What's the best rowing machine I can buy?

The "best" rowing machine depends on whether you want gold-standard performance, high-tech classes, or a budget-friendly and compact build.

• 1. Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (with PM5 Monitor) — The Undisputed Gold Standard
  • Type: Air Resistance
  • Price: ~$990
  • Why it’s the best: This is what you'll find in almost every CrossFit box, Olympic training center, and professional rowing club. It is virtually indestructible, incredibly accurate with its PM5 performance monitor, retains its resale value like a Toyota truck, and doesn’t require a monthly subscription to get a brutal, effective workout. You can check it out directly at the Concept2 RowErg Product Page.[1]
• 1. Peloton Row / Row+Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best High-Tech & Form-Tracking Experience
  • Type: Electronically Controlled Water-like/Air Resistance
  • Price: ~$3,495+
  • Why it’s the best: If you need instructor-led motivation and real-time feedback to stay accountable, Peloton’s hardware is gorgeous and exceptionally quiet. It features a rotating HD touchscreen for floor workouts and unique form-tracking technology that grades your stroke in real time to help you fix your technique. More details are available on the Peloton Row+ Page.[1]
• 1. Echelon Row-S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best Connected Rower with Handlebar Controls
  • Type: Magnetic Resistance
  • Price: ~$1,299
  • Why it’s the best: A stellar alternative to Peloton if you want a massive 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen and app-based classes without straining to reach the console. It features clever handlebar-mounted resistance buttons so you can change your intensity on the fly, plus a foldable design that stores upright when you're done. You can view specs on the Echelon Fit Store.[1]
• 1. WaterRower Classic / Natural Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best Aesthetic & Smooth Stroke Feel
  • Type: Water Resistance
  • Price: ~$1,100 - $1,300
  • Why it’s the best: Built from solid sustainably sourced hardwoods, the WaterRower doesn't look like an aggressive piece of gym machinery sitting in your living room—it looks like high-end furniture. The self-regulating water flywheel mimics the genuine, hypnotic swish and feel of an actual boat gliding through water.

To help narrow it down, tell me:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you prefer a quiet magnetic/water resistance or the sift/rush of an air rower?
• Are you looking for streaming class subscriptions , or do you just want to track your own metrics?

If you want one rowing machine and want to buy the right one the first time, get the Concept2 RowErg.

• Concept2 RowErg - $990.00 (Sorinex)

🥇 Best overall: Concept2 RowErg

The current consensus from multiple 2026 reviews is unusually strong: Concept2 RowErg is the best overall rowing machine for most people. Men's Health, Forbes, and Good Housekeeping all put it at or near the top.

Why I'd pick it:

• Excellent rowing feel: air resistance gets harder naturally as you pull harder.
• PM5 monitor: excellent tracking of pace, watts, distance, stroke rate and heart rate.
• No subscription: you own the machine and can use it indefinitely without paying for an app.
• Extremely durable: 5-year frame warranty and 2-year coverage on parts/monitor.
• 500-lb user capacity.
• Separates into two pieces for storage.
• It's the standard machine for serious rowing and is widely used in competitive/fitness settings.

The biggest downside is noise. The fan produces a noticeable whoosh, so if you're in an apartment or need a very quiet machine, I'd choose something else.

Other machines I'd consider

• Concept2 RowErg - $990.00 (Sorinex)

• Hydrow Arc Rower - $2,295.00 (Hydrow)

• WaterRower Walnut - $1,699.00 (MoMA Design Store)

• Aviron Strong Series Rower - $1,999.00 (Best Buy)

• Best for guided workouts: Hydrow — much quieter and has a large screen with instructor-led workouts, but you're paying substantially more and the membership is an important part of the experience.

• Best-looking / most natural water feel: WaterRower — excellent if the machine will live somewhere visible in your house.

• Best for gamification: Aviron — worth considering if games and interactive workouts are what will actually keep you exercising.

• Best budget option: there are decent rowers around $400–$650, but I'd rather save for the Concept2 if you can. Cheaper machines generally aren't in the same league for long-term durability and performance.

