7 Best Which Rowing Machines should I buy in 2026: Tested & Rank…
Compare the best rowing machines under $1000 and find your perfect match for full-body fitness, budget, and space.
Our Top Pick
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Monitor
Best OverallSerious fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone who wants a long-lasting, competition-grade rowing machine.
View on Amazon →Key Factors to Consider
- 1.Resistance Type – Air, magnetic, and water all feel different. Air gets harder the faster you pull, magnetic is smooth and quiet, water mimics real boating. Pick the feel you like.
- 2.Build Quality & Frame – Look for a solid steel or wood frame, smooth glide rail, and stable base. A wobbly rower can turn you off quickly.
- 3.Monitor & Connectivity – Do you need just time and distance, or do you want Bluetooth, app integration, and performance tracking?
- 4.Comfort & Adjustability – Seat cushion, footrest angle, and handle design affect comfort. An adjustable resistance level is also important for progress.
- 5.Noise Level – If you live in an apartment or work out early morning, magnetic and water rowers are much quieter than air rowers.
- 6.Size & Storage – Rowers are usually long. Check if it folds, splits, or stands upright. Measure your space before buying.
- 7.Weight Capacity – Make sure the rower supports your weight and height. 250 lbs is common; 300+ gives more headroom.
- 8.Warranty & Support – Good brands back their products with at least 2-5 years on frame and parts. Read warranty terms.
- 9.Subscription Costs – Some rowers offer great workout content but require monthly fees. Factor that into the total cost of ownership.
- 10.Value for Money – A $999 rower might be worth it if you use it daily; a $300 rower can be a waste if it wobbles and frustrates you.
The Products
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Monitor

✓ Pros
- •Industry standard, used in competitions and gyms
- •Exceptional durability and build quality
- •Accurate PM5 monitor with Bluetooth/ANT+
- •Splits in half for manageable storage
- •Strong resale value
- •Wide range of resistance via adjustable damper
✗ Cons
- •Relatively noisy compared to magnetic or water rowers
- •Large footprint (requires 96 inches of length)
- •No subscription-based classes or interactive workouts
- •May feel intimidating for beginners
Best For:
Serious fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone who wants a long-lasting, competition-grade rowing machine.
Not Recommended For:
People who need a silent, high-tech, subscription-based workout or have very limited floor space.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
The benchmark for rowing machines, backed by decades of credibility and a massive community.
VS Others:
Compared to water or magnetic rowers, the Concept2 is noisier and doesn't offer built-in classes, but it wins on durability, data accuracy, and resale value. If you only plan to row once a week, a cheaper magnetic rower might be enough, but if you want a machine that truly lasts, this is the one.
Why This One:
The Concept2 Model D is the safest long-term purchase. It's the most proven rower on earth, and its PM5 monitor gives you the performance data you need to train effectively. If you can afford it, you will not regret it.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine

✓ Pros
- •Very affordable price point
- •Quiet magnetic resistance
- •Space-saving and easy to move
- •Decent basic monitor with pulse
- •Smooth belt drive mechanism
- •Easy assembly
✗ Cons
- •Only 8 resistance levels
- •Low weight capacity (250 lbs)
- •Not suitable for very tall users
- •Monitor lacks Bluetooth, apps, or advanced metrics
- •Build quality is basic compared to premium models
Best For:
Budget-conscious beginners and apartment dwellers who want a quiet, no-frills rowing machine.
Not Recommended For:
Tall or heavy users, serious rowers, or anyone who wants connected fitness features.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
Best price-to-performance combination under $300 with quiet magnetic resistance.
VS Others:
The Sunny SF-RW5515 offers great value compared to the Concept2 but lacks the durability and performance data. It's quieter than the Concept2 and cheaper than the Echelon, but you'll outgrow it if you become a serious rower.
Why This One:
If you're not ready to spend $1000, this is the smartest starter rower. It gives you a real full-body workout without the noise or high price, and it has enough quality to last a few years.
Echelon Row Smart Connect Rowing Machine

