The best rowing machines are unique among cardio equipment because, while they’re great calorie burners, they also work multiple muscle groups in the same workout. (1)(2) While most rowers try to simulate the feel of rowing on a body of water, only water rowers really come close. Instead of using air or magnetic resistance, water rowers create resistance via fan blades moving through a reservoir of actual water, simulating the feel of rowing across a lake or down a river.
After trying out over 20 rowing machines, we think water rowers are ideal for those who appreciate the elegance of beautiful construction and the satisfying whoosh in each stroke. Our team rounded up models with large HD displays, foldable designs, and sturdy builds — even one that moonlights as a home gym. We hit the water (kind of) to uncover the best water rowing machines on the market.
The 6 Best Water Rowing Machines of 2024
- Best Water Rowing Machine Overall: Ergatta Lite
- Best Smart Water Rowing Machine: WaterRower
- Best Budget Water Rowing Machine: Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian
- Best Interactive Water Rowing Machine: Ergatta
- Best Luxury Water Rowing Machine: LIT Method Strength Machine
- Best Compact Water Rowing Machine: YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine
The Best Rowing Machines Video Review
Join Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, as he breaks down some of the best rowing machines — including two of our favorite water rowers — in his video review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Water Rowing Machines
The BarBend team is stacked with former collegiate rowers and coaches, certified personal trainers, and competitive athletes. For each of the 20-plus rowing machines we’ve tested, we used our multi-point methodology to rate each machine on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like durability, tech capabilities, and value.
Here are a few of the key components that earned these water rowing machines a spot on our list. For even more information on how we test all our products, check out our BarBend equipment testing methodology.
- Construction and Durability: Whether it’s steel, aluminum, or solid wood, we included rowers with rock-solid frames and durable components we expect to last for years.
- Technology: Some of the water rowers on our list offer immersive touchscreens, while others stick to metrics tracking on small LCD screens. Either way, the technology on these machines can help you escape into a virtual workout or keep tabs on your stats.
- Value: No matter if you value the high-tech virtual rowing experience or just want to track your metrics, each of these water rowing machines offers immense value. We included models that range from $369.99 to $2,499 to offer quality options for any budget.
Best Water Rowing Machine Overall: Ergatta Lite
This water rower is a more compact version of the Ergatta Rower, with a 17.3-inch HD touchscreen to stream Ergatta's game-based workouts, support for users up to 320 pounds, and a handcrafted design built with locally sourced oak wood.
Specs
- Price: $1,799
- Product Dimensions: 82” L x 23” W x 38” H
- Weight Capacity: 320lbs
- Display: 17.3” HD touchscreen
- Product Weight: 72lbs (with water)
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year touchscreen
- Programming: Ergatta app
The Ergatta Lite’s smooth pull, huge touchscreen, and sturdy oak build are just a few of the reasons it lands at the top of our list for water rowing machines. Its portability, ergonomics, and setup all earned scores of 4.5 out of 5, but the dynamic programming was a game changer for our tester, a certified personal trainer.
“Ergatta doesn’t have trainer-led HIIT rowing workouts, but the game-style programming is some of the best out there and really helps you keep your pace and push yourself,” they say. This gamified system also garnered a 4.5 out of 5. “I did a 5k rowing class a few times, and the app showed me a graph about how I improved over time.”
With thousands of games on tap, along with seven new workouts and four live races each week, the Ergatta app keeps the good rows coming. Unlike some of the other best rowing apps we’ve tried — like Hydrow or Peloton — you won’t have a trainer to coach you through your scenic rows. But the smooth glide and 17.3-inch HD touchscreen still bring exciting locales like the Adriatic Sea or Bavarian Foothills to life. “Because this rower uses water for resistance, the pull is super smooth and it feels just like being out rowing on a lake,” says our tester.
Access to all these games and globe-trotting rows will set you back an additional $29 per month. You can use the Ergatta without this subscription, but you’ll be relegated to Open Row mode, which limits the display’s functionality to just tracking metrics like time, distance, and speed.
