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Rowing machines are one of the best pieces of cardio equipment you can put in a home gym. They work your legs, back, arms, and core simultaneously, are low-impact on your joints, and provide an intensity range that works for everyone from beginners to elite athletes.
Here are the 6 best rowing machines for home use in 2026.
Types of Rowing Machines
Air resistance: Resistance increases with effort. Smooth, natural feel. The standard in competitive rowing.
Water resistance: Most closely mimics real rowing. Beautiful sound and feel, but more maintenance.
Magnetic resistance: Quiet, smooth, low maintenance. Good for apartments.
Hydraulic: Compact and affordable, but the least realistic rowing feel.
Top 6 Rowing Machines for Home in 2026
1. Concept2 Model D — Best Overall
The Concept2 Model D is the industry standard. Used in Olympic training facilities and CrossFit boxes worldwide. Air resistance, accurate performance monitor, and a 500 lb weight capacity. At around $1,000, it’s an investment — but it will last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
Pros: Best-in-class performance, extremely durable, separates for storage
Cons: Loud (air resistance), expensive, not suitable for apartments
2. Hydrow Wave — Best Water Rower Experience
Hydrow’s connected rower offers live and on-demand classes on a built-in screen. The Wave is their more compact, affordable model at around $1,495. It’s quieter than air rowers and the classes are genuinely motivating.
Pros: Excellent classes, quieter than air, great form feedback
Cons: Subscription required for full features ($38/month), expensive
3. WaterRower Natural — Best Water Resistance Rower
The WaterRower is as much furniture as exercise equipment — beautiful hardwood construction and a meditative water sound. A genuinely premium experience at around $1,200.
Pros: Beautiful design, natural rowing feel, quiet
Cons: Expensive, water tank maintenance
4. NordicTrack RW900 — Best Smart Rower for Classes
NordicTrack’s RW900 offers a large rotating touchscreen, iFit integration, and auto-adjusting magnetic resistance. Great for people who need the motivation of structured classes.
Pros: Large screen, auto-adjusting resistance, solid build
Cons: iFit subscription required ($39/month), expensive (~$1,600)
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 — Best Budget Rower
For under $300, the SF-RW5515 is the best budget rowing machine available. Magnetic resistance, LCD display, and a solid build that handles most casual to moderate training needs.
Pros: Very affordable, quiet (magnetic), decent build
Cons: Limited resistance range, basic monitor
6. Ergatta — Best Gamified Rowing Experience
Ergatta uses water resistance and a gaming-inspired interface to make rowing genuinely fun. Data-driven training without subscriptions to class content. Around $2,200.
Pros: Engaging game interface, no subscription required, water resistance
Cons: Very expensive
Our Recommendation
For serious training, the Concept2 Model D is the obvious choice — it’s what the pros use and it’ll outlast everything else. If budget is a constraint, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 delivers solid training for a fraction of the price. The Hydrow Wave is the best option for people who need motivating classes to stay consistent.