Best rowing machines for your home gym

NordicTrack offers three solid options when it comes to rowers. As a well-known exercise brand, whichever NordicTrack machine you go with is a solid choice, but the RW500 is hard to beat. 
This rower offers two forms of resistance: Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) and air resistance. SMR is controlled by your trainer and provides a smoother, quieter workout. The air resistance is controlled by you and can be adjusted to add more intensity to your workout. 
The monitor is a 10-inch tablet preset with 30 workout apps. With 26 resistance levels, two large speakers, on-demand rowing workouts, and live interactive workouts where your SMR is controlled by your trainer, the NordicTrack RW500 gives you the feel of being in a workout class while in the comfort of your home. Alternatively, you can chart your own course by using the Google Maps feature to explore different bodies of water around the world. 
Bonus: Each purchase comes with a one-year iFit membership. You’re allowed up to four profiles, which makes it great to share with your family or roommates. 

Described as the “Peloton of rowers,” the Hydrow-Connected Rower is a great choice for the serious rower. Unlike some of their competitors, Hydrow only offers one rowing machine (so far) and is focused on providing the user with the best possible experience. 
The Hydrow-Connected Rower offers a comprehensive list of features including computer-controlled resistance, ergonomically designed seating for a smooth and comfortable workout, as well as a variety of stunning visuals and realistic sound effects to help give you that “on the water” feeling. New live workouts are added daily to help keep your routine fresh and exciting. 
With the help of your Hydrow Athlete and team, you’ll receive boatloads of support and motivation. The 22” HD rotating screen and front-facing speakers make for the most comfortable and immersive workout experience. 
The only downside to this machine is that it isn’t easy to transport and if you want to store it, you’ll need to purchase a separate upright storage kit. Bonus: Once you’ve completed 60 workouts, Hydrow will make a donation in your name to Water.org, a charity that provides water and sanitation to millions of people in the developing world. 

The Stamina Magnetic Power 1110 is just one of many rowing machines offered by Stamina. The thing that sets this model apart from the others is how affordable it is. As a budget option, this simple yet effective rower is hard to beat. 
The Stamina Magnetic Power 1110 offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, a workout monitor that tracks total strokes, strokes per minute, total distance, workout time, distance and calories, and built-in wheels for easy portability and storage. 
The downside is that the monitor won’t track your progress, so you’ll have to do that on your own. There’s also no knob to adjust the difficulty of your workout. Your resistance is determined by how hard you row. If you don’t feel like coughing up a ton of cash though, it’ll get the job done.

The ETHOS Rower, formerly known as the Xebex, is a sleek and durable machine. Though the brand name might not be household, it is commercial grade. The airflow setting offers 10 resistance levels as well as a built-in fan to further utilize the air resistance. 
The three built-in training programs (Quick Start, Interval Training, and Competitive Racing) make it easy to customize your workout. The monitor may not be high tech but it does track the essentials like total distance, total strokes, strokes per minute, and calories burned. It also is heart rate monitor compatible, but you’ll have to purchase that separately. This rower is also very compact: when folded it’s a mere 3 feet by 20 inches. 
Another feature that sets this machine apart is its ability to hold up to 500 lbs. That’s double the weight of some of its competitors. So while this machine is definitely a space saver, its inclusive for rowers of all sizes.

The KETTLER Advantage Stroker Indoor Rower offers a realistic rowing experience at a reasonable price. 
This rower has 10 magnetic resistance levels so you can easily customize the drag to fit your needs. The included Polar T34 chest strap monitors your heart rate and wirelessly transmits your information. Along with a recovery feature that provides cardio wellness grading, you’re able to easily track your progress. 
While this machine is on the heavier side, the steel folding frame is designed for long-term use. The LCD screen is small but provides you with the basics (strokes per minute, total strokes, total distance, and heart rate). The monitor doesn’t run on electricity and requires two AA batteries, so if you’re someone who is constantly running out of batteries, this could be a problem. On the other hand, if you’re worried about running up your electric bill with your newfound rowing habit, the battery-operated Kettler Advantage Stroker Indoor Rower could be the perfect fit.

The XTERRA ERG650W Water Rower comes with an easy to fill water tank for a realistic rowing experience. This machine offers six levels of resistance and a modest-sized LCD screen that displays total time, total strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, pulse, drag force, and watts. Some of the preset workouts include quick start and a variety of race options like 2000M, 5000M, 10000M, 30:00, and 500M/1:00 rest. To make up for the basic monitor, the ERG650W comes with a tablet holder so you can stream your favorite show while you row.
This machine weighs in at 76 pounds when assembled, making it one of the lightest water rowers out there. 

KETTLER is one of the most trusted names when it comes to exercise equipment and the KADETT rower continues to uphold that good name. This rower offers 12 levels of resistance and a small LCD monitor that tracks your total time, total distance, and total strokes. 
The KADETT is significantly smaller than its air, magnetic, and water resistance competitors, making it less of a hassle to store. Or less of an eyesore if keeping your rower out in the open is more of what you’re into.