10 Best Rowing Machines Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023

If you believe that rowing machines are for off-season rowers, please change your misconception.

Anyone who wants to enjoy cardiovascular health advantages alongside fitness benefits like a fat burn, muscle strength, and sculpted body shape can go for a rowing machine.

Rowing is a low-impact, high cardio workout. That means you will get health and fitness benefits without causing too much pressure on your knees, joints, and lower body.

According to the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA), one rowing stroke comprises 65-75 % leg work and 25-35% upper bodywork. You activate your whole body muscles during this cardio workout.

Your blood flow and metabolism rates improve, and it’s when you start reshaping your body while burning your calories fast. Isn’t that what you want? Of course, yes.

Let me help you select the best rowing machine as per your fitness needs and weight with my complete buying guide.

Those in a hurry can pick one from the top picks, which unwraps premium-quality, highly functional, and efficient machines for beginners and advanced rowers.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 best rowing machines according to consumer ratings and reports 2023.

QUICK PICKS

Here are the top-rated products we picked out that you would be interested in, depending on your budget…

Best Rowing Machines Consumer Ratings & Reports

I have compiled a list of the 10 best rowing machines based on consumer ratings and reports for 2023.

1. Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

When you need a rowing machine with workout programs, then you get the best one from Fitness reality. I

t unlocks 15 workout programs – 10 are preset while other fives are customizable.

As far as resistance levels are concerned, you can make the most of 16 different levels.

When you have a preset program in your machine, it becomes comfortable to achieve your fitness goal quickly as you don’t have to make your own plan.

It is designed with a 5-inch highly visible LCD monitor to keep full track of your programs and use this machine comfortably.

The large contoured cushioned seat makes it easy for you to use this machine for hours.

You can fold the machine and store it wherever you like. No need to book your floor space with it all the time.

There are four adjustable floor stabilizers, so whether you want to use them on a hardwood floor or carpet, they will prevent rocking and give you the stability you always need.

You can keep your smartphone in the holder and play your favorite songs while keeping up with regular cardio exercise.

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2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower with LCD Monitor

Bringing your body in proper shape is quite simple with a Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic rowing machine. I

t is designed with an LCD console that displays calories, Total count, and time accurately on the LCD console.

The user-friendly design has a fully padded seat for comfort, while their non-slip grip handlebars allow you to work with this machine with convenience.

Moving it from one place to another is pretty simple, all thanks to its built-in transportation wheels.

The foot pedals are non-slip, so you won’t have to deal with trip injuries. You can enjoy a low-impact cardiovascular and aerobic workout with this machine.

Through its adjustable magnetic Resistance, you can give your body a challenge during your fitness journey. You won’t experience an imbalance in your body.

Rowers of any size can easily accommodate this machine. The slide rail length is 48 inches, while that inseam length is 44 inches.

You don’t need to do the heavy lifting with your machine. All you have to do is to tilt and roll it out for quick and easy storage.

There is a floor stabilizer integrated into this rowing machine to remain stable and well-balanced on uneven surfaces.

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3. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rowing Rower

Different rowers require different resistance levels. Thanks to fitness Reality 1000 Plus, you can set resistance levels from level 1 to 14.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can set a resistance level as per your needs.

You can go with an easy workout and give yourself a big challenge at a high level.

One thing that you admire the most about this machine is that it’s quiet.

So, when you live in an apartment or share a place, you won’t have to worry about neighbors and roommates.

You can sync this device with your smartphone and then start getting your beginner fitness classes with its Bluetooth connectivity.

There is a stabilizer foot band for trying various workouts such as triceps extensions, upright rows, bent over rows, curls, front raises, shrugs, standing shoulder presses, and many more others.

The handlebar is 21.5 inches wide, so it offers a comfortable grip, while padded seating lets you easily use the machine for a long time.

It is integrated with a 3.5 inches display to check calories burned, scan, and strokes per minute.

This tracking helps you check where you stand in your fitness regimen.

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4. SereneLife AiMagnetic Rowing Machine

Achieving your fitness goal with aerobic exercise is now made possible with the Rowing machine.

With varying levels of Resistance, you can burn your calories while strengthening your core and muscles.

It’s pretty easy to monitor your strides, distance, elapsed time, calories burned, and revolutions per minute from its built-in LCD display.

Auto power lets you use its batteries for a long life span when the display is not in use.

