The 7 Best Rowing Machines of 2025, Tested by Fitness Experts

Over the past three years, we’ve tested every major rower on the market, yet the Concept2 RowErg still reigns supreme. Its high quality construction, easy assembly, and incredibly smooth ride make the RowErg the best in its class. And at this price point, we think it offers many of the same features as the best rowing machines that cost twice as much.

In fact, this home gym equipment is an industry standard used by Crossfit and many high-profile competitions. Our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., says this is his go-to rowing machine because it can blast your abs, glutes, and back while redlining your heart rate. “It’s built for either long cardio workouts, or vicious high-intensity sessions,” says Samuel.

The RowErg has a durable construction that can support people up to 500 pounds. Our editors have been using the RowErg in their home gyms for years now, and found that it still works as good as new. We also appreciate the variable resistance flywheel, which provides a constant challenge. Our fitness editors say this feature is especially useful for high volume use and experienced rowers.

It’s easy to assemble, too. In our experience setting up this rower, all it takes is around 20 minutes, ideally two people, and minimal tools or hardware (just eight screws are required). Plus, it separates into two pieces for easy storage, making it deal for people with smaller home gym set ups.

Yes, it lacks smart connectivity and the big beautiful LED screens found in newer models like the Hydrow, but if you’re looking for a tough-as-nails machine that can keep up with your toughest workouts, the RowErg delivers the definitive home rowing experience. That’s why it’s our pick for the best rowing machine of 2025.

Read more: Best Cardio Machines

“If I can’t use a Concept2, this is my go-to,” says Samuel. The Hydrow Wave is a more streamlined and slimmed-down version of Hydrow’s original Rower Connected Rowing Machine—and a 2022 Men’s Health Home Gym Awards winner. It’s a smart machine with an HD screen that features immersive guided workouts to recreate a real-world rowing experience. And after using the Wave Rower for over a year now, we can attest that it delivers on that promise.

The electromagnetic resistance is incredibly smooth and quiet, and Hydrow’s armada of on-demand classes are surprisingly lifelike. “It feels as if you’re out on the water, complete with videos shot on lakes and rivers,” says Samuel. “The end result: a tranquil row seat.” While other cardio machines we’ve tested got repetitive after a few weeks of use, Hydrow’s video programs always kept things interesting.

This rower fits easily in my basement training area, and can stand up for storage. Not only does it fold, but it looks good folded up. Despite the compact size, we’ve found the Wave is also SUPER-durable: I can go hard on this rower for sprints, or take on longer intervals without it struggling to keep up.

We do wish this rower had a free mode to allow users to build their own workouts. Despite that, this is the best magnetic resistance rowing experience on the market. If you’re someone who cares about the details and wants to learn from experts, this is the best pick for you.

Read More: The Best Rowing Machines Under $500

Sometimes simpler is just better. The made-in-the-USA design takes things back to basics with a vaguely vintage aesthetic of stained ash wood. There is no denying that in certain homes the aesthetic of a wooden water rower is just superior. This also makes it one of the most heavy-duty machines on this list, supporting users up to 700 pounds.

We found that the traditional water-based flywheel not only looks great, but does an incredible job of recreating the feel of rowing through real water. Users can fully customize the resistance by filling the water tank with more or less water, which can make a mess, but isn’t difficult to do. Keep in mind you’ll also need to treat the water on a consistent basis so it doesn’t get moldy.

At around $1,100, this model lacks the fancier gadgetry of the pricier models on this list. So if you don’t rely heavily on video classes or virtual instructors for your motivation then you can save a good amount by going with this simpler machine. Still, the integrated performance monitor tracks all the essentials.

The absence of a screen also means that this piece of equipment can be be folded upright and stored easier than most, meaning it’s perfect for putting away in closets or corners. For anyone looking for a durable, handsome rower without unnecessary bells and whistles at a good price, this is your pick.

The top-rated Ergatta Rower (a Men’s Health Fitness Awards Winner) is all performance, complete with game-based workouts that challenge you daily. It’s the most “gamified” water-based rowing machine on this list with a long list of virtual workout programs to choose from. We took it for a spin with head-to-head races, high-intensity endurance workouts, and goal-based gamified training plans to get the full experience.

We found this is one of the smoothest water rowers we’ve used, and the games are enough to keep things fun and interesting even when doing a basic workout. The game-based workouts felt like a much needed changeup from typical hard workouts on a Concept2, and are actually good for dialing in form.

It also offers studio class workouts led by instructors from CityRow, if that’s more your speed. In terms of the frame, the lone downside is that the feet are positioned a little more closely than we prefer. But on the plus side, rolling this model and folding it is easy. Not only that, but it looks cool even when folded up against the wall.

