Rowing is not only good for your health, but also very interesting. A rowing machine is an easy way for you to do this kind of exercises. It's a really motivating tool that can keep you practicing until achieving your fitness goals.
However, there are so many models available on the market, each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages. We have experienced and researched a lot of models to pick all the best rowers for you.
Here are the best rowing machines you can buy in 2025:
- Best Of The Best: Concept2 Model D
- Best For Bad Knees/Back: Concept2 Model E
- Best Value: Stamina ATS Air Rower
- Quietest Model: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515
- Most Compact: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205
- Best Inexpensive: Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
- Best Hydraulic Model: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
- Best Water Model: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713
- Budget-Friendly: Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine
| Top 9 Best Rowing Machines | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Of The Best | Concept2 Model DOur Rating: 10/10
| Read Our Review |
Best For Bad Knees/Back | Concept2 Model EOur Rating: 9.8/10
| Read Our Review |
Best Value | Stamina ATS Air RowerOur Rating: 9.4/10
| Read Our Review |
Quietest Model | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515Our Rating: 9.2/10
| Read Our Review |
Most Compact | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205Our Rating: 8.8/10
| Read Our Review |
Best Inexpensive | Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050Our Rating: 8.6/10
| Read Our Review |
Best Hydraulic Model | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639Our Rating: 8.6/10
| Read Our Review |
Best Water Model | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713Our Rating: 8.4/10
| Read Our Review |
Budget Friendly | Harvil Hydraulic Rowing MachineOur Rating: 8.2/10
| Read Our Review |
Top 9 Best Rowing Machines
Best Of The Best: Concept2 Model D
Minimal noise, smooth operation
High-end console
Nickel-plated steel chain requires little maintenance
Durable
The seat is hard and uncomfortable
Concept2 Model D uses air mechanism to produce resistance. When you pull the string that connects to a flywheel, the flywheel will spin against the air, creating resistance. The faster you row, the higher the resistance is, making riding an air rowing machine really like riding a real boat in the sea.
Concept2 Model D has a black powder coated finish, which is not only durable but also good-looking. The build quality is very good as it operates smoothly and quietly - much quieter than most air rowing machines.
The most valuable feature on Concept2 Model D is the console. An LCD display with Performance Monitor 5 computer can be pivoted to many positions and allows users to track real-time workout data or adjust the tension levels. You can also connect it wirelessly to apps for easier monitoring.
The pulling string is made of nickel-plated steel that requires little maintenance - you just need to oil every 40 hours of use.
However, the seat of Concept2 Model D is quite hard and uncomfortable. You will want to buy an additional pad.
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Air Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 10 levels |
Dimensions | 96 x 24 x 44.5 inches |
Stored dimensions | 25 x 33 x 54 inches |
Maximum user weight | 500 pounds |
Slide rail length | 54 inches |
Highlight features | High-end console, nickel-plated steel chain. |
What is the best rowing machine? Concept2 Model D is the answer, a great air rowing machine for effective cardiovascular workouts.
Best For Bad Knees/Back: Concept2 Model E
Minimal noise, smooth operation
High-end console with long arm
Nickel-plated steel chain requires little maintenance
Durable
Higher seat
The seat is hard and uncomfortable
Concept2 Model E is pretty the same as the Model D mentioned above. However, if Model D is designed for serious cardiovascular workouts, Model E is designed for those having problems with their back and knees.
The seat is 20 inches higher off the ground, making it easier to get on and off the machine and easier on your back when exercising.
Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Air Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 10 levels |
Dimensions | 96 x 24 x 50 inches |
Stored dimensions | 58 x 25 x 28 inches |
Maximum user weight | 500 pounds |
Slide rail length | 54 inches |
Highlight features | High-end console, nickel-plated steel chain, 20-Inch seat height. |
Concept2 Model E is easy and aesthetic rowing machine for those having problems with back and knees.
Best Value: Stamina ATS Air Rower
Smooth operation
Durable
Adjustable footplates, comfortable seat, and padded handle
Floor protections are included
Produces a lot of noise
Short slide rail
Stamina ATS Air Rower produces a smooth and continuous action that likely to the real boat rowing action. Using air resistance mechanism, Stamina ATS Air Rower doesn't have a feature for users to control the tension level - it all depends on your movement. For more resistance, pull harder.
The machine is robust, solid, and has black powder coated finish. It looks attractive and can last for years.
Riding on Stamina ATS Air Rower is pretty comfortable. You'll have adjustable footplates, comfortable seat, easy-to-read LCD display, and padded handle. All to maximize your comfort during workouts. In addition, floor-protections are included not to scratch your floor.
However, Stamina ATS Air Rower produces a lot of noise - it'll be louder than other rowing machines above. Another drawback is the slide rail is quite short.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Air Resistance |
Levels of resistance | Dynamic air resistance |
Dimensions | 77 x 19 x 22 inches |
Stored dimensions | 48 x 19 x 28 inches |
Maximum user weight | 250 pounds |
Slide rail length | 30 inches |
Highlight features | Adjustable footplates and padded rowing handle, Oversized angled rail, Floor protectors, LCD display |
Stamina ATS Air Rower is a high-quality air rowing machine suitable for all kinds of user.