Overall, though, this high-end water rower is easily one of our favorites for its design, ergonomics, and onboard tech. “The app is simple to use, the seat is grooved and comfortable, and the foot straps were easy to get in and out of,” our tester concludes.
[Related: Best Rowing Machines for Seniors]
Best Smart Water Rowing Machine: WaterRower
This water rowing machine uses water as resistance to make you feel more like you're rowing on water. This machine also has a high quality oak wood frame.
Specs
- Price: $1,099
- Product Dimensions: 82” L x 22” W x 20” H
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Display: S4 Performance Monitor
- Product Weight: 66.5lbs (without water); 103.5lbs (with water)
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 3-year components
- Programming: WaterRower app
Between its S4 Performance Monitor, companion app, and range of tech add-ons, the WaterRower is our pick for best smart water rower. Keeping track of your essential metrics like time, distance, speed, intensity, stroke rate, and heart rate is a breeze with this display. However, you can also beef up the technology with optional accessories in their online store. Whether you prefer attaching a phone arm to follow your own workouts or upgrading to the 19-inch touchscreen, WaterRower has several ways to enhance the best rowing workouts for beginners and seasoned vets alike.
Its overall tech capabilities earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, a certified personal trainer, but the rower itself is also a standout. “Within just the first few strokes, I noticed this rower felt extremely smooth and comfortable — that feeling lasted the entire workout,” our tester says. Adjustability and ergonomics both brought home a 4.5 out of 5. “The seat also moves really smoothly, the cushioned seat is comfortable even after a long workout, and you can hold the handlebar several different ways.”
The 700-pound capacity also far exceeds the max we typically see on rowing machines. Along with the elegant oak wood construction, a 5 out of 5 for durability was an easy call for our tester. “Just by looking at the high-quality oak in person, you can tell this machine is well made,” they say. With floor stabilizers to keep the machine steady, they also think it may be a good fit for homes with ornery neighbors or napping little ones. “For such a sturdy and durable machine, it’s also surprisingly quiet.”
Keep in mind that its budget-friendly $1,099 price tag will go up depending on whether you add on tech accessories. Its companion WaterRower app is free of charge, which certainly helped it earn a 4.5 out of 5 from our tester. “You can tell this rower is well-crafted,” they say. “You’re definitely getting a high-end, top-of-the-line rower.”
Read our full WaterRower Review.
Best Budget Water Rowing Machine: Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian
This rower from Sunny Health & Fitness is constructed with lightweight yet sturdy steel for solid performance and durability. The Obsidian Surge 500’s 16 hydro blades and water resistance work to mimic the movement and feel of competitive rowing making you feel more like you’re rowing on the water than magnetic or air resistance.
Specs
- Price: $499.99
- Product Dimensions: 80” L x 22” W x 34” H
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Display: LCD screen
- Product Weight: 91.9lbs
- Warranty: 3-year frame, 180 days parts and components
- Programming: SunnyFit app
If you want to try rowing for the first time to see if it’s for you, spending $2,000 may not be the best idea. Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out big bucks for a high-quality water rower. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rower, the Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian will only cost you about $500, but it offers a 16-blade hydro-fan, a sturdy steel frame, and front-mounted wheels for easy storage.
It’s also got a big, cushy seat (great for long row sessions) and an LCD monitor that tracks time, distance, strokes per minute, calories, and more. Like most of the best budget rowing machines, the Obsidian lacks the HD touchscreens or top-notch apps of more expensive rowers. However, it does include a device holder, allowing you to stream workouts through any fitness app you like.
Speaking of online workout programming, this rower has a feature you don’t see on many other rowers — a completely free fitness app. Despite not costing a dime, this app has on-demand workouts, metric tracking, leaderboards, customized workout plans, and virtual scenic rides and rows. Users are big fans of the app, with one review reading, “The free app has outstanding trainer sessions which sync with the equipment.”
Best Interactive Water Rowing Machine: Ergatta
The Ergatta rower is ideal for athletes who want an elevated home workout experience. You can choose from pre-programmed workouts, games, and competitions to make your row more interesting, or you can select an open row to simply push your limits. This machine will adjust as your strength and stamina increase to challenge you even further.
