Best Rowing Machines 2023 — Do Not Buy Before Reading This

Read our full, in-depth review of the WaterRower Rowing Machine Here.

What to Look for in a Home Rower

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the best rower for you. Issues such as space and budget are probably first on your list, but then you should also consider the build and design of the rower, whether it contains a screen or console, and if you want something with subscription content. Below we outline some of the more important factors when evaluating a rower.

Frame Design

Most rowers feature a flywheel, connected via strap or chain to a handle. There is a seat that slides along a rail and foot pedals for your shoes. One thing to consider is the height of the rail. Rowers such as the Concept2 can be purchased with standard or tall legs for people who may need a rower that is not too low to the ground — this makes it easier to get on and off. This means users with limited mobility or joint issues can easily slide from a chair onto the rower seat. When looking at rowers, consider how low they are to the ground and whether or not this would be an issue for you.

Flywheel

The flywheel controls the power in the drive stroke. An air resistance flywheel is considered the gold standard for both power and consistency. Air resistance responds to the power in the drive, so stronger rowers generate more resistance as they row. This means you will never be able to “out row” the rower — it will always respond to and provide resistance equal to your rowing stroke. Air rowers use a damper to control how much air flows in and out of the flywheel. More air equals more resistance. Air rowers have a consistent feel throughout the rowing stroke. The resistance on the handle is smooth throughout the drive, so you don’t have heavy resistance at the catch that eases off through the stroke. However, air resistance flywheels are loud — as the air moves through the fan blades, it creates significant noise, so this should be a consideration. Comparatively, magnetic resistance is nearly silent when rowing, but it is not as consistent through the drive and it doesn’t respond to the user’s pull strength. Water rowers are another type of flywheel used on rowers. The sound of the rushing water as you pull is quieter and soothing, but water rowers don’t have resistance levels or easily adjustable resistance (there’s no damper). The only way to adjust resistance on a water rower is to add or remove water from the tank, which is challenging. Some rowers are hybrids, which is usually a combination of air resistance and magnetic resistance. These are quieter than air resistance alone, but lack a bit of the responsive power in a fully air powered flywheel.

Handle and Chain

The size and width of the handle affects how it feels in your hand. Most handles are gently cushioned for comfort. The handle connects to the flywheel via a chain or belt. Chains are stronger (these are used on the Concept2 machines), but they are also noisier. Belt drives are much quieter and often feel smoother through the pull, but they may wear out faster (they can shred if used repeatedly by strong rowers).

Foot Pedals

Most rowers have foot boards that support the foot pedal. The foot board is typically wider and longer than the pedal for sufficient support. Foot pedals are usually molded, with a ridge along the base and sides of the pedal to keep your foot in securely. Pedals also usually have a strap that comes up over the top of your foot. Pedals should have multiple size options and be pliable to allow for necessary ankle flexion. Often, pedals have a heel release, so the pedal can lift off the foot board as needed.

Seat

The best rowing seats are wide and lightly contoured. These should be a sweat-resistant material that is comfortable to sit on for extended training sessions.

Rail

The height of the rail is what determines how far you have to lower your body to sit on the seat. Rails are typically between 14” – 20” height, but some sit just an inch or so off the floor. Make sure to look for a smooth, sturdy rail that doesn’t bend in the middle or allow the seat to shift side to side. Most rails are steel or aluminum.

Console or Screen

Traditional rowers have an LCD screen with multiple programs, but many of the newer rowers also feature a screen and offer subscription content. Some consoles also have integrated tablet clips that extend from the console to hold a personal phone or tablet. If you are using a rower as part of an overall conditioning system and only plan to use it for quick bursts of training or intervals between strength sessions, then a simple digital console is sufficient. If you want programs and metrics, then look for an upgraded LCD console. Screens are only necessary if you want to access subscription content which provides instructional and motivation rowing programs.

Subscription Content

Many of the rowers on our list offer subscription content to help you develop proper rowing technique (it’s harder than you think), provide outdoor rowing experiences, and indoor rowing classes. The subscription content is especially useful for new or beginning rowers. Much of the content is high-quality and provides important instruction. However, there is an ongoing monthly fee for subscription classes, so evaluate that added cost per benefit to you.

Benefits of Rowing

Rowing Burns a Ton of Calories

According to a study by Harvard Medical School, rowing can burn between 400-600 calories per hour! This low-impact exercise is a great way to get some exercise in quickly and easily in the morning. You can enjoy the morning sunrise out your window while you row gently on your home rowing machine.

