The best rowing machine is one of the few home cardio machines that works the legs, back and arms together, and it is low impact, which many people like. The big decision is the type of resistance: air, water, magnetic or hydraulic. Each feels different, makes different noise and takes up different amounts of space. Therefore, the right choice depends on your goals, your home and your budget.
What is the best rowing machine? The Concept2 RowErg is the best-reviewed rowing machine here by a wide margin with a 4.9 rating, while the Sunny Health & Fitness magnetic rowers are the most popular budget-friendly options by rating volume.
In short: choose air (Concept2) or water (WaterRower) for the most realistic feel, choose magnetic for quiet home use, and choose hydraulic only if you want the smallest, lowest-cost option.
Rowers vary a lot in size, weight capacity and monitor quality, so it helps to check the dimensions and user height before ordering. Ratings are a useful guide, but they mostly reflect assembly, noise and comfort rather than long-term durability. We flag the picks with fewer than 500 ratings.
This guide was written by researching customer ratings and product listings, not by testing each product ourselves. Below you will find our top three, how we chose, a comparison table, ten picks with honest pros and cons, a buying guide, tips and answers to common questions.
Recommended Rowing Machines
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These are research-based picks, not products we have tested. How we choose.
Our Top 3 Picks
BEST OVERALL Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine PM5. An air rower with a PM5 monitor and adjustable resistance, rated 4.9 across over 13,000 ratings.
BEST BUDGET MAGNETIC Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower. A compact, quiet smart magnetic rower, rated 4.4 across over 19,000 ratings.
BEST WATER ROWER WaterRower Water Rowing Machine S4 BLE Monitor. A water rowing machine with a BLE monitor, made in the USA, rated 4.7.
How We Chose These Products
We started from Amazon listings for rowing machines and kept products rated 4.3 stars or higher, favoring those with at least 500 ratings. We allowed no more than two products per brand. One picks have fewer than 500 ratings and are marked as such in their notes.
Comparison Table
| Pick | Resistance type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine PM5 | Air resistance, PM5 monitor | Serious home training |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower | Magnetic, smart | Quiet, compact home use |
| WaterRower Water Rowing Machine S4 BLE Monitor | Water resistance | Natural feel and looks |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower | Hydraulic, 12 levels | Small spaces |
| YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home | Magnetic, 16 levels | Home users wanting more resistance levels |
| Merach Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic, dual rail | Quiet, smooth rowing |
| Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic, quiet | Full-body workouts at home |
| Dripex Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Value-minded buyers |
| YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine (Second Listing) | Magnetic, 16 levels | Another YOSUDA option |
| Merach R280 Water Rowing Machine | Water, foldable | Water feel in a smaller space |
The 10 Best Rowing Machines
1. Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
BEST OVERALL
An air rower with a PM5 monitor and adjustable resistance, rated 4.9 across over 13,000 ratings.
Best for: Serious home training
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower
BEST BUDGET MAGNETIC
A compact, quiet smart magnetic rower, rated 4.4 across over 19,000 ratings.
Best for: Quiet, compact home use
3. WaterRower Water Rowing Machine S4 BLE Monitor
BEST WATER ROWER
A water rowing machine with a BLE monitor, made in the USA, rated 4.7.
Best for: Natural feel and looks
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower
BEST COMPACT HYDRAULIC
A compact hydraulic rower with 12-level resistance, rated 4.4 across over 20,000 ratings.
Best for: Small spaces
5. YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home
BEST MID-RANGE MAGNETIC
A magnetic rower with 16 levels of resistance, rated 4.5 across over 2,500 ratings.
Best for: Home users wanting more resistance levels
6. Merach Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine
BEST DUAL SLIDE RAIL
A magnetic rower with a dual slide rail and quiet operation, rated 4.4 across over 2,300 ratings.
Best for: Quiet, smooth rowing
7. Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine
BEST RATED MAGNETIC
A quiet magnetic rowing machine rated 4.6 across over 900 ratings.
Best for: Full-body workouts at home
8. Dripex Rowing Machine
BEST UPGRADED MODEL
An upgraded Dripex rowing machine rated 4.5 across over 900 ratings.
Best for: Value-minded buyers
9. YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine (Second Listing)
BEST SECOND YOSUDA
A second YOSUDA magnetic rower with 16 levels, rated 4.3 across over 2,000 ratings.
Best for: Another YOSUDA option
10. Merach R280 Water Rowing Machine
BEST FOLDABLE WATER ROWER
A foldable, space-saving water rower rated 4.6.
Best for: Water feel in a smaller space
How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Resistance type | Air and water feel natural; magnetic is quiet; hydraulic is compact but less smooth. |
| Space | Check the length when in use and the footprint when stored upright or folded. |
| Monitor | A basic monitor tracks time and distance; smart monitors connect to apps. |
| User size | Check the weight capacity and the rail length for tall users. |
| Noise | Magnetic and water rowers are generally quieter than air machines. |
Buying and Care Tips
- Warm up before rowing, and drive with your legs before pulling with your arms.
- Keep your back straight and avoid yanking the handle.
- Wipe the rail and seat track after use and check the bolts.
- Start with short sessions and build up gradually.
Honest Limits
- We did not test these products. The notes come from listings and customer ratings.
- We did not test these rowers. The notes come from listings and customer ratings.
- Weight capacity and dimensions vary by model, so confirm them in the listing.
- Two Sunny Health & Fitness, two YOSUDA and two Merach products are included, so some picks are similar.
- One picks have fewer than 500 ratings, so their scores are less reliable.
