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The best rowing machines, tried and tested by our fitness pros
Take your home workouts to the next level with our tested picks
Tested by Yanar AlkayatFormer Fitness Group Testing Manager
When it comes to your health and fitness and getting a great exercise session in from the comfort of your living room, rowing machines are hard to beat. Unlike treadmills and exercise bikes, they engage both your upper and lower body for a complete workout. The best rowing machines are infinitely accessible too — all you need to do is sit down and start rowing.
Complete your home gym equipment with our other tried and tested machines, from the best treadmills to the best exercise bikes.
Keen to invest? To help you find your new at-home fitness buddy, we asked our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to test the top rowing machines on the market. We also spoke to training specialist Rowan Clift from Freeletics for the row-down on these multitasking machines.
Oh, and Concept2, the brand behind our winning rowing machine, supplied 97% of the oars at the last Olympics, so you're definitely in safe hands.
What is the best rowing machine?
These are our top picks at a glance, but keep scrolling for our experts' full reviews.
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Why should I buy a rowing machine?
Rowing machines provide a more thorough, full-body workout than running and cycling, which predominantly target the lower body. “Rowing works multiple major muscle groups, so investing in a rowing machine means you don’t need lots of different equipment,” says Clift.
And the benefits don’t end there. Here are just some.
Low impact: A rowing session can burn calories without subjecting weight-bearing joints such as the knees and ankles to additional stress.
Cardio and strength benefits: Rowing will work your cardiovascular system. Or, in layman’s terms, it will ask your heart and lungs to work harder in order to deliver enough oxygen to the muscles you're using. With consistent training, the organs will adapt and become stronger, helping them operate more efficiently.
“A rowing machine combines cardiovascular and resistance training,” notes Clift. “It gets your heart rate up, improving cardiovascular endurance, while also engaging your muscles for strength building. This dual benefit makes it more efficient than many other forms of exercise.”
Space efficient: While treadmills and ellipticals are chunky bits of kit, rowing machines’ slender frames means they are much easier to fit in small homes. Many can also be stored upright — taking up minimal floor space — or folded away when not in use.
Accessible: From Olympians to first-time rowers, anyone can hop on a rowing machine and get a good workout. Some of the machines we tested, like the Hydrow Pro Rower, provide coached workouts to help you fine-tune your technique too.
Stress relief: We’ve spoken about the clear physical benefits of rowing machines, but there are also myriad mental benefits, too.
“Like most forms of exercise, rowing releases endorphins that can help reduce stress and improve mood. The repetitive motion and rhythmic strokes also provide a meditative experience, which can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety,” explains Clift.
What are the different types of rowing machine?
Rowing machines tend to be categorised by how they provide resistance. Most machines will fall into three main camps.
Air rowing machines: The most common and popular type of rower, air rowing machines have a flywheel inside a cylindrical case. The flywheel is attached to a chain or belt that, when pulled using a handle, causes the wheel to spin. The faster you row, the faster the flywheel will move, generating more resistance from the air.
These machines tend to be smooth and hardwearing, offering a range of resistances to mimic on-water rowing. They can, however, be a little noisy.
Magnetic rowing machines: Similar to air rowers, these machines have a flywheel attached to a belt or chain. Strong magnets are used to work against the flywheel and generate resistance.
Magnetic rowing machines are a great option for home workouts as they’re near silent to use and are usually on the smaller side. Many feel they aren’t as realistic as their water and air-based counterparts, but they are still great if you just want a good workout.
Water rowing machines: This might seem like an obvious solution to replicating rowing on land, but water rowing machines are a relatively recent addition to the mainstream market. A handle attached to a belt or chain spins a paddle-like flywheel inside a water tank, with the liquid providing the resistance.
They’re quiet, require minimal upkeep and offer the most realistic rowing experience of the lot. You may find they are on the larger side and can be pricey but, if the WaterRower, is anything to go by, we’d say they’re the best looking of the bunch.
How we test
Our Good Housekeeping Institute fitness expert tested a range of rowers to see which ones were capable of providing a thorough exercise session — and the health benefits that come with it.
Each machine was tested against five factors: ease of use, design, functionality, instructions and performance. To score highly, they had to impress our expert when it came to their comfort, stability and safety, offering a smooth pull at all speeds.
Points were also awarded for features that will help both newcomers and seasoned oarsmen up their game. For example, the provision of performance data including pace and calories burned, and easy to use, in-built workouts.
The final opportunity for rowers to earn extra credit was through their practicality — how easy they were to move and store. All points were totted up to deliver a final score out of 100 and crown our winner.
Score: 95/100
There’s a reason why so many gyms and rowing clubs rely on the Concept2 RowErg to provide their members with a comprehensive workout: it does the basics brilliantly. It felt smooth and stable at all speeds, while the simple black and white monitor has a great range of pre-set and customisable workouts to suit all fitness goals. It also provides plenty of performance data such as pace and calories burned, which will be appreciated by seasoned rowers.
