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

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

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 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; 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; 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.

tldr; The original Oartec dynamic erg - 'fantastic' and 'much better than C2 Dynamic'. Monitor is worst part but easily swaps with PM5. Best bang for buck dynamic erg at half RP3 cost.

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; Reddit overwhelmingly recommends the Rogue Echo Rower. With 100% positive sentiment across 3 mentions, this is a clear community favorite.

tldr; A discontinued magnetic rower from Kettler (German brand). Brand filed for insolvency in 2019. Previously offered good German engineering at mid-range price. No longer available new.

tldr; A budget magnetic rower at entry-level prices. Basic monitor with limited connectivity. Entry point for casual home rowing. Limited Reddit discussion.

tldr; A water rower from First Degree Fitness with adjustable tank resistance. The Viking 2 offers variable water resistance via a dial - unique feature vs standard water rowers. Limited Reddit feedback.

tldr; A water rower from CityRow studio chain. Features water resistance with app for CityRow workouts. Alternative to putting C2 in front of TV for guided content.