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The Best Home Rowing Machines for Compact Cardio Gains
Written By OvertimeReviews Team
Signing up for a gym and getting your workout in can be fruitful, but not everyone has the luxury of time to commit to doing that. However, with a proper home rowing machine, you can get all the benefits of a gym from the comfort of your home. A home rower combines a full-fledged cardio workout with full-body training and provides you with an experience unlike any other.
Vouched for by professional athletes and amateurs alike, a good home rowing machine works both your upper and lower body and helps you build toned muscles all over. But, how do you find a machine that is good? Don’t worry; we got you! We researched and evaluated some of the highest-rated home rowing machines of 2025 and put together this comprehensive guide, complete with a buyer’s manual so that you get the most value out of your purchase!
Compare the Best Home Rowing Machines of 2025
Best Overall
None of us were ready for such a technological advancement when it came to workout machines, but we’re here for it. The ShareVgo Smart Home Rowing Machine uses Bluetooth technology to become your accountability partner during your workouts. Keep track of your progress, and let the machine keep you motivated by regular goals and achievements. You can also make your workouts fun by competing against the community on ShareVgo social leaderboards.
The ShareVgo home rowing machine comes with goals and presets set at different milestones. It also ensures that each stroke counts by only accounting for proper strokes. Additionally, there is an onboard tablet holder to keep you entertained while you get those gains. With this home rowing machine, you get all of this and more, making it truly the best overall machine we have found!
Sunny Health & Fitness Home Rowing Machine
Most Minimal
Workout machines don’t need to be fancy as long as they get the job done, and the Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine does just that. This magnetic home rowing machine comes with adjustable resistance, perfect for anyone looking to stay fit without spending extra on aesthetics. The magnetic resistance allows for a smooth and quiet workout without disturbing people around you.
This home rower gives you complete control by allowing you to keep track of your stroke rate and calories burned. Designed specifically for use indoors, this rower is compact and extremely easy to store with its foldable but sturdy build. Simple non-slip strapped paddles and an extra-long slide rail make this home rowing machine suitable for people of all heights while keeping to its minimalistic charms.
Concept2 Home Rowing Machine
Top of the Line
If you’ve never heard of Concept2 rowers, it’s time to listen up. The included Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) self-calibrates to track your progress with reliable real-time data while connecting wirelessly to heart rate belts and apps. The PM5 also helps you maximize your performance and monitor your fitness level over time. With wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, you can connect your smartphone or heart rate monitor with ease.
Designed to fit most users – from adjustable footrests and 14-inch seat height to an ergonomic handle – this rower also separates into two pieces for storage, with caster wheels for added mobility. With just eight screws needed for assembly, the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine will easily fit in the recommended 9 x 4 feet space. With its 500-pound user capacity and 5-year frame included, this rower is both safe and durable.
Fitness Reality Home Rowing Machine
Most Versatile
The Fitness Reality Magnetic Home Rowing Machine results from technology meeting productivity. This rower comes in with Bluetooth-enabled compatibility while keeping to the minimal design of less is more. Equipped with a nylon belt drive system, the machine provides a tranquil workout session and allows you to work on your legs, butt, arms, and shoulders, all at the same time. The rowing machine has 14 different difficulty levels to allow you to personalize your workout session based on your needs and experience.
With the help of new technology, this rower works with the MyCloudFitness App, which can be downloaded on both Android and iOs and lets you keep track of distance, calories, total count, strokes per minute, and much more. Additionally, it enables you to keep track of your diet if you choose to, making this a very versatile machine to have!
Stamina Home Rowing Machine
Best Value
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Hydraulic Rowing Machine might be compact, but it packs a punch. This hydraulic rower can lift 250 pounds; this hydraulic rower simulates real-time rowing using two armbars rather than a chain and provides freedom of movement similar to an actual rowboat. You can use this machine to do dedicated workouts with different motions, such as rowing backward or circular motions.
Made from a sturdy stainless steel frame, this rowing machine is as easy to store as it is durable. The hydraulics used in this home rowing machine are heat-resistant and provide a prolonged 30 minutes of working out without overheating. The BodyTrac glider also comes with a digital screen that allows you to keep track of your progress and boasts a smart fitness app subscription free with the purchase, making this the highest value you will get on your investment.
Merach Home Rowing Machine
Quietest Option
Get the Merach Home Rowing Machine and get a solid workout without paying endless gym membership fees. This rowing machine is the peak of excellent design, with a customized smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system to make the workout extremely quiet. The dual slide rail also imitates a wood rowing machine for an authentic feel, while preventing flip-over when using it. The weight limit of 350 pounds ensures this rowing machine is as durable as it is inclusive.
