If you have been reading roundups about the best connected rowing machines, the pattern is familiar: a wall of touchscreens, live classes and monthly fees, with a plain air rower hiding at the bottom. We built this list the other way around. Every machine below broadcasts workout data over Bluetooth or ANT+ to a real app, and we have left out the non-connected budget units that dilute most comparisons.
That connectivity question matters more than any spec on a spec sheet. A rowing machine without data is a very expensive piece of furniture, and the reason most people quit a home rower within two months is boredom, not effort. A connected machine gives you stroke rate, 500m splits, class variety and a log you can actually look back on. If you also want the data to leave the house, our notes on the best magnetic rowing machines and best water rowing machines cover resistance types in more depth.
Eleven machines made the cut for 2026. We read the manufacturer specifications, sorted through thousands of customer reviews for recurring patterns, and scored each on the four things connected rowers actually compete on: what protocol the monitor speaks, what the app does once it has your data, what the frame does after year three, and what the machine costs you in total. No machine here needs a subscription to be connected, which is the single biggest change in this category since the subscription models arrived.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Connected Rowing Machines for 2026
Concept2 RowErg Model D
- PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
- Works with ErgData and 40+ apps
- 500 lb capacity and 5-year frame warranty
Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower
- Free SunnyFit app with no membership
- 45.7 inch rail and 300 lb capacity
- Silent magnetic drive for apartments
Fitness Reality Bluetooth Rower
- Bluetooth for GameFit and MyCloudFitness
- Syncs to Apple Health and Google Fit
- 14 magnetic levels and folding frame
The Best Connected Rowing Machines at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg Model D |
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 WaterRower Oak with S4 BLE Monitor |
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| Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower |
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 Sunny Smart Full Motion Rower |
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 Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower SF-RW521020 |
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| Fitness Reality Magnetic Rower with Bluetooth |
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 JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower |
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 MERACH Foldable R25 Magnetic Rower |
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 Stamina ATS Air Rower |
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 Stamina Magnetic Rower |
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 TEETER Power10 Rower |
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1. Concept2 RowErg Model D – Best Overall and Best Subscription-Free
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
Air resistance
PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
500 lb capacity
5-year frame warranty
Pros
- Integrated device holder works with 40+ apps
- PM5 Bluetooth and ANT+ pairing with heart rate straps
- Accurate and comparable data on every row
- Separates into two pieces with caster wheels
Cons
- Air resistance is louder than magnetic or water models
- Seat height of 14 inch can feel low for taller users
- Needs roughly 9x4 feet of floor space when in use
The RowErg is the reason we can write a roundup about connected rowers without a single monthly fee. The PM5 monitor broadcasts over Bluetooth and ANT+, and the free ErgData app logs every session, but the machine is a fully functional rower whether or not a phone is anywhere in the room.
What stood out across the reviews was consistency of data. Owners training toward a 2k or comparing week to week keep coming back to the fact that the numbers mean the same thing every time, and that the same session on a different machine produces different splits.
The build is deliberately plain. Aluminum front legs, steel rear legs, and a frame that separates into two pieces on caster wheels, which is the whole reason it fits in a garage or a closet corner when you are not training on it.
The resistance is a spinning flywheel adjusted by a damper lever on the front, so the harder you pull the more air the fan has to move. That self-scaling behaviour is what makes the stroke feel smooth and low-impact compared with a magnetic or hydraulic unit.
Who the Concept2 suits
This is the rower for people who want their data to be portable. Because it speaks ANT+ as well as Bluetooth, a session can end up in Garmin Connect, Strava or ErgData, and the history stays with you if you ever sell the machine.
It also suits anyone training in a shared building who accepts fan noise, and anyone who might outgrow a 250 lb rower, since the frame is rated to 500 lb and the warranty runs five years on the frame.
Where it falls short
The 14 inch seat height is repeatedly mentioned by taller rowers as the first thing to adjust, and the machine is not foldable, so it needs about 9 by 4 feet of clear floor while in use.
Compared with a magnetic rower, the fan is audible at speed. In an apartment with thin walls, early sessions are the ones neighbours hear most clearly.
2. WaterRower Oak with S4 BLE Monitor – Best Furniture-Style Connected Rower
Waterrower Original Rowing Machine | Made in USA | S4 BLE | Oak
Water resistance
S4 BLE monitor with built-in Bluetooth
Stores on end
300 lb capacity
Pros
- Bluetooth pairs with WaterRower Connect and Cityrow
- Smooth self-scaling water resistance
- Handcrafted oak frame that suits a living room
- Stores upright against a wall
Cons
- Monitor needs a phone or tablet in view to run workouts
- 103.5 lbs with water is heavy to move
- Small display compared with touchscreen models
The WaterRower is the one machine here you can put in a living room without rearranging the room first. It is hand-built in Rhode Island from Appalachian hardwood, and it stores on its end against a wall at 82 inches long, 20 inches high and 22 inches wide.
Connectivity comes through the S4 BLE monitor, which has Bluetooth built in and connects to the WaterRower Connect app and Cityrow. Those apps handle workout tracking and guided sessions, so the data pipeline exists even though the machine itself never asked for a subscription.
The resistance is the classic WaterFlywheel. A water-filled drum spins in proportion to how hard you pull, so the machine feels smoother and quieter with each stroke than a fan rower at the same effort, and it is genuinely low impact on the spine.
Owners rate the feel highly. The complaints cluster around the small display, the need to raise a phone into view, and the 103.5 lb weight once the tank is filled, plus a small number of transit-damage reports on the wooden frame.
Who the WaterRower suits
It suits people whose rower lives in a shared living space rather than a garage, and anyone who wants the quietest-feeling stroke without moving to a magnetic frame. The 300 lb rating covers most adults comfortably.
It also suits buyers who care about how equipment looks after five years. Solid hardwood does not develop the squeaky, plasticky feel that folding frames often reach in their third year.
Where it falls short
The S4 monitor cannot run a workout on its own, so you are always raising a phone or tablet. That is a real gap if you want to row without looking at a screen.
Water rowers are the heaviest machines in any roundup, and moving this one through a doorway usually takes two people.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower – Best Value
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower, Dual-Rail Home Rowing Machine
Magnetic resistance
Free SunnyFit app
45.7 inch rail
300 lb capacity
Pros
- SunnyFit adds routes
- trainer sessions and AI plans at no membership fee
- Whisper-quiet magnetic drive for shared walls
- Long 45.7 inch rail with 40.9 inch max inseam
- Stores vertically and is light enough to move between rooms
Cons
- Basic monitor with no screen of its own
- Calorie and stroke readings need setup work
- Nylon strap and plastic foot rests wear early
This is the most reviewed connected rower in the roundup, and the reason is the app. SunnyFit connects by Bluetooth and gives you scenic routes, real-time metrics, trainer-led sessions and AI-generated plans built from a body index, with no membership fee attached to any of it.
For a connected rower, that combination is hard to argue with. You get the class-and-coaching layer people often pay monthly fees for, on a magnetic frame quiet enough to use at dawn in a shared apartment.
The rail is the detail that separates it from most budget rowers. At 45.7 inches with a 40.9 inch maximum inseam, tall users get a genuinely long stroke instead of compressing their knees at the catch, and the machine is rated to 300 lb.
There are 16 smooth magnetic resistance levels, and the monitor tracks time, distance, calories, strokes, stroke rate and 500m split. Syncing to Apple Health means your sessions land on the watch you already wear.
Who this rower suits
It suits anyone who wants guided workouts and route-based motivation but refuses to pay a monthly fee for them. It is also the easiest machine here to move, at 18.8 kg, so a small flat or a garage gym works well.
Taller rowers are better served here than by most machines at this level, and the vertical storage means the footprint disappears against a wall between sessions.
Where it falls short
There is no incline setting, and the monitor has no screen of its own, so watching anything means bringing a tablet and accepting a smaller app view.
The nylon strap and plastic foot rests are the parts most likely to need replacing, and reviewers report the calorie counter taking a little setup to make sense.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Full Motion Rower – Best for Full-Motion Range
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Full Motion Rower, Dark Gray
Hydraulic resistance
360 degree full-motion arms
SunnyFit app
400 lb capacity
Pros
- Moving arms give a much larger range of motion than a pull-only rower
- 400 lb capacity in a compact frame
- SunnyFit app adds virtual routes and tracking at no cost
- Wide elevated padded seat is easy to mount
Cons
- Hydraulic resistance is the least precise type here
- Shorter rail limits stroke for very tall users
- Monitor shows stroke rate
- time
- count and calories only
Most people assume a rower pulls. This one pulls and pushes, with 360-degree full-motion arms that drive legs, back, core and arms in a single movement. If you have found a conventional rower too easy to zone out on, the added movement is the feature that keeps sessions interesting.
