🏆 The Best Rowing Machines To Boost Your Cardio & Health (2025) 🏆
Rowing machines are one of the most efficient ways to build endurance, burn fat, and develop full-body strength—all from the comfort of your home. With so many high-tech, ergonomic, and compact options on the market in 2025, we’ve tested and reviewed the very best to help you find the perfect rower for your goals.
What To Look For in Rowing Machines:
Resistance Type: Air, magnetic, water, or hydraulic — each with unique feel and noise levels.
Build Quality: Durable frame, stable base, and ergonomic features.
Tech Features: App compatibility, LCD displays, Bluetooth tracking, and live classes.
Storage: Foldability and size, especially important for home gyms.
User Comfort: Padded seats, adjustable foot straps, and smooth glide rail.
The 6 Best Rowing Machines For Your Home Gym In 2025
Best Overall Rower: Black Concept 2 RowErg Rower – PM5
Best Water Rower: WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine
Best Smart Rower: PASYOU Rowing Machine
Best Space Saving Rower: Blitz Air Rower
Best Rower for On-Demand Workouts: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
Best Affordable Rowing Machine: MOSUNY Magnetic Rowing Machine
How We Selected the 6 Best Rowing Machines
At HomeGymFamily, we carefully researched and tested a wide range of rowing machines to find the very best options for 2025. Our selection process focused on key criteria including resistance type, build quality, technology features, user comfort, storage convenience, and overall value for money. We also considered different user needs ranging from beginners to advanced athletes ensuring there’s a top pick for every type of home gym. Real user reviews, expert insights, and long-term durability also played a major role in narrowing down our final list.
🏆 Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg Rower
The Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) is a favourite among elite athletes, home gym users, and commercial fitness centres alike. Renowned for its durability, smooth air resistance, and accurate performance tracking, it’s a top-tier machine that stands the test of time.
🚣♂️ Best Overall Rower: Concept2 RowErg (PM5)
Link: black-concept-2-rowerg-rower-pm5-eu
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Air
- Monitor: PM5 Performance Monitor
- Dimensions: 96" L x 24" W x 14" H
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs (227 kg)
- Storage: Separates into two pieces for easy storage
- Material: Aluminum front legs and steel rear legs
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Trusted by elite athletes and gyms worldwide
- ✅ Smooth and consistent air resistance
- ✅ Extremely durable and low maintenance
- ✅ Detailed performance tracking with PM5 monitor
- ✅ Easy to separate and store
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Louder than magnetic or water rowers
- ❌ Not the most compact option
💡 Why We Picked It:
The Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) is the gold standard in rowing machines. It offers unmatched reliability, resistance accuracy, and performance tracking, making it ideal for anyone from competitive athletes to home users. Its reputation, build quality, and community support set it apart as the best overall rowing machine of 2025.
🚣♂️ Best Water Rower: WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine
Crafted with a sleek aluminum mono-rail and a water flywheel for resistance, the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine provides a natural, smooth stroke that closely mimics the experience of rowing on real water. This machine is a beautiful blend of function and form.
🚣♂️ Best Water Rower: WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine
Link: WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Water
- Monitor: A1 Performance Monitor
- Rail: Aluminum mono-rail
- Dimensions: 85" L x 22" W x 21" H
- Weight Capacity: 315 lbs (143 kg)
- Storage: Stores upright
- Material: Solid Ash wood with aluminum
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Smooth, quiet water resistance
- ✅ Stylish, space-saving design
- ✅ Mimics real on-water rowing motion
- ✅ Durable frame with premium feel
- ✅ Easy to store upright
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Monitor is basic compared to higher-end models
- ❌ Water tank needs occasional maintenance
💡 Why We Picked It:
The WaterRower A1 Studio brings the fluid feel of water rowing into your home with a stylish, compact machine that’s both effective and visually appealing. Its simplicity, elegance, and quality construction make it the perfect pick for users who value performance and aesthetics.
🧠 Best Smart Rower: PASYOU Rowing Machine
The PASYOU Rowing Machine offers a premium smart fitness experience at a budget-friendly price point. It features 16 levels of magnetic resistance, a quiet belt drive system, and Bluetooth connectivity that pairs seamlessly with popular apps like Fit Show and Kino map.
🧠 Best Smart Rower: PASYOU Rowing Machine
Link: PASYOU Rowing Machine
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Magnetic (16 levels)
- Smart Features: Bluetooth app compatibility (FitShow, Kinomap)
- Monitor: LCD display for time, distance, calories, strokes
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Dimensions: 60.2” L x 20” W x 26.7” H
- Storage: Foldable design with transport wheels
✅ Pros:
- ✅ App-compatible for smart tracking and virtual workouts
- ✅ Quiet magnetic resistance with 16 adjustable levels
- ✅ Compact and foldable for easy home storage
- ✅ Smooth, belt-driven rowing motion
- ✅ Excellent value for the features included
❌ Cons:
- ❌ LCD display is basic compared to higher-end models
- ❌ Resistance may not challenge advanced rowers
💡 Why We Picked It:
The PASYOU Rowing Machine stands out as the best smart rower for 2025 thanks to its combination of Bluetooth app connectivity, quiet magnetic resistance, and foldable design. It’s ideal for tech-savvy home users who want interactive workouts and progress tracking without breaking the bank.
🧳 Best Space-Saving Rower: Blitz Air Rower
The Blitz Air Rower by Bells of Steel is a high-performance rowing machine designed to deliver commercial-grade workouts while maximizing your space. Featuring adjustable air resistance, a chain-driven fan, and a large LCD monitor, it caters to both beginners and elite athletes.
