May 2024
Rowing Machines: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of rowing machines rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 9 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 100 rowing machine endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
52 rowing machines were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 May 2024, Concept2 RowErg takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed rowing machine with 7 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 rowing machine' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Stamina: 6 rowing machines
(#1 is Stamina Trac Glider 1050)
-
Sunny Health & Fitness: 4 rowing machines
(#1 is Sunny Health SF-RW5515)
-
WaterRower: 4 rowing machines
(#1 is WaterRower Ash)
-
Concept2: 3 rowing machines
(#1 is Concept2 RowErg)
-
Hydrow: 3 rowing machines
(#1 is Hydrow Rower)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Rowing Machine |
SELF
|
Verywell Fit
|
The Trend Spotter
|
Healthline
|
Popular Mechanics
|
The Strategist
|
The Home Gym
|
greatist
|
Business Insider
|
CNET
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Concept2 RowErg
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $884 |
NordicTrack RW900
|
7
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
3
|
7
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $2045 |
Hydrow Rower
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $225 |
Sunny Health SF-RW5515
|
3
|
-
|
14
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
12
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
5
|
+3 | $600 |
Echelon Row-S
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
9
|
-
|
9
|
10
|
-
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $1545 |
Hydrow Wave
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
|
7
|
- | $1129 |
WaterRower Ash
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
-
|
|
8
|
-3 | Check price |
The Ergatta Rower
|
6
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
9
|
New * | $2995 |
Peloton Row
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
|
10
|
+1 | $65 |
Stamina Trac Glider 1050
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
11
|
+2 | Check price |
Peloton Row Basics
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-5 | $1200 |
ProForm 750R
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+2 | Check price |
MaxKare Magnetic Tension
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
New * | Check price |
Aviron Impact Series
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
18
|
-9 | $259 |
Stamina ATS Air
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
+1 | Check price |
Sunny Health Obsidian Surge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | Check price |
Schwinn Crewmaster
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Concept2 RowErg #1 in May 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked Concept2 RowErg as #1.
Verywell Fit
Best Commercial
|
Customizable resistance
Built-in device holder
Two heights to choose from
|
Large footprint
|
Healthline
Best overall rowing machine
|
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
|
needs a large footprint for use and storage
pricier than other rowing machines
requires some tech skills to operate
|
Popular Mechanics
Most Reliable
|
Smooth, quiet flywheel
Used by commercial fitness centers
Super durable
|
Monitor is very basic
|
greatist
Best air resistance
|
Easy to assemble, Bluetooth connectivity
|
Air resistance can be noisy, resistance levels might not be tough enough for more advanced athletes.
|
Business Insider
Best rowing machine overall
|
Smooth gliding operation
ease of assembly
large size to accommodate tall people
|
Pricey
requires a bit of space (9 feet by 4 feet) but worth it
|
We ranked NordicTrack RW900 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best for Cross-Training
|
Quiet, even at high speeds
Adjustable screen
Large workout library with membership
|
App isn’t as intuitive as others
Can’t be stored vertically or folded
|
Healthline
Best high tech rowing machine
|
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
|
requires monthly subscription to access live and on-demand classes
high sticker price
requires a large space for use and storage
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Resistance Options
|
Large, full-color touchscreen
Membership-based group classes
Manual and air-resistance options
|
Expensive
Servicing and support questionable
|
greatist
Best for classes
|
1-year iFit membership with purchase, large touch screen, easy to store
|
Membership requires payment after the first year (currently $396 annually), air resistance can be noisy
|
Business Insider
Best digital resistance
|
Interactive workouts
easily folds up
utilizes a dual resistance design
|
Expensive
iFit membership costs $39 per month (after the first free year)
|
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 2024 ranking
SELF
Verywell Fit
The Trend Spotter
Healthline
Popular Mechanics
The Strategist
The Home Gym
greatist
Business Insider
CNET
We ranked Hydrow Rower #3 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hydrow Rower as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Best "Reel Water" Feel
|
375-pound weight limit
Close to real-water feel
Sleek and quiet
|
Expensive
Need add-ons for storage
|
The Strategist
Strategist-tested: Senior writer Karen Adelson’s pick for all-in-one rowing at home
greatist
Best splurge
|
Real rowing feel, built-in speakers, large touch screen
|
Expensive, membership required
|
Business Insider
The best smart rowing machine
|
Extensive library of motivating classes and rowing events
delivers a full-body workout
features quiet
electromagnetic resistance
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Sunny Health SF-RW5515 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best budget rowing machine
|
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
|
may not be suitable for larger bodies
louder than other rowers
might not be challenging enough for very advanced users
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Pick for Tall Rowers
|
Portable
Long slide rail
Affordable
|
Not as durable
Small readout
|
The Strategist
Strategist family poll: The rowing machine I bought my dad for Christmas
Business Insider
Best for beginners
|
Economical with eight levels of resistance
easy to fold and store
|
Only okay cord quality
rail might be too short for tall people
|
We ranked Echelon Row-S #5 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Foldable
|
32 resistance levels
Adjustable screen
Two water bottle holders
|
Some users may not like that the resistance controls are on the handle
No dedicated space for devices
|
Healthline
Best rowing machine with adjustable resistance levels
|
180-degree screen rotation for off-equipment training
foldable for easy storage
easy-glide seat
32 magnetic resistance levels
|
high sticker price
monthly subscription required to access live and on-demand classes
requires a large space
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Connected Class Package
|
Reliable brand
Smooth action
Resistance controls on handles
|
Heavy
Need to pay for class membership after free trial
|
greatist
Best magnetic resistance
|
Quiet, access to rowing and nonrowing classes with app subscription
|
Extra cost for app subscription, need to use your own tablet or smartphone
|
CNET
Best Foldable Rowing Machine
|
Light and easy to use if you've never rowed before
Versatile for people of various weights and heights
Easy to store upright
|
Plastic design looks like it may not be the most durable
Function is limited if you don't sign up for Echelon class membership
Warranty only lasts for a year
|
We ranked Hydrow Wave #6 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hydrow Wave as #1.
