Best indoor Rowing Machines
Selecting the Right Rowing Machine
Which Indoor Rower is right for you?
To help make the maybe.yes.no buy decision easier, here is our list with our take on the hottest rowers’ workout content for at-home indoor rowing machines so you can make right choice for you.
A rowing machine is a great option to cross-train particularly for those who do a lot of spin classes with a Peloton bike or a Nordictrack Studio Cycle or are avid treadmill runners and/or like to run in the wild.
Rowing opens your shoulders from all that hunching over the bike and works your core. Rowing also is an excellent motion as an exercise activity because it engages over 85% of your body’s muscles, working the sometimes-forgotten areas like your back, shoulders, and arms. Be sure to take some time and read The Top Rowing FAQs, and Why Rowing is Good for you for more detail.
Olympic Champion Swimmer, Caeleb Dressel, with original version of NordicTrack RW900 Rower
The decision to buy a rowing machine for your indoor workouts can be confusing with so many brands and options. The latest connected-fitness rowers offer a wide range of workout content and workout experiences you can enjoy from home. This trainer content is one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding which rowing machine will be the best fit for you by matching up the type of workout you prefer and provide the best path on learning how to row.
NordicTrack RW900 Model powered by iFIT. The Original model is available at Amazon
1. NordicTrack Rowers - For those who Like to travel
If you like the idea of a travel destination experience, combined with a great rowing workouts then the NordicTrack line-up of rowing machines powered by iFIT is the right choice — Watch the short video clip above.
iFIT provides high quality training content for its rowing workouts on waterways and rivers across the globe including in studio settings. iFIT trainers are world-class elite athletes from Olympic champion rowers to instructors from the best boutique rowing studios, who stroke by stroke provide guidance on rowing technique and form as they control the pace, rhythm while dynamically syncing stroke resistance of your rower in real-time, as they row alongside you.
Trainers will point out location highlights, even some historic background as the camera constantly pans toward stunning views of surroundings and wildlife encounters as they were actually filmed. iFIT rowing workouts are thoroughly engaging, quick moving and a little entertaining with the trainers driving you on to hit your goals. If you want to change up your workout, iFIT also has studio rowing workouts similar to the best boutique rowing studio options. The iFIT library of rowing workouts offers in our opinion one of the best ranges of workout types to keep you challenged with new sessions added regularly. There are monthly challenge series and rewards for reaching milestones!
We particularly enjoyed the series of workouts that can span over several weeks. Live iFIT rowing classes are on the horizon according to our sources familiar at Nordictrack.
iFIT also provides access to a wide range of off-the-rower cross-training sessions such as boxing, yoga, meditation, strength training, and stretching among others. The RW900 and RW700 models’ ability to fully rotate the display touchscreen make these sessions easier to follow.
Workout content powered by iFIT is what makes a NordicTrack Rowing machine worth it
NordicTrack RW Rower Options
iFIT enabled NordicTrack RW Rower Series with touchscreen displays from 10-22- inches wide
NordicTrack rowers come in 3 different full HD touchscreen sizes ranging from 10 inches to 22 inches – to suit your preference and budget. NordicTrack rowers and sometimes include 30-Day iFIT PRO Membership – with the ability to have 5 separate user accounts to work out under and to manage real-time metrics, settings and training schedule.)
The RW600 is $999 with a 10-inch touchscreen (Original Model)
The RW700 is $1,499 with 10'-inch touchscreen (Latest Model)
The RW900 is $1,599 with a 22-inch touchscreen.
The Original RW900 is $1,099 (on Amazon) with 22-inch touchscreen.
Final Note: All NordicTrack and Proform Rowers referenced support a max user weight of up to 250 lbs. Overall, we found these rowers very easy to assemble (30 to 45 minutes). Delivery is Free to your door. For the Nordictrack RW900, add $199 for assembly in your room of choice, and $99 for the RW600, and RW700 rower models.
iFIT Enabled, Budget Friendly Options
PROFORM+ (Plus)
A budget friendly option also powered by iFIT is the FREE Proform Pro R10 Rower with a 10-inch screen. The rower is offered Free, part of Proform+ program.
