Best High-End Rowing Machines in 2026 — Ranked & Reviewed

🥇

#1 — Best Overall

Concept2 RowErg

Price$1,100–$1,190

ResistanceAir flywheel

MonitorPM5 (heart rate, pace, watts)

Weight57 lbs

CommunityOnline Logbook + rankings

Pros

✓ Used in every Olympics and CrossFit competition — the definitive performance rowing standard
✓ PM5 monitor is more accurate than any other consumer rowing monitor for pace and watt data
✓ Splits into two pieces for storage — fits in closets or upright against walls

Cons

✗ Air resistance is loud — neighbors or family will hear it through walls at race pace
✗ No magnetic or water resistance — purely air, which some prefer but others find harsh

View Concept2 RowErg on Amazon →

🌊

#2 — Best Aesthetics & Feel

WaterRower A1 Home Edition

Price$1,050–$1,150

ResistanceWater flywheel

MaterialSolid ash wood

NoiseLow (water sound)

StorageUpright against wall

Pros

✓ Water resistance mimics real rowing feel with self-regulating resistance — harder you pull, harder it gets
✓ Solid ash wood construction is furniture-quality — doesn't look like gym equipment in a home setting
✓ Water sound is calming — the only rowing machine that sounds meditative at any stroke rate

Cons

✗ Resistance ceiling is lower than air — competitive rowers training for maximum power will prefer Concept2
✗ Water tank needs distilled water + purification tablet replacement every 12 months

View WaterRower A1 Home Edition on Amazon →

📺

#3 — Best Connected Experience

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine

Price$1,495–$1,595

Screen16-inch HD touchscreen

ResistanceElectromagnetic drag (22 levels)

ContentLive + on-demand classes (subscription)

NoiseVery quiet

Pros

✓ Live-streamed rowing on real waterways with professional athletes — most immersive home rowing experience
✓ Electromagnetic resistance is near-silent — apartment-friendly at any intensity level
✓ Leaderboard and heart rate zone tracking integrated into every on-demand class

Cons

✗ $44/month subscription required to access full class library after purchase
✗ Electromagnetic resistance doesn't match the dynamic feel of air or water

View Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine on Amazon →

🎮

#4 — Best Gaming-Inspired Training

Ergatta Rower

Price$2,199–$2,499

ResistanceWater flywheel

Screen17.3-inch 1080p touchscreen

ContentGame-based workouts + personalized programs

Membership$29/month

Pros

✓ Game-based workout library makes high-intensity intervals genuinely engaging rather than grind
✓ Personalized programs auto-adjust based on your performance history each session
✓ Water resistance delivers authentic rowing feel alongside digital content — best of both worlds

Cons

✗ $2,199 is the most expensive option on this list by a significant margin
✗ Game-based format appeals to some users but feels gimmicky to traditional rowers

View Ergatta Rower on Amazon →

Best High-End Rowing Machines

Concept2 RowErg

WaterRower A1 Home Edition

Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine

Ergatta Rower

Quick Comparison

Ready to Buy?

Product	Best For	Price	Key Spec	Buy
🥇 Concept2 RowErg	Best Overall	$1,100–$1,190	Air flywheel	Amazon →
🌊 WaterRower A1 Home Edition	Best Aesthetics & Feel	$1,050–$1,150	Water flywheel	Amazon →
📺 Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine	Best Connected Experience	$1,495–$1,595	16-inch HD touchscreen	Amazon →
🎮 Ergatta Rower	Best Gaming-Inspired Training	$2,199–$2,499	Water flywheel	Amazon →