This magnetic rowing machine unlocks 8 levels of tension resistance. The maximum rowing distance is 999.9 miles.

Whether you are into endurance building or weight loss, this machine helps you achieve your fitness goal quickly.

This compact machine won’t take much space, and the foldable design makes it easy to store.

The maximum weight capacity is 220lbs, so different people can use it effortlessly.

Your family won’t get disturbed during exercise as it has a smooth-gliding slide rail. There is a padded seat that brings comfort via every pull. With its robust handlebar, the machine is quite manageable.

Investment in this rowing machine lasted for a long time as it is made of alloy steel and engineered ABS.

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5. JOROTO Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with LCD Display

Do you need good quality and affordable rowing machine for beginner workouts? Go and get one from Joroto Magentic Power.

This machine is designed with premium-quality aluminum side rail.

The new entrance of the fitness world can challenge themselves by setting 10 different levels of Resistance. It provides support to almost 300 lbs weight.

It’s easy to set a resistance level and then engage all your muscle groups.

Whether you want to establish endurance or burn fat, this machine will help you achieve your ultimate fitness goal.

This machine is designed with a phone holder and cup holder, so you can keep the device close while keeping your body fully hydrated.

You can adjust the pedal as per your size requirements. These pedals are non-slip, so you don’t feel disturbed while doing an exercise.

From its digital display, you can monitor your progress and keep full track of calories and time.

It wasn’t that difficult to put it all together. Be ready to spend at least an hour on its assembly.

Follow the instructions. All the screws and bolts are included in the package.

Another plus of this machine is that it is super silent. It glides fast but doesn’t create any annoying sound.

Moving it around is simple, with built-in wheels. There is a wide contoured seat for user convenience.

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6. SNODE Water Rowing Machine with Bluetooth

When searching for a high-performing water rowing machine, you can easily get one from Snode.

It is well-designed and built with premium quality material. So, the buyer can enjoy the best value for his money.

The reason for going with a rowing machine is that it poses less impact on your joint in comparison to traditional cardio exercises.

It helps you work out for every muscle of your body and get the best fitness results, aka contoured body, muscle endurance, and fat burn.

It is designed with a molded padded seat that brings comfort alongside a fully functional design. This rower machine can support rowers up to 300lbs.

Its adjustable foot pedal makes it one ideal machine for every family member.

It is an excellent machine to be used in the gym. The User can adjust the foot paddle according to his feet size.

Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you won’t find it hard to sync it with a variety of applications.

Transportation wheels make it highly portable. You can move it around comfortably.

When you want to sore it, simply gold it vertically to save your floor space.

You can set perfect water resistance to challenge your muscles. Durable and rust-proof blades are used for maintaining the Resistance you need for a long time.

Do you need instant Resistance? It’s not impossible to get, all thanks to its 16 fan blades and flywheel.

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7. Suny Health and Fitness High Capacity Rowing Machine

If you want to purchase a rowing machine suitable for both you and your partner, then get this one.

It can support weight up to 350lbs. Thereby both men and women can use it comfortably.

This rowing machine is designed with a durable steel rail design.

The fluid inside the piston offers an optimal level of Resistance that you need to make the most from a low-impact workout.

It helps you get proper body shape by challenging full-body muscles.

The full-motion handlebar is easy to work with. The seat is extra wide to provide comfy seating to people of all ages and weights.

Its multi-functional digital monitor helps you keep full track of burned calories, time, count, and other stats.

The foot paddle provides enough room for a foot of varied size. Thanks to its straps, the foot remains stable on the pad so that you can maintain your complete focus on the workout.

If you remain worried about neighborhood disturbance, no need to worry anymore because this machine is whisper quiet.

You can focus on your fitness goal without annoying anyone around.

As far as the assembly is concerned, you won’t have to spend hours because it is pretty quick and easy.

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8. ShareVgo Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine with Free APP

You must have some entertainment to keep you going on a rowing machine

.ShareVgo Smart Folding machine gets connected with the tablet holder via its Bluetooth connectivity.

The free fitness application lets you compete with other users and keep full track of your own fitness goals.

It brings quiet 8-level Resistance. Whether you are a professional or beginner, you can try a variety of cardio exercises by setting a resistance you can handle.

A large tablet holder holds the device for you, and you can watch a movie and play some songs to keep your mind fully occupied.

This full-body home workout machine allows you to connect with six preset distance-based goals to give yourself some challenges.

