Top 5 Rowers For Home Gym: Expert Review & Guide

Do you dream of a full-body workout without leaving your house? Imagine the smooth glide of a rowing machine, building strength and burning calories right in your living room. But when you start looking for a rower for your home gym, the choices can feel overwhelming. So many brands, so many features—how do you pick the best one for you?

Choosing the right rowing machine is tough. You worry about space, noise levels, and whether the machine will actually last. Will it give you the intense workout you need, or will it just collect dust in the corner? We understand those worries. Finding a machine that fits your budget and your fitness goals is key.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the best rowers designed for home use. You will learn about different resistance types, essential features to look for, and which models truly deliver value. Get ready to find the perfect rowing partner for your fitness journey.

Top Rowers For Home Gym Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version
  • Choose YOSUDA: Design and produce top-quality exercise machines for home use for over 20 years. YOSUDA has been chosed by more than 3,000,000 families and we will always stand behind our product
  • 12× 12 Powerful Magnetic: Equipped with a 12-lb flywheel and high-quality magnetic control system, this rower machine provides enough resistance. All stages users can get an effective workout whether you are a beginner or an advanced user
  • Dual Silent System: The non-contact magnetic resistance system delivers a virtually silent rowing experience. High-density steel reduces noise, changing your daily rowing into pleasure. You can enjoy your workout without worries anytime
  • Well Built & Long Lasting: Commercial quality and the 5mm-thick steel ensures the high durability of YOSUDA rowing machine. Maximum weight capacity can be up to 350 lbs. The 48'' range of motion fits users from 4'5'' to 6'2'', suitable for family use
  • 6-Types of Data Disply: The 3.45-inch LCD monitor clearly displays the rowing data. You can put the phone or tablet on the holder to enjoy the videos or music User-Friendly Design: With a small footprint, YOSUDA magnetic rowing machine will save you 70 % storage space after being stowed upright. Two big transportation wheels make it easier to move your rowing machine around when you finish your workout
SaleBestseller No. 2
Wenoker Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower Machine, 350 LB Weight Capacity, 16-Level Silent Resistance Row Machine for Gym Exercise Full-Body Workout Compact Rower with LCD Monitor Tablet Holder
  • [Home Cardio Machine & Full-Body Workout ] The WENOKER magnetic rower delivers smooth, consistent resistance for both cardio and strength workouts, helping you burn calories and build tone. Rowing targets over 90% of the muscles in your body, training your shoulders, back, core, arms, hips, glutes, and legs in just 20 minutes. It's great for your heart and lungs.
  • [Powerful & Magnetic Resistance] The rowing machine is equipped with a newly upgraded flywheel component and features 16 levels of precision-controlled tension, it operates at less than 30 dB, making it ideal for early mornings or apartment living without disturbing others. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, this rowing machine offers customizable resistance for any pace.
  • [Smart LCD Display] Track your workout in real time with the LCD monitor, showing Time, SPM, Distance, Calories, and Count. With adjustable phone holder ensures the perfect screen angle—ideal for following along with classes or streaming entertainment.
  • [Sturdy and comfortable] The WENOKER rowing machine features a sturdy steel frame with a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. It comes equipped with an ergonomic padded seat that provides stable support for extended workouts, while textured handles ensure a secure, non-slip grip even when hands are sweaty. This design delivers an enhanced rowing experience.
  • [Easy to Assemble and Store] The rowing machines for home use arrives partially pre-assembled and can be assembled in 20 minutes. It features front-mounted transport wheels and a vertical storage design, allowing for effortless maneuvering, storage, and usage even in tight spaces. It stands out as the ideal fitness equipment for confined workout spaces. Use it wherever you like—garden, garage, or balcony.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S
  • MERACH APP: Our App offers various courses and programmed exercises for you, Taking the courses can bring your rowing experience to the next level. Also compatible with KINOMAP APP, immerse yourself in splash, and feel nature even while rowing at home.
  • Visualized Workout Data: You can conveniently measure and check your workout data, distance, time, calories burned, speed, heart rate, cadence, and other info by APP. Your achievements are worth being recorded!
  • Less Noise While Rowing: Customized smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system makes the workout extremely quiet. Q1S rower machine for home avoids the worries of bothering other family members.
  • The Double-track, Smooth, Comfortable: Our dual slide rail is designed by imitating the wood rowing machine. It is more stable than one rail. It prevents the flip-over when rowing. The maximum weight of 350 pounds allows more exerciser to achieve their fitness goals.
  • Easy Assemble: The Merach rowing machine can be easily assembled within 30 mins by most users. It is partially pre-assembled and can be moved around easily.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Dripex Rowing Machines for Home Use, Rowing Machine Max 350 LBS, Magnetic Rower with 16 Levels of Workout Resistance, Dual Slide Rail, Bluetooth App Supported, LCD Monitor,Row Machine for Gym Exercise
  • Powerful & Quiet Magnetic Engine: The Dripex rowing machine is equipped with a newly upgraded 12 lbs flywheel component and high-energy magnets that provide 66 lbs of resistance, which offers ample resistance for your workout. Besides, this magnetic tension system allows the row machine to operate quietly (below 15 decibels). It is the ideal exercise equipment for the home gym or office without disturbing others
  • 16-Level Magnetic Resistance: The rowing machine offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced rower or a beginner, you can easily adjust the knob to tailor the difficulty and challenge yourself
  • Upgraded Dual Slide Design: Compared with the single slide rowing machine, this newly upgraded dual slide design makes the rowing machine more stable, safe and beautiful. In addition, the slide rails are made of sturdy steel, and also equipped with ergonomic padded seat to give you a better exercise experience while rowing. The 48.8-inch long slide fits users from 4'5'' to 6'5''. Maximum weight capacity is up to 350 lbs
  • App Compatible & LCD Monitor: You can connect your smartphone or device to the rowing machine via Bluetooth, track your exercise metrics during your row, and immerse yourself in a variety of live training videos to complete passionate exercise challenges. Besides, the digital monitor accurately records every achievement, including scan, distance, time, calories, count and total count
  • Easy to Assemble and Store: The rowing machine arrives partially pre-assembled and can be assembled in 20 minutes. It features front-mounted transport wheels and a vertical storage design, allowing for effortless maneuvering, storage, and usage even in tight spaces. It stands out as the ideal fitness equipment for confined workout spaces
SaleBestseller No. 5
MERACH Sculls Rowing Machines for Home, Magnetic Rowing Machine with 16-Level, Simulate Real Row, Ultra-Quiet Rower, MERACH App and 1000+ Champion Coaching Course & Games
  • Sculls-Style Rowing: Simulates real rowing with 120° outward arm motion for full chest expansion. Trains back, arms, and engages nearly every muscle group.
  • Multiple Rowing Modes: Supports one-arm rows, alternating strokes, and synchronized dual-arm pulls—offering more diverse, effective training than standard rowers.
  • Pro-Level Magnetic Resistance: Delivers up to 80 lbs of magnetic resistance—far superior to typical hydraulic systems—with 16 adjustable levels, ideal for professional rowers in training.
  • Unlock 1000+ Workouts & Games: Connect via Bluetooth to the exclusive MERACH App, featuring over 1,000 interactive courses and fun games. Plus, enjoy 6 months of free premium membership with your purchase!
  • Train Like a Champion: Access exclusive rowing tutorials and personalized fat-burning plans designed by champion coaches, all while the professional monitor keeps you on track with detailed performance metrics.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Dripex Rowing Machines for Home Use, Rowing Machine Magnetic Rower, 16 Levels of Workout Resistance, Max 350 LBS, Dual Slide Rail, Bluetooth App Compatible, LCD Monitor, Row Machine for Gym Exercise
  • Powerful & Quiet Magnetic Engine: The rowing machine is equipped with a newly upgraded 12 lbs flywheel component and high-energy magnets that provide 66 lbs of resistance, which offers ample resistance for your workout. Besides, this magnetic tension system allows the row machine to operate quietly (below 15 decibels). It is the ideal exercise equipment for the home gym or office without disturbing others
  • Upgraded Dual Slide Design: Compared with the single slide rowing machine, this newly upgraded dual slide design makes the rowing machine more stable, safe and beautiful. In addition, the slide rails are made of sturdy steel, and also equipped with ergonomic padded seat to give you a better exercise experience while rowing. The 48.8-inch long slide fits users from 4'5'' to 6'5''. Maximum weight capacity is up to 350 lbs
  • 16-Level Magnetic Resistance: The rowing machine offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced rower or a beginner, you can easily adjust the knob to tailor the difficulty and challenge yourself. It's a great gift for fitness enthusiasts and families
  • App Compatible & LCD Monitor: You can connect your smartphone or device to the rowing machine via Bluetooth, track your exercise metrics during your row, and immerse yourself in a variety of live training videos to complete passionate exercise challenges. Besides, the digital monitor accurately records every achievement, including scan, distance, time, calories, count and total count
  • Easy to Assemble and Store: The rowing machine arrives partially pre-assembled and can be assembled in 20 minutes. It features front-mounted transport wheels and a vertical storage design, allowing for effortless maneuvering, storage, and usage even in tight spaces. It stands out as the ideal fitness equipment for confined workout spaces
Bestseller No. 7
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion
  • 【Choose YOSUDA】Design and produce top-quality exercise machines for home use for 20 years.YOSUDA has worked with professional European engineers and served more than 1,000,000 families. All our products are full of praise. We promise one year for replacement parts and all messages will get responses within 24 hours
  • Super Quiet Rowers: Magnetic resistance system create an unbelievably smooth and nearly silent rowing, YOSUDA rowing exercise machine is very suitable for indoor exercise. It will NEVER disturb the families and virtually no maintenance requested
  • Sufficient Resistance for All: Our rower machine is equipped with a 14 lbs flywheel and 16 level resistance, provides double resistance levels than ordinary rowing machine. All stages exerciser can get efficient exercise with different resistance
  • Full-Body Muscle Workout: Rowing machines engages 90% muscle groups; work legs, core and arms with a smooth, high calorie-burning motion. Perfect for rehabilitative treatment, weight-loss, body-shape, strength training ,etc
  • Large Monitor and Tablet Holder: The LCD monitor clearly displays your rowing datas. You can put the phone on the holder to enjoy the videos or music. Newly Bluetooth supports APP, you can experience different rowing scenarios and the fun of rowing races
Bestseller No. 8
Dripex Rowing Machines for Home Use, Rowing Machine Magnetic Rower, Max 360 LBS, 16 Levels of Workout Resistance, Dual Slide Rail, Bluetooth App Compatible, LCD Monitor, Row Machine for Gym Exercise
  • Upgraded Dual Slide Design: Compared with the single slide rowing machine, this newly upgraded dual slide design makes the rowing machine more stable, safe and beautiful. In addition, the slide rails are made of sturdy steel, and also equipped with ergonomic padded seat to give you a better exercise experience while rowing. The 48.8-inch long slide fits users from 4'5'' to 6'5''. Maximum weight capacity is up to 360 lbs
  • Powerful & Silent Magnetic Engine: The rowing machine is equipped with a newly upgraded 12 lbs flywheel component and high-energy magnets that provide 66 lbs of resistance, which offers ample resistance for your workout. Besides, this magnetic tension system allows the row machine to operate quietly (below 15 decibels). It is the ideal exercise equipment for the home gym or office without disturbing others
  • 16-Level Magnetic Resistance: The rowing machine offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced rower or a beginner, you can easily adjust the knob to tailor the difficulty and challenge yourself
  • App Compatible & Real-time Rowing Data: You can connect your smartphone or device to the rowing machine via Bluetooth, track your exercise metrics during your row, and immerse yourself in a variety of live training videos to complete passionate exercise challenges. Besides, the digital monitor accurately records every achievement, including scan, distance, time, calories, count and total count
  • Easy to Assemble, Store and Move: The rowing machine arrives partially pre-assembled and can be assembled in 20 minutes. It features front-mounted transport wheels and a vertical storage design, allowing for effortless maneuvering, storage, and usage even in tight spaces. It stands out as the ideal fitness equipment for confined workout spaces

