10 Best water resistance rowing machines 2026 in the United States

The YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine is a solid choice for home fitness enthusiasts. It features a water resistance mechanism, which provides a smooth and authentic rowing experience. The resistance levels are adjustable, allowing users to tailor their workouts. The build quality is robust with an aluminum frame that supports up to 350 lbs, ensuring durability and stability during use. Comfort is also a priority, with a super soft seat designed to fit the hip curve, which should make long workouts more bearable.

Ergonomically, the machine is well thought out, featuring dual aluminum slide rails that contribute to a quieter operation and a fluid rowing motion. The rowing-dedicated monitor tracks essential workout metrics and has Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to join live classes or work with a virtual personal trainer through an app. This could be advantageous for those who enjoy guided workouts or sharing progress with a community. The compact design of the machine is a significant advantage for those with limited space, covering only 4.27 square feet and equipped with wheels for easy movement.

Some may find that the water resistance mechanism, while quiet compared to air rowers, still produces a noticeable sound that might not be ideal for all home environments. Additionally, the monitor, while functional, uses AAA batteries which some users might find less convenient than a rechargeable option. Despite these minor drawbacks, the machine promises a full-body workout and comes from a reputable brand with a long-standing history in home exercise equipment, backed by a lifetime service promise.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Smart Water Rowing Machine offers a strong combination of features for those seeking an efficient and convenient home workout. Its water resistance mechanism provides a natural rowing experience, where the resistance dynamically increases with your effort, making it suitable for various fitness levels. The build quality is robust, with a durable alloy steel frame supporting up to 300 lbs, ensuring stability during intense workouts.

Comfort is also well-addressed with padded handlebars and a cushioned seat at an ergonomic height, reducing strain on your back. The machine’s monitor tracks essential metrics like time, distance, strokes, and calories, and it includes Bluetooth connectivity to sync with the SunnyFit App for additional features and virtual experiences. Its foldable design and transport wheels are ideal for users with limited space, allowing easy storage.

On the downside, the water resistance might be noisier than magnetic systems, possibly disrupting quiet environments. Additionally, while the digital monitor offers comprehensive tracking, some users might find the setup and app interface less intuitive. The rower suits fitness enthusiasts looking for a realistic rowing experience with advanced tracking and space-saving design.

The WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine offers a unique rowing experience thanks to its water-based resistance system, which uses a paddle moving through water to create smooth, natural resistance that increases the harder you row. This mimics real rowing well, making workouts feel fluid and engaging. Crafted from solid oak wood sourced sustainably, the build quality is impressive and durable, giving it a sturdy yet elegant look ideal for home or gym use.

The rowing motion is low-impact and comfortable, targeting major muscle groups for a full-body workout that suits all fitness levels. Equipped with an S4 monitor, it tracks basic metrics like distance and heart rate, providing useful workout information. At about 82 inches long and 22 inches wide, it’s not the smallest machine, but it can be stored upright to save space. It weighs around 103.5 pounds when filled with water, so it’s stable during use but not very portable.

Noise levels are generally low and more soothing than harsh, producing a gentle splashing sound rather than mechanical noise, which many users find pleasant. The upfront investment cost is higher, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship and natural materials. This rowing machine is well suited for those seeking a realistic, smooth rowing feel combined with solid build quality and a natural aesthetic, especially if quiet operation and durability are valued over compact size or advanced tracking features.