The Best Indoor Rowing Machines To Buy in 2024

Indoor rowing is a low-impact exercise that can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. Rowing, as a low-impact sport, lowers the risk of damage to weight-bearing joints such as hips, ankles, and knees, which are prone to injury and soreness when participating in high-impact sports.

After hearing the benefits, are you considering purchasing a rowing machine? Here are our top recommendations for the best indoor rowing machines to upgrade your home gym right now. You may also need the best treadmills under 2000, best budget elliptical and best foldable weight bench to complete your home gym setup.

1. CONCEPT2 Model E Indoor Rower

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Concept2

• Color: Black

• Resistance Mechanism: Air

• Product Dimensions: 24"D x 96"W x 20"H

• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 500 Pounds

• Model Name: Model E

• Frame Material: Aluminum, Alloy Steel

• Item Weight: 29 Kilograms

• Material: Aluminum

• Power Source: Battery Powered

Product's highlights

The Concept 2 Model E rowing machine is a step up from the brand's RowErg, with a low-maintenance, nickel-plated chain and several other unique features. The same PM5 is at its heart—a simple, yet sophisticated performance monitor that tracks your vitals between workouts. The use of a USB flash drive allows you to easily backup your workout data between sessions.

Rowers weighing up to 500 pounds can be supported by the aluminum and steel construction. However, at less than 70 pounds, it is simple to set up and move. When it's time to put it away, it neatly splits in half with a simple framelock mechanism to fit into an ultra-compact footprint.

Pros

• Air-based resistance is smooth and quiet.

• Splits in half for convenient storage

• Footrests that adjust and an ergonomic handle

• Long-lasting aluminum and steel construction

• Lightweight.

Cons

• The fundamental LCD display

2. NORDICTRACK RW900 Smart Rower

Important Specifications 

• Brand: NordicTrack

• Color: Black

• Resistance Mechanism: Water, Magnetic

• Product Dimensions: 22"D x 86.5"W x 50.4"H

• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds

• Model Name: NordicTrack RW900 Rower

• Item Weight: 130.6 Pounds

• Display Type: digital

Product's highlights

The RW900 Smart Rower features a crisp, 22-inch touchscreen that allows you to take classes on the fly and automatically adjusts your resistance level based on the trainers' preferences. Professional instructors will even push you to go beyond cardio and into strength training and yoga classes. You'll never be bored thanks to the extensive virtual program library.

Other features we like include Bluetooth headphone connectivity, quick-adjust pedals, and simple assembly. It also easily sets up and stores, making it simple to prepare for and dismantle at the end of your workouts.

Pros

• A large virtual training program library

• Touchscreen display with 22-inch resolution

• There are 26 digital resistance levels.

• Bluetooth connectivity for headphones

• Folds in half for convenient storage

Cons

• A separate online fitness membership is required.

• Heavy

3. AssaultRower Elite

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Assault Fitness

• Color: Gray

• Item Weight: 124.6 Pounds

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 350 Pounds

• Model Name: AssaultRower Elite

Product's highlights

Assault Fitness' AssaultRower Elite was designed specifically for commercial gym use, so you know it can withstand the toughest workouts and years of abuse. This thing will take your worst—and give you a full-body workout to make your body its best—with a solid steel frame and parts that can take a beating.

It has all of the essential features that both novice and advanced rowers require. Sweatproof seating, multi-grip handles, and adjustable footrests all contribute to a comfortable workout. The basic onboard training programs are available on the simple LCD display, and there is also a built-in heart rate monitor.

Pros

• Integrated LCD screen with on-board training programs

• Monitor your heart rate

• Construction of a strong, powder-coated steel frame

• Developed by professional athletes and trainers

Cons

• Heavy

• The fundamental display

4. CONCEPT2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Concept2

• Color: Black

• Resistance Mechanism: Air

• Product Dimensions: 24"D x 96"W x 14"H

• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 500 Pounds

• Model Name: Model D

• Frame Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum

• Item Weight: 57.32 Pounds

• Material: Aluminum

Product's highlights

The RowErg, formerly known as Concept 2's Model D rower, is the device that comes to mind first when you think of rowing training. It has many of the same features as rowing machines that are twice the price.

It's extremely simple to put together, with many Amazon reviewers claiming a setup time of around 20 minutes with no tools or hardware. With adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle, the design is adaptable enough to accommodate almost any user. It's made of high-quality materials throughout, so it'll last a long time.

The clever design that separates into two pieces for easy storage will appeal to city dwellers and users with limited space. Built-in caster wheels make setup and disassembly a breeze.

Pros

• The competitive rowing industry standard

• Divides into two parts for easy storage

• High-quality, long-lasting construction

• Simple to assemble

• Footrests that can be adjusted and an ergonomic handle

Cons

• There are no built-in apps.

5. WATERROWER Club Rowing Machine

Important Specifications 

• Brand: WaterRower

• Special Feature: Heart rate monitor;Stroke Rate

• Resistance Mechanism: Water

• Product Dimensions: 84"D x 21"W x 22"H

• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 700 Pounds

• Frame Material: Wood

• Item Weight: 117 Pounds

• Material: wood

Product's highlights

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine goes back to basics. The made-in-the-USA design is sleek, with a vintage-inspired aesthetic of stained ash wood. It is also the heaviest-duty rowing machine on this list, supporting users weighing up to 1,000 pounds.

The traditional water-based flywheel not only looks cool, but it also simulates the dynamic motion of rowing in real water. The resistance can be fully customized by filling the water tank with more or less water as desired.

Pros

• The bulletproof wood construction can withstand up to 1,000 lbs.

• Water-based resistance appears to be more realistic.

• A simple performance monitor tracks the essentials of a workout.

• Adjustable foot pedals and a comfortable seat

• The operation is quiet.

Cons

• Heavy

1. How long should a rowing machine beginner row?

Beginners should row for a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of twenty minutes when first starting out. Warm-up and cool-down periods should be included in all workouts.

2. Is it better to use a water rower or a magnetic rower?

Water rowers and magnetic rowers provide two distinct user experiences, and the best one for you ultimately depends on your needs. A water rower is likely your best option if you want to simulate rowing in real life. A magnetic rower may be the best option if noise is your primary concern.

3. Is rowing good for reducing belly fat?

Although targeted fat loss is not possible, rowing can help you burn a lot of calories. When combined with a healthy diet and a caloric deficit, you may notice a smaller waistline.

Rowing machines provide a low-impact full-body workout in the comfort of your own home. However, selecting the right one, like any major investment, is a difficult task. Choose the best rowing machine for your home use by taking into account the resistance mechanism, noise levels, the amount of technology you're comfortable with, and any space constraints you may have.