Choosing Your Perfect Home Gym Rower: A Buying Guide

Buying a rowing machine for your home gym is a great step toward better fitness. Rowing gives you a full-body workout. It is easy on your joints too. This guide will help you pick the best rower for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Resistance Type

Rowers use different ways to create resistance. You need to choose the type that feels best for you.

  • Air Rowers: These use a fan. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. They often make a loud “whooshing” sound.
  • Magnetic Rowers: These use magnets near a flywheel. They offer very smooth and quiet operation. You usually adjust the resistance with a dial.
  • Water Rowers: These use water to create resistance. They mimic the feel of rowing on a real lake. They sound like splashing water.
  • Hydraulic (Piston) Rowers: These use pistons for resistance. They are usually the most budget-friendly but often offer less smooth motion.

Monitor and Console

The display screen tracks your workout. Look for a monitor that clearly shows key stats. These stats include strokes per minute, distance, time, and calories burned. Some advanced models connect to fitness apps.

Space and Storage

Measure your space first! Rowers take up room. Check if the model folds up or stands vertically for easy storage when you are not using it.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your rower lasts and how stable it feels during hard workouts.

  • Frame Material: Look for strong materials like steel or heavy-duty aluminum. A sturdy frame prevents the machine from wobbling when you pull hard.
  • Rail/Slide: The seat slides on a rail. Long, solid rails allow for a full range of motion. Shorter rails might cut off your leg extension.
  • Footrests: Adjustable footrests are important. They need large straps or holders to keep your feet secure during the drive phase.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Smoothness of Motion

A high-quality rower provides a smooth, fluid stroke. Magnetic and good air rowers usually offer the best feel. Cheaper models, especially some hydraulic ones, might feel jerky or stop suddenly.

Weight Capacity and Footprint

Always check the maximum user weight. A machine built for heavier users usually has a more robust frame, which improves overall quality and stability.

Noise Level

If you live in an apartment or share your gym space, noise matters. Air rowers are loud. Magnetic and water rowers are generally quieter.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about who will use the rower and how often.

  • Beginners: Magnetic rowers are often great starting points. They are quiet and easy to learn on.
  • Serious Athletes: Air rowers or high-end water rowers provide the intense, scalable resistance that serious athletes need.
  • Small Spaces: Look for foldable or vertical storage options. Compactness improves the user experience if space is tight.
  • Comfort: Test the seat comfort if possible. A hard or poorly shaped seat reduces the quality of longer workouts.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Home Rowers

Q: Which type of rower is best for quiet workouts?

A: Magnetic rowers create the least noise. Water rowers make a pleasant, gentle sound.

Q: Do rowing machines take up a lot of space?

A: Yes, they are long. Many modern rowers fold up or stand vertically to save floor space when stored.

Q: Is rowing hard on the knees?

A: No. Rowing is low-impact. It builds leg strength without pounding your joints like running does.

Q: How do I know if the resistance is challenging enough?

A: Air rowers automatically adjust resistance based on your effort. Magnetic rowers let you manually set a higher level.

Q: What is the “stroke length”?

A: Stroke length is how far the seat travels. Longer rails allow taller users to fully extend their legs for a better workout.

Q: Should I buy a rower with a chain or a belt drive?

A: Most quality rowers use a belt drive. Belts are quieter and require less maintenance than older chain systems.

Q: Can I track my progress on the machine?

A: Yes, the console tracks time, distance, calories, and strokes per minute. Advanced models track performance metrics.

Q: What does “erg” mean?

A: “Erg” is short for ergometer, which is the technical name for a rowing machine that measures work output.

Q: How important is the monitor’s connectivity?

A: Connectivity is important if you like guided workouts. It lets you stream classes or compete with others online.

Q: Are budget rowers worth buying?

A: Budget rowers (often hydraulic) are fine for light, occasional use. They often lack the smooth motion and durability of mid-to-high-range models.