We build every machine, row the same intervals and check the monitor against a reference — then rank 48 rowing machines on stroke feel, accuracy, noise and build.
#1 Best Overall
#2 Best Value
#3 Best Smart RowerAir, water, magnetic or smart — the resistance decides the feel, the noise and the price. Start there.
Flywheel air resistance that scales with effort — the classic gym-erg feel.
14 reviews →Water-tank rowers with a smooth, whooshing catch and living-room looks.
12 reviews →Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance with set levels, ideal for apartments.
11 reviews →App-connected rowers with guided classes, metrics and big touchscreens.
7 reviews →Space-saving hydraulic and foldable rowers for tight rooms and budgets.
4 reviews →Our five highest-rated rowers on max user weight, monitor and rating. Tap any row for the full review.
| # | Rower | Rating | Max user weight | Monitor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Concept2 RowErg Concept2 · Air with adjustable damper 1-10 |
4.8 ★ | 500 lbs |
PM5 Performance Monitor | Review |
| 02 | Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine Concept2 · Air flywheel with adjustable damper |
4.7 ★ | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
PM5 Performance Monitor | Review |
| 03 | Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Concept2 · Air with adjustable damper (1-10) |
4.7 ★ | 500 lbs |
PM5 Performance Monitor | Review |
| 04 |  WaterRower Classic WaterRower · Water flywheel |
4.7 ★ | 1000 lbs |
S4 Performance Monitor | Review |
| 05 |  WaterRower Natural (Ash Wood) Water Rowing Machine WaterRower · Water flywheel |
4.7 ★ | 1000 lbs |
S4 Performance Monitor | Review |
Filter and sort 48 tested rowers by resistance type, brand, rating, price or user weight.
★4.1Magnetic, 16
★4.2Air resistan
★4.5Air + Magnet
★4.6Air and Wate
★4.5Air (fan-bas
★4.2Air resistan
★4.1Magnetic, 16
★4.3Air-magnetic
★4.0Hydraulic tw
★4.6Air
★4.6Air with adj
★4.4Water flywhe
★4.5Water, 16 ad
★4.3Magnetic, 14
★3.9Dual hydraul
★4.5Fluid (water
★4.5Electromagne
★4.4Fluid (water
★4.4Air with adj
★4.2Magnetic, 32
★4.3Magnetic, 16
★4.3Hybrid/Ellip
★4.4Hybrid/Ellip★4.7Air with adj★4.7Air flywheel
★4.4Water resist
★4.1Magnetic, 16
★4.4Motorized ma
★4.4Silent Magne
★4.3Magnetic, 16
★4.2Magnetic
★4.3Magnetic, 40
★4.4Water flywhe
★4.5Air and Magn
★4.2Air with adj
★4.1Magnetic, 16
★4.2Smart
★4.5Magnetic, 32★4.8Air with adj
★4.4Air (adjusta
★4.1Magnetic, 8 
★4.3Water resist
★4.7Air resistan
★4.6Water flywhe★4.7Water flywhe★4.7Water flywhe
★4.5Water flywhe
★4.5ElectromagneEvery ranking comes off the same four-stage routine — build to long-term use.
We build every rower from the box and note assembly time, hardware quality and the first-row feel.
Standardized 2k, 5k and interval workouts test stroke smoothness, catch and how it holds a steady rate.
We verify stroke rate, distance and watts against a reference, and test the app or class experience.
Weeks of daily rows reveal noise, seat comfort, rail durability and how easily it folds and stores.
One email a month: the best new rowing machines we've tested, real price drops, and picks we've quietly retired.
