Best Overall
Concept2 RowErg
The standard rower in gyms and competitions, with accurate PM5 data that is comparable with everyone else’s
Air · Separates into two pieces; caster wheels
9.1 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Rowing Machines
A rowing machine trains legs, back and arms in one low-impact movement, and it is one of the most efficient cardio machines for a home gym. The resistance system — air, water, magnetic or hydraulic — shapes how it feels, how loud it is and how useful its numbers are.
We compared eight rowers sold on Amazon.com, from a $110 hydraulic rower to the Concept2 RowErg. Specifications come from manufacturers and Amazon listings, customer notes summarise recurring review themes, and the LiftEvidence score is our weighted editorial assessment. We have not tested these machines.
By the LiftEvidence editorial team · Updated October 7, 2026 · 8 products compared · Affiliate disclosure
Quick answer
The Concept2 RowErg is the best rowing machine for most people: an air rower with a smooth stroke, a 500 lb rating, accurate PM5 data and a long record of durability. If noise or looks matter more, the WaterRower Oak is the quiet, natural-feeling water alternative, and the Hydrow Origin is the choice if you want classes on a big screen and will pay the membership.
On a budget, the Sunny dual-rail magnetic rower and the Merach Q1S are quiet and stable, the Merach R280 brings water resistance under $300, and the Sunny compact hydraulic rower suits occasional use in very small spaces.
Options by use case
For serious training and accurate data
The standard erg, with data you can compare with clubs, gyms and online rankings.
For quiet homes
Water and magnetic resistance are much quieter than air; the Hydrow adds a class library.
WaterRower Oak S4 · Hydrow Origin · Sunny Dual-Rail Magnetic
Compare side by sideFor tight budgets
Quiet magnetic and water rowers under about $300, with lighter builds and shorter warranties.
Merach Q1S · Merach R280 Water · Merach RS3 Scull
Compare side by sideFor very small spaces
A 22 lb hydraulic rower that leans against a wall, and a water rower that folds and rolls away.
Sunny Compact Hydraulic · Merach R280 Water
Compare side by side
Top picks
Editorial picks for specific needs, based on the specifications and trade-offs recorded below. A label is given only where a product clearly earns it.
Best Water Rower
WaterRower Oak S4
Handmade US hardwood frame and a water flywheel that sounds and feels like moving water
Water · Stores upright
8.4 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Connected Rower
Hydrow Origin
A 22 in touchscreen with on-water rowing classes — if you keep the $50/month membership
Magnetic · Stows upright
7.5 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Mid-Range Magnetic
Sunny Dual-Rail Magnetic
A 50 in dual rail, 16 quiet magnetic levels and upright storage for about a third of a Concept2
Magnetic · Stores upright; transport wheels
7.7 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Budget Water Rower
Merach R280 Water
A wooden water rower that folds like a suitcase, for under $300
Water · Folds 180°; wheels
7.5 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Budget Magnetic
Merach Q1S
The best-selling budget magnetic rower: quiet, dual rail, 350 lb and fits users up to 6′5″
Magnetic · Not reliably published
7.2 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best Sculling Rower
Merach RS3 Scull
Two independent oar-style arms for sculling, single-arm and alternating strokes
Magnetic · Not reliably published
7.2 / 10 LiftEvidence score
Best for Small Spaces
Sunny Compact Hydraulic
A 22 lb hydraulic rower that leans against a wall, for about $110
Hydraulic · Light enough to lean or carry
6.4 / 10 LiftEvidence score
All rowing machines
Showing 8 of 8. Add up to 4 to a comparison.
Best Overall
Concept2 RowErg
The standard rower in gyms and competitions, with accurate PM5 data that is comparable with everyone else’s
9.1
- Resistance
- Air
- Rail
- Aluminium monorail; 14 in seat height
Best Water Rower
WaterRower Oak S4
Handmade US hardwood frame and a water flywheel that sounds and feels like moving water
8.4
- Resistance
- Water
- Rail
- Hardwood twin rail
Best Connected Rower
Hydrow Origin
A 22 in touchscreen with on-water rowing classes — if you keep the $50/month membership
7.5
- Resistance
- Magnetic
- Rail
- Aluminium rail
Best Mid-Range Magnetic
Sunny Dual-Rail Magnetic
A 50 in dual rail, 16 quiet magnetic levels and upright storage for about a third of a Concept2
7.7
- Resistance
- Magnetic
- Rail
- 50 in dual rail
Best Budget Water Rower
Merach R280 Water
A wooden water rower that folds like a suitcase, for under $300
7.5
- Resistance
- Water
- Rail
- Solid-wood frame
Best Budget Magnetic
Merach Q1S
The best-selling budget magnetic rower: quiet, dual rail, 350 lb and fits users up to 6′5″
7.2
- Resistance
- Magnetic
- Rail
- Dual slide rail
Best Sculling Rower
Merach RS3 Scull
Two independent oar-style arms for sculling, single-arm and alternating strokes
7.2
- Resistance
- Magnetic
- Rail
- Not reliably published
Best for Small Spaces
Sunny Compact Hydraulic
A 22 lb hydraulic rower that leans against a wall, for about $110
6.4
- Resistance
- Hydraulic
- Rail
- Short aluminium-style rail (length not published)
All rowing machines compared
The same criteria for every product. A dash means the information was not published or could not be confirmed. Scores are editorial assessments, not measurements.
