We were immediately taken by Hydrow's rowing machine. Apart from its expensive and elegant aesthetic, this item functions very well. The strokes were seamless, and the movable footbeds were pleasant. Also, the seat rail was wide enough to provide complete strength and flexibility without colliding with the stoppers. It deserves to dominate our list of the best rowing machines.

Our only criticism of the design of these household rowing machines is that the grip is positioned too far backward, and we could hardly grasp it without a good stretch. Still, it is difficult to deduct points for that since everyone's arm length is different.

Rather than an exposed flywheel - like some of the other versions on this list - the Hydrow rowing machine utilizes an electromagnetic impedance drag mechanism that is adjustable from 1 to 300. It is set at 104 by default, which simulates rowing on the water and is good for most exercises and fitness levels. We spent most of our time rowing at this drag level, and each session left us feeling completely tired but satisfied.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 9068 reviews)

Price: $2495

Buy it at: https://shop.hydrow.com/products/hydrow-rower

The Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine is our top option due to its sturdy metal front legs, steel back legs, air resistance flywheel, and maximum user weight capability of 500 pounds. The Concept 2 Model D's flywheel, which is critical for completing forceful and unbroken strokes, has a damper for changing the air resistance, giving you the entire control over the resistance. The more forceful and quicker you work out, the more airflow the flywheel creates and the more pull you experience.

While you may anticipate some noise from an air drag rowing machine, the Model D is very quiet. It is not absolutely silent, of course, but still enough for you to listen to a song or watch TV at a regular noise level during workouts. The simple-to-read performance monitor (PM5) keeps track of your stroke rate, calories burned, distance traveled, pace, and wattage. It has many pre-programmed settings and activities to keep you motivated throughout your training. In addition, the rower is fast and simple to install and dismantle, and it can be disassembled and folded for storage.

All in all, though the Model D is not cheap, it is still a good investment. Even better, it offers limited two-year and five-year warranties.

Ratings: 4.9 stars (from 8973 reviews)

Price: $1195

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH9WF4K

The Stamina BodyTrac 1050 Glider is compact yet powerful – and at a terrific deal of $120. The machine seems quite tiny and silent at first. But in reality, this hydraulic tension rowing machine delivers a powerful workout thanks to its smooth-gliding cushioned seat and independent arms for a total-body exercise.

The variety and versatility of these Stamina BodyTrac 1050 Glider's arm motions are what set the item apart from its rivals.Unlike many versions that need you to pull a single grip tied to a wire or cable, this gadget boasts high-quality coils that provide complete strength and flexibility, while replicating genuine boat-rowing actions. That means you may row backward or forward, move your forearms in circular motions, bring the grips together over a typical stroke, or spread the handles apart to work various shoulder, arm, and upper back regions.

Due to the fact that the machine arms move independently of one another, you may tailor a workout for each of your arms.

Ratings: 4.3 stars (from 5091 reviews)

Price: $169

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AMUFPS

If you are looking for an item that provides all necessary and high-quality features, then we are afraid you are not going to get it with this Stamina ATS rower. Nevertheless, this is still a decent alternative if you limit your expectations appropriately, and hence, it ranks number 4 on our list of the best rowing machines.

The device has a simple digital interface that displays speed, distance, time, and calories – and that's it. Although there is no method to modify resistance digitally, one of the advantages of the Stamina ATS rower is that it naturally adapts to your pace without the use of excessive technology.

On that remark, there is no immersive iFit interaction here. But for approximately $320, you get a pretty smooth rowing shot and seat glide - though there were a few times we collided with the blocker at the bottom of the headrest rail, preventing us from accomplishing a range of movement as great as some of the more costly versions. However, such drawbacks are unlikely to turn off occasional rowers (or anybody who is still new to rowing machine workouts)

Ratings: 4.1 stars (from 1884 reviews)

Price: $339

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYGVW8L

If you are searching for a genuinely interactive experience (rather than a straightforward exercise), then the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine has all the necessary smart features. It has a 22-inch screen (also one of the greatest variants available for a home rowing machine) and live force control, which enables iFit trainers to alter your fitness environment while rowing.

Furthermore, this electromagnetic rowing machine also utilizes a combination of air and magnetic resistance, significantly increasing the intensity of the exercise. You would feel like you have received the most intensive exercise possible with this NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine. Besides, this item also allows you to customize the rowing machine's training resistance levels.

Along with an ultrasmooth slide, this machine boasts rotating rotors and a soft-touch grip, which is comfortable to grab and hold as you move through your exercise. It has a suggested user height of 78 inches and a weight capability of 250 pounds. All in all, we believe that this enclosed rowing machine is the most comfortable option for you out there.

