Best Rowing Machines of 2025
Best Rowing Machines of 2025. Rowing machines remain a top choice for full-body, low-impact cardiovascular workouts that blend strength, endurance, and calorie burning into one smooth motion. Whether you’re a beginner, a serious athlete, or somewhere in between, 2025 offers an impressive range of rowing machines tailored to different fitness levels, budgets, space constraints, and tech preferences. This article dives into the best rowing machines of 2025 with original insights, reviews from customers across Amazon and other shops, plus an FAQ to help you pick the perfect rower for your needs.
Why Rowing Machines Are a Must-Have in 2025
Rowing is a total-body exercise engaging your legs, core, back, and arms simultaneously, making it one of the most efficient workouts per minute. Unlike running or cycling, rowing is low impact, protecting joints while improving cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Users report not only physical benefits but also improved mental health thanks to rhythmic rowing motions and immersive content available on many contemporary rowers.
Rowing machines remain a top choice for full-body, low-impact cardiovascular workouts that blend strength, endurance, and calorie burning into one smooth motion. Whether you’re a beginner, a serious athlete, or somewhere in between, 2025 offers an impressive range of rowing machines tailored to different fitness levels, budgets, space constraints, and tech preferences.
This article dives into the best rowing machines of 2025 with original insights, reviews from customers across Amazon and other shops, plus an FAQ to help you pick the perfect rower for your needs.
Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine with Immersive 22″ HD Rotating Screen
The Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine is a premium, full-body workout device that blends smooth, water-like resistance with an immersive digital experience. Built to replicate the feeling of rowing on real water, it uses a patented electromagnetic drag system to deliver a quiet yet powerful stroke — no chain, no fan, no splash.
Why Rowing Machines Are a Must-Have in 2025
Rowing is a total-body exercise engaging your legs, core, back, and arms simultaneously, making it one of the most efficient workouts per minute. Unlike running or cycling, rowing is low impact, protecting joints while improving cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Users report not only physical benefits but also improved mental health thanks to rhythmic rowing motions and immersive content available on many contemporary rowers.
Top Rowing Machines of 2025: Expert Picks & Community Favorites
1. Concept2 RowERG — Best Overall Rowing Machine
The Concept2 RowERG continues to dominate as the top rowing machine in 2025 due to its durable steel and aluminum build, reliable performance, and wide adoption among Olympians and CrossFit gyms. Many customers praise its precision PM5 monitor for accurate tracking, a damper for adjustable air resistance, and integration with popular apps like Zwift and ErgData.
Personal Experience: Having trained on the Concept2 for two years during CrossFit, its sturdy frame and classic chain drive deliver a gritty, satisfying stroke. The lack of a touchscreen may seem dated, but the simple, effective interface offers everything you need to focus on your workout. The only downside is the loud fan noise and a hard plastic seat, though aftermarket seat pads help.
Customer Feedback: Amazon users love its ruggedness and consistent resistance but mention the chain requires periodic oiling. Some highlight the premium price vs. other options but justify the
investment for its longevity.
Check also: Reviews about rowing machines
2. Hydrow Wave Rower — Best On-The-Water Immersive Experience
Hydrow Wave tops the list for rowers who want a premium, quiet, magnetic resistance machine paired with stunning, interactive on-the-water training content. Its 16-inch HD touchscreen streams thousands of live and on-demand classes from global rowing locations, led by Olympians and seasoned coaches.
Personal Experience: Using the Hydrow Wave felt like being transported to scenic lakes or rivers while getting one of the smoothest rowing experiences. Its magnetic resistance is whisper-quiet, perfect for shared living spaces, and the classes motivate you to push beyond your limits.
Customer Feedback: Customers rave about the engaging classes and build quality but caution about the higher subscription cost ($44/month) and the machine’s hefty price tag near $1,700. Some wish for easier drag adjustment mid-workout.
Superun 2025 Upgraded Rowing Machines for Home
Upgrade your home fitness setup with the Superun 2025 Rowing Machine, engineered to provide a smooth, low-noise workout using its advanced 32-level magnetic resistance system. This rower delivers a full-body cardio experience — engaging legs, core, back, and arms — while remaining quiet enough for shared living spaces.
3. AssaultRower Pro — Most Durable and Rugged Choice
Built for heavy use, the AssaultRower Pro features a powder-coated steel frame that is corrosion-resistant and ideal for intense workouts. It uses air resistance, which is as loud as expected but responds beautifully to your rowing intensity.
Customer Feedback: Users consistently praise its solid build and smooth pull but note the noisy fan and basic LCD screen. Its lack of technology features keeps it simple and durable for those wanting a no-frills, effective rowing experience.
MERACH Rowing Machines for Home Adjustable Air Resistance Professional Indoor Rowing Machine
Train smarter, harder, and more smoothly with the MERACH NovaRow R50, a professional-grade air resistance rowing machine built for serious performance in a home setting. With 10 adjustable air resistance levels, a powerful 32-blade fan, and Bluetooth connectivity, this rower delivers gym-quality strokes without a commercial footprint.