Specs
- Price: $2,499
- Product Dimensions: 86” L x 23” W x 40” H
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Display: 17.3” HD touchscreen
- Product Weight: 105lbs (with water)
- Warranty: 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year touchscreen
- Programming: Ergatta app
Not only can the interactive library of ever-evolving games, challenges, and races on the Ergatta app help you inch closer to your fitness goals — they’re also downright fun. In your quest for achievements and high scores, this unique programming is made even more engaging by the 17.3-inch HD touchscreen. Along with its adjustability, ergonomics, and footprint, its tech capabilities earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester.
“I was trying so hard to rack up a good score that I didn’t even notice that I was sweating. These are easily the best rowing machine workouts I’ve taken on,” they say. Their game of choice was the Ergatta version of the arcade classic, Meteor. Your stroke speed controls a ball that knocks out targets as you workout. “I’d find myself going back to the rower a few hours later to try to hit the targets I missed in my morning workout.”
At $2,499, it’s on the pricier end of the average range we typically see — roughly $1,000 to $1,700. Add in the $29-per-month subscription to the app and you can see why we’d call this a high-end rowing machine. The games aren’t the only programming you’ll get with that membership, though. If you prefer a scenic row from locations around the world, live races, or even off-rower workouts, you’ll find them in the Ergatta app’s robust library.
“I loved that it feels like I’m playing a video game, but the scenic workouts are sick, too,” our tester says. “The whoosh of the water and the videos on the big screen really bring the experience to life.” If you’re looking for a way to add a bit of good old fashioned fun to your workout, this gaming rower might be your best bet.
Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.
Best Luxury Water Rowing Machine: LIT Method Strength Machine
This rower from Lit Method combines the functionality of a rowing machine with the strength benefits of resistance band training, as well as a Pilates reformer for total-body workouts. With your purchase, you'll receive a free month of membership to the LIT app where you can choose from over 3,000 instructor-led and scenic workouts.
Specs
- Price: $2,000
- Product Dimensions: 84” L x 19.2” W x 21” H
- Weight Capacity: 450lbs
- Display: N/A
- Product Weight: 70lbs (with water)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Programming: LIT app
If you’re going to spend a good chunk of money on a water rower, it helps if it brings more to the table than the competition. As a rower, the LIT Strength Machine offers a luxurious, smooth rowing experience thanks to its soft, supportive seat and wide, contoured handle. What makes the Strength Machine really stand out, however, is its ability to act as a full home gym, thanks to the included resistance bands.
After setting up the LIT Method Strength Machine in the BarBend garage gym, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, put this high-end piece of fitness equipment to the test. See what stood out in his time on — and off — this versatile top-of-the-line water rowing machine in his video review below.
This rower comes with a set of 20-pound resistance bands that can be anchored to the front, middle, or rear of the rower, allowing users — like Herod — to perform full-body resistance workouts. “Five pairs of anchor points on the machine let you do different workouts with your resistance bands,” he notes, rating its customizations 5 out of 5.
The Strength Machine also comes with a free three-month trial of the LIT app, which offers over 2,500 workouts that take place both on and off the rower. “The classes themselves I’ve found to be really helpful,” Herod adds, rating the app’s dynamic programming 5 out of 5. He also highlights the quality of the instructors. “They’re really high-energy and make it seem as if you’re right in the room with them.”
Another unique feature is the rower’s sliding seat, which transforms the machine into a Pilates reformer. On its own, the LIT Method Strength Machine — plus the LIT app — would easily be one of the top water rowing machines we’ve used. But utilizing the bands for strength training and sliding seat as a Pilates reformer makes it the most luxurious option we’ve come across.
Read our full LIT Method Rower Review.
Best Compact Water Rowing Machine: YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine
This foldable Yosuda rowing machine works to replicate the experience of rowing in water. A built-in monitor allows you to track your calories, time, speed, strokes, and distance, and you can connect with apps like Kinomap thanks to its Bluetooth compatibility.
