Rowing isn’t just for athletes on the water; an at-home machine can be a great way to get an efficient, high-intensity, and low-impact workout. With proper form and a high-quality machine, rowing offers multiple benefits. It works multiple muscle groups simultaneously, may improve mindfulness and performance, and, like other aerobic exercise, it may strengthen your heart.
Busy professionals who want to avoid commuting to the gym should consider an at-home rowing machine as a way to sharpen their cardio and reap the resulting physical and mental benefits. Our team tested six rowing machines, then selected our top three picks of the year. Read on for our testers’ full reviews of each machine, focusing on their overall experience, ergonomics, and portability.
Best Rowing Machines of 2026
- Best Rowing Machine Overall: NordicTrack RW900
- Best Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine: Aviron Strong Go Rower
- Best Rowing Machine for Classes: Hydrow Wave
Best Rowing Machines Comparison Table
Best Rowing Machine Overall: NordicTrack RW900
NordicTrack RW900
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at NordicTrack
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved the stability and durability of this rowing machine
- Who it’s for: Folks who want to exercise while streaming a show or movie
- What makes it different: Has a 24-inch pivoting and tilting HD touchscreen
Pros
- Very sturdy construction, per our tester
- Has 26 levels of resistance
- Quiet
Cons
- IFIT membership is an additional cost
- Can’t be folded to store away
- Some RW900s were recalled in 2025 (sold between November 2018 and April 2022), though the company has addressed the issue (screen was a fire hazard)
Our Thoughts on NordicTrack RW900
The NordicTrack RW900 is our pick for the best overall rowing machine because it performed excellently in testing. The stroke felt extremely smooth, and the rower is exceptionally quiet, per our tester, Pete. He is a certified personal trainer (CPT), certified nutrition coach (CNC), a former collegiate swimmer, and a current competitive CrossFit athlete. He’s used rowers like this before, though he primarily uses the Concept2 RowERG at the CrossFit gym.
Pete also liked that this rowing machine has six different slats you can use to adjust your foot location to find what’s comfortable. In terms of stability, He said the NordicTrack RW900 is as solid as a rock, no matter how fast you’re trying to row. Pete rated his overall experience a 4 out of 5 after completing a 10-minute workout; here’s the breakdown of the test:
Minutes 1-5: Row at a consistent, steady pace (18-24 strokes per minute)
Minutes 5-8: Stroke rate comparison test. Row for 3 minutes: minute 1 low (18 SPM), minute 2 moderate (24 SPM, and minute 3 high (30 SPM)
Minutes 8-10: Power stroke test. Perform 10-20 very strong strokes with full drive emphasis
Of the workout, Pete said: “I really enjoyed the stability of the rower and how quiet it was. The things I didn’t love were that my feet felt a little too wide because the guide rail is quite large, and I don’t love the Velcro strap system, just because it takes a bit of extra time getting in and out of the rower.”
Aside from that, Pete said everything was excellent and that he’d definitely use this rower again. He’d recommend it to people who want to do longer rowing sessions at their house, or those who want to exercise while watching a show on Netflix or Hulu. “If your goal is pure performance, however, then there are other options on the market that would suit you better,” Pete said.
When it comes to ergonomics, Pete rated the NordicTrack RW900 a 4 out of 5. “The seat is contoured. It was quite comfortable to sit on, even for longer duration rows,” he said. “The handlebars were comfortable and slightly padded. I doubt they’d cause blisters, even on very long rows.”
Pete thinks the portability of this machine is slightly limited. “You can’t easily move the machine around; it’s not light,” he said. When put together, this rowing machine weighs around 150 pounds. “There are wheels on the front base of the rower, but you’d still need a bit of strength to lift the back of the rower and push it to a new location on the wheels,” Pete said, rating portability a 3 out of 5.
Specs:
- Resistance type: Silent magnetic resistance (SMR™)
- Dimensions: 80.1 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 52.7 inches tall
- Subscription required?: No, though rowing workouts are available via an iFIT subscription
Best Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine: Aviron Strong Go Rower
Aviron Strong Go Rower
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Aviron
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how easy the high-tech touchscreen was to use
- Who it’s for: Beginner rowers who want to feel like they’re rowing on the water
- What makes it different: This rower is 7 feet long; suitable for users up to 6 feet 8 inches tall
Pros
- Easy to fold and store upright
- Membership includes games, competitions, classes, and more
- Durable, made with aluminum
Cons
- Only offers basic metrics without the full membership
- Not ideal for athletes who want more performance data
- More expensive than traditional rowing machines
Our Thoughts on Aviron Strong Go Rower
The Aviron Strong Go Rower is our pick for the best air and magnetic rowing machine because it combines the quiet, nearly noiseless aspects of a magnetic rower with the customization of air resistance. It’s also easily portable and can be stored upright. For folks who want to gamify their workout, Aviron’s membership includes competitions, games, classes, and more. The family membership is just $29 a month with unlimited profiles as of this writing.