SunnyFit provides the same free app layer as the other Sunny models, with realistic rowing simulation and workout tracking, so the connectivity story is identical. No membership, no locked library.
The frame is rated to 400 lb, which is higher than most machines in this roundup, and the elevated wide padded seat makes getting on and off straightforward for older users or anyone with limited hip mobility.
Resistance comes from a hydraulic unit with 12 adjustable levels. That is the least precise mechanism here, which means the difference between levels is more noticeable than on a magnetic or air flywheel.
Who this rower suits
It suits anyone who wants upper-body work in a rowing stroke, and anyone training in a room where a 55.7 inch footprint is a practical constraint. The wide seat and anti-slip pedals make it approachable for older users.
Buyers who want a connected rower with a 400 lb frame rating and no monthly fee will find the app genuinely useful rather than decorative.
Where it falls short
The rail is shorter than the other Sunny models, so very tall users will feel the stroke compress sooner than they would on the 45.7 inch rail version.
Hydraulic levels do not give you fine control of pace for interval work, and the monitor is basic, with no screen for content.
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower – Best for Small Spaces
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Magnetic Rower for Full-Body Cardio
Magnetic resistance
Free SunnyFit app
Folds and rolls on wheels
285 lb capacity
Pros
- SunnyFit gives 1000+ trainer workouts and 10000+ scenic tours for free
- Quiet magnetic drive for TV and audiobooks
- Folds up and rolls on wheels for corner storage
- US-based customer service supplies replacement parts
Cons
- Only 8 resistance levels with small steps between them
- Calorie counter repeats roughly every 1175 strokes
- Seat sits low for taller users
This is the cheapest path into a genuinely connected rower, and the free SunnyFit access is the headline. You get more than 1,000 trainer-led workouts and more than 10,000 virtual scenic tours with no membership fee, which is a content library several subscription models charge monthly for.
The frame is alloy steel rated to 285 lb, it folds, and it has transport wheels. That combination makes it the pick for a renter who needs the machine gone by Sunday night.
The magnetic drive is quiet enough that reviewers row with a television on. There is no fan, no chain and no water, so the machine suits shared walls and early sessions far better than the air rowers in this list.
The monitor syncs distance, time, count, total counts and calories to SunnyFit over Bluetooth, and assembly is straightforward with online video support if you get stuck.
Who this rower suits
It suits casual daily cardio, older and recovering users, and anyone who wants a real app-driven workout library without a recurring charge. Folding and wheels make it the easiest machine here to relocate.
Buyers who row for low-impact conditioning rather than structured intervals will find the magnetic drive smooth and the content library more than enough.
Where it falls short
Eight resistance levels is coarse, and the differences between them are barely perceptible, which limits interval work. The low seat is the other repeated complaint from taller users.
The calorie counter repeats roughly every 1,175 strokes regardless of pace or resistance, so treat calorie numbers as a rough guide rather than data.
6. Fitness Reality Magnetic Rower with Bluetooth – Best App Variety
Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine with Bluetooth Workout Tracking Built-In, Additional Full Body Extended Exercises, App Compatible, Tablet Holder, Rowing Machines for Home Use
Magnetic resistance
GameFit and MyCloudFitness apps
14 resistance levels
250 lb capacity
Pros
- Built-in Bluetooth drives GameFit virtual on-water racing
- MyCloudFitness works on iOS
- Android
- Apple Health and Google Fit
- 14-level dual magnetic resistance with a smooth nylon belt
- Folds to a compact footprint with a tablet holder
Cons
- Only a 1-year limited warranty
- 250 lb capacity is the lowest in this roundup
- Monitor on the unit shows only distance and time
No other budget machine here gives you two genuinely different app experiences. GameFit handles virtual on-water racing against other users, while MyCloudFitness provides a large on-demand class library and works across iOS, Android, Apple Health and Google Fit.
That combination is why this one ranks as the pick for anyone who wants their sessions to land in their existing health stack. Bluetooth heart rate and cadence data flow through without extra hardware.
The drive is a nylon belt running on ball-bearing rollers, which reviewers describe as smooth and quiet. Resistance comes from a 14-level dual magnetic system, more granularity than the eight-step models on this list.
It folds to 53.5 by 21.5 by 39.5 inches, but note the assembled length of 88.5 inches. A long rail gives a better stroke and needs a longer room to do it in.
Who this rower suits
It suits app-first buyers who want racing and classes in one machine, and users between 4 foot 9 and 6 foot 6 who want a long rail. The recommended height range is unusually generous for a folding frame.
It also suits people who want Apple Health and Google Fit data without replacing their phone, since the app works on all of them.
Where it falls short
The 1-year limited warranty is the shortest in this roundup, and 250 lb is the lowest user capacity here, so heavier users should look elsewhere.
The monitor mounted on the frame shows only distance and time. All richer metrics require a phone or tablet, which the holder does accommodate.
7. JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower – Best Folding Water Rower
JOROTO Water Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Rowing Machine with 400LBS Weight Capacity, Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, Brown
Water resistance
Folds 180 degrees vertically
Bluetooth JOROTO app
400 lb capacity
Pros
- Vertical fold saves up to 60% of floor space
- Bluetooth monitor gives lifetime free guided workouts and virtual routes
- Leak-proof tank and FSC-certified oak frame
- Arrives 90% assembled and sets up in about 15 minutes
Cons
- Monitor backlight dims and is hard to read in a dark room
- 52 lb is heavy for two people to carry
- Console offers limited metrics and the foot cradle is not independently adjustable
Water resistance with a vertical fold is a genuinely useful combination, and the MR280PRO is the clearest example of it. The 180-degree fold saves up to 60% of the floor space, and the tank is leak-proof, so folding it does not mean draining it first.
The Bluetooth monitor connects to the JOROTO app, which includes lifetime free guided workouts, performance tracking and virtual routes. That is a full app layer with no membership attached, which is rare in the water rower category.
The frame is FSC-certified solid oak rated to 400 lb, and the extended rail takes a 39 inch maximum leg length. Owners frequently compare the stroke favourably to machines costing several times more.
Setup is unusually painless for a wooden water rower. It arrives 90% pre-assembled and takes roughly 15 minutes to finish, with the fold and transport wheel built in.
Who the JOROTO suits
It suits anyone who wants a wooden water rower in a small flat and refuses to pay a subscription for the app. The 400 lb rating and the long rail also make it a good fit for tall, heavier users.
Users upgrading from a cheap magnetic machine tend to notice the self-scaling resistance immediately, since the effort rises with the pull instead of jumping between fixed levels.
Where it falls short
The console backlight dims after a few seconds, which makes it hard to read in a dark room, and the metric set is limited. The foot cradle position cannot be adjusted independently.
At 52 lb it is a two-person job to assemble and reposition, and the nylon pull strap is the part most likely to need replacing over the years.
8. MERACH Foldable R25 Magnetic Rower – Budget Pick
MERACH Foldable Rowing Machines for Home, Magnetic Rowing Machine with 16-Level, Compact Row Saves 20% Space, 350 LBS Load Capacity, MERACH App and 1000+ Champion Coaching Course & Games
Magnetic resistance
16 resistance levels
Free MERACH app
350 lb capacity
Pros
- Compact design cuts the footprint by about 20%
- Only 38 lb so it rolls between rooms easily
- Silent magnetic drive
- Free MERACH app with 1000+ courses and games
Cons
- The advertised folding and upright storage do not work for several owners
- Monitor sits too high to slide under a bed
- Peak resistance of about 80 lb
- 12-month warranty
The R25 makes its case on size and weight. At 38 lb it is the lightest connected rower here, and at 58.3 by 18.9 by 28.4 inches it uses roughly 20% less floor space than a conventional frame, which matters more in a studio flat than the headline specifications suggest.
Bluetooth connects to the free MERACH app with more than 1,000 interactive courses and games, plus champion-coach tutorials and personalised plans. Sixteen clearly different resistance levels and a shark-inspired flywheel that adds more than 11% resistance over a standard rower at the top setting.
