{"id":791608,"date":"2026-07-10T15:27:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/791608\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T15:27:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:27:33","slug":"3-best-rowing-machines-of-2026-expert-tested","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/791608\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Best Rowing Machines of 2026: Expert Tested"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rowing isn\u2019t just for athletes on the water; an at-home machine can be a great way to get an efficient, high-intensity, and low-impact workout. With proper form and a high-quality machine, rowing offers multiple benefits. It works multiple muscle groups simultaneously, may improve mindfulness and performance,<\/a> and, like other aerobic exercise, it may strengthen your heart<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Busy professionals who want to avoid commuting to the gym should consider an at-home rowing machine as a way to sharpen their cardio and reap the resulting physical and mental benefits. Our team tested six rowing machines, then selected our top three picks of the year. Read on for our testers\u2019 full reviews of each machine, focusing on their overall experience, ergonomics, and portability.<\/p>\n

Best Rowing Machines of 2026<\/p>\n

Best Rowing Machines Comparison Table<\/p>\n

Rowing MachinesResistance TypeProgrammingWeight CapacityDimensionsSubscriptionWarrantyNordicTrack RW900<\/a>Silent magnetic resistance (SMR\u2122)Has manual and very basic rowing capabilities without membership300 pounds80.1 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 52.7 inches tallYes, recommended but not required for use. iFIT Pro costs $39\/monthly for up to 5 users10-year for frame, others varyAviron Strong Go Rower<\/a>Both air and magneticHas basic rowing capabilities without membership507 pounds84 inches long by 27 inches wide by 48 tallYes, recommended but not required for use. Aviron also has a free app10-year frame warranty; others vary. 20-year warranty if your initial membership is still activeHydrow Wave<\/a>Electromagnetic resistanceHas basic rowing capabilities without membership375 pounds80 inches long by 19 inches wide by 43 inches tallYes, recommended but not required for use. Membership is $50 per month per household5-year frame warranty, others varyNordicTrack RW900<\/a>Resistance TypeSilent magnetic resistance (SMR\u2122)ProgrammingHas manual and very basic rowing capabilities without membershipWeight Capacity300 poundsDimensions80.1 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 52.7 inches tallSubscriptionYes, recommended but not required for use. iFIT Pro costs $39\/monthly for up to 5 usersWarranty10-year for frame, others varyAviron Strong Go Rower<\/a>Resistance TypeBoth air and magneticProgrammingHas basic rowing capabilities without membershipWeight Capacity507 poundsDimensions84 inches long by 27 inches wide by 48 tallSubscriptionYes, recommended but not required for use. Aviron also has a free appWarranty10-year frame warranty; others vary. 20-year warranty if your initial membership is still activeHydrow Wave<\/a>Resistance TypeElectromagnetic resistanceProgrammingHas basic rowing capabilities without membershipWeight Capacity375 poundsDimensions80 inches long by 19 inches wide by 43 inches tallSubscriptionYes, recommended but not required for use. Membership is $50 per month per householdWarranty5-year frame warranty, others vary<\/p>\n

Best Rowing Machine Overall: NordicTrack RW900<\/p>\n

\"NordicTrack<\/p>\n

Our Thoughts on NordicTrack RW900<\/p>\n

The NordicTrack RW900 is our pick for the best overall rowing machine because it performed excellently in testing. The stroke felt extremely smooth, and the rower is exceptionally quiet, per our tester, Pete. He is a certified personal trainer (CPT), certified nutrition coach (CNC), a former collegiate swimmer, and a current competitive CrossFit athlete. He\u2019s used rowers like this before, though he primarily uses the Concept2 RowERG at the CrossFit gym.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pete also liked that this rowing machine has six different slats you can use to adjust your foot location to find what\u2019s comfortable. In terms of stability, He said the NordicTrack RW900 is as solid as a rock, no matter how fast you\u2019re trying to row. Pete rated his overall experience a 4 out of 5 after completing a 10-minute workout; here\u2019s the breakdown of the test:<\/p>\n

Minutes 1-5: Row at a consistent, steady pace (18-24 strokes per minute)
Minutes 5-8: Stroke rate comparison test. Row for 3 minutes: minute 1 low (18 SPM), minute 2 moderate (24 SPM, and minute 3 high (30 SPM)
Minutes 8-10: Power stroke test. Perform 10-20 very strong strokes with full drive emphasis<\/p>\n

