Not everyone can get to the gym to exercise, and having the best rowing machine can help. You can enjoy a full-body workout and keep track of your calories burned as well.
All it takes is hard work and dedication, and you do not need to head out to the water or gym to achieve this. With the at-home rowing machine, you get everything you need at an affordable price.
Here we have selected top-selling rowing machines available, enabling you to get the same effect as rowing on the water in the comfort of your home.
You can find from entry, midrange, to high-end level options made for different budget needs. Furthermore, you have different resistance styles as well made available by the hydraulic rowers.
After checking out the complete review, make sure to the guide at the end before making your purchase.
Table of Contents
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Best Rowing Machine Reviews
10. Fitness Reality 1000 Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
Get a full-body workout in the comfort of your home with the Fitness Reality 1000 rowing machine. The machine has a large LCD screen offering you 14 levels of resistance with a cushioned seat.
There are front stabilizing footpads for added workouts from bent-over rows, curls, front raises, and more. You can use the rower with the My Cloud app to help set your goals and keep track of your training.
The Bluetooth Magnetic Rower has loads to offer, so make sure to check it out today!
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Full body low impact workout with a 39-inch slide rail length
- Works with Bluetooth connection and the My Cloud Fitness app to achieve three workout goals
- You can keep track of your calories burned, distance, and time
- Wide foam handlebar with 14 levels of dual transmission magnetic tension resistance
- Front stabilizer footpad for added exercise
- Weight capacity 250lbs
- Large LCD screen to keep track of your progress
- Contoured cushioned seat
- Folds for storage with adjustable rear floor stabilizers
What we like:
- Dead silent when used
- Easy assembly
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Wide range of resistance settings
What we do not like:
- A useless app that does not sync most of the time
9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
Now, you can row into shape using the magnetic rowing machine at home from Sunny Health and Fitness. Compared to the previous model on the list, this one offers you eight levels of resistance.
You get adjustable tension with a large LCD console and padded seat for comfort. Furthermore, it has sizable anti-slip foot pedals with transportation wheels for storage.
You can keep track of calories burned, time, scan, total count, and more. Therefore, if you need low impact cardiovascular and aerobic exercise to keep you fit, try this rower.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- A digital monitor to keep track of time, calories burned, scan, and more
- Long 48-inch slide rail to accommodate most sizes
- Adjustable resistance eight levels available
- Made with transportation wheels and foldable for storage
- Equipped with non-slip foot pedals and cushioned seat
- Padded handlebars
What we like:
- Very quiet but the chair does make a noise when rowing
- Small footprint when folded for storage
- Gives a serious workout
- Assembles easily
- Affordable
What we do not like:
- No means of tracking how many meters you have rowed
- Difficult to read the monitor as it is small
8. SereneLife Rowing Machine with Air and Magnetic Rowing
You can achieve your fitness goals with a daily workout on the SereneLife rowing machine. The machine is ideal for home gyms with the foldable design taking up little space.
The contoured seat moves smoothly, quiet, and has pedal styled footrests for support. You get cardio, aerobic, and anaerobic workout to burn calories and more.
The fitness machine offers magnetic rowing and has an LCD console to monitor your progress. Furthermore, it auto powers off and works with two AAA batteries.
As with the previous model available, this one also has eight levels of tension, resistance to customize your workout as needed.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Made with air and magnetic rowing for a full-body workout
- Made with durable alloy steel and ABS to hold a weight of 250lbs
- Adjustable resistance with a dial button
- Eight levels of resistance
- LCD console powered with two AAA batteries and powers off automatically
- Foldable with wheels
- One-year Warranty
What we like:
- Easy to set up and store
- The monitor keeps track of calories burned, distance, and more
- Different levels of resistance
- Great value
What we do not like:
- Heavyweight
7. MaxKare Magnetic Rower for a Whole Body Workout
With the rowing machine from MaxKare, you get 16-level of resistance to get a full-body workout. The handles are comfortable to use and padded well for a wide range of motion.
Furthermore, it has a storage box to hold your phone and water bottle within reach, and the seats comfortably cushioned for hours of rowing.
The footplates have straps to keep your feet secure and adjustable as needed. There is a multifunction LCD console to keep track of your progress and easy to read.
For moving from one place to another, it has a pulley making transporting easier.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Has a length of 76.4-inches with a weight capacity of 240lbs
- 16-Levels of resistance with the magnetic tension
- Gives a full-body workout
- LCD monitor to keep track of your workout from calories burned, time, reps per minute, and total count
- Fitted with transportation wheels and a storage box for your phone
- Adjustable footplates with straps
What we like:
- Detailed instructions for setup
- Battery installed for the console and comes with an extra one
- Great resistance levels offered
- Keeps track well
What we do not like:
- Design Flaws
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5622 Magnetic Rowing Machine
As with the previous model from Sunny Health and Fitness, this rowing machine offers you dual function. The plates turn from a rower to upper body strength machine as well.
