Best-Selling UK Rowing Machines
If you live in the UK and have been reading the reviews on our site, you may find that the model or brand name we've listed here is different to what's available for you. This is because many brands, especially the budget brands, source their machines from one or numerous manufacturers and put their badge on it. You can read more about how this process works here.
Some of the machines we've listed below may be exact matches to the models we've reviewed in the US, whereas others may have differences such as monitors, seats and handles.
One thing we know really bugs you in the UK is price. On many of the top models you'll find you could be paying almost the same as the dollar price that the same model costs in the US. For example, the top selling Concept2 Model D would cost you $945 in the US, yet you won't get it for much less than £860 in the UK. This is mainly due to the size of the markets that brings more buying power - the US market is five times the size of the UK.
Here are some of our recommendations based on reviews from our colleagues in the UK.
Some of the machines we've listed below may be exact matches to the models we've reviewed in the US, whereas others may have differences such as monitors, seats and handles.
One thing we know really bugs you in the UK is price. On many of the top models you'll find you could be paying almost the same as the dollar price that the same model costs in the US. For example, the top selling Concept2 Model D would cost you $945 in the US, yet you won't get it for much less than £860 in the UK. This is mainly due to the size of the markets that brings more buying power - the US market is five times the size of the UK.
Here are some of our recommendations based on reviews from our colleagues in the UK.
Rowing Machine Recommendations by Price and Score
Under £250
JLL R200 Rower:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
This budget magnetic rowing machine offers very good value for money. And because it's magnetic, it means it's very quiet if noise may be an issue for you. There are 10 levels of resistance offering a wide enough range to suit all.
It comes with a 12-month warranty which is pretty good for a budget machine. But note, this is a light model weighing in at only 27 kg and support a rower of up to 100 kg. If you're heavier, this is not a machine for you - you'll also invalidate the warranty!
It comes with a 12-month warranty which is pretty good for a budget machine. But note, this is a light model weighing in at only 27 kg and support a rower of up to 100 kg. If you're heavier, this is not a machine for you - you'll also invalidate the warranty!
From £500 to £750
JTX Ignite Air:
8.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
A gym quality machine at a very reasonable price. The Ignite comes with 8 pre-set workouts, plus the added advantage of heart rate training programs for maximum return. This is an air-resistant model with 9 damper settings to give your muscles a real challenge. Air machines behave like rowing on real water, as in, the harder you pull, the more it resists.
JTX have a great track record for customer service and after sales support. There warranties are also above and beyond what you'd expect for peace of mind.
JTX have a great track record for customer service and after sales support. There warranties are also above and beyond what you'd expect for peace of mind.
NordicTrack RW850:
8.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
A sturdy beast from NordicTrack that also comes with a 10" tablet and iFit Coach and 'studio' workouts similar to the Peleton bike. It offers 26 levels of air resistance, has great build-quality, a long beam for the taller rower, and won't budge an inch when you're hammering away at top stroke rates.
Rowing machine have taken an age to catch up with the hi-tech stuff you'll see on bikes and treadmills, so it's a welcome development from NordicTrack. It's easier to get motivated when you've got a trainer keeping an eye on your progress :0)
Rowing machine have taken an age to catch up with the hi-tech stuff you'll see on bikes and treadmills, so it's a welcome development from NordicTrack. It's easier to get motivated when you've got a trainer keeping an eye on your progress :0)
ProForm 750R:
8.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
ProForm have been at the forefront of bringing in new technology into the fitness market. Their iFit software is like having a personal trainer in your living room, and they can even change the resistance levels remotely to keep you working hard! This is a magnetic/ air rower so makes very little noise. It also has a long rail making it suitable for the taller rower. The display is large and in colour.
The cost includes 12-months iFit membership. If you're the type that needs motivating to workout, this is a good choice :0)
The cost includes 12-months iFit membership. If you're the type that needs motivating to workout, this is a good choice :0)
WaterRower A1 Studio:
8.0/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
WaterRower are known for their beautifully made wooden machines. The A1 Studio is an entry-level model with a reasonable price for a quality rower. This compact and lightweight model is ideal for apartments or it space is an issue. It's also quiet with just the sloshing of water in the tank as the seat runs smoothly on the rail. And when you're done, it stores vertically with a very small footprint. Being a WaterRower, it comes with an excellent warranty for peace of mind. Good value for money and a joy to use - you won't be disappointed buying one of these machines.
Xterra ERG600W:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The growth in water-resistant rowers has been quite something over the last two years. One of the leaders in this mid-budget price range is the ER600W. This is a solid machine supporting a user up to 300lbs!
The rowing position is very comfortable and the high rail gives it the feel of a gym model. The monitor is compatible with a heart rate monitor, but note, a chest strap is not included. You have to add/remove water to change the resistance level, but if you want an easier why to do this, you have to be prepared to pay £200 extra. On the whole, this is a good rowing machine for the price.
The rowing position is very comfortable and the high rail gives it the feel of a gym model. The monitor is compatible with a heart rate monitor, but note, a chest strap is not included. You have to add/remove water to change the resistance level, but if you want an easier why to do this, you have to be prepared to pay £200 extra. On the whole, this is a good rowing machine for the price.
From £750 to £1,000
Concept2 Model D:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
One of the best known names in rowing machines. A popular choice for rowing clubs and gyms for a good reason. These workhorses will last for years with minimal maintenance.
And just when you think some of the new boys on the block were starting to upstage them with new fancy features, Concept2 bring out their PM5 (performance monitor) and add more online and PC-compatible functions including online racing with anyone in the world!
And just when you think some of the new boys on the block were starting to upstage them with new fancy features, Concept2 bring out their PM5 (performance monitor) and add more online and PC-compatible functions including online racing with anyone in the world!
Over £1,000
HYDROW:
9.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
The Hydrow takes the rowing machine to the next level - and that's not over-egging the pudding :0) This super smooth, almost silent magnetic rower is pretty impressive in itself, but when you add the platform of real river rows and the workouts, you get possibly the best on the market. You can row many of the rivers of the world and listen to the swish of the water.
Workouts include trainer-led (much like Peloton), online racing, interval, or just a relaxing row down the rivers of Vermont or California.
Workouts include trainer-led (much like Peloton), online racing, interval, or just a relaxing row down the rivers of Vermont or California.
The hardware is a super-sleek, stylish frame with a seat that just glides up and down the beam. It has 300 levels of magnetic resistance and a comfortable seat.
The 22" HD Touchscreen monitor is excellent quality and helps to keep you motivated to keep going to get the results you desire.
All-in-all, the Hydrow has brought the humble rowing machine into the 21st Century (finally), other brands are now having to follow suit to compete. Yes, it's expensive, but it's the top-rated machine on this website, and it will be the only rower you'll ever buy.
The 22" HD Touchscreen monitor is excellent quality and helps to keep you motivated to keep going to get the results you desire.
All-in-all, the Hydrow has brought the humble rowing machine into the 21st Century (finally), other brands are now having to follow suit to compete. Yes, it's expensive, but it's the top-rated machine on this website, and it will be the only rower you'll ever buy.
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