| 8 products | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial summary (LiftEvidence) | ||||||||
| LiftEvidence score | 9.1 / 10 (highest) | 8.4 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.7 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 | 6.4 / 10 |
| Recommendation | Best Overall | Best Water Rower | Best Connected Rower | Best Mid-Range Magnetic | Best Budget Water Rower | Best Budget Magnetic | Best Sculling Rower | Best for Small Spaces |
| Best suited to | Serious Training, Conditioning, Tall Users, Beginner | Quiet Homes, Small Spaces, Serious Training | Beginner, Quiet Homes, Conditioning | Quiet Homes, Tall Users, Beginner | Budget, Small Spaces, Quiet Homes | Budget, Beginner, Quiet Homes | Conditioning, Quiet Homes, Budget | Budget, Small Spaces, Beginner |
| Stroke feel | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Specifications (manufacturer) | ||||||||
| Resistance | Air | Water | Magnetic | Magnetic | Water | Magnetic | Magnetic | Hydraulic |
| Resistance detail | Air flywheel with adjustable damper | WaterFlywheel; load set by water level and stroke effort | Electromagnetic drag, computer-controlled | 16 levels | Water tank; load set by water level and stroke effort | 16 levels | 16 levels, up to 80 lb (listing) | Hydraulic cylinders, 12 levels |
| Rail | Aluminium monorail; 14 in seat height | Hardwood twin rail | Aluminium rail | 50 in dual rail | Solid-wood frame | Dual slide rail | Not reliably published | Short aluminium-style rail (length not published) |
| Maximum inseam / user height | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Users up to 6′5″ (listing) | Users up to 6′4″ (listing) | Not reliably published |
| User capacity | 500 lb | 700 lb | 375 lb | 300 lb | 400 lb | 350 lb | 350 lb | 300 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 | Digital monitor; free SunnyFit app | Monitor: distance, time, calories; Bluetooth | LCD; Merach and Kinomap apps | Performance monitor; Bluetooth; Merach app | Digital display; free SunnyFit app |
| Storage | Separates into two pieces; caster wheels | Stores upright | Stows upright | Stores upright; transport wheels | Folds 180°; wheels | Not reliably published | Not reliably published | Light enough to lean or carry |
| 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) | 79.3 × 19.7 × 36.4 in (listing) | 60 × 18 × 30 in (listing) | 65 × 19.3 × 24.8 in (listing) | 60.6 × 29.5 × 28.3 in (listing) | 58.1 × 20.1 × 24.8 in (listing) |
| Subscription | None required (works with 40+ apps) | Optional (CITYROW) | Membership $50/month for screen, stats and workouts (30-day trial) | None (free app) | None required | Optional app | Optional app | None (free app) |
| 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). | 3-year structural frame, 180 days other parts (listing). | 1-year warranty (listing). | 12 months from purchase (listing). | 12 months (listing). | 3-year structural frame, 180 days other parts (listing). |
| Price & customer ratings (Amazon) | ||||||||
| Price band | Premium | Premium | High-end | Mid-range | Budget | Budget | Budget | Budget |
| Amazon customer rating | 4.9/5 (13,079 ratings) | 4.7/5 (555 ratings) | 4.1/5 (152 ratings) | 4.5/5 (4,906 ratings) | 4.6/5 (280 ratings) | 4.4/5 (2,370 ratings) | 4.7/5 (324 ratings) | 4.4/5 (20,011 ratings) |
| 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. | Competitive rowers who need standardised data or very heavy resistance. | Heavy daily training or anyone who wants a long track record before buying. | Strong or experienced rowers who need heavy resistance. | Anyone following erg-based programmes or wanting comparable data. | Regular structured training, interval work or anyone who wants a realistic rowing stroke. |
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| Stroke quality score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 6.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
| Build & durability score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 |
| Monitor & data score | 10.0 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 | 5.5 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
| Ergonomics & fit score | 9.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.5 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 |
| Home practicality score | 7.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 9.5 / 10 (highest) |
| Value score | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 | 5.5 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 8.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
Buying guide
What matters most
Resistance type
Air rowers give accurate, unlimited resistance but are noisier; water rowers are smooth and quiet with a natural feel; magnetic rowers are quietest and cheapest; hydraulic rowers are compact but the least realistic.
