As a fitness enthusiast who’s spent countless hours researching and testing different models, I’m here to share my top picks with you:
- Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine$239.97
- YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine$239.99
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205$104.27
- Concept2$1,289
- Hydrow$2,244
As someone who’s spent a lot of time using these machines, I’ll also share my personal thoughts and insights on each one.So, let’s get started!
1: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine
Starting strong, we have my top choice – the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine.
This rower has been a part of my home gym for some time now, and it gets my highest endorsement for anyone in search of a top-notch, at-home rowing workout.
Let’s take a closer look at the key features that have helped this rowing machine secure its position as my absolute favorite.
Key Features
Here’s a snapshot of the main features that helped make this rowing machine my top choice:
- On-the-fly adjustment with 8 levels of magnetic resistance. With a simple twist, you can customize your exercise to be as challenging or as relaxed as you prefer, enabling a truly dynamic fitness journey.
- An extra-long 48-inch slide rail accommodates rowers of virtually any size. With 44 inches in inseam length, this rower is designed for maximum accessibility.
- Track your progress easily with the large LCD console that displays time, count, calories, total count, and scan. Stay motivated and informed as you reach your fitness goals.
- Transportation wheels are built into the rower for easy movement. No need for heavy lifting or muscle strain; simply tilt and roll it away for storage or into position for your workout.
- Textured non-slip foot pedals ensure secure footing even during the most intense rowing sessions. With foot straps included, your focus can remain solely on your workout rather than keeping your balance.
- Enjoy the ultimate comfort with a cushioned seat that provides a comfortable rowing experience. Don’t let discomfort be a hurdle in your path toward fitness.
- The machine is designed with anti-slip handlebars with a soft padded foam grip, ensuring comfort and support throughout your rowing routine.
- The foldable design of this rowing machine is a significant plus for space-saving. When not in use, fold the steel rail upright for easy storage, even in tight areas.
In a nutshell, this rower offers an adjustable, comfortable, and compact solution for your home workouts.
My Experience
Having owned this rower for almost two years, here are my honest thoughts:
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Its magnetic resistance system is extremely quiet and easily adjustable, making it an excellent fit for high-intensity rowing or long endurance sessions.
What I appreciate most about this rower is its blend of comfort and practicality. The cushioned seat makes long workouts more bearable, and the foldable design is a godsend for tight spaces in the house.
Yes, the computer is admittedly basic but does the job of tracking time and distance. If you’re someone who enjoys focusing on your workout rather than fiddling with complex tech, you’ll appreciate its simplicity.
In summary, I’m extremely satisfied with this rower and think it offers the perfect blend of performance and value for money.
It’s almost as good as much more expensive rowers like the Concept2 but costs a fraction of the price and is worth every penny.
Click here to read more about the Sunny Health Rowing Machine on Amazon.
2: YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine
Next on my list is the YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine – a stable, reliable rower that offers a full-body workout with the minimum of fuss.
I’ve owned this machine for the past couple of months and have been extremely impressed with its performance.
So, let’s dive into this rower’s key features and see why it’s such a strong contender in my top picks.
Key Features
Although YOSUDA isn’t exactly a household name, their rower has a surprisingly impressive number of features:
- Designed for quick and easy assembly, this rower is built to last. With commercial-grade, 5mm-thick steel, it’s highly durable and can support users up to 350 lbs. The 45.2-inch long slide is designed to accommodate users from 4’5” to 6’2”, making it a versatile choice for the family.
- Perfect for a full-body workout, the rower contains a 10-lb flywheel paired with a high-grade magnetic control system that provides smooth and adjustable resistance. With 16 varying resistance levels, it caters to all fitness levels – whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned rower.
- You’ll appreciate the super quiet operation thanks to the non-contact magnetic resistance system. The high-density steel construction also adds to the overall noise reduction, enabling you to enjoy your rowing workout anytime without any fuss.
- YOSUDA’s user-friendly design shines through in this machine. It’s compact and saves up to 70% storage space when stored upright. It’s also easy to move around with its large transportation wheels.
