Updated October 26, 2026 · 8 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallWenoker Magnetic Rowerquiet, 350 lb capacityCheck price on Amazon →
Best for small spacesSunny Health Compact Hydraulic Rower4.4★, 20,000+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Rowing is one of the most complete workouts you can do at home. Each stroke uses your legs, core, back and arms, it is low impact on the knees, and twenty minutes leaves almost anyone breathing hard. That is why rowing machines are some of the most popular home cardio purchases for the New Year, from compact rowers for apartments to beautiful wooden water rowers that double as furniture.
This guide picks the best rowing machines for home for beginners, small spaces, seniors and serious training. We explain magnetic vs water vs hydraulic vs air rowers, how much space you need, proper rowing form and simple workouts, plus tips for buying around Black Friday.
Best overall
Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine
A quiet, smooth magnetic rower with 39-inch steel slide rails and a 350 lb weight capacity, at a price that suits most home gyms.
Rated 4.6★ by more than 900 buyers, who praise its quality, easy assembly, value and quiet operation.
Quick answer: the best rowing machines
- Best overallWenoker Magnetic Rower · quiet, 350 lb capacity
- Best for small spacesSunny Health Compact Hydraulic Rower · 4.4★, 20,000+ ratings
- Best folding rowerXTERRA ERG200 · folds for storage
- Best premiumWaterRower with S4 Monitor · handmade in the USA
Pick by your space and goals
Wenoker Magnetic Rower
Quiet magnetic resistance and long rails for a smooth, full stroke.
Sunny Compact Hydraulic Rower
A short, light rower that fits small apartments and stores easily.
WaterRower
A real water flywheel for the most natural feel, built to last for years.
The best rowing machines, reviewed
Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine
You need this if: you want a quiet, sturdy rower for regular home workouts without spending premium money.
- ResistanceMagnetic
- Rails39 in steel
- Capacity350 lb
- Rating4.6★ (930+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Magnetic resistance is almost silent, which matters in apartments and early mornings. Long steel rails give a full stroke for most heights. Buyers praise the quality, assembly, value, smoothness and quiet running.
Keep in mind: It has fewer reviews than the Sunny rower. Very tall users should check the rail length against their inseam.
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower
You need this if: you have very little space or want an affordable way to start rowing.
- ResistanceHydraulic, 12 levels
- RailInclined, compact
- SizeSmall footprint
- Rating4.4★ (20,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: One of the most-reviewed rowers on Amazon. It is small, light and easy to store, and the inclined rail adds leg drive. Buyers praise the quality, value and easy assembly.
Keep in mind: Hydraulic pistons feel different from a real rowing stroke, and resistance reviews are mixed. Tall users may find the rail short.
XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Magnetic Rower
You need this if: your rower has to fold away when you are not using it.
- ResistanceMagnetic
- RailsAluminum on steel frame
- Monitor3.7 in LCD
- Rating4.3★ (480+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It folds up for storage, which is ideal for living rooms and guest rooms. Buyers praise its performance, value and easy assembly.
Keep in mind: Some buyers say the maximum resistance is too light for strong rowers.
WaterRower with S4 Bluetooth Monitor
You need this if: you row often, care about feel and want equipment that looks good in your home.
- ResistanceWater flywheel
- BuildHandcrafted, made in USA
- MonitorS4 with Bluetooth
- Rating4.7★ (550+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The water flywheel gives a smooth, natural feel and a calming swoosh, and the wooden frame looks like furniture. It stores upright to save space. Buyers praise its performance, looks and quiet operation.
Keep in mind: It is the most expensive pick here. Several WaterRower versions exist, so check the exact model and wood finish on the listing.
Comparison table
| Rower | Resistance | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wenoker | Magnetic | Most homes | 4.6★ (930+) |
| Sunny Compact | Hydraulic | Small spaces, budget | 4.4★ (20,000+) |
| XTERRA ERG200 | Magnetic, folding | Storage | 4.3★ (480+) |
| WaterRower | Water | Premium feel | 4.7★ (550+) |
Magnetic vs water vs hydraulic vs air rowers
| Type | Feel | Noise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic | Smooth, set resistance levels | Very quiet | Apartments, most homes |
| Water | Natural, like rowing on water | Soft swoosh | Feel and looks |
| Hydraulic | Piston-based, less natural | Quiet | Small spaces, low budget |
| Air | Harder the faster you row, like gym rowers | Loud fan | Serious training, CrossFit |
How much space does a rowing machine need?
Most full-size rowers are about 7 to 8 feet long and 2 feet wide, and you need a little extra room on each side for your hands and to get on and off. Compact hydraulic rowers are shorter. Many rowers can stand upright or fold for storage. If you are over about 6 ft 2 in, check that the rail is long enough for your inseam so you can fully extend your legs.
