Rowing Machine Reviews
Last updated: September 20th, 2020
Unbiased 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.
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.
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.
The exciting Hydrow rower
STOP PRESS...
We've finished putting the high tech Hydrow through its paces and it certainly raises the bar and takes rowers to the next level.
See our review here...
We've finished putting the high tech Hydrow through its paces and it certainly raises the bar and takes rowers to the next level.
See our review here...
Rowing Machine Reviews & Ratings
(by price category and score)
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.
To read them in full, see the links below.
Budget ( under $500 )
Circuit Fitness Deluxe:
Rating
7.5/10
Circuit 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.
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.
Sunny Obsidian Surge:
Rating
7.5/10
Sunny 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....
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....
Mid range ( $500 - $1,000 )
Xebex AR-2 Air Rower:
Rating
8.5/10
Xebex 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.
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.
XTERRA ERG700:
Rating
8.0/10
The 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.
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.
Top Range ( over $1,000 )
LifeSpan RW7000 Commercial:
Rating
9.0/10
Superb LifeSpan RW7000
When you call your machine 'commercial' you had better deliver. And LifeSpan's RW7000 certainly does. It's a great-looking machine that rows like it looks. Its made from top quality materials and is definitely built to last.
The monitor is easy to use and has some great programs that will keep you coming back for more. But don't be deceived by its elegant frame - this will take whatever you can through at it. And the price (just over $1,000) makes it great value for money.
The monitor is easy to use and has some great programs that will keep you coming back for more. But don't be deceived by its elegant frame - this will take whatever you can through at it. And the price (just over $1,000) makes it great value for money.