My recommendation

Buy the Concept2 RowErg unless you have a specific reason not to. At roughly $990 for the standard version in current U.S. listings, it's one of those pieces of fitness equipment where spending more doesn't necessarily get you a better rowing machine—it mostly gets you screens, classes, aesthetics, or quieter resistance.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $500, $1,000, $2,000), height, and whether noise matters, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices for you.

My pick: Concept2 RowErg

• Concept2 RowErg - $1,050.00 (REP Fitness)

If you want the best rowing machine for most people, I'd buy the Concept2 RowErg. It remains the benchmark for serious rowing and indoor fitness, and current 2026 comparisons consistently put it at or near the top overall.

Why I’d choose it

• Excellent resistance: Air resistance automatically responds to how hard you pull.
• Outstanding durability: It's mechanically simple and built for years of heavy use.
• PM5 monitor: Gives you pace, watts, stroke rate, distance and other useful metrics without requiring a subscription.
• Great training ecosystem: ErgData and Concept2's online logbook work with the machine at no additional cost.
• Easy to store: It separates into two pieces and can be stored vertically.
• Widely comparable: If you ever get serious about rowing, CrossFit, HYROX, or fitness testing, Concept2 data is extremely useful.
• 500-lb stated user capacity, which is higher than many premium connected rowers.

The current U.S. price is around $990 for the standard RowErg, according to recent 2026 comparisons.

But there are two reasons you might want something else

• Hydrow Wave Rower - $2,295.00 (Hydrow)

• WaterRower Original Series - $1,630.60 (Sweatband)

• Echelon Row-s - $1,299.99 (Best Buy)

• Want the quietest, most entertaining experience? → Hydrow. Its electromagnetic resistance is substantially quieter and its big screen/instructor-led workouts are excellent. The downside is the roughly $2,000+ machine and ongoing membership cost.

• Want something beautiful in your living room? → WaterRower. It has a gorgeous wood construction and a quieter, more natural-feeling water resistance.

• Want a connected machine but don't want to spend Hydrow money? → Echelon Row-s. It's a more affordable middle ground.

Bottom line: Unless you specifically prioritize a touchscreen, guided classes, or furniture-like aesthetics, buy the Concept2 RowErg. It's the one I'd put my money into.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $500, $1,000, $2,000) and whether noise matters, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

The [Concept2 RowErg (PM5)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.concept2.com/ergs/rowerg) is the best overall rowing machine you can buy due to its unmatched durability, precise performance tracking, and gold-standard reputation in both Olympic training centers and home gyms.

Watch this breakdown of top rowing machines to see how the Concept2 compares with immersive screen-based alternatives like Hydrow:

2m Don't Buy a Rower Until You Watch This – Best Rowing ...51K views  · 1 year ago YouTube · TreadmillReviewGuru

Depending on whether you want a budget-friendly workhorse, an immersive screen experience, or premium aesthetics, different options excel in specific categories.

Top Rowing Machines Compared

Breakdown of Top Picks

• Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Features the advanced PM5 performance monitor, separates into two pieces for easy storage, and requires very little maintenance. It relies on air resistance, meaning the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. It is available with standard or tall legs.[1][2]
• Best for Interactive Classes: Hydrow Wave Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • A smaller, more budget-friendly version of the original Hydrow Pro Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . It utilizes smooth computerized magnetic resistance for quiet operation and features an HD touchscreen streaming scenic on-water classes led by pro athletes (subscription required).
• Best Luxury Tech: [Peloton Row+Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.onepeloton.com/shop/row-plus)
  • Features real-time form feedback that catches mistakes in your stroke technique. It pairs high-end hardware with a rotating screen that easily transitions from rowing to floor strength and yoga.[1]
• Best Alternative Air Rower: Rogue Echo Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Built by Rogue Fitness with extreme heavy-duty steel . It competes directly with the Concept2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for garage and cross-training gyms where robust, heavy-use framing is prioritized.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Your budget range
• Whether you want streaming classes or a simple standalone monitor
• How much space you have for storage

I can help you choose the exact model that fits your space and routine.

