Rowing Machine Reviews
[ Last update: May, 6th, 2022 ]
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.
LISTEN ON THE GO - Rowing Machine Ratings Explained
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.
Two of the top rated rowers on this website in a head-to-head, see Ergatta vs Hydrow
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
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
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:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
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:
8.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
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:
8.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
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 )
Teeter Power10:
9.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The 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.
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.
CITYROW GO Max:
9.3/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
This beauty is in direct competition with the highly-rated Hydrow and Ergatta, so has to have something special to make the same list. And it goes a pretty long way in delivering just that.
Based on the WaterRower machine, the large color touchscreen is a great addition to an already super rower.
But it goes further. The wide range of workouts led by real trainers - both on and off the rower - make the CITYROW a standout machine.
The rower is a joy to use, and with real-time workout data at your fingertips, you can't fail to achieve your fitness goals.
Based on the WaterRower machine, the large color touchscreen is a great addition to an already super rower.
But it goes further. The wide range of workouts led by real trainers - both on and off the rower - make the CITYROW a standout machine.
The rower is a joy to use, and with real-time workout data at your fingertips, you can't fail to achieve your fitness goals.