Rower reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 245 Reddit reviews across 10 subreddits and 48 posts to rank the best Rower brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Rowing, r/orangetheory, r/crossfit, r/AppleFitnessPlus, r/homegym. Top-rated brands include Concept2 (4.8/5), WaterRower (4.3/5), Concept 2 (5.0/5).
Stats
Reviews245
Subreddits10
Posts48
Brands42
Products35
245 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Concept2
4.8
(120)
"There's no better rower at that price point than a used c2"
"Concept2, used."
"Used Concept 2"
"Used concept2"
"I bought a C2 Model C in 1999 and still use it. They last forever."
"I totally agree with purchasing a C2 model. They are modular (parts can be replaced as they wear out)..."
"Tbh the C2 is already the “perfect” rower, I’m not really sure why rogue is trying to move into that market."
"I would recommend a second hand Concept2. They are built to last, require little maintenance and are perfect for a home gym."
"I can see no reason to buy anything except the c2."
"I’d splurge on the concept 2. You can often find them used on sale. This is the erg most of my Olympic/college rower friends train on"
#2
WaterRower
4.3
(23)
"WaterRower fan here with the Ergatta tablet."
"Water rower all the way, quiet, smooth and reliable! C2 great for your basement or garage, not inside!"
"I’ve had a WaterRower in my basement for years and all I did for 2 years during Covid when I wasn’t doing OTF."
"Exclusive WaterRower Ergatta Upgrade Offer!!! **Free upgrade package + free shipping..."
"Whe it comes to rowers there are only two choices IMHO, Concept2 and waterrower."
"For fitness or weight loss, the water rower is easier and more pleasant."
"I have owned the Waterrower oxbridge since last April and rowed about 600,000 km on it last year."
"I have a WaterRower Club Rowing Machine purchased earlier this year and love it."
"If you are happy with the water rower, but want better data, the smartrow pulley is an option."
"If your one priority above all else is having a smoother and less metallic feel, then a Water Rower would probably be more what you're looking for than a C2."
#3
Concept 2
5.0
(19)
"Concept 2 is the standard of rowing across the board."
"There is no other choice for the sheer longevity and life of the machine."
"The concept2 is SO much better than EVERY other machine on the market in terms of reliability."
"Concept 2s are bulletproof and will last the rest of your life."
"I have a C2, absolutely love it."
"One of the greatest purchases of my life. I frikking love it."
"Just get the c2. It’s the gold standard for a reason."
"Buy a C2. Cry once."
"C2. Anything else you'll regret."
"Having owned both the Echo Bike and the Concept 2 rower, I can say that I would start with the Concept 2 rower."
#4
Hydrow
4.7
(11)
"If you’ve never rowed before, hydrow rowers are spendy, but fantastic work great teaching modules and sessions."
"We also bought a Hydrow during the pandemic! We really like it."
"We bought a Hydrow this past Christmas. We really like it."
"We bought a Hydrow during pandemic. We love it."
"I have several friends with Hydrows which are super nice."
"Go for it! I have both and I think they compliment each other really well."
"Its a great idea."
"Hydrow rower."
"I have a Hydrow and really like it."
"Hydrow is a good rower."
#5
RP3
4.6
(8)
"Rp3/RowPerfect3 is the best rower under 4k. Make sure you get the Silver model and not the bulky black one."
"If your liking for pure erg feel, and the best overall feel, the RP3 wins. It’s a better rowing experience, but it’s splits are still meaningful."
"I consider the RP3 to the best in all respects, including fitness. I myself have both a RowErg, and an RP3T."
"The RP3T is built like a tank. It is amazing, however I would only really recommend it for on the water rowers who prioritize boat technique. For fitness, use a C2."
"RP3. Although this sub is (rightfully) obsessed with C2 the RP3s are in nearly every aspect better if money, and comparability with other c2s is not a concern."
"The only other indoor rower I’d suggest is a RP3."
"An rp3 in the US is just under 4grand delivered. They use a chain and flywheel which you can “feel” like the c2, even though the machine has the benefit of being dynamic."
"RP3s are dynamic (the fan on the machine moves, you don't), but can also be a bit precarious especially for newbies."
#6
Water Rower
4.6
(7)
"I actually have a water rower. You can buy rent - event rent to own."
"It’s the best looking piece of exercise equipment you’ll ever buy."
"A friend has loved his for years."
"Most people here will say Water Rower brand or bust when it comes to water rowers."
"Bought a used OTF Water Rower and love having it right in my living room."
"I have the Water Rower and unfortunately didn’t order the same model as OTF."
"I’ve only rowed consistently on Water Rowers at home, at the boathouse, at OTF etc."
#7
C2
5.0
(4)
"Get it!"
"Yeah, flip it and get a C2."
"Get a c2 on Facebook marketplace"
"C2 standard"
#8
Fitness Reality
4.5
(4)
"Those secondhand prices are crazy. I’m definitely going to get one at those prices. I’m after quietness and compactness when not in use and I think the Fitness Reality kills both of those, and it has Bluetooth which is essential imho."
"Very. Quieter than the Yousuda IMO"
"I wound up getting a like-new Fitness Reality rower for $50 that I really like. When I'm having a satisfying, quiet workout it doesn't feel like garbage."
"I bought the Fitness Reality (secondhand), the seat is much more comfortable"
#9
Ergatta
4.3
(3)
"I have an Ergatta. I really like it!"
"Rower has been just fine; 5.2 million meters in 18 months."
"Ergatta. I have enjoyed it."
#10
Rogue
4.3
(3)
"Get on the waitlist, if you haven’t already. I had to wait but it was worth it."
