Last Update: January 18, 2024
There are three styles of indoor rowing: magnetic, air, and water. Water rowing machines are quieter than air rowers but louder than magnetic rowers (usually). Yet, the sound they generate is considered the most pleasant option for many exercisers. They also provide a more realistic feel to outdoor rowing. Water rowers come in a range of styles from wood to metal frames, from low-tech to high-tech. I’ve compiled all of the best water rowing machines that I have tested and reviewed for you to find the perfect match for your training style!
Here’s Our List of the Best Water Rowing Machines for 2024
- Best Water Rowing Machine: Ergatta Rower
- Best Water Rowing Machine without Content: WaterRower
- Best Water Rower with Strength System: LIT PRO Pack
- Best Water Rower with Trainer-led Content: CityRow Max Rower
- Best Compact Water Rowing Machine: WalkingPad WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
- Best Affordable Water Rowing Machine: Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine
- Best Low-Tech Water Rowing Machine: XTERRA ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
Best Water Rowing Machine: Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta Rower is a water rower, and it is also a WaterRower (see the next rower on the list). Ergatta’s collaboration with one of the most popular water rowing machine brands upgrades their great design with amazing training content. Ergatta has one of my favorite training platforms with games that improve your rowing and are super fun. It’s also just a very nice-looking rowing machine.
Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta Rower has gamified training content, a nice aesthetic, and powerful water resistance.
The Ergatta Rower tops this list, because it solves many of the most popular exercise problems: the appearance of equipment, how fun the exercise is, and how effective the training is. First, the Ergatta Rower looks really nice. It has a cherry wood frame and is handcrafted in the US. It stores upright and is sure not to be an eyesore in any room. Even the training content is visually pleasing. The large touchscreen display is 17.3”, which is easy to see and navigate.
An Ergatta membership improves the training experience. The Ergatta experience combines games and races to encourage you to push harder and keep your training going strong. The workout style has been particularly helpful for me by teaching me to keep a certain pace rather than to always push as hard as I can. The live races against other Ergatta users up the ante. It provides a great way to get yourself to train harder than you would alone. If you need a break, you can try one of the scenic rows that guides you through waterways in beautiful real-life locations.
Lastly, the training on the Ergatta Rower is effective. Like all rowers, it trains your full body, hitting almost every muscle. The Ergatta Rower’s water tank is large enough to challenge experienced uses. The resistance is unlimited, as it is with all water rowers, because the harder you row, the more difficult it becomes.
The Ergatta Rower is low to the ground but can be upgraded with the Ergatta High-Rise, which lifts the rower 8 inches to make it easier to sit onto. The Ergatta Rower is a powerful training option with a great design.
+ PROS
- The Ergatta Rower has fantastic gamified training content.
- The Ergatta’s wooden frame looks very nice.
- You can store the Ergatta Rower upright.
- The water tank is large enough to create powerful resistance.
- The Ergatta’s 17.3” touchscreen display is a good size.
- The Ergatta is low to the ground but can be retrofitted with higher legs.
– CONS
- The Ergatta requires a monthly subscription to use its training content.
- The training content does not have the trainer-led content some users may prefer in a subscription platform.
Read Our Full Review Of The Ergatta Rower Here
Best Water Rowing Machine without Content: WaterRower
The WaterRower is available in a variety of wood types. If you are intrigued by the Ergatta but don’t want a subscription training service, the WaterRower delivers the same performance without the commitment. This well-built rowing machine has a high user weight limit despite its relatively compact and portable size.
If you are looking for a simple and well-built rower, the WaterRower fits the bill. The WaterRower is available in a few different wood styles, including ash, oak, walnut, and cherry. With these options, you can decide what fits into your space best. The WaterRower can be stored upright to save you space if you don’t have the floor space for it. When filled with water, the rower weighs just over 100 lbs. It has transport wheels, so it is relatively easy to transport. I was surprised by how easy the WaterRower is to move around.
While the WaterRower sits low to the ground, you can upgrade to the Hi-Rise legs for an additional cost. Both options are available through Amazon. The WaterRower can support a maximum user weight of up to 700 lbs. It can accommodate a maximum inseam measurement of 37”. However, the seat is rather small and the footrests are not the most refined, which may not appeal to all users. The rower has little rubber feet on the bottom to keep it in place when you are rowing. It does not move during training and feels surprisingly stable. The water tank is big enough to challenge even experienced exercisers.
The WaterRower does not come with training content. Instead of a touchscreen, it uses the S4 monitor. This simple performance monitor tracks all the necessary metrics. This design simplifies your workout experience, so you don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription. As soon as the inspiration to work out strikes, you can get rowing.
+ PROS
- The WaterRower is available in multiple colors.
