Best Rowing Machine 2026: 5 Picks for Home Gyms
WriterPickly Editorial
Updated 2026-09-10
Rowing hits back, legs, core, and arms simultaneously — making it one of the most efficient full-body cardio machines you can own. These five rowers cover every budget and training style.
Quick answer
The Concept2 Model D remains the benchmark rower because air resistance scales infinitely with effort, so a beginner and an Olympian both get an honest workout, and its PM5 monitor is the data standard coaches trust. It is loud. For apartments, the Hydrow Wave uses quieter electromagnetic resistance with a 16-inch screen at about $44 a month. The NordicTrack RW900 has a 22-inch rotating display, Ergatta's water flywheel feels most natural, and the Sunny SF-RW5515 starts around $350.
📋How we compared
This is desk research based on published product specifications and descriptions, not hands-on testing. Resistance feel, noise, durability and storage footprint were not independently measured. Check the manufacturer's current specifications, subscription terms and retailer listing before purchasing.
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Best Overall: The Concept2 Model D is the global benchmark for a reason: air resistance scales infinitely with effort, so a beginner and an Olympic rower get an honest workout on the same machine. The PM5 monitor's data accuracy is trusted by coaches worldwide.
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This button opens Amazon search results, not a specific product page.
This button opens Amazon search results, not a specific product page.
This button opens Amazon search results, not a specific product page.
Which one is right for you?
Related articles
1★ Best PickA+Best OverallConcept2 Model D Indoor Rower
Also available as the Model E with a higher seat height. Both use the same PM5 monitor.
The Concept2 Model D is the global benchmark for a reason: air resistance scales infinitely with effort, so a beginner and an Olympic rower get an honest workout on the same machine. The PM5 monitor's data accuracy is trusted by coaches worldwide. The real trade-off is noise — air rowers are loud, and if you share walls with neighbors you will hear about it.
Pros
- ✓Infinitely scalable air resistance
- ✓PM5 monitor is the industry data standard
- ✓Folds vertically for compact storage
Cons
- ✗Noticeably loud during high-effort pulls
Score breakdown
Specifications
- Resistance type
- Air
- Monitor
- PM5
- Max user weight
- 272 kg
- Seat height
- 40 cm
- Folded footprint
- 25 × 33 in
- Weight
- 57 lbs (rail)
- Price
- ~$900
- Resistance type
- Air
- Monitor
- PM5
- Max user weight
- 272 kg
- Seat height
- 40 cm
- Folded footprint
- 25 × 33 in
- Weight
- 57 lbs (rail)
- Price
- ~$900
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2ABest for Connected FitnessHydrow Wave Rower
The original Hydrow has a larger 22-inch screen; the Wave is the compact, more affordable version.
The Wave pairs electromagnetic resistance with a 16-inch touchscreen and a genuinely motivated class library — the feel is smoother and quieter than air, which makes it the better apartment choice. The subscription cost (~$44/month) is real and ongoing; factor it into the total ownership price before buying.
Pros
- ✓Quieter than air resistance — apartment-friendly
- ✓16-inch screen with live and on-demand classes
- ✓Compact fold saves floor space
Cons
- ✗Subscription required for full content (~$44/month)
Score breakdown
Specifications
- Resistance type
- Electromagnetic
- Screen
- 16-inch touchscreen
- Subscription
- ~$44/month
- Folds
- Yes
- Price
- $1,495
- Resistance type
- Electromagnetic
- Screen
- 16-inch touchscreen
- Subscription
- ~$44/month
- Folds
- Yes
- Price
- $1,495
3B+Best Screen ExperienceNordicTrack RW900 Rower
iFIT subscription required for full functionality. 30-day free trial included with purchase.
The RW900's 22-inch rotating HD screen is the largest in this comparison and iFIT's global route library is genuinely deep. Twenty-six digital resistance levels adjust automatically during instructor workouts. At 218 lbs it is semi-permanent once placed, and the iFIT subscription adds ongoing cost.
