8 Best Rowing Machines For Home In 2025 ( Top Picks With Buying Guide )

A rowing machine is a popular piece of fitness equipment that provides a low-impact, full-body workout. It is designed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat, providing an effective way to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. With so many different types of rowing machines on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your specific needs and budget.

In this article, we will explore some of the top home rowing machines available today, taking into account factors such as performance, comfort, durability, and overall value for money. Whether you’re a competitive rower or a beginner looking to get in shape, this guide will help you find the best rowing machine to meet your fitness goals. 

Top 8 Best Rowing Machines For Home (2025)

1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine – Top Pick

The Concept2 Model D is a popular rowing machine that has gained a reputation as one of the best on the market. It is designed to provide a smooth, comfortable rowing experience that mimics the feel of rowing on water. The machine is equipped with advanced features such as a PM5 Performance Monitor, adjustable resistance, and a comfortable ergonomic handle, which make it suitable for users of all fitness levels. The Concept2 Model D is also known for its durability and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for both commercial gyms and home fitness enthusiasts.

One of the key features of the Concept2 Model D is its PM5 Performance Monitor. This advanced monitor provides users with a wide range of data, including distance, speed, pace, calories burned, and watts produced. It also allows users to connect wirelessly to heart rate monitors and other fitness apps, making it easy to track progress and set goals. The Concept2 Model D’s adjustable resistance also provides a challenging workout for users of all fitness levels, allowing them to easily increase or decrease the intensity of their workouts.

Another advantage of the Concept2 Model D is its ergonomic design. The machine features a comfortable, contoured seat and an ergonomic handle that is designed to reduce stress on the wrists and forearms. The footrests are also adjustable, providing a secure and comfortable fit for users of all sizes. This ergonomic design, combined with the smooth, quiet operation of the machine, makes the Concept2 Model D a popular choice for users who want a comfortable and effective rowing workout.

In conclusion, the Concept2 Model D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality rowing machine. Its advanced features, durability, and ergonomic design make it a popular choice for users of all fitness levels, whether they are training for competition or simply looking to improve their overall health and fitness.

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2. Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine PM5

The Concept2 Model E is a premium rowing machine that offers a high-quality, full-body workout. It is designed to provide users with an effective and efficient way to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, while also being comfortable and easy to use. The machine is equipped with features such as a performance monitor, adjustable footrests, and a comfortable seat, making it a popular choice for home fitness enthusiasts, commercial gyms, and professional athletes.

One of the key features of the Concept2 Model E is its flywheel and damper system, which provides a smooth and customizable resistance. The flywheel is designed to respond to the user’s strength and intensity, providing a challenging workout for users of all fitness levels. The damper system allows users to adjust the resistance to their desired level, simulating the experience of rowing on different types of water.

The Model E also features a PM5 performance monitor, which displays key metrics such as time, distance, stroke rate, and calories burned. The monitor also includes a variety of preset workouts and games, making it easy to vary and customize workouts. Additionally, the monitor features wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect with other Concept2 machines or with fitness apps such as ErgData and Concept2’s online logbook.

The Concept2 Model E is also known for its comfortable and ergonomic design. The machine features adjustable footrests and a comfortable seat, making it easy for users to find a comfortable and secure position. The machine also has a high seat height, making it easy to get on and off, and its frame is made of durable aluminum and steel, providing stability and strength.

In conclusion, the Concept2 Model E is a top-of-the-line rowing machine that provides a challenging and comfortable full-body workout. Its flywheel and damper system, performance monitor, and ergonomic design make it a popular choice for users of all fitness levels, while its durable construction and wireless connectivity make it an excellent investment for home gyms, commercial gyms, and professional athletes.

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3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 

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4. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine 

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5. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower provides a high-quality workout experience. It is designed to provide users with a smooth and quiet rowing motion, making it ideal for home gyms, commercial fitness centers, and professional athletes.

