We tested the top connected rowing machines for 2025. Discover which smart rowers offer the best app integration, real-time performance metrics, and immersive workouts for your home gym.
Gone are the days when rowing machines were dusty, noisy chains in the corner of a basement gym. Today, smart rowing machines have completely transformed the home fitness landscape. By combining the low-impact, high-intensity benefits of traditional rowing with cutting-edge technology, these machines offer a comprehensive full-body workout that engages 86% of your muscles in every stroke.
For serious home gym enthusiasts, the modern standard requires more than just resistance; it demands connectivity. We are looking for app integration, real-time performance tracking, and guided workouts that keep you motivated. Whether you are driven by gamification, scenic virtual rivers, or instructor-led classes, there is a smart rower designed for your specific fitness personality.
After extensive research into expert reviews, user feedback, and technical specifications, we have compiled the definitive guide to the top five smart home rowing machines on the market right now.
If you are looking for the closest thing to rowing on actual water without leaving your living room, the Hydrow Wave is the industry leader. Recognized by Men's Health as a 2025 Home Gym Awards winner, the Hydrow Wave is celebrated for its incredibly smooth magnetic resistance and immersive content library.
The standout feature of the Hydrow ecosystem is its content. Unlike studio-based classes, Hydrow workouts are filmed on real waterways around the world. The high-definition screen brings these scenic environments to life, allowing you to row in sync with world-class athletes.
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While the hardware is impressive, buyers should note that a Hydrow membership ($44/month) is essential to unlock the machine's potential. However, with a starting price significantly lower than the original model, the Wave offers premium performance at a more accessible entry point.
Check Price for Hydrow Wave on Amazon
Peloton has finally entered the rowing chat, and they have done so with a machine that addresses the biggest barrier to entry for rowing: proper form. CNET has named the Peloton Row the best overall rowing machine for 2025, largely due to its sophisticated "Form Assist" technology.
The Peloton Row+ utilizes sensors to track your movement and provide real-time feedback on your stroke. This is powered by Peloton IQ, which offers form correction, rep tracking, and weight suggestions. For beginners or those worried about back injury, this feature is invaluable.
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The price point is on the higher end, but the integration with the broader Peloton ecosystem makes it a top choice for those who want comprehensive coaching and premium build quality.
Shop the Peloton Row+ Official Site
Not everyone wants an instructor shouting at them to push harder. For those who are motivated by competition and gameplay, the Aviron Strong Go Rower is the ultimate choice. Priced aggressively at around $1,599, it offers a distinct alternative to the instructor-led models.
The Aviron Strong Go stands out because of its resistance mechanism. It uses a dual system combining air and magnetic resistance. This "middle child" approach provides the smooth feel of magnetic resistance with the dynamic, strength-building pull of air resistance. It is quieter than a standard air rower but provides a sturdier, more tactile feel than purely magnetic machines.
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User reviews consistently praise the engaging nature of the software. One reviewer noted, "The games, challenges, and community can't be beat," highlighting how gamification can solve the boredom often associated with cardio.
See the Aviron Strong Go Rower on Amazon
For the design-conscious homeowner, the Ergatta Luxe Water Rower is arguably the most beautiful piece of fitness equipment available. Handcrafted in the USA from cherry wood, it looks more like high-end furniture than a gym machine.
Unlike the magnetic rowers on this list, Ergatta uses traditional water resistance. This provides the satisfying "whoosh" sound of water with every stroke, which many rowers find meditative. The technology takes a different approach as well; there are no studio classes. Instead, Ergatta relies on game-based, self-paced workouts that calibrate to your specific fitness level.
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If you prefer a quiet, internal workout over a loud, high-energy class, and you value American manufacturing, the Ergatta is the sophisticated choice.
Explore the Ergatta Luxe Water Rower
NordicTrack is a titan in the home fitness space, and the RW900 brings the full power of the iFIT ecosystem to rowing. This machine is best suited for those who want a versatile, high-tech experience with a massive display.
The RW900 features a 24-inch touchscreen, the largest in its category. This screen is the portal to iFIT, which offers thousands of outdoor and studio workouts. A standout feature here is "AutoAdjust" technology. During a guided session, your instructor can remotely change the resistance on your machine. This allows you to focus entirely on your form and effort without fumbling for buttons or dials.
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With a subscription cost comparable to Peloton, the NordicTrack RW900 offers a premium, hands-free training experience that is difficult to beat.
View the NordicTrack RW900 Official Site
Choosing the right smart rowing machine depends largely on what motivates you. If you want the sensation of being on the water, the Hydrow Wave is unmatched. If you need coaching on your form, the Peloton Row+ is the safest bet. For gamers, the Aviron Strong Go will keep you addicted, while design lovers should look no further than the Ergatta. Finally, for those who want a fully automated, hands-off resistance experience, the NordicTrack RW900 is the clear winner.
Whichever you choose, these five machines represent the pinnacle of connected fitness, ensuring your home workouts are efficient, tracked, and effective.
