Best Rowing Machines for Home Workouts
Best Rowing Machines for Home Workouts
Build cardio, endurance and full-body conditioning without leaving home. We compare rowing machines from NordicTrack and Sunny Health & Fitness to help you decide whether premium connected training or versatile, value-focused rowing is right for your home gym.
NordicTrack vs Sunny Health & Fitness Rowers
Both brands offer compelling home-rowing options, but they suit different types of buyers.
| Brand | Best For | Main Strength | Training Style | Our Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack | Premium smart rowing | Connected interactive workouts | Structured & immersive training | Best Overall | See Rowers → |
| Sunny Health & Fitness | Value & variety | Multiple resistance types | Everyday home workouts | Best Value | See Rowers → |
Compare Our Best Home Rowing Machine Brands
We’ve deliberately put both choices side by side so you can quickly compare what each brand does best.
NordicTrack Rowers
Premium connected rowing for immersive home training.
NordicTrack is our premium choice for users who want more than a basic rowing machine. Its connected rowers combine magnetic resistance with interactive training technology, making them particularly attractive for structured and trainer-led home workouts.
- Magnetic resistance
- Interactive training
- Digital resistance control
- Integrated displays
- Connected workout ecosystem
- Premium home-gym design
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowers
More resistance styles and plenty of home-friendly options.
Sunny Health & Fitness offers considerably more variety for shoppers who want to compare different types of rowing resistance and price points. Its current range includes magnetic, water, air and hydraulic rowing machines, giving you several different ways to build your home rowing setup.
- Magnetic rowers
- Water rowers
- Air rowers
- Hydraulic rowers
- Smart models available
- Budget-friendly choices
Which Type of Rowing Machine Should You Buy?
Resistance type changes the feel, sound and experience of your workout. Here’s the quick version.
Magnetic Rowers
Smooth and generally quiet, making magnetic resistance particularly attractive for home workouts.
Water Rowers
Use water resistance to create a natural-feeling stroke and distinctive rowing sound.
Air Rowers
Fan resistance responds naturally as you pull harder, making them popular for more energetic training.
Hydraulic Rowers
Often compact and straightforward, making them worth considering where available space is limited.
What to Look for Before Buying a Rowing Machine
Don’t choose purely on appearance. A few practical details can make a huge difference once the rower is in your home.
Brand Bing Tip
Start by choosing your preferred resistance type and measuring your available floor space. Those two decisions will eliminate a huge number of unsuitable machines straight away.
1. Resistance Type
Magnetic, air, water and hydraulic rowers all feel different. Consider noise, resistance feel and how you intend to train.
2. Rail Length
Taller users need enough travel to complete a comfortable rowing stroke. Check the dimensions and recommended user height before ordering.
3. Storage
Rowers can be long. If the room serves multiple purposes, check whether the machine folds, separates or can be stored vertically.
4. User Weight Capacity
Always check the manufacturer’s stated maximum capacity and choose a machine suitable for all expected users.
5. Smart Training
Screens, performance metrics and guided workouts can make training more engaging, but decide whether you will actually use those features.
6. Seat, Handle & Footrests
Comfort matters during longer sessions. Look at handle design, seat shape and adjustable foot straps before deciding.
Premium technology or maximum choice?
Choose NordicTrack if your priority is connected, immersive rowing and structured training. Choose Sunny Health & Fitness if you want more resistance types, more price points and a wider selection of home rowing machines.
Rowing Machine Questions
A few things worth knowing before you choose your home rowing machine.
What is the best rowing machine for home workouts?
The best option depends on your budget, available space and preferred resistance type. NordicTrack is attractive for premium connected training, while Sunny Health & Fitness offers considerably more variety across resistance styles and price points.
Is a rowing machine good for a full-body workout?
Rowing combines leg drive, core stabilization and upper-body pulling while also providing cardiovascular exercise, which is why rowers are commonly used for total-body conditioning.
Which is better: magnetic or water resistance?
Neither is automatically better. Magnetic rowers are attractive when quiet operation and controlled resistance are priorities, while water rowers are popular with people who enjoy a more natural-feeling rowing experience.
Are rowing machines suitable for small homes?
They can be, but rowers are relatively long when in use. Check the operating dimensions as well as any folding, upright-storage or transport features before purchasing.
Is NordicTrack worth paying more for?
NordicTrack can make sense if you value connected training, integrated displays and guided workout experiences. If you mainly want straightforward rowing, a simpler machine may offer better value.
Does Sunny Health & Fitness make different types of rowers?
Yes. Sunny Health & Fitness currently offers magnetic, water, air and hydraulic rowing machines, including smart-connected models in parts of its range.
What should I measure before buying a rowing machine?
Measure the full area where the machine will be used, including enough room for getting on and off safely. Also check storage dimensions if you plan to move the machine after workouts.