One of the key features of the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is its magnetic resistance system. The machine uses a combination of magnetic resistance and air resistance to provide a challenging workout experience that can be adjusted to suit the user’s fitness level. The magnetic resistance system also provides a smooth and quiet rowing motion, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.

The machine also features a comfortable and ergonomic design. The seat and footrests are adjustable, allowing users to find a comfortable and secure position, while the machine’s handle is designed to reduce strain and discomfort during extended workouts. The machine’s LCD monitor displays key metrics such as time, distance, and calories burned, making it easy for users to track their progress and set goals.

The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is also known for its durability and stability. It is built with a solid steel frame, making it strong enough to accommodate users of all sizes and fitness levels. The machine’s transportation wheels also make it easy to move and store when not in use.

In addition, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is also equipped with a variety of advanced features, such as 12 preset workout programs, heart rate sensors, and wireless connectivity. These features allow users to customize their workouts and track their progress with ease, making it an excellent investment for anyone serious about fitness.

In conclusion, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality rowing machine. Its magnetic resistance system, ergonomic design, and advanced features make it a top choice for home gyms, commercial fitness centers, and professional athletes. Its durability and stability also make it a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.

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6. Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower

Stamina Avari rower is a programmable rowing machine that comes with a heart monitor with a chest strap. It offers a smooth and challenging workout experience, while also providing users with a range of advanced features that make it easy to track progress and customize workouts.

One of the key features of the Stamina Avari Rower is its magnetic resistance system. The machine has eight levels of resistance that can be easily adjusted using the LCD display console, allowing users to tailor their workout to their fitness level and personal goals. The machine’s resistance system also operates quietly, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.

Another key feature of the Stamina Avari Rower is its LCD display console, which provides users with valuable workout metrics such as time, distance, calories burned, strokes per minute, and more. The machine also includes 12 preset workout programs, allowing users to vary their workouts and challenge themselves in different ways.

The Stamina Avari Rower also has a comfortable and ergonomic design. Its seat and footrests are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes, while its padded seat and handle provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain on the back and arms during extended workouts.

The machine is also built with durability and stability in mind. Its steel frame is designed to withstand daily use, while its transportation wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use. The machine’s foldable design also makes it ideal for users with limited space.

In conclusion, the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower offers users a range of advanced features and a comfortable, challenging workout experience. Its magnetic resistance system, LCD display console, and adjustable design make it a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness centers alike. Its durability and stability also make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.

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7. Stamina Elite Wave Water Rower

The Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is an excellent option for you that offers a challenging and realistic workout experience. The machine uses water resistance to simulate the feeling of rowing on a real body of water, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more immersive workout experience.

One of the key features of the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is its water resistance system. The machine has a large water tank that provides a smooth and natural rowing motion, allowing users to adjust the resistance level by changing the amount of water in the tank. The machine’s water resistance system also operates quietly, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.

Another key feature of the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is its comfortable and ergonomic design. The machine’s seat and footrests are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes, while its padded seat and handle provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain on the back and arms during extended workouts.

The machine also includes an LCD display console that provides users with valuable workout metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. The machine’s display console also includes built-in workout programs, allowing users to vary their workouts and challenge themselves in different ways.

In addition, the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is built with durability and stability in mind. Its steel frame is designed to withstand daily use, while its transportation wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use. The machine’s foldable design also makes it ideal for users with limited space.

In conclusion, the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is also a good rowing machine that offers users a challenging and realistic workout experience. Its water resistance system, comfortable and ergonomic design, and advanced features make it a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness centers alike. Its durability and stability also make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.

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8. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor is one of the best water rowing machine that is designed to simulate the feeling of rowing on a real body of water, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more realistic and engaging workout.

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Types of Rowing Machines

Despite the relative simplicity of the rowing equipment, there is considerable variation between the different types. Below are the most common types.

1. Hydraulic rowing machines

These are by far the most popular type of indoor rower on the market, mainly because they are cheap and easy to fold in a closet or under a bed. If you have an apartment, they are even more ideal.

