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As you build out your home gym, you may wish to include a rowing machine. Rowing equipment has seen a major spike in popularity over the past few years, and it's not hard to understand why. Not only is rowing a great way to build upper-body strength, but it can make a great, low-impact alternative to jogging, allowing you to burn calories without stressing your knees and other joints.
The Best Water Rowers - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Water Rower: WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Rowing Machine
- Best Water Rower for Home: Ergatta Rower
- Best Water Rower Under $1,000: WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Rowing Machine
- Best Water Rower for Beginners: XTERRA ERG650W Water Rowing Machine
- Best Budget Water Rower: Sunny Health Smart Obsidian Surge Water Rower
The question is, what kind of rowing machine is right for you? There are many benefits to choosing a water rower, which replaces the mechanical feel of magnetic rowers with the smooth feel of water. There are a lot of great water rowing machines on the market today, but the ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched them and come up with a list of recommendations.
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Best Overall Water Rower - WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 76.3" x 19.6" x 22" unfolded
- Weight: 63.93 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 264.55 lbs.
- Display: LCD metrics
- Bluetooth capability: Yes; optional Bluetooth module
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
Well known for their easy-to-maneuver-and-store treadmills, WalkingPad has entered the rowing world with their new offering, the KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine, which we have selected as our best overall water rower. This rower is compact and can fit most home gyms with a patented three-fold technology that allows you to condense the machine to roughly the size of a suitcase. Additionally, you can utilize the integrated LCD to track your training metrics like time, speed, paddle frequency, and calories burned, and take advantage of the media holder to stream your workouts from your preferred rowing app or use the KS Fit App.
As for comfort, the WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 features a 3D-ergonomic seat, anti-slip handle, and adjustable foot strips to craft your machine to your dimensions. Lastly, it comes at an excellent price, boosting this low-impact machine's overall value.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Easy to fold, move, and store
- Anti-slip handle
- Media holder
- Free shipping and 30-day return policy
What We Don't Like
- Warranty is limited
- Not as high-tech
- Lower weight capacity
BUY: WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
Best Water Rower for Home - Ergatta Rower
SPECS
- Dimensions: 86" x 23" x 40"
- Weight: 103 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 500 lbs.
- Display: 17.3" Android-powered touchscreen
- Bluetooth capability: Heart rate monitor and WiFi audio
- Warranty: 5 years
Some water rowing machines feel like they could work equally well for home or commercial use. Handmade in the USA from high-quality American cherry wood, the Ergatta Rower is an esthetically pleasing triumph of quality and design. Strong enough to support up to 500 pounds and enhanced by a robust Android-powered touch display, this is truly a premium-level water rowing machine that would complement any home gym.
That digital experience is crucial, as it provides a range of customizable workout programs and access to plenty of real-time fitness stats. Additionally, the rower boasts a compact frame and an easy-to-store design. Wheels on the back of the rower mean that it can be easily transported and stored by just a single person.
What We Like
- Touch display with training metrics and workout programs
- Very easy to move and store
- Comfortable seating for anyone up to 6'8" tall
- 5-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Tech elements may be too complex for some
- Higher price point
Best Water Rower Under $1,000 - WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 76.3" x 19.6" x 22" unfolded
- Weight: 63.93 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 264.55 lbs.
- Display: LCD metrics
- Bluetooth capability: Yes; optional Bluetooth module
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
Are you looking for a durable water rowing machine that doesn’t break the bank? With the WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine, you can get an excellent piece of equipment for under $1,000. This budget-friendly option doesn't scrimp on substance; not only is it ergonomically designed, it also features a glass fiber paddle for increased longevity.
