Top 10 Rowing Machines 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall rowing machine for 2027 is the Concept2 RowErg, priced around $990, which earns its crown with bombproof air-resistance build quality, a trusted PM5 performance monitor, and a record of lasting decades in homes, boxes, and Olympic training centers alike.

The Best Value pick is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower, at roughly $249, which delivers quiet magnetic resistance and a folding frame for beginners on a budget. This list is built for home exercisers chasing low-impact full-body cardio — whether you are a beginner rehabbing joints, an athlete logging meters, or someone targeting weight loss and stress relief.

Budgets here run from about $249 to a premium $2,495, and every pick below is a real, currently-available machine with a real price.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each rower against what real buyers tell reviewers and retailers they actually care about, leaning on published testing from Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, Garage Gym Reviews, Healthline, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Effectiveness and workout quality — 25%
• Build quality and durability — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Ease of use and setup — 15%
• Features and connectivity — 15%
• Support, warranty, and community — 10%

A rower that feels smooth but rattles apart, or loads great content behind a flimsy frame, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Concept2 RowErg 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Air-resistance rower (Device) | Price: $990 | Best for: Anyone who wants one rower that lasts a lifetime

The Concept2 RowErg (formerly the Model D) is the reference standard for indoor rowing. Its flywheel uses air resistance with a 10-setting damper so you control airflow and stroke feel rather than a fixed level. The PM5 monitor tracks pace, watts, calories, and heart rate, syncs over Bluetooth and ANT+, and connects to ErgData, Kinomap, and the worldwide Concept2 logbook.

It separates into two pieces for storage, holds users up to 500 lb, and carries a 2-year frame and 5-year warranty on major parts. Reviewers across Wirecutter and Garage Gym Reviews consistently name it the most durable and resellable rower made.

Pros:

• PM5 monitor is the industry's most accurate and trusted display
• Air resistance scales infinitely from beginner to elite athlete
• Holds resale value better than any competitor
• Massive global community, races, and online logbook

Cons:

• Air flywheel is louder than magnetic rowers
• No backlit touchscreen or built-in streaming classes

Verdict: The RowErg is the safe, lifetime buy — accurate, indestructible, and beloved by rowers at every level.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Magnetic rower (Device) | Price: $249 | Best for: Beginners who want quiet, affordable rowing

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 proves you can start rowing well under $300. It uses 8 levels of magnetic resistance via a tension knob, runs near-silently, and folds upright to save floor space in apartments. The digital monitor shows time, count, calories, and total count, and the non-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps fit a range of shoe sizes.

It supports users up to 220 lb and assembles in under an hour. Healthline and budget-gym reviewers routinely call it the best entry rower for the money, with the caveat that the seat rail is shorter for very tall users.

Pros:

• Lowest price of any pick at around $249
• Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance for apartments
• Folds upright for compact storage
• Simple setup and beginner-friendly operation

Cons:

• 220-lb weight limit excludes heavier users
• Basic monitor lacks app or Bluetooth connectivity

Verdict: The value champion — a quiet, foldable, no-fuss way to start rowing without overspending.

3. Hydrow Pro

Type: Magnetic rower with touchscreen (Device) | Price: $1,995 | Best for: Riders who want live and on-demand classes

The Hydrow Pro is the Peloton of rowing, built around a 22-inch swivel HD touchscreen streaming live and on-demand classes filmed on real water. Its computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance auto-adjusts to the instructor's pace, and the 240-degree pivoting screen lets you flow into off-rower yoga and strength work.

The frame is aluminum and steel, holds users up to 375 lb, and folds vertically with an accessory upright kit. A Hydrow membership runs about $44/mo and is required for the full class library. Reviewers praise the immersive content and quiet feel, while noting the subscription is essential to value.

Pros:

• 22-inch pivoting touchscreen with live and recorded classes
• Electromagnetic resistance is nearly silent and smooth
• Polished instructor content filmed on real waterways
• 375-lb user capacity with a sturdy build

Cons:

• Requires a roughly $44/mo membership to shine
• Premium $1,995 price plus subscription adds up

Verdict: The best content experience in rowing — ideal if guided, studio-style classes keep you consistent.

4. WaterRower Classic

Type: Water-resistance rower (Device) | Price: $1,475 | Best for: Buyers who want a natural stroke and handsome design

The WaterRower Classic uses a water-filled flywheel so resistance rises naturally with effort and produces a soothing, paddle-on-water sound. Hand-crafted from solid ash hardwood finished with Danish oil, it doubles as furniture and stands upright in the footprint of a dining chair.

The S4 performance monitor tracks intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and distance, and connects via the ConnectFit and Kinomap apps. It supports users up to 375 lb and carries a strong warranty when bought new. Wirecutter and design-focused reviewers love its quiet realism and living-room looks, though the wood adds weight.