Specs
- Price: $369.99
- Product Dimensions: 35.4” L x 18.1” W x 17.7” H
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Display: LCD monitor
- Product Weight: 67.3lbs
- Warranty: N/A
- Programming: N/A
Most water rowers start around $1,000, with higher-end machines pushing up to $2,000 and beyond. Not only is the YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine one of the best compact rowing machines we’ve tried out, it can also nestle cozily into your budget, as well. When you’re measuring out your floorspace, you’ll only need to find 4.45 square feet of real estate — about half the space needed for a recliner. (3)
BarBend tester Josh Hackworth also notes that its compactness aids its portability — a 4 out of 5 from him. “I think just about anyone could move this on their own,” he says. “It stores upright and feels extremely light compared to other gym equipment. Easily one of the best foldable water rowing machines I’ve used.”
The $369.99 price tag easily makes it the best water rowing machine under $1,000 we’ve used — thanks in large part to its stability during use. “Overall the construction was great. It feels super solid on the floor and there was zero wobbling or tilting,” he says, rating its durability 5 out of 5. “There are stabilizers, but I didn’t even need to adjust them.”
[Related: Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000]
When it came to ergonomics, Hackworth did think there was some room for improvement. “The foot pedals were easy to get into, but the straps loosened a bit as I worked out. I ended up having to stop and tighten them as I went,” he notes. “I think the contours in the seat actually make it pretty comfortable. But the towing motion seems a little short. It kind of feels like the resistance doesn’t really hit until half way through the stroke.”
This is firmly a budget rower, so don’t expect much by way of technology — a 3 out of 5 from Hackworth. However, the LCD monitor tracks stats like time, distance, and speed. You can also connect via Bluetooth to the Fitlog and Kinomap apps. “The phone holder was perfect,” Hackworth says. “That’s actually a pet peeve of mine when there’s nowhere to put your device. On the YOSUDA, it was to watch movies and shows while I worked out.”
Benefits of Water Rowing Machines
A huge benefit of rowing machines, regardless of resistance type, are the total-body, low-impact workouts they offer. “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout. I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance,” says our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto.
But there are also a few things that water rowers provide that others don’t — a realistic on-the-water feel, a clean, classy look, and that pleasant swooshing sound. Check out a few of the benefits that these machines have to offer.
- Realistic Feel: While air and magnetic rowers attempt to simulate the feel of rowing on water, nothing comes close to actual water. The varied resistance and heaviness of pulling a water rower’s fan blades through a reservoir of water feels as close to the real thing as you can get without getting out in a boat on a river.
- Aesthetic: The elegant, stained wood finishes on some of these models make them the best water rowing machines for homes. Thanks to their big clear water reservoirs and the wood frames they are often more visually appealing than air or magnetic rowers. These designs can give them more of an art deco vibe than steel-framed rowers.
- The Swoosh: This is a more subjective point, but many people — including us — love the “swoosh” sound that water rowers make. The swishing sound of the blades passing through the water can be soothing, adding a meditative feel to a hard cardio workout.
How Much Do Water Rowing Machines Cost?
Aside from their water resistance systems, the rowing machines here offer a wide range of tech capabilities, types of frames, and footprints. Here is a quick look at the price range for these models.
| Best Water Rowing Machine Overall | Ergatta Lite | $1,799 |
| Best Smart Water Rowing Machine | WaterRower | $1,099 |
| Best Budget Water Rowing Machine | Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian | $499.99 |
| Best Interactive Water Rowing Machine | Ergatta | $2,499 |
| Best Luxury Water Rowing Machine | LIT Method Strength Machine | $2,000 |
| Best Compact Water Rowing Machine | YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine | $369.99 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Water Rowing Machine
Like any piece of cardio equipment, buying a water rowing machine is a big commitment. Water rowers come with a bit more maintenance than magnetic options or even our favorite air rower — the Concept2 RowErg. A few things to consider are the size of the rower, what workout programs it comes with, the maintenance requirements, and how much a rower will cost you.
Dimensions
Before bringing home a new water rowing machine double-check the dimensions to make sure it will fit your space, as well as your body. “Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion,” says our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto.
The best rowing machines for tall people can stretch upwards of 95 inches, so make sure your space can accommodate your new rower.