Reviewers also mention very short users rowing it comfortably, with a 4 foot 11 and 4 foot 9 parent and child both using it. The listed guidance is for users up to 6 foot 1.
Assembly is 85% done before it arrives, taking about 20 minutes, and the silicone wheels let you roll it across a room without lifting.
Who the R25 suits
It suits small rooms, shared flats and anyone who cannot move a 60 lb frame across a landing. Very short and average-height users get a comfortable stroke.
It also suits people who want a gamified app experience, since the MERACH library leans on games and coach-led courses rather than a single class catalogue.
Where it falls short
The most repeated complaint is that the advertised fold and upright storage do not work as described for several owners. Check the mechanism yourself before buying on that promise.
Peak resistance of roughly 80 lb rules it out for strength-focused training, the monitor will not slide under a bed, and some reviewers report paying for a membership to see the complete workout plans.
9. Stamina ATS Air Rower – Best Air Rower That Folds Flat
Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine with Smart Workout App – Foldable Rowing Machine with Dynamic Air Resistance for Home Gym Fitness – Up to 250 lbs Weight Capacity
Air resistance
Free muuv audio coaching app
Foldable frame
250 lb capacity
Pros
- Free access to the muuv smart audio coaching app
- Dynamic wind resistance gives a smooth efficient stroke
- Upholstered padded sliding seat for longer sessions
- Sturdy carbon steel frame that folds for storage
Cons
- Weakest average rating in this roundup
- Monitor shows only four basic metrics
- Batteries are not included and parts coverage is 90 days
The Stamina ATS is one of the few foldable air rowers we would recommend, and its app layer comes through the free muuv smart audio coaching app. That gives you guided audio workouts without a membership, which is a different model from the video libraries most connected machines push.
Carbon steel construction and a padded upholstered sliding seat make it feel more substantial than the price bracket suggests, and the dynamic wind resistance delivers a smooth, efficient stroke.
The foldable frame with a built-in transport wheel is the practical draw. It measures 18 by 77 by 22 inches, so it can be stood against a wall when a fan rower’s footprint is not an option.
The multi-function monitor covers speed, distance, time and calories, and the user capacity is 250 lb. Buyers tend to like the value and the seat comfort most.
Who the ATS suits
It suits buyers who want real air resistance and a foldable frame in one machine, and people who prefer guided audio coaching to video classes. The 3-year frame warranty gives more cover than most machines at this level.
It also suits anyone who wants a simple monitor that does exactly one job without a screen to fiddle with.
Where it falls short
This is the lowest-rated machine in the roundup, with 9% one-star reviews, and the monitor only tracks four basic metrics. There is no incline and no Bluetooth heart rate support mentioned.
Two AA batteries are not included, and parts coverage is 90 days against the 3-year frame warranty, so budget for a console or sensor replacement early.
10. Stamina Magnetic Rower – Best Quiet Rowing Machine That Stands Upright
Stamina X Magnetic Rowing Machine 1102 with Magnetic Resistance, Black/Red
Magnetic resistance
Free muuv app
Stands on end
250 lb capacity
Pros
- Ball-bearing roller system runs far quieter than chain or fan rowers
- Stands on its end with built-in wheels
- Free muuv app with coaching and demo videos
- Responsive customer service for replacement parts
Cons
- Standard foot pedals and straps are widely criticised
- Only 8 resistance levels and a light range
- Some monitors lost sensor data in the first weeks
Storage is the reason to look at this machine. It stands on its end with built-in wheels, measuring 63 by 19 by 28 inches, so a full rower disappears against a wall or into a corner when you are not using it.
The ball-bearing roller system with 8 levels of magnetic resistance is markedly quieter than a chain or fan rower, and the connected layer comes from the same free muuv app, with guided coaching, exercise demo videos and personalised workouts.
Assembly is simple and the padded ergonomic seat is comfortable for longer sessions. Overall it is 50 lb of aluminum and steel rated to 250 lb.
The dominant complaint in the reviews is the foot pedal and strap set, with feet slipping out every few strokes on the standard hardware. Several owners replaced them with nylon webbing or got better pedals from the company.
Who this Stamina suits
It suits apartment dwellers and anyone with a shared wall, and it suits buyers who want upright storage rather than a fold. The free app means no recurring charge for guided coaching.
