As a former international oarsman I spent countless hours on the rowing machine. The ergo helped me build the fitness required to win Olympic, world and European gold medals. With over two decades of experience in the sport, I spent more time than I care to remember on the “iron horse” a.k.a the rowing machine. Here’s my definitive guide.
The Concept2 remains the tried-and-tested benchmark and has changed rowing’s sporting landscape, but not everyone is training to race internationally — or even at club level. A WaterRower may sit more happily in a living room, while a connected machine such as the Hydrow Wave can supply guidance to those starting out and when there’s no coach alongside you.
The Concept2 RowErg still remains the strongest rowing machine for most buyers. For decades, it has been the trusted choice for the vast majority of rowers and gym-goers. Its accurate PM5 monitor, responsive air flywheel and robust construction outweigh the fact that its fan noise is somewhat louder than other options.
That verdict could change if noise or coaching matters more than comparable scores. The WaterRower offers the calmest water-resistance experience, while the Hydrow Wave supplies polished classes through a large integrated display. NordicTrack’s RW900 suits established iFit users, and the JTX Freedom Air delivers a budget option in the UK.
Prices and subscriptions can change, while warranties sometimes differ by country. The figures below reflect the supplied manufacturer information and independent reviews available for this guide.
The best rowing machines at a glance
1. Concept2 RowErg: Best overall
The Concept2 wins because it measures performance consistently and survives heavy use. It is the familiar reference point for 2k tests, club training and indoor racing, and is built for training. For serious athletes, this stands out as the number one option.
Its air flywheel responds directly to effort. Harder strokes generate more resistance and more noise, while the ten-position damper changes how quickly the flywheel accelerates and slows. The damper affects stroke feel rather than setting workout difficulty. The nickel-plated chain remains smooth at the catch, although the flywheel was the loudest resistance system compared with other ergs.
The monochrome PM5 is small beside modern touchscreens, but it clearly presents time, distance, 500m split, stroke rate and other performance data. There are no frills, but it absolutely does the job. Concept2’s free ErgData app supports workout creation, additional live metrics, training records and virtual rowing. The manufacturer also supports more than 40 third-party apps.
The PM5 supports ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart heart-rate monitors. Concept2’s ErgData app connects to the PM5 via Bluetooth and can send recorded workouts to Strava through the Concept2 Online Logbook.
The firm seat is stable rather than deeply cushioned. Secure adjustable footrests accommodate a broad range of shoe sizes, and the handle has a balanced, functional grip. Its 54in rail fits inseams up to 38in; Concept2 offers an extra-long rail for longer legs. Maximum capacity is 500lb under Concept2’s own testing.
At 96in by 24in, it needs 9ft by 4ft of clear workout space. It does not fold or stand upright as one unit, but separates into two pieces without tools. Caster wheels make the 57lb standard-height model easy to move.
The standard machine was listed at $990, placing it in the mid-range despite its commercial credentials. ErgData has no mandatory subscription. Coverage runs for five years on the frame and two years on the monitor and moving parts; labour is not separately specified. Replacement monitors, seats and other components remain available.
2. Hydrow Wave: Best connected experience
The Hydrow Wave replaces the fan roar with quiet electromagnetic resistance and adds a 16in colour display. Its belt-driven stroke is smooth and controlled, making it better suited to flats or early sessions than the Concept2. Wirecutter did encounter occasional seat noise, which Hydrow attributed to a rail or rollers needing cleaning.
The screen combines workout statistics with live and recorded sessions filmed on waterways. Hydrow’s library covers introductory technique, harder intervals and off-rower training. Its platform is closed, with fewer app options than Concept2. Resistance changes also require taps on the screen instead of a handle control.
The Wave measures approximately 77.5in by 18.5in by 44.5in and weighs 102lb. Its maximum user weight is 375lb. Upright storage requires an anchor kit, which may be an additional purchase. The supplied testing did not establish its maximum inseam, seat cushioning, transport-wheel specification, Bluetooth, ANT+ or Strava support.