As the name implies, these rowing machines are operated by a set of hydraulic pistons on each side that allows the user to pull the handles towards themselves. Although it is classified as a rowing machine, it is not a true representation, as there is little or no leg movement involved.

While these are excellent if you’re in a hurry, they do not provide the full range of motion you’d want in a traditional rowing machine. Nor will it provide you with full synchronization, which means that your legs and arms do not necessarily work in sync.

For that reason, unless cost or space are important considerations, it is better to consider a higher model.

2. Magnetic rowing machine

If you are looking for a best indoor rower that offers a decent amount of resistance but does not want to spend the money needed on a traditional rowing machine, magnetic resistance may be the way to go. These machines work the same as other machines but offer a great advantage: total silence.

Magnetic rowing machine have magnets that are built into the flywheel to generate resistance, instead of air or water like other machines. Since there is no friction involved and minimal parts moving, the magnetic rowing machine provides virtually silent training.

3. Air Rowing Machine

These became important in the 1980’s as a way to provide the benefits of water-based rowing to a home audience. Instead of magnets, air rowers use a set of internal ruffles that rotate in front of each other and create resistance. The faster and harder you pull the wheel, the more resistance is created and the harder the training.

Air rowers offer a type of training very similar to traditional rowers, but they can be considerably noisier than other machines. It has the ability to automatically adjust to your stroke rate, so you can increase and decrease the speed as desired, and with minimal friction, you must also have a long life with minimal wear.

4. Water rower

If you are looking for the best rowing session, regardless of costs, space or noise considerations, there is no substitute for a true rower of water. Instead of air or magnets, a true water resistance is used to generate the training; Ironically, aquatic rowers are some of the most recent innovations in the line of rowing machines.

The water rowers are built with wooden or metal frames, which makes them much more attractive than other options. They are also almost silent since there is practically no friction either; the only sound is the “swooshing” of water. Many people love this silent feature of this water rower machine.

The main cons of a paddle are two the cost and size. Water rowing machine are basically costly than any other rowing machine on the market and also occupy most of the space in a room. So, unless you have space really dedicated to a gym area at home, it might not be a good option.

Benefits of Rowing Machines

Unless you have been on a rowing machine and feel that the exhaustion starts almost immediately, you probably are not aware of the full effects of this machine. Below are some top rowing machine benefits.

1. Full body training

Treadmills, stationary bicycles, Stairmasters, and machines of that type generally only work with the legs; Very few engage their core or their upper body at all.

With a rowing machine, most of the training is within the muscles of the leg, but a considerable amount of energy is also consumed through the arms and shoulders.

2. Muscular and resistance construction

Not only will a rowing machine work your body, but also your cardiovascular system will get in shape, making it the ideal equipment for a good physical condition.

3. Correction of the posture

To exercise with the rowing machine correctly, you must maintain the proper form. In this way, spending time on a rowing machine will help with your general stance outside the machine as well.

4. Low impact

Unlike some fitness machines, rowing will not put unnecessary stress on your joints, making it perfect for older people.

Rowing Machine Buying Guide:

Rowing machines have become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why. They provide a low-impact, full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and burn calories. However, with so many different rowing machines on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive rowing machine buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Resistance Type: The first thing to consider when buying a rowing machine is the type of resistance it uses. There are four main types of resistance: air, water, magnetic, and hydraulic. Each type of resistance has its pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your fitness goals, budget, and personal preferences.

Air resistance rowing machines are the most common type and use a flywheel that creates resistance based on the user’s effort. They are known for their smooth, natural rowing motion, but they can be quite noisy. Water resistance rowing machines use a water tank to create resistance, which provides a more realistic rowing experience but can be quite heavy and bulky. Magnetic resistance rowing machines use magnets to create resistance and are known for their quiet operation and precise resistance control. Hydraulic resistance rowing machines use pistons to create resistance and are typically the most affordable option but can be less durable than other types.

