What is the Best Rowing Machine for Home Use?

Quieter than their treadmill cousins and less bulky than a stationary bike, rowing machines are the home gym’s unsung heroes. So, if you’re looking to get your full-body workout from the comfort of your abode, we’ve curated our list of the best rowing machines for home use.

 

Whether you’re after the sleek and silent, the ultra-compact, or the gadget-packed, these best home rower picks offer the ultimate blend of practicality and performance, bringing the benefits of the water to your living room.

  

What should I consider when buying a home rowing machine?

Before you dive into picking the best home rower, here are a few considerations to make sure it fits your space, style, and workout goals.

 

Space Matters:

Can it fit in your home gym? Or will it end up taking over your living room? Think about what space you have available to accommodate your home rower.

 

Noise Levels:

Do you want a peaceful row or a noisy beast that could potentially wake the neighbors?

 

Resistance Type:

Water, air, or magnetic—what’s your flavor? Choose wisely!

 

Durability:

Look for a machine that lasts; you want a reliable partner, not one that gives up after a few strokes.

 

Aesthetic Appeal:

Metal or wood? Choose a design that complements your home décor.

 

User-Friendly Features:

Opt for a monitor that tracks your metrics without needing a PhD to understand.

 

The Best Rowing Machines for Home

WaterRower Pure VR3 Oak

Best for: A Smooth and Stable Rowing Experience

WaterRower’s Pure VR3 in Oak is a stunning entry-level rowing machine that beautifully combines aesthetics and functionality. USA-made, its solid oak frame features slimmer timber sections, giving it a sleek look that elevates any home gym decor.

 

Equipped with WaterRower’s intuitive S4 Performance Monitor, the VR3 tracks essential workout metrics like distance, speed, and calories burned, helping you stay focused on your fitness goals.

 

Its dual-rail seat action and quality oak construction create a balanced, natural rowing motion that feels close to actual water rowing, making it ideal for users of all fitness levels looking for an immersive and reliable workout.

 

Overall, the WaterRower VR3 is a good rowing machine that offers exceptional value for those looking to experience the benefits of rowing without breaking the bank. With its elegant design, solid construction, and advanced features, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone aiming to enhance their home fitness routine.

 

Concept2 RowErg

Best for: High-Performance Rowing Goals

Concept2’s RowErg is the rowing industry’s gold standard for a reason. Used by Olympians and fitness fanatics alike, the Concept2 was built by rowers for rowers and is precision-engineered to last a lifetime, making it a trusty sidekick for your fitness journey.

 

With its powerful PM5 Performance Monitor, you can track your progress like a hawk. Whether you're aiming for general fitness or prepping for Olympic glory (no pressure!), the RowErg caters to all fitness levels. It features two leg options: standard and tall, ensuring that everyone from shorties to tall drink of waters can hop on without doing an awkward squat. This beauty isn’t just about looks; it’s designed to be durable and low maintenance, so you can spend more time sweating and less time fixing. Plus, it conveniently separates into two pieces for easy storage—because who wants to give up their living room space for a machine?

 

The RowErg’s build quality is just as impressive as its performance; its aluminum and steel construction makes it lightweight yet sturdy, and it’s easy to fold up when not in use. While the flywheel does make noise (like a gentle whoosh with each stroke), it’s less noisy than you’d think for an air rower, making it manageable in most homes.

 

JOYSONG Cube Rower Series

Best for: Versatility and Small Spaces 

If you’re low on space but high on motivation, JOYSONG’s Cube Rower Series features the perfect rowing machines for home use. Comprising the Home Gym Cube Rower and the Compact Cube Rower, both fold neatly into compact boxes which are small enough to fit into a corner of your living room or even a closet.

 

A space-saving powerhouse, the Compact Cube Rower comes with some seriously impressive tech. Using water-magnetic dual resistance, it blends a max of 5 kg water and 25 kg magnetic resistance, offering you an ultra-smooth row. With 24 resistance levels (from warm-up to intense sprints) and a whale-fin inspired propeller, it’s designed to feel fluid and natural as if you’re actually gliding on water.

 

If you’re after more functionalities besides just rowing, the Home Gym Cube Rower is an all-in-one home gym featuring over an incredible 80 different workouts. Its maximum resistance is 40KG, 24-level magnetic resistance is virtually silent—a win for late-night workouts or shared homes. There’s a handy multifunctional digital display that provides real-time feedback on crucial workout metrics such as time, calorie consumption, and distance.

 

Overall, the JOYSONG Cube Rower Series is one of the most innovative home rowing options when it comes to keeping things compact. Thankfully, the neat design isn’t just a novelty, both models deliver on power and performance, too.

  

Ready to make every inch count? Featuring the best rowing machines for home use, JOYSONG Cube Rower Series is a smart solution for compact spaces and versatile workouts.