(#1 is WaterRower Vintage Oak )
-
Concept2:
3 Rowing Machines
(#1 is Concept2 Model E )
-
Hydrow:
2 Rowing Machines
(#1 is Hydrow Wave )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Rowing Machine |
SELF
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Business Insider
|
Healthline
|
Verywell Fit
|
The Home Gym
|
greatist
|
The Strategist
|
The Trend Spotter
|
HiConsumption
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Concept2 RowErg
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
5
|
4
|
|
2
|
- | $1995 |
Hydrow Connected Rower
|
1
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
10
|
|
3
|
- | $1066 |
NordicTrack RW900
|
7
|
3
|
6
|
6
|
11
|
5
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
|
4
|
- | $210 |
Sunny Health SF-RW5515
|
3
|
2
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
6
|
14
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $750 |
The Echelon Smart Rower
|
5
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
9
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
The Ergatta Rower
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
10
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
7
|
- | $1289 |
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
|
10
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $259 |
Stamina ATS Air
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
9
|
- | $128 |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $505 |
Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
11
|
- | Check price |
ProForm 750R
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
6
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
MaxKare Magnetic Tension
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $370 |
Sunny Health Obsidian Surge
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $169 |
Stamina Trac Glider 1050
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $100 |
Sunny Row-N-Ride
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
+1 | Check price |
Peloton Row Basics
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-1 | $699 |
Stamina Conversion II
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $1689 |
WaterRower Classic S4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Schwinn Crewmaster
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Rowing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| #17 | $99.97 | Sunny Row-N-Ride [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $127.77 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $169 | Stamina Trac Glider 1050 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $209.97 | Sunny Health SF-RW5515 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $259 | Stamina ATS Air [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $370.39 | Sunny Health Obsidian Surge [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $505.40 | Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $699 | Stamina Conversion II [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $749.99 | The Echelon Smart Rower [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $1065.72 | NordicTrack RW900 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $1289 | WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $1689 | WaterRower Classic S4 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $1994.99 | Hydrow Connected Rower [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Concept2 RowErg #1 in May 2023 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked Concept2 RowErg as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Most Reliable
|
Pros
Smooth, quiet flywheel
Used by commercial fitness centers
Super durable
|
Cons
Monitor is very basic
|
Business Insider
Best rowing machine overall
|
Pros
Smooth gliding operation
ease of assembly
large size to accommodate tall people
|
Cons
Pricey
requires a bit of space (9 feet by 4 feet) but worth it
|
Healthline
Best overall rowing machine
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
needs a large footprint for use and storage
pricier than other rowing machines
requires some tech skills to operate
|
Verywell Fit
Best Overall Runner-Up
|
Pros
High maximum weight capacity at 500 lbs
Easy to assemble
Has a performance monitor to display user data
|
Cons
Expensive
|
greatist
Best air resistance
|
Pros
Easy to assemble, Bluetooth connectivity
|
Cons
Air resistance can be noisy, resistance levels might not be tough enough for more advanced athletes.
|
We ranked Hydrow Connected Rower #2 in May 2023 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Hydrow Connected Rower as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Best "Reel Water" Feel
|
Pros
375-pound weight limit
Close to real-water feel
Sleek and quiet
|
Cons
Expensive
Need add-ons for storage
|
Business Insider
The best smart rowing machine
|
Pros
Extensive library of motivating classes and rowing events
delivers a full-body workout
features quiet
electromagnetic resistance
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Verywell Fit
Best Overall
|
Pros
Most immersive rowing experience
Top-of-the-line design
Smooth and quiet strokes
|
Cons
Larger footprint than other options
Heavy
|
greatist
Best splurge
|
Pros
Real rowing feel, built-in speakers, large touch screen
|
Cons
Expensive, membership required
|
The Strategist
Strategist-tested: Senior writer Karen Adelson’s pick for all-in-one rowing at home
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 May 2023 ranking
SELF
Popular Mechanics
Business Insider
Healthline
Verywell Fit
The Home Gym
greatist
The Strategist
The Trend Spotter
HiConsumption
We ranked NordicTrack RW900 #3 in May 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Resistance Options
|
Pros
Large, full-color touchscreen
Membership-based group classes
Manual and air-resistance options
|
Cons
Expensive
Servicing and support questionable
|
Business Insider
The best digital-resistance rowing machine
|
Pros
Interactive workouts
easily folds up
utilizes a dual resistance design
|
Cons
Expensive
iFit membership costs $39 per month (after the first free year)
|
Healthline
Best high tech rowing machine
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
requires monthly subscription to access live and on-demand classes
high sticker price
requires a large space for use and storage
|
Verywell Fit
Best High-Tech
|
Pros
Great workout program integration
Comes with 22-inch touchscreen
Versatile resistance options
|
Cons
Heavy
|
greatist
Best for classes
|
Pros
1-year iFit membership with purchase, large touch screen, easy to store
|
Cons
Membership requires payment after the first year (currently $396 annually), air resistance can be noisy