Data you can trust
If you want to track progress or compare with other rowers, a monitor such as the Concept2 PM5 is the standard. Most budget monitors are fine for personal trends only.
Fit for tall users
Check the rail length and stated user height. Taller rowers (over about 6′2″) need a long rail to reach full leg extension.
Space and storage
Full-size rowers are 7–8 ft long and need clearance around them. Many stand upright, split or fold for storage.
Subscriptions
Connected rowers often lock their screen and classes behind a monthly membership. Most other rowers work with free or optional apps.
Air, water, magnetic or hydraulic
Air rowers use a fan: resistance rises with how hard you pull, there is no upper limit, and the feel is the same machine-to-machine — which is why the Concept2 is used for competitions. They whoosh at hard efforts. Water rowers use paddles in a tank: smooth, quiet and natural-feeling, with load set by water level. Magnetic rowers use magnets and a dial: very quiet and cheap, but often lighter at the top end. Hydraulic rowers use pistons: compact and cheap, but the stroke is less realistic and resistance can fade as the oil warms.
Related: Concept2 RowErg · WaterRower Oak S4 · Sunny Dual-Rail Magnetic · Sunny Compact Hydraulic
Monitors and data
Rowers report pace per 500 m, watts, stroke rate and calories. Only some monitors are calibrated to give figures that are comparable between machines; the Concept2 PM5 is the reference. Budget monitors are fine for tracking your own trends but not for comparing with others.
Related: Concept2 RowErg
Fit, rail length and capacity
Taller users need a long rail to reach full extension; check the rail length or stated user height. Seat height affects how easy the rower is to get on and off. User capacity varies from 300 lb to 500 lb or more among the machines here.
Related: Sunny Dual-Rail Magnetic · Merach Q1S
Technique matters more than the machine
A good stroke drives with the legs first, then swings the body, then pulls with the arms — and returns in the reverse order. Most beginners pull with their arms too early and set the damper or resistance too high. Moderate resistance with good technique gives a better workout and less strain on the back.
Space, noise and storage
Full-size rowers need roughly 9 × 4 ft including clearance. Upright storage, split frames and folding designs reduce the footprint between sessions. Air rowers are the loudest; magnetic and water rowers suit apartments and early mornings.
Related: WaterRower Oak S4 · Merach R280 Water
Subscriptions and connected rowers
Connected rowers such as the Hydrow put classes on a large screen, but the screen, stats and workouts typically need a monthly membership (about $50 a month on the Hydrow). Most other rowers work with free or optional apps.
Related: Hydrow Origin
How much to spend
Around $1,000 buys a rower that will last for many years and keeps resale value. Between $150 and $350, quiet magnetic and water rowers are fine for regular moderate training. Below that, hydraulic rowers suit occasional use only.
How we evaluated these rowing machines
We shortlisted rowers available on Amazon.com across all four resistance types and compared each on stroke quality (25%), build and durability (20%), monitor and data (15%), ergonomics and fit (10%), home practicality (10%) and value (20%).
Specifications come from manufacturers and Amazon listings; where a listing contradicts itself we say so. Customer themes come from Amazon reviews and are reported as user experience. We have not tested these machines.
Frequently asked questions
Is rowing a good workout?
Yes. Rowing is a full-body, low-impact form of cardio that works the legs, trunk and arms. General guidance for healthy adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio, and rowing is one way to get there.
Source: [2]
Should I do intervals or steady rows?
Both improve fitness. A meta-analysis of controlled trials found large VO2max improvements with both interval and continuous endurance training, slightly greater with intervals. Choose what you will do consistently.
Source: [1]
Air, water or magnetic — which is best?
Air for accurate data and serious training, water for a quiet, natural feel, magnetic for the lowest noise and price. Hydraulic rowers suit occasional use in tiny spaces.
Are rowing machines noisy?
Air rowers produce a fan whoosh that rises with effort; water rowers make a gentle swish; magnetic rowers are close to silent apart from the seat rolling.
How much space does a rower need?
A full-size rower is around 7–8 ft long; Concept2 recommends a 9 × 4 ft area for use. Compact and folding models are shorter, at some cost to fit for tall users.
Sources
- [1] Milanović Z, Sporiš G, Weston M. Effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIT) and continuous endurance training for VO2max improvements: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Sports Medicine. 2015;45(10):1469–1481. Systematic review and meta-analysis doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0365-0
- [2] Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2011;43(7):1334–1359. Position stand (expert consensus) doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb
Product specifications come from manufacturers and their Amazon.com listings (each product page lists its sources); customer themes come from Amazon reviews and are reported as user experience, not as evidence. Ratings and review counts were checked on October 7, 2026. LiftEvidence scores are editorial assessments; we have not tested these products ourselves. First published October 7, 2026.