Reviews and Expert Analysis · electronic-review

Top 10 Rowing Machines in 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

👁 0 views📖 2,933 words⏱ 13 min read5/31/2026

Direct Answer

The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 monitor is the Best Overall rowing machine in 2027 — it's the same air-flywheel ergometer used in every CrossFit competition, every collegiate boathouse, and every Erg Race on Earth, and the PM5 monitor records the cleanest split / pace / SPM / watts data on the market.

The Echelon Row-s at $899 is our Best Value pick — a magnetic-resistance rower with a swiveling HD touchscreen and full Echelon class library for less than half the price of a Hydrow. This list serves home gym builders, apartment dwellers chasing low-impact cardio, HIIT athletes, and CrossFit competitors hunting their first sub-7 2K in 2027.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted build quality (25%), monitor accuracy (20%), resistance feel (20%), app and content ecosystem (15%), footprint and storage (10%), and price-to-performance (10%). Every machine was cross-referenced against Garage Gym Reviews long-term tests, Wirecutter's 2026-2027 rowing guide, Runner's World cross-training reviews, Tom's Guide smart-fitness coverage, and the Concept2 forum plus Reddit r/Rowing and r/HomeGym owner threads.

We pulled real Erg Race results to verify which monitors competitive rowers actually trust. No machine was ranked from a spec sheet alone.

Weight ladder:

Build + frame longevity (will it last 10+ years of daily use)
Monitor metrics (split, pace, SPM, watts, drag factor, calories)
Resistance type (air vs water vs magnetic vs hydraulic — feel matters)
App ecosystem (Peloton, Hydrow, iFit, built-in, or none)
Foldable footprint reality (does it actually fit in an apartment?)
Sound floor (dB at race pace — neighbors and Zoom calls matter)
Foot placement + handle ergonomics (forearm fatigue is a real DNF cause)

1. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Price: $1,010 | Best for: Anyone who wants the definitive home rower — CrossFitters, competitive ergers, garage gyms, serious 2K hunters

The Concept2 RowErg is the gold standard and has been since 1981. It uses an air flywheel with a nickel-plated steel chain drive and a PM5 performance monitor that logs split / pace / SPM / watts / drag factor / calories with the precision the CrossFit Games and every collegiate boathouse trust.

Max user weight: 500 lb. Frame is powder-coated steel with an aluminum monorail. The damper slides 1-10 to tune flywheel feel from light (recovery) to heavy (sprint). Splits in half in 30 seconds for storage; rolls on rear casters.

Footprint: 96" × 24". The PM5 transmits via ANT+ and Bluetooth to ErgData, Strava, Garmin, and Zwift.

Pros: Bombproof build, lifetime resale value, every workout app supports it, unmatched data accuracy
Pros: Sound: ~70 dB at race pace — loud but tolerable
Pros: 5-year frame warranty, 2-year parts
Con: No on-board screen — bring your phone or tablet for instructor classes

Verdict line: If you only buy one rower in your life, buy this one.

2. Hydrow Pro

Price: $2,495 | Best for: Riders who loved Peloton and want instructor-led, on-the-water class workouts

The Hydrow Pro is the premium instructor-led rower — think Peloton, but rowing. It uses a computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance system (no flywheel noise — quietest on this list at ~52 dB) and a 22" HD pivoting touchscreen that streams live and on-demand classes filmed on real water with Olympic and World Championship athletes leading.

The Hydrow membership ($44/mo) unlocks the full library plus strength, yoga, and mobility content. Frame: aluminum and steel with a polymer handle. Max user weight: 375 lb. Footprint: 86" × 25" — stores vertically with the optional upright kit ($95).

Belt drive, no chain. Metrics shown: split, SPM, output (watts), distance, calories, heart rate (Bluetooth chest strap pairing).

Pros: Quietest rower here, premium build, best class production value on the market
Pros: Pivoting screen unlocks floor workouts when you're not rowing
Con: App subscription required to unlock most value — without it you have a $2,500 magnetic rower

Verdict line: The Best Overall for instructor-led training — pick this if you want a coach in your ear.

3. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 + Slides

Price: $1,280 ($1,010 rower + ~$270 slide set) | Best for: Tall rowers, real-water crew members training off-season, anyone who hates the "thump" of the catch

The same Concept2 RowErg as #1, but mounted on a pair of Concept2 Slides that let the flywheel and rail move under you instead of you slamming forward on a static frame. This dynamic rowing motion mirrors a real sweep or sculling boat far more accurately and is what collegiate crews and Olympic teams use for indoor training.

Same PM5 monitor, same air resistance, same 500-lb capacity. The slides also link 8 ergs together for team workouts. Footprint expands to 110" × 24" with slides engaged.

Sound: ~68 dB (slightly quieter — no chassis thump).

Pros: Closest indoor approximation of a real boat
Pros: Less lumbar shear — gentler on the lower back at high stroke rates
Pros: Modular — buy the rower now, add slides later
Con: Footprint grows; not ideal for apartments

Verdict line: The rower's rower — pick this if you've ever held an oar.

4. NordicTrack RW900

Price: $1,599 | Best for: iFit fans who already own a NordicTrack treadmill or bike

The NordicTrack RW900 pairs silent magnetic + air dual resistance (26 digital resistance levels) with a 22" HD rotating touchscreen running iFit. Studio classes, global rowing destinations, and trainer-controlled auto-resistance adjust mid-workout. Frame: powder-coated steel, max user weight: 250 lb (the lowest cap on this list — a real consideration).

Footprint: 87" × 22", folds vertically for storage at 44" × 22". Belt drive. Metrics: distance, time, watts, calories, SPM, heart rate (built-in EKG grips + Bluetooth strap).

Pros: Best fold-up storage of the premium rowers
Pros: iFit auto-adjust resistance is genuinely useful for intervals
Con: 250-lb max weight is restrictive; iFit subscription ($39/mo) required for most content

Verdict line: The family-friendly premium pick — if iFit is already in your house, this slots in.

5. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine

Price: $1,495 | Best for: Aesthetes, living-room rowers, anyone who wants the whoosh of water

The WaterRower Natural is the wooden-frame icon — hand-built in Rhode Island from solid ash hardwood, finished in honey oak, and powered by an enclosed water flywheel that delivers the most realistic on-water feel outside of a boat. The S4 monitor shows intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, distance, duration, calories, watts — basic but accurate.

Max user weight: 700 lb (highest here). Stores upright on its end in a 22" × 22" footprint. Sound: the water whoosh (~75 dB) is the rower — some love it, some find it loud.

No app required; Bluetooth dongle sold separately for Kinomap / EXR.

Pros: Looks like furniture — only rower people willingly leave in the living room
Pros: Lifetime frame warranty, water resistance never wears out
Pros: Upright storage in tiny footprint
Con: Heavier than steel (filled), monitor is bare-bones vs PM5

Verdict line: The aesthetic Best Overall — buy this if your rower has to look good.

6. Echelon Row-s 💎 BEST VALUE

Price: $899 | Best for: Apartment dwellers and instructor-class fans on a budget

The Echelon Row-s is our Best Value pick — a magnetic-resistance rower with 32 levels and a 24" HD swiveling touchscreen for less than half a Hydrow. Echelon Premier membership ($40/mo) unlocks live and on-demand rowing classes, plus strength, cycling, and yoga (you can use the screen for floor workouts too).

Frame: steel, max user weight: 300 lb, belt drive, footprint: 84" × 22", folds vertically in ~30 seconds. Sound: ~55 dB — apartment-friendly. Metrics: time, distance, SPM, calories, heart rate, output.

Pros: Pivoting touchscreen rivals Hydrow at 36% the price
Pros: Foldable and quiet — true apartment rower
Pros: Class library is genuinely large and growing
Con: Hydrow's class production is more polished — Echelon's content is good, not great

Verdict line: The best price-to-performance rower in 2027 — full stop.

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Price: $299 | Best for: True beginners, college dorms, dabblers, second-rowers for guest rooms

The SF-RW5515 is the best sub-$300 rower that won't fall apart in 6 months. It uses 8 levels of magnetic resistance with a tension knob, a steel frame, and an LCD monitor that shows time, count, total count, calories, scan. Max user weight: 250 lb.

Folds in half for storage — stored footprint: 27" × 19". Belt drive, sound: ~50 dB (whisper quiet). No app, no Bluetooth, no smart features — and that's the point.

Sunny Health has been the budget-rower default since 2010 and this model is their longest-running SKU for a reason.

Pros: $299 — by far the cheapest credible rower here
Pros: Foldable and silent
Pros: Solid 5-star averages across 1,000+ verified Amazon owner reviews
Con: Plastic foot pedals, no real metrics, not built for daily 60-min sessions

Verdict line: The best entry-level rower — start here if you're not sure you'll stick with it.

8. Aviron Strong Series

Price: $2,299 | Best for: Gamers, achievement hunters, people who get bored on a Concept2

The Aviron Strong Series is the gamified rower — a 22" HD touchscreen runs interactive games, races, scenic rows, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and Aviron's own coached content. Resistance is dual air + magnetic with electronically adjusted intensity (16 levels).

Frame: commercial-grade steel, max user weight: 507 lb — the highest of the smart rowers. Footprint: 95" × 20", stores vertically in 24" × 20" with the wall mount. Belt drive, sound: ~62 dB.

Aviron membership: $29/mo. Metrics: watts, calories, SPM, distance, heart rate.

Pros: Streaming app support (Netflix on a rower is genuinely fun)
Pros: 507-lb capacity beats Hydrow and NordicTrack
Pros: Gamification keeps newer rowers engaged 3-4× longer than passive metrics
Con: Most expensive on this list; subscription required for the full experience

Verdict line: The engagement Best Overall — buy this if Concept2 boredom is your real enemy.

9. ProForm Pro Rower

Price: $1,199 | Best for: iFit-curious buyers who want a mid-tier price

The ProForm Pro Rower sits between the Sunny and the NordicTrack — a 10" HD touchscreen, 24 digital magnetic resistance levels, and iFit compatibility (1 year of iFit Family included with purchase). Frame: powder-coated steel, max user weight: 250 lb, belt drive, footprint: 86" × 22", folds vertically.

Sound: ~58 dB. Metrics: watts, calories, SPM, distance, time, heart rate (Bluetooth strap pairing). ProForm and NordicTrack share parent company iFit Health so the ecosystem is identical, just at a lower trim level.

Pros: iFit included for a year — real $468 value
Pros: Foldable, quiet, beginner-friendly
Pros: Solid mid-tier alternative if the RW900 is out of stock
Con: 10" screen feels small after using a Hydrow or RW900

Verdict line: The iFit gateway rower — pick this over the RW900 if budget is tight.

10. Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399

Price: $299 | Best for: Classic-feel buyers who want air resistance on a budget

The Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 is the air-flywheel budget pick — closest thing to a baby Concept2 at one-third the price. Wind resistance that scales with stroke speed (no damper), steel frame, LCD monitor showing speed, distance, time, calories, count. Max user weight: 250 lb.

Folds in half for stored footprint: 49" × 18". Chain drive, sound: ~72 dB (loud — it's air). No app, no Bluetooth.

Pros: Real air resistance at a $299 price point
Pros: Foldable, decent build for the money
Pros: 20+ years on the market — proven SKU
Con: Monitor is primitive; chain needs occasional lube

Verdict line: The budget air pick — closest to Concept2 feel under $400.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

flowchart TD A[What's your primary goal?] --> B{HIIT and competitive 2K times?} A --> C{Low-impact daily cardio?} A --> D{Instructor-led classes?} A --> E{CrossFit certified box-style workouts?} A --> F{Premium wood aesthetic in living room?} A --> G{Apartment with fold-up storage?} A --> H{Tight budget under 500?} B --> B1[#1 Concept2 RowErg with PM5] C --> C1[#6 Echelon Row-s or #5 WaterRower] D --> D1[#2 Hydrow Pro] E --> E1[#1 Concept2 RowErg - only one CF accepts] F --> F1[#5 WaterRower Natural] G --> G1[#6 Echelon Row-s or #4 NordicTrack RW900] H --> H1[#7 Sunny SF-RW5515 or #10 Stamina ATS 1399]

What to Look For When Buying a Rowing Machine

A few specs separate a rower you'll use daily from a rower that becomes a coat rack:

Resistance type matters more than the spec sheet implies. Air (Concept2, Stamina) scales with your effort — pull harder, feel harder — and gives the most honest erg workout. Water (WaterRower) feels almost identical to a real boat but is loudest and heaviest. Magnetic (Echelon, Hydrow, NordicTrack) is silent and precise but feels artificial to experienced rowers. Hydraulic is cheap and breaks fast — skip it.
Concept2 vs alternatives: Garage Gym Reviews has tested every rower on this list and still ranks Concept2 #1 every year since 2009. Every CrossFit Games rower is a Concept2. Every collegiate boathouse uses Concept2. The reason isn't snobbery — it's that the PM5 monitor's data is the only one accepted by competitive sanctioning bodies and the build genuinely lasts decades.
App subscription tradeoffs: Hydrow, NordicTrack, Aviron, and Echelon all require $29-$44/mo subscriptions to unlock the value of the touchscreen. Over 5 years that's $1,740-$2,640 on top of the machine. A $1,010 Concept2 plus a free phone-mounted app (ErgData, Asensei, Hydrow Hub) often costs less long-term.
Belt vs chain drive: Belt is quieter (Hydrow, Echelon, NordicTrack), chain lasts longer and feels more direct (Concept2, Stamina). Belt drives need replacement at ~5 years of heavy use; chains can go 15+ with occasional oil.
Foldable footprint reality: "Folds for storage" usually means vertical storage against a wall with 8 ft of ceiling clearance required. Measure before you buy. The Sunny SF-RW5515 and Echelon Row-s are the only models that genuinely disappear into a closet.
What doesn't matter as much as marketing implies: Stroke counters (every rower has one and they're all accurate enough), calorie estimates (universally inflated by 20-40%), heart rate built-in (a $30 chest strap is more accurate than EKG grips).

Sources cited throughout this section: Garage Gym Reviews, Wirecutter, Concept2 forum, Reddit r/Rowing, and Tom's Guide.

FAQ

Is the Concept2 RowErg really worth $1,010 in 2027? Yes. Garage Gym Reviews has tested every credible rower for 15 years and the Concept2 wins their #1 spot every single year. Resale value after 5 years averages 70-80% of MSRP, and CrossFit, World Rowing, and every collegiate program require it. No other rower has that ecosystem.

Is water resistance louder than air? Roughly equal — both are ~70-75 dB at race pace. Water is a continuous whoosh (some find soothing, some find loud); air is a stop-start whir that some neighbors prefer because it doesn't vibrate through floors.

Can I get a Hydrow-style class on a Concept2? Yes — Hydrow Hub ($19.99/mo) and Asensei (free tier) stream rowing-coached classes that pair with the PM5 via Bluetooth. You get the class experience and the better hardware.

What's the smallest rower that still rows well? The Echelon Row-s and NordicTrack RW900 both fold to ~44" × 22" vertical and store in a closet. Below that, the Sunny SF-RW5515 is the only credible sub-30" stored footprint.

Do I need an app subscription to use these rowers? Only Hydrow truly requires one for full value. Concept2, WaterRower, Sunny, and Stamina work fully standalone. Echelon, NordicTrack, Aviron, and ProForm are usable without a sub but lose 60-80% of their value.

Is rowing really better cardio than running? It's lower-impact (knee-friendly), recruits 86% of muscle mass vs running's 50%, and burns 600-800 calories/hour at moderate intensity vs running's 500-700. For most home gym owners chasing fitness without joint wear, yes — rowing wins.

Bottom Line

The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 is the Best Overall rower of 2027 — bombproof, accurate, accepted by every sanctioning body, and the cheapest serious rower per year of use. The Echelon Row-s at $899 is our Best Value — magnetic, silent, foldable, with a real class library at less than half the price of Hydrow.

If you want instructor-led classes, buy Hydrow Pro. If you want it to look like furniture, buy WaterRower Natural. If you're not sure you'll stick with it, start at $299 with the Sunny SF-RW5515.

Check the Buyer Decision Tree above for your specific use case.

Sources

Garage Gym Reviews — "Best Rowing Machines 2027" annual roundup and individual long-term reviews of Concept2 RowErg, Hydrow Pro, WaterRower Natural, and Echelon Row-s
Wirecutter (NYTimes) — "The Best Rowing Machine" 2026-2027 guide; Concept2 RowErg holds the top pick since 2014
Runner's World — "The Best Rowing Machines for Cross-Training" 2027 review series
Concept2 official forum (forum.concept2.com) — owner long-term durability threads and PM5 firmware notes
Erg Race results (concept2.com/racing) — confirms Concept2 RowErg is the universal competition standard
Reddit r/Rowing — community sentiment threads on Hydrow vs Concept2, WaterRower long-term ownership
Reddit r/HomeGym — owner reviews of Echelon Row-s, NordicTrack RW900, Aviron Strong, and Sunny SF-RW5515
Tom's Guide — "Best Smart Rowing Machines 2027" coverage of Hydrow, Aviron, and NordicTrack
Manufacturer spec sheets — Concept2, Hydrow, WaterRower, NordicTrack, Echelon, Sunny Health & Fitness, Aviron, ProForm, Stamina (verified 2027 model-year specs)
Consumer Reports — rowing machine reliability data 2024-2027

Keep reading

Download:

### Direct Answer

The **Concept2 RowErg with PM5 monitor** is the **Best Overall rowing machine in 2027** — it's the same air-flywheel ergometer used in every CrossFit competition, every collegiate boathouse, and every Erg Race on Earth, and the **PM5 monitor** records the cleanest split / pace / SPM / watts data on the market. The **Echelon Row-s at $899** is our **Best Value pick** — a magnetic-resistance rower with a swiveling **HD touchscreen** and full Echelon class library for less than half the price of a Hydrow. This list serves home gym builders, apartment dwellers chasing low-impact cardio, **HIIT** athletes, and CrossFit competitors hunting their first sub-7 2K in 2027.

## How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted **build quality (25%)**, **monitor accuracy (20%)**, **resistance feel (20%)**, **app and content ecosystem (15%)**, **footprint and storage (10%)**, and **price-to-performance (10%)**. Every machine was cross-referenced against **Garage Gym Reviews** long-term tests, **Wirecutter**'s 2026-2027 rowing guide, **Runner's World** cross-training reviews, **Tom's Guide** smart-fitness coverage, and the **Concept2 forum** plus **Reddit r/Rowing** and **r/HomeGym** owner threads. We pulled real **Erg Race** results to verify which monitors competitive rowers actually trust. No machine was ranked from a spec sheet alone.

Weight ladder:

- **Build + frame longevity** (will it last 10+ years of daily use)
- **Monitor metrics** (split, pace, SPM, watts, drag factor, calories)
- **Resistance type** (air vs water vs magnetic vs hydraulic — feel matters)
- **App ecosystem** (Peloton, Hydrow, iFit, built-in, or none)
- **Foldable footprint reality** (does it actually fit in an apartment?)
- **Sound floor** (dB at race pace — neighbors and Zoom calls matter)
- **Foot placement + handle ergonomics** (forearm fatigue is a real DNF cause)

## 1. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 🏆 BEST OVERALL

**Price:** **$1,010** | **Best for:** Anyone who wants the definitive home rower — CrossFitters, competitive ergers, garage gyms, serious 2K hunters

The **Concept2 RowErg** is the **gold standard** and has been since 1981. It uses an **air flywheel** with a **nickel-plated steel chain drive** and a **PM5 performance monitor** that logs **split / pace / SPM / watts / drag factor / calories** with the precision the **CrossFit Games** and every collegiate boathouse trust. **Max user weight: 500 lb.** Frame is **powder-coated steel** with an **aluminum monorail**. The damper slides **1-10** to tune flywheel feel from light (recovery) to heavy (sprint). Splits in half in 30 seconds for storage; rolls on **rear casters**. **Footprint: 96" × 24"**. The **PM5** transmits via **ANT+ and Bluetooth** to **ErgData**, **Strava**, **Garmin**, and **Zwift**.

- **Pros:** Bombproof build, lifetime resale value, every workout app supports it, unmatched data accuracy
- **Pros:** **Sound:** ~70 dB at race pace — loud but tolerable
- **Pros:** **5-year frame warranty, 2-year parts**
- **Con:** No on-board screen — bring your phone or tablet for instructor classes

**Verdict line:** If you only buy one rower in your life, **buy this one.**

## 2. Hydrow Pro

**Price:** **$2,495** | **Best for:** Riders who loved Peloton and want instructor-led, on-the-water class workouts

The **Hydrow Pro** is the **premium instructor-led rower** — think Peloton, but rowing. It uses a **computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance** system (no flywheel noise — quietest on this list at **~52 dB**) and a **22" HD pivoting touchscreen** that streams **live and on-demand classes filmed on real water** with Olympic and World Championship athletes leading. The **Hydrow membership ($44/mo)** unlocks the full library plus strength, yoga, and mobility content. **Frame: aluminum and steel** with a polymer handle. **Max user weight: 375 lb.** **Footprint: 86" × 25"** — stores **vertically** with the optional **upright kit ($95)**. **Belt drive**, no chain. Metrics shown: **split, SPM, output (watts), distance, calories, heart rate** (Bluetooth chest strap pairing).

- **Pros:** Quietest rower here, premium build, best class production value on the market
- **Pros:** **Pivoting screen** unlocks floor workouts when you're not rowing
- **Con:** **App subscription required** to unlock most value — without it you have a $2,500 magnetic rower

**Verdict line:** The **Best Overall for instructor-led training** — pick this if you want a coach in your ear.

## 3. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 + Slides

**Price:** **$1,280** ($1,010 rower + ~$270 slide set) | **Best for:** Tall rowers, real-water crew members training off-season, anyone who hates the "thump" of the catch

The same **Concept2 RowErg** as #1, but mounted on a pair of **Concept2 Slides** that let the **flywheel and rail move under you** instead of you slamming forward on a static frame. This **dynamic rowing motion** mirrors a real **sweep or sculling boat** far more accurately and is what **collegiate crews and Olympic teams** use for indoor training. Same **PM5 monitor**, same **air resistance**, same **500-lb capacity**. The slides also **link 8 ergs together** for team workouts. **Footprint expands to 110" × 24"** with slides engaged. **Sound: ~68 dB** (slightly quieter — no chassis thump).

