10 Best Row Machines 2026 in the United States

The Hydrow Wave River is a smart, well-built rowing machine that offers a smooth and realistic rowing experience thanks to its electromagnetic resistance, which closely mimics rowing on water. It’s made from aluminum, making it lightweight (102 pounds) yet sturdy enough to support users up to 375 pounds. Its design is space-friendly with a compact footprint and the ability to fold up for easier storage, especially useful if you need to save room at home.

Comfort-wise, it features a padded seat, adjustable foot straps, and a comfortable grip, helping you row without strain during workouts. The 16-inch HD touchscreen and built-in speakers boost engagement by providing clear visuals and sound, while compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Apple Watch and wireless headphones adds convenience. The Hydrow system offers over 5,000 guided workouts through a membership, which is sold separately, and tracks detailed performance metrics to help you improve.

The subscription cost might be a consideration if you’re looking for a fully standalone machine. Also, while the machine is designed to be foldable, the upright storage kit is an additional purchase, which could add to the total cost and effort. If you want a smooth rowing experience with smart features and don’t mind the ongoing membership fees, the Hydrow Wave River is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced rowers who appreciate guided training and performance feedback.

The NordicTrack Smart Rower offers magnetic resistance via an inertia-enhanced flywheel, providing a smooth and quiet rowing experience that many will appreciate during home workouts. Its aluminum frame ensures solid build quality and is backed by a generous 10-year warranty, indicating durability. The rower measures 87" long and 22" wide, so it may require a dedicated workout space, and it doesn’t fold for storage, which could be a limitation for those with limited room.

Comfort features include adjustable settings and a weight capacity of 250 pounds, accommodating a wide range of users. The built-in 2" touchscreen and 2" speakers enhance engagement, especially when combined with the included 30-day iFIT membership offering interactive workouts and expert coaching, though this requires Wi-Fi and a subscription after the trial. Additionally, Bluetooth headphone support allows for personal audio enjoyment.

The LCD display covers basic metrics like heart rate, which suits many users, though it may lack some advanced tracking features found in higher-end models. This rower is well-suited for those seeking a solid and entertaining machine with smart features and a smooth rowing feel, but it may not be the best choice if a compact or highly customizable rowing machine is needed.

The Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine offers a smooth and realistic rowing experience thanks to its magnetic resistance system designed to mimic rowing on water. It’s built with a sturdy aluminum frame that supports users up to 375 pounds, ensuring solid durability. While it’s quite large at 86 inches long and 25 inches wide, it can be stored upright to save space, though this requires an additional storage kit. Comfort features include a padded, sliding seat and adjustable foot straps, which help make workouts more comfortable even during longer sessions.

The 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen is a standout feature, providing an immersive workout experience with live and on-demand classes led by professional instructors in beautiful locations. This screen, combined with front-facing speakers, makes following workouts engaging and easy. Connectivity is strong, supporting Bluetooth devices like Apple Watch and wireless headphones, which is great for tracking progress and enjoying workout music or coaching.

The machine weighs 145 pounds, so it’s sturdy but not very portable. If you want a premium rower that delivers a realistic feel, strong build, and excellent guided workouts with a sleek, modern display, the Hydrow Pro is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the commitment of a membership and the space it needs at home.