It also suits anyone who wants a straightforward machine with no subscription decision to make, since the rower works fully without a phone.
Where it falls short
Eight resistance levels feels light next to gym machines, and some units reported monitors losing sensor data and powering off in the first weeks, which support did resolve.
The belt stows close to the seat, which limits how far you can compress the catch, and AAA batteries are not included.
11. TEETER Power10 Rower – Best Low-Impact Connected Rower
Teeter Power10 Rower with 2-Way Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Motion – Indoor Rowing Machine w/Bluetooth HRM Connectivity, Teeter Move App – Free Classes & Coaching (Power10)
Magnetic resistance
Push and pull elliptical stroke
Free Teeter Move app
300 lb capacity
Pros
- Bi-directional elliptical stroke engages far more muscle than a pull-only rower
- Teeter Move app is completely subscription free
- Compact wheel-and-fork design needs no extra-long rail
- Low-impact path suits bad knees and post-stroke recovery
Cons
- Phone holder sits low and does not rotate to landscape
- 107 lb makes it one of the heaviest here
- Only 1-year warranty and 7 resistance levels
- Monitor cannot pair with third-party apps
The Power10 is not a slide-rail rower at all. It uses a patented bi-directional elliptical path, so you can switch from pull to push mid-workout and train the chest, shoulders and core in the same session, which owners say works roughly twice the muscle groups of a conventional rower.
The Teeter Move app is subscription free and sorts classes by length, level and session type on iOS and Android. For a machine at this level, having no membership attached is a real advantage over the subscription ecosystems.
There is no long rail to store, which makes the footprint 38 by 63 by 43 inches. It is rated for users from 4 foot 8 to 7 foot, one of the widest ranges here, and the 300 lb frame is alloy steel.
Getting on and off is easier than with a tall rower, and the low-impact path is the reason buyers bring it to bad knees and post-stroke recovery work.
Who the Power10 suits
It suits anyone who finds a normal rower too narrow in its movement, and anyone who needs joint-friendly training. The 4 foot 8 to 7 foot height range makes it genuinely family-friendly.
It also suits people who want a subscription-free app with structured classes and do not want to give up upper-body training in the process.
Where it falls short
Switching between push and pull takes practice and interrupts your rhythm when following a class, and the phone holder sits low without rotating to landscape, which shrinks the app view.
At 107 lb it is heavy to reposition, there are only 7 resistance levels, the warranty is one year, and the monitor cannot pair with third-party apps such as Concept2’s. A Bluetooth heart rate strap is sold separately.
How to Choose a Connected Rowing Machine in 2026
1. Decide whether you are paying for data or for classes. These are different purchases. If you want clean metrics, a free app and no recurring charge, the Concept2 RowErg, the Sunny models, the TEETER Power10 and the JOROTO all cover it. If you want a large branded video library with instructor-led sessions, you are choosing a membership ecosystem, and you should price the years, not the months.
2. Check the protocol, not the screen. Bluetooth FTMS covers most modern rowers, and it is what feeds SunnyFit, MERACH, JOROTO, Teeter Move and the muüv apps here. ANT+ is the older standard that Concept2 and Garmin ecosystems use, and it is the route your data takes into Garmin Connect and Strava. A machine with both gives you the most freedom. Our commercial rowing machine picks go deeper on frames built for shared gym use if that is your setting.
3. Match the rail to your height. This is the filter most buyers skip and regret. Look for a stated maximum inseam or user height range: the Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower gives 40.9 inches of maximum inseam, the JOROTO takes 39 inches of leg length, the TEETER Power10 covers 4 foot 8 to 7 foot, and the Fitness Reality is rated 4 foot 9 to 6 foot 6. The Concept2 lists a 14 inch seat height, which taller rowers mention most often as the thing to adjust.
4. Check the user capacity against your weight. Most connected machines stop at 250 to 300 lb. The Concept2 RowErg is rated to 500 lb, the Sunny Full Motion Rower and the JOROTO to 400 lb, and the MERACH R25 to 350 lb. If you are over 300 lb, the shorter list is a real constraint rather than a preference.
