Transform your home fitness routine with a powerful rowing machine. These versatile units offer an excellent addition to any home gym setup. If you aim to improve your fitness in 2026, now presents an ideal opportunity to invest in a quality model. Many options exist, each providing unique features. Peloton rowing instructor Katie Wang highlights the rower’s ability to deliver an efficient full-body workout. It supports low-intensity cardio for recovery and builds both aerobic and anaerobic strength through interval training.
According to Jadeh Makhsoos News Agency, CNET rigorously examines and compares numerous products, including rowing machines. Their staff, independent of advertisers or business interests, determines review methods. They subject each rowing machine on their list to at least 10 hours of workouts. Testers utilize as many built-in features as possible during this thorough examination. Purchases made through CNET’s links may generate a commission.
When selecting a rower, several factors demand consideration. First, assess your available physical space. Measure your area carefully, allowing extra room for mounting and dismounting the machine. Second, check the maximum rower weight capacity. This varies considerably across different models. Finally, evaluate workout quality. Understand what type of programming best motivates you and select a platform that aligns with your needs.
After extensive testing of various rowing machine models, we identified the top performers. Our selections prioritize performance, comfort, and long-term value. Whether you seek a compact unit for quick HIIT sessions or a premium rower for a complete training setup, our top picks offer solutions. In June 2025, we updated this list to ensure product availability and current information. We removed the Aviron Impact Series rower due to it being sold out and plan retesting next year. While the Peloton Row initially impressed us, the manufacturer has discontinued it, replacing it with the Peloton Cross-Training Row Plus. We are currently testing this newer version and will update our recommendations soon. Many other excellent rowers remain on this list if you prefer different styles.
Jadeh Makhsoos reports that during testing, the CNET Wellness team and I collectively praised the Hydrow Origin Rower. We found it a smooth and high-quality offering. This rower boasts a sleek, futuristic design, and its stride feels exceptionally natural. It employs electromagnetic drag technology, effectively mimicking an outdoor rowing experience. A 22-inch touchscreen provides access to over 5,000 workouts, usable directly on the machine or via the Hydrow app. Accessing Hydrow classes requires an all-access membership, costing an additional $44 per month, but it includes unlimited family profiles.
The Hydrow Origin Rower carries a premium price tag, currently discounted to $2,195. This positions it as a luxury item. If your budget allows for a splurge, this rowing machine offers an excellent choice, providing thousands of classes. However, if a rower exceeding $2,000 falls outside your budget, consider other options. You must also purchase the upright storage anchor separately for $80. This anchor, essentially a wall-mounted strap, adds to the already high cost. Without upright storage, individuals with smaller spaces might find it less practical. The unit also requires proximity to your home Wi-Fi.