Best Rowing Machine 2026: Complete Buying Guide
We researched rowing machines from budget to premium. Here are the rowers worth buying.
Our Rowing Machine Picks
Best Rowing Machines 2026
Concept2 Model D
Air resistance | PM5 monitor | No subscription
Under $1,000
The Concept2 Model D (RowErg) is the gold standard. Used by Olympic rowers, CrossFit gyms, and serious athletes worldwide. Air resistance perfectly mimics on-water rowing - the harder you pull, the more resistance you get. PM5 monitor tracks every metric. Built to last decades with minimal maintenance. No subscription ever.
Strengths
- + Industry standard (Olympic level)
- + Exceptional durability
- + No subscription required
- + Perfect air resistance feel
- + Separates for storage
Consider If
- - Loud air sound (fan noise)
- - No built-in screen/classes
- - Industrial appearance
under $1,000 on Amazon
Hydrow
Magnetic | 22" HD screen | Live classes
Under $3,000
+ $44/mo subscription
The Hydrow is the Peloton of rowing. Beautiful 22" HD screen with live and on-demand classes filmed on actual waterways. Electromagnetic resistance is whisper-quiet and smooth. Athletes are world-class rowers. If you need motivation and community to stay consistent, Hydrow delivers.
Strengths
- + Beautiful live and on-demand classes
- + Scenic waterway content
- + Near-silent operation
- + Premium build quality
- + Excellent form coaching
Consider If
- - Very expensive (under $3,000 + $44/mo)
- - Requires subscription
- - Heavy (145 lbs)
under $3,000 on Amazon
WaterRower Natural
Water resistance | Ash wood | S4 monitor
Under $1,500
The WaterRower Natural is a piece of furniture that happens to be a rowing machine. Handcrafted ash wood construction. Water flywheel creates a soothing swoosh sound and realistic feel. Stores upright when not in use. Featured in House of Cards. Beautiful enough for your living room.
Strengths
- + Beautiful handcrafted wood design
- + Soothing water sound
- + Realistic rowing feel
- + Stores upright
- + No subscription
Consider If
- - Basic S4 monitor
- - Water requires occasional treatment
- - Heavy when full
under $1,500 on Amazon
NordicTrack RW900
Air+Magnetic | 22" touchscreen | iFIT
Under $2,000
+ $39/mo iFIT
The NordicTrack RW900 offers Hydrow-like features at a lower price. Dual air and magnetic resistance auto-adjusts during iFIT workouts. 22" tilting touchscreen. iFIT includes rowing, running, strength, and yoga content. Best value for connected fitness rowing.
Strengths
- + Large 22" touchscreen
- + Auto-adjusting resistance
- + iFIT cross-training content
- + Lower price than Hydrow
Consider If
- - Requires iFIT subscription
- - Rowing content less focused
- - Air resistance can be loud
under $2,000 on Amazon
Sunny Health SF-RW522016
Magnetic | 8 resistance levels | Quiet
Under $500
The Sunny Health SF-RW522016 is the best entry point to rowing. Magnetic resistance is quiet for apartment living. 8 resistance levels cover beginners to intermediate. LCD monitor tracks time, count, calories, and total count. Excellent for those new to rowing who want to try before investing more.
Strengths
- + Excellent price
- + Quiet magnetic resistance
- + Compact and foldable
- + Good for beginners
Consider If
- - Basic monitor
- - Limited resistance range
- - May outgrow quickly
under $500 on Amazon
Rowing Machine Comparison
| Model | Resistance | Screen | Subscription | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 Model D | Air | PM5 LCD | None | Under $1,000 |
| Hydrow | Magnetic | 22" HD | $44/mo | Under $3,000 |
| WaterRower Natural | Water | S4 LCD | None | Under $1,500 |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Air+Magnetic | 22" Touch | $39/mo | Under $2,000 |
| Sunny SF-RW522016 | Magnetic | Basic LCD | None | Under $500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rowing machine for 2026?
The Concept2 Model D is the best overall. It's the gold standard used by Olympic athletes with exceptional durability and no subscription required. For smart features, the Hydrow offers beautiful live classes.
Is Concept2 or Hydrow better?
Concept2 is better for serious training with superior durability and no subscription. Hydrow is better if you need motivation from live classes. Concept2 costs under $1,000 vs Hydrow's under $3,000 plus $44/month.
How much should I spend on a rowing machine?
Budget under $500 for entry-level. Mid-range costs under $1,500. Premium rowers like Concept2 (under $1,000) and Hydrow (under $3,000) represent the high end. The Concept2 at under $1,000 is the best value for serious rowers.
Is rowing better than running for cardio?
Rowing is arguably better for most people. It's a full-body workout engaging 86% of muscles, is low-impact on joints, and burns similar calories. The low-impact nature makes it sustainable longer without injury.
Deciding on a specific model? We review the Luraco i9 Max massage chair review, Peloton Tread review and Hydrow Origin rowing machine review in full.