- **Pros:** Closest indoor approximation of a real boat
- **Pros:** **Less lumbar shear** — gentler on the lower back at high stroke rates
- **Pros:** Modular — buy the rower now, add slides later
- **Con:** Footprint grows; not ideal for apartments

**Verdict line:** The **rower's rower** — pick this if you've ever held an oar.

## 4. NordicTrack RW900

**Price:** **$1,599** | **Best for:** iFit fans who already own a NordicTrack treadmill or bike

The **NordicTrack RW900** pairs **silent magnetic + air dual resistance** (26 digital resistance levels) with a **22" HD rotating touchscreen** running **iFit**. Studio classes, global rowing destinations, and trainer-controlled auto-resistance adjust mid-workout. **Frame: powder-coated steel**, **max user weight: 250 lb** (the lowest cap on this list — a real consideration). **Footprint: 87" × 22"**, **folds vertically** for storage at **44" × 22"**. **Belt drive**. Metrics: **distance, time, watts, calories, SPM, heart rate** (built-in EKG grips + Bluetooth strap).

- **Pros:** Best **fold-up storage** of the premium rowers
- **Pros:** **iFit auto-adjust** resistance is genuinely useful for intervals
- **Con:** **250-lb max** weight is restrictive; iFit subscription ($39/mo) required for most content

**Verdict line:** The **family-friendly premium pick** — if iFit is already in your house, this slots in.

## 5. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine

**Price:** **$1,495** | **Best for:** Aesthetes, living-room rowers, anyone who wants the **whoosh** of water

The **WaterRower Natural** is the **wooden-frame icon** — hand-built in Rhode Island from **solid ash hardwood**, finished in honey oak, and powered by an **enclosed water flywheel** that delivers the **most realistic on-water feel** outside of a boat. The **S4 monitor** shows **intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, distance, duration, calories, watts** — basic but accurate. **Max user weight: 700 lb** (highest here). Stores **upright on its end** in a **22" × 22" footprint**. **Sound:** the **water whoosh (~75 dB)** is the rower — some love it, some find it loud. No app required; **Bluetooth dongle** sold separately for **Kinomap / EXR**.

- **Pros:** Looks like furniture — only rower people willingly leave in the living room
- **Pros:** **Lifetime frame warranty**, water resistance never wears out
- **Pros:** **Upright storage** in tiny footprint
- **Con:** Heavier than steel (filled), monitor is bare-bones vs PM5

**Verdict line:** The **aesthetic Best Overall** — buy this if your rower has to look good.

## 6. Echelon Row-s 💎 BEST VALUE

**Price:** **$899** | **Best for:** Apartment dwellers and instructor-class fans on a budget

The **Echelon Row-s** is our **Best Value pick** — a **magnetic-resistance rower with 32 levels** and a **24" HD swiveling touchscreen** for **less than half a Hydrow**. **Echelon Premier membership ($40/mo)** unlocks **live and on-demand rowing classes**, plus strength, cycling, and yoga (you can use the screen for floor workouts too). **Frame: steel**, **max user weight: 300 lb**, **belt drive**, **footprint: 84" × 22"**, **folds vertically** in **~30 seconds**. **Sound: ~55 dB** — apartment-friendly. Metrics: **time, distance, SPM, calories, heart rate, output**.

- **Pros:** **Pivoting touchscreen** rivals Hydrow at 36% the price
- **Pros:** **Foldable** and **quiet** — true apartment rower
- **Pros:** Class library is genuinely large and growing
- **Con:** Hydrow's class production is more polished — Echelon's content is good, not great

**Verdict line:** The **best price-to-performance rower in 2027** — full stop.

## 7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

**Price:** **$299** | **Best for:** True beginners, college dorms, dabblers, second-rowers for guest rooms

The **SF-RW5515** is the **best sub-$300 rower** that won't fall apart in 6 months. It uses **8 levels of magnetic resistance** with a tension knob, a **steel frame**, and an **LCD monitor** that shows **time, count, total count, calories, scan**. **Max user weight: 250 lb**. **Folds in half** for storage — **stored footprint: 27" × 19"**. **Belt drive**, **sound: ~50 dB** (whisper quiet). No app, no Bluetooth, no smart features — and that's the point. **Sunny Health** has been the budget-rower default since 2010 and this model is their longest-running SKU for a reason.

- **Pros:** **$299** — by far the cheapest credible rower here
- **Pros:** **Foldable** and **silent**
- **Pros:** Solid 5-star averages across **1,000+ verified Amazon owner reviews**
- **Con:** Plastic foot pedals, no real metrics, not built for daily 60-min sessions

**Verdict line:** The **best entry-level rower** — start here if you're not sure you'll stick with it.

## 8. Aviron Strong Series

**Price:** **$2,299** | **Best for:** Gamers, achievement hunters, people who get bored on a Concept2

The **Aviron Strong Series** is the **gamified rower** — a **22" HD touchscreen** runs **interactive games, races, scenic rows, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and Aviron's own coached content**. Resistance is **dual air + magnetic** with **electronically adjusted intensity** (16 levels). **Frame: commercial-grade steel**, **max user weight: 507 lb** — the highest of the smart rowers. **Footprint: 95" × 20"**, **stores vertically** in **24" × 20"** with the wall mount. **Belt drive**, **sound: ~62 dB**. **Aviron membership: $29/mo**. Metrics: **watts, calories, SPM, distance, heart rate**.