|
We ranked Sunny Health SF-RW5515 #4 in May 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Pick for Tall Rowers
|
Pros
Portable
Long slide rail
Affordable
|
Cons
Not as durable
Small readout
|
Business Insider
The best rowing machine for beginners
|
Pros
Economical with eight levels of resistance
easy to fold and store
|
Cons
Only okay cord quality
rail might be too short for tall people
|
Healthline
Best budget rowing machine
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
may not be suitable for larger bodies
louder than other rowers
might not be challenging enough for very advanced users
|
The Strategist
Strategist family poll: The rowing machine I bought my dad for Christmas
We ranked The Echelon Smart Rower #5 in May 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Connected Class Package
|
Pros
Reliable brand
Pro
Smooth action
Pro
Resistance controls on handles
|
Cons
Heavy
Need to pay for class membership after free trial
|
Healthline
Best rowing machine with adjustable resistance levels
|
Pros
180-degree screen rotation for off-equipment training
foldable for easy storage
easy-glide seat
32 magnetic resistance levels
|
Cons
high sticker price
monthly subscription required to access live and on-demand classes
requires a large space
|
Verywell Fit
Easiest Setup
|
Pros
Foldable
Comes with 22-inch touchscreen
Built-in wheels
|
Cons
Echelon membership required for full benefits
|
greatist
Best magnetic resistance
|
Pros
Quiet, access to rowing and nonrowing classes with app subscription
|
Cons
Extra cost for app subscription, need to use your own tablet or smartphone
|
We ranked The Ergatta Rower #6 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Business Insider
The best interactive rowing machine
|
Pros
Motivating video game-inspired workout platform
beautiful design
features a folding design for easy stowing
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Verywell Fit
Best Design
|
Pros
Multiple features and workouts
Easy to move and store
Bluetooth compatibility
|
Cons
Expensive
Technology takes time to master
|
We ranked WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine #7 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Water-Resistance Rowing Machine
|
Pros
Beautiful design
True water-based resistance
|
Cons
Not foldable
|
Business Insider
The best water resistance rowing machine
|
Pros
Gorgeous appearance,
meditative whooshing sounds
simulation of open-water rowing sensations
|
Cons
Expensive
included monitor is fine but limited
|
greatist
Best high weight capacity
|
Pros
High weight capacity, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing design
|
Cons
Assembly requires power tools, resistance level difficult to change
|
We ranked Stamina ATS Air #8 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Rowing Machine
|
Pros
Affordable
Durable materials
|
Cons
No manual resistance options
|
Verywell Fit
Best Wind Resistance
|
Pros
Resistance naturally changes based on your intensity
Lightweight
Comfortable
|
Cons
Louder than other options
|
We ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 as #1.
Verywell Fit
Best Budget
|
Pros
Great for small spaces
Quiet
Easy to use
|
Cons
Changing resistance mid-workout isn't seamless
|
greatist
Best under $200
|
Pros
Compact, inexpensive, quiet
|
Cons
Not great for full-body workout
|
We ranked Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower #10 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Quiet
|
Pros
Solid construction
Easy to assemble
Quiet enough to use in a common area
|
Cons
Too small for tall people
|
greatist
Best for small spaces
|
Pros
Quiet, easy to store, comes with a heart rate monitor
|
Cons
Durability concerns from reviewers, hard to reach customer service
|
We ranked ProForm 750R #11 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget-Friendly Interactive Rower
|
Pros
Affordable with streaming capabilities
Compact and foldable
|
Cons
Need separate device for streaming
|
We ranked MaxKare Magnetic Tension #12 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine for beginners
|
Pros
foldable for simple storage
large cushioned seat
affordable entry-level rower
|
Cons
might be too low tech for advanced users
maximum user weight of only 245 pounds
only 16 resistance levels
|
We ranked Sunny Health Obsidian Surge #13 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Budget-Friendly Water Rower
|
Pros
Affordable
Reliable fitness tracking
Smooth water feel
|
Cons
Heavy model
|
We ranked Stamina Trac Glider 1050 #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Business Insider
The best budget rowing machine
|
Pros
Low price
independent arms for a full range of movement
ease of assembly and folding
|
Cons
Resistance declines as piston heats up during long rowing sessions
short warranty (90 days for parts/one year for frame)
|
Healthline
Best rowing machine for small spaces
|
Pros
good size for apartments and small rooms
very low price
foldable for simple storage
low tech for easy use
|
Cons
limited warranty
can be cumbersome to operate
might be too basic for advanced fitness levels
|
We ranked Sunny Row-N-Ride #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best for Small Spaces
|
Pros
Silent
Very small footprint
Secure design
|
Cons
Doesn't mimic a traditional rowing experience
|
greatist
Best rowing machine for lower-body workouts
|
Pros
Easy to use, assemble, and store; great for lower-body workouts
|
Cons
Nontraditional rower, not a lot of resistance options
|
We ranked Peloton Row Basics #16 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Investment
|
Pros
Smooth and quiet strokes
Trusted, premium brand
Form assist feature
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Stamina Conversion II #17 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Recumbent
|
Pros
Great for users who need additional support
Convenient to fold and store
Two-in-one design
|
Cons
Doesn't mimic a traditional rowing experience
|
greatist
Best convertible
|
Pros
Adjusts to recumbent bike, easy to use
|
Cons
Seat can be uncomfortable for biking, difficult to assemble
|
We ranked WaterRower Classic S4 #18 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best water rower
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
expensive
not easy to change resistance level
no built-in touch screen or sound system
|
We ranked Schwinn Crewmaster #19 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine with an oversized seat
|
Pros
foldable for easy storage
affordable sticker price for an entry-level rower
adjustable LCD screen
|
Cons
only 10 resistance levels
maximum user weight of 300 pounds
not Bluetooth-enabled
|