Pros:

• Water flywheel delivers the most realistic on-water feel
• Solid ash wood frame looks like furniture
• Stores upright in a tiny footprint
• Soothing water sound replaces motor noise

Cons:

• Heavier and pricier than comparable air rowers
• S4 monitor is dated next to touchscreen rivals

Verdict: The beauty-and-feel pick — buy it for a natural stroke and a machine you will not hide in a closet.

5. NordicTrack RW900

Type: Magnetic rower with touchscreen (Device) | Price: $1,499 | Best for: iFIT fans who want big-screen guided training

The NordicTrack RW900 pairs 26 digital resistance levels — split across magnetic and inertia-enhanced silent resistance — with a 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen running iFIT. Trainers can auto-adjust your resistance through global rowing destinations and studio sessions, and the screen swivels for off-machine cross-training.

It folds with a SpaceSaver design, holds users up to 250 lb, and typically ships with a trial iFIT membership (about $39/mo after). Reviewers like the immersive scenery workouts and dual-resistance smoothness, while flagging that the experience leans heavily on the subscription.

Pros:

• 22-inch rotating touchscreen with iFIT global workouts
• Dual magnetic and silent resistance across 26 levels
• Trainer-controlled auto-adjusting resistance
• SpaceSaver folding frame for storage

Cons:

• Best features locked behind roughly $39/mo iFIT
• 250-lb capacity trails the Concept2 and Hydrow

Verdict: A strong guided-training rower — great if iFIT scenery and instructor control keep you motivated.

6. Concept2 Dynamic Indoor Rower

Type: Air-resistance dynamic rower (Device) | Price: $1,540 | Best for: Competitive rowers training for the water

The Concept2 Dynamic is built for athletes who want the on-water feel of a moving boat. Instead of dragging your body up a rail, the flywheel moves while you stay relatively still, closely mimicking the dynamics of sweep and sculling. It uses the same air resistance and trusted PM5 monitor as the RowErg, with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity to ErgData and the logbook.

The footprint is larger and the price higher, which is why most home users still pick the RowErg. Crew coaches and competitive scullers, however, prize it for transferable technique.

Pros:

• Dynamic flywheel mimics real on-water boat movement
• Same accurate PM5 monitor as the RowErg
• Excellent technique transfer for competitive rowers
• Built to Concept2's durability standard

Cons:

• Larger footprint and higher price than the RowErg
• Overkill for casual fitness rowers

Verdict: The competitor's tool — choose it only if you race on water and want true stroke transfer.

7. Echelon Row-s

Type: Magnetic rower with touchscreen (Device) | Price: $1,599 | Best for: Connected-fitness users who want a rotating screen

The Echelon Row-s brings a 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen and 32 levels of silent magnetic resistance to the connected-rowing category. The screen pivots so you can step off and follow strength, yoga, and HIIT classes through the Echelon Premier membership (about $34.99/mo), often the most affordable subscription among touchscreen rowers.

It folds upright, supports users up to 300 lb, and tracks output and leaderboards in real time. Reviewers note solid value on the hardware and a lower monthly cost than rivals, balanced against a class library that is smaller than Hydrow's.

Pros:

• 22-inch rotating screen at a lower subscription cost
• 32 levels of quiet magnetic resistance
• Folds upright and supports 300-lb users
• Off-rower strength and yoga classes included

Cons:

• Class library is smaller than Hydrow's
• Hardware feels less premium than top rivals

Verdict: The budget-friendly connected rower — best if you want a touchscreen and classes without Hydrow money.

8. Aviron Strong Series

Type: Magnetic and air rower with gaming screen (Device) | Price: $2,495 | Best for: Users motivated by games and competition

The Aviron Strong Series takes a different path: interactive games, races, and challenges on a 22-inch touchscreen designed to make rowing feel like play. It combines air and magnetic resistance with 16 levels, holds users up to 397 lb, and aims squarely at people who quit traditional cardio out of boredom.

The Aviron membership runs about $29/mo, and the catalog spans guided programs, story-mode workouts, and competitive multiplayer. Reviewers highlight the genuinely fun gamification and high weight capacity, while noting it is the most expensive rower on this list.

Pros:

• Gamified workouts and multiplayer races boost adherence
• High 397-lb user weight capacity
• Hybrid air-plus-magnetic resistance system
• Lower roughly $29/mo subscription than some rivals

Cons:

• Highest sticker price here at $2,495
• Game-first design appeals less to purists

Verdict: The motivation pick — worth it if competition and games are what finally keep you rowing.

9. ProForm Pro Rower

Type: Magnetic rower with touchscreen (Device) | Price: $999 | Best for: Value seekers who still want iFIT classes

The ProForm Pro Rower offers a connected experience under $1,000, pairing 24 digital resistance levels with a 10-inch HD touchscreen running iFIT trainer-led workouts. The frame folds vertically to save space, holds users up to 250 lb, and ships with a trial iFIT membership (about $39/mo after).

