Concept2 RowErg
Over the past three years, we’ve tested every major rower on the market, yet the Concept2 RowErg still reigns supreme. Its high quality construction, easy assembly, and incredibly smooth ride make the RowErg the best in its class. At this price point, it offers many of the same features as rowing machines that cost twice as much.
This home gym equipment is an industry standard used by CrossFit and many high-profile competitions. Our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. says this is his go-to rowing machine because it can blast your abs, glutes, and back while redlining your heart rate. “It’s built for either long cardio workouts, or vicious high-intensity sessions,” says Samuel.
The RowErg has a durable construction that can support people up to 500 pounds. Our editors have been using the RowErg in their home gyms for years and found that it still works as good as new. The variable resistance flywheel provides a constant challenge — a feature our fitness editors say is especially useful for high-volume use and experienced rowers.
It’s easy to assemble, too. In our experience, setup takes around 15 minutes, ideally with two people, and requires minimal tools or hardware — just eight screws. The machine also separates into two pieces for easy storage, making it ideal for smaller home gym setups.
Yes, it lacks smart connectivity and the large HD screens found in newer models like the Hydrow, but if you’re looking for a tough-as-nails machine that can keep up with your hardest workouts, the RowErg delivers the definitive home rowing experience.
Our Hands-On Review of the Concept2 RowErg
Hydrow Wave Rower
“If I can’t use a Concept2, this is my go-to,” says Samuel. The Hydrow Wave is a more streamlined, slimmed-down version of Hydrow’s original Connected Rowing Machine — and a 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards winner. It’s a smart machine with an HD screen featuring immersive guided workouts designed to recreate a real-world rowing experience. After using the Wave Rower for over a year, we can attest that it delivers on that promise.
The electromagnetic resistance is incredibly smooth and quiet, and Hydrow’s library of on-demand classes is surprisingly lifelike. “It feels as if you’re out on the water, complete with videos shot on lakes and rivers,” says Samuel. “The end result: a tranquil row seat.” While other cardio machines we’ve tested grew repetitive after a few weeks, Hydrow’s video programs consistently kept things interesting.
This rower fits easily in a basement training area and can stand upright for storage. Not only does it fold, but it looks good folded up. Despite the compact size, the Wave is also exceptionally durable — it holds up equally well during hard sprint intervals and longer steady-state rows.
The one drawback: this rower lacks a free mode that would allow users to build their own custom workouts. That said, it remains the best magnetic resistance rowing experience on the market. If you care about the details and want to learn from expert coaches, this is the pick for you.
For a full list of add-ons, consider purchasing directly from their website.
Our Review of the Hydrow Wave Rower
Strong Series Rower
Whether you’re competing live against peers, trying to out-row world-class athletes, or even being chased by a virtual Kraken, the Strong Series Rower is built to fix boring rowing workouts. Beyond tracking standard performance stats, its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen supports streaming from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as a library of interactive, performance-based video games.
The technology was developed by game designers using game psychology, with the singular goal of improving rowing performance. The animated games are immersive, easy to learn, and incentivize players to increase output in creative ways.
Beyond the gamified perks, the Strong Series Rower features a 20-inch elevated seat, which makes it easier for beginners, older individuals, and those with limited mobility to get on and off the machine. Its foot pedals are also wider and larger than those found on most rowers, improving accessibility for a broader range of users — including larger individuals who often feel cramped on standard machines.
Despite the roomier feel, it doesn’t take up extra floor space. The rower flips upright easily and stores vertically without a wall mount, making it a practical option for smaller spaces.
Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Air and magnetic |
| Display | Pivoting 22-in. HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 84 x 27 x 48 in. |
| Storage | Rolls on two wheels; stores upright without wall mount |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor |
Exercises to Improve Your Rowing
Whether you prioritize durability, immersive technology, or accessibility, today’s rowing machine market offers strong options at every level. The picks above represent the best performers across those categories based on hands-on testing — a reliable starting point for outfitting your home gym.