The warm cherry wood feels extremely durable and gives the rower a sleek retro-modern aesthetic that elevated the look of our home gym space. It’s among the priciest rowing machines on this list, but if you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line rower that doubles as a home accessory, it’s hard to beat.

Read more: Best Rowing Gloves

Whether you’re competing live against your peers, trying to out-row world-class athletes, or even being chased by a deadly Kraken, the Strong Series Rower is a fix to boring rowing workouts. Aside from the basics (like tracking performance stats), a massive and crisp definition 22-inch touchscreen allows for streaming content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as a library of interactive, performance-based video games.

The tech was actually developed by game designers using game psychology, with the singular goal of encouraging rowing performance. The animated games are immersive and easy to learn, and incentivize players to increase output in creative ways.

Aside from the gamified perks, one major feature of this machine is its 20-inch elevated seat, which makes it easy for beginners, older individuals, and those with limited mobility to get on and off the machine. It isn’t as low to the ground as more traditional rowing machines, and is therefore more accessible for some people.

The foot pedals are also more wide-set and larger than found on most rowers, which makes it feel more accessible for a range of users. For bigger individuals who typically feel crammed or awkward on a standard machine, this is for you. But that doesn’t mean it takes up more room. In fact, this rower can be flipped upright easily and stored without a wall mount.

Read more: Exercise to Improve Your Rowing

Life Fitness machines are found in fitness clubs around the world. And for good reason: they’re easy to use, beginner-friendly, suitable for advanced rowers, and built to last. Their latest product, the Heat Row is no exception. It’s reasonably heavy at 108 pounds when filled with water, and folds in half easily to stow away when not in use.

First off, allow me to rave a little bit about the foot straps on this Heat Row. I’ve secured myself into a number of rowers over the years, and often it can be a little tedious to get in or out. That can really throw a wrench into your workout, especially if you’re looking to keep the pace up. These straps are extremely easy to ratchet into, and you can kick into your training right away. And when you’re done, a quick flick of the wrist sets you free for your next exercise.

Unlike some of the more high-tech models we tested, the simple stripped down design delivers ultra-smooth resistance without any finicky gadgetry. Changing the resistance is super simple and streamlined, with a knob that turns 300 degrees, and all you need to do is bend forward to turn it up to that next effort.

Given the roughly $1,700 price tag, we’re a little disappointed that this model lacks a built-in touchscreen display. However, personally I enjoy not having a huge display infront of my face during my workout. Everyone has a phone or an iPad, with all the classes or coaching that you need. Looking for a training app? Check out our story on the best fitness apps to use now.

Because this is another rower without a screen, it stores upright easily. This is a solid pick for anyone who is looking for something a little more solid than the Concept2, but don’t need any gimmicky technology.

Men’s Health fitness writer and strength coach David Otey, C.S.C.S., took the Peloton Row for a spin and confirmed that it’s set to give every rower on this list—even the most goated rowing machines—a run for their money.

Otey and MH fitness editors found both the seat and foot pedals extremely comfortable, and the foot strap secure yet easy to adjust with a single hand. Otey describes the strap’s pull as “silky smooth” without the annoying catching found in lesser rowers. We found that the electrically controlled resistance also makes for whisper-quiet operation.

But the real star isn’t its frame, “Peloton’s best asset isn’t its hardware; it’s a great software company,” says Otey. The tech on this machine delivers, with a Form Assist function that can help nearly any level rower achieve better form as they row.

It’s not perfect, however. Otey notes that its most obvious shortcoming is the lack of an adjustable manual mode. This is a stark difference from many manual rowers, which shows Peloton is more confident in their programming and instructors than your ability to create your own workouts.

The rower can be easily stored vertically against a wall, but requires an anchor to go into the wall for safety. This is perfect for any rowers looking for great classes and a well-built machine, especially if they are already Peloton fans.

Read more: Peloton Rower Review

How to Use an Indoor Rowing Machine

Our fitness experts love indoor machines for a ton of reasons. But the biggest one is how easy and accessible they are for enthusiasts of any fitness level. Seriously, there’s not much more to using one than simply sitting down and pulling—rinse and repeat. But like any workout machine, there is a right way and a wrong way. The best way to not only maximize your performance and rowing gains but also to avoid injury is to practice the proper rowing technique.

Start by sitting squarely on the seat with your tailbone pointing directly into the middle. Follow your rowing stroke through each of these four phases, paying careful attention to your posture and form:

The Catch

To start, your shins should be perpendicular to the floor (i.e., vertical). Extend your arms fully—with a focus on your triceps—and grab the rower’s handle. Be mindful of your core, and slightly lean your torso forward.