Of the workout, Pete said: \u201cI really enjoyed the stability of the rower and how quiet it was. The things I didn\u2019t love were that my feet felt a little too wide because the guide rail is quite large, and I don\u2019t love the Velcro strap system, just because it takes a bit of extra time getting in and out of the rower.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"NordicTrackOur tester with the NordicTrack rower<\/p>\n

Aside from that, Pete said everything was excellent and that he\u2019d definitely use this rower again. He\u2019d recommend it to people who want to do longer rowing sessions at their house, or those who want to exercise while watching a show on Netflix<\/a> or Hulu. \u201cIf your goal is pure performance, however, then there are other options on the market that would suit you better,\u201d Pete said.<\/p>\n

When it comes to ergonomics, Pete rated the NordicTrack RW900 a 4 out of 5. \u201cThe seat is contoured. It was quite comfortable to sit on, even for longer duration rows,\u201d he said. \u201cThe handlebars were comfortable and slightly padded. I doubt they\u2019d cause blisters, even on very long rows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pete thinks the portability of this machine is slightly limited. \u201cYou can\u2019t easily move the machine around; it\u2019s not light,\u201d he said. When put together, this rowing machine weighs around 150 pounds. \u201cThere are wheels on the front base of the rower, but you\u2019d still need a bit of strength to lift the back of the rower and push it to a new location on the wheels,\u201d Pete said, rating portability a 3 out of 5.<\/p>\n

Specs:<\/p>\n

Resistance type: Silent magnetic resistance (SMR\u2122)<\/p>\n

Dimensions: 80.1 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 52.7 inches tall<\/p>\n

Subscription required?: No, though rowing workouts are available via an iFIT subscription<\/p>\n

Best Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine: Aviron Strong Go Rower<\/p>\n

\"Aviron<\/p>\n

Our Thoughts on Aviron Strong Go Rower<\/p>\n

The Aviron Strong Go Rower is our pick for the best air and magnetic rowing machine because it combines the quiet, nearly noiseless aspects of a magnetic rower with the customization of air resistance. It\u2019s also easily portable and can be stored upright. For folks who want to gamify their workout, Aviron\u2019s membership includes competitions, games, classes, and more. The family membership is just $29 a month with unlimited profiles as of this writing.<\/p>\n

Raven tested the Aviron Strong Go Rower; she\u2019s a college strength and conditioning coach. She rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. \u201cI\u2019d recommend this product to someone who is a beginner at fitness or a person who doesn\u2019t necessarily enjoy exercise and wants gamification or programmed workouts along with their gym equipment,\u201d Raven said. \u201cMy feet felt secure in the straps, and I loved how you can adjust the width to be narrower or wider. The handlebars were very easy to hold. The seat wasn\u2019t my favorite, but it wasn\u2019t the worst I\u2019ve tested,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"AvironOur tester with the Aviron rower<\/p>\n

She rated the ergonomics a 4 out of 5. \u201cThe seat is contoured; however, it is a harder seat,\u201d Raven said. \u201cThe handlebars are comfortable, and I don\u2019t think they\u2019d cause calluses. I weightlift, and my hands are already very callused, so I don\u2019t notice this aspect as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it comes to portability, Raven found the Aviron Strong Go Rower easy to move around and store. \u201cYou can store this rower upright,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a little bulky because of how tall the front of it is and how big the screen is; however, it is light and very easy to move.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

This rower weighs 105 pounds when assembled. Additionally, you can store it upright. \u201cThe process of folding and storing the rower was easy and safe,\u201d Raven said. \u201cIt is a little bulky and may take up more room than expected, so depending on your space, it may not fit in a corner.\u201d She rated portability a 3 out of 5.<\/p>\n

Specs:<\/p>\n

Resistance type: Air and magnetic<\/p>\n

Dimensions: 84 inches long by 27 inches wide by 48 tall<\/p>\n

Subscription required?: No, recommended but not required for use. Aviron also has a free app<\/p>\n

Best Rowing Machine for Classes: Hydrow Wave<\/p>\n

\"Hydrow<\/p>\n

Our Thoughts on Hydrow Wave<\/p>\n

The Hydrow Wave is our pick for the best rowing machine for classes because the Hydrow membership provides \u201cover 6,000 rowing and cross-training workouts filmed on waterways around the world,\u201d per the brand. The Hydrow membership, which costs $50 per month per household, also has athlete-led coaching, customized training insights, and rewards.<\/p>\n