Proper rowing form in four steps
- Catch: shins vertical, arms straight, back tall, leaning slightly forward.
- Drive: push with your legs first, then swing your body back slightly, then pull with your arms.
- Finish: legs straight, slight lean back, handle pulled to your lower ribs.
- Recovery: reverse the order: arms, then body, then bend the knees and slide forward.
The power should come mostly from the legs. A common mistake is pulling with the arms first, which tires you out and strains the back.
▶ Proper Rowing Machine FormA coach demonstrates proper rowing technique. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Beginner rowing workouts
- Easy start: 3 rounds of 5 minutes easy rowing with 1 minute rest.
- Intervals: 8 rounds of 30 seconds hard, 90 seconds easy.
- Steady state: 20 minutes at a pace where you can still talk.
- Pyramid: row 1, 2, 3, 2, 1 minutes hard with equal easy rowing in between.
Rowing machine vs treadmill vs exercise bike
A rower works the upper and lower body together and is very low impact, which makes it great for full-body fitness and joint-friendly cardio. A treadmill is best for walkers and runners training for races. An exercise bike is the easiest to use while reading or watching TV. If you are deciding, see our guides to the best treadmills and best exercise bikes.
Rowing machines for seniors
Rowing is low impact, but it does require getting down to a low seat. Seniors may prefer a rower with a higher seat, a stable frame and easy foot straps, and should start with short, gentle sessions. Check with a doctor if you have back, hip or heart problems.
How many calories does rowing burn?
It depends on your weight and how hard you row. A moderate 30-minute session commonly burns a few hundred calories, and hard intervals burn more. Because rowing uses so many muscles, it feels like a big effort in a short time. For weight loss, consistency matters more than intensity: three to five sessions a week, combined with a healthy diet, will do far more than an occasional hard workout.
Rowing with bad knees or a sore back
Rowing is low impact, so many people with sore knees find it more comfortable than running. Keep the knees tracking straight and avoid bouncing at the catch. For backs, good form is key: push with the legs first and keep your back tall rather than rounding forward. Start with low resistance and short sessions, and talk to a doctor or physical therapist if you have an injury.
Noise and apartments
Magnetic rowers are the quietest choice for apartments and early workouts. Water rowers make a gentle swoosh that most people find pleasant. Air rowers are loud and better suited to garages. A rubber equipment mat under any rower reduces vibration and protects floors.
Useful rowing accessories
- Equipment mat: protects floors and reduces noise.
- Seat cushion: makes longer sessions more comfortable.
- Phone or tablet holder: for workout apps and entertainment.
- Heart rate monitor: to track effort, especially for interval training.
- Water bottle and towel: rowing is sweaty work.
Black Friday and New Year buying tips
- Rowers are among the fitness machines most often discounted around Black Friday, Cyber Monday and early January.
- Compare weight capacity, rail length and warranty, not just price.
- Check the delivery weight and whether assembly is needed.
- Look at return policies before buying large equipment.
How to care for a rowing machine
- Wipe the rail and seat rollers regularly to keep the slide smooth.
- Check bolts every few months and tighten as needed.
- For water rowers, add water purification tablets as the manual recommends.
- Store it in a dry room; damp garages can rust steel parts.
Free tool: See how many calories your rows burn with our free rowing machine calorie calculator.
Full review: Read our full Sunny Health rowing machine review.
Full review: Read our full Wenoker rowing machine review.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rowing machine for home?
The Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine is our top pick for most homes: quiet, sturdy and well reviewed. The WaterRower is the best premium choice.
Is a rowing machine good for beginners?
Yes. Rowing is low impact and easy to learn once you understand the legs, body, arms order. Start with short sessions.
Magnetic or water rower: which is better?
Magnetic rowers are quieter and usually cheaper. Water rowers feel more natural and look great, but cost more.
How much space do I need for a rowing machine?
About 7 to 8 feet long and 2 feet wide for most full-size rowers, plus room to get on and off.
What muscles does a rowing machine work?
Legs, glutes, core, back, shoulders and arms. The legs do most of the work.
Is rowing better than running?
Rowing is lower impact and works the upper body too. Running is better for building running fitness. Both are excellent cardio.
Can tall people use a rowing machine?
Yes, but check the rail length. Users over about 6 ft 2 in should look for long rails.
When is the best time to buy a rowing machine?
Around Black Friday, Cyber Monday and early January, when fitness equipment is often discounted.
How we chose
We researched rowing machines on Amazon in October 2026 and compared ratings, the number of reviews, resistance type, rail length, capacity and what buyers say about smoothness, noise and durability. We chose one clear rower for each type of home. Prices change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