2. Size and Space: The size and space of a rowing machine are also essential factors to consider when buying one. Before purchasing, you should measure the space where you plan to use and store the machine to ensure that it fits comfortably. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a folding rowing machine that can be easily stored when not in use.
3. Comfort: Comfort is another critical factor to consider when buying a rowing machine. Look for a machine that has an adjustable seat, footrests, and handlebars to accommodate users of different sizes and provide a comfortable, ergonomic rowing position. The seat and handlebars should also be padded to reduce strain on your back and arms during extended workouts.
4. Durability: Durability is also an essential factor to consider when buying a rowing machine. Look for a machine that is built with high-quality materials and has a sturdy, stable frame that can withstand daily use. Machines with a weight limit that is higher than your weight are also a good indicator of durability.
5. Price: Rowing machines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase. While more expensive machines may offer more advanced features and higher durability, they may not be necessary for everyone. Set a budget that fits your needs and look for a machine that offers the best value for your money.
6. Display and Tracking: Lastly, consider the display and tracking features of the rowing machine. Look for a machine that has an easy-to-read display that provides you with important workout metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. Some machines may also include advanced tracking features, such as built-in workout programs or connectivity to fitness apps, to help you monitor your progress over time.

FAQs on “Rowing Machine”

What is a rowing machine and how does it work?

A rowing machine, also known as an ergometer or rower, is a fitness equipment designed to simulate the action of rowing a boat. It typically consists of a sliding seat, footrests, a handle attached to a resistance mechanism, and a display to track performance. Users engage in a full-body workout by pushing and pulling the handle while sliding back and forth on the seat.

What are the benefits of using a rowing machine?

Rowing machines offer a comprehensive workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including legs, arms, back, and core. They provide a low-impact exercise, making them suitable for users of various fitness levels. Rowing also promotes cardiovascular health, improves endurance, and helps in burning calories.

How do I properly use a rowing machine to avoid injury?

To use a rowing machine safely, start with proper technique. Ensure your feet are securely strapped into the footrests, maintain a straight back, and use a fluid, controlled motion while rowing. Avoid excessive bending at the knees and leaning too far back. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to prevent overexertion.

Can anyone use a rowing machine, regardless of fitness level?

Rowing machines are generally suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. They offer adjustable resistance settings, allowing users to tailor the intensity of their workouts. Beginners can start with lower resistance and shorter sessions, gradually increasing as their fitness improves. However, individuals with specific health concerns should consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen.

How do I maintain and care for my rowing machine?

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of a rowing machine. Keep the rail and seat clean, inspect the resistance mechanism for any wear, and tighten any loose bolts or nuts. Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer, and store the rowing machine in a dry and cool environment when not in use.

Is rowing suitable for weight loss?

Rowing is an effective exercise for weight loss as it engages multiple muscle groups and burns a significant amount of calories. Consistent rowing workouts, combined with a balanced diet, can contribute to weight loss by creating a calorie deficit. However, it’s essential to pair rowing with a comprehensive fitness and nutrition plan for optimal results.

Are there any specific training programs or workouts for rowing machines?

Many rowing machines come with built-in workout programs, but users can also follow various rowing workout plans available online or through fitness apps. Common rowing workouts include interval training, steady-state rowing, and pyramid workouts. Users can customize their workouts based on fitness goals, such as endurance building, strength training, or weight loss.

Final Verdict:

In conclusion, investing in the “best rowing machine for home” can be a transformative step toward achieving your fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming to improve cardiovascular health, build strength, or embark on a weight loss journey, a rowing machine offers a versatile and effective full-body workout. With its low-impact nature, adaptability to various fitness levels, and the convenience of home use, a quality rowing machine becomes a valuable asset in fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle. As you embark on your fitness journey, the rhythmic motion of rowing not only propels you toward your goals but also provides a satisfying and enjoyable exercise experience. Choose the right rowing machine that aligns with your preferences and needs, and let the rhythmic strokes lead you to a fitter, stronger, and more energized version of yourself.

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