9 Smooth Rowing Machine Reviews — Pull a Low-Impact, High Intensity Cardio Workout in 2024

Users rave over the Concept2 Model D, stating it sets the gold standard for rowing machines.

We found praises from a wide range of people: as short as 5’0”, as tall as 6’8”, new to rowing, advanced, with arthritic knees, and in their 60’s and 70’s.

It’s solid with aluminum front legs and steel rear legs…and not small; one person warns you’ll need about 9' x 4' of space to use it.

What’s not to love?

The air resistance Concept2 Model D is quiet and smooth for an efficient workout.

Although not silent, it operates softly enough for listening to music or the television at a normal volume. It has an ergonomically designed handle and secure adjustable footrests.

The seat glides “like butter,” producing sliding action crucial for completing continuous strokes. The seat draws a little criticism: it’s firm and takes getting used to. Many users purchase seat cushions for padding.

Also,

The easy-to-read performance monitor (PM5) that tracks stroke rate, calories expended, distance, pace, and watts displays large, backlit numbers.

It has many built-in programmable workouts and games to motivate exercisers. The PM5 is mounted on an adjustable arm for visibility during workouts.

User praise the Model D for being quick and easy to assemble. It disassembles into two pieces for rolling into storage.

In fact, processes of taking it apart and putting it back together are so simple some people store it after every workout and aren’t dissuaded from setting it up and working out each time.

What’s the catch?

The Concept2 Model Rowing Machine is pricey, but worth it as an investment in health.

Many users believe even though they spend a lot the erg, they save money on gym fees–not to mention travel time–and gain motivation to exercise on this high-quality piece of equipment.

A few last notes...

To care for this investment, be sure to clean the seat rail periodically to maintain its smooth gliding operation.

Also, oil the nickel-plated steel chain and vacuum the flywheel apparatus regularly.

This brochure details all of the rowing machine’s features and online communities.

To witness the unboxing and a review of the Concept2 Model D with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rowing Machine, watch this video.

Features

• Overall length: 96” (244 cm)
• Width: 24” (61 cm)
• Seat height: 14” (36 cm)
• Seat rail length: 54” (137 cm)
• Space recommendations
  • when assembled: 8’ x 2’ (244 cm x 61 cm)
  • with clearance for use: 9’ x 4’ (274 cm x 122 cm)
  • for storage: 25” x 33” x 54” (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm)
• Weight: 57 pounds (26 kg)
• Maximum user weight capacity: 500 pounds (227 kg)
• Partially enclosed chain/cord housing
• Limited five- and two-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee

Hopefully, you’re not a Machiavellian sociopath like Frank Underwood, but you might want his rowing machine as shown on House of Cards.

It’s the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine, an elegant erg with an ash wood frame with gorgeous aesthetics and solid construction. Users gush this lovely piece of exercise equipment actually looks like art or a fine piece of furniture. Even though it’s easy to store upright, it doesn’t need to be hidden from sight.

Beauty is more than skin deep.

The Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine isn’t just a pretty face.

It’s quiet enough to watch television as well as stable with a seat that rolls easily for a fine workout. The flywheel’s paddles engage water in a tank to sustain smooth resistance.

Rowers like water resistance because it creates a natural feeling of tension as well as “hypnotic” and “meditative” soft whooshing sounds.

On the other hand...

People seem less pleased with the “basic” S4 monitor. It displays how long and far someone has rowed and the calories burned.

For the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine’s high price, however, consumers expect more from its monitor/computer: more functions (e.g., a heart monitor), a higher quality and higher positioned mount, and greater visibility.

They also expect a leak-free tank (we found three reports of leaking) and better footrests with straps to keep small feet in place and prevent heels from slipping off the platforms.

It did get some mixed views...

Some people find putting together the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine reasonably easy without tools and appreciate the included assembly instructional DVD. Others describe fitting parts together as “tricky”.

Filling the tank with water via a siphon pump is straightforward but “slow.” A few users feel this model’s resistance isn’t strong enough for high-intensity workouts.

Care and feeding

The machine comes with an owner’s manual that contains use, assembly, and maintenance directions; S4 monitor instructions; and warranty information.

As the wood expands and contracts due to environmental conditions, bolts may need tightening every once in a while.

Also, water purification tablets (put in the water tank every six to twelve months) helps keep the water clear.

To protect your floor, users advise putting a mat under the rowing machine.

For an introduction to the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine, watch this video.