Although it seems like a large machine, it is super easy to assemble. Most users report putting it together in as little as 30 minutes! It also comes partially preassembled and can be moved around the house with ease. Check out the free Merach app to track all your data and watch yourself improve over time! Whether you care about heart rate, calories burned, or your speed, this app has it all conveniently in one place.
JOROTO Home Rowing Machine
Best Custom Workout
With a machine that looks futuristic, you can rest assured will provide you with an out-of-body experience when it comes to working out. The JOROTO Magnetic Home Rowing Machine is one of the quietest, smoothest working out experiences we have ever had. With ten different levels of resistance difficulty, the machine allows you to design custom workout plans for your daily goals.
Moreover, the home rowing machine comes equipped with an adjustable LCD that can be moved around for the most comfortable viewing of your progress, keeping track of time, strokes, distance, and more. The brand also backs up the machine with a 12-month part replacement guarantee, ensuring that you get your investment’s worth!
How To Find the Right Home Rowing Machine for You
Finding a home rowing machine isn’t hard, but finding a machine that will fulfill your needs down to the T? Now that’s a challenge. A challenge we are willing to take up with the help of our comprehensive buyers’ guide, which will tell you all you need to know to find the perfect workout partner for your needs!
What To Look for in a Home Rowing Machine
Ease of use
A workout machine is only helpful if you can use it properly. For a home rowing machine to be a perfect fit for you, it needs to be easy to use, and the resistance levels available should be something you can handle with ease while you make your way up the levels.
Workout experience
Starting to work out isn’t difficult; however, committing to it long-term and finding the motivation to remain committed is a little more challenging. To find that motivation, you first need to have a good experience while working out because, at the end of the day, if it’s not something you enjoy, you won’t be committed enough to do it daily. No one wants to go back to a machine that sprained their ankle; it is essential to ensure that the experience you get from your workout is enjoyable.
Durability
Purchasing a home rowing machine can be a significant investment, so it’s only natural that you would want it to last a long time. This is why both the build and brand of your rower are important to consider before making your purchase.
Handle design
Comfort is key when it comes to working out, and as your hands are doing most of the work, you will need a comfortable handle to grip that doesn’t cause any unnecessary strain on your wrist and arms. Similarly, the design of the handlebar of a home rowing machine is responsible for the muscles that will be targeted in your arms. We suggest that you opt for a machine with exchangeable handles, or at least one with a longer one, so you are able to adjust your grip according to what you are trying to target for your workout.
What Are the Different Types of Home Rowing Machines?
Air-based
Probably the cheapest variants on the market, these operate on the principle of air blowing through a flywheel that provides you with resistance during your workout. The harder you pull, the more resistance you will face when using this type of home rowing machine. However, there is usually no way to mediate this resistance and keep it consistent.
Water-based
Using an actual paddle in the water system as your traditional rowboat, this kind of machine features a transparent drum with water inside. The chain or rope you pull upon is attached to a flywheel that spins within the water and has multiple paddles. As the paddles try to wade through the water, resistance is generated. These machines, however, can be very pricey.
Magnetism-based
One of the more commonly found machine types, the magnetism-based machine, uses two opposing magnets that move past each other with your pulls and create resistance. These machines are typically quieter and perfect to use at home, as there is no friction involved.
People Also Asked
Is rowing better than running?
Rowing is a full-body workout that many consider to be better than running. It helps utilize most of the essential muscles in the body and has adjustable resistance levels to help you tone up your muscles according to your desires.
Is it safe to row every day?
The frequency of your exercise depends on your workout intensity and resistance level. If you exercise for 15 minutes every day with moderate resistance, you can easily row every day of the week. However, we suggest keeping it safe and not overworking your muscles as it may lead to an injury. Every person is different, so it's best to consult with a doctor prior to exercising.
Do I need a rowing machine mat?
Rowing machine mats help protect your floor from damage. They are great for keeping your machines anchored to the ground. Additionally, mats prevent the machine from moving during a high-intensity workout.
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
It is impossible to spot reduce body fat, so rowing alone won't be the sole reason for losing belly fat. It is, however, a great full-body workout, that, when paired with a healthy diet, can help you in your weight loss efforts.
Is rowing hard on your body?
While you may feel winded after a high-intensity rowing session, it is actually a low-impact workout that can be easier on your body's joints than other forms of cardio, such as running or jogging.
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