Sunny Health Rowing Machine Review (2026): Compact Hydraulic Rower, Smart vs Classic

4.4★ · 20,000+ ratings

Sunny Health compact rower: the budget rower with 20,000+ fans

The Sunny Health & Fitness compact hydraulic rower is one of the best-selling rowing machines on Amazon, with more than 20,000 ratings at 4.4 stars. It is small, light, quiet and costs far less than most rowers.

Below: Smart vs Classic, what buyers say, how hydraulic rowers compare with magnetic and water rowers, and who should choose something else.

See today’s price on Amazon →

The short answer

Pick your version: Smart or Classic

The compact hydraulic rower comes in two versions on one listing. Tap one to open it.

Smart (SF-RW1205SMART)12 levels · LCD · Bluetooth with the free SunnyFit appSee it on Amazon →

Classic (SF-RW1205)12 levels · LCD · no appSee it on Amazon →

Our pick: the Smart version if the price gap is small, because the free SunnyFit app adds guided workouts and tracking. The Classic is fine if you just want to row and watch the timer.

Key specs

What 20,000+ buyers say: the box score

Amazon groups review mentions by topic. Here is the box score as of October 2026.

The takeaway: more than 20,000 buyers rate it 4.4 stars, mostly for value, easy assembly and its small size. The only mixed topic is resistance, which is normal for hydraulic rowers.

Hydraulic vs magnetic vs water rowers

Hydraulic rowers are the most compact and affordable. The trade-off is the stroke: it is shorter and feels less like rowing a boat than a flywheel rower. Hydraulic pistons can also feel a little lighter as they warm up during long sessions. If you want a smooth, long stroke for 30-minute rows, a magnetic rower is worth the extra money.

Sunny rower vs the rivals

Sunny hydraulic

Wenoker magnetic

XTERRA ERG200

See all our picks in the best rowing machines.

Is it a good workout?

Yes. Rowing works your legs, glutes, core, back, shoulders and arms in one movement, and the inclined rail on this Sunny model makes the leg drive a little harder. For most beginners, 15 to 20 minutes at a medium level is a solid workout. Use our rowing machine calorie calculator to estimate calories.

How to row on a hydraulic rower

1. Strap your feet in and sit tall with knees bent.
2. Push with your legs first, keeping your arms straight.
3. Lean back slightly, then pull the handles to your lower ribs.
4. Return in reverse: arms forward, lean forward, then bend your knees.
5. Keep a smooth rhythm, about 20 to 28 strokes per minute.

Is the Sunny compact rower worth it?

Yes, if you want an affordable, quiet rower that fits in a small apartment and is light enough to move into a closet or corner. It is one of the best-reviewed budget rowers on Amazon. If you want a smoother, longer stroke or row for 30 minutes or more most days, step up to a magnetic rower like the Wenoker.

Easy beginner plan

• Week 1: 10 minutes at level 3 to 4, 3 days.
• Week 2: 15 minutes at level 4 to 5.
• Week 3: 20 minutes, with 4 × 1 minute at level 7.
• Week 4: 20 to 25 minutes, mixing steady rowing and short hard pushes.

Small-space tips

• At about 22 lb, it is easy to carry to a closet or corner after use.
• Use a thin mat underneath to protect the floor.
• Leave a little space behind the seat for the full leg push.
• Wipe the seat and rail after sweaty sessions.

Is the resistance hard enough?

Resistance is the one mixed topic in reviews. Level 1 is very light and level 12 is firm. Most beginners and casual rowers find plenty of challenge, especially with the inclined rail. Very strong or experienced rowers sometimes find the top levels too easy. If that sounds like you, slow down your stroke and push harder with your legs, or choose a magnetic rower with a heavier flywheel.

What the monitor shows

The LCD shows time, stroke count, total count and estimated calories, with a scan mode that rotates through them. It does not show watts or a 500 m split like flywheel rowers. On the Smart version, the free SunnyFit app adds trainer-led workouts and lets you track sessions on your phone. For watts and split-based training, a magnetic or air rower is a better fit.