Pros
- ✓22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
- ✓26 digital resistance levels auto-adjust
- ✓iFIT global route library
Cons
- ✗Heavy at 218 lbs — placement is semi-permanent
Score breakdown
Specifications
- Resistance type
- Magnetic/iFIT
- Screen
- 22-inch HD
- Resistance levels
- 26
- Weight
- 218 lbs
- Subscription
- ~$39/month
- Price
- $2,799
- Resistance type
- Magnetic/iFIT
- Screen
- 22-inch HD
- Resistance levels
- 26
- Weight
- 218 lbs
- Subscription
- ~$39/month
- Price
- $2,799
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4BBest Water ResistanceErgatta Water Rower
Built on a WaterRower chassis with Ergatta's technology layer. Water flywheel is self-regulating.
Ergatta's water flywheel produces the most natural rowing sensation in this group — the sound and resistance closely mimic open-water rowing. Its game-based workout platform is a genuine motivator for solo athletes who find instructor workouts repetitive. The proprietary platform limits you to Ergatta's ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Water flywheel = most realistic rowing feel
- ✓Game-based workouts motivate solo athletes
- ✓17.3-inch touchscreen with structured programs
Cons
- ✗Platform lock-in — no third-party content
Score breakdown
Specifications
- Resistance type
- Water
- Screen
- 17.3-inch touchscreen
- Subscription
- ~$29/month
- Chassis
- WaterRower
- Price range
- $1,999–$2,499
- Resistance type
- Water
- Screen
- 17.3-inch touchscreen
- Subscription
- ~$29/month
- Chassis
- WaterRower
- Price range
- $1,999–$2,499
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5B-Best Budget PickSunny Health SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower
No subscription required. Basic LCD monitor tracks time, count, calories, and scan mode.
At around $350, the SF-RW5515 gives you 12 magnetic resistance levels, a quiet ride, and a no-subscription entry into rowing. It won't replicate the feel of air or water, but for building a rowing habit or testing whether you like the movement, it's the lowest-risk starting point in this category.
Pros
- ✓Quiet magnetic resistance — no subscription
- ✓12 resistance levels on a solid aluminum rail
- ✓Fits users up to 6'3"
Cons
- ✗Resistance feel is less dynamic than air or water
Score breakdown
Specifications
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Resistance levels
- 12
- Rail length
- 43.3 inches
- Max user weight
- 250 lbs
- Monitor
- Basic LCD
- Price
- ~$350
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Resistance levels
- 12
- Rail length
- 43.3 inches
- Max user weight
- 250 lbs
- Monitor
- Basic LCD
- Price
- ~$350
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| Product | Resistance type | Monitor | Seat height | Folded footprint | Folds | Chassis | Price range | Rail length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower | Air | PM5 | 272 kg | 40 cm | 25 × 33 in | 57 lbs (rail) | ~$900 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hydrow Wave Rower | Electromagnetic | — | — | — | — | — | $1,495 | 16-inch touchscreen | ~$44/month | Yes | — | — | — | — |
| NordicTrack RW900 Rower | Magnetic/iFIT | — | — | — | — | 218 lbs | $2,799 | 22-inch HD | ~$39/month | — | 26 | — | — | — |
| Ergatta Water Rower | Water | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17.3-inch touchscreen | ~$29/month | — | — | WaterRower | $1,999–$2,499 | — |
| Sunny Health SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower | Magnetic | Basic LCD | 250 lbs | — | — | — | ~$350 | — | — | — | 12 | — | — | 43.3 inches |
Concept2 Model D: The Undisputed Standard
Hydrow Wave: Live Classes on a Compact Footprint
NordicTrack RW900: The 22-Inch Screen Experience
Ergatta: Water Resistance Meets Gamified Fitness
Sunny Health SF-RW5515: Best Budget Magnetic Rower
Frequently asked questions
Air, water, or magnetic resistance — which is best?▼
How much space does a rowing machine need?▼
Is rowing good for weight loss?▼
Check the details of the products in this article
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower$1,105Reference price
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- Hydrow Wave Rower$1,495Reference price
- NordicTrack RW900 Rower$1999Price as of 2026-11-10
- Ergatta Water Rower$1,999〜$2,499Reference price
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- Sunny Health SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower$399Reference price
This button opens Amazon search results, not a specific product page.
Prices change. Check the retailer for the current price.
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