The Concept2 RowErg is the standard the rest of this category gets measured against, its air resistance and PM5 monitor are used in CrossFit boxes and by competitive rowers for a reason. If you want a quieter machine with guided workouts instead, the NordicTrack RW900 is the stronger alternative.
Check price on AmazonRowing machines split cleanly by resistance type, and that split matters more than most spec sheets suggest: air resistance scales with your effort and feels the most like real rowing, magnetic resistance is quiet and consistent but less dynamic, water resistance sits in between with a distinct sound and feel that some people find worth the extra cost and weight.
We compared build quality, noise level, and how each machine’s resistance type suits different living situations, from small apartments needing something foldable and quiet to dedicated home gyms that can accommodate a full-size, non-folding frame.
We prioritized machines with strong build quality, smooth resistance mechanisms, and minimal reported issues. Each pick on this list has been vetted against hundreds of owner reviews to identify common praise and pain points. While no machine is perfect, these seven models stand out for offering the best value in a saturated market, from air rowers favored by CrossFitters to magnetic rowers for quiet home use.
How we rank
We ranked these machines by analyzing owner reviews, expert roundups, and technical specs, focusing on value, durability, noise level, and performance consistency under $1,000. See our method.
Quick picks
| Best for | Product | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Concept2 RowErg | Serious athletes and home gyms seeking unmatched durability and performance |
| Best Value | NordicTrack RW900 | Tech-savvy users wanting interactive training and adjustable resistance |
| Best for Beginners | Schwinn 810 Magnetic Rower | New rowers seeking an affordable, quiet, and compact machine |
| Best Budget | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower | Tight budgets and small spaces needing a basic, functional rower |
| Best Premium | WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine | Enthusiasts wanting a beautiful, wood-framed rower with realistic water resistance |
| Best for Entertainment | Aviron Impact Series | Users who want gamified workouts and a large community |
| Best Lightweight | Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower | Users needing a lightweight, portable rower for occasional use |
The picks, compared
Concept2 RowErg
The machine most other rowing machines get compared against, an air resistance system that scales naturally with effort and a PM5 monitor that’s become something of an industry standard for tracking rowing metrics.
What owners say: Longevity is the standout theme, several owners specifically mention using the same machine for five-plus years with essentially no maintenance issues. It’s genuinely louder than a magnetic rower, worth knowing if you’re rowing early morning or late at night near others.
- Extremely durable, built to last decades
- Realistic air resistance and smooth stroke
- Excellent monitor with Bluetooth connectivity
- Noisier than magnetic rowers
- Seat can be uncomfortable for some users without padding
NordicTrack RW900
A magnetic-resistance rower built around a large tilting touchscreen and iFit-guided workouts, the resistance auto-adjusts during a class rather than requiring manual changes mid-session.
What owners say: The auto-adjusting resistance during guided workouts is the specific feature owners point to, distinct from just having a nice screen. The iFit subscription is required to get the full value out of the machine, worth factoring into the real cost.
- Large, responsive tilting touchscreen
- Silent magnetic resistance
- Auto-adjust resistance with iFit
- Requires iFit subscription for full features
- Screen angle may not suit all heights
Schwinn 810 Magnetic Rower
A straightforward magnetic rower that folds vertically for storage, built for someone getting into rowing for the first time rather than replacing an existing routine.
What owners say: Quiet operation and the ability to tuck it into a closet are the most common praise, particularly from apartment owners. Taller rowers report the stride length feels a bit short, worth checking your height against the specs first.
- Very quiet magnetic resistance
- Folds vertically for compact storage
- Affordable price point
- Stride length may be short for tall users
- Resistance may not challenge advanced rowers
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower
A no-frills magnetic rower stripped down to the basics, built for someone who wants a functional workout without paying for a monitor or feature set they won’t use.
What owners say: Value for the price is the consistent theme, several owners specifically call out the quiet, smooth glide despite the low cost. The resistance knob feels less precise than the pricier magnetic options here, a fair trade at this price.
- Very affordable
- Folds for easy storage
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Resistance knob feels flimsy
- Limited workout programs and monitor
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
A solid ash wood frame with a genuine water-resistance flywheel, built as much for the aesthetic and the sound of the stroke as the workout itself, closer to a piece of furniture than typical home gym equipment.
