Rowing machines offer one of the most comprehensive full-body workouts available, engaging over 85% of your muscles in a single, low-impact motion. From building cardiovascular endurance and strength to improving flexibility, a quality rower is a cornerstone for any home gym. However, with a multitude of options on the market, choosing the right machine can be a daunting task. This guide will delve into the top three selling rowing machines on Amazon, with a particular focus on the gold standard of indoor rowing, the Concept2 RowErg, while also exploring two popular competitors: the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rower and the JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision for your fitness journey.
When it comes to indoor rowing, the Concept2 RowErg (formerly known as the Concept2 Model D) isn’t just a product; it’s a benchmark. Widely regarded as the industry standard, it’s the machine of choice for competitive rowers, CrossFit boxes, and serious home fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Its air resistance system provides a rowing experience that closely mimics on-water rowing, with resistance increasing the harder you pull, offering an infinitely scalable workout.
Pros of the Concept2 RowErg:
- Unmatched Performance & Durability: Built like a tank, the RowErg is designed to withstand years, even decades, of heavy use. Its robust construction ensures stability and reliability, making it a long-term investment.
- Precision Data Tracking (PM5 Monitor): The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) is arguably the best on the market. It provides highly accurate and consistent data, including strokes per minute, distance, pace, calories burned, and watts. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, allowing connectivity to heart rate monitors, apps, and even competitive racing software. This consistency means you can accurately track progress and compare scores with other Concept2 users globally.
- Fluid, Natural Stroke: The air resistance flywheel creates a smooth, continuous, and responsive stroke that feels incredibly natural, adapting to your effort level.
- Easy Storage & Portability: Despite its solid build, the RowErg easily separates into two pieces for storage and has caster wheels for simple maneuvering.
- Strong Community & Resale Value: Concept2 boasts a massive global community, online challenges, and excellent customer support. Its durability also translates to exceptional resale value, often retaining a significant portion of its original price.
- Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance, mostly just wiping down and occasionally checking the chain.
Cons of the Concept2 RowErg:
- Price Point: This is the most significant barrier for many. The Concept2 RowErg is a premium product with a premium price tag, making it a substantial investment.
- Noise: As an air resistance rower, the flywheel generates a noticeable “whoosh” sound. While not excessively loud, it’s louder than magnetic or water rowers, which might be a concern in shared living spaces.
- Footprint: Even when stored, it still occupies a considerable amount of space. While it separates, it doesn’t fold compactly into a tiny package.
For those serious about rowing and looking for a machine that will perform flawlessly for years, the Concept2 RowErg remains the top choice. It’s an investment in quality, performance, and a consistent training experience.
Stepping down in price but still offering a commendable workout experience is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rower. This machine targets the home user looking for a solid cardio workout without breaking the bank. Magnetic resistance rowers like this one are known for their quiet operation and compact designs, making them popular for apartments and shared living spaces.
Pros of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801:
- Affordability: This is its strongest selling point. It offers a magnetic rowing experience at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
- Quiet Operation: Magnetic resistance is inherently quiet, making it ideal for use early mornings or late nights without disturbing others.
- Compact & Foldable Design: Many magnetic rowers, including this one, can be folded vertically for storage, significantly reducing their footprint when not in use.
- Smooth Resistance: While not as dynamic as air, magnetic resistance provides a smooth and consistent pull throughout the stroke.
Cons of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801:
- Fixed Resistance Levels: Unlike air resistance which scales with your effort, magnetic rowers typically have fixed, adjustable resistance levels. This can feel less natural for some users.
- Basic Monitor: The LCD monitor usually provides fundamental metrics like time, count, calories, and scan. It lacks the advanced features, accuracy, and connectivity of the Concept2’s PM5.
- Durability for Heavy Use: While suitable for casual to regular home use, it may not withstand the same intensity and frequency of workouts as a commercial-grade machine like the Concept2.
- Less Immersive Feel: The rowing stroke, while smooth, doesn’t quite replicate the “on-water” feel of air or water resistance rowers.
For individuals new to rowing, those on a strict budget, or anyone needing a quiet, space-saving option for a good cardio workout, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rower presents an excellent value proposition.
Positioned as a strong competitor in the mid-range magnetic rower category, the JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine often receives praise for balancing affordability with enhanced features and build quality compared to more entry-level magnetic models. It aims to provide a more refined magnetic rowing experience for home users.
Pros of the JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine:
- Smooth & Quiet Operation: Similar to other magnetic rowers, the JOROTO excels in providing a very quiet workout, perfect for any environment. The magnetic flywheel ensures a consistent and smooth stroke.
- Solid Construction for its Price: Users often highlight its robust frame and stability, offering a more secure feel during workouts than some cheaper alternatives. It’s built to handle consistent use.
- Adjustable Resistance Levels: Typically offers a good range of resistance levels (e.g., 8 or 10 levels) to accommodate various fitness levels and workout intensities.
- Comfort-Oriented Design: Often features a comfortable, ergonomic seat and well-padded handles, contributing to a more enjoyable longer rowing session.
- Space-Saving (Foldable): Most JOROTO models are designed to fold upright, making storage convenient in smaller living spaces.
Cons of the JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine:
- Monitor Limitations: While often a step up from the most basic monitors, the console is still relatively simple compared to the advanced PM5 of the Concept2. It provides essential data but lacks the connectivity and analytical depth.
- Resistance Feel: As a magnetic rower, it lacks the dynamic, adaptive resistance of an air or water rower. The feeling is smooth but can be perceived as less “realistic” for experienced rowers.
- Durability Compared to Premium: While sturdy for its class, it still won’t match the long-term, commercial-grade durability of a Concept2 RowErg if subjected to extremely heavy, multi-user environments.
- No Performance Community: Lacks the global community challenges and professional-grade metrics that the Concept2 ecosystem provides.
The JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, quiet, and comfortable magnetic rower that offers a good balance of features and quality without reaching the premium price point of an air rower.
Conclusion
Choosing the best rowing machine ultimately depends on your individual needs, budget, and fitness goals. If you’re a serious rower, an athlete, or simply demand the best in performance, data accuracy, and durability, the Concept2 RowErg is an unparalleled investment, a true workhorse that will stand the test of time. However, if budget constraints and quiet operation are paramount, and you’re looking for an effective full-body workout for general fitness, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rower offers exceptional value. For those willing to spend a bit more for enhanced build quality, comfort, and a slightly more refined magnetic rowing experience, the JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine strikes a compelling balance. Evaluate your priorities, and you’ll find the perfect rower to help you achieve your fitness aspirations.
