What Are the Best Consumer Reports Rowing

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent hundreds of hours researching rowing machines across every price tier, reading owner feedback from real buyers, and studying the engineering and design choices that make a rower effective for long-term home use. My approach is grounded in verifiable manufacturer specifications, published performance data, and the collective experience of thousands of users who have logged millions of meters on these machines. I do not rely on marketing hype or unverified claims.

Each recommendation in this guide is based on a consistent set of evaluation criteria: stroke feel and resistance quality, monitor accuracy and data feedback, build durability and maintenance requirements, noise level for home environments, and overall value relative to price. I have excluded any product that fails to deliver reliable performance or that lacks a strong track record of owner satisfaction. The five machines listed here represent the best options for different priorities, from budget to premium.

How we researched

To evaluate these rowing machines, I defined a set of objective criteria that matter most to home users: resistance type and adjustability, monitor functionality and data accuracy, build quality and longevity, noise output during use, storage footprint, and overall value. I researched each product’s official specifications, read many verified owner reviews across multiple retail platforms, and cross-referenced feedback from rowing communities and fitness equipment forums. I prioritized machines that offer a natural rowing motion, reliable resistance, and a monitor that tracks essential metrics like split time, stroke rate, and distance.

I weighed the trade-offs between connected features and simplicity. For machines with screens and subscription services, I evaluated the quality of the content library, the responsiveness of the touchscreen, and whether the auto-resistance feature genuinely enhances the workout experience. For budget and mechanical machines, I focused on resistance smoothness, noise levels, and ease of assembly. Every product in this guide earned its place by excelling in at least one key area while maintaining acceptable performance across all others. I did not physically test these machines in a lab; my recommendations are based on research and community consensus.

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg, formerly known as the Model D, is the benchmark against which all other rowing machines are measured. Its air flywheel resistance scales naturally with your effort: the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel, which closely mimics the feel of moving a boat through water. The PM5 performance monitor is the gold standard for accuracy, tracking split times, watts, calories, stroke rate, and distance with reliable precision. This monitor can connect to heart rate monitors via Bluetooth or ANT+, and it syncs with popular apps like Strava, ErgData, and Zwift. The machine itself is built from welded steel and aircraft-grade aluminum, designed to withstand decades of heavy use with only routine maintenance like cleaning the flywheel and replacing the chain every few years.

One honest limitation of the Concept2 RowErg is its noise level. The air flywheel produces a distinct whooshing sound that becomes louder at higher stroke rates, which can be disruptive in shared living spaces like apartments or bedrooms. Another limitation is the lack of a built-in screen for streaming workout content. While you can mount a tablet or phone on the optional tablet holder, there is no integrated touchscreen or subscription service, meaning you must bring your own device for guided workouts. The seat is also firm and may require a cushion for longer sessions, though this is a common trait among dedicated rowers.

NordicTrack RW900

The NordicTrack RW900 is designed for those who want a fully connected rowing experience. Its standout feature is the 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen, which tilts and swivels so you can follow along with floor exercises or stretch after your row. The screen gives you access to iFIT’s extensive library of live and on-demand workout classes, many of which are filmed on actual waterways around the world with professional instructors guiding you through scenic routes. The electromagnetic resistance system adjusts automatically during iFIT workouts to match the instructor’s programming, so you never have to stop rowing to change the intensity level. This auto-adjust feature is a significant convenience for interval training and follow-along sessions.

One honest limitation of the NordicTrack RW900 is its reliance on the iFIT subscription. Without an active membership, the machine’s connected features are largely disabled, and the manual resistance control is limited compared to other machines. Another limitation is the machine’s overall footprint. The RW900 is larger and heavier than many other home rowers, making it more difficult to move or store upright. Some owners have also reported that the screen can be prone to glare in brightly lit rooms, which can detract from the immersive experience during daytime workouts.

Hydrow Wave

The Hydrow Wave is a more compact and affordable version of the original Hydrow rower, designed to bring the brand’s signature live outdoor reality rowing content to a wider audience. The 16-inch HD touchscreen streams live and on-demand classes led by professional rowers, filmed on actual rivers, lakes, and canals around the world. The electromagnetic resistance adjusts automatically to match what the instructor does on screen, so you get a synchronized workout that feels like you are rowing alongside the leader. The immersive outdoor footage is a key differentiator: instead of a generic studio background, you see real water, bridges, and landscapes that make each session feel like an adventure.

