Our Picks Best overall rowing machine Peloton Row View details $3,295 at Peloton View details Best luxury rowing machine Hydrow Pro Rower View details $1,695 at Hydrow View details Best foldable rowing machine Echelon Row-S View details $1,200 at Amazon View details Best water rowing machine LIT Strength Machine View details $1,611 at Target View details Best 2-in-1 rowing machine EnergyFit Ski-Row Air + Pwr View details $1,999 at 360 Fitness Superstore View details Best rowing machine for smaller spaces Hydrow Wave (Update: Out of stock) View details See at Hydrow View details Best rowing machine with unique programs Aviron Impact Series 9 (Update: Out of stock) View details See at Aviron View details Table of Contents Rowing is a great exercise. It offers great activity for your entire body. Plus, it's low-impact on most parts. If you enjoy the impact of a rowing motion and are considering owning a rowing machine, there are many versions of this cardio equipment -- from hydraulic and magnetic rowers to unique air rowers -- that you can bring home. However, a rowing machine can be pricey for something you use as home exercise equipment, but since many of the latest models come with smart, interactive features, like trainer-led workouts, they are well worth the value.Read more: Best Gifts Under $300 for 2025"The rowing machine is a great machine to achieve an efficient full-body workout with HIIT, return from a recovery with LISS or improve your anaerobic and aerobic energy systems with interval training," says Peloton rowing instructor Katie Wang. For newcomers, using a rowing machine is an excellent way to fit in a quick yet intense workout without feeling overwhelmed.Before you start rowing workouts, its essential to practice good rowing stroke form by learning the proper techniques. But first, you need to find the right machine for your needs. To help you with that, our CNET fitness experts have done the research to identify the best indoor rowing machine options, including magnetic options and the best budget picks. Take a look at our top picks below. Editor's note, Jan. 6, 2025: We'll be updating this page periodically in the new year. There are new machines being evaluated in the testing stages.Which is the best rowing machine?Rowing machine designs have evolved over the years, and great options are available depending on your preference. I tested various rowing machines, and while they all had their unique features, the one that I was most impressed by was the Peloton Row. Truthfully, it's huge, so it's not the ideal rower if you lack space. If you've got the room for it and you enjoy the Peloton class-style format, this rower is an upgraded version of the traditional rowers on the market. It's our current pick for the best overall rowing machine, but if it isn't your cup of tea, there are other models we tested that may be a better fit. Here are our top picks.Best rowing machine of 2025Filter by Showing 11 of 11 Results Photo Gallery 1/1 $3,295 at Peloton Pros Quiet Form Assist teaches you how to row and improves form Easy to operate if you're familiar with Peloton programs Foot straps are easy to slip on and off Cons Expensive Large and may not fit all spaces Type Rowing machineDimensions 7'10" L x 24" WResistance type Electronically controlledWarranty 1 yearPrice $2,995 8.8 $3,295 at Peloton Peloton's first smart rowing machine that teaches you how to row and correct your form is the most expensive rowing machine on this list, but there's no denying it's impressive. The Peloton delivery team sets up the rower in your home so you don't have to. It's sleek and all-black with touches of red, which stays true to the Peloton aesthetic. It also has a 24-inch HD touchscreen that's adjustable and easy to rotate. I had concerns with the size of the machine because it's on the larger side (it's 8 feet by 2 feet and weighs 156 pounds). I was able to fit it in my apartment, but keep this in mind if you have limited space. An anchor is included with your order, so you can store the machine safely upright, but you'll want to make sure your ceiling can clear its length.Using the Peloton Row is an experience, unlike the others I had testing rowing machines. Before you take a class, you have to calibrate your rowing form. One important thing to note is that the Peloton Row has sensors that detect the position of the handle and seat. This is based on the length of the handle strap pulled out from the base as well as the position of the seat along the rail. Once your rowing form is customized, you can select to Just Row, do a Scenic Row or take a rowing class from the Peloton roster. This is where another feature, known as Form Assist, comes into play.Form Assist offers real-time feedback on your form during class using the same sensors from the calibration process. Peloton says the rower measures your position hundreds of times a second to generate Form Assist and track form errors. You have the option to turn off Form Assist, but it defeats the purpose of owning a Peloton Row. When it's on, an image of a digital person sitting on a rowing machine shows up on the left-hand side of the screen and moves in sync with you. If your form is off, you'll see the person's body highlighted in red the part of the stroke where you need to correct your form.After the class is over, you can see your rowing stats and Form Rating score, which uses a circle graph and shows you a total score out of 100. Beneath that, you'll see a detailed explanation of where you're making errors, along with tips on how to fix them. I saw improvement in my form rather quickly during the period I tested the Peloton Row, thanks to the Form Assist feature. Additionally, like the rest of Peloton's machines, you have to sign up for the All-Access membership ($44 a month). The plus side is that since the screen swivels, you can easily take other classes that require you to be on the floor. If money is no object and you're serious about rowing, you'll love the Peloton Row.