Home Rowing Machine Reviews 2023
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer

Rowing Machine Reviews

[ Last update: January, 16th, 2023 ]
rowing machine review processUnbiased rowing machine reviews

​Our rowing machine reviews, listed below with our scores, are based on the experiences of users who have had the machine for at least one month. I also test many of the machines myself when I get my hands on one, and keep a check on fitness forums, blogs and other websites to keep up to date with reliability and durability issues. 

If you're sick and tired of reading so-called 'reviews' that just reprint the manufacturer's specification, you're in the right place - we don't do that. We'll tell you what we really think :0) 

You can also check prices against features with our comparison table here. If you would like to send us a review of your rower please contact us on tell us which model you have and exactly what you think of it.

We're not paid to review any particular rowing machine, we just test what we can sit on, and when enough people contact us about a specific model. We are an affiliate of a number of online sellers of rowing machines and earn a small commission on sales through this site. This does not influence the ratings given to the models we review - as you will see, we do give a wide range of scores. We're always adding more models and update the reviews you see here as we get more information.

Please note our reviewers comments are their own views and may differ from your own personal tastes - you can read about how these reviews are compiled in the about us section of this website.

Picture

UK visitor? Check out the top-selling models in the UK here.

We keep a look out for special offers and discounts and, to our knowledge, provide you with the best rowing machine deals available. When two retailers have models at the same price we list the one who has the best reputation for customer service, before and after the sale.
We'll also tell you which models are best if you live an apartment or have limited space, or if there'll be more than one user. 

Other factors are your height, weight, and whether you want to lose weight, improve your cardio-vascular fitness or train for competitive rowing. ​Manufacturers will target specific types of user with their machines, some will be perfect for you that may not be for others. Don't be fooled by the price - just because it costs more than another won't make it better.

So take a look at our opinions and see what's best for you. We do earn a small commission on sales, but this does not influence the reviews we list.
Our objective is to provide you with unbiased views and opinions so you can find the best rowing machine for your budget to meet your fitness goals.
LISTEN ON THE GO - Rowing Machine Ratings Explained

Rowing Machine Reviews & Ratings 
(by price category and score)

Low Budget (under $250)


Model Our Score
Stamina InMotion Star rating 15%
Sunny Rowing Machine Star rating 15%
Soozier Glider Star rating 25%
Sunny SF-RW5639 Star rating 25%
Sunny Full Motion Star rating 25%
Sunny SF-RW5606 Star rating 25%
Stamina Trac Glider 1050 Star rating 35%
Soozier Magnetic Star rating 35%
Stamina Free Motion Star rating 35%
Stamina Avari Easy Glide
Phoenix Power Star rating 40%
Fitbill F.Row Star rating 45%
Stamina 1110 Star rating 45%
Harvil Magnetic Star rating 45%
Xterra ERG200 Star rating 45%
Sunny SF-RW5633 Star rating 45%
Sunny SF-RW5856 Star rating 50%
Fitness Reality 1000 Star rating 50%
Sunny SF-RW5515 Star rating 50%
Merax Magnetic Star rating 55%


Budget ($250 - $500)


Model Our Score
Stamina 35-1405 ATS Star rating 40%
Sunny SF-RW5612 Star rating 45%
ProForm 550R Star rating 45%
Stamina 1215 Orbital Star rating 45%
Marcy Rower Star rating 45%
Stamina X-Air(2) Star rating 45%
Stamina 1333 Precision Star rating 45%
XTERRA ERG400 Star rating 50%
Sunny ASUNA 4500 Star rating 50%
ProForm 440R Star rating 50%
Stamina X Air Star rating 50%
Kettler Favorit Star rating 50%
Sunny Mag Pro Rower Star rating 55%
LifeSpan RW1000 Star rating 55%
Echanfit Magnetic Star rating 55%
Stamina 1402 ATS Star rating 60%
Stamina Air Rower Star rating 60%
Sunny SF-RW5623 Star rating 60%
XTERRA ERG500 Star rating 60%
Sunny SF-RW5624 Star rating 60%
Stamina 1130 Star rating 60%
Sunny Dual Air+Mag Star rating 65%
MaxKare Water Star rating 80%
Joroto Magnetic Star rating 75%
Velocity Fitness CHR-2001 Star rating 75%
Kettler R220 Star rating 80%
Conquer Magnetic Star rating 75%
Fitness Reality 2000F Star rating 75%
Stamina DT 397 Star rating 75%
Sunny Obsidian Surge Star rating 75%
XTERRA ERG600W Star rating 75%
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Star rating 75%
Fitness Reality 5000x Star rating 75%


Mid-Range ($500 - $750)


Model Our Score
Velocity CHR-301 Star rating 55%
Stamina Avari Star rating 60%
Kettler Kadett Outrigger Star rating 60%
NordicTrack RW200 Star rating 70%
Kettler Stroker Star rating 70%
Stamina Wave 1450 Star rating 75%
Merax Water Star rating 75%
Bladez Cascade Star rating 75%
Schwinn Crewmaster Star rating 75%
Fitness Reality 3000WR Star rating 80%
Fitness Reality 4000MR Star rating 80%
Sunny Phantom Hydro Star rating 80%

