Rowing Machine Reviews
Last updated: September 2019
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.
Rowing Machine Reviews & Ratings
(by price category and score)
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 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 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....
First Degree Monaco Review
First Degree Monaco - quite a looker
The First Degree brand have brought water resistant rowers into the 21st Century. There top models are fast becoming established in the commercial market - and for good reason. The Monaco is an impressive addition to the range. It looks great with its twin rail, it rides well - very sturdy. Plus, it has the useful feature of a resistance lever so you can change the level of resistance without having to add or remove water from the tank.
Great machine at a competitive price - Read review here....
Great machine at a competitive price - Read review here....
Kettler Favorit Review
The Kettler Favorit - rows better than it looks.
Kettler have a good reputation for low to mid-priced fitness equipment. The Favorit is a hydraulic resistance machine (uses pistons) and does look outdated compared to more recent models. But don't be put off by its looks! The console is compatible with a heart rate monitor (we believe the cheapest model to do so) and has the best display and monitor we've seen on a budget rower. It also has a reasonably good action, Of course it has its limitations - it's not for the vigorous rower - but for the price it's a pretty good buy.
See full Kettler review here.
See full Kettler review here.
Lifespan Fitness RW1000 Review
The budget(ish) RW1000 rower
The RW1000 is priced just above the budget rower range, but only just has the edge over models costing a hundred or so dollars less. It's quiet, has a smooth action and folds away when not in use, but other things spoil what could have been a much better rowing machine. The pull chain is made of a fabric that doesn't look or feel up to the task of coping with daily use. And the display data is limited and has the look of a cheap rower.
Other pluses - it feels solid and comes with a good length warranty. But these aren't enough to outweigh the negatives mentioned above.
You can read our full test here....
Other pluses - it feels solid and comes with a good length warranty. But these aren't enough to outweigh the negatives mentioned above.
You can read our full test here....
Velocity Fitness Magnetic Review
The dull but functional Velocity Rower
You'd be forgiven for passing this rowing machine by at first glance. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this model certainly wouldn't win any awards for its looks. One reviewer called it the Volvo of rowing machines :0)
However, if noise is an issue where you live, this very quiet magnetic rower is perfect. It also scores over its competitors with its pre-set programs and functions with 6 programs available at a touch of one button. It also comes with heart rate programs - earning it a big tick on the box from us.
Read more....
However, if noise is an issue where you live, this very quiet magnetic rower is perfect. It also scores over its competitors with its pre-set programs and functions with 6 programs available at a touch of one button. It also comes with heart rate programs - earning it a big tick on the box from us.
Read more....
Stamina X Water Review
The compact Stamina X Water Rower
Everyone is getting in on water rowing machines these days and the budget brand Stamina are not to be left out. As far as we're aware, this is the smallest water model on the market.
While it doesn't have too many features to write home about, the compact size, low maintenance requirements and price make it worth considering if on a budget and space is limited at home.
As usual with Stamina, it's quite sturdy and should last for years.
Read our full review here.
While it doesn't have too many features to write home about, the compact size, low maintenance requirements and price make it worth considering if on a budget and space is limited at home.
As usual with Stamina, it's quite sturdy and should last for years.
Read our full review here.
Stamina ATS Air Review
The noisy Stamina ATS Air Rower
Yet another model in the Stamina budget range of rowing machines - but this one is a bit of a disappointment compared to the others.
It looks good, but it's noisy (air rowers usually are) but a number of our testers also reported problems with the chain - it gets stuck. On the plus side, it's comfortable to use, feels solid and has a good display (if a little small) and monitor for a lower-priced machine. It also folds up for easy storage, but to be honest, you don't buy a rower to keep it in a closet :0)
If you're not going to be putting your rower through a punishing exercise regime this model could work for you - read the full ATS review here.
It looks good, but it's noisy (air rowers usually are) but a number of our testers also reported problems with the chain - it gets stuck. On the plus side, it's comfortable to use, feels solid and has a good display (if a little small) and monitor for a lower-priced machine. It also folds up for easy storage, but to be honest, you don't buy a rower to keep it in a closet :0)
If you're not going to be putting your rower through a punishing exercise regime this model could work for you - read the full ATS review here.