Arralyn tested the Hydrow Wave, rating her overall experience a 4 out of 5. \u201cOverall, this rower is built very well, and it\u2019s very easy to use,\u201d she said. \u201cThe machine does come apart in the middle, which makes the setup a little bit harder. It can\u2019t be folded, so you\u2019d need a bigger space to store it. I\u2019d use this product again and would recommend it to anyone looking to get a workout in (on or off the rower) or people starting a new fitness journey or getting back into it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"HydrowThe Hydrow Wave in our testing gym<\/p>\n

When it comes to ergonomics, our tester liked both the seat and the handlebars. \u201cThe seat is contoured and very comfortable to sit on throughout your workout. The handlebars are comfortable and easy to use; they won\u2019t cause blisters unless used for a long period of time,\u201d Arralyn said. She rated the Hydrow Wave a 3 out of 5 in this category.<\/p>\n

Of portability, our tester said the machine is lighter and easier to move. It weighs 102 pounds when assembled. \u201cThis machine can be stored upright, but it doesn\u2019t fold up! To get the rower to sit upright, you\u2019d have to grab from the back of the rower or take it apart in the middle and then store the interface upright,\u201d she said. Arralyn rated portability a 3 out of 5.<\/p>\n

Specs:<\/p>\n

Resistance type: Electromagnetic resistance<\/p>\n

Dimensions: 80 inches long by 19 inches wide by 43 inches tall<\/p>\n

Subscription required?: No, recommended but not required for use<\/p>\n

Why the Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals\u00a0<\/p>\n

For time-pressed professionals, having fitness equipment at home can make a world of difference in actually getting your workout in. With a fitness machine in your garage, basement, in-home gym, or even in a city condo, you can work out whenever you want, for however long you can. Fitness equipment that is compact, foldable, and relatively lightweight can be a great value prop over time; it can be much more cost-effective than a gym membership that doesn\u2019t get used. We think any of the rowing machines on this list could be a smart investment in your personal and professional well-being.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How We Tested and Selected the Best Rowing Machines<\/p>\n

Our team tested each rowing machine for 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

The main workout test consisted of:<\/p>\n

Minutes 1-5: Row at a consistent, steady pace (18-24 strokes per minute)
Minutes 5-8: Stroke rate comparison test. Row for 3 minutes: minute 1 low (18 SPM), minute 2 moderate (24 SPM, and minute 3 high (30 SPM)
Minutes 8-10: Power stroke test. Perform 10-20 very strong strokes with full drive emphasis<\/p>\n

Portability\u00a0<\/p>\n

Testers provided a score of 1 out of 5; 1 being the worst\/unable to be moved, and 5 being the best\/easy to move, based on their experience lifting, folding, and moving the rowing machines where applicable. They also described how easy or difficult lifting the machine was for them, and if the rowing machine could be placed upright in a corner or another area of their home.<\/p>\n

Noise<\/p>\n

Testers rated the noise of the rowing machines on a scale of 1 to 5; 1 being the loudest or worst, and 5 being the quietest or best.<\/p>\n

\"NordicTrackOur tester with the NordicTrack machine<\/p>\n

Durability and Construction<\/p>\n

When testing the durability and construction of rowing machines, our testers provided feedback if they noticed shaking, wobbling, or weird clicking noises during workouts. They also paid close attention to see if any undesired movement occurred when they pushed the machine harder or at higher resistance levels.<\/p>\n

Ergonomics\u00a0<\/p>\n

Testers rated the ergonomics of the rowing machines from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. They considered whether the seat was both contoured and comfortable, and whether the handlebars easily caused blisters.<\/p>\n

Value<\/p>\n

Testers rated the overall value of the rowing machines they\u2019ve tested, considering both the cost, features, and if a membership is required for use. Then they describe if they think the rowing machines offer good value for the price, or not.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Rowing Machines<\/p>\n

Rowing machines have multiple benefits. Here are a few.<\/p>\n

Spine support: When used with proper form, rowing may strengthen your back muscles, which in turn may help improve your posture<\/p>\n

High intensity, but low impact: Rowing machines offer a vigorous workout that doesn\u2019t put stress on your joints<\/p>\n

Uses multiple muscle groups at once: Rowing engages your entire back, arms, and legs<\/p>\n

Burns lots of calories quickly: While the exact amount of calories burned during your rowing workout depends on your weight, duration, and intensity\/average power, rowing is well known for burning calories faster than, say, walking or yoga<\/p>\n

