Top-rated Rowing Machines of 2025
Rowing machines have become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a low-impact, full-body workout. In 2025, the UK market offers a variety of rowing machines to cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some of the top options available.
Premium Rowing Machines
- Peloton Row - Known for its premium build, immersive tech features, and strong user community, the Peloton Row is considered the best overall rowing machine.
- Hydrow Wave - Ideal for small spaces, the Hydrow Wave offers a balance of form factor and realistic rowing experience.
- Aviron Strong Go Rower - This rower combines dual air and magnetic resistance with interactive gamified workouts via the Aviron app, making it an excellent choice for iPad users and those seeking smart connectivity.
- NordicTrack RW900 - The NordicTrack RW900 offers great features and performance at a more affordable price point compared to other premium models.
Budget-Friendly Rowing Machines
- Joroto MR280 Pro - This top budget-friendly water rower features a real oak frame, foldable design, smooth 3-blade water resistance, dual tablet holders, and excellent customer support.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rowing Machine
When deciding on a rowing machine, several factors should be taken into account.
Resistance Type
- Air resistance offers a smooth, dynamic resistance that adjusts to your rowing effort, making it popular among athletes. However, it can be louder, although newer noise-dampening technology helps to minimise this.
- Magnetic resistance is quiet, adjustable, low maintenance, and ideal for home use, accounting for around 25% of the market share.
- Water resistance provides the closest simulation to real rowing with a natural fluid feel. However, it can be noisier, but wood frame models like the Joroto MR280 Pro reduce vibration.
- Hydraulic resistance is compact and affordable, suitable for small spaces but offers less dynamic resistance range.
Tech Features
Smart rowers like the Peloton Row, Aviron Strong Go, and NordicTrack RW900 integrate touchscreen displays, app connectivity, virtual classes, and gamified workouts to enhance motivation and variety. Some models, such as Aviron, require a separate device (smartphone/tablet) to use apps, cutting costs while maintaining tech interactivity. Screen size, workout tracking, Bluetooth, and compatibility with fitness apps are important considerations.
Cost
Budget rowers like the Joroto MR280 Pro offer excellent value with quality build and essential smart features at affordable prices. Premium models like the Peloton Row and Hydrow Wave come with higher price tags but superior tech, build, and immersive experience. Expect prices to vary widely, with budget options under £500-800 and premium models £1000-2000+ depending on features and brand.
Space and Storage
Foldable designs, such as the Joroto MR280 Pro, are advantageous for small homes or apartments. Compact hydraulic rowers suit tight spaces but may sacrifice dynamic resistance range.
Noise Level
Magnetic rowers are the quietest, making them ideal for shared living spaces. Newer air and water rowers incorporate noise-dampening tech to minimise sound without sacrificing realism.
In conclusion, the Peloton Row offers the best all-round performance with premium tech and community, while the Aviron Strong Go Rower provides smart features with versatile resistance and gamification. For small spaces, consider the Hydrow Wave or the foldable water rower Joroto MR280 Pro for budget options. Choose resistance type based on workout preference: air and water for realistic rowing feel, magnetic for quiet, low-maintenance workouts, and hydraulic for space-saving and affordability. Consider the cost-benefit trade-off: budget rowers offer solid performance and features, but premium choices provide enhanced smart connectivity and durability.
- The AI-powered Peloton Row, known for its immersive tech features and strong user community, could revolutionize the health-and-wellness lifestyle, offering nearby fitness enthusiasts a superior rowing experience.
- In the realm of tech-savvy home-and-garden appliances, the Aviron Strong Go Rower, with its interactive gamified workouts via the Aviron app, is a prime example of where AI and fitness-and-exercise devices may be headed.
- Google has showcased an interest in the health-and-wellness industry, and apps like the ones offered with rowing machines could be a stepping stone towards integrating AI into general lifestyle management.
- As technology advances, AI might play a role in enhancing the rowing experience, with apps potentially suggesting personalized fitness and exercise routines based on scientific data and an individual's unique health profile.