You can use it for circuit training or rowing as needed as the footplates allow you to stand to do multiple exercises. There are eight levels of adjustable resistance with the magnetic tension.
The foot pedals have an anti-slip design and come with adjustable straps to keep your feet secure. Furthermore, it has an LCD monitor to keep track of your progress.
For ease of storage, it folds up and has transportation wheels as well.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Dual function footplates for standing and rowing
- Eight levels of magnetic resistance
- Combined arm and leg weight-bearing for doing aerobic workouts
- LCD console keeping track of your performance
- Foldable design with wheels
- Maximum weight load 275lbs
- Padded seat with comfortable padded handles
What we like:
- Incredibly quiet
- Minimal footprint with wheels
- Exceptional workout
- Easy to put together
What we do not like:
- Tiny monitor
5. Circuit Fitness AMZ-986RW Deluxe Foldable Rowing Machine
Keeping track of your progress using this foldable rowing machine is a breeze with the display panel. You can track your distance, calories burned, speed, RPM, temperature, and more.
You can monitor your pulse when you pair it with a heart-rate monitor chest strap sold separately. The handlebars are covered with foam for comfort and come with a durable seat for long-term use.
The machine has an 11lb flywheel with magnetic resistance to help increase your endurance when working out. Furthermore, the pedals have adjustable foot straps.
You do not even need to worry that it will take up loads of space as the foldable design makes storing easier.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Made with steel and aluminum for increased stability and reliability
- Offers variable resistance fitted with a manual magnetic system
- Injection-molded seat with padded handlebars and adjustable foot straps
- Digital screen display to keep track of your progress
- Works with a heart rate monitor straps sold separately
- Foldable design for storage with transport wheels
What we like:
- Sturdy and well built
- Clear instructions for assembly
- Extremely quiet
- Smooth mechanism
What we do not like:
- None Noted
4. JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor
For enjoying aerobic exercise at home, it helps to have the JOROTO rowing machine as it helps engage all the muscles. The fitness machine has an aluminum flywheel and offers a max weight load of 250lbs.
You get ten levels of magnetic resistance as well to work different parts of the body. To keep track of your progress, it has an easy to read digital monitor displaying your calories burned, time, count, total count, and scan.
The display is adjustable for easy reading while rowing. On the other hand, it has adjustable pedals with a non-slip design while the seats are comfortable and ergonomically designed.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Made with an aluminum flywheel that works smoothly and quiet
- Designed with no-touch magnetic resistance
- Takes up little space for storage with the standing design
- Fitted with dual caster wheels
- Ten levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
- Adjustable pedals with a digital monitor you can adjust
- One-year Warranty
What we like:
- Super quiet
- Easy assembly
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Variable resistance
What we do not like:
- Would be nice if the monitor was in a color display
3. ECHANFIT Foldable Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor
Enjoy working out in the comfort of your home with the ECHANFIT personal rowing machine. You get 16-levels of resistance without making a noise.
With the handy computer fitted, you get real-time feedback of calories burned, speed, time, distance, stroke count, RPM, and more.
For storage, the machine folds up easily and has front wheels making it portable to move anywhere. You get adjustable pedals with foot straps to keep the feet secure during your workouts.
The seats are comfortable, and it comes with a water bottle holder with quiet slide rail.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Folding magnetic rower with front wheels
- 16-Levels of magnetic resistance
- Adjustable console angle with padded handlebars
- Anti-skid pedals with adjustable fit
- Comfortable seat
- The monitor provides real-time feedback
What we like:
- Made with magnetic resistance belt
- Sixteen levels of resistance
- Adjustable seat
- Foldable for storage
- Fitted with monitor and bottle water holder
What we do not like:
- Cannot track how many meters you have rowed
2. MaxKare Water Rowing Machine
For the real-life rowing experience, it helps to have the water rowing machine from MaxKare. You can enjoy a challenging race mode as well to keep you motivated.
The max weight load is 260lbs, and it has a substantial adjustable LCD monitor, keeping track of your progress. The footplates are adjustable and equipped with foot straps to keep the feet secure.
The seat is cushioned for comfort, and the handles padded as well to offer you a more extensive range of motion. Furthermore, you need to fill it with water to use water resistance training.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- Offers you a real stroke on the water with the water-resistance design
- Holds weight of 260lbs
- Made with the main steel frame with a large LCD monitor to track data
- Fitted with pulley for transportation and storage
- Adjustable footplates with straps
- Padded seat and handles
What we like:
- Easy assembly
- Well constructed
- Gives a realistic workout
- Value for money
What we do not like:
- Concerns with the arm holding the display to keep it tight in place
1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rowing Machine
Furthermore, the seats are padded for comfort, and the handlebars have a non-slip design. You get 16-levels of resistance to adjust with the magnetic tension knob.