5. Measure the floor, then measure it folded. In use, a full-length rower needs about 9 by 4 feet, and the Concept2 is the largest here at 24 by 96 by 14 inches. Storage options differ sharply: the WaterRower and Stamina Magnetic stand on end, the JOROTO folds 180 degrees vertically, the Fitness Reality folds to 53.5 by 21.5 by 39.5 inches, and the Sunny and MERACH models are light enough to roll into a corner. If you are over 60 and mounting height is a factor, our rowing machines for seniors guide covers the ergonomics in more detail.
6. Think about noise before you choose resistance. Magnetic frames driven by rollers are the quietest group here, which is why the Stamina, Sunny and MERACH machines suit apartments. Air resistance on the Concept2 and Stamina ATS is smooth and self-scaling but audible at speed, and water resistance sits between the two while feeling the smoothest. If you row before 6 am, noise should outrank stroke feel in your decision.
7. Run the subscription maths honestly. On this list, no machine requires one. Every app named in this roundup works at no recurring charge: ErgData, SunnyFit, MERACH, Teeter Move, JOROTO, WaterRower Connect, Cityrow, GameFit, MyCloudFitness and muüv. If a shop tries to sell you a connected rower on the strength of its content library, ask what the membership costs over three years, and treat a rising fee or a company shutting down its platform as part of the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rowing machine that doesn’t require a subscription?
The Concept2 RowErg Model D. The PM5 monitor broadcasts over Bluetooth and ANT+ and logs every session in the free ErgData app, with no membership at any point. The Sunny models, the TEETER Power10, the JOROTO and the two Stamina rowers are also fully connected with free apps, and the Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower is the quietest of that group for apartments.
What is the best rowing app for Concept2 ergs?
ErgData is Concept2’s own app and the reference point for rowing data, with workout logging, online logbooks and history. Because the RowErg also speaks ANT+, the same session can sync to Garmin Connect and Strava if you want your data inside your existing training setup.
Is the ErgData app free?
Yes. ErgData is free to download and use on iOS and Android, and it has no membership tier that you need for basic workout tracking. That is the core reason the RowErg is the default recommendation for anyone who wants connected data without a recurring charge.
Do I need a subscription for smart rowing machines?
Not on anything in this roundup. Every machine listed pairs with a free app: ErgData for Concept2, SunnyFit for the Sunny models, MERACH, Teeter Move, JOROTO, WaterRower Connect, Cityrow, GameFit, MyCloudFitness and muuv. Some brands also sell larger branded class libraries on a monthly membership, so check whether the app you want is the free tier or a paid tier before you buy.
How much space do I need for a rowing machine at home?
Plan on about 9 by 4 feet of clear floor while you are rowing, and check the storage footprint separately. A full-size model like the Concept2 RowErg measures 24 by 96 by 14 inches and is not foldable, while the WaterRower and the Stamina Magnetic stand on end, the JOROTO folds 180 degrees vertically, and the Fitness Reality folds to 53.5 by 21.5 by 39.5 inches.
Which brand of rowing machine is considered the best?
Concept2 is the most commonly recommended brand among regular rowers, with a large share of its 4.9 rating coming from thousands of long-term owners, a 500 lb capacity and a 5-year frame warranty. The data fidelity is the usual reason given, since the same effort produces comparable splits across machines and years.
Is 20 minutes of rowing a day enough?
For general cardiovascular fitness, 20 minutes of steady rowing most days is a solid routine, and it is a far better use of the same 20 minutes than most sedentary alternatives. Longer sessions with intervals build more fitness, and the split data on these machines shows pace and stroke rate, so you can tell whether a short session was hard or easy.
The Verdict on the Best Connected Rowing Machines
If you want one connected rower and you do not want to think about membership fees, the Concept2 RowErg Model D is the buy. The PM5 speaks Bluetooth and ANT+, ErgData is free, the frame is rated to 500 lb, and the five-year frame warranty matches a machine you will keep for a decade.
If noise is the deciding factor, choose the Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower for its free SunnyFit app and near-silent magnetic drive. If you want a wooden water rower, the JOROTO MR280PRO folds vertically and keeps its app free for life. If you want the widest app choice, the Fitness Reality runs GameFit and MyCloudFitness on the same machine.
Every machine in our best connected rowing machines list tracks your work without a subscription, so the only question left is which frame you will still be glad to look at in 2026.