- The large water tank creates plenty of resistance.
- The maximum user weight capacity is 700 lbs.
- The WaterRower can be paired with Hi-Rise legs to make it more accessible.
- The simple console shows all of your metrics and requires no subscriptions.
- The dual rails are long enough for a maximum inseam length of 37 inches.
– CONS
- The seat may be too small to be comfortable for all users.
- The footrests are not the easiest to adjust.
Best Water Rower with Strength System: LIT PRO Pack
I didn’t select the top rower package from LIT for this list because it is the most expensive. I picked it from LIT’s lineup, because the reason it stands out from the competition is how it becomes an all-in-one home gym. With the LIT Pro Pack, you get everything you need to build a great exercise routine.
This rowing machine is nothing like the competition, because you might not even use it primarily for rowing. The seat and included resistance bands form a basic pilates reformer. Add in a few extra components, and you can do a full strength training workout. Most rower brands cite their ability to target 80%+ of the body’s muscles. Well, with the LIT Pro Pack, you can train pretty much everything. There are hundreds of movements you can do with the LIT rower and included accessories.
The LIT Pro Pack would certainly leave some exercisers not knowing where to begin. Fortunately, LIT has coach-led classes to help you make the most use of the training system. You will need a monthly subscription to access the content, but the LIT strength machine comes with a 30-day free trial. There isn’t an attached touchscreen, but the rower has a tablet rack so you can watch content from your phone or tablet. The smart LIT AXIS sensors track your movements so you can measure your progress.
Don’t be fooled–it’s not just the strength accessories that make this rower cool. The rower itself has upgrades. The unique dual tank system allows you to dial up (or down) the water resistance. The LIT rowing machines has 4 resistance levels. I’m unaware of any other water rower that has this feature without changing the water level. This rower has a steel frame with lightweight aluminum components. It can support a maximum user weight of 450 lbs. Its build is pretty impressive!
+ PROS
- The LIT Pro Pack has everything you need to establish a great cardio and strength routine.
- The resistance bands attach to sensors that track your movements.
- The content guides you through energetic workouts that put the bands, resistance bar, and rower to good use.
- The subscription service is more affordable than the competition
- The dual water tank system allows you to vary the water resistance without adding or removing water.
- The rower can support up to 450 lbs.
– CONS
- The LIT Pro Pack is a high-end rower and strength system with a matching price point.
- The LIT Pro Pack’s low-impact, pilates-style training may not be for every rower but that’s okay!
Best Water Rower with Trainer-led Content: CityRow Max Rower
The CityRow Max Rower has a built-in touchscreen display, so you can take your rowing routine to the next level. CityRow’s in-studio training content takes you on and off the mat to maximize your workout. The CityRow training style is all about the traditional trainer-led content that guides you through each structured workout. The CityRow Max is built on the monorail WaterRower and offers an alternative to the Ergatta.
The CityRow Max Rower upgrades a WaterRower base to a high-tech rower with great training content. Unlike the Ergatta (which also is built on a WaterRower base), the CityRow has a monorail instead of a dual rail system. This spaces the feet further apart, which may be more comfortable for beginners. The rower has the same large tank of water, so you get powerful resistance. The water does not need to be changed. You simply need to add water purification tablets every so often to prevent mold or bacteria from growing in the water tank.
The CityRow Max is set apart from CityRow’s other rowing machine by its large touchscreen display. The sweat-resistant screen is 19.5 inches. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair headphones or earbuds to train quietly. The speakers are front-facing, which makes the audio a lot clearer than if they were behind the screen. Some of the included classes take place off of the rower, so the screen rotates about 30 degrees to accommodate more of your training.
CityRow classes take place inside of a studio environment. These classes are guided by one or two instructors. You can also access the classes from your smart device to be used with any rower or with other equipment through the CityRow app. If the game-style format of the Ergatta’s training programs is not quite your style, the CityRow provides an excellent alternative.
+ PROS
- The CityRow Max has trainer-led content for on and off the rower.
- The screen is 19.5” and pivots up to 30 degrees.
- The CityRow Max has Bluetooth audio and front-facing speakers.
- The monorail design spaces your feet a little further apart for more comfortable rowing for beginners.
- The water tank is big enough to create plenty of resistance for all training levels.
– CONS
- The CityRow Max requires a subscription to access its training content.
- There are only trainer-led workouts, no games or scenic rowing sessions.
Best Compact Water Rowing Machine: WalkingPad WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
When we first received the WR1 rowing machine from WalkingPad, we were skeptical. I was happy to give it a shot, because the rower was certainly an interesting concept with its tiny water tank and unique folding ability. It landed on this list, because I was pleasantly surprised with its effective performance. Now, there are some limitations to this small rower, but it also has advantages over some of the larger rowers on this list.
WalkingPad WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
The WalkingPad WR1 is a compact folding rowing machine that’s perfect for small spaces and endurance training.
The WalkingPad WR1 folds up into a cube-like shape that you can store in the corner of any room. It is so small that you could fit in a closet. The WR1 also looks pretty nice with its wooden frame and reflective components. Unfolded, it looks like a mini Ergatta. Folding and unfolding it is easy. You just need to remember to lock the rower into its unfolded position before you start training.
While WaterRowers have impressively high weight capacities, this tiny rower is limited to 265 lbs, which isn’t bad considering its size. Yet, that is among the first of a few differences the WR1 has to its full-sized counterparts. The WR1’s smaller water tank does not provide the level of resistance created by larger tanks. For this reason, it is better suited for beginners and endurance efforts as opposed to short, intense intervals. If your goal is to work on your rowing form and train for long durations, the WR1 is a good option for users with small spaces.
The WalkingPad WR1 does not have a built-in touchscreen display. It has a basic console as well as a phone holder. There are no built-in workouts to follow along with. I don’t mind this so much, because, as I mentioned, the WR1 is best for long, steady-state efforts.
Overall, the construction of the WR1 is pretty nice. The handle and seat are smaller than average, so it may be suited best to petite users. The rail length is pretty nice. I’m only 5’4” but there was about another foot of space beyond me when my legs were fully extended. The seat is low to the ground, and the WR1 does not have a taller option like other rowers.
The WalkingPad WR1 Foldable Rowing Machine does just what it was designed to do. It’s a compact option for rowing athletes who cannot fit a larger machine into their space or for beginners who don’t want to pay for a pricier machine. It looks nice and works well, considering its design.
+ PROS
- The WR1 is the most compact rowing machine that we have tested and uses a unique folding design.
- The WR1 is lightweight and portable.
- Even though it is small, the rails are 44 inches long and should accommodate a wide range of heights.
- The WR1 is great for endurance rows and working on your rowing form.
- The blue water and the wood frame look nice in most spaces.
- There is a phone rack on the WR1.
– CONS
- The WR1 is not suitable for short and intense rowing sessions. It may not provide enough resistance.
- The rower must be locked into place when unfolded or it will be less table.
Read Our Full Review Of The WalkingPad WR1 Rower Here
Best Affordable Water Rowing Machine: Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine
Sunny Health and Fitness makes reasonably priced fitness equipment, and their quality is fairly nice for the moderate expense. The Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine is a great budget option if you don’t want to pay well over a thousand dollars for a rower. The Sunny Hydro also does not require a subscription service and has a simple console to further save you money.
Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine
The Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine makes indoor water rowing more affordable.
The Sunny Hydro Water Rowing Machine is a budget water rower with a medium-sized tank. The resistance won’t be up to par with some of the others on this list, but it is a great option for beginners. If you aren’t ready to purchase a more expensive rower and commit to a subscription platform, the Hydro Water Rower is a great alternative.
Sunny creates free content for their equipment on the Sunny Fit app. I really like the quality of the content considering that it is free. There are a few classes in each category that require “coins” to redeem them. You can earn these coins through daily check-ins and interacting with the app in other ways. The instructors are fun and helpful. You can connect the app via Bluetooth to the Hydro Water Rower if you desire. There is a phone holder right above the console, so you can conveniently view the classes.
The Hydro Water Rowing Machine has a shorter monorail than some of the other water rowers reviewed on this list. Thus, it is best for short to average exercisers. The rower has “6 water levels” which act as resistance variation. Alternatively, you can vary your own rowing force to change resistance, because the water will resist you the more you resist it. However, I like that Hydro provides guidance for exercisers who would like to change the drag on their rower with the water level variation.
+ PROS
- The Sunny Hydro is more affordable than other water rowers.
- Sunny Fit provides free training classes.
- There are 6 water levels for varying the rower’s drag.
- The Hydro is perfect for beginners who do not want to commit to a pricier machine with subscription content.
- The console is Bluetooth to connect with the app and has a phone holder to view classes.
– CONS
- The monorail may be too short for tall users.
- The Sunny Hydro may not provide enough challenge for experienced rowers.
Best Low-Tech Water Rowing Machine: XTERRA ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
The XTERRA ERG600W is a mid-range water rower with a low-tech console. If you are looking for a rowing machine that is reasonably priced and doesn’t require subscription content, this rower is worth checking out. The ERG600W’s design is simple but effective for users who want a good full-body workout.
XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Rowing Machine
The XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Rowing Machine is a mid-range rower that does not require a subscription but lets you hop on and get right to training.
