A connected rowing machine gives you a full-body low-impact workout with real-time coaching, live leaderboards, and detailed metrics — all from one piece of equipment that folds flat when you are done. The connected fitness market has matured significantly, and choosing between rowers now comes down to nuances: how the resistance feels, whether you want human coaches or gamified training, and how much you are willing to spend on monthly content. This guide covers the five strongest options heading into 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrow Original | Full immersive rowing experience | 9.4/10 |
| Concept2 RowErg | Performance data, no subscription | 9.5/10 |
| Peloton Row | Peloton ecosystem integration | 9.0/10 |
| WaterRower Connected | Natural feel + quiet operation | 8.9/10 |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Best screen-to-price ratio | 8.8/10 |
Hydrow Original — Best Full Immersive Experience
The Hydrow Original is built around one concept: making indoor rowing feel as close to on-water rowing as possible. Its electromagnetic resistance system replicates the drag curve of actual water, while 4K video classes streamed from real rivers and lakes put you in the boat with professional athletes. The 22-inch portrait touchscreen is one of the sharpest in the category, and the Hydrow app includes live classes, on-demand library access, and non-rowing workouts like yoga and strength.
Atcurrent pricing it is a premium commitment, but the on-water video content genuinely differentiates the experience from any other rower on this list. For buyers who have tried indoor cycling classes and found them motivating, Hydrow delivers the same psychological pull for rowing.
Concept2 RowErg — Best Pure Performance Machine
The Concept2 RowErg has been the gold standard for competitive rowing training for decades, and the 2026 version maintains that reputation. Air resistance scales automatically with stroke power, so there is no ceiling on intensity. The PM5 monitor tracks every metric that matters: split time per 500m, stroke rate, power in watts, and calorie burn — all without a subscription or internet connection.
Data syncs to ErgData (free app), Garmin, Apple Health, and most coaching platforms. The build is industrial-grade: the chain drive and flywheel are designed for daily use in commercial gym environments. If you want the most trusted performance tool available and have no interest in streaming classes, the Concept2 is the answer.
Peloton Row — Best for Peloton Households
If you already own a Peloton Bike or Tread and subscribe to the Peloton All-Access membership, the Peloton Row adds rowing classes to your existing subscription at no extra cost. The 24-inch touchscreen is the largest on any rower, and Peloton’s instructor roster brings the same energy and production quality that made the bike popular.
Form Assist, Peloton’s real-time posture feedback feature, uses the built-in camera and sensor data to coach rowing technique during class — a genuinely useful feature for beginners. Thecurrent pricing price is high, but for Peloton households adding a second modality, the subscription and ecosystem value justify the cost.
WaterRower Connected — Best for Quiet Natural Feel
The WaterRower’s water resistance tank produces a stroke feel that is closer to on-water rowing than any electromagnetic or air-resistance system. The resistance increases naturally as you pull harder, and the water sound is genuinely calming — a sharp contrast to the whir of an air rower. The ash wood frame is also the most visually refined in the category; it looks like furniture rather than gym equipment.
The connected version adds Bluetooth connectivity, syncing data to the WaterRower app, Apple Health, Garmin, and Strava. There is no built-in screen, but you can mount a tablet or phone on the frame. For buyers in open living spaces who want function and aesthetics without a large touchscreen on the wall, WaterRower is the premium pick.
NordicTrack RW900 — Best Screen-to-Price Ratio
The NordicTrack RW900 includes a 22-inch rotating touchscreen at a pricecurrent pricing lower than the Hydrow Original. The iFIT platform covers rowing, cycling, running, and strength classes in one subscription, making it a versatile content library if you also own other iFIT-compatible equipment. The air-plus-magnetic hybrid resistance is smooth and quiet, and the machine includes a one-year iFIT family subscription to offset the first year’s cost.
Build quality is slightly below the Hydrow and Peloton tier, but for buyers who want a large connected screen and content variety without reachingcurrent pricing+, the RW900 is the most practical choice.
How to Choose a Connected Rowing Machine
Resistance type shapes the feel of every session. Air rowers (Concept2) are most responsive to effort; water rowers (WaterRower) are quietest and smoothest; electromagnetic rowers (Hydrow, Peloton) offer precise resistance control for class programming. Pick based on what feel keeps you rowing consistently.
Screen size and subscription cost matter for long-term use. If you already pay for one fitness subscription, look for machines that bundle access or allow multiple users. And check storage dimensions — most rowers fold, but the footprint and weight vary significantly.
For compact options, our best connected rower guide covers smaller-frame picks. See our methodology for the full framework used to evaluate every machine on this list.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does a rowing machine need?+
A full-size rowing machine typically needs about 8 feet by 2 feet of floor space during use. Most connected models fold upright for storage, shrinking the footprint to roughly 2 by 2 feet when not in use. Check the folded dimensions in the product specs if space is tight, and ensure at least 2 feet of clearance on each side during a session.
Are connected rowing machines good for beginners?+
Yes. Connected rowers with instructor-led classes are actually ideal for beginners because coaches walk through proper stroke mechanics, helping avoid the lower-back strain that comes from poor technique. Starting at low resistance and following guided beginner programs for the first few weeks builds correct habits before intensity increases.