The Best Rowing Machines on Amazon
If ellipticals and treadmills aren’t your thing, a rowing machine may be the perfect alternative for a low-impact cardiovascular workout. This seated exercise machine engages a variety of muscle groups while improving stamina and building strength. We’re sharing our picks for the best rowing machines on Amazon to help you narrow down your options.
How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine for You
While most rowing machines look similar in build, it’s important to review their specific features to find one that’s best suited to your needs:
- Size: Rowing machines can take up a decent amount of space (with some models surpassing 80” in length). If you’re working within the confines of a small home gym, you may want to look for either a foldable rowing machine or a hydraulic rower, which is oftentimes half the size of traditional air rowers.
- Comfort: Pay attention to consumer reviews to see how comfortable different models are before making a purchase. Some rowing machines are made with cushioned or padded seats to make workouts more comfortable, while others accommodate various heights thanks to adjustability.
- Footrests: Adjustable footrests are typically the best choice for rowing machines, as they can be adjusted to help you find the most comfortable rowing position for you. On the other hand, pivoting footrests reduce the overall impact on your ankles, which can be ideal for someone who’s recovering from an injury.
- Noise: Many rowing machines today are relatively quiet when in use, although models that use air resistance generally produce more noise.
Best Overall
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
Current Sale Price: $259.99 | Reg. Price: $349.99
Our top pick on the list features all the bells and whistles you’d want from a rowing machine: a digital display, comfortable ergonomics, non-slip foot pedals and a foldable frame. But the reason it tops our list is its impressive 16 levels of resistance that allow you to build endurance as you go.
Pros: This machine is surprisingly sturdy and comfortable for its price point, and it has a wide range of resistance levels to accommodate beginners and pros alike.
Cons: As some Amazon shoppers point out, this machine has a tendency to move around on non-carpeted surfaces. While this can be fixed with an exercise mat, it’s something to consider depending on your space.
Best Value
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine
Current Sale Price: $84.99 | Reg. Price: $109
At just over $100, this Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine is surprisingly sufficient for its budget-friendly price. It features 12 levels of hydraulic resistance, a digital monitor, adjustable pedal straps and stabilizers for a sturdy workout. We also love that it’s got a compact design that makes it easier to move than its bulkier alternatives.
Pros: This lightweight, compact rower has a sturdy build for its price range, and it’s also relatively quiet when in use.
Cons: Some Amazon shoppers weren’t impressed with this machine’s digital display, reporting that it lacked a reset button. It also isn’t the easiest to fold down for storage.
Best Foldable Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
Current Sale Price: $246.99 | Reg. Price: $249.98
This foldable rowing machine by Sunny Health & Fitness is a great choice for smaller home gyms. It’s designed with an LCD monitor, 16 levels of magnetic tension, ergonomic foot pedals and a built-in holder for water bottles and mobile devices.
Pros: This rower has a stable build, plenty of resistance levels and folds away for easy storage.
Cons: The LCD display is pretty basic, and some reviewers noticed that the middle support foot doesn’t touch the ground like it should.
Best Full-Body Rowing Machine
FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
Current Sale Price: $299.88 | Reg. Price: $325
If you want to maximize your home gym, look no further than the FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS Bluetooth Magnetic Rower. Not only does this rowing machine have 12 levels of magnetic tension, but it also features patent-pending front stabilizer foot pads that allow for additional exercises such as curls, upright rows, bent over rows, front raises, shrugs, triceps extensions, standing shoulder presses and more.
Pros: This rowing machine is super quiet and offers plenty of resistance levels for a low-impact, full-body workout.
Cons: It’s made with pivot pedals, which some users don’t find as supportive as adjustable footrests.
Best 2-Way Rowing Machine
Teeter Power10 Rower
Reg. Price: $1,199.99
Designed with innovative two-way resistance, the Teeter Power10 Rower pairs elliptical motion with magnetic resistance for the best of both worlds. Not only does this top-rated rower engage more muscles thanks to its patented elliptical path, but it also features a Bluetooth heart rate monitor and a free personal training app.
Pros: This rower’s two-way resistance torches calories with its mix of cardio and strength training.
Cons: At $1,200, it’s the most pricey option on our list.
