The best rowing machines in 2025
Overview
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Table of Contents
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Are you looking for a full body workout at home? Or an exercise machine that just doesn’t take up too much space? Take it from us: A rowing machine is a solid choice.
There are plenty of rowing machines out there — plus, a variety of price points, sizes, and spec. Indeed, when it comes to purchasing a rowing machine, there are a lot of factors to consider. Air or magnetic resistance? Hi-tech features or just the basics? Built-in workouts or rowing solo?
Fear not, we're here to answer all of your questions and steer (or row) you in the right direction. Yes, we’ve done most of the work for you, so we can get you off the computer and onto your rower in no time. Thank us later when those muscles are bulging.
Why do you need a rowing machine?
Rowing machines give you a full body workout. It’s cardio-heavy but low-impact. That means less stress on your joints or over-worked muscles, and less chance of sustaining an injury. This makes rowing a safe and effective workout for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities.
There’s more — rowing is good as both a warm-up and warm-down, if you’re having an intense or lengthy workout. It also adds variety to the run-of-the-mill weights and jogging routine.
What are the types of rowing machine resistance?
Here’s a bit of jargon you need to know about when buying a rowing machine. Resistance is the thing that makes it hard to pull back those handlebars, and thereby works the muscles. But there are multiple types of resistance, which each have their own plus points and negatives:
Air Resistance — As you pull, the flywheel spins and creates its own air resistance. The harder you row, the tougher the resistance. This simulates the experience of rowing on water — but these machines can be noisier than the magnetic resistance options.
Hydraulic Resistance — This is a standard mechanism on low-cost, stripped-down rowing machines. They use pistons, which push against liquid or air to create resistance. It’s not as smooth or robust of a workout as you get with other rowers, but it does the trick if all you want is the basics. These machines are usually smaller and easy to store.
Magnetic Resistance — This is the most common type that you'll find on home gym rowers. It works by placing a strong magnet at a varying distance from the flywheel, which can increase and decrease the resistance. These machines are quieter but don’t necessarily simulate an authentic rowing experience.
Water Resistance — These use a small tank of water. As you row, the flywheel paddles through the water. Unsurprisingly, this is the closest you get to the real rowing-on-water experience. Once again, the harder you row, the harder the resistance. They make a “swoosh” sound as you go. These tend to be high-quality, high-cost, and generally bigger. They won’t fold away quite so easily — if at all.
Keep these categories in mind when shopping around.
What features do rowing machines offer?
Once you’ve got a type of resistance in mind, the next thing is to look at other spec — specifically the display screen and how tech-savvy it is.
Some will offer basic information, such as distance, calories burned, strokes per minute, and time — while other hi-tech models will offer pre-programmed workouts and Bluetooth connectivity that can hook you up to fitness apps. Ultimately, it’s about how serious you are about rowing, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Other features include the number of resistance levels – around 10 is standard — and whether or not the rower folds up for easy storage.
How much does a rowing machine cost?
That’s the big question, of course. We’ve included models across a range of price points. It’s possible to pick up a rowing machine for under £100. It’s also possible to spend well over £1,000.
For anything above a very basic model, prepare to spend at least a few hundred pounds. But it’s worth the cash if you want a durable, full-body workout machine — and in the comfort of your own home.
What is the best rowing machine?
We have lined up impressive models from top brands like NordicTrack, WaterRower, and XS Sports. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your workouts up a notch, we’ve compiled a list of the top rowing machines for everyone.
These are the best rowing machines in 2025.
JLL R200
Best For Storage
The Good & The Bad
- Transportation wheels
- Compact build
- Foldable design
- Quiet belt system
- Not for advanced rowers
Why We Like It
The JLL R200 rowing machine is packed full of features to help you work out, with 10 levels of resistance so you make increasing progress as you get fitter.
It offers an easy sliding mechanism, with wheels fitted to the underside of the seat. This ensures a smooth rowing experience. It’s also equipped with a comfortable padded seat, so you can keep rowing for longer pain-free.
There's a magnet inear the flywheel that you can adjust with an easy-to-reach dial. It also folds upright so storage is straightforward. It's held in position with a simple spring-loaded knob so you can set it up and get rowing in seconds.
Details
XS Sports R310
Best For Durability
The Good & The Bad
- Strong powder coated frame
- Transportation wheels
- LCD display
- Excellent value
- Noisier action
Why We Like It
The XS Sports R310 rowing machine is made from heavy duty materials and can be conveniently folded away to save on space and keep well organised.
