Best Rowing Machines That Bring the Burn, Not the Noise
April 7, 2025
Not all rowing machines are built the same. Some are smooth and quiet. Some feel clunky. Some break after a year. If you're serious about getting one, it’s worth knowing which ones are solid and which ones aren’t.
A good rower should feel stable, work well over time, and match the kind of training you plan to do. Some people just want light cardio. Others are going all-in on HIIT or long sessions. Either way, the right machine can make it easier to stay consistent.
Here are 5 rowing machines that get the job done. Each one has its own strengths. No sales pitch. Just honest info.
In This Article:
1. Concept2 Model D - RowErg
Type: Air resistance
Price: Around $1,000
Weight Limit: 500 lbs
Dimensions: 96” L x 24” W
Foldable: Yes (separates into two pieces)
BUY 🛒
This is the gold standard for rowing machines. Built like a tank, but easy to handle. The frame is aluminum and steel, so it’s tough without being too heavy. You can separate it into two parts for storage, and the caster wheels make it easy to move.
The air resistance adjusts based on how hard you pull. That makes the workout more natural — there's no need to change settings mid-row. The damper lets you tweak how heavy or light the stroke feels.
The PM5 monitor is one of the best. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. It tracks pace, distance, calories, watts, and splits. You can set interval workouts, compare progress, or connect a heart rate monitor. It even works with Bluetooth and ANT+ if you want to sync apps.
Maintenance is simple. Wipe the rail down once in a while and check the chain for oil. That’s it. It’ll last for years, even with daily use.
Best for: People who want reliability and real performance. Whether you’re a beginner or training for a race, it holds up.
What's good:- Long-lasting frame
- Realistic air resistance
- Detailed performance tracking
- Easy to store in two pieces
- Loud during use
- Takes up a lot of room when in use
2. Hydrow
Type: Magnetic resistance
Price: Around $2,400
Weight Limit: 375 lbs
Dimensions: 86” L x 25” W
Foldable: No (vertical storage kit sold separately)
BUY 🛒
Hydrow goes a different direction. It’s not just about fitness. It’s about making workouts feel less boring. The screen is 22 inches and sharp. You get access to on-demand and live classes, filmed on rivers around the world. The instructors aren’t just trainers — they’re rowers.
The magnetic resistance is very quiet. No fan sound, no sloshing. You can row while others sleep in the next room. It’s smooth and steady, with resistance levels controlled digitally.
The frame is solid — feels stable even at full speed. The seat and handle are designed for long sessions. You don’t feel cramped. But the machine is long and doesn’t fold unless you buy a separate vertical storage kit.
There’s a monthly fee for the Hydrow subscription. You can row without it, but the screen won’t offer much beyond basic metrics.
Best for: People who like guided workouts and want a quiet, tech-friendly machine.
What's good:- Excellent screen and video content
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- Smooth ride
- Solid construction
- Expensive upfront and ongoing
- Limited function without a subscription
- Needs a lot of space
3. WaterRower Natural
Type: Water resistance
Price: Around $1,100
Weight Limit: 700 lbs
Dimensions: 84” L x 22” W
Foldable: Stores upright
BUY 🛒
This one looks like a piece of furniture, not gym gear. The wood build is solid and absorbs vibration. The water resistance system gives a smooth pull and makes a calming sound — like actual rowing. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. It adjusts naturally, no buttons.
You can stand it up for storage without taking it apart. That’s a plus if you’re short on space. And it blends into a room way better than a big black steel machine.
The S4 monitor is basic. It shows stroke rate, distance, speed, and a few other things. You can plug it into a computer for more data, but that takes effort.
Maintenance is mostly about changing the water every few months and maybe adding a cleaning tablet. Not hard, just something to keep in mind.
Best for: People who want a quieter, more natural rowing feel, and care about aesthetics.
What's good:- Smooth water feel
- Solid wood build
- Stands upright easily
- Very quiet operation
- Monitor is outdated
- Not ideal for data-heavy training
- Water tank adds some upkeep
4. NordicTrack RW900
Type: Magnetic + air resistance
Price: Around $1,800
Weight Limit: 250 lbs
Dimensions: 86.5” L x 22” W
Foldable: Yes
BUY 🛒
The RW900 sits somewhere between Hydrow and Concept2. It has a touchscreen and workout programs like Hydrow but also includes air resistance for a more realistic row.
You get a 22” pivoting screen, access to iFit (NordicTrack’s workout library), and automatic resistance adjustment based on the class. So when an instructor increases intensity, your rower adjusts for you.
It’s quieter than air-only rowers, but not silent. The combo of magnetic and air keeps things balanced. The machine folds up when not in use, which helps in small homes.
Build quality is decent, but not gym-level. If you weigh close to the max limit or row daily, it might not last as long as a Concept2. Also, without iFit, you lose most features. It becomes a simple rower with a screen that doesn’t do much.
Best for: People who want tech features with slightly more resistance realism.
What's good:- Big screen with guided workouts
- Mix of resistance types
- Can fold for storage
- Auto-adjusting resistance
- Limited without a subscription
- Lower weight capacity
- Screen doesn’t offer much offline
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801
Type: Magnetic resistance
Price: Around $300
Weight Limit: 285 lbs
Dimensions: 77” L x 23” W
Foldable: Yes
BUY 🛒
If you're looking for something affordable that still gets the job done, this is a solid choice. The SF-RW5801 doesn’t have screens or fancy features. But the basics are there.
You get 16 resistance levels, adjusted with a simple dial. The magnetic system is quiet. The seat rail is decently smooth, though not buttery like higher-end machines. The seat is wide and cushioned. The handle has a decent grip.
The LCD monitor tracks time, strokes, and calories, but not super accurately. This isn’t a rower for stats or performance training. It’s for casual use — short workouts, general fitness.
It folds up easily and weighs less than most rowers, so it’s ideal if you move it a lot or live in a smaller place.
Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a basic, low-cost rower without noise.
What's good:- Low price
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- Light and easy to move
- Folds up easily
- Basic monitor
- Not great for serious rowers
- Build isn’t made for daily intense use
Which one makes the most sense?
If you want the most reliable rowing machine that lasts for years, get the Concept2. If you're into guided workouts and want something quiet, Hydrow is worth the money. If you want something stylish with a smooth feel, go with the WaterRower. If you like tech but still want good resistance, the NordicTrack RW900 strikes a balance. And if you're on a budget and just want to move, the Sunny SF-RW5801 does the job.
Pick the one that fits how you want to train and where you’ll use it. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Simple is fine if it gets you rowing.