Technology
“You can also choose between a smart rowing machine and a “not smart” one, meaning one that has a fancy screen that streams stuff or one that has a simple LCD screen that reads out basic metrics,” Capritto says.
The immersive HD touchscreens on these high-end rowers can drive up their price. “Smart rowers are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”
Maintenance
Water rowers come with their own benefits, like a more realistic on-the-water feel and more natural aesthetics, but they also come with a bit more maintenance. To keep the water clear and clean, you’ll have to drop a chlorine tablet into the reservoir every six months or so. Companies will often send these out with the rower, but if they don’t, you can usually pick some up on Amazon for around $10. Just be sure not to use bleach to clean the water, as it might weaken the tank and make it more prone to cracks and leaks.
Price
Of course, you’re going to want a rower that you can afford. While higher-tech rowers can cost up to $2,000 or more, if you’re willing to forgo some of the bells and whistles, you can find a solid water rowing machine for around $500 to $1,000. Some of the best rowing machines on Amazon also offer free Prime shipping, which can be a major consideration for at-home fitness equipment.
How To Use A Water Rowing Machine
Rowing machines aren’t as instinctive as a stationary bike or a treadmill, but the basics are easy to pick up with a little practice. As our expert reviewer and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary explains, proper rowing technique includes several phases. “Each stroke is made up of four parts: the catch, the drive, the finish, and the recovery.” Check out her breakdown of each part of the rowing stroke.
Catch
As Keary says, the first part of your stroke is when you’re closest to the water tank. “At the catch, you’re sitting with your knees bent, body forward, and arms out grasping the handle.”
Drive
After getting your bearings during the catch, you’ll use your legs to drive your body backwards.
“The drive starts when you push with your legs (leaving your arms outstretched and still leaning your body forward) — each rowing stroke is 60% legs,” Keary says when laying out how to use a rowing machine.
Finish
“After you push with your legs, you’ll lean back (20% core), and finish the stroke with your arms moving through to your chest (20%),” Keary continues.
Recovery
“After the finish, you’ll move through the stroke backwards, moving your arms away from your chest, then leaning your body forward until your hands come past your knees, and bending your knees until you find yourself back at the catch,” Keary says. “You should spend twice as long recovering as you do driving through the stroke.”
Water Rowing Machines FAQs
What is the best water rowing machine?
The best water rowing machine we have used ourselves is the Ergatta Lite. Its smooth pull, immersive touchscreen, and high-quality oak wood construction easily land it atop our list.
Are water rowing machines better than magnetic?
No matter your fitness level, a rowing machine’s type of resistance depends on the experience you’re looking for. “Water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank,” says our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. The best magnetic rowing machines usually have resistance levels similar to an exercise bike, as BarBend expert reviewer and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary, says they’re typically more expensive. “Many can include streaming or tech additions that increase that price tag further.”
Do water rowers get moldy?
Water rowing machines do require a bit of maintenance to keep your water fresh. If you use water purification tablets (usually provided by the manufacturer) every three to six months, problems like mold should not be an issue.
How do I keep the water clean in my water rower?
To keep your water from turning green, simply drop a chlorine tablet into the water reservoir every six months or so. Most companies will send these tablets with the rower, but they’re also cheap and easy to buy online. Be sure to never put bleach in the reservoir, however. Bleach can weaken the reservoir and make it prone to cracking and leaking.
Are water rowers a good workout?
While the cardio benefits of rowing may be obvious, you might be wondering, “Does rowing build muscle?” The simple answer is, yes. Because you are using your arms, back, and legs in each stroke, rowers can work a higher percentage of muscles in your body than something like an exercise bike. The seated position also creates less impact on your joints than running on a treadmill. (1)(2)
References
- Kang SR, Yu CH, Han KS, Kwon TK. Comparative analysis of basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Biomed Mater Eng. 2014;24(6):2425-35.
- Yoshiga CC, Higuchi M. Heart rate is lower during ergometer rowing than during treadmill running. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2002 Jun;87(2):97-100.
- Minasian, K. (2018a, September 7). How to measure your space for a recliner. Living Spaces. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/shopping-basics/how-to-measure-your-space-for-a-recliner
