10 Best water resistance rowing machines 2025 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 Concept2 RowErg Tall is a well-built rowing machine designed for users who want a smooth, low-impact full-body workout. Its air resistance system adjusts naturally to your rowing speed, allowing for a wide range of intensity levels suitable for beginners to advanced rowers. The construction is sturdy, combining aluminum and steel parts that support up to 500 pounds, reflecting good durability and stability.

Comfort-wise, it features a tall 20-inch seat height, adjustable footrests, and an ergonomic handle, which should accommodate most users comfortably. The included PM5 performance monitor is a standout feature, providing accurate and comparable workout data with an adjustable arm for easy viewing. Noise is kept relatively low due to the flywheel design, making it a quieter option compared to some air rowers.

In terms of size, it occupies a 9 by 4 feet footprint but separates into two pieces with caster wheels, which helps with storage and portability despite its overall weight of 29 kilograms. It requires two D batteries for the monitor, though it cleverly extends battery life using power from the flywheel during workouts. While it’s not the smallest or lightest rowing machine, its quality and tracking features make it ideal for those serious about rowing at home, especially if space and noise are important considerations.

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.