You can check your social ranking based on your workout alongside community members. These kinds of interactions keep you fully motivated.

Unlike other rowing machines that don’t display accurate counts and calories burned, this one is hi-tech.

It means you can rely on its Bluetooth-connected display and track your daily progress.

Extra-long side rails allow users of varying heights to use this machine. The compact design makes it an ideal machine to keep in the office and at home.

It is simple to assemble and can be folded when not in use for space-saving storage.

As the machine brings free applications, it keeps data safe for multiple users. No need to buy a separate machine for individuals.

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9. HARISON Water Rowing Machines for Home Use

For getting the best results workout, you need to rely on a high-quality water rowing machine. Harrison brings a foldable high capacity machine.

The water tank is impact-resistant and designed to last for years. The manufacturer added water purification tablets inside the box.

You can put these tablets once a year inside the tank to ensure that water doesn’t go bad.

Once you have this rowing machine, it’s easy to try some rigorous exercises and burn your fat.

The water in the tank creates a smooth rowing experience for users during every stroke.

It allows you to set instant Resistance with 16 fan blades and a flywheel. The faster this blade spins, the higher Resistance you can get.

This machine provides support up to 300lbs, so people of varied weights can use it comfortably.

The ergonomically designed seat fits your hip curve and gives you a comfortable seating experience.

This water tank is well-made and shows excellent resistance against heat, impact, and corrosion.

The multi-use digital monitor helps you keep complete track of your calories, count, distance, and time.

An iPad holder allows you to enjoy your favorite TV show while you are trying different cardio exercises.

With the help of its ground balance adjustment knob, you can easily set the machine on uneven surfaces.

Assembly is pretty straightforward. You will get all nuts and bolts inside the package.

Instructions are simple; you won’t need to spend hours in its assembly. It will be done in less than an hour.

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10. Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine | Adjustable Resistance

Do you like to customize your workout? If yes, then you need a rowing machine with hydraulic resistance.

It is a helpful machine you can have in your home gym for building stamina and strength over time.

You can easily set resistance levels for beginner and advanced levels. Its well-designed contour seat moves quickly on the rail. The steel frames are designed to last for long years.

It offers you a full-body workout with neck and back support. All kinds of cardio exercises you do on this machine are low impact and don’t hurt your knees.

You can achieve fitness goals like fat burning and muscle toning while getting cardiovascular health advantages.

When you increase the Resistance, the solid-made foam handle won’t let you go while you can entirely focus on your workout.

You can fold it to save storage space. It supports weight up to 300 lbs while people with height 4’2 to 6’7 can use it comfortably.

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A Complete Guide For Rowing Machines

Are you trying to figure out what rowing machine to buy? Well, here is my complete buying guide that will help you make a good decision.

Analyze Your Need

Define the intended use for this machine. Do you want it for personal or commercial use?

A commercial machine must be heavy-duty, while a personal machine for home use can be low-end.

How many people are going to use it? If you need a multi-user machine, it must have an adjustable foot strap, different resistance levels, and weight capacity.

You can find machines with 150-400lbs support. Once you define how you will use it and how many people will use it, it becomes easy to make the right choice.

Available Space

Always check your available home space so that you don’t end up buying a model that your home doesn’t accommodate.

Some machines are compact and have foldable storage for limited spaces, while others are large and need a dedicated area. Pick one that fits in your home gym easily.

Know Your Budget

When you start exploring rowing machines, tons of options will come in front of you.

As high-end models usually have eye-catching features, you readily fall for them. However, when you check the price, they don’t fall under your budget limit.

Therefore, it is imperative to set a proper budget. In the case of gym equipment, you get what you pay for and the formula fits perfectly.

You need to pay more than $700 for a high-end model, while a low-end is available at under $400.

You can buy a low-end model, but a low price means getting poor build, features, and functionality.

Be ready to spend a little more or get at least a mid-range model if you are serious about meeting your fitness goals.

Types of Resistance

Rowing machines are available with different types of resistance. It’s good to know all about every type so that you can pick the right one for you.

1. Air

You can usually find machines with air resistance in the gym. It is noisy equipment. The resistance depends on the user’s rowing intensity.

The higher intensity means high resistance, and less intensity equals less resistance—people like air resistance due to smooth rowing motion.

2. Hydraulic Piston

You should settle for a Hydraulic one when you need an easy-to-store and quiet rowing machine.

