Best Rowing Machines According to r/rowing (February 2026)

tldr; A budget entry-level magnetic rowing machine from York Fitness. Features 8 resistance levels and a shorter 42-inch rail, limiting use for taller users. Best for casual home workouts, not serious rowing training.

tldr; The gold standard of rowing machines. Reddit universally recommends the C2 RowErg for its air resistance flywheel, PM5 monitor accuracy, and indestructible build quality that lasts decades with minimal maintenance.

tldr; A connected magnetic rower with 24-inch HD screen and live/on-demand classes. Reddit notes the $3,195 price plus $44/month subscription makes it expensive vs. Concept2 + iPad. Magnetic resistance feels different from air.

tldr; A 1990s-2001 Concept2 with the same indestructible build quality. Reddit confirms upgrading to a PM5 monitor ($185) makes it comparable to new ergs. 'Pretty indestructible' with parts still available from Concept2.

tldr; A premium handcrafted ash wood water rower with patented WaterFlywheel resistance. Reddit loves its living room-friendly aesthetics and soothing water sound, but notes the S4 monitor splits are 'overly generous' compared to Concept2.

tldr; Premium water resistance rowers known for aesthetics and quiet operation. The patented WaterFlywheel provides natural resistance that increases with effort. S4 monitor 'overly generous' - splits not comparable to C2.

tldr; A commercial-grade air rower from Bodycraft. Features dual-rail construction and ergonomic handle. Limited Reddit discussion available - overshadowed by Concept2 in the air rower category.

tldr; The 'Ferrari' of rowing machines - a high-end dynamic erg used by elite rowers. At ~$3,500, it's 3x the C2 price with higher maintenance needs. Best for advanced rowers focused on on-water technique transfer.

tldr; An expensive commercial gym rower at $4,500 that Reddit universally pans. No workout logging capability, poor accuracy ('200 meters off'), and no community support. 'Trash' compared to Concept2.

tldr; A commercial-grade air rower built for CrossFit boxes and high-intensity workouts. Features a heavy-duty steel frame and belt-driven resistance. Monitor not as refined as Concept2 PM5.

tldr; A Canadian air rower at $849 CAD. Designed as a more affordable C2 alternative with similar air resistance. Limited Reddit discussion - relatively new to market.

tldr; A connected magnetic rower with touchscreen. Limited Reddit discussion - brand better known for spin bikes. Requires Echelon subscription for content access.

tldr; A discontinued German-made magnetic rowing machine. The Regatta 500 featured 8 magnetic resistance levels and a 45-inch rail, suitable for users under 6'. No longer in production; Kettler filed for insolvency in 2019.

tldr; A UK-based budget air rower from JTX Fitness at GBP599. Features air resistance like Concept2 but with basic LCD monitor. Limited to European markets with minimal Reddit feedback.

tldr; The taller, commercial-focused Concept2 with 20-inch seat height (vs. 14" on RowErg). Stationary monitor arm makes it less portable. Best for commercial gyms or users with mobility issues.

tldr; A WaterRower with integrated tablet for gamified racing workouts. Reddit praises the engaging competitive experience that helps users row longer. Quiet water resistance, but content locked to Ergatta app.

tldr; The previous generation Concept2 (rebranded to RowErg). Features identical air resistance flywheel and PM5 monitor to current models. Reddit confirms Model D and RowErg are functionally identical - buy whichever is cheaper used.

tldr; An Australian-made dynamic erg offering RP3-like benefits at half the cost. Reddit recommends pairing with a PM5 for best results. Good for back pain relief with smaller footprint than C2.

tldr; Sunny's budget magnetic rower at ~$200-300. Features 12 resistance levels and 48-inch rail. Entry-level build quality - Reddit notes it's 'less smooth and sturdy' than premium brands.

tldr; A lesser-known dynamic sculling simulator at ~$3,000. Features adjustable floats for sculling simulation and PM5 compatibility. Can setup for scull or sweep rowing - unique among ergs.

tldr; A more affordable Hydrow with electromagnetic resistance and 16-inch screen. Features 'assisted pull' that helps recovery. Quieter than C2 but expensive with mandatory subscription.

tldr; The training/team variant of RP3 at ~$3,500. Users generally prefer Model S over Model T. 'Ferrari' of ergs - high cost and maintenance but superior for on-water technique transfer.

tldr; A budget magnetic rower at ~$350 with 16 resistance levels. Good for tall users (6'2"+). Bluetooth limited to Merach app or Kinomap. Reddit says decent for simple workouts but 'you'll need a C2' for serious rowing.

tldr; A magnetic rower from ProForm (Icon Fitness). Better than Sunny, less maintenance than water rowers. Magnetic resistance is 'a whole other beast' compared to air - different experience from C2.