Best Rowing Machine 2026 — Top 5 Home Rowers Tested
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Last updated: May 26, 2026 • 5 rowers compared
- Concept2 RowErg — Best overall (4.8/5)
- WaterRower A1 — Best water rower (4.6/5)
- Hydrow Wave — Best connected rower (4.5/5)
Rowing engages 86% of the body's muscles in a single low-impact movement. The best home rowers in 2026 span air, water, and magnetic resistance — each with a different feel, noise level, and price. After testing five models, here are the top picks.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best for | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg | Best overall Best Pick | ★★★★☆ 4.8 |
| WaterRower A1 | Best water rower Runner-up | ★★★★½ 4.6 |
| Hydrow Wave | Best connected rower | ★★★★½ 4.5 |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Best screen experience | ★★★★½ 4.3 |
| Sunny Health SF-RW5515 | Best budget Best Budget | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
1. Concept2 RowErg — Best Overall
The Concept2 RowErg is the world standard for indoor rowing. Used in Olympic training programs and competitive championships, it delivers precise PM5 monitor data — watts, split times, stroke rate — that's comparable globally. Air resistance provides a natural progressive feel that increases as you pull harder.
- PM5 monitor — most accurate data available
- Used by competitive rowers worldwide
- Splits into two pieces for storage
- Built to last decades
- Fan creates audible whooshing sound
- No built-in screen for classes
→ Read our full Concept2 RowErg review (PM5 monitor, gold standard)
2. WaterRower A1 — Best Water Rower
The WaterRower A1 combines genuine function with beautiful design. A solid ash wood frame and visible water tank make this the most attractive fitness machine money can buy. The water resistance delivers the most natural rowing feel of any home machine, with a calming splashing sound rather than mechanical noise.
- Most natural rowing feel
- Beautiful ash wood design
- Stores upright against a wall
- Calming water sound
- No digital performance metrics
- Higher price than entry-level air rowers
→ Read our full WaterRower A1 review (Wood-and-water aesthetics)
3. Hydrow Wave — Best Connected Rower
The Hydrow Wave is the Peloton of rowing. A 16-inch HD touchscreen streams immersive live rows on real waterways — the River Charles, the Thames — while electromagnetic resistance adjusts automatically to match the terrain. Near-silent operation makes it ideal for apartments.
- Immersive on-water video content
- Resistance auto-adjusts to workout
- Near-silent magnetic resistance
- Compact form factor vs original Hydrow
- Subscription required (~€40/month)
- Higher upfront cost
4. NordicTrack RW900 — Best Screen Experience
The NordicTrack RW900 has the largest screen of any rower on this list — a 24-inch HD touchscreen that pivots 180° for off-rower workouts. iFit provides live and on-demand rowing classes. Silent 26-level magnetic resistance and vertical fold storage make it ideal for home use.
- 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen
- 26-level silent magnetic resistance
- Folds vertically for storage
- iFit ecosystem included
- iFit subscription needed for full content
- Bulkier than the Hydrow Wave
5. Sunny Health SF-RW5515 — Best Budget
At under €300, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 delivers magnetic rowing with 12 resistance levels, a digital LCD display, and a foldable frame. It won't match Concept2 performance data, but for beginners and occasional use it provides a genuine rowing workout at an accessible price.
- Under €300 — most affordable quality option
- 12 magnetic resistance levels
- Folds flat for storage
- Limited performance data vs PM5
- Less durable than premium options
→ Read our full Sunny Health SF-RW5515 review ($300 magnetic rower)
What to Look for in a Rowing Machine
Resistance type
Air resistance (Concept2) increases naturally as you row harder. Water resistance (WaterRower) feels most realistic. Magnetic resistance (Hydrow, NordicTrack, Sunny Health) is near-silent — ideal for apartments. Each type suits different priorities.
Performance monitoring
The Concept2 PM5 monitor is the industry standard for accurate watts, split times, and stroke rate. Connected rowers like Hydrow and NordicTrack provide class-based metrics instead. Budget models offer basic LCD readouts.
Storage and footprint
Most rowers are 240cm × 60cm in use. The WaterRower stores upright; most others fold vertically. Measure your space before buying — folded height (150–170cm) can be a constraint in rooms with low ceilings.
Our Verdict
The Concept2 RowErg is the best overall rowing machine for anyone serious about performance — it's the benchmark used by Olympic athletes worldwide. For aesthetics and natural feel, nothing matches the WaterRower A1. If connected classes motivate you, the Hydrow Wave delivers an unmatched experience. On a budget, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 is the smart starting point.