They are super compact and affordable.

3. Magnetic

These machines are designed with magnetic braking systems that provide resistance without creating any noise.

You can adjust resistance easily. A problem with the magnetic version is that it doesn’t offer as strong resistance as you normally get with air and water.

However, people like to invest money in them because they require no maintenance and last for a long time.

4. Water

You can simulate outdoor rowing motion indoors with water resistance.

You paddle the blades that move against water and create the exact resistance you get during rowing outdoors.

They are high-end models, so you need to pay more for this kind of rowing machine.

Storage

If you have limited space to keep a rowing machine in your home, you better check the storage options.

Go with foldable models, so you can fold them and stand vertically to free the floor space.

Noise Level

If you plan to use machines in your apartment and small home, the noise level is essential.

You can’t afford to disturb everyone while trying to keep up with your fitness goals.

Thankfully, you can find machines with quiet operation these days.

Resistance Level and programs

It’s good to buy a machine with more resistance levels and preset programs.

When you have varied resistance, you can start from an easy workout and then keep increasing the level to challenge your body.

Preset programs allow beginners to make the most of a rowing machine.

Durability

No one wants to waste his money. So, before you purchase a rowing machine, probe into its strength and build.

A steel frame is durable, while an aluminum one is rustproof. Get one that provides you benefits for a long time.

Warranty

If a manufacturer offers you a good quality product, he won’t mind offering a warranty for replacement and parts.

Go and settle a deal with a warranty, so if something goes south, you have a warranty card to save your investment.

Seating

The shape of the seats should be ergonomically designed as per the hip curve. It should be comfortable. Else exercise will become challenging.

Pedals

Adjustable foot pedals and straps are a must when different users ride on this machine.

People with varied foot sizes need to adjust straps as per their needs to have a firm grip on the pedal, and they don’t get distracted by slipping.

Handlebar

As you need to hold the handle far firmly while doing various cardio exercises, it should be well-built and must have proper padding and foam.

A wide bar offers more space, while foam brings a non-slip grip for the user.

Display

An LCD is a must as you need to track your progress. Many brands offer a large LCD with a backlight so that you can check count, heart rate, and other stats quickly.

Always get a display with an accurate monitor. If you are unsure about the accuracy, read customer reviews to get a clear idea.

Smart Options

A machine must have a smartphone or tablet holder. You will get bored quickly, and these devices will keep you motivated.

Also, go for a fitness machine that has innovative features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

These options allow you to connect a machine with a smartphone’s fitness app and stay on your health and fitness track all the time.

Final Verdict

If you are searching for a great cardio workout machine that poses less impact on your lower body, especially knee and joint areas, then you should only get a rowing machine.

Indoor rowing is becoming popular as fitness gurus have created specific classes for this rowing machine. It has become the most efficient workout machine without impacting joints.

I know the process of shopping for a rowing machine is quite challenging, but you can overcome this challenge with my detailed buying guide.

I shared details of all the things to look for when finding the perfect machine. When you explore this guide, selecting the model based on your needs becomes pretty convenient.

People Also Asked About Rowing Machines

Can you burn belly fat on a rowing machine?

Yes, it can burn stubborn belly fat muscles. If you do rowing at moderate to a high level every other day, it won’t be hard for you to get a flat tummy.

Can you get in shape by just rowing?

Yes, you can maintain a beautiful body shape with rowing. The reason is that this machine helps you do full-body workouts while improving your health and boosting up lean muscles.

Should I row every day?

If your end game is to stay active and healthy, you should do rowing for half an hour a day at a low to moderate level of intensity.

However, when your end goal is to lose weight and burn fat fast, you should set the high intensity and need to do it quite often.

Is it worth buying a rower?

A rowing machine is a good investment. You can use it four times a week and shape your body and tone your muscles effectively.

Is rowing better than running?

According to recent studies, rowing is better than running because more muscles get activated in this workout.

During rowing, your upper and lower body parts remain active while it challenges your nine muscle groups.

Thereby you can tone your body quickly with this full-body workout.

Which is a better workout, treadmill or rowing machine?

You can go for a low-impact workout with a rowing machine.

A treadmill is super efficient, but pressure on your lower body brings health issues later as you stand most of the time.

If you compare both, a rowing machine is a better choice than a treadmill when you want to burn fat and plan to build some muscles.

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