- Prices, colors, sizes and bundles change often on Amazon, so check the current listing.
- There is no single official authority source for this topic, so this guide relies on listing details and ratings.
Who Should Buy a Rowing Machine (and Who Should Not)
Rowing suits a wide range of people, yet it is not the right machine for everyone. So consider these points before you clear floor space.
- Good fit: anyone who wants a full-body cardio workout without the joint impact of running.
- Good fit: small homes, because most rowers store upright or fold to the size of a suitcase.
- Good fit: people who get bored on bikes, since rowing rewards technique and pacing.
- Think twice: if you have an acute lower back injury. Rowing is often recommended for back strength, but only with good form and medical clearance.
- Think twice: if you mainly want to build upper-body size. Rowing is roughly 60 percent legs, so it is a cardio tool first.
Rowers also pair well with simple strength work. Our guide to the best weight lifting gloves covers grip protection that helps on long rowing sessions as well.
Size, Weight Capacity and Noise by Resistance Type
The resistance type decides more than the feel of the stroke. It also sets the footprint, the noise level and the weight the frame can carry, so the table below is worth a careful look.
| Resistance | Typical footprint in use | Noise | Typical user limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | About 8 ft by 2 ft | Loud fan whoosh | 300 to 500 lb | Training, intervals and shared data with other rowers |
| Water | About 7 ft by 2 ft | Soft water swish | 300 to 700 lb | Natural feel and quiet rooms |
| Magnetic | About 6 to 7 ft by 2 ft | Near silent | 250 to 350 lb | Apartments and early-morning workouts |
| Hydraulic | About 4 ft by 2 ft | Quiet, with some piston hiss | 220 to 250 lb | Tight spaces and light use |
For a longer explanation of how each system creates resistance, the indoor rower article on Wikipedia is a good reference. Also add about 2 feet behind the seat rail for the full slide, because the listed length is the frame only.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Even the best rowing machine disappoints when it is chosen for the wrong reasons. So avoid these errors.
- Buying by resistance levels alone: a 16-level magnetic rower is not stronger than an air rower; the numbers are not comparable across types.
- Ignoring the rail length: tall users, roughly over 6 ft 2 in, need a rail rated for their inseam or they will hit the end of the slide.
- Overlooking the seat: a hard, narrow seat is the most common comfort complaint. A seat cushion fixes it for a few dollars.
- Expecting app support that is not there: check the exact Bluetooth standard and the apps named in the listing.
- Skipping the weight limit: budget frames often top out at 250 lb, which includes the force of a hard stroke.
Setup, Care and Maintenance
Most rowers arrive partly assembled and take 20 to 40 minutes to finish. Put it on a mat, because the seat rollers and feet mark floors. Then level it, since a rocking frame creaks and wears the rail.
Maintenance is light but regular. Wipe the rail after every session so sweat and dust do not grind into the rollers, and check the footstrap buckles monthly. Air rowers need the flywheel cage vacuumed every few months. Water rowers need a purification tablet every few months, and magnetic rowers only need the handle chain or strap inspected for wear.
Finally, pair the workout with recovery. A protein shake within an hour helps, and our best blender for protein shakes guide covers compact options for a home gym corner.
How to Spot a Low-Quality Listing
Rowing machines are heavy, so returns are painful. Therefore, before you buy the best rowing machine for your space, check for these warning signs.
- The weight capacity is missing or stated as a round number with no frame material named.
- No rail length or maximum user height is given.
- Reviews mention the monitor failing or the seat rollers cracking within months.
- The listing shows a water rower but describes magnetic resistance, or vice versa.
- Warranty terms for the frame and parts are not listed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rowing machine?
The Concept2 RowErg is the best-reviewed pick here at 4.9, with Sunny Health & Fitness magnetic rowers leading on rating volume among budget options.
Air, water or magnetic rower?
Air and water feel more natural, magnetic is quiet and compact, and hydraulic is the smallest and cheapest.
Are rowing machines good for beginners?
Yes, with proper form. Start with short sessions and learn the stroke sequence.
Are rowing machines quiet?
Magnetic and water rowers are generally quieter than air rowers.
Do rowing machines fold?
Several do, including some water, magnetic and hydraulic models. Check the listing for storage dimensions.
How much space do I need?
Check the in-use length in the listing, and plan extra room behind the machine.
Is a rowing machine good for back pain?
It depends on your condition. Ask your doctor before rowing if you have back problems.
Do I need a smart monitor?
Not necessarily. A basic monitor is enough for many people, but app-connected monitors can be motivating.
What weight can a rowing machine hold?
It varies by model. Check the weight capacity in the listing.
Are the lower-rated picks worth buying?
All picks are rated 4.3 or higher. The one with fewer than 500 ratings is less proven, so read recent reviews.
Is 20 minutes on the best rowing machine enough?
Yes. Twenty minutes of steady rowing at a moderate pace is a solid cardio session for most people, and intervals within that time raise the intensity. Consistency matters more than length.
How loud is a rowing machine in an apartment?
Magnetic rowers are quiet enough for early mornings with neighbors below, water rowers make a soft swish, and air rowers are the loudest. A thick mat reduces vibration through the floor.
How long does a rowing machine last?
A well-built rower lasts 10 years or more with basic care. Budget models usually wear first at the seat rollers, monitor and footstraps, all of which are cheap to replace.
The Bottom Line
For the most realistic stroke and best reviews, the Concept2 RowErg is the safest buy here. For a budget-friendly magnetic rower, the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower has the largest rating base.
Whatever you choose, check the dimensions and weight capacity, learn good form and ask a doctor if you have a health condition.
Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.