4. Echelon Row — Best Smart Rowing Machine on a Mid-Range Budget
Echelon Row offers strong magnetic resistance with Bluetooth connectivity to the Echelon Fit app. While it lacks a built-in touchscreen, users mount their tablets for streaming interactive classes and social competitions.
Personal Experience: Echelon’s availability on Amazon at under $1,000 makes it a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking smart training without the premium price. The adjustable resistance levels controlled from the handlebar enhance workout customization.
Customer Feedback: Consumers appreciate the value and app-based classes but find the instructor quality variable and the app exclusive to Echelon content.
5. WaterRower Walnut Rowing Machine — Best Water Rower for Aesthetics and Quietness
The WaterRower features a handcrafted walnut frame that doubles as striking furniture and delivers authentic water resistance. The gentle sloshing sound is soothing, and the rowing machine supports users up to 700 pounds.
Personal Experience: Sitting on this rower feels different—it’s lower to the ground, and the water resistance recreates the feel of rowing on a lake. The craftmanship invites you to keep it a visible piece in your workout space instead of a hidden machine.
Customer Feedback: Customers love the beauty and smooth feel but warn about ongoing minor maintenance, such as adding purification tablets and limited onboard tech.
6. Stamina ATS Air Rower — Best Budget Rowing Machine
For those on a tight budget, the Stamina ATS Air Rower offers a foldable lightweight design, basic air resistance, and comfortable padded seat for under $300.
Customer Feedback: Buyers enjoy the affordability and compactness but the machine can wobble during intense workouts, and the short rail limits range for taller users.
7. WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower — Most Compact and Space-Saving Rower
If space is a constraint, the WR1 folds down to a compact size to fit under furniture or closets and features a wooden frame with water resistance.
Customer Feedback: Users like the portability and quiet water resistance but note it’s not powerful enough for advanced rowers.
Pooboo Rowing Machines for Home Dual Wind and Magnetic Resistance Foldable Row Machine
The Pooboo Dual-Wind & Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine is a premium, space-efficient ergometer that delivers a full-body workout using a combination of wind (air) resistance and magnetic resistance. This hybrid design gives you the smooth, natural feel of rowing on water — with the option to dial in quiet, controlled resistance when needed.
What to Look for When Choosing a Rowing Machine
- Resistance Type: Air (loud & responsive), Water (realistic & soothing), Magnetic (silent & adjustable), or Hybrid.
- Comfort: Pay attention to seat padding, handle grips, and foot stretchers.
- Tech Features: Consider monitor quality, app integration, live classes, and subscription fees.
- Space & Portability: Foldability, weight, footprint, and vertical storage options matter.
- Durability: Steel frames and build quality impact longevity and warranty support.
- Price: Range varies from under $300 (budget) up to $1,700+ (premium smart rowers).
Notable Amazon Customer Opinions Summary
- The Concept2 RowERG receives high marks for durability and reliability but has trade-offs in noise and comfort.
- Hydrow Wave users consistently praise its immersive content and quiet magnetic resistance but debate the subscription’s value.
- AssaultRower customers emphasize ruggedness and responsiveness but accept the fan noise.
- Echelon reviews mention the great value but sometimes criticize the coaching quality.
- WaterRower Walnut is beloved for design and ambiance.
- Budget buyers enjoy the value but often note compromises in stability and tech.
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor
The Concept2 RowErg is the gold standard in indoor rowing machines, designed for athletes, home gyms, and fitness enthusiasts who demand durability, precision, and performance. Built with a rugged aluminum frame and a chain-drive air flywheel, this rower delivers a smooth, realistic rowing stroke paired with long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best rowing machine for beginners?
A: Ergatta Lite and Aviron Strong Go rowers are popular beginner choices because of their comfortable designs and engaging interactive content that makes learning smooth strokes fun.
Q: Are rowing machines good for weight loss?
A: Yes, rowing machines provide intense full-body cardio and strength, burning calories effectively without high joint impact, supporting weight loss and toning.
Q: What is the difference between air, water, and magnetic resistance?
A: Air resistance intensifies with your effort but is loud; water provides a smooth, natural feel with calming sounds; magnetic resistance is quiet and adjustable electronically but often pricier.
Q: Do I need a subscription for the best rowing experience?
A: Not necessarily. Basic rowers like Concept2 offer solid workouts without subscriptions, while smart rowers like Hydrow or Echelon provide interactive classes but require monthly fees.
Q: How much space does a rowing machine require?
A: Most rowers need about 6-8 feet lengthwise when in use. Some models fold or store vertically, reducing their footprint to less than 3 square feet for tight spaces.
Q: How noisy are rowing machines?
A: Air rowers are loudest due to fans; water rowers make a soothing sloshing sound; magnetic rowers are quiet, suited for apartments.
Q: Can tall or heavy users find suitable rowers?
A: Yes, premium models like Concept2 (supports 500 lbs/38” inseam), Aviron Strong (507 lbs, 6’8” height), and WaterRower Walnut (700 lbs) accommodate taller and heavier users comfortably.
With all these options, picking the best rowing machine in 2025 depends on your personal goals, budget, available space, and desired tech features. Whether you want a rugged workhorse, an immersive on-the-water experience, or a compact budget model, 2025’s lineup has something to propel you toward your fitness goals.
