- Best overall: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
- Best for budget: SNODE Water Rowing Machine
- Most versatile: NordicTrack Smart Rower
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If you’ve got a regular gym routine down, you likely have a good mix of cardio and strength going on through the use of cardio machines, outdoor exercise, and free weights. If you’re looking for a versatile piece of equipment to mix things up and still get both cardio and strength workouts in, look no further than the rowing machine.
Rowers can help you get a solid cross-training session in to prevent injuries from other intense exercises, or serve as one of your main sources of cardio through a low-impact workout that’s easy on your joints. A water rower, which features a large water tank at the front of the machine, can give you a solid full-body workout while also providing a close experience to rowing a boat on the water, especially if it has the ability to take live or on-demand classes on a screen.
As with most fitness items out there, you have options when it comes to shopping for a water rower to use at home. We know that can get overwhelming, so as such, we’ve rounded up the six best water rowers on the market to meet your individual needs.
Water rowers under $500
SNODE Water Rowing Machine – $429
This water rower is a great option for those wanting to stick to a lower budget. It’s designed to simulate the strokes you’d actually feel out on the lake, while its large LCD console displays total strokes, time, calories, and distance, allowing you to easily track your stats during your workout. It also allows you to row with ease and stability, thanks to its transport wheels, foam-covered handlebars, and adjustable foot straps.
This water rower is a great option for beginners who aren’t quite sure they want to splurge on this item but still want a dynamic experience as they learn to use it. This rower features a water resistance system with 16 hydro-blades on the flywheel, which provides increased resistance as you row faster. It also includes a molded, padded seat and sweat-resistant handlebars so you won’t lose your grip. Finally, it’s also equipped with an R2 meter to record your total time, 500-meter time, total strokes, calories burned, and more, which are all displayed on its LCD monitor. This compact rower is also a good option for those who are tight on space, as it can be stored upright when not in use.
Best water rowers under $1000
Merax Water Rowing Machine – $579.99
If you’re on the hunt for a water rower that won’t break the bank, doesn’t contain a lot of frills, but still has plenty of basic features and provides a solid workout, look no further than the Merax Water Rowing Machine. This rower is equipped with an LCD screen for displaying key metrics such as total workout duration, calories burned, number of strokes, distance, heart rate, and more. For an added challenge, you can set it to its competitive race mode, in addition to simply using its quick start and stop buttons. This rower also features a contoured padded seat for added comfort and foot pedals with Velcro straps to secure your feet while performing more intense rowing sessions.
TRUNK Water Rowing Machine – $609
The TRUNK water rowing machine is another budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality workouts. Featuring anti-slip handles and a foldable design, this machine also has wheels for easy transport and storage when not in use. This rower also provides smooth and quiet resistance during your workouts. Its LCD screen also shows key metrics such as distance rowed, split time, and strokes per minute. Made with durable wood, this rower also comes with accessories including a phone holder and dust cover.
Best splurge-worthy water rowers
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine – $1,964.74
If you’re looking to splurge on the cream of the crop of rowers, look no further than Hydro. Thanks to its electromagnetic drag technology, every row on this indoor rowing machine mimics the feel of rowing on the water as you complete workouts led by world-class athletes from scenic waterways around the world. It also comes with an under-machine mat to protect your floors and minimize noise and vibrations during your workouts. Finally, it also comes with a toolkit for mat workouts, including a multi-use workout mat, two yoga blocks, two short resistance bands, and three resistance bands with handles.
NordicTrack Smart Rower – $1,299.98
If you can't decide between a magnetic and water rower, this machine provides the best of both worlds. Features include a 22-inch touchscreen for taking live and on-demand classes via iFit (membership required), where your resistance level can adjust automatically per the trainer’s preferences. This machine is also a great option for those who like the variety of group fitness classes and are seeking the same kind of varied experience at home.
