The best rowing machine for pressurized total body exercise

Buying one of the best rowing machines will provide a solid upgrade to your home fitness equipment setup. Even if you already have exercise bikes, treadmills, resistance bands and multi-purpose gyms on the go, a sturdy rowing machine can fill a unique niche that nothing else can match.

Indoor rowing machines offer a tough cardiovascular challenge that works a variety of muscle groups, while greatly improving your overall health in the process. Compared to activities like running, rowing is a low-impact way to get your cardio fix without leaving your knees in the dust as well.

From live classes and virtual rowing sessions on waterways around the world, rowing workouts are more high-tech than ever, and many of the more advanced machines are equipped with large touchscreens to provide a more immersive experience. However, before we browse the full list of the best home rowing machines, there are a few things you need to consider ……

What’s the best rowing machine?

Best overall rowing machine: Concept2 RowErg

Used by serious and professional rowers worldwide, the Concept2 RowErg is designed for Olympic-level training and supports a variety of external fitness tracking devices to monitor your progress. If you’re not interested in large touch screens and fancy designs, then this powerful kit with pure rowing in mind won’t let you down.

Best premium rowing machine: Hydrow

Part rower, part sculptural work of art, the Hydrow is a striking piece of kit with a fitness credential to match. The large 22-inch screen gives you access to more than 2,000 workouts (live and on-demand) to help you stay motivated every time you get on the bike.

Best value rowing machine: JLL R200

For under £300, you will be hard pressed to find many rowing machines at the same price as those offered by Jones Lang LaSalle. While it lacks the fancy connectivity features and more robust build quality of its more expensive competitors, it’s a great place to start your rowing journey before upgrading to something more substantial.

Rowing machine vs treadmill: which is better?

Both the rowing machine and the treadmill are great tools for getting and staying in shape. While running primarily targets your lower body, rowing also engages your upper body, making it more of a full-body workout. Rowing is also easier on joints like the knees, but it’s important to make sure you look at proper form to avoid hurting vulnerable areas like your back.

Ultimately, if you have the space and budget for only one piece of equipment, you may prefer a rowing machine – especially one with Bluetooth connectivity and ANT+ support for a more complete, interactive rowing experience. Foldable rowing machines also tend to take up less space than treadmills, which is something to consider.