Best Rowing Machines 2026

Looking for more equipment recommendations?

If you want one piece of cardio equipment that works practically everything, get a rower. 86% of your muscles firing at once: legs driving, back pulling, arms finishing. And unlike running, your knees will thank you.

So which rowing machine should you actually buy? For most people, the answer is simpler than the internet makes it.

## Quick Picks

*Prices shown are approximate at time of review. Click "View on Amazon" for current pricing.*

## The Concept2 RowErg: Why Everyone Recommends It

The Concept2 RowErg is what every gym uses. Every CrossFit box. Every Olympic training center. Ask on r/homegym and you'll get the same answer every time. *(Price when reviewed: ~$1,100 | View on Amazon)*

The air flywheel scales with your effort. Row harder, resistance goes up. Back off, it eases up. That feels completely different from preset magnetic levels, and it's why serious rowers won't use anything else. The PM5 monitor tracks splits, distance, calories, and connects to most training apps.

People sell these after 15 years and they still work fine. Parts are cheap and easy to replace. Try that with most cardio equipment.

It folds in half for storage and separates into two pieces for tight spaces. At $1,100 it's not cheap, but if you're comparing to a gym membership, it pays for itself inside two years. If budget allows, just get the Concept2. I've never seen anyone regret it.

## Best Budget: Merach Magnetic Rower

Not everyone has a grand to drop on cardio. The Merach Magnetic Rowing Machine is where most budget buyers end up, and for good reason. *(Price when reviewed: ~$290 | View on Amazon)*

Magnetic resistance is near-silent. If you're in an apartment or rowing at 6am before work, this matters more than you'd think. 15 resistance levels give you enough range to progress, and the whole thing folds up and weighs under 55 lb.

Will it feel like a Concept2? No. The stroke is shorter and the resistance feels artificial by comparison. But it gets you rowing, and that's what counts. Plenty of people on r/homegym started on a Merach and upgraded later when they knew rowing was their thing.

## Mid-Range: What About the $450-700 Range?

This is where it gets tricky. The mid-range is full of air rowers trying to be the Concept2 at half the price. Some are decent, others are a waste of money.

The honest truth: nothing in this range matches the Concept2's build quality or community support. If you're spending $550+, I'd say either save up for the Concept2 or look at a water rower for something completely different. The in-between options tend to disappoint.

If you're set on mid-range, look for second-hand Concept2s. They hold value well, but you can occasionally find one for $650-700. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay local pickup listings.

## Air vs Magnetic vs Water

Air rowers (Concept2) scale resistance with your effort and feel most like rowing on water. They're louder though. Your partner will know you're training.

Magnetic rowers (Merach) are near-silent with preset resistance levels. The resistance stays the same regardless of how hard you pull. Less natural, but perfect if noise is a dealbreaker.

Water rowers look like furniture and sound like actual rowing. They're gorgeous in a living room. But they cost $550+, need algae tablets in the tank, and the resistance can feel inconsistent. More of a lifestyle purchase than a training tool.

For most home users: Concept2 if you can afford it, Merach if noise matters or budget is tight.

## Space and Storage

Rowers are long. 7+ feet when unfolded, which catches people off guard. Measure your space before ordering.

The Concept2 folds to 8' x 2' x 4' when stood upright, or separates into two pieces that fit in a closet. The Merach folds smaller and lighter. Both store against a wall easily.

If space is really tight, check our small space home gym guide for equipment that packs away better.

## Rowing vs Other Cardio

Can't decide between a rower and a bike? We've written a full rowing machine vs exercise bike comparison. Short version: rowing works more muscles, bikes are quieter and easier to use for longer sessions. Both are great for a home gym on a budget.

Find Your Perfect Equipment

Browse our expert guides for racks, barbells, plates, benches, and more.