Durability is a priority with this machine, and it features a powder coated frame designed to withstand the test of time. It's a sturdy model that won't let you down. If it does, you can rely on a reassuring 12-month warranty.
The R310 features an advanced LCD display to provide you with real-time information, including feedback on calories burned, time, strokes per minute, and total row count. It features 10 levels of magnetic resistance, with a four kilogram inner magnetic flywheel for a powerful rowing experience.
Details
WaterRower Oxbridge
Best For Style
The Good & The Bad
- App connectivity
- Solid high-quality build
- Contemporary style
- Self-regulating resistance
- Very expensive
- Fiddly assembly
Why We Like It
The WaterRower Oxbridge rowing machine harnesses the power of water to bring you a more organic rowing experience.
The water flywheel utilises the same physical elements and dynamics that occur when a boat moves through water. Unlike other rowers, the water wheel makes its resistance self-regulating, so there's no need for artificial adjustment.
It’s made from solid oak, which offers longevity and dimensional stability. It also absorbs sound and vibration to enhance the smoothness of the machine.
The display monitor is compatible with WaterRower's We-Row app, so you store training data, race online, or try to best your previous record.
Details
JLL Ventus 2
Best For Resistance Control
The Good & The Bad
- Dual resistance
- Smart device holder
- Real-time stats
- Reliable brand
- No built-in programmes
Why We Like It
The JLL Ventus 2 actually has two types of resistance: magnetic and air. While magnetic resistance system offers 10 levels to master, it’s the air resistance that sets it apart. The harder you row, the more air gets sucked in and tougher the resistance becomes. The power is very much in your hands.
It's made for a stable, smooth, and natural experience, with the comfortable and ergonomically designed oversized seat and soft touch handle.
An LCD display has all your rowing vitals: Speed, time, resistance, distance, calories burned. And when it's not in use, it easily folds away to save on space.
Details
Sunny Health & Fitness Rower
Best For Tight Budgets
The Good & The Bad
- App workouts
- LCD display
- Ergonomic design
- Saves space at home
- Limited stats
- Very basic
Why We Like It
You don’t always need the bells and whistles. Or maybe you want to give this rowing lark a rudimentary test-run before you commit to a high-end machine. Either way, the Sunny Health & Fitness rower is a good choice — a no-fuss model at a reasonable price.
It’s powered by a hydraulic cylinder resistance and slide rail system, with an impressive 12 levels to work your way through.
Though it’s not much to look at, it’s surprisingly comfortable, with a wide padded seat, pivoting foot pedals, and cushioned non-slip handlebars. There’s even a basic digital display, just don’t expect a personalised workout. Though there's a slightly more expensive smart version that syncs with the SunnyFit app to give you access to literally thousands of workouts.
Details
Fit4home Air Rowing Machine
Best For App
The Good & The Bad
- Adjustable features
- Large pedals
- Air resistance
- App connectivity
- Dim display
Why We Like It
The Fit4home Air Rowing Machine is relatively basic but connects to the FitShow app. This allows you to track progress and key stats in your smart device, giving you a means of focusing and measuring fitness goals. It’s also built for comfort, with a padded leather seat and generously sized foot pedals.
The rowing action works via a smooth slider mechanism. It’s one of the few rowers on this list to use air resistance. That means there are no levels to work through. Instead, it responds to your performance.
The large LCD display shows you distance, speed, and calories burned, though some reviewers have complained that the display isn’t up to much. That means connecting to the app is the best option with this rowing machine.
Details
NordicTrack RW700
Best For Interactive Training
The Good & The Bad
- Top of the range model
- Good resistance options
- Smart HD touchscreen
- Interactive coaching
- Ongoing subscription costs
Why We Like It
The NordicTrack RW700 doesn’t only bring the tech but also the motivation. As with other NordicTrack machines, it connects with the iFit app. The downside is that there’s a monthly subscription. But it's worth it.
You'll have access to thousands of workout programmes and training sessions with world-renowned coaches. Classes play out on a 10-inch touchscreen, which also displays key stats and real-time feedback, while coaches can take control of the rower's 26 digital resistance levels, forcing you to work harder — or giving you some much needed respite.
Top-class coaching aside, the NordicTrack RW700 is a highly sophisticated rower in its own right, with a silent magnetic system and an inertia enhanced-flywheel, roomy pivoting pedals and adjustable foot straps.
Details
Topics Health Fitness Tech Fitness Equipment
Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.
