The 9 Best Rowing Machines of 2024, Tested

What to Look for When Shopping for a Rowing Machine

• Handle Design: Grip shouldn’t be a limiting factor to getting a good workout on a rower. Consider rowing machines with textured handles so sweaty hands won’t slip off as easily, especially if you wearing jewelry like silicone rings. Just make sure the handle is still comfortable to hold (and isn’t so rough that it gives you blisters).
• Durability: Most rowing machines are significant investments, so make sure yours is designed with materials that will last. Fuhrmann recommends looking for sturdy machines with a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds. 
• Storage and Portability: Most rowing machines are fairly large, so measure your space before purchasing. If you have a smaller home gym, consider a foldable rowing machine or something with wheels that can be moved out of the way when needed. 
• Programming: Many machines come with built-in programming to help encourage a better workout. This can be achieved through features like automatic resistance changes or scenic rowing options to help keep users engaged. While these extra features are nice and may be worth it for avid rowers, Aboulalazm says that beginners or those on a budget can also get a great rowing workout without these add-ons.
• Additional Features: Many modern rowers have helpful, high-tech features to enhance your workouts and performance. Some can monitor your heart rate, while others provide real-time form feedback as you row. You may also want a rower that lets you screen classes taught by professional instructors or one with a great audio system for your favorite playlists. When it comes to the rower’s design, some have fans or phone holders. According to Fuhrmann, your rower should, at the bare minimum, be able to tell you how long you’ve been rowing, how many strokes you’re doing per minute, and your split per 500 meters, which is the average time it’s taking you to row 500 meters.

How We Test Rowing Machines

To find the best rowing machines for at-home workouts, we tested 18 rowing machines for a total of 6,624 hours. Each machine was tested a minimum of three times per week in our testers’ homes. When testing rowing machines, we evaluate each pick based on the following key criteria:

• Stability: A high-quality rower should be stable and solid to keep you safe while using it. As we test each rower, we note if it wobbles or shakes during both easy and intense workouts. We also pay attention to how the seat feels—is it wide enough, or are we struggling to feel supported and secure?
• Performance: During testing, we judge the overall experience of using the rower. Does the mechanism feel smooth, or does it jerk us around? How loud is it? How does the feel compare to rowing on open water? If the rower includes a subscription with classes, we try as many live sessions and pre-recorded workouts as we can. And if it syncs with an app, we check to see how functional it is. Is it easy to use, and does it enhance our experience? 
• Adjustability: A high-quality rowing machine should be adjustable, especially if it’s used by multiple people in your household. When testing, we prioritize rowers with adjustable footrests and monitors. We also note if they’re foldable or have other features that make them easy to store. 
• Comfort: A rower’s seat, handles, and footrests all contribute to its comfort. During testing, we note how grippy the handlebars are and how padded the seat is. We also note if we form blisters or other irritation on our hands from using the rower.
• Display: If a rower has a digital display or monitor, we make sure it clearly shows a wide range of data. How does the audio sound? Can we rotate and tilt the screen? This is especially important for rowers with a subscription that gives you access to non-rowing workouts. In general, does the display add to our rowing experience?
• Value: To accurately rate each rower’s value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the rower’s performance, how much would we pay for it? Rowers with high value scores often cost less than what we’d consider paying for them, taking into account their other scores and features. 

Our Experts

We spoke with three experts at different stages of our testing and research process to better understand what key features to look for in the best rowers. For example, we spoke with Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, a physical therapist, before testing to understand what green and red flags to look out for when evaluating each rowing machine. During and after testing, we spoke with a rowing expert and a personal trainer to better understand the benefits of using a rowing machine and any additional recommendations.

• Salsabila Aboulalazm, certified personal trainer at Iron Culture gym in New Jersey
• Sarah Fuhrmann, certified rowing instructor and CEO of UCanRow2
• Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy in New York

How to Use a Rowing Machine 

A rowing machine can provide an excellent low-impact cardio workout if you use it correctly. There are four phases to the rowing motion—you’ll need to master the proper form to get the best workout and prevent injuries. 

• Catch: Proper posture is vital at the beginning of each rep. Make sure you’re sitting up tall, with your arms straightened. Using your lats, pull your shoulders down (away from your ears) and engage your core to protect your lower back. Lean forward slightly to begin phase two. 
• Drive: Start pushing through your legs, keeping your core engaged. When your legs are straight, hinge at your hips and lean back—aim for 45 degrees. Finish by pulling the handle all the way into your body, stopping a few inches short of your belly button. Order is important: legs, core, shoulders and hips, arms. 
• Finish: The opposite of catch. By the end of phase two, your legs should be completely straight. Keep leaning back with your hands, the rower’s handle pulled in toward your body, and your elbows tucked into your sides.
• Recover: Reverse the drive phase to return to the catch position. Straighten your arms, hinge your hips forward to bend your torso over your legs, then bend your knees. Repeat all four phases for each rep.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of rowing machine is best for home use?

Neither is better than the other—it’s up to your personal preference. Some people like water-based rowers because they mimic the sound and feel of rowing on open water, while others like magnetic rowers for their smooth, silent operation, Fuhrmann says. 

How often should I row to see results?

Fuhrmann recommends that beginners start by rowing for five to 10 minutes a few times each week and then increase over time. They should generally start to see results once they can row for 20 minutes or more a few times per week.

What muscles does a rowing machine work?

Rowing machines target both your upper and lower body, meaning you can get a full-body workout from the comfort of your home. Aboulalazm likes them because they allow you to emphasize certain body parts while engaging the core.

What are the benefits of rowing?

Using a rowing machine may help you burn more calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, provide a joint-friendly fitness option, strengthen your upper and lower body muscles, and even improve posture.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jack Byram is a freelance writer and exercise fanatic constantly seeking new ways to improve his fitness and well-being. As a former athlete and longtime gym-goer, he knows the value of exercises like rowing that work your muscular and cardiovascular systems without overwhelming your joints. For this article, he had the pleasure of speaking with two fitness experts to better understand all of the benefits of rowing.