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Sarah Chen, MS, CSCS
Exercise Science Reviewer
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Published: February 8, 2026 · 13 min read
I spent two months testing rowing machines after realizing treadmills bore me to death. Rowing engages 86% of your muscles in a single stroke. Your legs drive, your core stabilizes, your back pulls, and your arms finish. It burns calories like running but without the joint impact. If you have already plugged your stats into our TDEE Calculator and know you need more cardio without destroying your knees, a rowing machine is worth considering.
Figure out your targets before you invest in equipment.
The rowing machine market is messy. You can spend $150 or $4,000. Some use air, some use water, some use magnets. Most of the cheap ones feel awful within three months. I tested five machines at different price points to find which ones are actually worth the money.
★★★★★ 4.9 out of 5
The Concept2 Model D is what you find in gyms, CrossFit boxes, and Olympic training centers. It is the standard. Air resistance means the harder you pull, the more resistance you get. The PM5 monitor tracks everything and connects to apps like ErgData and Strava. This machine will outlast you. People row millions of meters on these without issues. At $990, it is not cheap, but you will never need to replace it.
Anyone serious about rowing. Competitive rowers train on Concept2 because every machine performs identically. Your split times are comparable worldwide. If you want to do structured interval training, track progress over years, or just row without the machine falling apart, this is the one.
The PM5 monitor calculates calories burned in real time based on your actual power output in watts. Cross-reference those numbers with our Calories Burned Calculator and check your VO2 Max to track cardiovascular improvement over time.
Pros: Indestructible build, PM5 is best monitor available, feels exactly like on-water rowing, huge online community, competes globally on leaderboards
Cons: Loud flywheel noise (sounds like a fan), takes up serious floor space even when stored, expensive upfront, air resistance means you need good form or it feels uneven
★★★★☆ 4.3 out of 5
For $299, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 is shockingly functional. Magnetic resistance means it runs silent, which matters if you live in an apartment or row while other people sleep. It has eight resistance levels controlled by a knob. The monitor is basic but shows time, count, calories, and total count. The rail is steel. The seat glides smoothly. It folds upright for storage. This is not a Concept2, but it does the job.
Beginners who want cardio at home without spending a grand. This machine fits in small spaces when folded. The magnetic resistance is quiet enough to row during a Zoom call (with your mic muted). If you need a no-excuses cardio option and have a tight budget, this works.
The monitor gives calorie estimates, but they are not precise. Use our Calories Burned Calculator to get more accurate burn estimates based on your weight and intensity. Track your calorie deficit to see if your rowing sessions are moving the needle.
Pros: Silent magnetic resistance, folds for storage, under $300, smooth glide, decent for daily 20-minute sessions
Cons: Monitor is bare-bones (no Bluetooth, no app sync), resistance levels feel similar at the high end, not built for intense interval training, 250 lb limit is restrictive
★★★★☆ 4.1 out of 5
At $149, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider is as cheap as rowing machines get without being complete garbage. It uses hydraulic pistons instead of a flywheel. The motion does not feel like real rowing, but it does work your legs, back, and arms. The resistance adjusts with a knob on each piston. The monitor is extremely basic. This machine is small, lightweight, and fits under a bed. If you have never rowed before and want to test the waters without financial commitment, this is an option.
People with extremely limited space or budgets. Seniors doing light cardio. Anyone who wants to try rowing for a month before deciding whether to invest in a real machine. The hydraulic pistons mean you cannot do high-intensity intervals, but for steady-state low-impact cardio, it does the job.
Even light rowing counts toward your daily activity. Use the Calories Burned Calculator to estimate burn based on your session length and perceived intensity.
Pros: Under $150, fits in tiny apartments, very light (stores under beds), quiet operation, easy assembly
Cons: Hydraulic motion does not feel like real rowing, resistance is uneven and wears out over time, pistons can leak after heavy use, cheap plastic components, not durable for daily use
★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5
The Hydrow is the Peloton of rowing machines. It costs $2,495 plus a $44/month membership for live and on-demand classes. The 22-inch HD touchscreen shows you rowing on rivers with instructors coaching in real time. The electromagnetic resistance mimics the feel of water rowing. The build quality is exceptional. The classes are legitimately good. But you are paying for a connected fitness experience, not just a rower. If the subscription model and high price do not bother you, this is the best at-home rowing experience available.
People who need external motivation to work out. The classes make rowing less boring. If you liked Peloton or similar platforms and want that experience for rowing, Hydrow delivers. The instructors are actual Olympic rowers. The production quality is high. But you must be willing to pay the monthly fee indefinitely.
Hydrow classes display real-time calorie burn based on your profile and effort. Cross-check with our Calories Burned Calculator and use the Heart Rate Zones Calculator to stay in the right training zone for your goals.
Pros: Best connected rowing experience, immersive classes, smooth electromagnetic resistance, excellent build quality, large active community
Cons: $2,495 upfront plus $44/month subscription, classes require internet connection, overkill if you prefer solo workouts, heavier and harder to move than other rowers
★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus sits between the ultra-budget Stamina and the mid-tier Sunny Health. At $179, it offers magnetic resistance with 14 levels, a better monitor than the Stamina, and a sturdier frame than you would expect at this price. It is not silent like the Sunny, but it is quieter than air rowers. The LCD shows time, strokes, distance, and calories. It does not have Bluetooth or app connectivity, but that is fine for most people. If you want a solid budget rower with more resistance options, this is the pick.
Budget buyers who want more than the bare minimum. The 14 resistance levels give you more room to progress compared to 8-level models. Taller users appreciate the extended rail. If you are deciding between spending $150 or $300, the $179 price here is a sweet spot.
Use the monitor to track session length and estimated calories, then plug those numbers into our Calories Burned Calculator for better accuracy. Check your Calorie Deficit Calculator to see if your rowing frequency matches your fat loss goals.
Pros: 14 resistance levels is more than most budget rowers, folds for storage, solid frame, good value at $179, extended rail fits tall users
Cons: No Bluetooth or app sync, monitor is basic, resistance curve is not as smooth as premium rowers, seat padding is thin
| Product | Price | Rating | Resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 Model D | $990 | ★★★★★ 4.9 | Air | Serious rowers |
| Sunny Health SF-RW5515 | $299 | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | Magnetic (8) | Budget buyers |
| Stamina BodyTrac Glider | $149 | ★★★★☆ 4.1 | Hydraulic | Ultra-budget |
| Hydrow Rower | $2,495 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | Electromagnetic | Connected fitness |
| Fitness Reality 1000 Plus | $179 | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Magnetic (14) | Best value |
I tested each machine over two months based on:
Pick the rower that fits your budget and space. Row three times a week for 20 minutes and you will see results. Use our Calories Burned Calculator to estimate your session burn, check your Heart Rate Zones to train at the right intensity, and track your Calorie Deficit if fat loss is part of your plan.