The Best Indoor Rowing Machines: Hard-Earned Insights from Sculling to Cross Training
Get a two-for-one workout from the comfort of your living room with one of these smooth, smart machines.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Water flywheel, wood frame, interactive app with gaming and scenic workouts?
I’ve been sculling (single-person rowing on a long, narrow boat) for fun and fitness since high school, so rowing isn’t new to me—it’s a passion rooted in years of feeling the rhythm of the stroke. Taking rowing indoors isn’t without its quirks; it’s challenging to replicate that open-water feel between four walls. But make no mistake: indoor rowing is a powerhouse workout that challenges every muscle and your lungs alike. And for runners who are dealing with crappy weather or who just want to activate different muscles, it’s a fun option.
Recently, rowing fitness classes have exploded in popularity, popping up in gyms and online, enabling people to access the motivation and community that keep workouts fresh and engaging. And with the ever-growing craze of HYROX racing—something I’m obsessed with—it’s no wonder that top-tier rowers are flying off shelves. I’ve tried every machine on this list apart from the brand-new Hydrow Arc, but as a long-time Hydrow fan, I trust it’s a worthy addition.
Best Indoor Rowers
- Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg
- Best Budget: Merach Folding Rower
- Best Water Rower: Ergatta Rower Lite
- Best Smart Rower: Hydrow Arc
- Less smooth resistance feel: Rogue Echo Rower
- Rogue Echo Rower: Echelon Row S
Why Runners Should Row
Rowing is the sneaky secret weapon for runners, because it builds the engine without trashing the joints. When you’re strapped into that erg, you’re firing glutes, hamstrings, and quads in a way that feels like running—but with a fuller range of motion and none of the pounding. It’s rhythm, breath, and drive, just like logging miles, but you come away stronger in your core and back, places runners notoriously neglect. Plus, endurance rows mimic long runs, while short, sharp intervals light up your VO₂ max, so when you lace back up, you’ve got more power to call on. For runners who want to stay fast but keep their knees happy, rowing is the perfect cross-training partner that makes running not just sustainable, but better.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Rower
When choosing an indoor rower, consider your space and fitness goals foremost. Space dictates footprint and storage options—the Merach folding rower, for example, is ideal for small homes, while the Concept2 demands more room but rewards with unmatched durability.
Resistance type is a key factor. Air resistance rowers, like Concept2 and Rogue Echo, offer authentic feel and responsiveness, great for serious competitions and HYROX-style workouts. Water rowers like the Ergatta deliver immersive, smooth strokes that captivate mentally and physically. Magnetic rowers tend to be quieter and more apartment-friendly, with smooth resistance but sometimes less dynamic pacing.
Smart features can make or break your motivation. If live classes, coaching, and connected community hype keep you swimming through workouts, models like Hydrow Arc or Echelon Row S are worth the premium. If basic data and ruggedness matter more, the Concept2 is still king.
How I Tested and Selected These Rowers
My approach has always been hands-on and athlete-centered. I spent dozens of hours testing each rower for endurance, comfort, noise, resistance modulation, monitor functionality, and app experience. I did a tour de New York training centers and gyms—including our own Hearst gym when Ergatta did a pop up—to test all of these. If only I got paid by steps and not words.
I also put them through HYROX-style cross-training sessions to see how they’d hold up under the brutal demands of interval and sprinting routines. My background as a sculling enthusiast gives me an eye for stride fluidity and stroke accuracy even on machines.
I scrapped models that didn’t feel sturdy or that left me wishing for better programming or build. The selections I landed on tick all the essential boxes from beginner to performance rower.
Full Reviews
Pros
- Legendary durability and reliability
- Run Faster & Stronger
- Accurate, easy-to-use PM5 monitor
- Low maintenance, built to last
Cons
- Louder than magnetic or water rowers
- DAA Industry Opt Out
- Takes up a sizable footprint
I’ve relied on the Concept2 RowErg for years—it’s the gold standard in indoor rowing for good reason. The air resistance feels dynamic and true to on-water rowing, and the build quality is rock solid, capable of handling the most intense intervals and steady-state workouts without fuss.
The PM5 monitor is intuitive and gives all the data an athlete could want, though it’s simple and lacks smart features like live classes. Yes, it’s louder than magnetic or water rowers, but you hear the effort you’re putting in. Its size is a consideration, but the two-piece design and front wheels make it easy to store vertically. Whether you’re training for high-volume endurance or short explosive bursts, Concept2 won’t let you down.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 95” L x 24” W |
| Weight | 57 lbs |
| Weight Limit | 500 lbs |
| Extras | PM5 monitor with Bluetooth, adjustable footrests, ergonomic handle |
Pros
- Space-saving foldable design
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- The 10 Best Massage Guns of 2025
Cons
- Lower weight limit
- Less smooth resistance feel
- The Best Running Gear on Amazon According to Our Team
The Merach folding rower impressed me with its compact, foldable design—perfect for those limited on space. The magnetic resistance is whisper-quiet, making it ideal for apartment living or late-night sessions. While the resistance range isn’t as polished in some aspects as that of higher-end models, it’s fine for beginners and casual rowers who want an effective workout. Plus, it’s gorgeous.