Raven tested the Aviron Strong Go Rower; she’s a college strength and conditioning coach. She rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I’d recommend this product to someone who is a beginner at fitness or a person who doesn’t necessarily enjoy exercise and wants gamification or programmed workouts along with their gym equipment,” Raven said. “My feet felt secure in the straps, and I loved how you can adjust the width to be narrower or wider. The handlebars were very easy to hold. The seat wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t the worst I’ve tested,” she said.
She rated the ergonomics a 4 out of 5. “The seat is contoured; however, it is a harder seat,” Raven said. “The handlebars are comfortable, and I don’t think they’d cause calluses. I weightlift, and my hands are already very callused, so I don’t notice this aspect as much.”
When it comes to portability, Raven found the Aviron Strong Go Rower easy to move around and store. “You can store this rower upright,” she said. “It is a little bulky because of how tall the front of it is and how big the screen is; however, it is light and very easy to move.”
This rower weighs 105 pounds when assembled. Additionally, you can store it upright. “The process of folding and storing the rower was easy and safe,” Raven said. “It is a little bulky and may take up more room than expected, so depending on your space, it may not fit in a corner.” She rated portability a 3 out of 5.
Specs:
- Resistance type: Air and magnetic
- Dimensions: 84 inches long by 27 inches wide by 48 tall
- Subscription required?: No, recommended but not required for use. Aviron also has a free app
Best Rowing Machine for Classes: Hydrow Wave
Hydrow Wave
| Fortune score | 3.5/5 |
at Hydrow
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved the sleek and aesthetically pleasing design of this rower
- Who it’s for: Folks who want advanced metrics along with guidance
- What makes it different: Available in five different colors
Pros
- Touchscreen is user-friendly
- Membership includes rowing workouts and workouts you can do off the rower as well
- Weighs just 102 pounds when assembled
Cons
- Rower comes in two pieces
- This rower shakes a little if you lean to the left or right, per our tester
- Can be stored upright, but can’t be folded up
Our Thoughts on Hydrow Wave
The Hydrow Wave is our pick for the best rowing machine for classes because the Hydrow membership provides “over 6,000 rowing and cross-training workouts filmed on waterways around the world,” per the brand. The Hydrow membership, which costs $50 per month per household, also has athlete-led coaching, customized training insights, and rewards.
Arralyn tested the Hydrow Wave, rating her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “Overall, this rower is built very well, and it’s very easy to use,” she said. “The machine does come apart in the middle, which makes the setup a little bit harder. It can’t be folded, so you’d need a bigger space to store it. I’d use this product again and would recommend it to anyone looking to get a workout in (on or off the rower) or people starting a new fitness journey or getting back into it!”
When it comes to ergonomics, our tester liked both the seat and the handlebars. “The seat is contoured and very comfortable to sit on throughout your workout. The handlebars are comfortable and easy to use; they won’t cause blisters unless used for a long period of time,” Arralyn said. She rated the Hydrow Wave a 3 out of 5 in this category.
Of portability, our tester said the machine is lighter and easier to move. It weighs 102 pounds when assembled. “This machine can be stored upright, but it doesn’t fold up! To get the rower to sit upright, you’d have to grab from the back of the rower or take it apart in the middle and then store the interface upright,” she said. Arralyn rated portability a 3 out of 5.
Specs:
- Resistance type: Electromagnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 80 inches long by 19 inches wide by 43 inches tall
- Subscription required?: No, recommended but not required for use
Why the Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals
For time-pressed professionals, having fitness equipment at home can make a world of difference in actually getting your workout in. With a fitness machine in your garage, basement, in-home gym, or even in a city condo, you can work out whenever you want, for however long you can. Fitness equipment that is compact, foldable, and relatively lightweight can be a great value prop over time; it can be much more cost-effective than a gym membership that doesn’t get used. We think any of the rowing machines on this list could be a smart investment in your personal and professional well-being.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Rowing Machines
Our team tested each rowing machine for 10 minutes.
The main workout test consisted of:
Minutes 1-5: Row at a consistent, steady pace (18-24 strokes per minute)
Minutes 5-8: Stroke rate comparison test. Row for 3 minutes: minute 1 low (18 SPM), minute 2 moderate (24 SPM, and minute 3 high (30 SPM)
Minutes 8-10: Power stroke test. Perform 10-20 very strong strokes with full drive emphasis
Portability
Testers provided a score of 1 out of 5; 1 being the worst/unable to be moved, and 5 being the best/easy to move, based on their experience lifting, folding, and moving the rowing machines where applicable. They also described how easy or difficult lifting the machine was for them, and if the rowing machine could be placed upright in a corner or another area of their home.