Assembly

Assembly is one of the most praised topics, with more than 1,100 positive mentions. Most of the machine comes put together, and buyers say it takes a short time with basic tools. Check that all bolts are tight after the first few sessions.

Who it is perfect for

• Apartment dwellers who need a quiet machine.
• Beginners who want to try rowing without a big spend.
• People who want a light full-body workout alongside walking or strength training.
• Older adults who want low-impact cardio. Check with your doctor first if you have back or joint problems.

Who should choose another rower

• Rowers who want to train with watts and splits. Choose a magnetic or air rower.
• Tall users who want a long stroke. A long-rail rower fits better.
• Anyone over 300 lb.

Care and maintenance

• Wipe the seat and rail after each workout.
• Check the pistons for leaks every few months.
• Tighten bolts that loosen over time.
• Store it indoors, away from heat and damp.

Rowing vs treadmill vs exercise bike

Rowing is one of the few cardio machines that also works your upper body, which makes it a time-efficient choice. It is also low impact, so it suits people who cannot run. See our rowing calorie calculator and treadmill calculator to compare calories.

Common rowing mistakes

• Pulling with the arms first: drive with your legs, then lean back, then pull.
• Hunching over: keep your chest up and your back straight.
• Rushing the return: come forward slowly. The return should take about twice as long as the drive.
• Gripping too hard: hold the handles loosely to avoid sore forearms.
• Setting resistance too high: a heavy setting does not mean a better workout. Use a level you can move smoothly.

Three easy workouts

• Steady row: 15 to 20 minutes at a level where you can still talk in short sentences.
• Pyramid: 1, 2, 3, 2, 1 minutes hard, with 1 minute easy between each.
• Tabata-style: 20 seconds hard, 10 seconds easy, 8 rounds, then 5 minutes easy.

Our final word

The Sunny compact hydraulic rower is the easiest way to add rowing to a small home on a small budget. It is quiet, light and well loved. Upgrade to a magnetic rower only if you want a longer, smoother stroke or plan to row hard every day.

How long should you row each day?

For general fitness, 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week, is a great target. Beginners should start with 10 minutes and add a few minutes each week. On a hydraulic rower, short and steady sessions often feel better than one long row, because the pistons can feel lighter as they warm up. Two 15-minute rows in a day work just as well as one 30-minute session.

Rowing for weight loss

Rowing burns a good number of calories because it uses so many muscles at once. A 160 lb person rowing at a moderate effort can burn roughly 250 to 350 calories in 30 minutes. Combine rowing with strength training and a healthy diet for the best results. Track your sessions in the SunnyFit app on the Smart version so you can see your progress week by week.

Is it good for seniors and beginners?

Yes. The seat is low, so check that getting on and off is comfortable for you. Hydraulic resistance starts very light, the motion is smooth and there is no heavy flywheel to manage. Start on level 1 to 3 and focus on good form. Anyone with back or knee problems should check with their doctor first.

What buyers like most

• Arrives mostly assembled and is quick to set up.
• Light enough to move with one hand.
• Quiet enough for apartments and early mornings.
• A real full-body workout for a very low price.

Pros and cons

In short, it is the right choice for small spaces and tight budgets, and the wrong one for people training for rowing races or serious fitness tests. If you sit in the middle, think about how many minutes you will row each week: under 60 minutes, the Sunny is plenty; over 90 minutes, a magnetic rower will feel nicer.

Bottom line: for under the price of most magnetic rowers, the Sunny compact hydraulic rower gives you a quiet, full-body workout that fits in almost any home. It is a great first rower and a smart way to find out if you enjoy rowing before spending more. If you love it and want more, you can always step up to a magnetic model later and keep the Sunny for a second room or a family member.

Want to compare options? Our best rowing machines guide covers hydraulic, magnetic, folding and water rowers side by side.

Full review: Considering a magnetic rower instead? Read our Wenoker rowing machine review.

How we reviewed it

We did not test this product in person. This review is based on the manufacturer’s specs, the Amazon listing for every model and color, Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews, checked in October 2026, plus how it compares with the rivals listed above. No brand paid for this review, and prices and ratings change often, so check the current listing before you buy. Read our full method.