Features

• Solid ash wood with honey oak stain
• Includes S4 Performance Monitor, home training DVD, owner’s manual, siphon pump, water purification tablets, and Allen key
• Dimensions: 82.25” (209 cm) long x 22.25” (57 cm) wide x 20” (51 cm) high
• Weight: 66.5 pounds (30.5 kg) when dry; 103.5 pounds (47 kg) with 17 liters of water
• Three-year parts/five-year frame warranty

Compact and economical, the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is perfect for a home rower who wants to get a good workout and then stow the erg away easily. With “insect-like” arms, it offers a full range of “realistic” rowing motions.

What’s more...

Simply turn a knob to adjust the level of hydraulic resistance for your needs. One person notes even when the pistons become hot through use–as expected with this type of rowing machine–resistance still works well.

The good:

Described as “sturdy” and “stable”, the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is smooth and quiet in operation. Users can watch television while gliding back and forth with each stroke. The seat is fairly comfortable, although at least two reviewers find it “not comfy” and suggest purchasing a seat cover/cushion.

The bad:

The most common complaints were about the footrests.

People find them “flimsy” with feet slipping off the rests easily. Although the manufacturer Dazadi notes the machine has large pivoting footplates with safety straps in two positions to hold any size feet, many users disagree.

Two people with big (size 11 ½) feet dislike the footrests while someone with small feet finds the rests fine.

Many reviewers note the Velcro straps are poorly positioned to secure their feet without them having to interrupt a workout in order to stop and adjust the straps.

The definitely not ugly:

What people do love about the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is its ease of assembly, as described in the assembly manual. For a video demonstration of assembly, watch this.

The machine folds up conveniently when not in use and stands up to lean against the wall for storage–definitely saving space.

The manufacturer Dazadi will repair or replace defective parts at no cost during the warranty period. It describes the return policy here.

Features

• Dimensions: 50” long x 36.22” wide x 20” high
• 35.4”-long steel frame
• Weight: 34 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 265 pounds
• Includes LCD monitor which displays time, row count, and calories burned

Go exercise on the Goplus Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine–it has ten levels of magnetic resistance simply adjusted by a knob for any workout.

This sturdy indoor rower operates quietly and smoothly.

A padded seat glides along a 49”-long steel track for a rower pulling a non-slip handle at the end of an elastic cord attached to the magnetic resistance flywheel.

A few people wish for a longer track and a more comfortable seat.

Nonetheless...

Nearly everyone can agree the large LCD monitor is very readable and positioned well for visibility during exercise.

It tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. Also, the Goplus Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine is easy to assemble as well as to fold up for storage. This lightweight unit has built-in transport wheels for rolling it away.

Finally...

It has anti-slip pivoting pedals or footrests with adjustable Velcro straps. One reviewer feels the straps are not good quality and don’t adjust enough to keep feet from falling off the pedals.

Overall, the Goplus Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine is a great addition to your home gym.

Features

• Dimensions: 70” long x 21” wide x 19” high
• Folded height: 49"
• Seat size: 10” x 14”
• Pedal size: 5.3" x 12"
• Weight: 49 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 220 pounds
• 10 levels of magnetic resistance

Stable and relatively economical, the Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine is good home-gym erg, especially as an entry-level model for beginning rowers.

It has eight levels of magnetic that can be adjusted for various intensities. Users report level two is good for warming up before progressing to levels three and four for a harder workout.

Levels five and above are more intense, with someone suggesting levels five or six for cardio-building long rows and level seven for endurance and sprints. Interestingly, we also found feedback from several users (who claim to NOT be professional athletes) that the highest levels of resistance aren’t strong enough.

Similarly...

We also encountered conflicting opinions on the Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine’s suitability for tall rowers.

A few people believe this model may be too short for people over 6’2”.

However, several comparable and taller users (e.g., 6’1” with a 36” inseam, 6’3” with a 34” inseam, 6’4”, even 6’7”) like this model and are able to straighten their legs and maintain proper form.

Smooth operator?

The Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine’s seat glides smoothly for the most part.

While some describe the resistance smooth as well, a couple reviewers think the magnetic resistance is a bit “jerky”.

While the rowing mechanism itself is very quiet, the seat’s rolling action make a little (but not much) noise.

The seat is padded and comfortable for most users, better than with many rowing machine models we’ve investigated.

The Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine folds up and has built-on transportation wheels for easy moving and storage.

It is reportedly easy to assembly (within 15 minutes) and accompanied by a manual with well-written instructions.

Okay, here’s the not-so-good part:

The three components that draw the most criticism are the monitor, the “exit hole” for the cord connecting the handle and the flywheel, and the footrests and straps.

Why?

Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine’s monitor tracks stroke counts, time, and calories burned. However, users question the accuracy of the calorie counter and dislike the monitor’s inability to track the number of meters rowed.

The display is small and not easy to read.

In fact, its low position makes it difficult to read during workouts, unless the rower breaks proper form and leans down.

Also:

The machine’s design puzzles some consumers.

Several note when the nylon cord comes out of the flywheel’s casing/housing, it rubs the upper lip of the “exit hole”.

A person would need to lift his or her arms a little to prevent this rubbing, which compromises proper form. In other words, what’s good for the machine may not be best for the body.

Many users wonder how long the cord will last before fraying and breaking.

Finally...

Some describe the footrests and Velcro foot straps as cheap.

Just imagine:

Two users report this erg actually rows across the floor. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but to prevent the machine from scooting, they suggest using a mat to keep it in place.

We recommend one like the ProSource Puzzle Exercise Mat to protect your floor.

For an introduction to the Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-RW5515) Magnetic Rowing Machine, take a look at this video.

Features

• Dimensions: 82” long x 19” wide x 23” high
• Weight: 59 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Built-in transportation wheels for easy portability
• Eight levels of magnetic resistance
• Three-year warranty on frame, 90-day warranty on parts
• Made in China

At last, we encounter a rower with a heart monitor. The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower includes an LCD computer that tracks time, distance, calories, stroke count, and strokes per minute.

To monitor your pulse/heart-rate, simply strap onto your chest the included electronic heart transmitter.

But wait, there’s more!

The fitness computer has 12 workout programs: six cardio profiles, one manual and four custom-user programs, and one heart-rate program that adjusts the magnetic resistance according to your heart rate detected by the transmitter.

In fact, seven of the preset programs automatically adjust the erg’s magnetic tension so you don’t have to stop and interrupt your workout.

But we’re jumping ahead

The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower’s seat rolls smoothly along an 81”-long aluminum beam. Users describe its movement as “silent” or at most “whisper quiet”, which makes the erg perfect for an apartment or townhouse.

Also, it’s compact when open and folds for storage–two more factors well suited to small living spaces.

Despite its built-in wheels for portability, though, some users say it’s heavy and not easy to roll over a carpeted surface.

Guess what?

Although the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower is compact, it’s still large enough for tall rowers. We heard from people ranging from 6’1” to 6’4” (with a 34” inseam) stating they have plenty of room to extend their legs.

What goes up must come down.

Not all feedback for the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower is positive.

Some believe it doesn’t offer enough resistance for serious rowers and the resistance on the highest level wears out. The seat isn’t very comfortable, the “cheap” Velcro foot straps break, and the cord frayed for two people (which customer service replaced).

For several people, the erg was delivered in a damaged box and the computer broke soon after beginning use or arrived broken.

At least the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower is easy to assemble and comes with a manual of assembly and operating instructions.

For an introduction to and instructions for using this model, watch this video.

Features

• Dimensions (open): 81” long x 20” wide x 24.5” high
• Dimensions (folded): 36” long x 20" wide x 53.5" high
• Weight: 75 pounds
• 12 exercise programs with adjustable magnetic resistance
• Three-year frame, 90-day parts warranty

The Merax Magnetic Rower Folding Rowing Machine is a compact and reasonably priced erg for the beginner and casual rower–but not for the hardcore rower.

Hefty and durable, it operates smoothly and quietly for a good indoor workout.

What’s good?

The Merax Magnetic Rower Folding Rowing Machine is one of the few models we’ve encountered where users actually like the “firm” and “comfortable” seat.

The padded and upholstered seat runs along a 15°-angled rail, which also is fairly unique.

People describe assembly as “fairly easy.” To see an actual customer unbox, assemble, use, and fold up this rowing machine, watch this detailed demonstration video.

What’s not so good?

The main complaint of the Merax Magnetic Rower Folding Rowing Machine is the railing may be too short for someone taller than 5’10”. We did find two tall reviewers (6’0” and 6’3”) who fit the rower comfortably.

The 6’3”er, however, admits to taking off the rubber stop at end of the rail to give him another inch to straighten his legs. A 6’1”-tall user can’t extend his legs more than halfway.

And

The LCD monitor displays time, live second-by-second rowing count, calories, and total rowing count.

Unfortunately, it’s small, positioned low, not backlit, and for some, didn’t come with instructions.

To learn about warranty information, contact the manufacturer Merax here.

To protect your floor, place this mat under the Merax Magnetic Rower Folding Rowing Machine.

