Home Rowing Machine Reviews & User Guide
Find Your Best Rower from the Top Models Tested Here - 2020
Me acting like a big kid on the Float Rower
Our unbiased home rowing machine reviews will help you find the best model for your needs and budget. There is a huge range of rowers available and you may find the choice a little confusing - I certainly do, and I've been monitoring the rower market since 2010.
First up.... don't panic! As they say, 'keep calm and carry on'.
The model you choose really depends on a number of factors. The obvious one is how much you're prepared to pay. Then followed by your goals, the available room at home, the type of room you'll be using it. And lastly, how often and for how long you intend to train.
I've taken all these things into consideration when testing and writing these reviews to hopefully make the process of choosing and buying a rowing machine both easier, and perhaps even enjoyable. And once you have your rower, I have advice and examples of workouts to help you get the very best from your rowing machine.
I hope you find this website useful.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) October 2020 - Note, due to the restrictions still in place across many parts of the world, supply chains will be effected and some rowing machines are difficult to find. And it will come as no surprise to find the prices on many of the models STILL in stock, are going up. Hopefully, this won't go on forever, so you all stay safe now. Conversely, some brands are now cheaper! Work that one out?
Short of time? To save you the trouble of reading all my reviews within your chosen budget, here's a quick tip. If you have a budget of around a $1,000 you really can't go far wrong buying one of the most popular home rowing machines of all time - the Concept2 Model D. For $945 you'll get a rower that will last for years... and years ...and then a few more years. It has some great features. Gymnasiums, health resorts and rowing clubs all over the world love it, and so will you.
If your budget is lower, or you have more to spend, don't be put off by the staggering choice of models out there. I can help you find the answers to all your questions, and ensure you get the best rowing machine that will get you into the shape of your life. There is a huge range of rowing machines to supply the huge demand, you can spend anything from around $100 to well over $2,500 - so you can imagine the difference in quality and reliability.
However, buying the most expensive model doesn't always guarantee you'll get a better rower. There's no point buying a top of the range model, if you only plan on using it two or three times a week. Likewise, it's false economy to buy a budget rowing machine if you intend to row everyday for an hour! It will let you down quicker than you think.
For more help on making the right decision see our guide to buying a rower, and also check out our advice for buying a used model.
Note:
If it's been a while since you've last been active, or you're recovering from an injury or illness, it's advisable to talk to your doctor first nd ease yourself gently into physical exercise. For advice on the types of activity you can help get you started, please visit www.healthfinder.gov.
First up.... don't panic! As they say, 'keep calm and carry on'.
The model you choose really depends on a number of factors. The obvious one is how much you're prepared to pay. Then followed by your goals, the available room at home, the type of room you'll be using it. And lastly, how often and for how long you intend to train.
I've taken all these things into consideration when testing and writing these reviews to hopefully make the process of choosing and buying a rowing machine both easier, and perhaps even enjoyable. And once you have your rower, I have advice and examples of workouts to help you get the very best from your rowing machine.
I hope you find this website useful.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) October 2020 - Note, due to the restrictions still in place across many parts of the world, supply chains will be effected and some rowing machines are difficult to find. And it will come as no surprise to find the prices on many of the models STILL in stock, are going up. Hopefully, this won't go on forever, so you all stay safe now. Conversely, some brands are now cheaper! Work that one out?
Short of time? To save you the trouble of reading all my reviews within your chosen budget, here's a quick tip. If you have a budget of around a $1,000 you really can't go far wrong buying one of the most popular home rowing machines of all time - the Concept2 Model D. For $945 you'll get a rower that will last for years... and years ...and then a few more years. It has some great features. Gymnasiums, health resorts and rowing clubs all over the world love it, and so will you.
If your budget is lower, or you have more to spend, don't be put off by the staggering choice of models out there. I can help you find the answers to all your questions, and ensure you get the best rowing machine that will get you into the shape of your life. There is a huge range of rowing machines to supply the huge demand, you can spend anything from around $100 to well over $2,500 - so you can imagine the difference in quality and reliability.
However, buying the most expensive model doesn't always guarantee you'll get a better rower. There's no point buying a top of the range model, if you only plan on using it two or three times a week. Likewise, it's false economy to buy a budget rowing machine if you intend to row everyday for an hour! It will let you down quicker than you think.
For more help on making the right decision see our guide to buying a rower, and also check out our advice for buying a used model.
Note:
If it's been a while since you've last been active, or you're recovering from an injury or illness, it's advisable to talk to your doctor first nd ease yourself gently into physical exercise. For advice on the types of activity you can help get you started, please visit www.healthfinder.gov.
The innovative Hydrow
IT'S HERE... the Hydrow Rower!