"I actually considered buying a rogue echo rower. They are $875 brand new. Rogue says they are competing with C2."
"I like the rogue better personally. I have a small space and the features the rogue now has over the c2 was worth it for me."
#11
ProForm
4.0
(3)
"I have a ProForm 750 R Rower, which has electromagnetic resistance. It's built much more solidly than many of the discount rowers on the market and can handle your weight."
"I’m pleased with this one - hit my price point, looks great and folds up nice."
"I have this Costco rower."
#12
NordicTrack
3.7
(3)
"I love it but not everyone does."
"I have Nordic track rw500 and love it!"
"I was looking at the NordicTrack rw 200 and the proform 440r?"
#13
Concept2 Rower
5.0
(2)
"Purchase it, make sure the chain is clean and oiled (if buying used). Tighten the bungee cord (used or new) and go nuts."
"It’s probably hard to beat as a piece of exercise equipment for your home. High quality, portable, full body. Rower over a treadmill 100 times out of 100."
#14
Peloton
5.0
(2)
"If you have the budget for it, the Peloton row is nearly silent and has a great feel."
"Its a great idea."
#15
Teeter
4.5
(2)
"I second this, have one and it is great"
"I've really liked my Teeter Power 10. My height leaves a few inches to spare so it would probably work fine for you."
#16
Yosuda
4.5
(2)
"Yes I did get a Yosuda, and I absolutely love it. I got it for a really good price (2nd hand but like new) for $100. It is soooooo good, I love that it is very quiet and is literally perfect in every way."
"Get the Yosuda. I've had 2 Concept 2's in the past, yes, you're right, they're the gold standard, but........ like you, I just want to row occasionally PLUS I need something quiet. The Yosuda is around $250 and has brilliant reviews."
#17
Sunny Health
4.5
(2)
"It's a game changer."
"I like it, it gets the job done and I feel like I get a good workout."
#18
Concept2 Model D
4.0
(2)
"Concept 2 Model D. I have a concept 2 dynamic and a model D. I use the Model D 70% of the time."
"It'll be tough to find a c2 model d for $500, but if you set up some alerts on Craigslist and have a ton of patience something might turn up."
#19
Sunny Health & Fitness
3.5
(2)
"I just started rowing about a month ago and got this one on sale at dicks sporting goods for 300. I've been using it daily and I've got no complaints, fairly quiet and gets the job done."
"I went with this just this week. So far so good. It’s nothing special but I’ve been getting good work outs in. The monitor it comes with is probably terribly inaccurate but I have a fitness watch that is reliable enough for my needs."
#20
Tonal
5.0
(1)
"Its a great idea."
#21
Versaclimber
5.0
(1)
"Another option for secondhand (read:affordable) cardio equipment is the versaclimber. I believe this is the best machine for cardio."
#22
Peloton Rower
5.0
(1)
"The new Peloton rower is awesome."
#23
Sunny Health Obsidian Water Rower
5.0
(1)
"I've got the obsidian water rower from sunny health. It's right at the top, but It's a game changer."
#24
GetRxd
5.0
(1)
"I have GetRxd Xebex rower and I love it!"
#25
Pro Form
5.0
(1)
"Pro Form rower at Costco is amazing and have had it over a year now."
#26
Oartech
5.0
(1)
"I have an Oartech and love it. Compared to a C2 Feels like going from a Honda (C2) to a BMW. But it’s like twice as much as a C2."
#27
Xebex
5.0
(1)
"I love my Xebex Rower. They have good deals now... Have been using it for a couple of years without any issues."
#28
Alo Moves
4.0
(1)
"I'd say save your money and just grab a membership to an online trainer/website for $10-20/mo. I am using Alo Moves and it is doing well for me."
#29
Vasa
4.0
(1)
"More swim specific considerations would be a Vasa Swim Erg - similar to the C2 rower but you lie down, and can pull each arm independently for all strokes."
#30
Basement Rower
4.0
(1)
"I’m enjoying my basement rower considerably."
#31
Snode
4.0
(1)
"We bought the Snode from Amazon (about $400 if I recall). Water rower, works great with these workouts."
#32
British Rowing
4.0
(1)
"British rowing and Row A long both have good YouTube videos for free."
#33
UCanRow2
4.0
(1)
"I use ErgData for tracking my workouts and syncing to the C2 log book but have been watching workout videos from UCanRow2 on YouTube mostly."
#34
Concept2 Model C
4.0
(1)
"Try finding a model C C2, preferably with a pm3 monitor."
#35
Row Perfect
4.0
(1)
"I recommend a row perfect, it provides a much more detailed analysis of your rowing technique."
#36
Apple
4.0
(1)
"Apple Fitness Plus has rowing sessions, and it works with an Apple Watch."
#37
Orangetheory
4.0
(1)
"I have an old Orangetheory water rower and love it!"
#38
Joroto
4.0
(1)
"I got a Joroto m380 and can’t complain. Tried a C2 at gym and didn’t feel any more effective or worked out."
#39
Merach
4.0
(1)
"A couple weeks ago there was a Merach air rower on sale for about $370. It looks like a C2 clone and is probably a great deal."
#40
AirDyne
3.0
(1)
"If you don't have it, I'd like for a used AirDyne and try to snag one."
#41
Sunny
3.0
(1)
"Maybe something from Sunny which is in the $200 range could be worth a shot but I honestly wouldn’t count on it last more than a few years before something breaks."
#42
Xterra
3.0
(1)
"I got a water rower recently thru a work incentive reward program, the only choice to pick was the Xterra ERG600W, turns out it's pretty decent for at home."
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