Quietest Model: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515
Really quiet with the magnetic resistance mechanism
Fully padded seat and larger anti-slip foot pedals
Affordable
The LCD console is fixed low that hard to read
Sunny SF-RW5515 is really quiet as it is featured with the magnetic resistance mechanism - the newest and most accurate resistance mechanism.
You can adjust the resistant at 8 levels and monitor the workout progress via a fixed LCD display. However, the display is quite low that might cause some inconvenience.
Sunny SF-RW5515 has a fully padded seat and larger anti-slip foot pedals, providing you with comfortable rides. Built-in wheels allow you to move it easily for storing. Finally, Sunny SF-RW5515 is also affordable.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515 Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Magnetic Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 8 levels |
Dimensions | 82 x 19 x 23 inches |
Stored dimensions | 37 x 19 x 53. 5 inches |
Maximum user weight | 250 pounds |
Slide rail length | 44 inches |
Highlight features | LCD console, Foam grip handlebars, non-slip foot pedals |
Sunny SF-RW5515 is a quiet and comfortable magnetic row machine for those living with many people.
Most Compact: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205
Compact and lightweight
12 adjustable levels of tension
Cushioned non-slip grip handlebars
Affordable
Limited arm motions
The slide rail length is short
In terms of space-saving design, Sunny SF-RW1205 is the best. It uses the hydraulic resistance mechanism as the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine. However, the smaller slide rail and the back-and-forth arm make the Sunny SF-RW1205 even more compact and lightweight.
The compact design is also a drawback of Sunny SF-RW1205. It provides you with limited arm motions and the short rail is not enough for most men. Which means Sunny SF-RW1205 is kind of a rowing machine for relaxing exercises rather than for serious exercises.
Despite being so small, Sunny SF-RW1205 has 12 adjustable levels of tension, which you can adjust by using a knob on the piston. The rowing machine has a cushioned non-slip handlebars for a better grip and pivoting foot plates for more comfortable on your ankles. Moreover, it is also affordable.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Hydraulic Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 12 levels |
Dimensions | 54 x 20 x 22 inches |
Stored dimensions | Unfoldable |
Maximum user weight | 220 pounds |
Slide rail length | 30 inches |
Highlight features | Cushioned non-slip grip handlebars, Pivoting foot plates, Electronic monitor display |
Sunny SF-RW1205 is a good rowing machine for recreational and relaxing purposes.
Best Inexpensive: Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
Full range of rowing motion
12 levels of resistance
Large seat and large footplates with straps
The resistance drops after heavy use
The seat and the footplates are not so comfortable
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is a basic hydraulic rowing machine. It's not so good-looking but sturdy that shows no shacking while operating.
Stamina 1050 has pivoting arms and pedals. They mimic the motion of rowing a real boat, along with 12 levels of resistance, giving you interesting workouts.
It does have some drawback as the seat pad is not so thick and the footplates don't hold your feet firmly. The air in the cyclic becomes hotter after heavy use, hence the resistance drops as well.
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Hydraulic Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 12 levels |
Dimensions | 58 x 42 x 18 inches |
Stored dimensions | 46 x 26 x 19 inches |
Maximum user weight | 250 lbs |
Slide rail length | 45 inches |
Highlight features | Pivoting arm design, LCD display |
Stamina 1050 is a basic and high-quality hydraulic rowing machine for entry-level users.
Best Hydraulic Model: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
Full range of rowing motion
12 levels of resistance
Affordable but has a high weight capacity
The resistance is weak for serious workouts
Sunny SF-RW5639 is a budget and small hydraulic rowing machine, however, has a high weight capacity of 350 lbs.
It also featured with pivoting arm design that gives a full range of motion. The hydraulic cylinder provides you with 12 levels of resistance, but even at the most tensioned level, it's still not sufficient for serious workouts.
Despite that, Sunny SF-RW5639 is still a great budget choice for heavier people to lose weight.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Hydraulic Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 12 levels |
Dimensions | 54 x 29 x 12 inches |
Stored dimensions | 54 x 29 x 12 inches |
Maximum user weight | 350 pounds |
Slide rail length | 40 inches |
Highlight features | Extended weight capacity, Pivoting arm design, LCD display |
Sunny SF-RW5639 is an affordable but high-weight-capacity hydraulic rowing machine for big guys to lose weight.
Best Water Model: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713
Real-rowing mimic action with interesting sounds
Compatible heart rate strap
Lightweight but sturdy
You have to refill the water regularly
Noisy
Sunny SF-RW5713 is one of the best rowing machines featured with the water resistance mechanism. Water mechanism is the nearest mechanism to real rowing. It also squeaks very funny and entertaining, however, the sounds might be annoying to somebody.
