9 Best Row Machines 2026 in the United States

The MERACH Sculls Rowing Machine offers a strong magnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels, providing smooth and quiet workouts suitable for both beginners and more experienced rowers. Its resistance goes up to 80 lbs, which is quite powerful compared to many home rowers using hydraulic systems. The build quality is solid, made from alloy steel, and it supports users up to 350 pounds, accommodating most people. The machine’s size is moderate, about 60 inches long and 29.5 inches wide, fitting well in typical home spaces, although it may require a dedicated area since it does not fold or compactly store.

Comfort is enhanced by its sculls-style rowing motion, which mimics real rowing more closely than standard models, engaging more muscles and helping with posture. The ergonomic design and smooth rail system contribute to stable and natural workout experiences. The included LCD monitor tracks useful metrics like calories, distance, speed, and stroke count, helping users monitor their progress. Additionally, the Bluetooth connection to the MERACH App offers over 1,000 workouts and games, along with coaching plans, providing excellent motivation and variety.

Assembly is fairly straightforward, with most of the machine pre-assembled, speeding up setup. The machine weighs 60 pounds, so moving it around might be somewhat challenging. This rowing machine is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a realistic rowing experience, quiet operation, and interactive training options at home.

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.

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.