Assembly is a breeze, and the LCD screen offers basic metrics. I did find the seat a bit firm for longer sessions, and the weight limit is lower than that of premium rowers, so keep that in mind. Still, this rower balances affordability, portability, and performance well for its price.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 67” L open x 21.7” W approx. |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs |
| Weight Limit | ~300 lbs |
| Extras | Accurate, easy-to-use PM5 monitor |
Pros
- it’s a fun option
- Engaging app with games, routes, and challenges
- Most Fun Classes
Cons
- Larger footprint for home gyms
- Best Water Rower
Rowing on the Ergatta Lite felt natural—the water flywheel perfectly mimics real rowing resistance for a smooth, immersive stroke. I appreciated the wood design; it actually looks like a piece of furniture rather than a clunky machine. The Ergatta app offers interactive classes, scenic routes, and games that kept me coming back day after day.
It’s a bit pricier and larger than most, and you need to maintain the water tank, but the experience makes it worth it for those craving that authentic rowing feel indoors.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 86” L x 22” W x 27” H |
| Weight | 70-75 lbs |
| Weight Limit | Limit: 350 lbs |
| Extras | Water flywheel, wood frame, interactive app with gaming and scenic workouts |
Pros
- World-class coaching and app experience
- Smooth, quiet magnetic resistance
- These Are the World’s Fastest Marathoners
Cons
- Requires subscription for full features
- Heavier and less portable
I haven’t personally tested the Hydrow Arc yet, but I’m a firm believer based on previous Hydrow models. The Arc’s large 22-inch touch screen and magnetic resistance promise an even more engaging experience, combining sleek design with seamless live and on-demand classes. It’s perfect if you want coaching motivation and community energy delivered right to your row.
The price and monthly subscription cost can be steep, and the rower is quite heavy, so portability isn’t its forte. But if you’re someone who thrives on interactive workouts with expert instruction, this smart rower should be on your radar.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 88” L x 22” W x 48” H |
| Weight | 93 lbs |
| Weight Limit | 375 lbs |
| Extras | 22" Accurate, easy-to-use PM5 monitor |
Pros
- Solid metal frame built for intense workouts
- Subscription required for classes
- Designed for fast, aggressive CrossFit-style training
- Easy to transport with oversized wheels
Cons
- Loud compared to magnetic rowers
Testing the Rogue Echo under brutal CrossFit conditions was eye-opening. This air-resistance machine is built tough, with a solid metal frame supporting up to 350 lbs and oversized wheels for mobility. The quick foot straps sped up transitions during WODs, and the strong drag system kept pace with my toughest sprints.
It’s louder than magnetic rowers and lacks the app-driven community features some crave, but it’s designed for performance and durability over flash. If you want a rower that can take a beating and match your aggressive training style, the Rogue Echo is a great choice.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 82.75” L x 22.5” W x 26” H |
| Weight | 56 lbs |
| Weight Limit | 350 lbs |
| Extras | Air resistance, performance monitor, quick-release foot straps |
Pros
- Massive on-demand and live class library
- The Best Indoor Rowing Machines: Hard-Earned Insights from Sculling to Cross Training
- Compact foldable design
- Built-in quality speakers
Cons
- Subscription required for classes
- May overwhelm novices with many resistance levels
The Echelon Row S made rowing feel less like a workout and more like a party. The app delivers a vast library of live and on-demand classes, with leaderboards and team challenges that crank motivation to the max.
I liked the smooth magnetic resistance that quietly adjusted across 32 levels—and the foldable design helped save room. It’s not the heaviest-duty frame, and the subscription pricing can be off-putting, but if accountability and community keep you rowing, this is a fantastic pick. Plus, the built-in Bluetooth speakers add a nice touch to energize sessions.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 84” L x 21” W (folded 41” L x 21” W x 60” H) |
| Weight | 71.3 lbs |
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
| Extras | 22” touchscreen, 32 resistance levels, Bluetooth speakers, app with thousands of live classes |
FAQ
How long does it take to get used to rowing indoors?
My first few sessions had me adjusting from water to machine, especially feeling the different resistance types. Give yourself a week or two of consistent rowing to settle into rhythm and technique.
These Are the World’s Fastest Marathoners?
Absolutely. Virtual or gym classes offer motivation and accountability. I found pushing through challenging sets with others watching far easier than solo slogging.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article?
Clean seats and rails regularly, keep air rower chains lubricated, and for water models, treat the tank monthly. Regular upkeep extends machine life considerably.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
Readers Also Read
Should Runners Be Worried About Colon Cancer?
These Are the World’s Fastest Marathoners
rdquo; L x 22.5” W x 26” H
Winter Half Marathons