Ratings: 4.2 stars (from 782 reviews)

Price: $1499

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9GS1ZL

Like some comparable smart training equipment from NordicTrack or Peloton, the Ergatta rowing machine displays its on-demand programs and activities on a massive onboard screen. However, unlike its high-energy equivalents, with Ergatta, the exercises are not guided by an instructor yelling out the next motion or exercise for you to follow - but rather by a sequence of video game-inspired patterns that are just as compelling.

This means that the Ergatta Rower sets you against the machine during its goal-based programs and intensity workouts, while also letting you participate in virtual races against other Ergatta users. Regardless of circumstances, the program provides an addicting experience that motivates you to continually improve. Many fitness trackers pioneered the gamification of everyday exercise, and this Ergatta Rower does as well.

Made of natural wood and equipped with classic water rowing gears, Ergatta is obviously meant to be more than an exercising machine - it is meant to be an aesthetically appealing item as well. The calming swish of water created by its water rowers adds to the enjoyment of an already high-quality product.

Ratings: 4.8 stars (from 568 reviews)

Price: $2199

Buy it at: https://ergatta.com/product/the-ergatta-rower/

To refer to the LIT Strength Machine as a rowing machine is almost an injustice, since it does far more than that (after all, LIT is a shortened term for Low Impact Training). This item is supposed to function as a rower, reformer, and resistance trainer all in one – and indeed, it lives up to that promise.

The LIT Strength Machine is clear and simple to use as a typical rower. Not only did the saddles glide easily, but we were also able to move the seat rail completely without striking the barrier, even at greater speeds. In addition, the adjustable foot pedals provide comfort and a smooth pull. Every movement we made on this machine seemed completely natural.

Also, it is the only equipment on our list that utilizes real water friction, which simulates the sensation of rowing outside on open water. If you really want some extra impacts, you can adjust the levels of resistance with a turn crank (however, most people like having the water work against them during their exercise).

Ratings: 4.8 stars (from 423 reviews)

Price: $1750

Buy it at: https://www.litmethod.com/product/lit-strength-machine/

Although rowing machines are not very large, they do take up a significant amount of floor lines. As a result, they are quite uncomfortable to use, especially if you do not have a designated gym room. The ProForm 750R Rower's Space Saver design will address this issue in typical home gyms. It folds up with the simple pull of a lever, reducing its footprint from 7 to around 3 feet. This accessory is possibly the simplest stow-away operation we have ever seen on a cardio machine.

Not only that, but the ProForm 750R rowers are also simple to use. Though the pull was not as smooth as other alternatives on our list, we were able to reach complete strength and flexibility. In addition, the inertia-enhanced wheel allowed for a smooth spin (free of wobbling or jerkiness) at higher speeds.

All in all, this machine is less costly than other midrange rowing machines. But it does not feel cheap at all, save for the lack of a display screen on the console.

Ratings: 4.2 stars (from 60 reviews)

Price: $599

Buy it at: https://www.walmart.com/ip/980684165

This list would never be complete without including a variant from Concept2. Concept2 is the manufacturer behind some of the most well-known and well-received rowing machines on the market. One of their latest lines, Concept2 RowErg, is not an exception, either. These rowing machines are must-have items for those who want to invest their money in a durable and robust gadget.

Though we have not had the opportunity to test this item by ourselves yet, this Concept2 RowErg always receives favorable scores on most prevalent review websites, so you can be certain that they are worth a shot. Though there are certain inevitable drawbacks (the RowErg lacks innovative technology, for instance), its digital display mainly focuses on the most essentials – it is smooth, durable, and potent, making it suitable for dedicated rowers. At a price of $900 for the normal model (and $1,050 for the "tall legs" option), this training equipment is really unbeatable.

Ratings: 4.2 stars (from 56 reviews)

Price: $900

Buy it at: https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/concept2-rowerg

This AssaultRower Elite is another must-have item for you. It is voted an all-time crowd favorite by many serious athletes. That is not a surprise, given its features and accessories. To be more specific, the AssaultRower Elite is developed by top trainers and athletes, so you can be certain that the producers know what they should do to strengthen the machine's quality. Hence, compared to other items, AssaultRower Elite is much better at withstanding regular usage and even abuse, thanks to its robust steel structure.

In addition, similar to Concept2, this AssaultRower Elite machine also features a straightforward digital interface, which communicates only the information that you really want to know (no-frills or sedately digital interactive system here). Furthermore, the machine operates via air resistance - which means that the harder you perform, the more difficult the workout will become.

Please be aware that this AssaultRower Elite is not currently available on Amazon. Hence, you should access its official website (provided in the link below) to purchase this item.

Ratings: 4.8 stars (from 49 reviews)

Price: $1199

Buy it at: https://www.assaultfitness.com/products/airrower