The Concept2 RowErg Rower is one of the most popular and highly regarded rowing machines available. It's commonly found in almost every CrossFit gym in the world.
Whether you're a competitive rower or someone just looking to stay fit, the RowErg (previously known as the Concept2 Model D) offers a great workout. It's easy to start using with minimal adjustments and isn't too complicated, making it ideal for beginners.
Mike Pierce, a CrossFit athlete, has owned this rower for nearly five years. “It still works as well as it did on day one,” she says. “I’ve been using this rower for about a decade in both the gym and at home. The only issues I’ve had were with the heavily used rowers in the CrossFit box that needed service occasionally. My personal rower has only needed new batteries.”
Concept2 is famous for its performance monitor (PM5), which tracks all the key stats like time, strokes per minute, average pace, split meters, heart rate, and projected meters in 30 minutes. Few other rowers compare to Concept2's worldwide leaderboard, where you can see how you rank against others in various challenges.
If you’re looking to shake up your workout routine, a rowing machine can be a powerful addition to your home gym setup. Unlike walking on an under-desk treadmill, rowing has a lower risk of injuries and works both upper- and lower-body muscles.1 But all rowing machines aren’t created equal, and each style provides a slightly different experience. To find the best rowing machines, we spoke with a professional rowing instructor to better understand which important features to look for.
This rower uses air resistance, which is low maintenance. The seat is a bit firmer than those on other machines (there’s no padding). We’ve seen some complaints about the seat being uncomfortable, though none of the people on our team have any complaints.
Good for: People who want to mimic the feel of actually rowing on water
The Ergatta Lite is a top-notch rowing machine that uses water, instead of air, for resistance, giving you a more realistic rowing experience that also sounds great. We consider the Ergatta Lite one of the best water rowers for its sleek design and functionality.
The Ergatta Lite is a smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of the original Ergatta Rower, but it still has a lot to offer. With a footprint of 7 feet by 2 feet (2.13 by 0.6 meters) and a lightweight oak wood frame (weighing 72 pounds, 32kg, when filled with water), it scores a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. It's easy to move around and store when you're not using it.
Even though it's more compact than other rowers, our testers, found it to be very sturdy. It feels super solid even though it’s a lightweight machine
The tech features of the Ergatta Lite also score a 4 out of 5. It offers Ergatta programming for trainer-led classes, live races, and games, all accessible on its 17.3-inch touchscreen. The Ergatta Lite also syncs with popular devices like the Apple Watch and Whoop, adding even more functionality.
Sunny Health & Fitness is well-known for offering budget-friendly home fitness equipment, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Rower is a great example.
Priced at around $200, this rowing machine is perfect for small spaces. While most indoor rowers are between 86 and 96 inches long, the SF-RW5801 is only 77 inches. Plus, it can be stored vertically, making it just a few feet deep when upright. Another plus: It’s easy to move, weighing just 50 pounds.
It also folds down to 36.3 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 47 inches high. The only reason it didn’t score perfectly in portability is that it lacks transport wheels, but it still earned a solid 4.25 out of 5 in that category.
Keep in mind that a shorter rower means a shorter slide rail. This model has a 43-inch rail, compared to about 54 inches on machines like the Concept2 RowErg. This compact size might be an issue for taller users.
Our testers were impressed that this 50-pound machine can support up to 285 pounds, which is more than some other models. We’re not sure how durable it will be over time; while it has a steel seat rail, it also has many plastic parts, including the foot cradles and flywheel housing. However, it remains stable even during fast-paced rowing.
This rower does what you need: it provides a full-body workout and tracks basic metrics on a simple LCD display. As we often say, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect many extras with this Sunny Health & Fitness rower, though it does have a device holder, water bottle holder, and a padded seat for comfort.
“It’s a solid deal for people just looking to move without any of the bells and whistles,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.
However, it does not offer any preset workout programs.
Mike's a personal trainer who loves helping people get stronger, fitter, and feel their best. With a focus on fun, effective workouts, they create personalized plans that suit each client's goals. They're all about making fitness enjoyable and helping you stay motivated along the way.'
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