Comparisons.us is a comparison website - we do not rank or rate products. We do come up with pros and cons based on publicly available comments and feedback. Our goal is to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions. When you call, click on or purchase something on Comparisons.us we may receive compensation. As an Amazon Associate Comparisons.us earns from qualifying purchases. Additionally, we do not list every product or service available in each respective category.

Rowing Machines

Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower is one of the best-selling rowing machines in the world for over 40 years. Used by athletes for training, the versatile Model D fits in well in fitness facilities.

  • Machine separates into two pieces for easy storage
  • Reliable for measuring your progress
  • Backlit LCD display is great for the eyes
  • Options include distance, time and intervals
  • Can save workouts on a USB flash drive
  • You can also join an online challenge
  • Seems too expensive for some
  • May need an installation guide
Key Features
  • Latest PM5 Performance Monitor for accurate training feedback
  • Spiral damper and flywheel for adjustable resistance
  • Adjustable monitor arm
  • Aluminum rail topped with stainless steel track for smooth seat movement
  • Fan tailored to minimize noise
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Comfortable nylon straps and u-release frame lock
  • Flex Foot footrests
  • Caster wheels for transportation
  • Power method: battery
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 15 in x 21.5 in x 56 in (38 cm x 55 cm x 142 cm)
  • Item weight: 57.3 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 59.5 pounds
Warranty

Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine

Get a top quality product and take your workouts to the next level with the Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rower. The Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rower will keep your workouts engaging and challenging.

  • Smooth, quiet water resistance
  • Adjustable water level with strong resistance
  • Great price for water rowing machine
  • Multi-function monitor is impressive
  • Excellent build quality and easy upright storage to save space
  • 17.0″ seat height for greater comfort
  • No backlight on monitor
  • Must use siphon to add or subtract water
  • No heart rate monitor
Key Features
  • Flywheel and steel blades in the water tank
  • Slide Rail Length: 42 inches. Slide Rail Inseam: 38 inches
  • 16 fan blades for unlimited resistance
  • Padded seats with dimensions: 10L x 12W x 2H inches
  • High density non-marking rubber wheels
  • Max user weight: 300 lbs
  • LCD readout tracks total time, 500m, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, ambient temperature and time.
Specifications
Warranty

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing

Row into shape with the top of the line Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 magnetic rowing machine! This Rower offers all of the necessities for an intense yet enjoyable rowing workout.

  • Full body workout targets major muscle groups; arms, legs, back, glutes, and abdominals
  • Offers low impact aerobic and cardiovascular exercise
  • Scan function rotates settings every six seconds
  • Non-Slip foam grip handlebars offer comfort during long rides
  • Digital monitor keeps you focus in achieving fitness goals
  • Usage is quiet
  • Tiny monitor voice and font
  • Cannot track meters-rowed
Key Features
  • Magnetic tension has eight levels of adjustable resistance
  • Fully padded seat
  • Non-slip grip handlebars
  • Large anti-slip foot pedals coupled with adjustable foot straps.
  • Foldable design for compact storage
  • Transportation wheels for easy movement and portability
  • LCD monitor display
  • Workout data includes: time, count, total count and calories Burned
  • Slide rail is extra-long - 48 inches in slide rail length and 44 inches in inseam length
Specifications
Warranty

Fitness Reality Rowing Machine

Enjoy your workout with Fitness Reality 1000 plus rower without leaving your home! With a 3. 5” LCD display, 14 levels of magnetic resistance, and large seat you can get the best workout.

  • 14 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
  • Offers Smooth, quiet rowing stroke
  • Bluetooth capabilities (future upgrades)
  • Free App to track workout metrics
  • Durable build quality and easy assembly
  • Designed to perform additional workouts
  • No pre-set programs
  • Some reports of issues with resistance mechanism
  • Limited Bluetooth functions
Key Features
  • Bluetooth Smart fitness with free My Cloud Fitness app available on iOS and Android
  • Full body low impact workout targets forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs, thighs
  • Large 3. 5” LCD display
  • Monitor displays distance time, total count, calories burned, Stokes/min and scan
  • Has comfortable large contoured cushion seat
  • Front stabilizer foot pads
  • 21. 5” extra wide grip foam handlebar
  • Additional Exercise Foot Pads
  • Foldable
Specifications
Warranty

Stamina ATS Air Rower

Home is where the heart is, and it takes serious heart to sculpt a healthy body. With the affordable Stamina Air Rower, get into rigorous strength-building, and cardiovascular workouts.

  • Great value for the price
  • Smooth and strong air resistance
  • Clean design and look
  • Strong build quality
  • Wide range for capacity
  • Easy-fold storage
  • Perfect for HIIT workouts
  • No heart rate monitor
  • Some weak parts (footrests)
  • Chain can have issues with falling off sprocket
Key Features
  • Oversized, and angled seat rail with a ball bearing roller system for fluid rowing action
  • Large foam padded seat for comfort
  • Large footplates and fully adjustable nylon straps
  • Foldable frame
  • Built-in wheels for easy portability and storage
  • LCD workout monitor
  • Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs
Specifications
Warranty

Rowing Machines Overview

If you want to switch up your workout routine and get the benefits of doing outdoor exercises while being indoors, a rowing machine may be just what you need. Let go of your daily treadmill and elliptical routine, and get started by adding a rowing machine to your home gym.

In terms of fitness, the rowing machine is the perfect piece of workout equipment for anyone that wants to gain strength while doing cardio. Regardless of your fitness level, a rowing machine is great for both beginners and veteran athletes.

So, which rowing machine is right for you? Selecting the best rowing machine depends on which features matter to you the most. It’s important to take into consideration certain factors such as the design, size, noise factors, monitor display, comfortability, resistance and more.

With so many options, we’ve done our best to narrow down your search by comparing some of the most popular rowing machines on the market. We’re confident that our comparison will help determine which rowing machine will best suit your needs.

Are Rowing Machines Good For Your Back?

A rowing machine is great for any upper-body workout. The rowing machine allows you to exercise not only your upper and lower back, but also your shoulders. By exercising your back, you are able to improve your posture while strengthening your back. To avoid injuries, proper techniques and form should be applied,

Which Rowing Machine Is The Quietest?

Rowing machines that cause noise are due to the seat sliding against the rail. The speed and intensity can also amplify the noise. To reduce the noise, you can lubricate the seat or focus on creating a more controlled stroke.





Aside from altering your movement while using the machine, you can also choose to purchase a magnetic rower. The magnetic rower is one the quietest machines. Some of the louder rowing machines include air rowers and water rowers.

What Muscles Does A Rowing Machine Workout?

Rowing machines allow for a full body workout. The machine engages multiple muscles when it is used with the right technique.

Every time you row, you are using your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abs, obliques, pecs, biceps, triceps, deltoids, and back.

While the rowing machine is great for building muscle, it also plays an important role in increasing your heart rate for a cardiovascular workout.