Learn how to choose and buy a rowing machine by seing this short video. A rowing machine that measures and records the amount of work done by the user is often called an ergometer or just erg. The PM5 Performance Monitor is a great example.
Most important measures are Pace (strokes per minute) and Speed (measured in time per 500 meters, watt, calories). These numbers make it possible to register your progress when rowing.
Choosing and buying an rowing machine
If you’re just starting out, buying a rowing machine is an excellent choice! Rowing machines are suitable for people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.
Rowing machines offer a great full-body workout that can help you burn more calories than any other piece of exercise equipment. Plus, they are low impact, so they won’t cause any strain on your body.
When it comes to choosing the right rowing machine, there are several factors to consider, such as features, price, and size.
However, with the right research and guidance, you’ll be able to find the perfect rowing machine for you. TIP: Remember to read some of the reviews from customers who have made verified purchases.
Important criteria to consider:
- Type of resistance (air, water, magnetic)
- Comfort (ergonomic handles and seat)
- Maximum user weight
- LCD display (for tracking stroke per minute, speed, time, distance, calories burned, etc.)
- Adjustability (footrest and straps, handle, seat height, monitor, etc.)
- Noise level (to ensure the machine is quiet enough to use in the home)
- Durability (choose a machine made from high-quality materials that will last for years)
- Price (including the cost of the machine and any additional features)
- Storage dimensions and mobility
- Spare parts and service (to check if the manufacturer offers easy access to spare parts and service options in case of any troubleshooting needs)
Air resistance rowing machines
Choosing a Rowing Machine with air resistance provide a smooth rowing motion and allow users to row intensely for one set, and then row more leisurely for the next without stopping or altering any settings.
Consequently, users can control the resistance by rowing faster or slower, making this a great choice for beginners since they can adjust the resistance to their level.
How Air-resistance works
Air-resistance rowers use a spinning fan flywheel to create resistance. Pulling the handle spins the flywheel, creating wind that determines the resistance level. The harder the handle is pulled, the greater the resistance.
Do your research to clarify your needs
How to Choose a Rowing Machine can be daunting. In conclusion, if you take the time to consider your goals, budget, and the features of the machine, you can find the perfect model for you.

Click Image | Brand | Rowing Machine Model | Star Rating | Price Range | Storage | Dimensions D x W x H (Inch) |
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Concept2 Rover with standard legs. More than 11,900 reviews. Easy access to spare parts & service. | Concept2 RowErg® (Model D) | 4.9 | Over $1,000 | Upright / Foldable | 96 x 24 x 14 | |
Concept2 Rover with tall (+6 inch) legs. *The Model D & E was renamed ”RowErg” effective April 2021. | Concept2 RowErg® (Model E) | 4.8 | Over $1,000 | Upright / Foldable | 96 x 24 x 20 | |
Body-Solid | Body-Solid Endurance R300 | 4.8 | $500-$999 | Upright / Foldable | 95 x 24 x 40 | |
Fitness Reality * Amazon’s Choice **Air (+magnetic) | Fitness Reality Dual | 4.4 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 70 x 23 x 26 | |
SereneLife | SereneLife Smart Home Rowing Machine | 4.3 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 83 x 19 x 34 | |
XTERRA Fitness *Air (+magnetic) | Xterra Erg700 Rower | 4.2 | $500-$999 | Foldable | 97 x 18 x 38 | |
XTERRA Fitness | Xterra Erg500 Rower | 4.2 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 72 x 19 x 33 | |
Stamina | Stamina X AMRAP | 4.2 | $500-$999 | Foldable | 94 x 24.5 x 42 | |
Stamina | Stamina ATS Air Rower 1402C | 4.2 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 73.5 x 18.25 x 22 | |
Stamina | Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 | 4.1 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 77 x 18.75 x 22 | |
Stamina | Stamina X Air Rower | 3.9 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 78.5 x 18 x 29 | |
Stamina *Air (+magnetic) | Stamina DT Pro Rower | 3.9 | Over $1,000 | N/A | 89.75 x 20 x 40.5 | |
Stamina | Stamina Air Rower 1406 | 3.5 | $250-$499 | Foldable | 79 x 18.75 x 31.5 |
Water resistance rowing machines
You can also choose a rowing machine with water resistance that is designed to provide a realistic on-water rowing experience. It uses a flywheel system to create resistance as the user rows.
How water-resistance works
The flywheel is enclosed in a tank filled with water, and the paddle is pushed against it as the user rows. This creates resistance that is dependent on the intensity of the user’s pull, giving a great full–body workout.
Firstly, the intensity of the resistance can be adjusted by changing the amount of water in the tank, making water resistance rowing machines ideal for both absolute beginners and more experienced rowers alike.
In conclusion, choosing the right rowing machine can be a difficult task, but it is important to take the time to consider all the factors before making a purchase.