There is a digital computer display to keep track of your progress, and the foot pedals come with adjustable foot straps. The max weight load is 250lbs.
Rowing Machines at a glance:
- 16-Level of magnetic resistance
- Designed with bottle and device holder
- Pivoting foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Padded seat with slip-resistant handles
- Holds weight of 250lbs
- Foldable with transportation wheels
- SPM monitor to keep track of your fitness goals
What we like:
- Easy assemble
- Ample legroom
- Smooth seat movement
- Well-balanced levels of resistance
- Auto on/off the display
- Made for users on a tight budget
What we do not like:
- After months of use not very quiet anymore
Rowing Machine Buying Guide
No matter what your fitness needs are, using a rowing machine at home can help you reach your fitness goals. Here we have some helpful info for you to make selecting the rower a bit easier to fit in with your budget.
What Type of Rowing Machine do You Need?
Before purchasing any one of the rowers on the list, you need to decide what type you need as there are different models available:
- Hydraulic – these machines are not glamorous but still gets the job done. The system works with two hydraulic cylinders and is cost-effective to buy. Furthermore, it has a compact and lightweight design for storage.
- Magnetic – the majority of rowers on the list has a magnetic resistance found in different price categories. You get versatility and consistency with this rower with the adjustable features and levels of resistance.
- Water – compared to air rowers, the water rower comes at a higher price and very popular to provide you with realistic rowing experience. The machine has a water reservoir with a fan wheel to give the same resistance and sound as if you are rowing on water.
The Construction
Now that you know the different types of rowing machines available, the design is similar and comes with a long slide rail with seat and handles.
You get pedals with adjustable foot straps, and some models offer you a dual footplate to use standing as well. The traditional fitness machine has a steel frame, while advanced models come with aluminum making it lightweight.
Furthermore, you can find the rower with wooden frames, as seen in the water rower. Once you decide on the type of rowing machine, the crucial thing is to know if it will fit into your home, or it may be useless to buy.
Therefore, measure the space you have available and purchase the piece of equipment according to the area accessible.
Does the rowing machine fit your body?
Fitting the machine into your living space is one part, but it needs to fit your body as well. Therefore, get on a scale and measure the length of your body as well.
Resistance Offered
You can find the unit available with a wide selection of resistance ranging from eight to 16-levels of tension. These levels comprise the following:
- Incline – with the strength, it allows you to move your body around while rowing. You can get a solid workout when using correctly but may outgrow the machine, the more advanced you become. The negative result is that it does not give you smooth rowing and is not very versatile to use.
- Hydraulic – the piston resistance machine works with air and oil and is very quiet when used. The arms work separately from one another and help with imbalances in the muscles. However, you do not get a natural or smooth use compared to the other models available.
- Magnetic – the piece of equipment has a metal flywheel found in the front with magnets to slow the wheel down, creating resistance. You get a smooth and quiet ride and come with different levels of resistance. The problem is that the preset levels do not feel natural.
- Air – these are one of the best resistance systems available for beginners to advanced users. The unit has a fan wheel that spins while you row to deliver an authentic rowing experience. However, there are no set levels, and you decide on the intensity of your workout. On the other hand, it is noisier and more expensive. You can find models on the list, providing you with both air and magnetic resistance.
- Water – the unit is another one of the best machines offering you excellent resistance. The fans found in the water tank create resistance when rowing. You get a smooth and natural feel as if you are on the water rowing. The fitness machine is noisy as you hear the sound of the water sloshing around you.
The Monitor
Every rowing machine has some form of LCD monitors ranging from small too big. With the console, you can keep track of your progress as follow:
- Time
- Speed
- Distance
- Calories burned
- Stroke per minute
- Total strokes
- Room temperature
- Heart rate
- RPM and more
Other Features
- As with any product, you get your typical features and need to consider if:
- The seat, feet, and hands are comfortable and padded. Look at what materials used to construct the pedals, handlebars, and position.
- Furthermore, do the pedals come with adjustable foot straps as well?
- Look if the pedals pivot or are they fixed to the board.
- If a storage holder is essential, you can find different models catering to this need for keeping your phone and water bottle on hand.
- Lastly, how easy is the rowing machine to store? Does the device have a foldable design while fitted with wheels for portability?
Final Thoughts
We hope that the buying guide helps you to find the best rowing machine available on the list to fit in with your lifestyle and needs.
No matter which one you decide to choose, each one offers you different resistance, comfort, durability, and storage solutions to fit into your apartment or home.
Therefore, if you are not able to get to the gym, or on the water to row, these rowers can help.
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