- The large 3.45-inch LCD monitor displays distance, time, count, and calories burned. And with the large tablet holder, you can enjoy videos or music while rowing, adding fun to your workout routine.
- Finally, to maximize comfort and safety during your workout, this rowing machine features non-slip pedals with adjustable straps, an ergonomic soft seat for a comfortable rowing experience, and a reinforced nylon rope for increased durability.
This rower has really impressed me with its sturdy build and reliable mechanism.
I bought this rower as a backup to keep in my spare bedroom, and, I must admit, it has surpassed my expectations.
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With its adjustable resistance levels, it’s been a game-changer in my workouts, catering to both my mellow and intense training days.
The silence it operates in is astounding, making those early morning or late-night workouts guilt-free. No worries about waking up the household or causing a disturbance.
Despite its robust build, it’s surprisingly compact. The foldable feature and the wheels have been a lifesaver, particularly when I have had guests come to stay and needed to clear some space.
While the YOSUDA may not be a top-of-the-line commercial rower, it’s incredibly versatile, quiet, and great value for money.
YOSUDA is a trusted brand with over two decades of delivering top-quality fitness machines, and they offer a one-month free return and refund policy alongside a two-year replacement for parts.
Click here to read more about the YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine on Amazon.
3: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205
Securing the third spot on my list of the top rowing machines is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205.
This rowing machine stands out with its simple yet efficient design and promises to deliver a comprehensive full-body workout.
Let’s delve into its key features to explore what this rowing machine brings to the table.
Key Features
Here are the standout features of the SF-RW1205 rowing machine:
- With 12 levels of hydraulic resistance, this rower offers a quiet and smooth row, making it an excellent choice for low-impact, at-home exercise routines.
- Stay informed about your workout progress with the integrated digital monitor, which tracks time, count, total count, and calories, and offers a scan function.
- This rower prioritizes user comfort, featuring pivoting foot pedals, foam handlebars, and a cushioned seat.
Enjoy a wider range of motion with each row, thanks to the adjustable pivoting pedals paired with the fixed incline. You can customize your workout experience by adjusting the pedal straps to your comfort and ensuring your rower fits perfectly in your space with the adjustable stabilizers.
With these impressive features, this rower seems like a good fit for anyone looking for an effective, at-home workout.
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While I don’t own one of these rowers, one of my buddy’s bought one last year and lent it to me to test for this review. I loved it so much that I decided to include it in my list.
Perhaps the standout feature for me is the compact design of this rower. It’s easy to move from room to room or even move outside, making my workouts much more enjoyable.
This rower’s adjustable pedal straps and hydraulic resistance system are great, making it easy to adjust the workout intensity and enjoy a smooth, quiet rowing experience.
The adjustable, pivoting pedals are awesome, as they offer a broad range of motion with each stroke. This feature, coupled with the machine’s compact footprint, offers a balance of efficiency and comfort in one package.
This rower may not be the first choice for competitive rowers or athletes, but it is a fantastic addition for regular folk seeking a low-impact, comprehensive, at-home workout.
Although it’s in third place on my list, it would be my No 1 choice for an affordable, budget-friendly rower.
Click here to read more about the Sunny Health SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine on Amazon.
4: Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
Claiming the fourth spot on my list is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine.
As a fitness enthusiast, I value a rowing machine that offers more than just a basic rowing experience, and this machine certainly delivers.
Regarded by many as one of the best indoor rowing machines, the Concept2 would be my top recommendation for intermediate and advanced rowers and competitive athletes.
Let’s dive deeper and explore the key features that make this machine a top contender on my list.
Key Features
Here’s a snapshot of Concept2’s key features:
- The Concept2 offers an effective full-body, low-impact workout thanks to its flywheel design that is optimized to minimize noise while maximizing a smooth rowing feel.
- Boasting an adjustable 14-inch seat height and footrests along with an ergonomic handle, the Concept2 promises a comfortable workout for users of all fitness levels, from beginner to professional athletes.