Improves Overall Fitness

Rowing for even just 15 minutes is a serious aerobic workout since it engages so many muscle groups. Rowing requires you to breathe deeply and evenly while you use your glute and core muscles to smoothly row through each stroke. Rowing regularly can help increase your stamina and endurance while improving your overall cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular conditioning is beneficial in the regulation and control of overall body functioning. Studies show that regular exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke and certain types of cancer.

Provides a Full-Body Workout

As mentioned above, rowing engages over 80% of your body’s muscles. Unlike other types of exercise equipment, rowing focuses on strengthening all your major muscle systems and doesn’t exclusively isolate lower body muscles only (I’m looking at you, spin bike). Correct rowing form (more on that later) begins with your legs; specifically your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves. As you hold the handle with your arms, your legs should drive back, away from the catch, propelling your body backward. This requires significant power and control in the powerful lower-body muscles. A strong core and elongated spine help maintain proper posture as your shoulders and arms pull the handle to your chest to complete the drive. A gentle return to the catch prepares you for the next drive. This full-body muscle engagement provides rowers with well-rounded musculature and overall fitness.

Rowing is Low Impact

One of the major benefits of rowing is you get an excellent high-intensity workout that is low-impact. Since your feet never leave the pedal platform (and shouldn’t even lift at the heels if your form is good), you can strengthen muscles, enhance cardiovascular fitness while staying low-impact. There is no jumping or bouncing, which makes rowing an ideal workout for those with joint, spine, or mobility issues.

Rowing is High Intensity

Don’t think that because you’re sitting down, rowing is a breeze. In fact, when done correctly, rowing is an extremely challenging and high-impact sport!! There’s a reason why rowing is the cardio-trainer of choice at the CrossFit Games — it’s hard! Rowing helps develop endurance, and can be used to perform HIIT workouts, interval training, power and strength conditioning.

Rowing is Great For Weight Loss or Maintenance

Because rowing is low impact, but yields impressive results, it is a great way to lose a few extra pounds — or just burn off some extra stress from work that day. Rowing can be done by most people and since rowers typically support a higher max weight than other machines, they are a great option for anyone looking to improve fitness and decrease the numbers on that scale! Moderate rowing by a 120lb person burns 200 calories in 30 minutes. Add some intensity (and most of us weigh more than 120lbs) and you’ll spike those numbers quickly! A lot of new rowing machines also have programs or classes you can use on the monitor to both keep you motivated and engaged throughout your rowing routine. The classic Concept2 rowers feature a fun Boat Game where you row against another boat in an attempt to keep your stroke strong and consistent. If you are looking for fitness equipment to help you drop those last few pounds, a home rower is a great option!

Rowing Helps Your Heart and Brain

When you exercise, your body releases several beneficial chemicals that support heart and brain health. The increased blood flood required during exercise circulates valuable oxygen and nutrients through your body. Exercise stimulates a release of endorphins which make us feel happy — even after your session is over. Both dopamine and norepinephrine are also stimulated which increases your motivation, focus, learning and perception. Exercise also stimulates the production of a substance called BDNF which protects and repairs brain neurons from injury and degeneration.

Rowing Has Protective Effects Against Disease and Illness

Because rowing gets your body’s large muscle groups moving repetitively for an extended period, it strengthens your heart and lungs as well as working muscles. This cardiovascular exercise provides a number of proven health benefits, from boosting your immune system to improving your cholesterol and reducing your risk of many chronic health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and stroke. Regular exercise can also help ward off viral illnesses by strengthening both your immune and circulatory systems. This may leave you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my rower everyday?

It is possible to use your rower everyday. With any training, it is important to listen to your body and vary your level of training. If you’re going to use your rower everyday, we don’t recommend pushing it to the max everyday. Instead, try spacing out your harder or longer rowing sessions by mixing in less intense and shorter rowing workouts. That way, you’ll be less likely to get injured or burnt out.

Is rowing better than cycling?

Both of these are great low impact activities that certainly help improve your cardiovascular strength. As far as which one is better, is up to you and your goals. Rowing provides more of a full-body workout because it workouts your lower body, core, and upper body. Cycling primarily works your lower body and can be a little bit more forgiving on the joints.

Is rowing good or bad for knees?

Rowing can help build the muscles in the legs and around the knees to make them stronger. It is also a low impact exercise so you won’t have impact on your knees like you do when running. This makes it a good exercise for knees.

Make sure you use proper form and start slow if you are new to rowing. If you have knee problems or are recovering from an injury, consult with your doctor before getting into rowing.

How long do rowing machines last?

As long as it’s properly maintained and cared for, your rower can last for many years. It is said that the tried and true Concept2 air rower can last 20+ years. The type of resistance and build quality might affect how long your rower lasts. Sturdier rowers with heavier weight capacities will most likely last longer.