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Burn calories and build muscle with these low-impact exercise machines.

We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

The best rowing machines offer a full-body workout at home in one compact piece of equipment, no gym membership necessary—that’s why they’re so popular right now. As you invest in your home gym, consider adding a rowing machine alongside your treadmill and your weight set for a low-impact, total-body workout in about 20 minutes.

Just ask Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete. “Using a rowing machine is one of the most efficient ways to get a cardiovascular and strength training workout in a short amount of time,” he says. “We live in an ever-stressed world, where we’re constantly sitting and rounding our backs, but rowing helps correct this by engaging those lats and sitting upright.”

So, what is a rowing machine, and what are the benefits? A rowing machine mimics what it feels like to row a boat: The resistance of the “water” increases your heart rate and builds strength. And unlike running and other high-impact exercises like HIIT, it’s a low-impact workout that goes easy on your joints, making rowers ideal for just about anyone, especially those recovering from an injury or who are newer to exercise.

Although rowing might appear to be mostly an upper-body workout, your legs and glutes are actually the main muscles driving your stroke. “Rowing is 80% legs and 20% upper body,” Karwoski says. “But it also forces you to engage your core and back, so you feel completely connected from your feet to your shoulders.”

Ready to row? We’ve curated the best rowing machines for an at-home, full-body cardio and strength workout below. You’ll never have to wait your turn at the gym again.

We consulted Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, to find the best rowing machines for at-home workouts. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the only rowing machines that you should use to level up your fitness routine. Shop our top picks, and see why customers love them, below.

With a magnetic tension system instead of air resistance, this popular rowing machine by Velocity is whisper-quiet. It has a sturdy aluminum frame with padded seating to reduce pressure on your lower back, as well as a ergonomic handle for easy grip. The machine displays your stats on a large LCD screen, and it even comes with a heart rate monitor to monitor your workout intensity.

Looking for a no-frills, compact rowing machine? Try this simple, sliding machine that’s designed with 12 resistance levels. The handlebar doesn’t quite mimic rowing, but at this price, reviewers don’t really mind. Check up on your stats with a small forward-facing monitor that displays the time spent rowing and calorie count right on the handle, then congratulate yourself on spending next to nothing. Plus, shoppers rave that it’s lightweight, easy to store, and “worth every penny.”

With an intuitive LCD display and folding design (not to mention its adjustable resistance) this surprisingly affordable rowing machine has rave reviews because it’s simple and dependable. It also folds right up for easy storage. And shoppers love how quiet it is. “Assembly was simple, instructions were clear, also came with all necessary tools,” one reviewer raves. “Living in an upstairs apartment I was hoping to get a very quiet machine, and this is perfect! Makes almost no noise at all.”

If you’ve ever used a rowing machine at the gym, chances are it’s from Concept2. Gym owners love it almost as much as online reviewers; an astounding 95% of Amazon customers give it a perfect five stars. “This machine rides like a Cadillac,” one reviewer writes. “I can also watch TV at just over normal volume and hear everything.” The Model D can also record your workout data, and thanks to its caster wheels, you can easily move it around your home.

This model has all the essentials necessary for a powerful at-home rowing workout. Because it uses a magnetic tension system (complete with eight levels of resistance), this rowing machine is always quiet. It also comes with a large LCD console that displays your meters rowed, calorie count, and time. And bonuses like the fully padded seat, no-slip foot pedals, and handlebars make it comfortable to row so you can go the distance.

NordicTrack’s RW900 is the rowing machine to beat: With an ergonomic, molded seat made for comfort, an easy-to-use 22-inch touchscreen display, and powerful performance trackers, it’s a major upgrade on the rower you’re used to using at the gym. Better yet, a one-year iFit membership, which includes personalized training built upon 26 coach-controlled resistance levels, comes with your purchase. Even as you’re sweating like crazy, the RW900 works quietly. And when you’re done, it folds up and wheels away for easy storage—the entire package.

Details like a smartphone stand, a simple stats screen, and app compatibility elevate this water rowing machine above the competition, especially because it costs just under $400. Plus, its only noise is the calming sound of its 16 blades swishing water inside the tank. And don’t just take our word for it: “This HouseFit water rower, hands down, is the best piece of workout equipment I’ve ever owned, period,” one Amazon reviewer raves. “I can’t stress enough the sturdiness and quality of this water rower, and it’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”

If you’re looking to get an in-studio experience without a hefty price tag, this Bluetooth-connected rowing machine gives you access to tons of free workout programs included on the MyCloudFitness app. There’s no video-compatible screen, but you can access rowing workouts and coach-led workouts from your phone, then rest it in the holder. An intuitive smart dial also does the math for you, displaying your speed, strokes, and calories burned.

Shoppers say that this magnetic rower is smooth, very easy to assemble, and sturdier than its price might suggest, making it a great investment for those just getting into rowing. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the upgraded models, but for many athletes, that’s OK. “This appears, so far, to be quite a catch,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “If you are looking to keep it reasonable in price, this is a top option for sure. It seems to perform quite well and quietly at that.”

Often lauded as the quietest kind of rowing machines, magnet-driven devices keep noise to a minimum—ideal for using at home, any hour of the day. This affordable option (from a brand that also makes one of our favorite exercise bikes) boasts eight resistance levels and a foldable design, on top of an “incredibly quiet” design, according to Amazon reviewers; it’s even possible to watch TV while you use it.

This rower has 16 fan blades enclosed in a water tank, creating the same feel and resistance you’d get while rowing on water. The LCD monitor shows your stroke count, calories, and distance, so you can create the perfect training plan for you. But because of its design, only rowers with some experience should buy this option: “This machine encourages bad form with its weird footplates—make sure you are confident in your self-accountability and form before purchasing,” one reviewer writes. But that’s not a dealbreaker: “To me, a pretty heavy user, this is a super durable rower. Easy to move, easy to store, and looks pretty sleek.”

This indoor rowing machine is hydraulic, delivering smooth, adjustable resistance that’s also budget-friendly. A deep, ergonomic seat and textured footplates allow you to row comfortably, and the machine also has a compact, foldable design, so once you’re done, you can stow it away easily. Plus, its design ensures it actually feels like the motion of rowing. “This machine, when you use proper form and put the resistance up, is quite the workout,” one reviewer explains.

This at-home rower will help you reach your fitness goals in style. A wooden exterior that's sleek and perfect for just about any room in your home, it also folds up for easy storage. The wheels on the back of the rower make it easy to move and store all by yourself (no need to call your neighbor to help you move your machine). Plus, it has an android-powered touchscreen and is Bluetooth-enabled for both heartrate monitors and audio (though wifi is required).

✔️ Pick your mechanism. Rowing machines with water, magnetic, hydraulic, and air resistance are all available, and each has its pros and cons—water and air are smoother, magnets are quieter, and hydraulics are usually cheaper. Depending on your space, experience level, and budget, each could end up being an ideal option.

✔️Consider size. When you’re making your final decision, make sure you have enough space for your ideal model—it might be longer or wider than you’re anticipating, and it’s a pain to return a rowing machine. (We suggest measuring your home gym before you start your search.)

✔️ Balance features with cost. There are rowing machines at pretty much every price point, from $100 to over $2,000. Features like touchscreen displays, built-in workouts, and data reporting come at a premium, but really do help beginners and serious athletes alike make their workouts better. However, they’re not necessary if they’re not in your budget. Some high-end rowers also require subscriptions, so watch out for those fees, too.