Best Rowing Machines 2026: Screens, Air & Water Options
Five rowing machines compared on manufacturer specs and expert recommendations, from touchscreen and iPad-ready models to an air-resistance classic and a compact wood-frame budget pick.
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Which one should you buy?
Our picks by what matters to you · details below ↓
Best for: Users wanting an interactive rower with built-in screen
Check price on Amazon- Best ValueConcept2 RowErgBest for: Serious rowers who prioritize performance tracking over entertainmentCheck price
- Premium PickNordicTrack RW900Best for: Guided-workout fans who want quiet, automatic resistanceCheck price
- Also GreatAviron Strong Go RowerBest for: iPad owners wanting a quiet, gamified, space-saving rowerCheck price
- Best BudgetMERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood RowerBest for: Budget shoppers wanting a compact wood-frame home rowerCheck price
The best rowing machines in 2026 range from game-driven touchscreen models to a no-frills air rower built around performance data. We narrowed the field to five rowers that cover the main ways people buy: interactive, performance-first, guided, iPad-based and budget-conscious.
This guide is based on manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, not hands-on testing. Prices change often, so use the check price buttons for current offers.
Best Rowing Machines at a Glance
| Rower | Label | Resistance | Screen | Weight capacity | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviron Strong Series Rower | Best Overall | Dual air and magnetic, 16 levels | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen | 507 lbs | Check price |
| Concept2 RowErg | Best Value | Air resistance, 1-10 damper | PM5 Performance Monitor | 500 lb (227 kg) | Check price |
| NordicTrack RW900 | Premium Pick | Silent Magnetic Resistance, 26 levels | 24-inch HD pivoting touchscreen | 300 lbs | Check price |
| Aviron Strong Go Rower | Also Great | Dual air and magnetic, 16 magnetic levels | None (bring your own iOS device) | 507 lbs | Check price |
| MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower | Best Budget | Water and magnetic, 16 magnetic levels | Flywheel knob dial display | 350 lbs (158 kg) | Check price |
Aviron Strong Series Rower: Best Overall for Interactive Workouts
Best for: Users wanting an interactive rower with built-in screen
The Aviron Strong Series pairs a big built-in touchscreen with flexible dual resistance and a very high weight and height capacity. It suits people who want an engaging, game-driven rower in one package.
Read our full Aviron Strong Series Rower review →- Weight
- 114 lbs
- Dimensions
- 84 L x 27 W x 48 H (inches)
- Display
- 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
- Warranty
- 10-year frame, 1-year parts
- Foldable
- No—stores upright
- Resistance type
- Dual air and magnetic
Reasons to buy
- 22-inch rotating touchscreen with 1,000+ games, classes and workouts
- Dual air and magnetic resistance with 16 levels
- Adjustable-width footplates fit different body types
- 507 lb capacity and fits users up to 6'8"
- Quiet commercial-grade nylon belt drive
Reasons to avoid
- Heavy at 114 lbs despite transport wheels
- Premium price tier
- 84-inch length takes up floor space during use
- TreadmillReviews.com
- 9.6
- Garage Gym Reviews
- 8.8
- Treadmill Review Guru
- 8.2
- Live Science
- 9.0
- BarBend
- 10.0
- Gear Patrol
- 10.0
The Aviron Strong Series earns Best Overall by combining a large built-in screen with flexible resistance and a very high weight and height capacity. It suits people who want an engaging, game-driven rower in one package. It is recommended in 6 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Aviron Strong Series Rower
The 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen comes with 1,000+ games, classes and workouts. Resistance is dual air and magnetic with 16 levels, up to 100 lbs of resistance per stroke. Patented adjustable-width footplates are meant to fit different body types. The rower holds up to 507 lbs and accommodates users up to 6'8" tall. A commercial-grade quiet nylon belt drive keeps the stroke quiet.
Storage is upright, with 2 front transport wheels and no wall mounts required. Expert scores are strong: Live Science gives it 4.5 out of 5, and BarBend and Gear Patrol each give it 5 out of 5.
The main trade-off
At 114 lbs it is heavy despite the transport wheels, and the 84-inch length takes up floor space while you row. It also sits in the premium price tier, so it makes the most sense if you will use the screen content.
Concept2 RowErg: Best Value for Performance Tracking
Best for: Serious rowers who prioritize performance tracking over entertainment
The Concept2 RowErg delivers a proven air-resistance rower with a detailed performance monitor at a budget price tier. It focuses on rowing performance and durability rather than screens or entertainment.
- Weight
- 57 lb (26 kg) standard legs; 68 lb (31 kg) tall legs
- Dimensions
- 96 in L × 24 in W × 14 in H (standard legs); seat height 20 in with tall legs
- Display
- PM5 Performance Monitor with split times, watts, stroke rate, distance, calories
- Warranty
- 5-year frame, 2-year monitor and parts
- Foldable
- No
- Resistance type
- Air resistance
Reasons to buy
- Air flywheel with adjustable damper responds naturally to effort
- PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+ tracks key workout data
- Splits into two pieces without tools for vertical storage
- Lightweight at 57 lb with standard legs
- Nickel-plated steel chain needs minimal maintenance
Reasons to avoid
- No built-in touchscreen or streaming classes
- Longer 96-inch frame when in use
- The Tested Hub
- 9.8
- Garage Gym Builders
- 9.6
- Breaking Muscle
- 9.0
- Garage Gym Reviews
- 9.2
The Concept2 RowErg is the Best Value pick because it delivers a proven air-resistance rower with a detailed monitor at a budget price tier. It is for serious rowers who care more about tracking performance than being entertained. It has the most expert backing of the group, with 9 independent expert guides recommending it.
Keep reading about Concept2 RowErg
The air flywheel has a 1-10 adjustable spiral damper that responds naturally to effort. The PM5 Performance Monitor connects over Bluetooth and ANT+ and shows split times, watts, stroke rate, distance and calories. A nickel-plated steel chain keeps strokes smooth with minimal maintenance, and the aluminum frame is commercial-grade for durability.
It separates into two pieces without tools for compact vertical storage. At 57 lb with standard legs it is the lightest rower here, and it is rated for 500 lb. The warranty is 5 years on the frame and 2 years on the monitor and parts. Reviewers rate it highly: The Tested Hub gives it 4.9 out of 5, Garage Gym Builders 4.8, Garage Gym Reviews 4.6 and Breaking Muscle 4.5.
The main trade-off
There is no built-in touchscreen or streaming classes, and the frame is a longer 96 inches when in use. The monitor runs on two D-cell batteries, drawing power from the flywheel during use. If you want games or trainer-led classes on the machine itself, look elsewhere.
NordicTrack RW900: Premium Pick for Quiet Guided Workouts
Best for: Guided-workout fans who want quiet, automatic resistance
The NordicTrack RW900 is a quiet, comfort-focused rower built around trainer-led iFIT sessions on a large pivoting screen. It fits buyers who want guided workouts and off-rower cross-training.
- Weight
- 158 lbs
- Dimensions
- 80.1" L x 21.8" W x 52.7" H
- Display
- 24-inch HD pivoting touchscreen
- Warranty
- 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
- Foldable
- No
- Resistance type
- Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR)
Reasons to buy
- 24-inch pivoting touchscreen for iFIT trainer-led workouts
- 26 digital resistance levels adjust automatically in iFIT workouts
- Silent magnetic resistance with smooth inertia-enhanced flywheel
- Ergonomic molded seat and soft-touch handles add comfort
- 10-year frame warranty
Reasons to avoid
- Heavy at 158 lbs
- Lowest weight capacity in this group at 300 lbs
- Screen workouts depend on the iFIT ecosystem
- Treadmill Reviews
- 9.0
- Garage Gym Reviews
- 8.4
- Treadmill Review Guru
- 8.4
- Jay's Home Gym
- 8.8
The NordicTrack RW900 is the Premium Pick for people who want trainer-led sessions on a big screen with resistance that looks after itself. It is a quiet, comfort-focused rower, and it is recommended in 7 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about NordicTrack RW900
The 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen runs iFIT trainer-led workouts and pivots for off-rower cross-training. Silent Magnetic Resistance offers 26 digital levels that adjust automatically during iFIT workouts. An inertia-enhanced flywheel and belt drive give a smooth, quiet stroke, while the ergonomic molded seat and soft-touch handles add comfort. Transport wheels help with moving and storing it.
The warranty is 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Treadmill Reviews gives it 4.5 out of 5, Jay's Home Gym 4.4, and Garage Gym Reviews and Treadmill Review Guru each 4.2.
The main trade-off
It weighs 158 lbs, the heaviest here, and its 300 lbs weight capacity is the lowest in this group. Screen workouts also depend on the iFIT ecosystem, so check that its content suits you before buying.
Aviron Strong Go Rower: Also Great for iPad Owners
Best for: iPad owners wanting a quiet, gamified, space-saving rower
The Aviron Strong Go brings the same dual-resistance, game-based approach as the Strong Series at a budget tier by skipping the screen. It works best if you already own an iPad.
- Weight
- 105 lbs
- Dimensions
- 84" L x 27" W x 48" H
- Display
- None - bring your own iOS device (optimized for iPad)
- Warranty
- 10-year frame, 1-year parts
- Foldable
- Not foldable
- Resistance type
- Dual air and magnetic
Reasons to buy
- Dual air and magnetic resistance with 16 magnetic levels
- Works with iPad for 1,000+ gamified workouts and games
- Upright storage at about 7 feet long, no wall mount
- 507 lb capacity with accessible 20-inch seat height
- Quiet nylon belt at roughly 60 decibels
Reasons to avoid
- No built-in display; requires your own iOS device
- Optimized for iPad specifically
- Only 1-year parts warranty
- Garage Gym Reviews
- 8.2
- Treadmill Reviews
- 9.2
- Treadmill Review Guru
- 8.8
The Aviron Strong Go is an Also Great pick for people who already own an iPad and want a quiet, gamified, space-saving rower. It takes the dual-resistance, game-based approach of the Strong Series and drops the built-in screen to land in the budget tier. It is recommended in 3 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Aviron Strong Go Rower
Resistance is dual air and magnetic, with 16 magnetic levels and up to 100 lbs for strength and cardio training. It is iPad-compatible, with 1,000+ gamified workouts, games and streaming content. The nylon belt operates at approximately 60 decibels. The 507-pound weight capacity and 20-inch seat height are both accessible, and the maximum user height is approximately 6'8".
Upright storage keeps it to only 7 feet long, with no wall mount required. Treadmill Reviews gives it 4.6 out of 5, Treadmill Review Guru 4.4 and Garage Gym Reviews 4.1.
The main trade-off
There is no built-in display, so you need your own iOS device, and it is optimized for iPad specifically. The parts warranty is only 1 year, though the frame is covered for 10 years (20 years if purchased from the manufacturer).
MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower: Best Budget for Compact Storage
Best for: Budget shoppers wanting a compact wood-frame home rower
The MERACH 950 offers a water-and-magnetic hybrid with a wood frame and compact fold-away design at a budget price tier. It suits shoppers who want a space-conscious rower for home use.
- Weight
- 31 kg net weight (85 lbs in box)
- Dimensions
- 78.74" L x 19.69" W x 19.69" H (unfolded: 1990 x 520 x 480 mm)
- Display
- Flywheel knob dial display
- Warranty
- 1 year limited (2 years if registered within 14 days)
- Foldable
- Yes
- Resistance type
- Water and magnetic dual resistance
Reasons to buy
- Dual water and magnetic resistance for varied feel
- Red oak frame with polycarbonate water tank
- Foldable drawer-style design saves storage space
- Auto-resistance through MERACHGO app
- Fits users from 3'11" to 6'7"
Reasons to avoid
- Display is a basic flywheel knob dial
- Lower 350 lb weight capacity than top picks
- Only 1-year limited warranty, 2 if registered
- Garage Gym Reviews
- 7.3
- BarBend
- 8.0
The MERACH 950 is the Best Budget pick for shoppers who want a compact, wood-frame home rower at a budget price tier. It pairs water and magnetic resistance with a wood frame and a fold-away design.
Keep reading about MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower
The dual system combines water with 16 levels of magnetic resistance (the specs also list 6 water levels). The frame is red oak and steel with a polycarbonate water tank. The foldable drawer-style design saves space, and auto-resistance is available through the MERACHGO app. It suits users from 3'11" to 6'7" tall, with a 350 lbs capacity. It is recommended in 4 independent expert guides, with BarBend giving it 4 out of 5 and Garage Gym Reviews 3.65 out of 5.
The main trade-off
The display is a basic flywheel knob dial, and the 350 lb capacity is lower than the top picks. The warranty is 1 year limited, or 2 years if you register within 14 days. It is best for home use where space matters more than screen features.
Compare our picks side by side
The specs most of our picks share, from each maker’s spec page (— = not published). Expert score = the average of published expert reviews, which rate each product for its price. Scroll sideways on small screens.
| Spec | Aviron Strong Series Rower | Concept2 RowErg | NordicTrack RW900 | Aviron Strong Go Rower | MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Best Value | Premium Pick | Also Great | Best Budget |
| Expert score | 9.3 | 9.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 7.7 |
| Price vs. these picks | Higher | Lower | Middle | Lower | Lower |
| Weight | 114 lbs | 57 lb (26 kg) standard legs; 68 lb (31 kg) tall legs | 158 lbs | 105 lbs | 31 kg net weight (85 lbs in box) |
| Dimensions | 84 L x 27 W x 48 H (inches) | 96 in L × 24 in W × 14 in H (standard legs); seat height 20 in with tall legs | 80.1" L x 21.8" W x 52.7" H | 84" L x 27" W x 48" H | 78.74" L x 19.69" W x 19.69" H (unfolded: 1990 x 520 x 480 mm) |
| Display | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen | PM5 Performance Monitor with split times, watts, stroke rate, distance, calories | 24-inch HD pivoting touchscreen | None - bring your own iOS device (optimized for iPad) | Flywheel knob dial display |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 1-year parts | 5-year frame, 2-year monitor and parts | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 1-year parts | 1 year limited (2 years if registered within 14 days) |
| Foldable | No—stores upright | No | No | Not foldable | Yes |
| Resistance type | Dual air and magnetic | Air resistance | Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) | Dual air and magnetic | Water and magnetic dual resistance |
| Weight capacity | 507 lbs | 500 lb (227 kg) | 300 lbs | 507 lbs | 350 lbs (158 kg) |
| Resistance levels | 16 levels | — | 26 | 16 magnetic levels | 6 water levels, 16 magnetic levels |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How to Choose the Best Rowing Machines for Your Home
Pick your resistance type
Air resistance, as on the Concept2 RowErg, responds to how hard you pull. Magnetic resistance, as on the NordicTrack RW900, is quiet and adjustable in levels. Dual systems, like the two Aviron models and the MERACH 950, combine two types for a varied feel.
Decide how much screen you want
If you want games and classes on the machine, the Aviron Strong Series and NordicTrack RW900 have built-in touchscreens. The Aviron Strong Go uses your iPad instead. If you just want clear data, the Concept2 RowErg's PM5 monitor focuses on rowing metrics.
Check capacity and fit
The Aviron models list a 507 lbs capacity and a maximum user height of about 6'8". The Concept2 RowErg is rated for 500 lb, the MERACH 950 for 350 lbs, and the NordicTrack RW900 for 300 lbs. Also compare seat height and, on the Aviron Strong Series, the adjustable-width footplates.
Plan for space and weight
Rowers are long when in use, from 78.74 inches on the MERACH 950 to 96 inches on the Concept2 RowErg. Check how each stores: the Aviron models stand upright, the Concept2 splits in two, and the MERACH folds drawer-style. Weight matters if you will move it often, since the NordicTrack RW900 is 158 lbs and the Concept2 is 57 lb with standard legs.
Look at warranty
The NordicTrack RW900 and Aviron Strong Series list a 10-year frame warranty, and the Concept2 RowErg lists 5 years. The MERACH 950 is covered for just 1 year, or 2 if registered.
How We Picked
We compared rowing machines using manufacturer specs and what independent expert guides and reviews say. We looked at how many expert guides recommend each model, the scores named publications have published, and what reviewers consistently praise or criticize. We also weighed resistance, display, capacity, storage and warranty from the manufacturer pages.
We have not tested these rowers ourselves. Where a spec isn't published, we leave it out rather than guess.
Bottom Line
The Aviron Strong Series is our Best Overall for people who want an interactive rower with a built-in screen. The Concept2 RowErg is the Best Value for rowers who want performance tracking and the strongest expert backing. The NordicTrack RW900 suits guided-workout fans who value quiet, automatic resistance, while the Aviron Strong Go is for iPad owners. The MERACH 950 is the budget route for a compact home rower.
Ready to buy?
Best OverallAviron Strong Series RowerCheck price- Best ValueConcept2 RowErgCheck price
- Premium PickNordicTrack RW900Check price
- Also GreatAviron Strong Go RowerCheck price
- Best BudgetMERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood RowerCheck price
Related buying guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rowing machine overall?
The Aviron Strong Series Rower. It pairs a 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen with 1,000+ games, classes and workouts and dual air and magnetic resistance with 16 levels. Its main drawbacks are its 114 lbs weight and premium price tier.
Which rowing machine has the highest weight capacity?
The Aviron Strong Series and Aviron Strong Go: both list 507 lbs. The Concept2 RowErg is close behind at 500 lb (227 kg), while the NordicTrack RW900 has the lowest capacity here at 300 lbs.
Which rowing machine is the lightest?
The Concept2 RowErg: 57 lb (26 kg) with standard legs, or 68 lb (31 kg) with tall legs. It also separates into two pieces without tools for vertical storage.
Do I need a rower with a built-in screen?
No. The Concept2 RowErg uses its PM5 Performance Monitor for rowing data, and the Aviron Strong Go works with your own iPad. A built-in screen, as on the Aviron Strong Series or NordicTrack RW900, suits people who want games or trainer-led classes on the machine.
Which rowing machine is best for small spaces?
The MERACH 950 is the compact pick, with a foldable drawer-style design for space-saving storage. The Aviron Strong Go also stores upright with no wall mount required, and the Concept2 RowErg separates into two pieces for vertical storage.
What is the best budget rowing machine?
The MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower. It combines water and magnetic resistance with a red oak frame and foldable design. Its display is a basic flywheel knob dial, and its warranty is 1 year limited (2 years if registered within 14 days).
Sources
Specs are taken from the manufacturers' official pages; expert recommendations from the publications below.
- Aviron Strong Series Rower: avironactive.com, garagegymreviews.com, fitnesszone.com, johnsonfitness.com
- Concept2 RowErg: concept2.com, concept2help.zendesk.com, roguefitness.com, concept2.tw
- NordicTrack RW900: nordictrack.com, samsclub.com, dimensions.com, treadmillreviews.com
- Aviron Strong Go Rower: avironactive.com, motionfitness.com, insider.fitt.co, garagegymreviews.com
- MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Wood Rower: merachfit.com, garagegymreviews.com, merachus.com
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