Noise
Testers rated the noise of the rowing machines on a scale of 1 to 5; 1 being the loudest or worst, and 5 being the quietest or best.
Durability and Construction
When testing the durability and construction of rowing machines, our testers provided feedback if they noticed shaking, wobbling, or weird clicking noises during workouts. They also paid close attention to see if any undesired movement occurred when they pushed the machine harder or at higher resistance levels.
Ergonomics
Testers rated the ergonomics of the rowing machines from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. They considered whether the seat was both contoured and comfortable, and whether the handlebars easily caused blisters.
Value
Testers rated the overall value of the rowing machines they’ve tested, considering both the cost, features, and if a membership is required for use. Then they describe if they think the rowing machines offer good value for the price, or not.
Benefits of Rowing Machines
Rowing machines have multiple benefits. Here are a few.
- Spine support: When used with proper form, rowing may strengthen your back muscles, which in turn may help improve your posture
- High intensity, but low impact: Rowing machines offer a vigorous workout that doesn’t put stress on your joints
- Uses multiple muscle groups at once: Rowing engages your entire back, arms, and legs
- Burns lots of calories quickly: While the exact amount of calories burned during your rowing workout depends on your weight, duration, and intensity/average power, rowing is well known for burning calories faster than, say, walking or yoga
What to Avoid in Rowing Machines
When shopping for rowing machines, here are a few aspects to avoid.
- Ergonomics that don’t suit your body and comfort levels: Consider testing the seat, pedal straps, and handles/grips in the store before purchasing
- Defective or poorly made: Check for floor stabilizers and durable materials before purchasing to ensure the machine doesn’t wobble or shake at higher speeds/resistance
- Design flaws: It’s best to sit on the rower before purchasing to ensure that you can fully extend your legs and check your foot positioning as well
How to Find the Best Rowing Machines for You
When shopping for a rowing machine, here are a few aspects to keep in mind.
Type of Resistance
There are several types of resistance. Here are definitions for the types of rowing machines.
- Air: Uses a fan to create resistance
- Water: You can modify the resistance based on the amount of water in your rowing machine
- Magnetic: Magnets create the resistance
- Hydraulic: Uses pistons or cylinders that are filled with water or air; resistance is created by pulling against it
Size and Your Space
Consider where you’d ideally like to place a rowing machine and look at the overall footprint of the machine once assembled. Some rowing machines can also be folded and stored upright.
Customization
Check to see if it’s easy to adjust the resistance. Also check out the pedals to ensure they are positioned properly and, if not, can be adjusted. When trying out a rowing machine, also be aware of any issues you note while making adjustments.
Portability
Many rowing machines are lighter in weight. Some are even just around 100 pounds, making it easier to move around if needed. Consider the weight of the machine (both boxed and assembled) before purchasing, and if you’ll want to move it or if it’ll remain in the same space in your home.
Programming
Many rowing machines have limited onboard programming and instead offer membership options (monthly cost ranges from $29 and up). Memberships frequently include advanced metrics, programs, games, competitions, and rowing imagery from all over the world. Rowers do typically come with some baseline programming that can be used without a membership, though it may be more limited. The best rowing machine programming will really depend on your specific needs. Consider if you’d like a bare-bones machine or if you want to gamify your workouts with more advanced capabilities.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
For white-collar professionals and CEOs, one of the most valuable resources is time. We think investing in an at-home rowing machine can be an excellent way to sneak in an efficient and high-intensity workout with little time. Some rowing machines can be folded and stored upright; you could even keep them in a large office if not at home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common injury in rowing?
Many injuries can happen with rowing, but anecdotally, my friend Taylor, a former D1 collegiate rower, said that he’s seen a lot of lower back injuries over the years—especially at less experienced levels of the sport. “This can happen because of bad form and poor connection at the catch, so you can wind up with a ton of force hinging in the wrong places. This is comparable to deadlifting incorrectly,” he said. “All the rowers that I’ve met have had tweaky backs at one point or another.”
How much rowing is equal to 10,000 steps?
There’s no definitive equivalent, though Ohio State University’s has an Activities to Steps Conversion Chart showing rowing as equal to about 111 steps per minute. To get in approximately 9,990 steps, you’d have to row for about 90 minutes, which would be quite a long rowing workout.
Is rowing good for bone density?
A 2023 study showed that while rowing didn’t increase bone density itself, rowing may change how your bone mineral content is distributed throughout your body and help to maintain the existing bone density you do have.
