Rowing machines have become one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment due to their ability to provide a full-body, low-impact workout. With the rise of connected fitness, brands like Hydrow, Peloton, and Aviron are redefining the rowing experience, adding interactive features, live classes, and advanced technology to the traditional rower. This guide compares the leading rowing machine brands of 2024, covering their unique offerings, strengths, and ideal user scenarios, so you can make an informed decision on the best rowing machine for your needs.

1. Hydrow: The Immersive Rower for a Connected Experience

Hydrow is widely regarded as the premium brand in the rowing machine space, offering a truly immersive experience. Known for its sleek design, large HD touchscreen, and access to live and on-demand classes filmed on real waterways, Hydrow provides a unique and engaging workout. The brand emphasizes community and competition, which helps motivate users to stay consistent with their workouts.

• Top Models: Hydrow Rower, Hydrow Wave
• Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who want a high-quality, immersive rowing experience with scenic visuals and real-time interaction.
• Pros: Immersive waterway workouts, premium design, live and on-demand classes.
• Cons: High price point, requires subscription for full access to features.

Hydrow is ideal for those who want to replicate the feeling of rowing on water from the comfort of their home, complete with professional instruction and real-time competition.

2. Peloton Row: Premium Rowing with Connected Fitness

Building on its success in cycling and treadmill categories, Peloton has introduced the Peloton Row, bringing its world-class content and connected fitness experience to rowing. The Peloton Row integrates seamlessly with the Peloton app, offering live and on-demand classes that focus on form, endurance, and strength. With a sleek design and comprehensive performance tracking, Peloton aims to deliver the same level of engagement and motivation that has made its other equipment a hit.

• Top Models: Peloton Row
• Best For: Existing Peloton users or fitness enthusiasts who value expert instruction, community, and integration with the Peloton app.
• Pros: High-quality content, seamless integration with Peloton ecosystem, form-focused classes.
• Cons: Higher price, subscription required for classes, limited to Peloton’s ecosystem.

The Peloton Row is perfect for users already in the Peloton ecosystem who want to expand their training options with the same high-quality, engaging content that Peloton is known for.

3. Aviron: Gamified Rowing for Maximum Engagement

Aviron offers a unique approach to rowing by incorporating gamification and competitive elements into their workouts. With interactive gaming features and competition-focused classes, Aviron allows users to race against friends, compete in global challenges, or immerse themselves in video game-like environments. This makes rowing not only a physical challenge but also a mentally engaging experience.

• Top Models: Aviron Tough Series, Aviron Impact Series
• Best For: Users who are motivated by competition, gaming, and interactive challenges rather than traditional workouts.
• Pros: Gamified experience, high entertainment value, variety of content options.
• Cons: Limited live classes compared to other brands, higher price point for top-tier models.

Aviron is ideal for users who want a more interactive and engaging rowing experience, where the gamified approach keeps them motivated and excited about their workouts.

4. Concept2: The Gold Standard for Rowing Performance

Concept2 is a well-known name in the world of rowing, often used by professional athletes, CrossFitters, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a traditional yet high-performance rowing machine. While it lacks the immersive screens and connected fitness features of Hydrow or Peloton, Concept2 focuses on durability, functionality, and precise performance tracking. It's a staple in many gyms due to its solid build and ability to deliver consistent results.

• Top Models: Concept2 Model D, Concept2 Model E
• Best For: Serious rowers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, no-nonsense rowing machine that prioritizes performance.
• Pros: Durable, reliable, high-level performance tracking, trusted by athletes.
• Cons: No built-in screen or interactive content, more basic design.

Concept2 is the perfect choice for those who want a durable, performance-oriented rowing machine without the need for immersive, connected features.

5. NordicTrack: Integrated Technology with Versatile Training

NordicTrack offers a range of connected fitness equipment, and their rowing machines are no exception. With access to the iFit platform, NordicTrack rowers provide an interactive experience with personal training, scenic rowing locations, and off-the-rower workouts. The inclusion of adjustable incline on some models adds a unique element, simulating real-world rowing challenges.

• Top Models: NordicTrack RW900, NordicTrack RW700
• Best For: Users who want a connected fitness experience with the flexibility of strength, cross-training, and scenic workouts.
• Pros: Access to iFit classes, incline options, variety of workout styles.
• Cons: Subscription required for full features, bulkier design compared to some competitors.

NordicTrack rowers are a great fit for users who want to mix up their workouts with a variety of classes and training styles, all while enjoying the benefits of a connected fitness platform.

6. Ergatta: Personalized Rowing with Game-Based Workouts

Ergatta offers a highly personalized rowing experience, focusing on data-driven, game-based workouts instead of traditional instructor-led classes. Ergatta uses performance metrics to create tailored challenges, races, and goal-based programs that adapt to your progress over time. With a sleek wooden design and a focus on rowing performance, Ergatta provides a unique alternative to more traditional fitness classes.

• Top Models: Ergatta Rower
• Best For: Rowers who prefer data-driven, self-paced workouts over instructor-led classes.
• Pros: Personalized programs, game-based challenges, sleek wooden design.
• Cons: Limited class variety, higher price for personalized experience.

Ergatta is ideal for individuals who are motivated by performance metrics and prefer a more solitary, data-driven approach to fitness.

7. WaterRower: Aesthetics Meet Functionality

WaterRower is a brand that stands out for its elegant, handcrafted wooden rowers that use water resistance to simulate the feeling of rowing on actual water. Known for its quiet, smooth operation, WaterRower machines are as much a design piece as they are a fitness tool. While they don’t come with built-in screens or connected features, their unique aesthetic and realistic rowing experience make them a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts who want simplicity and style.

• Top Models: WaterRower Classic, WaterRower Natural
• Best For: Users seeking a realistic rowing experience with a focus on design and aesthetics.
• Pros: Beautiful wooden design, realistic water resistance, quiet operation.
• Cons: No built-in digital content, higher price for premium models.

WaterRower is perfect for those who want a rowing machine that complements their home decor while delivering a smooth, realistic rowing experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right rowing machine depends on your fitness goals, budget, and personal preferences. Hydrow offers a fully immersive rowing experience, while Peloton provides premium, connected fitness options with expert instruction. Aviron brings a gamified twist to rowing, making workouts more engaging, and Concept2 is the trusted choice for performance-focused rowers. Whether you're motivated by live classes, interactive gaming, or personal performance, there’s a rowing machine brand to fit every type of user in 2024.