If you want one rowing machine that I’d recommend to most people, buy the Concept2 RowErg. It remains the strongest all-around choice in 2026: durable, excellent performance tracking, no required subscription, and it’s the benchmark used for serious rowing and indoor-erg competition.

• Concept2 RowErg - $1,050.00 (REP Fitness)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: Concept2 RowErg — about $990 direct from Concept2. Excellent resistance feel, PM5 monitor, Bluetooth/ANT+, easy to maintain, and splits into two pieces for storage.

• 💧 Best if you want quiet + beautiful: WaterRower Original — smoother/quieter water resistance and looks more like furniture. The tradeoff is less sophisticated performance tracking.

• 📺 Best for motivation/classes: Hydrow Wave — excellent guided workouts and a much quieter electromagnetic system, but you're paying substantially more and the full experience requires a membership.

• WaterRower Original - $1,630.60 (Sweatband)

• Hydrow Wave Rower - $2,295.00 (Hydrow)

• Echelon Row-S - $1,169.99 (Best Buy)

Why I'd choose the Concept2: you're getting the machine rather than paying for an ecosystem. The PM5 gives you detailed metrics and the machine doesn't become less useful if you cancel an app subscription. It is also exceptionally durable and holds its value well.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. <$500, $1,000, $1,500+), height, and whether you care about quietness or workout classes, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

There is no single "best" rowing machine for everyone, because the right choice depends heavily on whether you want a zero-fuss performance tool, an immersive digital class experience, or real-water feedback.

The top-rated rowing machines categorized by what they do best include:

1. Best Overall & Best Value: [Concept2 RowErg Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rowing-machine/)
   • Type: Air Resistance
   • Why it’s great: It is the gold standard used by Olympic rowers, CrossFit boxes, and home gyms worldwide. It features the legendary PM5 monitor, requires virtually zero maintenance, is nearly indestructible, holds its resale value remarkably well, and doesn't lock you into any monthly subscription fees.
   • Price: ~$1,000–$1,300 (Standard or Tall Leg options) [1][2][3]
2. Best for Immersive/Virtual Classes: Hydrow Wave Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Computer-controlled Magnetic Resistance
   • Why it’s great: If you are motivated by instructor-led scenic rows on actual water and studio-style motivation, the Hydrow Wave is sleek, compact, whisper-quiet, and features a gorgeous HD touchscreen.
   • Price: Higher initial cost + required monthly membership for full streaming content.
3. Best Gamified/Visual Workout Experience: Ergatta Luxe / Lite Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Water Resistance
   • Why it’s great: Instead of standard instructor videos, Ergatta uses a gaming-inspired, data-driven platform with visual pacing games, personalized calibration, and scenic endurance challenges. It also looks like high-end furniture with its handcrafted wood frame.
   • Price: Premium pricing + subscription.
4. Best Quiet Traditional Water Rower: WaterRower Oak with S4 Monitor Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Type: Water Resistance
   • Why it’s great: If you want the soothing, authentic sound of rushing water with zero electronic distractions and a gorgeous aesthetic that blends into a living room, this is the top pick.

To help narrow down the ideal option for you, tell me:

• What is your budget?
• Do you prefer subscription classes (like Peloton-style workouts) or independent training?
• Is noise level or storage space a major constraint in your home?

If you want the best rowing machine for most people, I’d buy the Concept2 RowErg. It is the benchmark machine used by many rowing clubs, gyms, and competitive athletes because it has excellent durability, accurate performance tracking, no required subscription, and strong resale value.

• Concept2 RowErg - $1,050.00 (REP Fitness)
• Hydrow Wave Rower - $1,995.00 (Hydrow)
• WaterRower Original Series Rowing Machine - $1,630.60 (Sweatband)

My top picks by type

🥇 Best overall: Concept2 RowErg

Best for: almost everyone — fitness, serious training, CrossFit, endurance, beginners who want a machine they won’t outgrow.