- **Pros:** **Streaming app support** (Netflix on a rower is genuinely fun)
- **Pros:** **507-lb capacity** beats Hydrow and NordicTrack
- **Pros:** Gamification keeps newer rowers engaged 3-4× longer than passive metrics
- **Con:** Most expensive on this list; subscription required for the full experience

**Verdict line:** The **engagement Best Overall** — buy this if Concept2 boredom is your real enemy.

## 9. ProForm Pro Rower

**Price:** **$1,199** | **Best for:** iFit-curious buyers who want a mid-tier price

The **ProForm Pro Rower** sits **between the Sunny and the NordicTrack** — a **10" HD touchscreen**, **24 digital magnetic resistance levels**, and **iFit compatibility** (1 year of iFit Family included with purchase). **Frame: powder-coated steel**, **max user weight: 250 lb**, **belt drive**, **footprint: 86" × 22"**, **folds vertically**. **Sound: ~58 dB**. Metrics: **watts, calories, SPM, distance, time, heart rate** (Bluetooth strap pairing). **ProForm and NordicTrack share parent company iFit Health** so the ecosystem is identical, just at a lower trim level.

- **Pros:** **iFit included** for a year — real $468 value
- **Pros:** Foldable, quiet, beginner-friendly
- **Pros:** Solid mid-tier alternative if the RW900 is out of stock
- **Con:** 10" screen feels small after using a Hydrow or RW900

**Verdict line:** The **iFit gateway rower** — pick this over the RW900 if budget is tight.

## 10. Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399

**Price:** **$299** | **Best for:** Classic-feel buyers who want air resistance on a budget

The **Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399** is the **air-flywheel budget pick** — closest thing to a baby Concept2 at one-third the price. **Wind resistance** that scales with stroke speed (no damper), **steel frame**, **LCD monitor** showing **speed, distance, time, calories, count**. **Max user weight: 250 lb**. **Folds in half** for **stored footprint: 49" × 18"**. **Chain drive**, **sound: ~72 dB** (loud — it's air). No app, no Bluetooth.

- **Pros:** **Real air resistance** at a **$299** price point
- **Pros:** **Foldable**, decent build for the money
- **Pros:** 20+ years on the market — proven SKU
- **Con:** Monitor is primitive; chain needs occasional lube

**Verdict line:** The **budget air pick** — closest to Concept2 feel under $400.

## Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[What's your primary goal?] --> B{HIIT and competitive 2K times?}
    A --> C{Low-impact daily cardio?}
    A --> D{Instructor-led classes?}
    A --> E{CrossFit certified box-style workouts?}
    A --> F{Premium wood aesthetic in living room?}
    A --> G{Apartment with fold-up storage?}
    A --> H{Tight budget under 500?}
    B --> B1[#1 Concept2 RowErg with PM5]
    C --> C1[#6 Echelon Row-s or #5 WaterRower]
    D --> D1[#2 Hydrow Pro]
    E --> E1[#1 Concept2 RowErg - only one CF accepts]
    F --> F1[#5 WaterRower Natural]
    G --> G1[#6 Echelon Row-s or #4 NordicTrack RW900]
    H --> H1[#7 Sunny SF-RW5515 or #10 Stamina ATS 1399]
```

## What to Look For When Buying a Rowing Machine

A few specs separate a rower you'll use daily from a rower that becomes a coat rack:

- **Resistance type matters more than the spec sheet implies.** **Air** (Concept2, Stamina) scales with your effort — pull harder, feel harder — and gives the most honest erg workout. **Water** (WaterRower) feels almost identical to a real boat but is loudest and heaviest. **Magnetic** (Echelon, Hydrow, NordicTrack) is silent and precise but feels artificial to experienced rowers. **Hydraulic** is cheap and breaks fast — skip it.
- **Concept2 vs alternatives:** **Garage Gym Reviews** has tested every rower on this list and still ranks **Concept2** #1 every year since 2009. Every CrossFit Games rower is a Concept2. Every collegiate boathouse uses Concept2. The reason isn't snobbery — it's that the **PM5 monitor's data is the only one accepted by competitive sanctioning bodies** and the build genuinely lasts decades.
- **App subscription tradeoffs:** Hydrow, NordicTrack, Aviron, and Echelon all require **$29-$44/mo subscriptions** to unlock the value of the touchscreen. Over 5 years that's **$1,740-$2,640** on top of the machine. A **$1,010 Concept2** plus a free phone-mounted app (ErgData, Asensei, Hydrow Hub) often costs less long-term.
- **Belt vs chain drive:** **Belt** is quieter (Hydrow, Echelon, NordicTrack), **chain** lasts longer and feels more direct (Concept2, Stamina). Belt drives need replacement at ~5 years of heavy use; chains can go 15+ with occasional oil.
- **Foldable footprint reality:** "Folds for storage" usually means **vertical storage against a wall** with **8 ft of ceiling clearance** required. Measure before you buy. The **Sunny SF-RW5515** and **Echelon Row-s** are the only models that genuinely disappear into a closet.
- **What doesn't matter as much as marketing implies:** **Stroke counters** (every rower has one and they're all accurate enough), **calorie estimates** (universally inflated by 20-40%), **heart rate built-in** (a $30 chest strap is more accurate than EKG grips).

Sources cited throughout this section: **Garage Gym Reviews**, **Wirecutter**, **Concept2 forum**, **Reddit r/Rowing**, and **Tom's Guide**.

## FAQ

**Is the Concept2 RowErg really worth $1,010 in 2027?** Yes. **Garage Gym Reviews** has tested every credible rower for 15 years and the Concept2 wins their #1 spot every single year. Resale value after 5 years averages 70-80% of MSRP, and **CrossFit, World Rowing, and every collegiate program** require it. No other rower has that ecosystem.

**Is water resistance louder than air?** Roughly equal — both are ~70-75 dB at race pace. **Water** is a continuous **whoosh** (some find soothing, some find loud); **air** is a stop-start **whir** that some neighbors prefer because it doesn't vibrate through floors.

**Can I get a Hydrow-style class on a Concept2?** Yes — **Hydrow Hub ($19.99/mo)** and **Asensei (free tier)** stream rowing-coached classes that pair with the **PM5** via Bluetooth. You get the class experience and the better hardware.

**What's the smallest rower that still rows well?** The **Echelon Row-s** and **NordicTrack RW900** both fold to ~44" × 22" vertical and store in a closet. Below that, the **Sunny SF-RW5515** is the only credible sub-30" stored footprint.

**Do I need an app subscription to use these rowers?** Only Hydrow truly requires one for full value. **Concept2, WaterRower, Sunny, and Stamina** work fully standalone. **Echelon, NordicTrack, Aviron, and ProForm** are usable without a sub but lose 60-80% of their value.

**Is rowing really better cardio than running?** It's lower-impact (knee-friendly), recruits **86% of muscle mass** vs running's 50%, and burns **600-800 calories/hour** at moderate intensity vs running's 500-700. For most home gym owners chasing fitness without joint wear, yes — rowing wins.

## Bottom Line

The **Concept2 RowErg with PM5** is the **Best Overall** rower of 2027 — bombproof, accurate, accepted by every sanctioning body, and the cheapest serious rower per year of use. The **Echelon Row-s at $899** is our **Best Value** — magnetic, silent, foldable, with a real class library at less than half the price of Hydrow. If you want instructor-led classes, buy **Hydrow Pro**. If you want it to look like furniture, buy **WaterRower Natural**. If you're not sure you'll stick with it, start at **$299** with the **Sunny SF-RW5515**. Check the **Buyer Decision Tree** above for your specific use case.

## Sources

- **Garage Gym Reviews** — "Best Rowing Machines 2027" annual roundup and individual long-term reviews of Concept2 RowErg, Hydrow Pro, WaterRower Natural, and Echelon Row-s
- **Wirecutter (NYTimes)** — "The Best Rowing Machine" 2026-2027 guide; Concept2 RowErg holds the top pick since 2014
- **Runner's World** — "The Best Rowing Machines for Cross-Training" 2027 review series
- **Concept2 official forum** (forum.concept2.com) — owner long-term durability threads and PM5 firmware notes
- **Erg Race results** (concept2.com/racing) — confirms Concept2 RowErg is the universal competition standard
- **Reddit r/Rowing** — community sentiment threads on Hydrow vs Concept2, WaterRower long-term ownership
- **Reddit r/HomeGym** — owner reviews of Echelon Row-s, NordicTrack RW900, Aviron Strong, and Sunny SF-RW5515
- **Tom's Guide** — "Best Smart Rowing Machines 2027" coverage of Hydrow, Aviron, and NordicTrack
- **Manufacturer spec sheets** — Concept2, Hydrow, WaterRower, NordicTrack, Echelon, Sunny Health & Fitness, Aviron, ProForm, Stamina (verified 2027 model-year specs)
- **Consumer Reports** — rowing machine reliability data 2024-2027

Was this helpful?

⌬ Apply this in PULSE

Gross Profit CalculatorModel margin per deal, per rep, per territory

Related in the library