The smaller screen and lighter build are the obvious tradeoffs versus the RW900, but the price undercuts most touchscreen rowers. Budget reviewers call it a sensible bridge for those who want guided content without spending Hydrow or NordicTrack money.

Pros:

• iFIT touchscreen rowing for under $1,000
• 24 resistance levels with trainer auto-adjust
• Vertical folding frame for storage
• Strong value among connected rowers

Cons:

• 10-inch screen is smaller than premium rivals
• Lighter frame feels less durable long term

Verdict: The affordable connected pick — solid if you want iFIT classes on a tighter budget.

10. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050

Type: Hydraulic rower (Device) | Price: $130 | Best for: Tight budgets and very small spaces

The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is the most compact, lowest-cost way to row, using hydraulic piston resistance with a tension dial rather than a flywheel. Its full-motion arms mimic an outboard rowing stroke, and the aluminum beam keeps total weight low so it tucks into a closet easily.

The simple monitor counts strokes, time, and calories, and it supports users up to 250 lb. It will not match the smoothness or data of flywheel rowers, but for apartments, RVs, or absolute beginners testing the motion, it is hard to beat on price. Reviewers treat it as a starter tool, not a long-term trainer.

Pros:

• Lowest price on the list at around $130
• Extremely compact and lightweight for storage
• Full-motion arms for an outboard-style stroke
• No assembly headaches and simple operation

Cons:

• Hydraulic resistance is less smooth than flywheels
• Pistons can heat up and fade on long sessions

Verdict: The bare-minimum budget pick — fine for tiny spaces, but upgrade once you commit to rowing.

Which One Is Right for You?

What to Look For in a Rowing Machine

• Resistance type — Air scales with effort and is loud; magnetic is quiet and consistent; water feels natural with a soothing sound; hydraulic is cheapest but least smooth. Match the type to your noise tolerance and budget.
• Monitor and connectivity — A reliable display with Bluetooth or ANT+ lets you track watts, pace, and heart rate and sync to apps like ErgData, Kinomap, or iFIT.
• Build quality and weight capacity — Check the frame material and user weight limit; the Concept2 holds 500 lb while budget rowers cap near 220 lb.
• Footprint and storage — Confirm whether it folds or separates and measure your space; most rowers are roughly 8 feet long in use.
• Subscription cost — Touchscreen rowers depend on memberships (about $29–$44/mo); factor that into total cost before buying.
• Warranty and resale — Longer warranties and strong resale (the Concept2 leads) protect your investment.

What matters less than marketing implies: giant screen sizes, headline resistance-level counts, and flashy app graphics. A smooth stroke, accurate data, and a frame that lasts will affect your results far more than a 30-level resistance spec.

FAQ

Which rowing machine is the best overall for 2027? The Concept2 RowErg at around $990 wins for its accurate PM5 monitor, infinitely scalable air resistance, legendary durability, and unbeatable resale value.

What is the best value rowing machine? The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 at roughly $249 offers quiet magnetic resistance and a folding frame, making it the best entry rower for beginners on a budget.

Are rowing machines good for weight loss? Yes. Rowing is a low-impact, full-body workout that engages legs, core, and back and can burn substantial calories per session, making it effective for weight loss when paired with a sensible diet.

Is air, magnetic, or water resistance best? Air scales naturally with effort and suits athletes; magnetic is the quietest for apartments; water offers the most realistic feel. None is universally best — it depends on your noise tolerance, budget, and goals.

Do I need a subscription to use a rowing machine? No. Machines like the Concept2 RowErg and Sunny SF-RW5515 work fully without any subscription. Only touchscreen rowers like Hydrow and NordicTrack rely on monthly memberships for their class libraries.

How much space does a rowing machine need? Most full-size rowers are about 8 feet long and 2 feet wide in use. Many fold upright or separate into two pieces, so confirm both your workout footprint and your storage space before buying.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Concept2 RowErg is our Best Overall rowing machine — at around $990, it wins on accuracy, durability, and resale, and works beautifully without any subscription. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515, at roughly $249, is our Best Value, delivering quiet, foldable rowing for beginners on a budget.

If you crave guided classes, gamified workouts, a natural water feel, or true on-water race transfer, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Hydrow, Aviron, WaterRower, or Concept2 Dynamic instead. Buy on resistance feel, build quality, and total cost — including any subscription — and your rower will serve you for years.

Sources

• Wirecutter — best rowing machines
• Consumer Reports — rowing machine buying guide
• Garage Gym Reviews — rower reviews and testing
• Healthline — best rowing machines
• Concept2 — RowErg specs and pricing
• Hydrow — Pro rower specs and membership
• WaterRower — Classic specs
• NordicTrack — RW900 specs and iFIT
• Aviron — Strong Series specs
• Mayo Clinic — aerobic exercise benefits

*Rowing machine review — best rowing machine 2027, rankings, ratings, prices, and a review of the top indoor rower picks for home buyers.*