One honest limitation of the Hydrow Wave is its smaller screen compared to the original Hydrow (16 inches versus 22 inches). While still clear and responsive, the smaller display can make it harder to see instructor cues and metrics at a glance, especially if you wear reading glasses. Another limitation is the subscription cost. Hydrow requires a monthly membership to access the full content library, and while the classes are high quality, the ongoing expense adds to the total cost of ownership. The machine itself is also not as quiet as magnetic resistance rowers; the electromagnetic system produces a low hum that some users find noticeable in quiet rooms.

Sunny Health SF-RW5515

The Sunny Health SF-RW5515 is the most budget-friendly rowing machine on this list, designed to make magnetic resistance rowing accessible to anyone. Its eight resistance levels cover a useful range for light to moderate training intensity, from gentle warm-ups to steady-state cardio sessions. The magnetic resistance mechanism operates nearly silently, which is a significant advantage in apartments, bedrooms, or any shared living space where noise is a concern. The folding frame stores compactly upright, sliding into a closet or corner when not in use, making it ideal for small home gyms or multipurpose rooms.

One honest limitation of the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 is its resistance range. The eight levels are fine for beginners and intermediate users, but advanced rowers or those seeking high-intensity interval training may find the top resistance too light for a challenging workout. Another limitation is the monitor. It tracks basic metrics like time, distance, and count, but it lacks the advanced data feedback of the PM5 or a connected screen. There is no Bluetooth connectivity or app integration, so you cannot easily track your progress over time or compete with others. The build quality is adequate for the price, but the frame can feel less stable during aggressive rowing compared to heavier machines.

WaterRower Natural

The WaterRower Natural is as much a piece of furniture as it is a fitness machine. Its hand-crafted solid ash wood frame is finished with a clear lacquer that highlights the natural grain, making it a beautiful addition to any home gym or living room. The water flywheel uses a sealed tank filled with water, and as you pull the handle, the paddles inside the tank create a gentle rushing sound that closely mimics the feeling of rowing on an actual river or lake. The water resistance scales naturally with stroke power: the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel, providing a smooth and fluid motion that is easy on the joints. The Series 4 performance monitor tracks time, distance, stroke rate, and calories, and it can be upgraded to a Bluetooth-enabled version for app connectivity.

One honest limitation of the WaterRower Natural is its weight and maintenance. The water tank requires periodic treatment with a purification tablet to prevent algae growth, and the water must be topped off over time as it evaporates. Draining and refilling the tank for storage or moving is a messy process. Another limitation is the lack of a built-in screen or connected features. The Series 4 monitor is basic and does not offer split times, watts, or wireless connectivity out of the box. You will need to buy an optional Bluetooth module to sync with apps. The wood frame, while beautiful, is also susceptible to scratches and water damage if not properly cared for.

What to look for

• Resistance type: Air resistance scales with effort and feels most like on-water rowing. Magnetic resistance is quieter and smoother. Water resistance offers a natural feel and pleasing sound. Choose based on your noise tolerance and desired realism.
• Monitor and data tracking: Look for a monitor that tracks split time, stroke rate, distance, and calories. Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity allows you to sync with apps and track progress over time. Basic monitors are fine for casual use.
• Build quality and durability: Steel frames and aluminum rails last longer than plastic or lightweight steel. Check the weight capacity and overall stability. A machine that wobbles during hard pulls will frustrate you over time.
• Noise level: Air rowers produce a whooshing sound that increases with effort. Magnetic rowers are nearly silent. Water rowers produce a gentle rushing sound. Consider your living situation and tolerance for noise.
• Storage and footprint: Some rowers fold upright or can be stored vertically. Measure your available space before buying. Larger machines with integrated screens take up more room.
• Subscription costs: Connected rowers with screens often require a monthly membership for full access to classes and auto-resistance features. Factor this into your long-term budget.
• Seat comfort: A firm seat is common among dedicated rowers, but some machines offer wider or more cushioned seats. Consider adding a seat pad if you plan long sessions.

The verdict

The Concept2 RowErg remains the best overall rowing machine for most home users because it delivers a proven air resistance system, industry-leading data accuracy, and a build that will outlast nearly any other machine on the market. If you want a connected experience with auto-adjusting resistance and live classes, the NordicTrack RW900 offers the most immersive screen and content library. For those who prefer live outdoor rowing classes and a compact design, the Hydrow Wave is a strong choice. Budget buyers should look to the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 for a quiet, folding magnetic rower that gets the job done without breaking the bank. And if aesthetics matter as much as function, the WaterRower Natural brings beautiful wood craftsmanship and a soothing water sound to your home gym. Choose the one that fits your priorities, and you will get a solid rowing machine that supports your fitness goals.