13 Best Home Rowing Machines for a Full-Body Workout in 2023

If you’ve ever used a rowing machine at the gym, chances are it’s from Concept2. Gym owners love it almost as much as online reviewers; in fact, an astounding 95% of Amazon customers (that’s over 11,000 people!) give it a perfect five stars.

With adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle, the Model D can record your workout data and can even connect to your favorite fitness app. Not only can it support up to a whopping 500 pounds, it’s easy to assemble and you can also easily move it around your home, thanks to its convenient caster wheels.

A regular CrossFitter, Prevention’s digital director Allie Early uses this machine twice a week for a full-body workout. “The rower is lightweight and easy for anyone to move around, and the panel folds down so you can easily store the machine vertically in a corner,” she says, adding that it measures helpful stats, like stroke rate, and offers interval options.

Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios is also a fan. “It has many options for you to customize it to your needs, like adjustable footrests and adjustable airflow, and it accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall with a high maximum weight capacity at 500 pounds.”

What the Reviews Say: “This machine rides like a Cadillac...I can also watch TV at just over normal volume and hear everything,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “Having this machine in the house is great. A 15 minute workout in the morning takes 15 minutes and 30 seconds...Did I mention this machine is smooth?”

Looking for a no-frills, compact rowing machine? Try this simple, sliding machine that’s designed with 12 resistance levels. The handlebar doesn’t quite mimic rowing, but at this price, reviewers don’t really mind. It’s also designed with comfort in mind, providing foam handlebars, pivoting foot pedals, and a cushioned seat.

Plus, you can check up on your stats with a small forward-facing digital monitor that displays the time spent rowing and calorie count right on the handle–after which you can congratulate yourself on spending next to nothing.

What the Reviews Say: “I was skeptical of the quality of this product because of the low price, but was very surprised at how great this rower is,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “Perfect in a small area, and easy to store/lightweight. Worth every penny!”

If you’re looking for a reliable rowing machine, this model has all the essentials necessary for a powerful at-home rowing workout. Because it uses a magnetic tension system (complete with eight levels of resistance), this rowing machine is always quiet.

It also comes with a large LCD console that displays your meters rowed, calorie count, and time—so you can easily keep track of your workout. And bonuses like the fully padded seat, no-slip foot pedals, and handlebars make it comfortable to row so you can go the distance.

“All in all, this is a great option to think about when buying a rowing machine,” says White, who notes that this Sunny Health & Fitness rower is a step up fro the RW5801 model that also made our list.

What the Reviews Say: “This is the quietest rower I’ve ever used,” says one reviewer. “It’s smooth and has decent number of levels of resistance. Very stable and doesn’t move on a wood floors during a vigorous workout...honestly, this rower is better than some I’ve used in professional gyms.”

NordicTrack’s RW900 is the rowing machine to beat: With an ergonomic, molded seat made for comfort, an easy-to-use 22-inch touchscreen display, and powerful performance trackers, it’s a major upgrade on the rower you might be used to using at the gym.

Better yet, a one-year iFit membership, which includes personalized training built upon 26 coach-controlled resistance levels, comes with your purchase. Even as you’re sweating like crazy, the RW900 works quietly. And when you’re done, it folds up and wheels away for easy storage—the entire package.

What the Reviews Say: “The rower itself is very very smooth and sturdy...the iFit videos are excellent and make my workouts zip by!” writes one reviewer. “All in all, the NordicTrack rower is definitely the complete package!”

Details like a smartphone and tablet stand, a simple stats screen, and app compatibility elevate this rowing machine above the competition, especially because it costs just under $400. It uses water for resistance, with six different customizable levels, and also has adjustable non-slip pedals as well as a large tablet stand—so you can comfortably watch TV during your workout.

Made of quality solid steel and able to support up to 330 pounds, the machine also has a sturdy build and a sleek design. Plus, its only noise is the calming sound of its 16 blades swishing water inside the tank.

What the Reviews Say: “This HouseFit water rower, hands down, is the best piece of workout equipment I’ve ever owned, period,” one Amazon reviewer raves. “I can’t stress enough the sturdiness and quality of this water rower, and it’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”

If you’re looking to get an in-studio experience without a hefty price tag, this Bluetooth-connected rowing machine gives you access to tons of free workout programs included on the MyCloudFitness app. There’s no video-compatible screen, but you can access rowing and coach-led workouts from your phone, then rest it in the handy phone holder. An intuitive smart dial also does the math for you, displaying your speed, strokes, and calories burned.

Using a magnetic mechanism for resistance, the top-rated machine also offers a total of 14 adjustable resistance levels, and can support up to 250 pounds.

What the Reviews Say: “I’ve only had this rower for 4 days and used it 3x with the MYCloudFit app, and I love it so far,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “As a fitness trainer and athlete, I highly recommend this rower and trying the MyCloudFitness app workouts, which are free for the first month...five stars in my book.”

Shoppers say that this rower is smooth, very easy to assemble, and sturdier than its price might suggest, making it a great investment for newbies. “This rowing machine has all the basics and necessities that you would need when just getting started in rowing,” White says.

It uses a magnetic mechanism for resistance, with 16 different levels of tension—and it offers a slip-resistant handlebar and large padded seating that holds up to 285 pounds. The machine is also foldable for convenient storage, making it a great option for small home gyms. All in all, it may not have all the bells and whistles of the upgraded models, but for many athletes, that’s OK—especially with a fairly affordable price tag.

What the Reviews Say: “This appears, so far, to be quite a catch,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “If you are looking to keep it reasonable in price, this is a top option for sure. It seems to perform quite well and quietly at that.”

Often lauded as the quietest kind of rowing machines, magnet-driven devices keep noise to a minimum—ideal for using at home, any hour of the day. This affordable option (from a brand that also makes one of our favorite exercise bikes) boasts eight resistance levels, on top of an “incredibly quiet” design, according to Amazon reviewers; it’s even possible to watch TV while you use it.

Sturdy and durable, it’s also made of quality, heavy-duty steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds—not to mention, it also has a foldable design and wheels that make it easy to move around your home.

What the Reviews Say: “This is the best rower I’ve ever used. I’ve used many brands of high end rowers in gyms. I typically need the hardest or near hardest setting to feel like I’m really working muscles. This machine is hard on 4; I usually use 3. It’s also very quiet....The mechanics are smooth and comfortable, nothing loose or jerking.”

This highly-rated rower has 16 fan blades enclosed in a water tank, creating the same feel and resistance you’d get while rowing on water. It has sweat resistant handlebars and a molded, padded seat for extra comfort, as well as an LCD monitor that shows your stroke count, calories, and distance, so you can create the perfect training plan for you.

There is one thing to consider, however: Reviewers say that the footplates tend to swivel and are not fixed, which means this option is probably better for experienced rowers who are already confident in their form.

What the Reviews Say: “The assembly looks intimidating but was very easy. The workout is smooth. You can control your own resistance based on how intense you row. I go anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes and [feel] very satisfied,” says one user. “It lifts up for easy storage so it doesn’t monopolize your space.”

With a magnetic tension system instead of air resistance, this popular rowing machine by Velocity is ideal for its whisper-quiet noise level. The design is great, too, coming in a sturdy aluminum frame with padded seating to reduce pressure on your lower back and an ergonomic handle for easy grip.

The machine is easy to assemble, according to reviewers, and it conveniently displays your stats on a large LCD screen. Not to mention, it even comes with a heart rate monitor to keep an eye on your workout intensity.

What the Reviews Say: “The machine itself is very heavy and durable, easy to assemble and move, space-efficient, quiet, and it gives you a great workout,” says one satisfied customer. “I love knowing I can work out pretty much any time of the day without traveling anywhere or making too much noise.”

This indoor rowing machine is hydraulic, delivering smooth, adjustable resistance that’s also budget-friendly. With 12 levels of adjustable resistance, the machine’s design ensures that it actually feels like the natural motion of rowing, with reviewers saying that it provides quite the workout.

Plus, it’s designed with comfort and convenience in mind: A deep, ergonomic seat and textured footplates allow you to row comfortably, and it also has a compact, foldable design, so that once you’re done, you can stow it away easily.

What the Reviews Say: “The machine is quiet, runs smooth; [I] never felt any excessive strain anywhere in my body. It never squeaked at all. The resistance was excellent and never lost resistance for me. I got a great work out on it,” writes one satisfied customer on Amazon.

This at-home rower will help you reach your fitness goals in style. Handcrafted from locally sourced cherry wood, the exterior is sleek and perfect for just about any room in your home. It also folds up for easy storage. The wheels on the back of the rower make it easy to move and store all by yourself (no need to call your neighbor to help you move your machine).

Plus, it has an android-powered touchscreen and is Bluetooth-enabled for both heart rate monitors and audio (though wifi is required). Although this pick comes in at a steep price, reviewers say it’s worth it.

What the Reviews Say: “When I say we love this product, I mean we LOVE it. It’s beautiful, compact and gives you a rocket of a workout every time you strap in. The content options are endless and I love exploring new rows/challenges,” raves one reviewer.

With an intuitive LCD display and a convenient folding design, this surprisingly affordable magnetic rowing machine has rave reviews because it’s simple and dependable. Not only does it provide 16 different levels of resistance options, but the sturdy and durable design also can support up to 350 pounds.

The rower is easy to assemble, can fold right up for quick and convenient storage, and is easy to move thanks to its transport wheels. Plus, reviewers love how smooth and quiet the machine is while you’re using it.

What the Reviews Say: “Assembly was simple, instructions were clear, also came with all necessary tools,” one shopper raves. “Living in an upstairs apartment I was hoping to get a very quiet machine, and this is perfect! Makes almost no noise at all.”