Indoor rowing doesn’t have quite the same charm of being on a skiff on a river (sigh, if only), but the best rowing machine will still give you a great workout right at home. Between smart rowers like Hydrow and Peloton, and industry stalwarts like Concept2, there are plenty of high-quality options on the market. We spoke with fitness experts to learn more about the best ones to consider, and how to find the right rowing machine for you.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower, $1,295
- Best for Classes: Hydrow Rower, $2,495
- Best for Beginners: NordicTrack RW900 Rower, $1,999
- Best Foldable Rower: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine, $399
- Best Budget: Stamina InMotion Rowing Machine, $130
- Best Water Resistance: WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine, $1,199
How to choose the best indoor rowing machine
Rowers can be pricey, so it’s important to make sure you’re choosing one that’ll meet your particular fitness level, goals and needs, Dani Hansen, a Paralympian and Hydrow coach, tells SELF: “Are you a beginner looking for guidance? Will rowing be your primary fitness activity or a part of your overall training plan? Where in your home will your rower be placed? What types of workouts are you looking for?” These questions can help narrow down your options, and then there are some key design elements to pay attention to, as well.
Rowing Resistance
There are a few different mechanisms that can provide resistance in a rowing machine’s flywheel, Ben Walker, CPT, owner of Anywhere Fitness in Dublin, tells SELF. Those include air, water, magnetic, and hydraulic resistance. There’s no right or wrong resistance mechanism; it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, SELF previously reported.
If noise is an issue, you may want to stay away from air rowers with fans, as they tend to be louder. If price or maintenance is a concern, you may want to opt for an air-based or magnetic rower, both of which tend to be less costly and easier to maintain than water rowers, whose water tanks require regular cleanings and refills. Just know that each has a slightly different sensation, so the choice may ultimately come down to which feel you prefer.
Additional Features
Technological add-ons like activity tracking, workout programs, and live classes can be a major upgrade for your home rowing routine. If you’re interested in that kind of experience, look for a machine that comes with clear, large display screens, Bluetooth connectivity for your wearables and devices, or class membership options.
On the other hand, if you think too many bells and whistles will be distracting (or you’re just using an indoor rower as a placeholder until you can get back out on the water), you may prefer a more stripped-down version that puts the focus on your workout with an overall ease of use. “Only you will know what it will take to become more competitive with yourself and what fuels your motivation,” ACSM-certified personal trainer, rowing coach, and former elite rower Maria Brezler tells SELF.
The best indoor rowing machines
We talked to coaches and certified trainers and looked at our own SELF Certified reviews and Home Fitness Award–winners to find excellent home rowers that mimic the feeling of being on the water (even when you haven’t left the comfort of your home gym or living room). “At the end of the day, the best rowing machine for you is the one that keeps you coming back for more,” Hansen says. Read on to find the options out there that will—fingers crossed—do just that.