Here’s the deal – subscribe to a 3-year iFIT Membership, where you only pay $39 per month for iFIT personal interactive training and ProForm gives you a FREE Proform Pro R10 Rower ¹ – no strings, no catch – without any fees and free delivery to your door. Comes with a 10-Year warranty on the Frame, 2-Year Parts, & 1-Year Labor Warranty. You get to keep the Rowing machine.
NordicTrack+ (Plus)
Nordictrack+ is same program as Proform+ except for Nordictrack gear, and the term is longer at 48 months. Follow this link to learn about getting a Nordictrack Free Rowing Machine, plus other equipment.
2. Like to play games? Ergatta is an option
Ergatta rowing Machine is a traditional water-based rower with a gamification twist to its workouts
“Get your Game on!” Rather than the typical experience of a workout, Ergatta designed their rowing sessions to feel like you’re playing a sport rather than follow along with instructor-led workouts. If you are a competitive type and into games, Ergatta is an option you have to check out especially if you like competitions.
There are four different types of workouts – Push, Interval, Race, and Open Rows. The cool aspect of Ergatta workouts is that they are constantly changing and customizing to match your fitness and to motivate you. As you get stronger and improve, the match for others to race against is calibrated so you are always being challenged.
There are many head-to-head races where you can choose to race only your friends or rivals. You have to love their motto “Get your Game on”. It encapsulates the whole Ergatta attitude. Competitive training, no mindfulness here – just challenge accepted!
Of course, the content designers realized you might want a recovery day so there is an option for self-led Open Rows that are way more relaxed especially as Ergattta is a traditional water rower where you can hear the calming constant “whoosh” with each stroke as you row. If you’re looking for a Peloton-style experience, Ergatta might be the best rowing machine option for you.
Ergatta Price Options
Ergatta rower with 17.3” HD touchscreen $2,199
Ergatta membership is $29/month or $290 per year
Ergatta comes with free shipping and assembly included.
Ergatta can accommodate weights up to 500 lbs. and is easily stored standing vertically up against a wall. The monthly membership includes unlimited users’ profiles so everyone can compete and track the leaderboard.
3. Be part of a Rowing crew? Then Hydrow
Start to finish everything about the Hydrow is easy — easy to assemble, easy to setup, easy to use
The Hydrow sometimes referred to as the Peloton of rowing is the perfect rower for your indoor rowing experience, with its sleek, modern look designed to capture that on the water feel and provide the experience of a top boutique rowing class though its crisp HD 22” touchscreen. In July 2022, Hydrow released a slightly smaller, lower-priced indoor rower named, the Hydrow Wave. Follow this link to checkout our news release on the Hydrow Wave.
Follow this link to discover more how the Hydrow Wave compares with the Original Hydrow rowing machine.
Row at home in Color with a Hydrow Wave indoor rower
Hydrow workouts led by professional rowers who are take rowing LIVE on the water. Whether on a lake, river or estuary you match stroke to stroke during live sessions with your instructor. Live workouts are scheduled during the month usually in the early morning or late afternoon on the Charles River in Boston or a Miami waterway.
Hydrow trainers focus on technique and form throughout a session, challenging you to improve your stroke, strength, and stamina. If you want to improve your rowing form and technique, the Hydrow streamed trainer content offers excellent instruction and classes.
Hydrow workouts range from calming to intense and you can also choose from the growing on-demand library to match your mood and energy level. There are full body options for Yoga and Pilates etc. but the primary objective of the Hydrow is to offer a rowing workout for you on the water.
Hydrow Rower Price Options
Hydrow 22-inch HD touchscreen $2,245. Free shipping is included.
Hydrow Wave 16-inch HD touchscreen $1,895. Ships via UPS Free
Hydrow membership is billed monthly at $44 per month.
Storage and floor space savings. The original NordicTrack Rowing machines fold while the newer versions of the RW900 and RW700 can be stood-up when not in use. Ergatta , Hydrow and CityRow rowers all lift up the same way in one piece and can be stood upright.