We think we've seen the future of the rowing machine! We're excited to try the latest in rowing machine technology, the Hydrow.
You've seen the adverts for Peloton, well this takes it one step further. Our full review is now available to read - see Hydrow Rower review...
We think we've seen the future of the rowing machine! We're excited to try the latest in rowing machine technology, the Hydrow.
You've seen the adverts for Peloton, well this takes it one step further. Our full review is now available to read - see Hydrow Rower review...
Please note, we don't receive any payment to write our rowing machine reviews, we don't sell rowers, provide spare parts, and we don't promote any particular brand. We're only interested in finding good, reliable rowing machines and the best prices and deals on the web. This site is an affiliate of a number of retailers including Amazon and earn a small commission on sales. This does not influence the scores given to the rowing machine we review. The income earned through advertising and any commissions from retailers, is used to buy or hire models to test, and pay for reviewer's time.
UK visitor? Check rowing machines available in the UK here. |
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Quick Guide - Top Rowing Machine by Price
To save you time, here's a summary of some of the best rowing machine's we've reviewed in the last year - ordered by price bracket.
PLEASE NOTE
With stocks running low due to high demands in light of Covid-19, some of the rowers below may
have increased in price. As much as we try to keep up, prices are changing on a daily basis.
With stocks running low due to high demands in light of Covid-19, some of the rowers below may
have increased in price. As much as we try to keep up, prices are changing on a daily basis.
Under $250
Sunny SF-RW5515:
Rating
5.0/10
Sunny SF-RW5515
A budget machine in every sense with few features to get excited about. But in it's favor, it's quite a sturdy machine that should last longer than most machines for the cost. It's a magnetic rowing machine so it's quieter than an air rower, but you might find the seat starts to squeak after regular use. But despite it's negatives, it could still get your heart rate up and help get you fit.
Note, if you intend to use your rower more than 3 times a week we recommend you don't buy a model in this price range.
Note, if you intend to use your rower more than 3 times a week we recommend you don't buy a model in this price range.
Fitness Reality 1000:
Rating
5.0/10
The Fitness Reality 1000
A quiet magnetic rowing machine that has 14 levels of resistance. It's long beam also makes it suitable for the taller user. But what makes it stand out from other models in this price range is the Blue Tooth functionality. It is a bit limited but we're sure more will be added as the popularity grows.
Note, the price on this particular model does change on a regular basis, so double check before buying. We've seen it listed from $248 up to $290
Note, the price on this particular model does change on a regular basis, so double check before buying. We've seen it listed from $248 up to $290
Others rowing machines under $250 worth a mention >>>
| Make/ Model | Type | Features | Our Score(%) |
| Magnetic | Folding | 
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| Magnetic | Folding |
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| Magnetic | Folding |
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| Magnetic | Folding |
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Under $500
Schwinn Crewmaster:
Rating
7.5/10
Schwinn Crewmaster
It's tough to get a mid-budget machine just right. It's not a real cheap machine so expectations are higher, but then it's not in the price bracket where you'd get a lot more. But Schwinn have got a pretty good effort here with the Crewmaster. It's heart rate enabled which is a big plus in this range. It also has a good monitor and is quite easy to use.
Yes, it does have a few faults - it's not easy to fold, and it doesn't have any pre-set programs, but for the price it's well worth a look in our view.
Click the button below the photo to read my review.
Yes, it does have a few faults - it's not easy to fold, and it doesn't have any pre-set programs, but for the price it's well worth a look in our view.
Click the button below the photo to read my review.
Sunny Obsidian Surge:
Rating
7.5/10
Sunny Obsidian Surge Water rower
One of the biggest surprises for us in 2018 was this water rower from Sunny Health an Fitness. It looks great, has the feel of a rower costing twice the price and is heart rate compatible.
It has a solid, sturdy base and can take quite a bit of punishment, and due to the long beam is suitable for the taller user.
And coming in at under $500 makes it well worth a look. To read our full review, click on the review button to the right.
It has a solid, sturdy base and can take quite a bit of punishment, and due to the long beam is suitable for the taller user.
And coming in at under $500 makes it well worth a look. To read our full review, click on the review button to the right.
More models under $500 worth considering >>>
| Make/ Model | Type | Features | Our Score(%) |
| Mag | Fold/Pulse |
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| Air/Mag | Fold/Pulse |
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| Air/Mag | Fold |
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| Water | - | 
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Under $750
Fitness Reality 4000MR:
Rating
8.0/10
We have to admit this machine took us by surprise. It's a full motion rower with proper 'oars' which means you're working more upper body muscles, especially the shoulders. But that's not the only good thing. It's very quiet being a magnetic-resistance model, it's very sturdy, has a high seat (good for the old knees, eh!), and has a long beam making it suitable for taller users.
