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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking rowing machines start at $99.97 (Sunny Row-N-Ride) and go up to $1994.99 (Hydrow Connected Rower). Median rowing machine costs $384.99 (Women’s Health Dual Transmission Rower).
$99.97
$1994.99

At a glance - May 2023 Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
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.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Most Reliable

Pros
Smooth, quiet flywheel
Used by commercial fitness centers
Super durable

Cons
Monitor is very basic

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Snooping: Jason Statham’s rowing machine

Go to ranking

The Trend Spotter

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

greatist

Best splurge

Pros
Real rowing feel, built-in speakers, large touch screen

Cons
Expensive, membership required

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Strategist-tested: Senior writer Karen Adelson’s pick for all-in-one rowing at home

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

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

We ranked NordicTrack RW900 #3 in May 2023 because:

  • 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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)

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Verywell Fit

Best High-Tech

Pros
Great workout program integration
Comes with 22-inch touchscreen
Versatile resistance options

Cons
Heavy

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Men’s Health editors’ pick

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

We ranked Sunny Health SF-RW5515 #4 in May 2023 because:

  • 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Budget Pick for Tall Rowers

Pros
Portable
Long slide rail
Affordable

Cons
Not as durable
Small readout

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Strategist family poll: The rowing machine I bought my dad for Christmas

Go to ranking

The Trend Spotter

Go to ranking

We ranked The Echelon Smart Rower #5 in May 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Verywell Fit

Easiest Setup

Pros
Foldable
Comes with 22-inch touchscreen
Built-in wheels

Cons
Echelon membership required for full benefits

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked The Ergatta Rower #6 in May 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Verywell Fit

Best Design

Pros
Multiple features and workouts
Easy to move and store
Bluetooth compatibility

Cons
Expensive
Technology takes time to master

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

We ranked WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine #7 in May 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Water-Resistance Rowing Machine

Pros
Beautiful design
True water-based resistance

Cons
Not foldable

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Expert-approved: A Pilates instructor’s favorite rowing machine

Go to ranking

We ranked Stamina ATS Air #8 in May 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Best Budget Rowing Machine

Pros
Affordable
Durable materials

Cons
No manual resistance options

Go to ranking

Verywell Fit

Best Wind Resistance

Pros
Resistance naturally changes based on your intensity
Lightweight
Comfortable

Cons
Louder than other options

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best Budget

Pros
Great for small spaces
Quiet
Easy to use

Cons
Changing resistance mid-workout isn't seamless

Go to ranking

greatist

Best under $200

Pros
Compact, inexpensive, quiet

Cons
Not great for full-body workout

Go to ranking

We ranked Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower #10 in May 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best Quiet

Pros
Solid construction
Easy to assemble
Quiet enough to use in a common area

Cons
Too small for tall people

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

We ranked ProForm 750R #11 in May 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Best Budget-Friendly Interactive Rower

Pros
Affordable with streaming capabilities
Compact and foldable

Cons
Need separate device for streaming

Go to ranking

The Trend Spotter

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

We ranked MaxKare Magnetic Tension #12 in May 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Self editors’ pick

Go to ranking

We ranked Sunny Health Obsidian Surge #13 in May 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Budget-Friendly Water Rower

Pros
Affordable
Reliable fitness tracking
Smooth water feel

Cons
Heavy model

Go to ranking

The Home Gym

Go to ranking

The Strategist

People’s Choice: Best water rowing machine on Amazon

Go to ranking

We ranked Stamina Trac Glider 1050 #14 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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)

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Sunny Row-N-Ride #15 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best for Small Spaces

Pros
Silent
Very small footprint
Secure design

Cons
Doesn't mimic a traditional rowing experience

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Peloton Row Basics #16 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SELF

Go to ranking

Verywell Fit

Best Investment

Pros
Smooth and quiet strokes
Trusted, premium brand
Form assist feature

Cons
Expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Stamina Conversion II #17 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

greatist

Best convertible

Pros
Adjusts to recumbent bike, easy to use

Cons
Seat can be uncomfortable for biking, difficult to assemble

Go to ranking

We ranked WaterRower Classic S4 #18 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

HiConsumption

Go to ranking

We ranked Schwinn Crewmaster #19 in May 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Rowing Machines” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

The Trend Spotter

Go to ranking