✓ Pros
- •Sleek, compact, quiet design
- •32 levels of magnetic resistance
- •Great app ecosystem with live classes
- •Bluetooth connectivity and heart rate support
- •Comfortable seat and footrests
- •Reasonable price for a smart rower
✗ Cons
- •Subscription required for app classes
- •No folding mechanism; needs floor space
- •Not ideal for very tall users (max height ~6'2")
- •Display monitor is an app-driven tablet; no built-in screen
Best For:
Tech-savvy users who want motivated, app-based workouts and prefer a quiet magnetic rower.
Not Recommended For:
Those who avoid monthly fees or want a no-frills, long-term rower.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
A surprisingly affordable smart rower with a thriving community of virtual rides and live classes.
VS Others:
Compared to the Hydrow Wave, the Echelon Row costs half as much and has a similar magnetic resistance, but its app content and screen experience are less immersive. It's much more interactive than the Sunny, but the subscription cost can add up.
Why This One:
If you want the motivation of live classes and don't want to pay Hydrow-money, the Echelon Row is the best mid-priced smart rower. You get real-time metrics and a built-in community, all under $500.
Hydrow Wave Connected Rowing Machine

✓ Pros
- •Immersive, cinematic workout classes
- •Compact footprint for a smart rower
- •Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance
- •15.6" touchscreen included
- •Professional coaches and scenic routes
- •Great for beginners and intermediate users
✗ Cons
- •Requires $38/month membership after trial
- •Price is at the top of under-$1000 budget
- •Magnetic resistance not as intense as water/air at high output
- •Doesn't fold flat (needs about 6 feet long)
Best For:
People who need entertainment and instruction to stay motivated, and are willing to pay a subscription.
Not Recommended For:
Budget-conscious buyers or those who dislike recurring fees and want raw performance per dollar.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
All the magic of a $2,500 Hydrow in a more compact, more affordable package.
VS Others:
The Hydrow Wave is more expensive than the Echelon Row and has a subscription requirement, but it offers a far richer content ecosystem and a bigger screen. It's not the athlete's choice like the Concept2, but for many beginners, the classes make it easier to stay consistent.
Why This One:
If you struggle with motivation and want a gym-quality class experience at home, the Hydrow Wave is worth every penny. The storytelling and coaching set it apart from every rower under $1,000.
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
✓ Pros
- •Stunning handcrafted wooden design
- •Smooth, soothing water resistance
- •Very quiet during use
- •No electricity required
- •Generous weight capacity
- •Limited lifetime warranty
✗ Cons
- •Monitor is basic and not very advanced
- •Heavy and difficult to move
- •Requires occasional water maintenance
- •Does not fold; needs floor space
Best For:
Design-conscious owners who want a quiet, natural rowing feel and a piece of equipment that doubles as furniture.
Not Recommended For:
Stats-driven athletes, tech users who want Bluetooth and app integrations, or anyone who wants a portable rower.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
The only rower that looks and feels like a piece of fine furniture while giving you a true water rowing experience.
VS Others:
Compared to the Concept2, the WaterRower is quieter and more beautiful but has a more basic monitor and less competitive pedigree. It offers a more relaxing session than the Hydrow Wave, but you miss the coaching and screen.
Why This One:
If you want a calm, low-impact workout and your home aesthetic matters as much as your fitness metrics, the WaterRower is a thoughtful investment that will last for decades.
Xterra ERG600W Water Rowing Machine

✓ Pros
- •Water rower experience at a budget price
- •Smooth, quiet stroke
- •Included LCD monitor with pulse
- •Strong steel frame and 300 lb capacity
- •Transport wheels for easy movement
✗ Cons
- •Less precise water resistance adjustment than WaterRower
- •Heavy and difficult to move up stairs
- •No Bluetooth or app support
- •Some users may notice materials are not premium
Best For:
First-time buyers who want the water rower feel without paying a premium.
Not Recommended For:
Serious athletes who need accurate data or people who need a space-saving, folding rower.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
The most affordable water rower that actually works well and ships from Amazon.
VS Others:
The Xterra gives you 60-70% of the WaterRower experience for 40% of the price. It's not as refined, but it's also dramatically cheaper than the WaterRower and much cheaper than the Hydrow Wave.
Why This One:
If you're not sure you want to commit to a water rower, this is the safest way to try the category without breaking the bank.
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine

✓ Pros
- •Very low price point
- •Compact and quiet design
- •Adjustable resistance cylinders
- •No electrical power required
- •Easy assembly
✗ Cons
- •Less authentic rowing motion
- •No memory or advanced metrics
- •Limited to light-to-moderate users
- •May feel rudimentary for experienced exercisers
Best For:
Absolute beginners or people with tiny spaces and an extremely tight budget.
Not Recommended For:
Anyone who wants a real rowing feel, reliable performance, or long-term durability.
Key Features:
Standout Feature:
A no-frills, ultra-compact rowing glider that costs less than a month of gym membership.
VS Others:
Compared to the Sunny SF-RW5515, the Stamina is cheaper but offers a less realistic stroke and lower build quality. If you're between these two, save up the extra $80 and get the Sunny.
Why This One:
It's the kind of machine you buy when you need to do something without spending anything. It's better than nothing, but it's not a rower for the long run.
Who Should Get What?
Budget-Conscious Beginner
A 25-year-old graduate student wants to improve her cardio and basic strength at home. She lives in a 400 sq ft apartment, doesn't want to annoy her downstairs neighbor, and has only about $250 to spend. She's never owned a rower before and needs something easy to use.
Recommended:
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sunny SF-RW5515 is quiet, compact, and cheap enough to fit her budget. It doesn't have app features, but it will give her a great low-impact workout and help her build the habit without a big investment.
View on Amazon →Competitive CrossFit Athlete
A 36-year-old former college athlete now lives in a house with a garage gym. He wants a rower to improve his erg scores and HIIT conditioning. He values precise data, rock-solid construction, and doesn't mind a loud fan when he's sprinting. He plans to keep this machine for at least 10 years.
Recommended:
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Monitor
The Concept2 is the industry standard for rowing performance monitoring and duplicates gym conditions. It is built to take abuse and will last for decades, making it the obvious choice for serious rowing and CrossFit training.
View on Amazon →Interactive Workout Enthusiast
A 32-year-old marketing manager used to love group fitness classes and is now working from home. She needs a machine that keeps her motivated with live classes and a sense of community. She's not a hardcore athlete, but she's willing to pay for a premium experience to stay consistent.
Recommended:
Hydrow Wave Connected Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Wave offers cinematic classes with professional coaches, making it the most engaging rower under $1000. She'll pay a subscription after the trial, but for her, the motivation is worth the cost.
View on Amazon →Design-Conscious Homeowner
A 45-year-old couple recently renovated their living room and want a rower that doesn't clash with the interior design. They plan to row in a second-floor bedroom and need something quiet and elegant. They care about feel and aesthetics more than data.
Recommended:
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
The WaterRower's solid ash wood frame and water resistance are beautiful and subtle. It's quiet enough for indoor use and functions as furniture when not in use.
View on Amazon →Tech-Savvy Mid-Budget Buyer
A 28-year-old programmer wants a smart rower that connects to his phone and lets him compete in virtual challenges. He doesn't want to pay $1,000, and he likes the idea of tracking his stats. He lives in a duplex and appreciates quiet operation.
Recommended:
Echelon Row Smart Connect Rowing Machine
The Echelon Row gives app integration and 32 resistance levels at half the price of the Hydrow Wave. It pairs with the Echelon Fit app for live classes and competitive events, satisfying his tech needs without breaking the bank.
View on Amazon →First-Time Rower on a Mid-Range Budget
A 55-year-old man, recently retired, wants a low-impact, full-body workout. He's never rowed before, but he's seen the water rowers at his friend's house and likes the smoothness. He wants something functional but doesn't need advanced features. His comfort budget is around $400-$500.
Recommended:
Xterra ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
The Xterra ERG600W gives the smooth feel of water resistance at a price that's comfortable for a first purchase. It's quiet and well-built enough for a beginner, and if he loves it later, he can upgrade to a WaterRower.
View on Amazon →Buying Guide: How to Choose
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rowing machine should I buy for full-body fitness?▼
Which rowing machine under $1000 is best for beginners?▼
Is the Concept2 Model D worth the extra money?▼
Which is better: Hydrow Wave or Echelon Row?▼
What's the difference between air, magnetic, and water rowers?▼
Do I need a rowing machine with a subscription?▼
Can I get a good rower for under $500?▼
Which rowing machine is best for small spaces?▼
Can tall people use a standard rowing machine?▼
What is the best value-for-money rowing machine under $1000?▼
Which rowing machine has the best resale value?▼
How much space do I need for a rowing machine?▼
Need More Help Deciding?
Explore more buying guides to find the perfect product for your needs.
View All Buying Guides