Mid-Range cont. ($750 - $1,000)


ModelOur Score
Stamina Conversion II Star rating 50%
Kettler Coach M Star rating 75%
First Degree Neptune Star rating 75%
BodyCraft VR200Star rating 75%
WaterRower A1 Home Star rating 75%
BodyCraft VR400 Star rating 80%
XTERRA ERG700 Star rating 80%
XTERRA ERG650W Star rating 80%
First Degree Newport AR Star rating 80%
First Degree Pacific AR Star rating 80%
Xebex AR-2 Star rating 85%
SOLE Fitness SR500 Star rating 85%
First Degree Apollo Pro Star rating 85%
Teeter Power10 Star rating 90%
Concept2 Model D Star rating 95%


Top Range (over $1,000)


Model Our Score
Diamondback 910R Star rating 75%
Kettler Coach E Star rating 75%
Sunny Asuna Ventus Star rating 75%
WaterRower GX Star rating 80%
WaterRower Natural Star rating 85%
Velocity Vantage Star rating 85%
First Degree Monaco Star rating 85%
Concept2 Model E Star rating 90%
BodyCraft VR500 Star rating 90%
LifeCore R100 Rower Star rating 90%
WaterRower Club Star rating 90%
WaterRower S1 Star rating 90%
Assault AirRower Elite Star rating 90%
First Degree Vortex-3 Star rating 95%
First Degree E-520 Pro Star rating 95%
Hydrow Wave Rower Star rating 95%
Ergatta Rower Star rating 95%
Hydrow Reality Rower Star rating 95%
Life Fitness Heat Row Star rating 95%

​You can see the most popular models we've tested, listed on our Homepage - here's some of the less well known machines reviewed but still worth a mention.  To read them in full, see the links below.

Two of the top rated rowers on this website in a head-to-head, see Ergatta vs Hydrow

Budget ( under $500 )


Circuit Fitness Deluxe: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Rowing machineCircuit Fitness Deluxe- rows better than it looks.
For a machine costing around $400 you get quite a few features you'd only expect to find on a rower costing twice the price. It has a sturdy feel to it, and the rowing action is quite smooth, thanks to the 11 lbs flywheel. Being magnetic, it's very quiet and has some good programs on the monitor.

It may not look as good as some rowers on the market - the yellow circle is a matter of taste - but the seat is wide and comfortable and it has the feel of a model costing more.

To conclude, a tidy machine at a tidy price, and the warranty ain't too bad either.

Check price on Amazon
read review
Sunny Obsidian Surge: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Sunny Obsidian Surge 500 rowing machineSunny Obsidian Surge - good value
Not so long ago, a water rowing machine would have set you back at least $700. Now, thanks to the budget brands taking an interest the price has come down without compromising too much on the quality.

The Sunny Obsidian Surge 500 from Sunny is a very welcome edition to the water machine. It has some great features for a budget model such as a monitor that's heart rate monitor compatible, and a long beam for the taller user.

All-in-all a pretty damn fine machine for the cost - read full review....

check price on amazon
read review

Mid range ( $500 - $1,000 )


Xebex AR-2 Air Rower: 8.5/ 10 8.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer
Xebex AR-1 air rowerXebex Air Rower - much underrated
It's not a brand known to many, but the Xebex is a good machine at a very reasonable price. Not unlike the Concept2 in looks, it boasts some great features and has the feel of a rower you'd find in a gym.

The build-quality is good, and you won't find many machines that can support a user of up to 500 lbs - that's one solid piece of kit!

The monitor is compatible with a heart rate monitor and will display your pulse, but note, it doesn't have any PC-connectivity functions. For the price, it's a great rower that should last for years.

check price on GetRxd
Read review
XTERRA ERG700: 8.0/ 10 8.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer
Xterra ERG700 rowing machineThe sleek XTERRA ERG700
Another name that's not on everyone's lips when talking rowers, but in recent years XTERRA have brought six new machines to the market. They've got some pretty impressive mid-range water machines out there, but here's their sleek magnetic offering.

It comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance - a wide enough range to suit all, plus it's very quiet in operation. The seat slides smoothly up and down the high rail. The height makes it easy to get on and off - great if your back and knees are a bit dodgy :0)

​It has a great monitor and some useful features for the price.

check price on amazon
read review

Top Range ( over $1,000 )


Teeter Power10: 9.0/ 10 9.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer
Teeter Power10 elliptical rowerThe unique Teeter Power10
As they say in England, this is not everyone's cup of tea, as it's not what you would call a conventional rowing machine. The Teeter Power10 is a magnetic elliptical rower that has an action unlike any other model we've tried.

​The resistance allows you to push as well as pull and therefore works more muscle groups.

This isn't for those want to use an indoor rower to train for real rowing, but if you're looking to get into shape and burn up calories, this is a great bit of home fitness equipment to help you do just that.

Check price with Lifespan
Read Review
You are here: Home | Rowing Machine Reviews

   
Copyright 2010 - 2023 RowingMachine-Guide.com
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer