What indoor rowing machine is right for me?
New indoor rowing machines are appearing more across the fitness market from a range of new and existing manufacturers.
Each indoor rowing machine aims to improve the rowing experience, through advances in the technology, access to new workout content, training subscriptions, community engagement, gamification and more. There are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to decide which rowing machine is the right one for you.
What Indoor Rowing Machines are available?
Below we provide an overview of some of the current indoor rowing machines available to buy. We cover a range of machines for a variety of budgets and explain the key functions they offer in the hope of providing some guidance to help you decide which machine suits you.
Low cost machines (£100 - £600)
Prices range from £149.99 to £199.99
Key Features
- Different models of rowing machine using magnetic resistance as well as computer controlled resistance
- Padded seat and foldable for space-saving storage, as well as USB Charging function
- 6 resistance buttons with illuminated colour LCD performance monitor display and choose from 16 pre-programmed workouts
- Training video available included on Crane Fitness app which can be used with tablet holder
Is this Machine right for me?
- A budget saving machine
- For those looking to try indoor rowing and purchase machine before a longer-term investment
- Interesting performance monitor to create family profiles
- Looking for a machine that doesn’t want to connect to any apps, but can still undertake online workouts, challenges, and training plans from Inside Indoor
Price £349.00
Key Features
- The Marcy RE1016 rowing machine has been built equipped with a belt-driven 4kg flywheel and 8 resistance levels offering you a smooth workout that you can enjoy
- Monitor feedback including: time, calories (kcal), strokes, total strokes (multiple workouts)
- Pivoting foot plates with adjustable foot straps
- Mobile phone/tablet stand, and folds for storage with transportation wheels
Is this Machine right for me?
- A budget saving machine
- A good get started machine before a longer-term investment
- Interesting performance monitor to create family profiles
- Looking for a machine that doesn’t want to connect to any apps, but can still undertake online workouts, challenges, and training plans using Inside Indoor
Prices from £299.00 to £400.00
Key Features
- The ZJET Rower's 16 resistance levels help push your endurance and pull you closer to your fitness goals
- 19 user programmes for varied training, whether it's a sprint or endurance-based cardio
- Programmes include: Target time, Target distance, Target calories, Heart rate control, 12 pre-set programmes, User defined, Race, Manual
- Folds for storage and transportation wheels
Is this Machine right for me?
- A good machine for those with limited space
- Buy now pay later options
- A electronic indoor rowing performance monitor without the ability to offer a variety of workout options
- A machine that doesn’t need an app
- Can undertake online workouts, challenges, and training plans without the need to connect to the machine from Inside Indoor
Price range £495.00 - £629.00
Key Features
- Different models that simulate rowing on the water by using air pressure and a flywheel
- 7 to 9-point resistance controls depending on machine model
- Performance monitor with functions such as distance, time, calories, stroke rate, power output and tablet/ mobile phone holder
- Easily folds away and can be moved freely
Is this Machine right for me?
- A more simplified indoor rowing performance monitor without the ability to connect to tech apps
- Looking for a lower cost air pressure and flywheel rowing machine with resistance change
- Can still connect to HR belts and undertake online workouts, challenges and training plans through Inside Indoor
Price range £470.99 to £599.99
Key Features
- Models offering Dual resistance of both air, water, and magnetic resistance
- Simple monitor readings such as Time (mins:secs), Time 500M (mins:secs), Calorie, Distance (metres), Strokes, Strokes Per Minute (SPM), Pulse (bpm) including access to a tablet holder and link to workout entertainment
- 5 - 16 Levels resistance depending on which model you buy
- 3 programs - Manual Mode, Race Mode and Recovery
- Compact, lightweight, and foldable. Inbuilt wheels for easy transport
Is this Machine right for me?
- A good machine to use and store with limited space
- A starting point for someone new or physically fit with an established exercise regime looking to branch out and incorporate rowing into the mix
- Buy now pay later options
- A more simplified indoor rowing performance monitor without the ability to connect to tech apps
- For those looking to undertake online workouts, challenges, and training plans without the need to connect to the machine
Mid-range machines (£700 - £1200)
Prices range from £499.00 to £1599.99
Key Features
- A range of models available across aluminium, oak wood and more with water rower resistance
- Performance monitor included with a range of options depending on the model you choose with standard time, watts, distance, Strokes per minute, resistance level and pulse
- A variety of levels of resistance
- Textured seats and contoured handles
- Some machines include Bluetooth App connectivity including integration to the FluidRower app and heart rate straps
- Design and built-in wheels to make it easy to move to store and use it conveniently
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a range of different realistic on-water rowing at home models starting at different prices
- A variety of options and different makes to please your indoor rowing gym setting
- Can undertake in a variety online workouts, challenges, and training plans
- Looking for a machine that can connect to popular indoor rowing apps including asensei, CityRow, EXR, Regatta and KinoMap
Price range from £799.00 to £999.00
Key Features
- A range of models which offer an inertia enhanced air flywheel, magnetic or water resistance options
- 7 to 16 levels of electronic/air/ water resistance which can be adjusted on the handle or side of the machine. The air resistance machine provides a natural rowing feel, whereas the magnetic element allows the R-21x to deliver a higher level of resistance than that available on air-only rowers
- Adjustable and no slip footplate
- Clear LCD screen attached with 13 workouts available and shows time, stroke rate, watts, 500m split and distance in KM
- Connects to wireless Heart rate belts
- The rower features distinctive Ultra Series red LED lighting on the monorail that powers up when you create energy
- Transport wheels to move into position and store. As well as a Tablet and phone holder
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a mid-range good looking machine with some additional light features
- Want to seamlessly connect the rower with a tablet or smartphone and place your device on the integrated tablet holder to work out to your favourite movies, music and apps
- Buy now and pay later options to spread the cost
- A machine with no subscription membership and comes with a screen fitted
- A machine where you can see something happen when you generate the power as a feature
Price range from £749 to £949
Key Features
- Dual resistance of both air and magnetic resistance
- All of the on-machine parameters such as distance, speed, calorie burn, and total output of every workout is connected and collected on the Echelon fit app via your own phone and tablet
- 32 resistance levels which can be adjusted from the handle itself
- Adjustable Tablet holder to watch or take part with workout entertainment
- Foldable design and built-in wheels to make it easy to move to store and use it conveniently
- Works with the Echelon Fit app to access a community of indoor rowers and leader board challenges
- Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging
- 30 days free premier membership at purchase
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for 30 days try before you buy offer
- Looking for a machine without a display. Use your own tablet while you row
- Looking for a mid-range machine with a subscription membership to on and off machine live and on-demand workout content
- Buy now and pay later with a range of monthly payment options to help with the cost
Price range £899.00 - £1999.00
Key Features
- This rowing machine uses water pressure to create resistance
- Designed to recreate the feel and sounds of being on water that you would experience in a rowing boat and relatively quiet
- The Series 4 (S4) performance monitor shows stroke rate, rowing distance, duration and more
- Made of wood, have an aesthetically pleasing design which complements the décor of most rooms in the home
- Tablet arm available to add to the machine
- Bluetooth compatible with ComModule or SmartRow
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking to invest on a mid-range and cost-effective machine
- A machine partnered with British Rowing and Inside Indoor and offers a Inside Indoor subscriber discount
- The British Rowing Edition WaterRower celebrates with a portion of the proceeds from every sale donated to British Rowing to support the growth of grassroots rowing nationwide
- Opportunities to connect to other rowing apps
- Can use the machine to undertake a variety of online workouts, challenges, and training plans via Inside Indoor
Price range £990.00 - £1150.00
Key Features
- Recognised internationally, the Concept2 RowErg® sets the standard for indoor rowing machines. Built by rowers, for rowers
- Uses air resistance to respond to your effort on every stroke, so you are always in full control of your exertion and resistance
- Reliable workout data - The powerful PM5 Performance Monitor, standard with every RowErg, provides repeatable, comparable data for every workout with distance, speed, pace, calories, and watts for each workout. You can choose between five display options. You can also play simple games whilst using the machine
- Open-platform Performance Monitor connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet
- Comes with a device holder that allows you to keep your smartphone or tablet securely in place
- Two height options to choose from with the increased seat height making it easier to get on and off
- Easily movable and splits in half for easy storage
- Adjustable footrests allow for quick and easy sizing to fit a wide range of shoe sizes
- An ergonomic handle with a 10-degree bend that allows you to row comfortably with a natural arm and hand position
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking to invest on a mid-range and cost-effective machine
- A machine partnered with Inside Indoor and British Rowing
- Recognised worldwide and is the main machine used by international rowers and for indoor rowing racing nationally and worldwide
- Performance monitor compatible with over 30 different apps. Whether you’re after online classes, coaching and training programs or virtual racing, there’s an app to suit you
- A machine used by people of all ages and abilities worldwide who want a full-body, low-impact workout and found in gyms, clubs etc.
- Can be used with a variety of online workouts, challenges, education training and training plans through Inside Indoor
High End machines (£1300+)
Prices range from £999 to £1699
Key Features
- Combines technology and live trainer led sessions integrated with an indoor rowing machine model
- Three rowing machine models to choose from
- Two forms of air and magnetic resistance both manual and digital which can be adjusted by instructors through the iFIT app
- 26 resistance levels as well as touch screen Smart HD monitors from 10 to 22 inches in size and rotation options
- Quick adjust footplate and pads
- Stat tracking tech to get in-depth workout stats
- Connects to iFIT app subscription with daily live and in-demand content ready available with world class trainers to keep you active using the indoor rowing machine
- Space saver design to vertically fold and store away easily
- Bluetooth headphone connectivity
Is this Machine right for me?
- Endless training possibilities, live workouts, in-demand classes, and activities via the iFIT app
- Looking for something that includes Ex GB Rower and Olympic gold medalist Alex Gregory as workout content
- Looking to create up to four adult profiles per iFIT family membership so everyone can join in on any compatible home fitness equipment
- Buy now and pay later options to help spread the cost
- To access a 30 day iFIT membership included in the machine price
Key Features
- The Hydrow Wave is the newest addition to the Hydrow rower, with a contemporary design made for small spaces
- Combines powerful live outdoor reality technology with a state-of-the-art rowing machine
- Electrical magnetic resistance and computer controlled
- 16-inch full HD dynamic moving monitor with sound front facing to get an immersive experience
- Super smooth and quiet motion and automatic 10 levels of resistance
- Bluetooth connectivity to pair with headphones and speakers and sync to Strava to track and measure your progress, heart rate monitors and more
- Easy foot adjustment for correct foot placement and 10 roller cushioned seat
- Access to Hydrow membership to a suite of workouts, challenges and connect with other worldwide users
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a machine that connects you closer to on-water rowing and creates a real time immersive experience
- Looking for a Hydrow rowing machine which is lightweight, 30% smaller than the Hydrow, and can be easily moved around to fit your space.
- An indoor rowing workout app to connect to with a library of 4000+ workouts, including one membership for unlimited profiles for all the family
- Buy now, pay later. Spread the cost options
Starting at $1995.00
Key Features
- The Oartec DX has a very smooth and fluid dynamic rowing action that is more enjoyable to row and has also a feeling to rowing on the water.
- A major benefit of the DX’s dynamic rowing action is that it significantly reduces the potentially harmful loads on your lower back, ribs and joints that you experience when rowing on a stationary rowing machine.
- Transport wheels and easily stores away
- Air resisted rowing machine with 10 levels of resistance
- 7” LCD display with backlight which includes performance data of time, stroke rate, distance, 500m split, calories and watts
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a realistic rowing feel
- A different model of a dynamic indoor rower
- A make that has a long association and strong background within the sport of rowing and they design products that specialise in improving the benefits and value of indoor rowing training.
