Rowing machines are one of the most underutilized machines in any gym, but when used properly, can give you a total body workout. It is a low-impact way to exercise and is easy to use, even for beginners. It also utilizes a whole range of muscles, so it is ideal for both strengthening and conditioning. It can also burn a whole lot of calories!
Building your own home gym is the new way to achieve your fitness goals and improve motivation. In this article, we discuss the key points to keep in mind when choosing a rowing machine. We also selected the 10 best rowing machines available online that feature machines in a range of prices.
Quick List - Top Rowing Machines
Reebok
Unleash Your Inner Athlete with Smooth, Versatile, and Comfortable Rowing
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Unsure where to start? Browse through this buying guide to learn about the different types of rowing machines, as well as the important features to look for before purchasing one.
There are two main types of rowing machines that differ based on the kind of resistance used. Know which one best suits your needs by reading further below.
Often built with a wooden base, water rowers come with a water tank at the front and suspended paddles inside, which spin and create resistance when pulled. Adjusting the water level will determine the amount of resistance or drag during every stroke, so you can be more in control of your workout.
Since this type of rower utilizes water, it produces a splashing sound during every pull. If you want to get an experience that is close to what you would feel when you are already in the boat, then getting a water rower would be perfect for you. Despite the splashing sound, it is much quieter than an air rower and is ideal if you plan to use it indoors.
As the name suggests, air rowers depend on the resistance produced by air. When the user pulls on the handle, a fan flywheel attached to it spins and experiences drag from the air surrounding it. A faster pull means more force is needed to make the wheel spin, and in turn, a heavier resistance is experienced.
Air rowers are the more widely available type in the market and come in a wide range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget. Compared to water rowers, the performance monitors of air rowers are far more accurate and are ideal if you want to get exact measurements.
Resistance is the main feature of any rowing machine. Most low-cost machines have a drag range that is great for beginner-level rowers. If you are rowing at a more competitive level or plan to take the sport seriously, investing in a machine with a wider range of levels would be worth it. The average number of resistance levels per rowing machine is 8, but this can go up to as high as 16.
Before completing your home gym, make sure your rowing machine has the capacity that fits your body weight. Most rowing machines can handle a user weight of around 280 lbs, but other machines can go up to 500 lbs. These, however, would cost more as they require a stronger base.
Like any exercise equipment, rowing machines require ample space when in use. Some rowing machines need around 9 by 4 feet of area to allow you to freely get a workout in. If you plan to store your machine indoors or in a smaller space, it is ideal to get one that folds. This lets you save space while the machine is not in use.
A good rowing machine seat should be curved to help your body have a firmer hold on the machine and make it easier for you to balance. This also ensures comfortable seating, especially while doing longer sets. Getting a machine with a waterproof seat prevents it from absorbing sweat, makes sanitizing easier, and prevents it from developing a foul odor.
When working out, it is important to be able to see a numerical value to gauge your progress. One of the basic functions a performance monitor has is the stroke rate function, which measures how many strokes you do per minute. Most monitors also have a distance measurement, calorie expenditure, and total workout time on the display panel.