Why it wins:

• Excellent build quality and longevity
• Industry-standard performance numbers (your times and splits are comparable with other rowers)
• No monthly fee
• Easy maintenance and replacement parts
• Great training data via the PM5 monitor and apps

Downsides:

• Fan noise (a “whoosh” sound)
• Less visually attractive than premium home machines
• No built-in entertainment screen

Buy this if: you want one machine that can last 10–20+ years.

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🎥 Best smart rower: Hydrow Wave

Best for: people who stay motivated with classes, coaching, and a screen experience.

Pros:

• Very polished guided workouts
• Quiet electromagnetic resistance
• More beginner-friendly experience than a traditional erg

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Full experience requires a membership
• Performance metrics aren’t as universally comparable as Concept2

Buy this if: you’re more likely to row 5 days/week with a coach on screen than by yourself.

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🪵 Best-looking / quiet home rower: WaterRower Original Series Rowing Machine

Best for: a living room, office, or anyone who loves the feel and sound of water resistance.

Pros:

• Beautiful furniture-like design
• Smooth, natural water resistance
• Quiet and pleasant to use

Cons:

• Less ideal for comparing scores with other rowers
• Less training-focused data ecosystem than Concept2

Buy this if: aesthetics matter almost as much as exercise.

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Quick decision guide

• “I want the best machine, period.” → Concept2 RowErg
• “I need motivation and classes.” → Hydrow Wave
• “I want something beautiful in my house.” → WaterRower
• “I’m training for rowing, racing, or CrossFit.” → Concept2
• “I live in an apartment and noise matters.” → Hydrow or WaterRower

My default recommendation: buy the Concept2 RowErg unless you specifically want a screen-based coaching experience or a furniture-style machine.

If you tell me your budget, height/weight, available space, and whether you want classes or just workouts, I can narrow it to the best model for you.

The "best" rowing machine depends entirely on what you value most: pure performance, data accuracy, a high-tech screen, or budget. However, industry consensus and expert testing broadly point to a few standout options:

Add to listConcept2 RowErg (Best Overall & Best Value ): This is the undisputed gold standard used by CrossFit boxes, Olympic rowers, and home gyms alike. It uses air resistance, is virtually indestructible, requires zero subscriptions, and holds its resale value better than anything else on the market. It isn't the quietest or prettiest, but its performance metrics are the universal benchmark.

Add to listHydrow Wave (Best Smart/Connected Rower ): If you want immersive, instructor-led workouts on a sleek HD touchscreen (similar to a Peloton), the Hydrow Wave is a top pick . It uses a smooth, patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the feel of being on actual water while staying remarkably quiet. Keep in mind it requires an ongoing monthly membership to unlock its full ecosystem.

Add to listErgatta (Best Gamified / Screen-Free-Style Content ): Built with a gorgeous aesthetic featuring real cherrywood and a water-resistance flywheel, Ergatta focuses on game-based workouts, visual pacing, and calibrated challenges rather than shouting instructors. It's ideal if you prefer visual goals, races, and workouts tailored dynamically to your fitness level.

Add to listAviron Strong Series (Best Interactive/Entertainment Rower ): If you get bored easily during cardio, Aviron stands out by letting you play video games, race against others, or stream movies/shows directly on its HD touchscreen while getting a punishing full-body workout.

To help narrow down which one fits your space and routine, tell me:

• What is your budget range?
• Do you want on-screen instructor classes / gaming , or just a simple, reliable monitor?
• Are you worried about noise levels or storing it upright when not in use?

The "best" rowing machine depends entirely on your budget, space, and whether you want high-tech interactive classes or a rugged, no-nonsense tool.