- With an Integrated Device Holder for your smart devices, the Concept2 is compatible with over 40+ fitness apps and Concept2’s Workout Of the Day (WOD) emails to enhance your workout experience.
- The advanced Performance Monitor 5 provides you with accurate, comparable data for every row. It supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for seamless connections to apps and heart rate monitors.
- Designed with convenience in mind, it easily separates into two pieces for storage, and its caster wheels make it easy to move around. The construction is robust, with aluminum front legs and steel rear legs.
The Concept2 is a serious investment in your fitness journey with a price tag to match.
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While I don’t personally own a Concept2, I’ve had the pleasure of using one regularly at my local rowing club, and here are my honest thoughts:
The Concept2’s smooth and quiet operation is simply magnificent; it’s easily on par with commercial-grade rowers, and there’s no doubt why it’s the go-to choice for most rowing clubs.
The resistance levels are easy to adjust and ensure I can always get a challenging workout and keep making progress.
Compatible with multiple apps, it’s a tech-friendly machine and great for tracking progress. The Performance Monitor 5 is superb and offers reliable data for every row, with a backlit LCD that’s clear and easy to read even during intense sessions.
My overall impression? If you’re looking for an effective full-body workout in a sturdy, reliable, and user-friendly machine, the Concept2 might just be your perfect match.
Click here to read more about the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine on Amazon.
5: Hydrow
Rounding out my top five selection is the Hydrow.
This rower has been described as the “Pelaton of rowers” thanks to its 22” HD touchscreen and subscription-based ‘outdoor reality’ workouts.
But is it a hit? Let’s delve into some of the key features that help it secure its place on my list!
Key Features
The Hydrow offers several features that make it a unique and effective rower:
- The Hydrow’s standout feature is its patented electromagnetic resistance mechanism that it claims can replicate the sensation of rowing on water, providing a realistic and challenging workout. The company also claims that the rower engages 86% of your body’s muscle groups for a full-body workout.
- Featuring a 22″ HD touchscreen and front-facing speakers, the Hydrow aims to offer an immersive experience with workouts led by world-class athletes, including Olympians and members of the US National Team.
- With the monthly subscription fee, the Hydrow takes you on a virtual journey to different rowing locations around the world, adding variety to your workouts. You can have unlimited user profiles, allowing every member of your household to enjoy the workout experience.
Having owned a Hydrow for more than two years, I have a pretty clear perspective on it, and here’s why:
The Hydrow’s electromagnetic mechanism is easily its stand-out feature. It makes the rower an absolute joy to row on and feels just like rowing on water.
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My main gripe about the Hydrow is that you need to pay for the subscription service to track workout stats, and the subscription is pretty pricey.
Despite the high monthly fee, the interactive rows are phenomenal, and there’s nothing quite like virtually rowing on some of the world’s most stunning waterways.
The yoga and strength classes are also fantastic and help justify the cost.
If you’re serious about rowing and are looking for the best rower when money is no object, Hydrow could be the machine for you.
Click here to visit the official Hydrow website and learn more about it today.
Best Rowing Machines Conclusion
Each of the five rowing machines on my list has something different to offer, so to wrap things up, here’s a brief summary of what each of them does best:
- Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine: Best overall rowing machine for performance and value for money.
- YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine: Best for its dual resistance system that provides a smooth, realistic rowing experience.
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205: Best for its exceptional affordability and simplicity, suitable for beginners and those on a budget.
- Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine: Best for its durable construction, proven reliability, and extensive performance metrics – a favorite among professional athletes and health clubs.
- Hydrow: Best for its immersive, technologically advanced features that replicate the experience of rowing on waterways around the world.
While each of these rowing machines brings something unique to the table, if I were to choose one for its overall functionality and value, it would be the Sunny smart magnetic rowing machine.
In my opinion, my No 1 pick offers the best blend of value, performance, durability, and function and deserves its top spot.
Click here to read more about the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine
