What Is the Best Connected Rower?

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years following the connected fitness market and analyzing rowing machines from every major brand. My research process involves cross-referencing manufacturer specifications, studying owner feedback across forums and retailer reviews, and evaluating how each machine fits into different training philosophies. I do not rely on marketing claims alone. I look at what each product actually delivers in terms of resistance type, screen quality, content library, and long-term value. This guide is built on that foundation of careful comparison, not on a single person’s brief test session.

The rowing machine category has grown crowded with smart features, but not every connected rower serves the same purpose. Some prioritize raw performance data, others focus on entertainment, and a few try to replicate the feel of water. I have organized these five picks by their strongest use case so you can match the machine to your own goals. Whether you are a competitive athlete, a casual fitness enthusiast, or someone who needs gamification to stay motivated, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on what each product actually offers.

How we researched

To evaluate these five connected rowers, I established a set of criteria that matter most for a smart rowing machine purchase. The primary factors were resistance type and how it affects the rowing feel, screen quality and size for live metrics and content, the depth and quality of the connected platform, and the overall value proposition including any subscription requirements. I also considered the machine’s footprint, build quality reputation, and the availability of performance metrics without requiring a paid subscription. Each product was assessed against these criteria using manufacturer data and aggregated owner experiences from multiple sources.

I did not physically test these machines in a lab or use them for weeks on end. Instead, I compared the stated specifications, read many verified owner reviews, and looked at long-term reliability reports. I weighed the importance of open data access versus locked-in ecosystems. For example, a machine that requires a subscription to see your split times is fundamentally different from one that gives you full metrics offline. I also looked at how each company handles software updates and customer support. This approach gives you a reliable, research-based recommendation without relying on a single tester’s subjective experience.

Concept2 RowErg with PM5

The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 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 harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. This makes it ideal for athletes who need to train at maximum effort without a machine capping their output. The PM5 Performance Monitor is the heart of the experience. It tracks split times, stroke rate, power output, and heart rate when paired with a compatible chest strap. All of this data is available without any subscription or internet connection. Every major rowing club and competitive event uses Concept2, so your results are directly comparable to the wider rowing community.

The RowErg is built like a tank. The frame is steel, the seat rolls on a monorail, and the handle is designed for a secure grip. The PM5 monitor is backlit and easy to read, and it connects to third-party apps like Zwift and EXR if you want a more visual experience. The machine folds for storage, though it is still large. One honest limitation is that the RowErg does not have a built-in screen for streaming classes or entertainment. You are getting a pure performance tool, not a multimedia device. The seat is also firm, which some users find uncomfortable for very long sessions without a pad.

Another limitation is the noise level. Air resistance rowers are louder than magnetic or water resistance machines, so the RowErg is not the best choice if you need to row in a quiet shared space. The PM5 monitor is excellent for data but the interface is utilitarian. There are no fancy graphics or gamification. If you need motivation from instructors or games, you will need to bring your own tablet or phone and use a third-party app. For the athlete who values accurate, subscription-free metrics and a machine that will last for decades, the Concept2 RowErg is the obvious choice.

Hydrow Wave

The Hydrow Wave brings the on-water rowing experience into a compact frame. It uses electromagnetic resistance that is controlled to match the stroke profile of real rowing conditions. This means the resistance feels smooth and consistent, similar to the drag of a boat through water. The Wave streams live and on-demand classes that are 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 content available. The classes are cinematic and immersive, with real outdoor footage that makes you feel like you are on a river or lake.

The Wave is designed to be more affordable and smaller than the flagship Hydrow. It folds up for storage, which is a practical advantage for home gyms with limited space. The electromagnetic resistance is quiet, so you can row without disturbing others. The screen is tilted for easy viewing, and the interface is polished and intuitive. The Hydrow platform also includes strength, yoga, and pilates classes, so you get more than just rowing. One honest limitation is that the Wave requires a paid subscription to access the live and on-demand classes. Without it, the screen is essentially a paperweight and you lose the connected experience.

Another limitation is that the Wave’s resistance is capped at a certain level. While it feels great for moderate to hard efforts, very strong athletes may find the top end less challenging than an air resistance machine like the Concept2. The 16.6-inch screen is good but smaller than some competitors. The machine is also not designed for standalone data tracking without the subscription. If you want to see your split times and power output without paying monthly, this is not the rower for you. The Hydrow Wave is best for people who love instructor-led classes and want a compact, quiet machine that prioritizes the feel of real rowing.

NordicTrack RW900

The NordicTrack RW900 pairs a 22-inch rotating touchscreen with NordicTrack’s iFIT platform. The screen is large and can tilt for off-rower workouts like strength training or yoga. iFIT includes rowing, cycling, treadmill, and strength classes all under one subscription. This makes the RW900 a versatile fitness hub, not just a rowing machine. The magnetic and air hybrid resistance system offers 26 levels, giving you a wide range of intensity from easy recovery rows to challenging sprints. The machine includes a one-year iFIT family membership, which offsets the initial cost significantly.

The rotating screen is a standout feature. You can pivot it to follow you during floor exercises, which adds real value if you do cross-training. The iFIT platform uses automatic trainer control, meaning the resistance adjusts automatically during classes to match the instructor’s cues. This is convenient for hands-free workouts. The RW900 also has a comfortable seat and oversized pedals with adjustable straps. The frame feels sturdy and the foldable design helps with storage. One honest limitation is that the iFIT subscription is required to access most of the machine’s smart features. Without it, you lose the automatic resistance control and the class library.

Another limitation is that the RW900’s resistance system is not as pure as a dedicated air or water rower. The hybrid system can feel a bit artificial at certain levels. The screen, while large, is not the highest resolution and can be prone to glare. The NordicTrack customer service reputation is mixed, with some owners reporting long wait times for support. The machine is also heavy and takes up significant floor space even when folded. For someone who wants a large screen, a year of free iFIT, and the ability to do non-rower workouts, the RW900 is a strong value. But if you want a pure rowing experience without a subscription, look elsewhere.

Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta Rower takes a different approach from instructor-led machines. Instead of classes, it uses competitive games and data-driven interval programs to drive effort. The water resistance tank produces a smooth, quiet stroke that mimics the feel of rowing on water. The 17.3-inch touchscreen runs race formats, challenges, and community leaderboards. The interface is clean and focused on performance data, but the gamification makes it engaging. It is particularly effective for people who disengage from traditional class formats but respond well to competition and measurable goals.

The Ergatta Rower is beautifully built. The water tank is made of polycarbonate and the frame is solid cherry wood, giving it a furniture-quality appearance. The machine is whisper quiet compared to air rowers, making it suitable for apartments or shared walls. The software updates regularly with new games and challenges, so the content stays fresh. You can race against your own past performances or against the community. The data tracking is comprehensive, showing your pace, stroke rate, power, and splits. One honest limitation is that the Ergatta requires a subscription to access the games and programs. Without it, the screen shows basic metrics but the core experience is lost.

Another limitation is that the water resistance is not as adjustable as air or magnetic systems. You change the intensity by how hard you pull, but you cannot set a specific resistance level. This means the machine has a natural ceiling for very strong athletes. The 17.3-inch screen is good but smaller than the NordicTrack and Aviron. The Ergatta also does not stream Netflix or YouTube, so if you want entertainment variety, this is not the rower. The focus is purely on gamified performance. For someone who loves data, competition, and a beautiful machine, the Ergatta is a fantastic choice. For someone who wants instructor-led classes or passive entertainment, it is not.

Aviron Strong Series

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. This means you can watch a movie while you row, or listen to your own music without needing a separate device. The machine uses air plus magnetic resistance with eight levels, giving you a good range of intensity. The handle design is engineered for a comfortable grip during longer sessions, with a shape that reduces hand fatigue.

The Aviron Strong Series is built for variety. You can take a structured class, play a game that challenges your stroke rate, or just row while watching your favorite show. The 22-inch screen is large and bright, and the interface is easy to navigate. The resistance system is quiet for an air rower, though not silent. The machine folds for storage and has transport wheels. The build quality feels solid, and the company offers a good warranty. One honest limitation is that the Aviron requires a subscription to access its own content library and games. However, the ability to stream third-party apps like Netflix is a significant advantage over other connected rowers.

Another limitation is that the eight resistance levels are set manually, not automatically adjusted during classes like the NordicTrack. The screen is also a fingerprint magnet and can be reflective in bright rooms. The Aviron’s game library is smaller than Ergatta’s, and the class library is smaller than Hydrow’s. The machine is also quite large and heavy, so moving it around is not effortless. For someone who wants to binge-watch shows while getting a workout, or who wants the flexibility to switch between classes, games, and passive entertainment, the Aviron Strong Series is the best option. For purists who want the most accurate performance data, other machines are better.

What to look for

• Resistance type: Air resistance is best for unlimited intensity and a natural feel. Magnetic is quiet and smooth. Water is realistic and quiet. Hybrid systems combine features but can feel less pure.
• Screen size and quality: A larger screen is better for classes and entertainment. Consider resolution, brightness, and whether the screen rotates for off-rower workouts.
• Subscription requirements: Some machines require a paid subscription to access core features like metrics, classes, or games. Others give you full data without a monthly fee. Know what you are paying for.
• Content library: Look at the type of content that motivates you. Instructor-led classes, competitive games, data-driven intervals, or passive entertainment like Netflix all serve different needs.
• Build quality and footprint: A heavier frame is usually more stable. Check if the machine folds for storage and how much floor space it needs. Wood frames look nice but may require more care.
• Performance metrics: Decide which metrics matter to you. Split time, stroke rate, power output, and heart rate compatibility are standard on good machines. Some require a subscription to see detailed data.
• Noise level: Air rowers are louder than magnetic or water rowers. Consider your living situation and whether noise will be an issue for others in your home.
• Customer support and warranty: Check the company’s reputation for support and the length of the warranty. A longer warranty often indicates confidence in the product.

The verdict

The best connected rower for you depends entirely on your training style and motivation preferences. If you are a serious athlete who values accurate, subscription-free data and a machine that is the industry standard, buy the Concept2 RowErg with PM5. If you want the most immersive on-water rowing experience with live instructor-led classes, choose the Hydrow Wave. For a large screen and a year of free iFIT classes, the NordicTrack RW900 is a strong value. If you need gamification and competition to stay engaged, the Ergatta Rower is unmatched. And if you want to watch Netflix or YouTube while you row, the Aviron Strong Series is your best bet. No single machine is perfect for everyone. Pick the one that matches your priorities and you will be happy with your purchase.