15 Best Rated Rowing Machine For Sale In 2022 Review & GUIDE

Are you thinking of getting a rowing machine for your home gym?

Do you want to start a new body strengthening and conditioning workout routine at home? In that case, this article where I review 15 different rowing exercise machines is for you.

Top 15 Best Rowing Machines

Best Home Rowing Machine

Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine

The Concept2 is one of the consistently top-rated rowing machines that’s used in the home or commercial gyms. It uses air as resistance and you create the resistance levels through the speed of your rowing strokes. It comes with a state-of-the-art PM5 performance monitor.

While it takes up a lot of space, the Model D can be separated for easy storage and can support up to 500lbs. It’s made out of quality materials that are durable and can withstand your most intense workouts. The workouts are also very comfortable because the seat is ergonomically designed.

If you want to know more about rowers that can be used in your home gym, read our article on best home rowing machine models. For more information about the Concept2 brand, we have an article about Concept2 rower models.

Best Water Rowing Machine

First Degree Fitness Newport AR Rower

This water rower has a dual-chamber system where you can adjust your resistance and water level in the main tank chamber. You can choose among 4 levels of resistance to find the perfect one for you. It also has a multi-performance fitness monitor that tracks your stats, from distance to watts.

This rower is made for very easy vertical storage with its space-saving dimensions. It also has rollers so you can move it. The frame is made out of anodized aluminum and very durable and can support up to 300lbs. It has a large and padded seat and the handlebar is designed to prevent arm strain.

If you want to know more about water rowers, we wrote the best water rowing machine models. For more information on the First Degree brand and other fitness equipment and products, you can read our First Degree Fitness rowers article.

Best Affordable Rowing Machine

Marcy Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rower

This is one of the best inexpensive rowing machine models and it uses quiet magnetic resistance. It has 8 different resistance levels so you can find the right one for your fitness needs. It comes equipped with a performance monitor that you can adjust so you can see it easily.

This best budget rowing machine is compact while in use, but can also be folded additionally. You can transport the rower on its built-in wheels. The frame is strong for its price range and the maximum supported weight is 300lbs. It also has a comfortable seat and large pedals with adjustable straps.

In case you want to know more about affordable rowers, you can read this article about the best inexpensive rowing machines. We also wrote an article about the Marcy rowing machine brand where you can find more about Marcy’s products.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine

Xterra Fitness ERG400 Air & Magnetic Folding Rower

Xterra foldable rowing machine has a dual air and magnetic resistance to challenge you thoroughly. You can choose between 16 resistance levels, while with the first few you only feel the air resistance. ERG400 also comes with an easily readable monitor that shows you all the main functions at once.

This is a collapsible rowing machine and you can fold it away easily for storage. The construction quality is solid and strong, and the aluminum beam can support up to 250lbs. The seat is large and padded so you’re comfortable during your workout, and the handlebar is designed to prevent strain.

For more information on other top fold up rowers, we have the folding rowing machine article for you. If you want to find out more about the Xterra brand and their other exercise rowers, we have the Xterra rowing machines article.

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower RW5515

The Sunny rower is a great rowing machine that uses magnets to create resistance. You have 8 different resistance levels to choose from so you’re sure you can find the right level for you. The magnetic rower comes with a large and easily readable display that monitors all the important data.

Its mainframe is made out of solid steel which gives you stability during your workouts. The seat is padded and very comfortable so you can row for longer periods. The handlebar is made out of non-slip material. It’s easy to fold the rower which saves a lot of space and you can move it on built-in rollers.

If you want to know more about top magnetic rowers, you can read all about them in this best magnetic rowing machine article. We also have a Sunny rowing machine post for you where we wrote about the Sunny Health & Fitness brand.

Best Commercial Rowing Machine

Life Fitness Row GX Trainer

This rowing exercise machine uses water for resistance and has 16 levels of difficulty to choose from. The same model can be found at any number of health clubs and commercial gyms. GX Trainer also comes with a high-quality monitor so you can keep an eye on your stats.

This rower can’t be folded, but it can be stored upright like most water rowers. The build quality is one of the best and it can accommodate weights of up to 330lbs. The seat is in an elevated position so you can easily get on and off the machine. This rower gives you intense exercise and a quality frame.

In case you want to find out more about other best rowing machines for gyms, we have the best commercial rowing machines article. You can also read a bit more about the Life Fitness rowing machines and which types of rowers this brand currently has on the market.

Best Rowing Machine For Beginners

Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine

The Harvil rower uses hydraulic-piston resistance that trains all of your muscle groups. You can choose between several resistance levels and find the one that fits your current fitness level. Its fitness monitor is simple but helps you track the most important metrics for efficient workouts.

The Harvil rowing machine is compact and lightweight to begin with, and you can additionally fold the arms inwards too. This is one of the top-rated rowing machines and has a solid construction that can carry up to 250lbs. It also has a large and padded seat and comfortable rowing handles.

For more information on all the best rowers for beginners, you can read our article on rowing machines for beginners. We also compiled all the information on the Harvil rowing machine models in this article and you can read about their features and specifications.

Best Compact Rowing Machine

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050

Another hydraulic-piston resistance rowing machine that has 12 different resistance levels. You can adjust the levels to fit your preferences and needs with the twist of a knob. It comes with an LCD workout monitor that helps you track the basic important stats.

This is one of the top rowing machines when it comes to size because it’s very compact. It’s lightweight and you can transport it with no problems. The frame is made out of solid steel and can carry up to 250lbs. The seat and handlebar and ergonomically designed so you can be comfortable during workouts.

You can read about the top small rowers in the compact rowing machine models article where you can find more information on them. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Stamina brand, we wrote the Stamina rowing machine article for you.

Best Quiet Incline Rowing Machine

Total Gym Row Trainer

Total Gym is a very quiet rowing machine that uses your body weight on an incline for resistance. You have 2 incline settings at 20% and 17% of your body weight, depending on how challenging you want your workout to be. The monitor is practical and divided into several sections.

This incline rowing machine can be folded easily when you’re not using it. You can store it upright against a wall or under the bed. This is a good rowing machine with a solid steel frame that has a maximum weight capacity of 400lbs. You can also add up to 15lbs of band resistance.

We have an article about the best incline rowing machines in case you want to know more about incline rowers. We also wrote the Total Gym rowing machine article if you want to know more about the brand and all the information connected to it.

Best Recumbent Bike Rower

Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike/Rower

You can choose between 8 levels of magnetic resistance by turning the knob under the monitor. You can easily switch between the two exercise modes. The seat can be secured in place for biking or you can release the pin so the seat slides on the monorail for rowing.

The monitor tracks every important metric that is useful for you to have better workouts. The frame is very sturdy and durable and can carry up to 250lbs. The seat is large and padded so it ensures your comfort during those long workout sessions. The pedals are textured so you won’t slip.

If you want to know more about the top bike/rower combination machine, we wrote the best recumbent bike rower article. You can find a detailed breakdown here so you have all the right information. If you want to read more about the Stamina brand, we have the Stamina rowing machine models article.

Best Small Rowing Machine

Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine

The Crewmaster model has 10 levels of magnetic resistance to challenge you in your workouts. You can change the level easily by turning the knob under the handlebar. This stationary rowing machine comes with an adjustable performance monitor that tracks every statistic you need.

This is a small rower to begin with, but it can also be folded like most magnetic rowers. That way the rower has even more space-saving dimensions. The rail is made out of aluminum which makes it very stable and the maximum user weight it can handle is 300lbs.

We wrote a special article about the best small rowing machine models where we write about top-rated rowers in detail. If you want to find out more about the Schwinn brand, we have the Schwinn rowing machine article with all the important information.

Best CrossFit Rowing Machine

Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine

This Lifecore rowing machine has up to 16 different resistance levels. It combines the best of both worlds: strong rowing motion of the air resistance and quiet and smooth performance of the magnetic resistance. The monitor has many different features and is backlit blue.

You get a pulse monitoring chest strap with the rower. This is a commercial-grade rower made out of solid steel and it can carry up to 600lbs. This is one of the best-rated rowing machines and it can be folded for easy storage. The seat and handlebar are designed with comfort in mind.

For more information about all the top-rated rowers for CrossFit, you can read this article on best CrossFit rowing machines. If you want to find out more about the Lifecore brand and all the other rowers they have, there is this Lifecore rowing machines article.

Best Arm Row Machine

Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine

The Marcy Smith Cage is several different workout machines combined into one. It has a dual-arm press, a leg developer and even a free-weight rack so you can work out all your muscles. This is a versatile and very powerful machine that lets you build your strength.

You can perform arm rows on this rowing machine and strengthen your biceps, triceps, and pectorals. The machine is made out of high-quality steel which gives it stability and durability. The whole machine is built to last and will withstand even your most challenging workouts.

