Compare
Compare rowing machines
Pick up to 4 of the 8 rowing machines we cover. Each is described with the same fields — resistance type, rail length, capacity, monitor, storage and subscriptions — and scored on the same published criteria.
3/4 selected
Not sure where to start? Read the buying guideEditorial scores
LiftEvidence editorial assessment, 0–10. Not a measurement or a user rating.
Differences in the chart reflect editorial judgements of trade-offs, not a ranking. A higher maximum load or capacity, for example, is only an advantage if you need it — it usually comes with more size and cost.
| 3 products | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial summary (LiftEvidence) | |||
| LiftEvidence editorial score | 9.1 / 10 (highest) | 8.4 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Recommendation | Best Overall | Best Water Rower | Best Connected Rower |
| Best suited to | Serious Training, Conditioning, Tall Users, Beginner | Quiet Homes, Small Spaces, Serious Training | Beginner, Quiet Homes, Conditioning |
| Stroke feel | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Specifications (manufacturer) | |||
| Resistance | Air | Water | Magnetic |
| Resistance detail | Air flywheel with adjustable damper | WaterFlywheel; load set by water level and stroke effort | Electromagnetic drag, computer-controlled |
| Rail | Aluminium monorail; 14 in seat height | Hardwood twin rail | Aluminium rail |
| Maximum inseam / user height | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Not reliably published |
| User capacity | 500 lb | 700 lb | 375 lb |
| Monitor & connectivity | PM5: pace, watts, calories; Bluetooth and ANT+ | S4 BLE; WaterRower Connect and CITYROW | 22 in HD touchscreen; Bluetooth; Wi-Fi required for classes |
| Storage | Separates into two pieces; caster wheels | Stores upright | Stows upright |
| Dimensions | 96 × 24 in footprint (listing); 9 × 4 ft recommended space | 87.75 × 22.25 × 20 in (listing table; the listing text says about 82 in long) | 86 × 25 × 47 in (L × W × H) |
| Subscription | None required (works with 40+ apps) | Optional (CITYROW) | Membership $50/month for screen, stats and workouts (30-day trial) |
| Warranty | 5-year frame and 2-year parts limited warranty (listing). | Listing states a 1-year warranty. | 1-year manufacturer warranty for home use (listing). |
| Price & customer ratings (Amazon) | |||
| Price band | Premium | Premium | High-end |
| Amazon customer rating | See current rating on Amazon | See current rating on Amazon | See current rating on Amazon |
| Editorial assessment (LiftEvidence) | |||
| Less suitable for | Very noise-sensitive homes, or anyone who wants instructor-led classes on a built-in screen. | Anyone who wants fine resistance adjustment between sets or data directly comparable with club ergs. | Anyone who does not want a monthly fee — without it, much of the machine is unavailable. |
| Strengths |
|
|
|
| Drawbacks |
|
|
|
| Stroke quality score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Build & durability score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
| Monitor & data score | 10.0 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 |
| Ergonomics & fit score | 9.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.5 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
| Home practicality score | 7.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.0 / 10 |
| Value score | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 | 5.5 / 10 |
Buying guideBest Rowing MachinesWhich specifications matter, options by use case, top picks and answers to common questions.Read the guide Head to headConcept2 vs WaterRowerConcept2 RowErg vs WaterRower Oak S4: air versus water resistance, noise, space, storage, training data and warranty compared — and which rower suits which home.