\"AvironMeasuring the Aviron Go Strong Rower<\/p>\n

What to Avoid in Rowing Machines<\/p>\n

When shopping for rowing machines, here are a few aspects to avoid.<\/p>\n

Ergonomics that don\u2019t suit your body and comfort levels: Consider testing the seat, pedal straps, and handles\/grips in the store before purchasing<\/p>\n

Defective or poorly made: Check for floor stabilizers and durable materials before purchasing to ensure the machine doesn\u2019t wobble or shake at higher speeds\/resistance<\/p>\n

Design flaws: It\u2019s best to sit on the rower before purchasing to ensure that you can fully extend your legs and check your foot positioning as well<\/p>\n

How to Find the Best Rowing Machines for You<\/p>\n

When shopping for a rowing machine, here are a few aspects to keep in mind.<\/p>\n

Type of Resistance\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are several types of resistance. Here are definitions for the types of rowing machines.<\/p>\n

Air: Uses a fan to create resistance<\/p>\n

Water: You can modify the resistance based on the amount of water in your rowing machine<\/p>\n

Magnetic: Magnets create the resistance\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hydraulic: Uses pistons or cylinders that are filled with water or air; resistance is created by pulling against it<\/p>\n

Size and Your Space<\/p>\n

Consider where you\u2019d ideally like to place a rowing machine and look at the overall footprint of the machine once assembled. Some rowing machines can also be folded and stored upright.<\/p>\n

Customization\u00a0<\/p>\n

Check to see if it\u2019s easy to adjust the resistance. Also check out the pedals to ensure they are positioned properly and, if not, can be adjusted. When trying out a rowing machine, also be aware of any issues you note while making adjustments.<\/p>\n

\"NordicTrackNordicTrack programming <\/p>\n

Portability\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many rowing machines are lighter in weight. Some are even just around 100 pounds, making it easier to move around if needed. Consider the weight of the machine (both boxed and assembled) before purchasing, and if you\u2019ll want to move it or if it\u2019ll remain in the same space in your home.<\/p>\n

Programming<\/p>\n

Many rowing machines have limited onboard programming and instead offer membership options (monthly cost ranges from $29 and up). Memberships frequently include advanced metrics, programs, games, competitions, and rowing imagery from all over the world. Rowers do typically come with some baseline programming that can be used without a membership, though it may be more limited. The best rowing machine programming will really depend on your specific needs. Consider if you\u2019d like a bare-bones machine or if you want to gamify your workouts with more advanced capabilities.<\/p>\n

\"Hydro <\/p>\n

Fortune\u2019s Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

For white-collar professionals and CEOs, one of the most valuable resources is time. We think investing in an at-home rowing machine can be an excellent way to sneak in an efficient and high-intensity workout with little time. Some rowing machines can be folded and stored upright; you could even keep them in a large office if not at home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions<\/p>\n

What is the most common injury in rowing?<\/p>\n

Many injuries can happen with rowing, but anecdotally, my friend Taylor, a former D1 collegiate rower, said that he\u2019s seen a lot of lower back injuries over the years\u2014especially at less experienced levels of the sport. \u201cThis can happen because of bad form and poor connection at the catch, so you can wind up with a ton of force hinging in the wrong places. This is comparable to deadlifting incorrectly,\u201d he said. \u201cAll the rowers that I\u2019ve met have had tweaky backs at one point or another.\u201d<\/p>\n

How much rowing is equal to 10,000 steps?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no definitive equivalent, though Ohio State University\u2019s has an Activities to Steps Conversion Chart<\/a> showing rowing as equal to about 111 steps per minute. To get in approximately 9,990 steps, you\u2019d have to row for about 90 minutes, which would be quite a long rowing workout.<\/p>\n

Is rowing good for bone density?<\/p>\n

A 2023 study<\/a> showed that while rowing didn\u2019t increase bone density itself, rowing may change how your bone mineral content is distributed throughout your body and help to maintain the existing bone density you do have.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rowing isn\u2019t just for athletes on the water; an at-home machine can be a great way to get…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":791609,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[143666,64,63,9930,538,137,99987,99988,99989,99990,99991],"class_list":["post-791608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fitness","tag-apple-only","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-dietary-supplements","tag-fitness","tag-health","tag-health-evergreen","tag-health-evergreen-nutrition","tag-no-instream-ads","tag-personal-finance-evergreen","tag-showdisclaimer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=791608"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791608\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/791609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=791608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=791608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=791608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}