Features

• Dimensions (open): 73” long x 16” wide x 21” high
• Dimensions (folded): 26” long x 16” wide x 49” high
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 264 pounds
• Eight levels of magnetic resistance

The Xterra Fitness ERG 200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower is a fairly economical erg that wins points for its quiet operation. Its seat smoothly glides over dual aluminum slide rails mounted to a steel frame for stable movement.

Its pull with each stroke is smooth as well.

Will it last?

At least a few users religiously row on this “durable” and “sturdy” machine every night (some already for a few months) and haven’t seen any breakdown in operation.

One person does think the footrests are cheap.

But?

Even the maximum level of resistance isn’t high enough for users wanting to build muscles.

One person concedes while the limited resistance isn't strong enough to build “fast-twitch muscle fibers,” the Xterra Fitness ERG 200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower still is adequate for building “slow-twitch muscle fibers” as well as cardiovascular endurance.

The erg’s computer with a 3.7" LCD monitor display tracks elapsed time, stroke count, calories, and total count. It doesn’t, however, calculate distance.

This is interesting…

The Xterra Fitness ERG 200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower is compact and easy to fold and store upright in a corner.

Despite having four wheels, it’s not easy to move on carpet. Ironically, though, it can slide on a hardwood floor during use.

One person says the machine slowly moves a little forward with every “row” or “pull”, and thus uses it on a carpet or on an exercise mat.

This model is easy to assemble, but directions “could be better”. Peruse this manual of assembly and operating instructions.

To learn even more about the Xterra Fitness ERG 200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower, watch this informative video.

Features

• Dimensions: 71.9” long x 20.7” wide x 31.5” high
• Folded length: 36.4”
• Weight: 59.5 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Eight levels of magnetic resistance
• One-year warranty on frame

A good value, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is sturdy, fairly smooth, and versatile in arm movements (more on that later). With a ball-bearing roller system, the seat glides back and forth.

The hydraulic resistance also is smooth for continuous rowing to work the legs, core, arms, and back.

What does it sound like?

One hydraulic piston/cylinder positioned under the back of the sliding beam provides the resistance.

Overall, users describe this erg as “very quiet”–quiet enough to hear the television or listen to music, but “not silent.”

Nonetheless, we read several reports of squeaking from loose or rubbing parts needing tightening or oiling, like the seat rail, footrests, arms, bolts, etc.

Going down?

Resistance stays consistent for 15 to 25 minutes of hard rowing. Several people note, however, as they use the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine for a longer period of time, the resistance started to decrease.

Therefore, if you plan to row longer than 25 or 30 minutes, you may need to stop and increase the resistance setting.

Warning:

As the fluid in the hydraulic piston heats up from use during a rowing session, be careful when adjusting the resistance: turn the dial itself, not the heated piston/cylinder.

Many reviewers also note a burning smell as the piston gets hot. Also, we noticed several reports of the piston leaking oil, which reduces resistance and could ruin the floor.

As a proactive measure, place a mat under the rowing machine.

Here’s the good part

What users really like about the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is the pair of arms that allow a full range of motion.

Unlike many models where rowers pull a single handle attached to a chain or cord, this machine has two separate arms which provide more versatility in movement and can even operate independently of each other.

What does this mean?

Rowers love that they can:

• row forward or backward
• move their arms in more circular motions, simulating actual sculling
• pull the grips close together for conventional rowing machine stroke
• hold the grips apart to work different arm, shoulder, and upper back muscles
• keep the seat in one place and do curls for the arms and chest
• keep one arm low in order to work the other arm and side of the body
• and perform whatever other movements/exercises they want

This “free-arm” versatility makes the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine very appealing.

Positive news

This compact machine is fairly quick and easy to assemble, requiring about 20 to 50 minutes and only one person. Directions for assembly, operation, and maintenance are in this manual. The machine is easily folded and stored standing on one end. Just be careful not to grab the hot cylinder/piston when folding the machine after a long rowing session.

By contrast

The main parts disliked by reviewers are the footrests, the foot straps, and the computer. The wide footrests are “flimsy” with a “low lip” to prevent heels from slipping off. The straps don’t hold feet securely against the footrests. Although easy to use with just one button, the machine’s computer earned negative feedback because of mediocre quality, inaccurate calorie count, and simply not working early on (unless replaced by customer service or hit to start).

To see the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine in action, watch this demonstration video.

Features

• Dimensions: (unfolded) 71.9” long x 20.7” wide x 31.5” high
• Dimensions (folded): 36.4” long x 20.7” wide x 47.3” high
• Weight: 55.1 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Eight levels of hydraulic resistance
• Two arms instead of one handle for pulling
• 90 days parts/1year frame warranty