This is a premium connected machine, listed at $1,995 in one late-2025 comparison and £1,315 in a March 2026 UK guide. Full functionality costs $44 per month, making five-year ownership much more expensive than the initial price suggests. Hydrow provides five years of frame coverage and one year for components and labour.
3. WaterRower Oak: Best quiet water rower
The WaterRower Oak creates resistance through paddles turning inside a water tank. Resistance rises naturally with stroke power, producing a fluid drive and a restrained swishing sound. It is quieter than an air erg, though magnetic machines are quieter still.
Its simple S4 monitor covers essentials including distance and stroke rate, but its readings should not be treated as interchangeable with Concept2 results. Wirecutter recorded a 1,000m effort more than one minute faster on the WaterRower. The optional SmartRow system provides more precise app-based data. Bluetooth, ANT+ and Strava support were not confirmed for the standard S4 configuration.
Adjustable footplates and secure straps performed well in testing, while the softly finished handle remained comfortable under load. Detailed seat padding and maximum inseam specifications were not supplied. WaterRower gave Wirecutter a maximum capacity of 700lb.
The Original version measured 209cm by 56cm and weighed 30.5kg before filling. It lifts onto one end for vertical storage and can be rolled into position, creating a narrow stored footprint. The oak frame also looks less industrial in a living room than a steel erg.
At £1,199 in March 2026, this is a premium purchase with no mandatory content fee. Its one-year warranty is short beside Concept2’s coverage, although extended protection is available. Owners must also add purification tablets every three to six months and occasionally drain the tank.
4. NordicTrack RW900: Best for iFit users
The RW900 makes most sense for households already paying for iFit. Its 22in HD touchscreen runs trainer-led sessions and can adjust resistance automatically to match the workout. The magnetic system has a noise level comparable to the Hydrow Wave, while secure hook-and-loop footrests are easy to alter. The machine occupies about 80.1in by 21.8in by 52.7in and is not listed as foldable.
The RW900 sits in the premium category at a listed $1,999. iFit Pro was priced at $39 monthly, although discounted first-year offers with purchase have been reported. Manual rowing remains possible without iFit, but the experience is basic compared with the subscription programming.
5. JTX Freedom Air: Best value in the UK
At £499 in March 2026, the JTX Freedom Air costs about half as much as the Concept2 while retaining a dynamic stroke. Its hybrid system combines a fan with magnetic control across eight levels, so resistance responds to harder pulling while remaining adjustable.
The seat and footplates were comfortable in The Independent’s testing, and the rail moved smoothly without handle lag. Its monitor remained readable during hard efforts and supported heart-rate monitoring.
It measures 230cm by 55cm and weighs 40kg. That is slightly shorter than the Concept2 but still requires dedicated floor space.
This is the value choice for buyers who want a more convincing stroke than many basic magnetic machines provide. Current frame, parts and labour warranty terms should be checked directly with JTX before purchase.
How to choose the right resistance
Air resistance suits competitive training because it responds immediately to power and supports accurate performance measurement. It is also the noisiest option.
Water resistance supplies a smooth drive with an audible swish. These machines often store neatly upright, but the tank needs treatment and recorded times may not transfer cleanly between brands.
Magnetic resistance is the apartment-friendly choice. It is quiet and permits defined adjustments, although cheaper systems can feel constant rather than responsive. Hybrid machines combine fan response with selectable magnetic load, usually at the cost of extra weight and complexity.
Avoid choosing by screen size alone. A useful console should show time, distance, pace, watts and stroke rate clearly during a hard interval. Connected screens add motivation, but a $44 monthly membership amounts to $2,640 over five years before price increases.
Measure the workout area rather than the stored footprint. Most full-length ergs need close to eight feet of floor, plus room for the handle path and access. Tall users should prioritise rail length, while anyone with limited mobility may benefit from a higher seat.
Final verdict
Buy the Concept2 RowErg if accurate splits, durability and competitive relevance come first. Choose the WaterRower Oak for a quieter, more bougie choice, or the Hydrow Wave when guided classes are what will keep the machine in regular use.