Click Image | Brand | Rowing Machine Model | Rating | Price Range | Storage | Dimensions D x W x H (Inch) |
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CityRow Go *Gym Quality | CITYROW Max Rower | 5.0 | Over $2,000 | Upright | 22 x 85 x 45 | |
CityRow Go *Gym Quality | CITYROW Classic Rower | 3.9 | $1000–$1,500 | Upright | 22 x 85 x 20 | |
WaterRower | WaterRower Club Hi Rise – 150 S4-HR | 4.7 | Over $1,000 | Upright | 82 x 22 x 28 | |
WaterRower | WaterRower Club All Black | 4.6 | Over $1,000 | Upright | 84 x 21 x 22 |
|
WaterRower | A1 Home Rowing Machine | 4.6 | $500–$999 | Upright | 83.5 x 22.25 x 20 | |
WaterRower | WaterRower Club Ash – Club S4 | 4.5 | Over $1,000 | Upright | 84 x 21 x 22 | |
WaterRower | Classic Rowing Machine – Walnut S4 | 4.5 | Over $1,000 | Upright | 84 x 21 x 22 | |
Merax | Water Rowing Machine | 4.6 | $500–$999 | Upright | 78 x 20 x 25.5 | |
XTERRA Fitness | Xterra Erg650w Water Rower | 4.6 | $500–$999 | Upright | 20.7 x 79.5 x 33.9 | |
XTERRA Fitness *Amazon’s Choice | Xterra Fitness ERG600W | 4.2 | $250–$500 | Upright | 22 x 80.7 x 33 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness *Amazon’s Choice | Phantom Hydro - SF-RW5910, Silver | 4.5 | $500–$999 | Upright | 21.25 x 81.5 x 39.5 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness *Amazon’s Choice | Obsidian Surge 500 | 4.3 | $250–$500 | Upright | 22 x 80 x 34 | |
Fitness Reality | Fitness Reality 3000WR | 4.7 | $250–$500 | Upright | 20 x 77.3 x 34 | |
Stamina | Stamina X Water Rower | 4.4 | $500–$999 | Foldable | 63 x 20 x 37.5 | |
Stamina | Stamina Elite | 4.2 | $500–$999 | Foldable | 85.35 x 20.25 x 32.75 | |
MR. Captain | Rowing Machine for Home | 4.3 | $500–$999 | Upright | 82 x 22 x 10 |
Magnetic resistance rowing machines
When choosing a rowing machine with magnetic resistance that uses a magnetic field to create resistance against the user to simulate the feeling of rowing on water, you get a very quiet rower.
The benefits of magnetic resistance
This resistance is usually adjustable, allowing users to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout for different levels of difficulty. Magnetic resistance machines are quieter than other types of rowing machines and require minimal maintenance.
They are built to last and are perfect for absolute beginners looking to get a full body workout.
Click Image | Brand | Rowing Machine Model | Rating | Price Range | Resistance | Storage | Dimensions D x W x H (Inch) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YOSUDA | Magnetic Rowing Machine | 4.8 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Upright | 58 x 18.1 x 8 | |
Merax | Merax 2023 Magnetic Rowing Machine | 4.6 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 63.8 x 21.2 x 47.2 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness *Amazon’s Choice Assembly Video Guide User Manual | Magnetic SF-RW5801 Rower | 4.5 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Foldable | 23 x 77 x 22.5 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness *Amazon’s Choice Assembly Video Guide Workouts on Video User Manual | Magnetic SF-RW5515 Rower | 4.4 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Foldable | 89 x 18.9 x 23.6 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness *Amazon’s Choice User Manual | Magnetic SF-RW5622 Rover | 4.4 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Foldable | 21 x 72 x 18.5 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness User Manual | Magnetic SF-RW5941 Rover | 4.4 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 22.8 x 76.8 x 22.8 | |
Stamina * Combined rower & bicycle | Stamina Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent Rower | 4.3 | $500-$999 | Magnetic | Foldable | 75 x 20 x 27 | |
Stamina | Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower | 4.1 | $500-$999 | Magnetic | Foldable | 81 x 20 x 25 | |
Stamina | Stamina 35-1110 Magnetic Rower | 4.1 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Upright | 60 x 22 x 28 | |
Fitness Reality *Amazon's Choice Assembly Video Guide User Manual | Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Rower | 4.5 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 21.5 x 88.5 x 21.5 | |
XTERRA Fitness | Xterra Erg220 Rower | 4.5 | $249 & Under | Magnetic | Foldable | 19 x 80 x 29 | |
Echanfit | Magnetic Rowing Machine CRW4901 | 4.4 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 19.29 x 74.8 x 34.06 | |
Echanfit | Magnetic Rowing Machine R42 | 4.4 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 29.13 x 76.18 x 19.29 | |
JOROTO | JOROTO MR35 Magnetic Rower | 4.3 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 21 x 71 x 36 | |
Marcy *Amazon’s Choice User Manual | Magnetic Rowing Machine NS-40503RW | 4.3 | $250-$499 | Magnetic | Foldable | 74 x 20 x 33 |