Connected rowing machines have moved well beyond the erg sitting in the corner of a gym. Today’s top models stream live classes to large touchscreens, track split times and stroke rate in real time, and sync workout data to health platforms like Apple Health and Garmin Connect. If you are building a home gym or replacing a treadmill with low-impact cardio, a connected rower covers full-body conditioning in a single compact footprint. Here is how the five best options in 2026 stack up.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrow Wave | Live on-water classes | 9.3/10 |
| Concept2 RowErg + PM5 | Athletes + no-sub tracking | 9.5/10 |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Large screen + iFIT library | 8.9/10 |
| Ergatta Rower | Game-based motivation | 9.0/10 |
| Aviron Strong Series | Entertainment + resistance variety | 8.8/10 |
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 — Best for Athletes
The Concept2 RowErg is the closest thing to a universal standard in rowing. It uses air resistance that scales with effort, meaning there is no upper limit on intensity. The PM5 Performance Monitor tracks split times, stroke rate, power output, and heart rate (with a compatible strap) without requiring any subscription or internet connection. Every major rowing club and competitive event uses Concept2 machines, so your training data transfers directly to race prep.
The screen is basic compared to Hydrow or NordicTrack, and there are no built-in streaming classes. But for serious rowers tracking every split or athletes who want pure performance data without a monthly fee, it is the most honest and durable choice in the category.
Hydrow Wave — Best Connected Rowing Experience
The Hydrow Wave brings the on-water rowing experience into a compact frame. It uses electromagnetic resistance controlled to match the stroke profile of real rowing conditions, and streams live and on-demand classes shot on actual water with professional athletes coaching from the boat. The 16.6-inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, and the Hydrow app has one of the deepest libraries of rowing-specific content available.
The Wave is the smaller, more affordable sibling to the original Hydrow, folding upright for storage and weighing about 103 pounds. For buyers who want the most immersive connected rowing experience and do not mind the subscription cost, Hydrow Wave is the premium pick.
NordicTrack RW900 — Best Large Screen Value
The RW900 pairs a 22-inch rotating touchscreen with NordicTrack’s iFIT platform, which includes rowing, cycling, treadmill, and strength classes under one subscription. The magnetic/air hybrid resistance system offers 26 levels, and the machine includes a one-year iFIT family membership to offset the initial cost.
Build quality is solid at the price point. The folding frame stores reasonably compactly, and Bluetooth connectivity covers heart rate monitors and headphones. For buyers who want a large streaming screen and access to cross-training content beyond rowing, the RW900 delivers more content variety than Hydrow at a lower subscription price.
Ergatta Rower — Best Game-Based Motivation
Ergatta takes a different approach: instead of instructor-led classes, it uses competitive games and data-driven interval programs to drive effort. The water resistance tank produces a smooth, quiet stroke, and the 17.3-inch touchscreen runs race formats, challenges, and community leaderboards. It is particularly effective for people who disengage from traditional class formats but respond well to competition and progress tracking.
Thecurrent pricing subscription unlocks the full game and challenge library. Atcurrent pricing it is priced at the premium end, but the water resistance mechanism is durable and low-maintenance, and the gaming approach consistently leads to higher average output for users who stick with it.
Aviron Strong Series — Best for Entertainment Variety
The Aviron Strong Series offers the most entertainment options of any connected rower: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Spotify are all accessible directly on the 22-inch touchscreen alongside Aviron’s own class and game library. It uses air plus magnetic resistance with eight levels, and the handle design is engineered for a comfortable grip during longer sessions.
Atcurrent pricing plus acurrent pricing subscription, it is a significant investment, but for buyers who want to multitask — catching up on shows while getting a full-body workout — no other rower in the category matches its entertainment integration.
How to Choose a Connected Rower
The key decision is whether you want instructor-led classes, game-based motivation, or pure performance tracking. Hydrow and NordicTrack suit people who respond to coached workouts. Ergatta and Aviron are better for self-motivated buyers who prefer games, competition, or passive entertainment. Concept2 is the right pick if subscription costs are a concern or if you train for actual rowing events.
Also consider resistance type: air resistance scales naturally with effort, while water and magnetic-air hybrids are quieter and smoother. For a noise-sensitive apartment, the Ergatta’s water resistance or the NordicTrack’s magnetic system are better fits than the Concept2.
Explore our best connected rowing machine guide for more configuration options, and see our methodology for the full evaluation criteria used across all fitness equipment on this site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between air and water resistance in connected rowers?+
Air resistance rowers like the Concept2 increase resistance automatically as you row harder, giving a natural feel. Water resistance rowers like the Hydrow use a water tank to simulate the drag of actual rowing, producing a smoother, quieter stroke. Both types work well for cardio and strength; the choice usually comes down to feel preference and noise tolerance.
Do I need a subscription to use a connected rowing machine?+
Most connected rowers offer a free basic mode that tracks strokes, pace, and calories. Full access to live classes, on-demand workouts, and leaderboards typically requires a monthly subscription ranging fromcurrent pricing tocurrent pricing. Concept2 is the main exception -- its Performance Monitor works fully without any subscription, making it the most cost-effective over time.