What owners say: The look and the sound of the water resistance are what owners consistently mention first, often more than workout performance itself. It’s heavy and doesn’t fold, worth measuring your space before committing to a permanent setup.
- Beautiful solid ash wood construction
- Realistic water resistance and soothing sound
- Smooth, quiet stroke
- Heavy and not easily foldable
- Higher price point
Aviron Impact Series
A combination air-and-magnetic resistance rower built around a large rotating touchscreen for streaming and gamified workouts, aimed at people who row longer when there’s something to watch or compete against.
What owners say: Owners specifically credit the gamified content with keeping them consistent, a genuinely different motivator than the other picks here offer. It requires a subscription for full functionality and it’s a heavy, non-folding machine, worth confirming both before buying.
- Large rotating touchscreen for entertainment
- Gamified workouts and community challenges
- Smooth air and magnetic resistance combo
- Requires subscription for full features
- Heavy and bulky
Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower
The lightest and most compact machine in this roundup, built for occasional use and easy storage rather than a daily training routine.
What owners say: Easy setup and storage are the recurring praise, particularly from people with limited space. It’s not built for heavy daily use or taller/heavier users, best suited for light, occasional sessions.
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Folds compactly
- Very affordable
- Not for heavy or tall users
- Seat comfort could be better
How to choose
- Resistance Type: Air vs Magnetic vs Water. Air rowers like the Concept2 offer a natural feel and scalability but are noisier. Magnetic rowers are quiet and often cheaper, with adjustable resistance but may lack realism. Water rowers provide a smooth, soothing stroke and aesthetic appeal but can be heavy and more expensive.
- Build Quality and Durability. Look for a steel frame and components that handle your weight and workout frequency. Owners frequently report that cheaper models wobble or break within a year, so investing a bit more into a robust machine like the Concept2 or WaterRower can save money long-term.
- Monitor Features and Connectivity. A good monitor tracks time, distance, strokes, and calories. Bluetooth connectivity for apps like Zwift or iFit can enhance motivation. However, if you prefer simple tracking, a basic LCD may suffice and lower costs.
- Noise Level. If you live in an apartment or workout while others sleep, a magnetic rower is your best bet. Air rowers generate a whooshing sound that can be loud, while water rowers produce a gentle slosh. Test or read owner reviews for noise complaints.
- Folding and Storage. Many rowers fold vertically or horizontally for storage. Check dimensions when folded and whether the machine can be stored upright without risk of tipping. Removable water tanks are easier to maintain if you plan to store the rower long-term.
Frequently asked questions
Which budget rowing machine is best for beginners?
The Schwinn 810 Magnetic Rower is an excellent choice for beginners due to its quiet operation, easy assembly, and intuitive controls. It offers 8 levels of resistance, which is sufficient for starting, and it folds for storage.
How much noise should I expect from a rowing machine?
Noise depends on resistance type: magnetic rowers are nearly silent, water rowers produce a gentle swoosh, and air rowers like the Concept2 generate a whooshing sound similar to a fan. If noise is a concern, prioritize magnetic or water rowers.
Is a water rowing machine worth the investment?
Yes, for those who value aesthetics and a realistic rowing feel. Water rowers are smooth, quiet, and often become a piece of furniture. The WaterRower Natural is highly durable, but it comes at a higher price and does not fold.
Can I use a rowing machine on carpet?
Most rowing machines can be used on carpet, but it is recommended to place a mat underneath to protect the carpet from moisture (water rowers) and to prevent the machine from shifting during workouts.
How often should I maintain my rowing machine?
Maintenance varies by type. Air rowers need occasional cleaning of the fan housing and chain lubrication. Water rowers require a purification tablet every few months to prevent algae. Magnetic rowers need little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning of the slide rail.
What is the weight limit for budget rowing machines?
Weight limits vary typically from 250 to 500 lbs. Most budget rowers support 250-300 lbs, but higher-end models like the Concept2 support up to 500 lbs. Always check the manufacturer specification to ensure it accommodates your body weight safely.
The verdict
The Concept2 RowErg is worth the investment if you plan to row consistently for years, nothing else here matches its durability track record. Go with the NordicTrack RW900 if guided, screen-based workouts keep you motivated, or the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 if you just want a functional rower at the lowest possible cost.