Prices range from £1995.00 - £2040.00 (+£44 per month for access to subscription)
Key Features
- The Hydrow Combines powerful live outdoor reality technology with a state-of-the-art rowing machine.
- Electrical magnetic resistance
- 22-inch full HD dynamic moving monitor with sound front facing to get an immersive experience
- Super smooth and quiet motion and automatic 10 levels of resistance
- Bluetooth connectivity to pair with headphones and speakers and sync to Strava to track and measure your progress, heart rate monitors and more
- Easy foot adjustment for correct foot placement and 10 roller cushioned seat
- Access to Hydrow membership to access a suite of workouts, challenges and connect with other worldwide users
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a machine that connects you closer to on-water rowing and creates a real time immersive experience
- A machine that takes you through different workouts using different stretches of water all over the world
- An indoor rowing workout subscription to connect to with a library of 4000+ workouts including rowing, Circuit Training, Pilates, yoga, strength, and conditioning. You only need one membership for unlimited profiles for all the family
- Buy now, pay later options to spread the cost per month
Prices range £2,175.00 - £2575.00
Key Features
- Two models available
- Chain to flywheel connection via belt
- Single and twin rail options allowing for your feet to be further apart
- Tablet or phone can be used as a display via free rowing apps and connected via a self-charging Bluetooth system. One model has a built-in display included
- Designed dynamic but one model can also be used as a static machine
- Static and gas sprung options to simulate boat bounce and protect lower back issues
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a machine which can be connected via your own phone or tablet and better monitor options and abilities to connect to rowing apps
- Looking for a machine focused on accurately simulating the dynamic rowing motion experienced in a boat. It is used by Olympic and elite rowers from clubs and schools all over the World, giving rowers the best possible land training experience
- Wanting to connect to a specific RP3 rowing app
- Wanting to e-race with others with the same machine
- Seeking a robust machine designed to run virtually maintenance free
Prices range from $3195.00 (pre-order)
Key Features
- Electronically controlled resistance for quiet, perfectly smooth stroke feel
- 23.8″ HD swivelling touchscreen for seamless transitions on and off the mat including front and back speakers
- See in-class metrics like stroke rate, pace, output, and distance
- Technique form-specific features and metrics that continually help you improve every stroke, whether you’re new to rowing or an expert
- Workouts led by expert Peloton instructors that will keep you motivated and challenged
- Compact footprint that stows against your wall for easy storage
- Comfortable ergonomic seat and smooth, nearly silent rowing experience
Is this Machine right for me?
- Currently available in the USA only
- A holistic workout you crave. Take on cardio classes with your Row before moving to floor workouts like strength, stretching, yoga, and more
- Access to thousands of classes beyond rowing like strength, yoga, meditation, and more
- Work out alongside other Members and friends on the Leaderboard
Price £4150.00
Key Features
- A fully connected rowing machine designed by gym equipment supplier TechnoGym that trains both cardio and power at an athlete’s level, thanks to its sport-specific design, exclusive technology and performance-oriented workouts
- Transport wheels and Integrated Phone holder
- Air resisted rowing machine with 10 levels of resistance on a turn dial including an additional power mode with 3 levels
- 7” LCD display with backlight which includes performance data of time, stroke rate, distance, 500m split, calories and watts
- Ergonomic seat and easy to reach handle
- Bluetooth smart which connects to heart rate monitors and other rowing apps
- Connects to mywellness app with workout tracking, ready-made programmes, pace boat targets, virtual trainer and more
Is this Machine right for me?
- Looking for a realistic rowing feel
- Searching for a machine you can select the rowing mode for a cardiovascular workout or the power mode with added resistance to perform specific exercises and simulate rowing with additional load
- Looking for a machine that offers both a performance monitor and connects to a rowing app including Skillrow classes
- Buy now, pay later options to spread the cost per month
Please note, Inside Indoor is providing an independent overview of a number of machines currently available to buy in today's fitness market. We do not endorse any of the machines listed unless stated. If you are thinking of buying a rowing machine and are still uncertain which is best for you, there is more information on the supplier websites, and you will find some great reviews online.