Best Rowing Machines for Home Use in 2026
Concept2 RowErg has been the answer since 1981 and still is. We scored 9 rowers; nothing beats the C2's data, durability, or community.
Concept2 RowErg if you want the gold standard. Hydrow if you want guided content and don't mind paying. Skip hydraulic rowers entirely.
| Product | Rating | Pros | Cons | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Concept2 RowErg PM5 monitor measures watts (not just distance), so coaches and athletes worldwide compare on the same number. | 4.9 |
|
| ~$990 | Buy on Amazon |
Hydrow Wave Premium guided experience. Magnetic resistance, real-rower content, 16" screen. | 4.5 |
|
| ~$1,495 | Buy Direct |
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price before purchasing.
Why the Concept2 is still the answer
The RowErg has been in production with iterative refinement since 1981. The current PM5 monitor measures watts (a power unit), not distance — which is why it's the standard for cross-machine comparison in CrossFit, Olympic training, and competitive rowing. The flywheel is air-driven, which feels like a real boat catch and release.
Air vs magnetic vs water
Air (Concept2): natural feel, gets louder with intensity, best data fidelity. Magnetic (Hydrow): quiet, consistent, slightly mechanical feel. Water (WaterRower): aesthetic, mid-noise, feels closest to outdoor rowing. Hydraulic: skip entirely — pistons leak within a year.
When Hydrow makes sense
If you know you'll use guided content and don't care about competitive data export, Hydrow is the better fit. If you'll just row to a podcast, the Concept2 is half the price and lasts twice as long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Concept2 worth $990?+
Yes. The resale value alone is wild — used Concept2s sell for 70-80% of new price 5 years later. Effectively cheaper per year than any other rower.
Should I get the Model D or Model E?+
Model D (the standard RowErg) for almost everyone. Model E only if you specifically want the higher seat height for easier mounting.
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