Best Rowing Machines According to r/rowing (December 2025)

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; 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 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; 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; 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 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 high-end WaterRower with SmartRow computer for more accurate metrics. Limited Reddit discussion, but addresses the S4 monitor accuracy issues of standard WaterRowers. ~$2,500 price point.

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 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; 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; A hybrid elliptical-rower that combines rowing stroke with standing elliptical motion. Magnetic resistance with 7 levels. Reddit notes it's low-impact and joint-friendly but not traditional rowing motion.

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; 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 floating-head erg that mimics on-water rowing by moving the footrest instead of the seat. At 76 inches long, it's more compact than standard ergs. Requires more technique but uses same PM5 monitor.

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

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; Decathlon's entry-level magnetic rower. Budget-friendly around EUR200 with 8 resistance levels and 42-inch rail. Reddit notes many users quickly develop 'Concept2 envy' and upgrade.

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; An Endurance by Body-Solid air rower at ~$800. Reddit notes for $190 more you could get a Concept2. Some regret despite 'absolutely fantastic' initial build quality - resistance weak at start of stroke.

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 standard WaterRower configuration with S4 monitor. Praised for quiet operation and small-space suitability. S4 monitor widely criticized as 'outdated tech' with inaccurate splits.

tldr; Merach's air rower that resembles Concept2 design. Mixed reviews - some praise value, others note inaccurate metrics (ticks every second stroke). Limited specific feedback on R50 model.