The ERG600W is a water rower (but not a WaterRower) with an aluminum monorail. The large seat is textured and should be comfortable for most users. The rower can support a maximum user weight of up to 300 lbs. The supported height range is from 5’1” to 6’1”. Thus, this rower is not the best option for very short or tall exercisers.
While most water rowers have a single recommended water level or a maximum fill, the ERG600W has 6 recommended water levels for more resistance variety. It can be a pain to siphon the water in and out of a water rower, so I recommend finding a level you like and sticking to it. You can vary your rowing effort to change the resistance like you would on most other rowers.
The XTERRA ERG600W does not have a touchscreen display with trainer-led programs, but it does have a simple display. There are onboard programs like race, manual time countdown, distance countdown, strokes countdown, and calories countdown. As you can see, most of these programs are user-determined target programs. These options aren’t bad, but they may not be as structured as some exercisers prefer. The ERG600W is a great option for a rower who wants to save some money and doesn’t mind simple training options.
+ PROS
- The XTERRA ERG600W has 6 water levels to vary resistance.
- No subscription is required to train with the ERG600W.
- There are target programs available on the console.
- The ERG600W is more affordable than high-tech water rowers.
- The seat and handles should be comfortable for most users.
– CONS
- The rower only fits users between 5’1” and 6’1”.
- The smaller water tank may not be as challenging as pricier water rowers.
What to Look For in a Water Rowing Machine
When it comes to finding the right water rower, there are a few top features to take a look at. These features can impact your training experience drastically and may represent large differences between machines. I’ve tested many rowers of all types, so here are my recommendations to make your search easier.
Water Tank Size
The size of a water rower’s tank affects the amount of resistance you feel while rowing. A smaller tank means smaller paddle blades and less water to move. A larger tank, conversely, is more challenging. A larger tank is generally better, because you can always reduce the amount of water inside of the tank to lower the resistance if necessary. It is also recommended that users vary their power and stroke rate to control the resistance. Smaller water tanks are more compact and are appropriate for small spaces and beginners.
Frame Material
A wooden frame is popular on water rowers. We don’t really see wood included on air or magnetic rowers. If you are drawn to a water rower, because of the aesthetic, I can’t fault you. In particular, the WaterRower brand has several wood options to choose from. If that’s not your style, there are metal water rowers, too. There are few differences between the two frame options. Both are sturdy and effective. If you plan on keeping your rower in a non-climate-controlled environment, like a garage, a wooden rower may not be suitable for your purposes.
Monorail vs Dual Rails
The construction of a rower can vary by how many rails it has. Personally, I don’t notice a huge difference between the two constructions, but some users may. Rowing machines with dual rails may have a narrower foot placement, which is not as comfortable for inflexible users. However, the dual rail style may feel more true to rowing on the water. When it comes to a monorail, you may encounter the seat rocking from side to side if you lean. The rowers on this list and from other reputable brands typically do not have this problem. Proper rowing form also reduces the likelihood of any side-to-side movement of the seat.
Training Content
Water rowers vary greatly in content options. The Ergatta has gamified training programs, the CityRow has trainer-led studio classes, and the LIT Rower has unique rowing and strength training programming. These content options are subscription-based. If you want a similar experience without the monthly payment, try the Sunny Hydro Water Rower, which has free training classes in their app. Lastly, you can train more simply (and more affordably) with rowers like the WaterRower, XTERRA ERG600W, and WalkingPad WR1.
Bottom Line: Best Water Rowing Machine
Water rowing machines are some of my favorite pieces of exercise equipment. They sound so nice and soothing. The wooden frames look beautiful, and the metal frames are more scratch-resistant. I had to choose the Ergatta as the top water rower, because it has my favorite training content and a really nice construction. Yet, the other rowers on this list might suit your needs much better. I’ve listed compact options, subscription-free water rowers, and more. These water rowers have unlimited resistance to ensure that every workout is a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a water rowing machine?
We’ve compiled a helpful buying guide above to help highlight considerations. You should consider your budget, the content options and associated costs, the water tank size, and the build of the water rower. When considering a build, look at the frame material, the weight limit, the inseam length supported, and the console.
Is a water rower better than air and magnetic rowers?
Water rowers are quieter than air rowers. They have a more realistic feel than magnetic rowers. Whether they are better or not is up to you to decide. I like the look of a water rower with a wooden frame, the lighter weight, and the smooth resistance.
Is a WaterRower better than the Concept2 RowERG?
The Concept2 RowERG is a very popular rowing machine. It has a bit of a following and performs very well. However, it is very loud. If you don’t want to disturb others around you and want a more soothing noise to listen to, the WaterRower is a great alternative. Both brands are high quality and well-respected.