🧳 Best Space-Saving Rower: Blitz Air Rower
Link: Blitz Air Rower
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Air
- Monitor: LCD Console with workout tracking
- Build: Heavy-duty steel frame
- Dimensions: 85" L x 20" W x 36" H
- Weight Capacity: 320 lbs (145 kg)
- Storage: Foldable design with caster wheels
- Extras: Adjustable footrests, ergonomic handle
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Compact, foldable frame ideal for small spaces
- ✅ Smooth air resistance with responsive drag
- ✅ Sturdy construction for heavy use
- ✅ Great value for the price
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Louder than water or magnetic rowers
- ❌ Console is basic compared to premium models
💡 Why We Picked It:
The Blitz Air Rower offers powerful air resistance and a foldable design that’s perfect for tight home gym setups. It delivers high-performance cardio while saving space—making it an excellent choice for anyone balancing performance and footprint.
✅ Best Rower for On-Demand Workouts: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
NordicTrack RW900 Rower
The RW900 is a premium smart rower designed for those who want high-quality, on-demand workout experiences from the comfort of home. Its standout feature is a massive 22” HD touchscreen that streams iFIT classes, allowing users to row virtually across the world or follow studio-style sessions with real trainers.
📺 Best Rower for On-Demand Workouts: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
Link: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Magnetic & Air Dual Resistance
- Monitor: 22” HD Smart Touchscreen
- Build: Solid steel construction
- Dimensions: 86.5" L x 22" W x 50.4" H
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Storage: SpaceSaver® folding design
- Extras: iFIT integration, Bluetooth audio, adjustable pedals
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Massive 22” HD screen with immersive iFIT workouts
- ✅ Smooth, quiet dual resistance system
- ✅ Tracks metrics and syncs with interactive programs
- ✅ Foldable for convenient storage
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Requires iFIT subscription for full functionality
- ❌ Premium price point
💡 Why We Picked It:
If you're serious about interactive training, the NordicTrack RW900 delivers studio-quality classes at home. With a large HD touchscreen and seamless iFIT integration, it offers dynamic workouts that keep motivation high—perfect for users who thrive on virtual coaching and immersive experiences.
💰 Best Affordable Rowing Machine: MOSUNY Magnetic Rowing Machine
The MOSUNY is a cost-effective magnetic rower that delivers surprisingly robust features for its price. It offers 16 resistance levels, a quiet glide rail, and an LCD monitor to track essential stats. Its foldable, space-saving design makes it perfect for apartment living or compact home gyms.
💰 Best Affordable Rowing Machine: MOSUNY Magnetic Rowing Machine
Link: MOSUNY Magnetic Rowing Machine
🔧 Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Magnetic with 16 levels
- Monitor: LCD display (tracks time, distance, strokes, calories)
- Build: Alloy steel frame with smooth slide rail
- Dimensions: 65" L x 19" W x 26" H
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs (158 kg)
- Storage: Foldable design with wheels
- Extras: Quiet operation, non-slip foot pedals
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Excellent value for the price
- ✅ Quiet, smooth magnetic resistance
- ✅ Foldable and compact for small spaces
- ✅ High weight capacity for affordability
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Basic console with no app connectivity
- ❌ Lacks advanced metrics or virtual features
💡 Why We Picked It:
The MOSUNY Magnetic Rowing Machine proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a solid cardio workout at home. With a quiet resistance system, high user weight capacity, and foldable design, it’s an ideal entry-level choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Benefits Of Using Rowing Machines
Improves cardiovascular endurance
Burns calories and helps with fat loss
Strengthens legs, core, back, and arms
Low-impact on joints — suitable for all fitness levels
Perfect for interval or endurance training
Tips to Maximize Your Rowing Workouts
Maintain proper form to avoid injury
Start with 10–20 minutes and build up
Try interval training for fat loss
Use rowing apps or virtual programs for motivation
Stay consistent — it’s about momentum, not perfection
Final Thoughts On Rowing Machines
The best rowing machines in 2025 combine smart tech, durability, and comfort for powerful at-home cardio. Whether you’re chasing performance, recovery, or general fitness, there’s a rower in this list that will help you hit your goals. Choose the one that fits your needs and row your way to better health.
🏆The 6 Best Rowing Machines (2025) Recap 🏆
| 🏆 Category | 🛒 Product | 🔧 Type | ✅ Key Features | 💡 Why We Picked It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💪 Best Overall Rower | Concept2 RowErg PM5 | Air | Durable build, performance tracking, foldable, trusted by athletes | The gold standard in rowing machines, combining pro-level quality with data-rich feedback and long-lasting design. |
| 📺 Best Rower for On-Demand Workouts | NordicTrack RW900 | Magnetic + Air | 22” HD screen, iFIT classes, foldable design | Perfect for users who want trainer-led, interactive workouts with scenic rowing experiences. |
| 💰 Best Affordable Rower | MOSUNY Magnetic Rower | Magnetic | 16 resistance levels, compact, quiet, LCD monitor | A budget-friendly rower with essential features and smooth magnetic resistance—ideal for beginners. |
| 🧠 Best Smart Rower | PASYOU Smart Rower | Magnetic | App integration, Bluetooth, whisper-quiet design | Great for app-connected training and users who want smart features on a mid-range budget. |
| 💦 Best Water Rower | WaterRower A1 Studio | Water | Wood design, water resistance, upright storage | Delivers a smooth, realistic rowing experience with a beautifully crafted frame—ideal for home aesthetics. |
| 📦 Best Space-Saving Rower | Blitz Air Rower | Air | Compact build, ergonomic handles, chain drive | A powerful rower in a minimal frame—great for small home gyms that need power and portability. |