The top-rated rowing machines on the market fall into distinct categories based on what they do best:

• 1. Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) with PM5 Monitor Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best Overall / Gold Standard
  • Why it’s great: The undisputed king of indoor rowing. Found in almost every CrossFit box, Olympic training center, and garage gym. It uses air resistance, is virtually indestructible, holds its resale value like gold, and features the ultra-reliable PM5 monitor for tracking metrics.
  • Resistance type: Air
  • Price: ~$990-1,000
• 1. Hydrow Wave Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best High-Tech / Immersive Rower
  • Why it’s great: A sleeker, smaller, and more budget-friendly version of the original Hydrow. It offers a stunning HD touchscreen and on-water, instructor-led "live outdoor" scenic rows that make you feel like you're actually gliding across the Charles River.
  • Resistance type: Computer-controlled magnetic
  • Price: ~$1,650 (plus monthly subscription)
• 1. Ergatta Rower Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best Gamified / Screen-Free Studio Vibe
  • Why it’s great: Built using a genuine handcrafted WaterRower frame, Ergatta replaces traditional instructor videos with data-driven, game-based workouts, races, and visual challenges. It’s gorgeous wood design looks like high-end furniture in a living room rather than bulky gym equipment.
  • Resistance type: Water
  • Price: ~$2,499 (plus monthly subscription)
• 1. Aviron Strong Series Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best for Entertainment & Strength Integration
  • Why it’s great: If you get bored easily by traditional workouts, Aviron combines dual air/magnetic resistance with an incredible software library featuring video games, streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube), and competitive races. It also allows up to 100 lbs of resistance for off-rower strength exercises.
  • Resistance type: Dual Air & Magnetic
  • Price: ~$2,292 (plus monthly subscription)[1]
• 1. Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge (SF-RW5713)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Best Budget Pick
  • Why it’s great: A budget-friendly water rower that gives you the authentic swishing sound and dynamic resistance of water without spending thousands of dollars. It’s sturdy, space-conscious, and perfect for beginners testing the waters.
  • Resistance type: Water
  • Price: ~$400

To help narrow this down, tell me:

• What is your budget?
• Do you prefer a monthly subscription/screen for classes, or just a simple monitor?
• How much space do you have for storage?

If you want one rowing machine that I’d recommend to most people, it’s the Concept2 RowErg.

• Concept2 RowErg - $1,050.00 (REP Fitness)

Why it’s the best overall

• Excellent rowing feel: Air resistance gives you a very natural stroke and scales with how hard you pull.
• Outstanding durability: It’s the workhorse you’ll find in serious gyms, rowing clubs, and competitive training.
• Great performance tracking: The PM5 monitor gives you pace, watts, distance, stroke rate and other useful metrics.
• No subscription required: You can use the machine fully without paying monthly.
• Excellent long-term value: Replacement parts are readily available, and the machine has a strong resale market.
• Works for beginners and serious athletes: You won't outgrow it if you get substantially fitter.
• Current expert roundups consistently put the RowErg at or near the top; Good Housekeeping and Forbes both select it as their overall winner.

The alternatives I'd consider

• Hydrow Wave Rower - $2,295.00 (Hydrow)

• WaterRower Original Series - $1,636.23 (Sweatband)

• Echelon Row Connected Rower - $899.99 (Echelon Fit US)

• MERACH NovaRow R50 - $459.99 (Best Buy)

• Hydrow Wave: Choose this if entertainment and coached workouts are what will actually motivate you to exercise. It's much more of a connected-fitness experience, but you're paying substantially more and a membership is part of the equation.

• WaterRower: Choose this if you care about a quiet, beautiful machine that can live in your house without looking like gym equipment. The water resistance has a lovely feel.

• Echelon Row: Worth considering if you want connected workouts for less money than a Hydrow.

• MERACH: A reasonable choice if your priority is spending as little as possible rather than getting the best machine.

My ranking: 🥇 Concept2 RowErg — best overall 🥈 WaterRower — best for quiet/premium aesthetics 🥉 Hydrow Wave — best for coached/immersive workouts 💰 MERACH — best budget option

If you tell me your budget (e.g. <$500, $500–$1,000, $1,000+), whether you care about quietness, and your height, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices for you.