There are 16 levels of resistance, plus the monitor has 10 pre-set programs which provides plenty of variation of workouts - important to keep you motivated. It also comes with a 5-year warranty on the frame, and 3-years on parts. All-in-all, it's a very commendable rowing machine that should keep you coming back for more.
There are 16 levels of resistance, plus the monitor has 10 pre-set programs which provides plenty of variation of workouts - important to keep you motivated. It also comes with a 5-year warranty on the frame, and 3-years on parts. All-in-all, it's a very commendable rowing machine that should keep you coming back for more.
Under $1,000
Sunny Phantom Hydro:
Rating
8.0/10
Sunny Phantom Hydro Water
Since 2018 there's been an explosion in the mid-priced budget water rowing machines. We've tried six in the last two years and while they all have something to offer, one stands out from the crowd.
The wonderfully-named Sunny Phantom Hydro is a sturdy beast, while being quiet and smooth. It comes with some great features including 11 pre-set programs such as a Race program, target workouts, and recovery. The angled water tank offer 7 resistance levels - but note this is manually set, that is, you add or remove water.
For the price, you get a quality rowing machine that should last you years.
The wonderfully-named Sunny Phantom Hydro is a sturdy beast, while being quiet and smooth. It comes with some great features including 11 pre-set programs such as a Race program, target workouts, and recovery. The angled water tank offer 7 resistance levels - but note this is manually set, that is, you add or remove water.
For the price, you get a quality rowing machine that should last you years.
Concept2 Model D:
Rating
9.5/10
Concept2 Model D
Absolutely no contest here. The Concept2 Model D is what the elite rowers choose over any other machine. Rowing clubs all over the world use this machine for indoor training and testing - because despite all the punishment of constant use, it will last for years!
It's been around since 2003 so looks a little outdated when compared to the new boys on the block, but continues to get new features such as online functions and upgraded monitors.
For the price it's still a steal. Also popular with gymnasiums and health clubs as it will take anything anyone can throw at it with minimum maintenance.
It's been around since 2003 so looks a little outdated when compared to the new boys on the block, but continues to get new features such as online functions and upgraded monitors.
For the price it's still a steal. Also popular with gymnasiums and health clubs as it will take anything anyone can throw at it with minimum maintenance.
More rowing machines under $1000 worth a look >>>
| Make/ Model | Type | Features | Our Score(%) |
| Air/Mag | Fold/HR/Multi | 
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| Water | - | 
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| Water | Fold |
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| Air/Mag | Multi/Pulse | 
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Over $1,000
Assault AirRower Elite:
Rating
9.5/10
Assault's AirRower Elite is a beast!
If you're looking for a rowing machine that will last for years and take everything you can throw at it, day after day, then look no further than this beauty. It's built like a tank, and performs like one! This commercial-grade machine oozes quality, feels great to row, and the thought gone into its design becomes obvious the moment you sit on it.
It's an air rower suitable for the novice, right up to the elite rowers. Thanks to its dual-stage drive mechanism, it delivers unlimited resistance - so the stronger and fitter you get, the more it will challenge you back.
The AirRower Elite has some great features that will keep you coming back for more - we doubt you'll ever outgrow this beast. It is a little more than the tried and trust Concept2 machines, but for the price you'll get many years of service.
It's an air rower suitable for the novice, right up to the elite rowers. Thanks to its dual-stage drive mechanism, it delivers unlimited resistance - so the stronger and fitter you get, the more it will challenge you back.
The AirRower Elite has some great features that will keep you coming back for more - we doubt you'll ever outgrow this beast. It is a little more than the tried and trust Concept2 machines, but for the price you'll get many years of service.
Hydrow Reality Rower:
Rating
9.5/10
The ultra sleek Hydrow Reality Rower
Okay, so we say over $1,000 - but it's by quite a margin, twice and then a little more to be exact. But trust us, you get so much more than just a rowing machine - apologies if that sounds cheesy.
It's no exaggeration to say the Hydrow takes indoor rowing to the next level, and it does this by bring the river into your home! The 22" HD screen streams live workouts or actual rows down iconic rivers and simulates rowing on real water, it even adds the sound of your 'oars' dipping in the river as you pull. It really is quite a trail-blazer and sets the bar very high indeed for others to follow.
It's no exaggeration to say the Hydrow takes indoor rowing to the next level, and it does this by bring the river into your home! The 22" HD screen streams live workouts or actual rows down iconic rivers and simulates rowing on real water, it even adds the sound of your 'oars' dipping in the river as you pull. It really is quite a trail-blazer and sets the bar very high indeed for others to follow.