The rowing machine is sturdy but also lightweight. It also has a good outlook in black powder coated finish.
You can use a heart rate strap (not included) to monitor your heart pulse. Heart rate can tell a lot about your health status.
A very typical drawback of water rowing machine is that you have to refill the water regularly and you have to use a siphon to do this.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Water Resistance |
Levels of resistance | No |
Dimensions | 79 x 22W x 33.5 inches |
Stored dimensions | Unfoldable |
Maximum user weight | 250 pounds |
Slide rail length | 42 inches |
Highlight features | Compatible heart rate strap, High-profile padded seat design, LCD Monitor |
Sunny SF-RW5713 is a special water rowing machine that gives real rowing feeling.
Budget-Friendly: Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Money back guarantee
Pivoting foot plates with safety straps
12 levels of resistance
Full arm motions
Affordable and Space-saving
The slide rail is short
Not so comfortable
Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine uses a piston to produce resistance - you'll pull against the air inside the cylinder. This mechanism does not take so much space, so the machine is small.
The rower provides you with a full range of arm motion. Rowing in a circular motion requires more group of muscles to be involved so you can practice more effectively. These arms can be folded to free up more space.
The seat is large and padded. The pivoting pedals are also large and have straps. However, the slide rail is short and the motion of the piston is not so smooth. So in overall, it's not perfectly comfortable riding on Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine. However, this is still a great choice for small users or those living in small apartments.
Finally, If you don't like the rower after having it, there is a refund guarantee..
Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine Specifications | |
Kind of resistance | Hydraulic Resistance |
Levels of resistance | 12 levels |
Dimensions | 50 x 36.22 x 20 inches |
Stored dimensions | 50 x 30 x 20 inches |
Maximum user weight | 250 pounds |
Slide rail length | 35 inches |
Highlight features | LCD monitor, Ergonomic design, Full-range-of-motion, Pivoting foot plates with safety straps |
Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a decent choice for girls or small guys living in small apartments.
How To Choose The Best Rowing Machines?
There are 4 common types of rowing machines, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is the comparison table:
Air rowers | Magnetic rowers | Hydraulic rowers | Water rowers | |
User’s experience | All level (beginners to Olympic athletes) | beginner, intermediate | beginner, intermediate, elders, people | All level (beginners to Olympic athletes) |
Quietness | * | *** | ** | * |
Size & storage capacities | * | ** | *** | * |
Smooth operation | *** | ** | * | ** |
Maintenance required | ** | ** | * | * |
As you can see from the table, the magnetics have a lot of advantages from quietness, size, smooth operation, to little maintenance required. The airs and the hydraulics don’t have many advantages, however, the airs are favorited by athletes as they operate smoothly and real-rowing-alike, while the hydraulics are the most space-saving and affordable.
The waters are a special type. Rowers of this type have so many disadvantages, but they mimic the water environment and does squeaks very interesting sounds. Somebody found this motivating.
Depends on your taste, choose a type of rowing machine and have a look at the above models to choose the best fit for you.
Which Brands Make The Best Rowing Machines?
Concept2
Concept2 with Concept2 Model D and Concept2 Model E
Sunny Health & Fitness
Sunny Health & Fitness with SF-RW5515, SF-RW1205, SF-RW5713, and SF-RW5639
Harvil
Harvil with Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Stamina
Stamina with Stamina ATS Air Rower and Stamina ATS Air Rower
FAQs
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
Rowing machines are not designed for belly fat burning. However, if you really like rowing and want to burn fat, you can do HIIT (high-intensity interval training) on rowing for this kind of purpose. Turn to the last question for further instruction.
How long should you work out on a rowing machine?
If you are aiming at improving cardiovascular health, you only need 5 to 20 minutes a day on your rowing exercises. If you are at building muscles, there are no limits, however, you should take a break after 30 minutes of practicing. If you do HIIT, it's 10 minutes for maximum.
What muscles does a rowing machine tone?
Riding a rowing machine works 84% of the total muscles in your body. Especially, quads, shoulders, back, biceps.
Is a rowing machine good for your back?
Yes. Rowing exercises work your back mostly, so they are very good for your back.
How many calories do you burn in 5 minutes of rowing?
Rowing at a moderate pace for 5 minutes burns less than 30 calories for a 125-pound individual.
Are rowing machines good for seniors?
Studies have shown that seniors who ride a rowing machine often have better stamina, higher bone growth rate, and higher bone mineral density.
Can you do HIIT on a rowing machine?
Yes, you can. Simon Collins, a specialist in rowing recommended that:
- First, stretch and warm up slowly for 10 minutes.
- Then, set the tension to the maximum and do at least 10 rounds of this:
- 1, at least 10 strokes in 20 seconds.
- 2, slow down at a half rate to 10 strokes in 40 seconds.
- Finally, warm down for 15 minutes.
Summary
Above are our full review of the best rowing machines. Hope the information in this article will help you find the suitable rowing machine!