The thin frame can be stored upright or taken apart in two pieces for storage, and wheels on one end make it easy to move. The lack of an interactive touchscreen makes it relatively more affordable than most, but this may be missed by beginner rowers who would benefit from the motivation of immersive, interactive workouts.
Product specifications
| Type | Air rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 106.5 H x 61 W x 244 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Score: 94/100
While the Concept2 caters to more experienced rowers, our expert found the Hydrow provided a complete (and enjoyable) introduction to the sport. The bright 22-inch touchscreen displays tutorials to help you improve your technique, as well as immersive on-water workouts that make you feel like you’re speeding along scenic river routes.
Knowledgeable coaches provide handy tips and tricks as you row, and your performance from each session is logged so you can see the progress you’ve made — something we found gave us a much-appreciated motivation boost that kept us coming back for more.
The Hydrow was one of the largest rowers we tried, and it can’t be folded away, so make sure you know your room’s measurements before buying. However, if you’ve got the space, we think it’s a great investment.
Product specifications
| Type | Magnetic rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (cm) | 120 H x 64 W x 219 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Score: 93/100
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro rower, the Hydrow Wave has got a tutorial for you. It covers everything from rowing technique to tips on form. There is also an abundance of workout videos to choose from. You can filter by athlete, duration, workout type, style, and even (screen) location, if you fancy being transported to the Apache River from the comfort of your home.
On days when you don’t feel like choosing, the clever software can decide for you based on your previous workout data. As well as rowing exercises, it also has a range of on-the-mat workouts to explore, such as Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cool-down sessions.
This model is said to be 30% smaller than the original Hydrow and can be folded and stored away easily. The brand also has an additional storage anchor you can purchase, so you can store it vertically, using your living space to its full capacity. It’s also smaller than some of the other models on this list, making it the perfect choice if you’re short on space.
Key specifications
| Type | Water resistance rower |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 204 L x 49 W x 110 H |
ProForm Carbon R10
Score: 93/100
As far as rowing coaches go, few have more impressive credentials than Alex Gregory. The double Olympic champion is one of the instructors you can choose to learn from via the iFit app, displayed on the ProForm Carbon’s nifty 10” touch screen.
The first 30 days are free and then you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee to access the app. But the huge offering of classes available, both on and off the rower (in the form of HIIT and strength sessions) means you’re sure to find a fun challenge, whatever your ability level or health goal.
The rower itself was sturdy, stable and nigh-on soundless, with several resistance options if you want to make things more, or less, challenging. You can alter these manually or, during some workouts, they will move up and down automatically, leaving you to concentrate on your stroke technique.
Key specifications
| Type | Magnetic rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 64 H x 56 W x 221 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Score: 92/100
The pivoting screen on this rower means you can choose from thousands of iFit workouts either on or off the machine. You can also filter by duration, intensity, trainer and equipment. There are even yoga, core and meditation guides if you fancy an on-the-mat workout instead. To help you stay motivated, you will earn badges and rewards each time you complete a certain number of workouts.
You can select workouts by trainer, with profiles and bios available to help you find the best fit – it’s almost as if you have your own PT at home!
Key specifications
| Type | Magnetic rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (cm) | 207 L x 56 W x 142 H |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Score: 91/100
The Technogym Skillrow claims to mirror the feel of real rowing more accurately than other machines. It has two types of resistance – cardio and power – designed to target different facets of fitness, and you can easily switch between them using a nozzle placed conveniently above the footplates.
A small console in front of the flywheel shows your real-time workout information as you row, changing the data displayed depending on whether you’re in cardio or power mode. The former focuses on drag, while the latter will tell you how many reps, or strokes, you have completed.
Our expert said the machine felt strong and sturdy – great for more intense sessions. They also found constant effort was needed to keep the rower going, suggesting it would be a good match for those in search of a challenge.
Key specifications
| Type | Air rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 128 H x 62.9 W x 24.3 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Score: 90/100
If you thrive in live workout classes but struggle to make it to the gym with any real frequency, The Echelon Row is the machine for you. Subscribe to the Echelon app and you’ll gain access to a wealth of health resources, including on-demand studio sessions, picturesque virtual rows and real-time live classes. During live classes, you can see how fellow rowers are performing, which can be great for anyone who enjoys a spot of friendly competition.
The app is displayed on your phone or tablet, which can be placed in a holder in front of the flywheel when rowing. This means the only buttons needed on the rowing machine (conveniently located on the handle) are the ones used to flick between its impressive 32 resistance levels, giving it a neat and tidy finish.
Key specifications
| Type | Magnetic rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 207 L x 56 W x 142 H |
| Built-in workouts | Via app |
Score: 90/100
The best water (and, arguably, best-looking) rowing machine on our list has a compact design made from Appalachian oak. It can be stored upright to save space, though our expert said the wooden finish looked so good it could blend in with their furniture.