For more information about the arm row machines, you can read this arm row exercise machine article. We also wrote an article about Marcy rowing machines if you want to know more about the Marcy brand. We also cover all the information on other Marcy rowers.

Best Hydraulic Portable Rowing Machine

Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine

This Kettler rowing machine uses hydraulic pistons for resistance and has 50 different resistance levels. You can adjust the resistance on each arm separately if you need to strengthen one of your arms more. It comes with a multi-functional fitness monitor that shows you everything at one glance.

This is one of the top rowing machines and also easily foldable. Although lightweight and compact to begin with, you can store it after you fold the rowing arms inwards. The frame is made out of high-carbon steel and very durable and tough, with a maximum weight capacity of 285lbs.

If you’re curious about other top-rate hydraulic rowers, we wrote the best hydraulic rowing machine models article. To learn more about the Kettler brand and other Kettler rowers, we have the Kettler rowing machines article to help you with that.

Best Wooden Rowing Machine

Waterrower Natural Rowing Machine

This Waterrower rowing machine uses pedals suspended in a water tank to create resistance. The resistance levels depend entirely on you; the faster you row, the more resistance you create. It comes with a Series 4 performance monitor that is equipped with a multitude of features.

While this rowboat exercise machine can’t be folded, it can be stored upright so it takes up the minimum amount of space. The WaterRower Natural model is handcrafted from solid Ash wood that’s also harvested sustainably. The wood absorbs sound and vibrations and the maximum weight it can carry is 1000lbs.

We have an article on the best wooden rowing machine models in case you want to learn more about the best-rated water rowers. If you want to read up more about the Waterrower brand and other exercise machines they have, we wrote the WaterRower rowing machine models article.

Useful Guide For Buying Rowing Machines

Where To Buy An Exercise Rower?

If you’re wondering where to find a rowing machine near you, I’ve got you covered. Every model from this list has its brand website where they are sold. There is also the option of online retailers such as Amazon. I recommend Amazon because of the frequent discounts they offer.

Rowing Machine Price Range

These rowers are covering the entire price range from low, to mid and to high-range. It’s important to know your budget which helps you narrow down which exercise rower to buy. The general rule is: the more a rower costs, the more it’s usually of higher quality, even though there are some great exceptions.

How Much Space Do You Have?

It’s important to consider if you have enough space to accommodate a larger framed rower. Air and water resistance exercise rowers usually have the largest footprint while in use. The most compact and space-saving are the hydraulic resistance models. Magnetic resistance ones are somewhere in the middle.

Rowing Machine Resistance Types

If you know which resistance type you prefer, this also greatly narrows down which rower you will buy. The most popular are water and air rowers that give the most authentic feel and powerful motion. Hydraulic and magnetic resistance are quieter and you can also adjust resistance levels on them.

Home Gym Or Commercial Use?

There are different levels of construction quality among the rowing machines and it’s best to keep that in mind. If you want to use a rower at home only, then any rowing machine from this list will be suitable. But if you want to use it in a gym or a health club, you should choose a commercial-grade rower.

How Many Different Users?

If you plan to share your exercise rower with other people, the most important thing is to see if it accommodates different users. You should pay attention to the number of resistance levels so everyone can find something for themselves. It’s also important to know the maximum weight capacity it can carry.

Benefits Of Using A Rowing Machine

Rowing For Weight Loss

Rowing is a great tool in your weight loss journey by raising your heart rate and burning calories. Every rowing monitor has a metric that shows you how many calories you lost during your workouts. You can lose anywhere between 400 and 800 kcal depending on your age, heart rate, and weight.

Rowing Machine Abs Workout

Rowing is a great whole-body workout, but you can specifically target your abs by keeping your core tight. You have to be mindful of your entire body while rowing since it strengthens most major muscle groups. It also shapes your quads, biceps, triceps, and pectorals among others.

Rowing Machine Cardio Exercise

The monitor on a rowing machine usually tracks your heart rate. To reap cardiovascular benefits, your heart rate on the monitor has to be from 50-70% of your maximum for moderate exercise. For tougher workouts, aim to have your heart rate between 70-85% of your maximum.

Conclusion: Which Rower To Buy?

All the rowers I reviewed here have a durable, high-quality frame and can withstand your toughest workouts. Every rower mentioned is the best in its category and now you only have to decide which type do you prefer and what is your budget. Also, pay attention to how much space do you need for a rower.

If you want to know more about some of the best rowing machines, we wrote an article on best home rowing machine models. If you’re interested in finding out more about water rowers, we have the water rower for sale. We also have the best value rowing machines article.