Others over $1000 worth a look >>>
| Make/ Model | Type | Features | Our Score(%) |
| Air | Multi/PC | 
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| Air/Mag | HR/PC |
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| Air/Mag | HR/Multi |
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| Water | HR/PC |
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| Water | HR/Pulse |
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How We Compile our Rowing Machine Reviews
Our reviews are written by people who have spent at least a week using the machine or already own one and have had it for over a month. We rate each machine using the following criteria. We've recently changed the quick reference info-graphic which appear on each review page.
We rate the build quality, features on the rowing machine and value for money and then give it an overall score out of one hundred..
We rate the build quality, features on the rowing machine and value for money and then give it an overall score out of one hundred..
To read about the models we've tested to date, please see all our rowing machine reviews, or use our comparison table to check the price verses features. We perform regular price checks, so we can recommend the best buys on the market. Our objective is to help you get the best model at a price you can afford.
We also offer training tips on how to get the most from your rowing machine. For example, one of the best ways to get great results from your workouts are heart rate training programs and we recommend this great workout program with over 20 workouts.
Choosing the right model for your needs and budget could make a huge difference to you health and well-being. We hope we can help you make it with this website.
We also offer training tips on how to get the most from your rowing machine. For example, one of the best ways to get great results from your workouts are heart rate training programs and we recommend this great workout program with over 20 workouts.
Choosing the right model for your needs and budget could make a huge difference to you health and well-being. We hope we can help you make it with this website.
About Me
Hi, I'm Roy Palmer and I love to row and run. I coordinate this website and test home rowing machines and also use a number of rowers around the world to tell me what they think of their machines. I'm also an athletics coach and teacher of The Alexander Technique with over 30 years experience in competitive sport and coaching.
If you can't see a rowing machine you'd like us to review, please let me know.
Hi, I'm Roy Palmer and I love to row and run. I coordinate this website and test home rowing machines and also use a number of rowers around the world to tell me what they think of their machines. I'm also an athletics coach and teacher of The Alexander Technique with over 30 years experience in competitive sport and coaching.
If you can't see a rowing machine you'd like us to review, please let me know.
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Content by Roy Palmer - Google+
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STOP THE PRESS!
We're proud to announce our new website for treadmill users is NOW LIVE - see Treadmill-Guide.com
Updates... including latest rowing machine reviews
We've seen the future of the rowing machine, but it comes at a price... see our review of the Hydrow Reality Rower here....
Tech for Tech Sake? Do the fancy graphics, virtual coaches and software add value? See my blog post here...
Finally, we get our hands (and butts) on this, but it was worth the wait - meet the Assault AirRower Elite (it's a bit of a beast!)
Looking for a commercial rowing machine at home gym prices? Check out the LifeSpan RW7000 - great value.
Yet another mid-priced water rower enters the market - see our Sunny Phantom Hydro review
Hot on the heels of the Hydro (above), comes the Xterra 650W - well worth a look in our view.
The compact Stamina DT gets the once-over and we were quite impressed.
Should you go for Concept2's Model D or Model E - check our guide here.
Trouble with your heart rate monitor? Some very useful advice here...
Found this fascinating website about the history of rowing.
Visit Wikipedia for more history and info on rowing machines
We've seen the future of the rowing machine, but it comes at a price... see our review of the Hydrow Reality Rower here....
Tech for Tech Sake? Do the fancy graphics, virtual coaches and software add value? See my blog post here...
Finally, we get our hands (and butts) on this, but it was worth the wait - meet the Assault AirRower Elite (it's a bit of a beast!)
Looking for a commercial rowing machine at home gym prices? Check out the LifeSpan RW7000 - great value.
Yet another mid-priced water rower enters the market - see our Sunny Phantom Hydro review
Hot on the heels of the Hydro (above), comes the Xterra 650W - well worth a look in our view.
The compact Stamina DT gets the once-over and we were quite impressed.
Should you go for Concept2's Model D or Model E - check our guide here.
Trouble with your heart rate monitor? Some very useful advice here...
Found this fascinating website about the history of rowing.
Visit Wikipedia for more history and info on rowing machines
TESTIMONIALS:
"Thanks for the help, your website was awesome." Chris Cannon aka Thechugdude - we won't ask about the name :0)
"My best to you Roy and again thank you for taking the time to do your rowing machine reviews. They were a big help to me." Skip Davis, San Diego.
We hope you find our unbiased and honest reviews help you make what can be a difficult choice much easier :0)
"Thanks for the help, your website was awesome." Chris Cannon aka Thechugdude - we won't ask about the name :0)
"My best to you Roy and again thank you for taking the time to do your rowing machine reviews. They were a big help to me." Skip Davis, San Diego.
We hope you find our unbiased and honest reviews help you make what can be a difficult choice much easier :0)
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