A three-part foldable design and wheels make this rower easy to store and transport. The water tank is easy to fill and creates the kind of smooth, quiet resistance you'd expect from a top-of-the-line water rower. Also note the LCD screen, which can help you keep tabs on a few core metrics, including speed, paddle frequency, time, and calories burned.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Easy to fold, move, and store
- Anti-slip handle
- Media holder
- Free shipping and 30-day return policy
What We Don't Like
- Warranty is limited
- Not as high-tech
- Lower weight capacity
BUY: WalkingPad KingSmith WR1 Foldable Water Rowing Machine
Best Water Rower for Beginners - XTERRA ERG650W Water Rowing Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 79.5"L x 20.7"W x 33.9"H
- Weight: 76 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Display: LCD no color / no backlight
- Bluetooth capability: N/A
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Whether you’re new to rowing or just water rowing, the XTERRA ERG650W Water Rowing Machine is an excellent option for getting you started. Everything about this rowing machine is novice-friendly, as it is built to last, easy to use, and transportable. It also happens to be very comfortable and adjustable, with non-slip foot plates, an ergonomic seat, and a movable pulley system.
Additional features include an LCD monitor with a simple interface that allows you to calculate your performance measurements and features multiple programmable modes, including quick start, standard, target goals, custom work, and race. Last but not least, there is a lifetime warranty on the solid steel frame, ensuring that this machine will be a worthwhile investment with staying power.
What We Like
- Ergonomic seat and adjustable foot plate
- 6 resistance levels and programmable modes
- Easy to transport
- Excellent warranty
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't appear to be Bluetooth compatible
- Some reviewers report squeakiness
BUY: XTERRA ERG650W Water Rowing Machine
Best Budget Water Rower - Sunny Health Smart Obsidian Surge Water Rower
SPECS
- Dimensions: 78.90"L x 22.30"W x 32.67"H
- Weight: 91.9 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Display: Digital monitor
- Bluetooth capability: Yes, with SunnyFit® app
- Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 180-days other parts and components
If you're hunting for a more affordable addition to your home gym, consider our budget pick, the Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Obsidian Surge Water Rower. Available for under $600, this water rowing machine is made with steel. While it's not as handsome as wood-constructed rowers, it's durable, easy to use, and gets the job done. It's also strong enough to support weights of up to 300 pounds.
A large device holder makes it easy to position your tablet, phone, or book. You can also use the R2 Fitness Meter to track all your rowing stats or take advantage of the SunnyFit® app to see your training metrics displayed in real-time as you use location maps to tour the world. Lastly, the easy storage function allows you to fold the machine upright and wheel it into the corner in more limited home gym areas.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Tablet holder
- Ability to connect to Bluetooth through SunnyFit® app
- Able to transport and store upright
What We Don't Like
- Some users had difficulty assembling the machine
- Some had issues with tank leaking
BUY: Sunny Health Smart Obsidian Surge Water Rower
What to Consider When Buying a Water Rower?
As you seek the best water rower, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. Some of the primary shopping considerations include:
Dimensions
You'll want to measure your home gym space before you buy a water rower, making sure you don't select a product with too large a footprint.
Noise
Traditionally, rowing machines have been a little noisy, which can be problematic if you live in an apartment building or with other people. The good news is, compared with hydraulic rowers, water rowers tend to be pretty quiet.
Storage
Some rowing machines can be easily packed up and placed into storage. If you think you'll need to move your rower out of the way from time to time, storage capability may be a deciding factor.
Performance Monitoring
Are you looking to collect data about your home rowing workouts? Make sure you look for a water rowing machine that offers you the right metrics.
Materials
High-quality materials will usually result in a longer-lasting, more durable rowing machine.
Price Point
You can get rowing machines for as little as $500, or spend more than $1,000. Know your budget before you start shopping around.
FAQs About Water Rowers
Are water rowers better than other rowers?
While water rowers are not necessarily any better or any worse for achieving your fitness goals, many people prefer the more fluid and natural feel, which provides the dynamics of real rowing over the more mechanical feel of a hydraulic rowing machine. Additionally, water rowing machines tend to be a lot quieter, making them a better choice for people who live in an apartment or share a living space.
Do water rowers build muscle?
Water rowers can absolutely help you build muscle, including in your arms, legs, and core. Additionally, water rowers facilitate low-intensity calorie burning, making them a good running alternative for those who have joint pain or soreness.
Are water rowers worth the cost?
A good water rower can deliver a great overall workout experience and also allow you to be active without putting too much strain on your joints. For those who are serious about regular home workouts, a water rower can be an excellent addition to your personal gym equipment.