Best for most people
100%of 1,606 owners rate it 4 or 5 starsConcept2 RowErg
- Smooth air resistance with a 1–10 damper
- PM5 monitor: pace, watts, workouts, Bluetooth
- Splits in two for storage
- The fan is loud when you row hard
Best rowing machines
Most people should get the Concept2 RowErg: smooth, built to last and free of subscriptions. On a budget? The Merach NovaRow R50 Pro rows much like it for about half the price. Want coached classes on a screen? The Hydrow Wave.
Based on 1,629 verified owner ratings and 15 expert reviewsUpdated 1 Nov 2026
If you need something specific
We earn a commission from these links.
Best on a budget
Merach NovaRow R50 Pro
No verified owner ratings yet
- Air resistance with a 1–10 damper
- Steady, comfortable stroke for the price
- Fits users up to 6ft 10in and 350 lb
- The monitor is dim and hard to read from some angles
Best for classes
Hydrow Wave
No verified owner ratings yet
- 16-inch screen with coached rows on real water
- Quiet electromagnetic resistance
- Smaller and lighter than the original Hydrow
- Needs a monthly membership for the classes
Best for a living room
WaterRower Original
No verified owner ratings yet
- Water resistance with a calm swish
- Solid hardwood, stores upright
- Quieter than an air rower
- Basic monitor, and no resistance levels to set
Not sure what's best for you?
Answer 1 quick question and we'll find the best one for you.
Question 1 of 1
What matters most to you?
Head to head
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Breaking Muscle, Live Science, T3, Expert Reviews, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide