Home Rowing Machine Reviews and Buyer's Guide 2024
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Honest Rowing Machine Reviews


Welcome to my rowing machine review page, where I provide detailed and honest evaluations based on real user experiences. Each review includes scores and insights from users who have owned their machines for at least one month. Additionally, I personally test many of the machines when possible and stay updated through fitness forums, blogs, and other resources on issues related to reliability and durability.

If you're tired of reviews that simply repeat manufacturers' specifications, you've come to the right place. My reviews are based on actual user feedback and personal experience, aiming to give you a genuine understanding of each product.

To help you compare features and prices, I've included a comparison table. If you own a rowing machine and would like to share your experiences, please contact me. Your feedback is valuable and helps improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these reviews.
Rowing machine reviewsUnbiased rowing machine reviews
Affiliate Disclaimer and Objectivity
I am affiliated with several online sellers of rowing machines and earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this site. However, this does not influence the ratings I assign to the machines I review. As you'll see, the scores vary widely, reflecting my commitment to providing unbiased opinions.

Updates and Transparency
I regularly update the content on this site as new information becomes available and new models are tested. The comments and scores from testers reflect their personal views, which may differ based on individual preferences. For more details on how these reviews are compiled, please refer to the "About Us" section.
Special Offers and Recommendations
​
I also keep an eye out for special offers and discounts to ensure you get the best deals on rowing machines. When multiple retailers offer the same model at similar prices, I prioritize those with a strong reputation for customer service, both pre- and post-purchase.
​Choosing the Right Rowing Machine
When selecting a rowing machine, consider factors such as available space, your height and weight, and your fitness goals—whether it's weight loss, cardiovascular improvement, or training for competitive rowing. Not every machine is suitable for everyone, so it's essential to find one that fits your specific needs. Remember, a higher price doesn't always mean a better product.

My goal is to provide you with reliable and unbiased information to help you choose the best rowing machine within your budget, tailored to your fitness objectives.

LISTEN ON THE GO - Rowing Machine Ratings Explained


Rowing Machines Listed by Price and Star Rating


Low Budget (under $250)


Model Our Score
Stamina InMotion rowing machine review 15%
Sunny SF-RW5639 rowing machine review 25%
Sunny Full Motion rowing machine review 25%
Sunny SF-RW5606 rowing machine review 25%
Stamina Trac Glider 1050 rowing machine review 35%
Stamina 1110 rowing machine review 45%
Xterra ERG200 rowing machine review 45%
Sunny SF-RW5856 rowing machine review 50%
Fitness Reality 1000 rowing machine review 50%
Sunny SF-RW5515 rowing machine review 50%
Merax Magnetic rowing machine review 55%
Dripex Magnetic Star rating 60%

Budget ($250 - $500)


Model Our Score
Stamina 35-1405 ATS Star rating 40%
Stamina 1333 Precision Star rating 45%
XTERRA ERG400 Star rating 50%
ProForm 440R Star rating 50%
Stamina X Air Star rating 50%
Kettler Favorit Star rating 50%
LifeSpan RW1000 Star rating 55%
Echanfit Magnetic Star rating 55%
Stamina Air Rower Star rating 60%
Sunny SF-RW5623 Star rating 60%
XTERRA ERG500 Star rating 60%
Stamina 1130 Star rating 60%
Sunny Dual Air+Mag Star rating 65%
Sunny RW5941 SMART Star rating 60%
MaxKare Water Star rating 80%
Joroto Magnetic Star rating 75%
Velocity Fitness CHR-2001 Star rating 75%
Kettler R220 Star rating 80%
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%
Merach Q1S Star rating 78%
Sunny Elite Wave Star rating 80%

Mid-Range ($500 - $750)


Model Our Score
Kettler Kadett Outrigger Star rating 60%
NordicTrack RW200 Star rating 70%
Stamina Wave 1450 Star rating 75%
Merax Water Star rating 75%
Bladez Cascade Star rating 75%
Fitness Reality 3000WR Star rating 80%
Fitness Reality 4000MR Star rating 80%
Sunny Phantom Hydro Star rating 80%

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


Model Our Score
Stamina Conversion II Star rating 50%
BodyCraft VR200 Star rating 75%
WaterRower A1 Home Star rating 75%
BodyCraft VR400 Star rating 80%
XTERRA ERG700 Star rating 80%
XTERRA ERG650W Star rating 80%
Xebex AR-2 Star rating 85%
SOLE Fitness SR500 Star rating 85%
Echelon Smart Row 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 rowing machine review 75%
WaterRower GX rowing machine review 80%
WaterRower Natural rowing machine review 85%
First Degree Monaco rowing machine review 85%
LIT Strength Machine rowing machine review 88%
Concept2 Model E rowing machine review 90%
BodyCraft VR500 rowing machine review 90%
LifeCore R100 Rower rowing machine review 90%
WaterRower Club rowing machine review 90%
WaterRower S1 rowing machine review 90%
Assault AirRower Elite rowing machine review 90%
Hydrow Wave Rower rowing machine review 95%
Ergatta Rower rowing machine review 95%
Hydrow Reality Rower rowing machine review 95%
Life Fitness Heat Row rowing machine review 95%


Top Rowing Machine Recommendations by Price


​​You can see the most popular models I've tested, listed on our Homepage - here are some of the less well known machines 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 ($250 - $500)


CIRCUIT FITNESS DELUXE

7.5 7.5 Stars
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.
CIRCUIT FITNESS DELUXE: SPECIFICATION
Resistance Type MAGNETIC
Max User Weight 300 lbs
Machine Weight 90 lbs
Length 91 in
Height 31.5 in
Width 21 in
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Rowing machineCircuit Fitness Deluxe - rows better than it looks!
Check price on Amazon
read review

SUNNY OBSIDIAN SURGE

7.5 7.5 Stars
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.
SUNNY OBSIDIAN SURGE: SPECIFICATION
Resistance Type WATER
Max User Weight 250 lbs
Machine Weight 89 lbs
Length 79 in
Height 34 in
Width 22 in
Sunny Obsidian Surge Rowing machineSunny Obsidian Surge - good value
check price on amazon
read review

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


XEBEX SR-2 AIR

8.5 8.5 Stars
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.
XEBEX AIR ROWER: SPECIFICATION
Resistance Type AIR
Max User Weight 500 lbs
Machine Weight 95 lbs
Length 96 in
Height 37 in
Width 23 in
Xebex Air Rower Rowing machineXebex Air Rower - much underrated
check price on GetRxd
Read review

XTERRA ERG700

8.0 8.0 Stars
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.
XTERRA ERG700: SPECIFICATION
Resistance Type AIR + MAGNETIC
Max User Weight 350 lbs
Machine Weight 81 lbs
Length 97 in
Height 38 in
Width 18 in
XTERRA ERG700 Rowing machineThe sleek XTERRA ERG700
check price on amazon
read review

Top Range (over $1,000)


TEETER POWER10

8.5 8.5 Stars
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.
TEETER POWER10: SPECIFICATION
Resistance Type MAGNETIC
Max User Weight 300 lbs
Machine Weight 180 lbs
Length 63 in
Height 43 in
Width 38 in

Teeter Power10The unique Teeter Power10
Check price with Lifespan
Read Review

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  • Home
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    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
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