The Drive

While keeping your arms straight, power through the Drive phase with your leg muscles, pushing your body (and the seat) smoothly away from the footplates. Finish by pulling the handle into your abdomen and leaning back.

The Finish

Despite the name, you’re not quite “finished.” In this phase, your elbows should be bent and the handle tucked into the lower part of your chest. Use your core to stabilize your torso, keeping a slight angle toward the rowing machine.

The Recovery

Be mindful of your form while returning to the starting position in this phase. Straighten your arms by using your triceps. Slightly lean your torso forward. Bend your legs and smoothly slide your butt and the seat down the rail of the rowing machine.

Once back in the starting position, repeat the next stroke by beginning with the Drive phase again.

Why Buy an Indoor Rowing Machine?

Rowing is a near-perfect exercise, and a good indoor rowing machine promises a low-impact, full-body workout with the convenience of a single device. “Since rowing promotes improvements to both your muscular strength and cardiovascular strength, you get two for one,” says Tuttle. She outlines four specific reasons why you should buy a rowing machine:

Rowing Is a Great Warmup

“A proper warmup is key to having a successful workout; it should prepare your heart, muscles, joints, and mind for the harder efforts to come.” Because it’s so low-impact, it’s a great slow warm-up, even if rowing isn’t your ultimate program goal on a given day.

Rowing Adds Variety

Because rowing is significantly lower impact than most high-intensity exercises like running, it’s far easier to recover between workouts. Ideally, a rowing machine will help add variety to your workout days.

A Good Row Can Be Pure Zen

Because indoor rowing involves fewer external stimuli than outdoor activities, it can be extremely meditative. Tuttle agrees: “Once warm and a comfortable rhythm has been established, you can close your eyes, connect your breath to your body, and simply enjoy the gift of movement.”

Rowing Is a Great Finisher

Hardcore workout sessions often involve an explosive finish. Hopping on your rowing machine near the end of your routine is a great way to cap things off. “It’s hard to pass up a good 5- to 10-minute long EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute) row 100 to 200 meters, depending upon your fitness and skill level,” says Tuttle. “Each effort should be about 90 percent max intensity and your goal is to finish with 20 seconds or more to recover before the top of the next minute.”

Is an Exercise Bike or Rowing Machine Best for Me?

If a low-impact cardio machine is what you’re looking for, it’s true that indoor bikes and rowers can both be suitable options. The best choice for you? Well, it all comes down to your goals.

The rowing machine provides a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups. However, it requires a technique and coordination to avoid injury and that can be less intuitive for some users compared to using an exercise bike. Rowers also take up more space and can be noisy.

On the other hand, stationary bikes can provide a great cardio workout, are more adjustable (seat heat, handlebars, etc.) and are easy to use. But biking primarily focuses on lower body muscles, and may not challenge the upper body or coordination as effectively as a rowing machine.

In general, says Samuel, the rower will be the more advanced cardio option. According to him, the rower delivers a more “well-rounded” workout. It also directly challenges your mid-back muscles, lower back muscles, and glutes.

“These are all key postural muscles,” Samuel told us, “so you’re getting extra benefits out of the rower.”

The downside: Rowing also requires more technique, so there’s a higher learning curve to dominating on the rower.

How to Avoid Getting Injured Using a Rowing Machine

The best way to avoid getting injured on the rower is to master proper technique, according to Samuel. You’ll want to tighten your abs before each pull, and aim to let your legs drive the motion. He recommends working hard not to lean back too aggressively as you finish each row stroke; think of your torso shifting between a 10 o’clock angle and 2 o’clock as you row. Anything more than that isn’t beneficial.

Additionally, start every row workout with a brief warmup. This doesn’t need to take long, but before you start pulling to the max during any workout, spend at least a minute doing slower, controlled pulls through the full range of your rowing motion, driving blood flow and gradually elevating your heart rate. That’ll get you primed to row your best.

Finally, make sure there’s plenty of room on every side of the rower. Having three feet of space on either side of the rower will allow you to comfortably pull your arms backward even if you elbows flare. You’ll want five-to-seven feet behind the rower, giving you room to shift your torso backwards on every stride. And keep a few feet in front of the rower, too. And remember, if you’re rowing hard, your heart rate will climb up there. So, don’t forget a decent cool-down.

Can You Lose Weight Using a Rowing Machine?

Targeted fat loss has been proven to be virtually impossible. But rowing machines are great for almost every aspect of fitness, including building strength, lowering overall body fat, increasing stamina, and even weight loss. The reason is simple: by burning a ton of calories (putting yourself in a calorie deficit), you can more easily score a negative daily energy balance. Bottom line: you’re consuming fewer calories than you’re burning. Maintaining a calorie deficit over a long period is the guiding principle behind successfully losing weight and keeping it off.