There is no built-in screen, but it does have a holder for your phone above the water tank and an app you can link to for customisable beginner, intermediate and advanced workouts, as well as real-time races against fellow users.
The natural, water-based resistance provided a smoother, more relaxed row than other machines we tested, making it a good fit for those just looking to get moving. It’s quiet too, so won’t annoy your neighbours if you fancy some early morning exercise.
Key specifications
| Type | Water rowing machines |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Water rowing machine |
| Dimensions (cm) | 51 H x 57 W x 209 L |
| Built-in workouts | Via app |
Score: 80/100
The simple, speedy set-up of this rower means you can be sweating in the saddle within just 30 minutes of opening the box. There aren’t any built-in workouts, but it’s Kinomap- compatible, where you can access workout videos and track your rows. There’s a space where you can conveniently place your phone or tablet for easy viewing too.
You can flick through 15 resistance levels using a convenient handle, which lets you transition smoothly from lowest to highest. Our expert tester described it as “all in all a great rower with a well-thought-out design”, which is no wonder, as it was created based on feedback from Olympic rowers Claire Bové and Laura Tarantola.
Our tester also noted that the higher resistance levels are challenging enough to wish you hadn’t chosen them! Which is a good thing, we think? If it does all become too much, the rower can be easily lifted and wheeled into a corner with the rest of your home-gym equipment while you enjoy a rest day.
Key specifications
| Type | Air rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 250cm x 65cm x 50cm |
| Built-in workouts | No |
Decathlon Domyos Rowing Machine Essential 120
Score: 79/100
The most affordable rowing machine on our list, the Essential 120 outdid its modest price tag to impress our tester with a solid all-round performance. It has 15 resistance settings and a bright, easy-to-read screen with nine built-in workouts. You can also connect to Domyos’ E Connected app for more interactive, coached sessions.
The belt didn’t move as smoothly as on premium priced rowing machines, and the seat became a bit uncomfortable during longer sessions. But we found it did everything we needed for a thorough workout, and the small, foldable frame was great for fitting in smaller spaces.
Key specifications
| Type | Air rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 65 H x 51.1 W x 184 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
JTX Ignite Air
Score: 78/100
The JTX Ignite Air has a similar layout to the Concept2, which is no bad thing. The damper (how much air is allowed into the flywheel) is easy to adjust using a dial on the wheel’s casing, the slim, foldable design can fit in most homes, and it’s surprisingly quiet for an air rower.
It didn’t have the same robust feel as the Concept2, with our expert saying the buttons felt a bit cheap and plasticky, and both the chain and seat didn’t move particularly smoothly. But it is more budget-friendly than its rival, costing over £400 less.
Product specifications
| Type | Air rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimentions (cm) | 197 H x 62 W x 240 L |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
What should I look for in a rowing machine?
There are some features you should look for in all rowing machines, regardless of type. Keep an eye out for these details when shopping for your ideal machine.
Comfort: The seat and handle should be placed in a way that allows you to remain comfortable throughout your row.
Size and foldability: You could buy the best rowing machine in the world, but it’s going to be of little use to you if you’ve got nowhere to put it. Find a rowing machine that fits in the space you have available. And, if you are looking to store it out of sight between sessions, look in our key specifications section (below each product review) to see which machines are foldable.
Noise: If you’re lucky enough to own a home gym, an air rower may be the best pick for you. The best models offer exemplary performance, though they are on the louder side. However, if you’re worried about neighbours being disturbed by your morning workout, a water or magnetic rower is a better option.
Price: We have tested rowing machines at a range of different price points to find one for every budget. More expensive models tend to have more bells and whistles such as in-built coaching sessions and app connectivity, while machines at the lower end of the price spectrum offer a more basic workout.
How long should you use a rowing machine for?As with any exercise, how long you row for should be dependent on your fitness level, goals, and the intensity of your session. “For beginners, start with 10–20 minutes of rowing at a moderate intensity,” says Clift. “This will help you build endurance and get used to the rowing motion without overexerting yourself. If you have a good base level of fitness, aim for 20–30 minutes per session. This is long enough to elevate your heart rate, burn calories, and engage your muscles, making it a well-rounded workout.”
The verdict on rowing machines
You won't get bored with our winner, the Concept2 D PM5 Rower, which has a vast range of immersive workouts to keep you motivated.
If you like the idea for a water rower, this one won't disappoint, and for under £300, Decathlon's' budget-friendly rowing machine is a top choice.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every one through rigorous testing against our protocols to provide reviews you can rely on.
Kim Hawley is the health and wellness tester for the GHI, responsible for testing a range of health and wellness products, including the best exercise bikes, best treadmills and rowing machines. She has over 30 years' experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification and a nutrition qualification. She has also worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
Senior Health & Wellness Writer Priyankaa Joshi is also an expert in her field, with over five years’ experience in health and wellness journalism, during which she has written about hundreds of products (and tested many herself too).
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.
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