4. Trendsetter? Then CITYROW GO Max Rower
If you want to be where some of the cool people hang-out and train with the hottest New York City instructors, then you are a good candidate for CityRow’s GO Max Rower. “CITYROW has cracked the code on making rowing sexy again," says Helaine Knapp, founder and CEO.
The CityRow experience is a boutique studio at its best. The rowing workouts are HIIT based (high intensity interval training) and Endurance to achieve fitness and weight loss goals. There are plenty of options off-the-rower including Strength, Yoga, Kinstretch and Core. There is a definite choice to include many workout options on and off the rower. If this sounds like you, the CityRow GO Max is the right choice.
Beyond the Rower with weights and interval based cardio classes with rowing sprints and mat work
New content is uploaded weekly, CITYROW GO offers classes - from 20 minutes to the standard 50, rowing only or dynamic rowing and high-intensity interval training classes. Get ready to burn - By combining rowing with body sculpting exercises, CITYROW members see body transformation quickly.
Signature Class: High intensity rowing intervals + weighted strength training on the mat for a total body workout
Just Rowing: High intensity rowing intervals
Cardio + Core: cardio drills + a serious core workout on the mat
CITYROW GO Max Rower features a 19.5” touchscreen with 2 high fidelity 10-watt speakers impressive sound if you prefer not to use Bluetooth earPods or headphones. It has a weight capacity of 375 lbs. and can be stood upright to be Stored against a wall for space savings.
Price Options: CITYROW GO Max Rower
CITYROW GO Max Rower $1,495 $2,195
Class Membership year-1 $10/month or $289/year + includes app
Includes fully assembled delivery to your threshold. (Front door)
Supported by a Five-year warranty on the frame, a three-year warranty on non-electronic components and a one-year warranty on the touchscreen.
5. I “buy the best” then Technogym Skillrow Rower
If you demand the best, then you want to look at the Technogym Skillrow rower.
Technogym the official supplier of fitness equipment to the Olympics and now for 2021 the America’s Cup event Auckland, New Zealand they teamed up with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team setting up a State-of-the-art training center in Auckland to support the athletic needs of the sailing team.
Skillrow Rower by Techongym, one of the most advanced training indoor rowers
Technogym describes Skillrow as “a product for dry land training that has all the benefits of authentic rowing”.
Skillrow Rower was created by global team of exercise experts in collaboration with athletes, trainers, and research institutes to build a design based on scientific research and innovative technology. An example being Aquafeel, resistance designed to follow the natural curve of the stroke in the water, end-result provides a more realistic experience of rowing on the water.
The Skillrow app provides the connected fitness with race to the pace, TNT programs to improve strength and balance, Biofeedback and virtual trainer. SKILLROW™ can be quickly and safely dismantled into two parts for easy storage. You can choose expert coaches to refine your technique and form.
With ten levels of fan resistance and three levels of magnetic resistance for great power training Skillrow Rower combines air and magnetic resistance.
Technogym as a company is incredibly into wellness so individuals lead happier and healthier lives.
Skillrow Price Option
Technogym Skillrow Rower $3,080
Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 rowing machine commonly referred to as the “Erg” (short for ergometer) is a classic, a platinum standard for over 40 years, and is the rowing machine of choice to train indoors, for many elite and professional rowers, along with competitive athletes. We would not recommend this rowing machine for absolute beginners new to rowing.
New content from CityRow, Ergatta, and Hydrow has made the Concept2 rower much easier to use for the regular user. The Concept2 is durable, reliable, has a “really” comfortable seat, and separates easily into two pieces for storage; caster wheels make it mobile. It is easy to assemble with only eight screws.
Concept2 RowErg comes in two versions the Model D, where you sit 14-inches high and the Concept2 Model E with taller legs allows you to sit higher at 20-inches off the floor. Shop the Concept2 Amazon Store
Use your iPhone or a tablet to bring your own content choice and see your stats separately on a small built-in LED display called the PM - Performance Monitor that comes with the rower. Not a pure connected fitness option but offers the best of both worlds if you prefer not to be locked into any one content workout source. Trying out different content with the free trials offered will let you discover what motivates you more to making a rowing workout part of your exercise schedule.