Some machines also have a 500m split feature that measures in minutes and seconds. It shows the amount of time it would take you to get an entire boat to travel a distance of 500 meters as if you are in the water. This is dependent on the amount of force you exert and not the speed of the row.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance Monitor | Resistance Type | Adjustable Resistance | Assembly Required | Dimensions | Maximum User Weight | Foldable Design | Seat Type | |||||
1 | Lifegear Rowing Machine |30671 | ![]() | Real Water Resistance. Full-Body Fitness | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor | Water | 198.5 x 51 x 88.5 cm | 120 to 150 kg | Curved Seat | ||||
2 | OneTwoFit Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine | ![]() | Seamless Resistance, Smarter Workouts | Basic Monitor、LCD Display | Magnetic | 48 x 55 x 194 cm | 120 kg | Curved Seat | ||||
3 | Concept 2 Rower | Model D | ![]() | The Gold Standard for Full-Body, Low-Impact Workouts | LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor | Air | 244 x 61 x 36 cm | 227 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
4 | Reebok One GR Rower Rowing Machine | ![]() | Unleash Your Inner Athlete with Smooth, Versatile, and Comfortable Rowing | Basic Monitor、LCD Display | Magnetic | 196 x 52 x 68 cm | 120 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
5 | OneTwoFit Air Rowing Machine | ![]() | Experience the Smoothness of Air Rowing | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor | Air | 48 x 55 x 194 cm | 100 to 120 kg | Curved Seat | ||||
6 | Stark Fitness Water Rowing Machine |SF-SC-ROW2 | ![]() | Experience the Power and Calm of Water Rowing, Where Endurance Meets Elegance | Basic Monitor | Water | 203.5 x 51.5 x 49.2 cm | 150 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
7 | OneTwoFit Multifunctional Foldable Rowing Machine | ![]() | Full-Body Fitness, Maximum Flexibility, Minimum Space | Basic Monitor、LCD Display | Magnetic | 194 x 48 x 55 cm | 100 to 150 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
8 | Renegade AirMag Rower | ![]() | Powerful Resistance. Total-Body Endurance. Smooth, Comfortable Rowing | LCD Display | Air、Magnetic | 218 x 61.5 x 76 cm | 150 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
9 | Decathlon Domyos Rowing Machine |500B | ![]() | Smooth, Self-Powered, and Connected Rowing Excellence | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor | Magnetic | 198.3 x 89.5 x 66.3 cm | 130 kg | Flat Seat | ||||
10 | Decathlon Domyos Self-Powered Folding Smart 3-in-1 Rowing Machine Woodrower | ![]() | Woodrower: The Smart, Space-Saving, Self-Powered Rowing Machine | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor | Water、Air、Magnetic | 210 x 48.2 x 62 cm | 130 kg | Flat Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Water |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 198.5 x 51 x 88.5 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 120 to 150 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Curved Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 48 x 55 x 194 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 120 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Curved Seat |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers highlight its longevity, often using the same machine for 20+ years. Preferred for weight loss and overall fitness due to low-impact, efficient full-body training. Praised for smooth, natural rowing experience and solid build quality. Some users find the seat uncomfortable over longer sessions due to minimal cushioning.
Performance Monitor | LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Air |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 244 x 61 x 36 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 227 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate its smooth rowing action, adjustable resistance, and the convenience of preset programs. The ergonomic seat and handle grips add comfort during longer sessions. No significant or widespread negative feedback reported in sourced reviews specific to the rower.
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 196 x 52 x 68 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 120 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Air |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 48 x 55 x 194 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 100 to 120 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Curved Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Water |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 203.5 x 51.5 x 49.2 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 150 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 194 x 48 x 55 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 100 to 150 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users praise the rower for its modern design, comfort (notably the roomy seat), ease of use, and effective cardio workout that is gentle on the body. Commended for smooth rowing feel similar to rowing on water and strong build quality comparable to gym equipment standards. Some users note that magnetic resistance may not perfectly mimic real rowing feel compared to water rowers.
Performance Monitor | LCD Display |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Air、Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 218 x 61.5 x 76 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 150 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 198.3 x 89.5 x 66.3 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 130 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Performance Monitor | Basic Monitor、LCD Display、Bluetooth Monitor |
---|---|
Resistance Type | Water、Air、Magnetic |
Adjustable Resistance | |
Assembly Required | |
Dimensions | 210 x 48.2 x 62 cm |
Maximum User Weight | 130 kg |
Foldable Design | |
Seat Type | Flat Seat |
Hesitant about going back to the gym anytime soon? Why not try building your own gym at home? This way, you get to work out any time of the day or night. You can also invest in the equipment you use most to maximize every minute spent exercising. Check out these articles on some equipment and essentials to complete your home gym.
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Author: Roxanne Beatriz Angeles
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more
No. 1: Lifegear |Rowing Machine |30671
No. 2: OneTwoFit |Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine
No. 3: Concept 2|Rower | Model D
No. 4: Reebok|One GR Rower Rowing Machine
No. 5: OneTwoFit |Air Rowing Machine
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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