Verywell Fit
Best Overall
|
Very stable
Smooth feel
Helpful, engaging videos and classes
|
Pricey subscription
Screen isn’t adjustable
|
Business Insider
Best budget smart rowing machine
|
Extensive library of streaming classes, incredibly smooth rowing, closely simulates the on-water experience, very quiet when in use, tons of helpful safety features
|
Smaller screen than the regular Hydrow and it's not adjustable
|
CNET
B est Rowing Machine for Smaller Spaces
|
Small enough to fit in an apartment
Same great features as the original rower
$600 cheaper than the Hydrow
|
No new upgrades, except for size
Vertical storage kit still not included
|
We ranked WaterRower Ash #7 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Water-Resistance Rowing Machine
|
Beautiful design
True water-based resistance
|
Not foldable
|
greatist
Best high weight capacity
|
High weight capacity, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing design
|
Assembly requires power tools, resistance level difficult to change
|
Business Insider
Best water resistance
|
Gorgeous appearance,
meditative whooshing sounds
simulation of open-water rowing sensations
|
Expensive
included monitor is fine but limited
|
We ranked The Ergatta Rower #8 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Water-Based
|
Realistic feel
High-quality audio
Seamlessly integrates with other tech
|
Seat isn’t as comfortable as other options
Handles are short
|
Business Insider
The best interactive rowing machine
|
Motivating video game-inspired workout platform
beautiful design
features a folding design for easy stowing
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Peloton Row #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Peloton Row as #1.
Business Insider
Best classes
|
Interactive, motivating, instructor-led classes, premium design, swiveling screen for on-floor workouts, screen can play other media besides classes, comes with a wall anchor for easy storage
|
Expensive, requires monthly subscription cost to access classes and Peloton content
|
CNET
Best Overall Rowing Machine
|
Quiet
Form Assist teaches you how to row and improves form
Easy to operate if you're familiar with Peloton programs
Foot straps are easy to slip on and off
|
Expensive
Large and may not fit all spaces
|
We ranked Stamina Trac Glider 1050 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine for small spaces
|
good size for apartments and small rooms
very low price
foldable for simple storage
low tech for easy use
|
limited warranty
can be cumbersome to operate
might be too basic for advanced fitness levels
|
Business Insider
The best budget rowing machine
|
Low price
independent arms for a full range of movement
ease of assembly and folding
|
Resistance declines as piston heats up during long rowing sessions
short warranty (90 days for parts/one year for frame)
|
We ranked Peloton Row Basics #11 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Investment
|
Adjustable screen
Gives you tips to adjust your form as you row
Comes with a wall mount
|
Seat may be too narrow for some
Pricey subscription
|
We ranked ProForm 750R #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget-Friendly Interactive Rower
|
Affordable with streaming capabilities
Compact and foldable
|
Need separate device for streaming
|
We ranked MaxKare Magnetic Tension #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine for beginners
|
foldable for simple storage
large cushioned seat
affordable entry-level rower
|
might be too low tech for advanced users
maximum user weight of only 245 pounds
only 16 resistance levels
|
We ranked Aviron Impact Series #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
CNET
Best Rowing Machine with Unique Programs
|
Video games make you forget you're exercising
Seat is comfortably padded
Design is even ideal for tall people
|
Machine plastic design makes it appear less durable
No live classes
Expensive
|
We ranked Stamina ATS Air #15 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget Rowing Machine
|
Affordable
Durable materials
|
No manual resistance options
|
We ranked Sunny Health Obsidian Surge #16 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Budget-Friendly Water Rower
|
Affordable
Reliable fitness tracking
Smooth water feel
|
Heavy model
|
We ranked Schwinn Crewmaster #17 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best rowing machines” rankings.
Healthline
Best rowing machine with an oversized seat
|
foldable for easy storage
affordable sticker price for an entry-level rower
adjustable LCD screen
|
only 10 resistance levels
maximum user weight of 300 pounds
not Bluetooth-enabled
|