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Choosing between a rowing machine vs elliptical for your home gym can feel overwhelming, especially with so many excellent options available today. Both pieces of equipment offer fantastic low-impact cardiovascular workouts, but they target your muscles differently and provide unique benefits. While ellipticals focus primarily on lower body movement with some upper body engagement, rowing machines deliver a complete full-body workout that engages up to 85% of your muscle groups. Whether you’re looking to build endurance, burn calories, or create an efficient home workout space, understanding the key differences between these two popular cardio machines will help you make the best choice for your fitness goals and budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine | $900 | Serious fitness enthusiasts | 4.8/5 (15,000+ reviews) |
| Sunny Health SF-RW5515 | $199 | Budget-conscious beginners | 4.4/5 (8,000+ reviews) |
| Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine | $1,495 | Tech-savvy users wanting classes | 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews) |
| NordicTrack RW900 | $1,599 | Premium interactive experience | 4.5/5 (3,000+ reviews) |
| Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 | $150 | Ultra-budget option | 4.1/5 (4,000+ reviews) |
Detailed Reviews
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D stands as the gold standard in rowing machines, trusted by Olympic athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Its air resistance system provides smooth, consistent resistance that automatically adjusts to your effort level. The PM5 performance monitor tracks every metric you need, from distance and time to calories and watts. What sets this machine apart is its incredible build quality and proven durability – many gyms use these machines for years without issues. The flywheel design creates an authentic rowing feel, while the ergonomic handle and comfortable seat make longer workouts enjoyable. Storage is simple with its quick-release framelock that separates the machine into two pieces for compact storage.
Pros:
- Industry-leading build quality and durability
- Authentic rowing experience with air resistance
- Comprehensive performance tracking with PM5 monitor
Cons:
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
- Air resistance can be slightly noisy
Sunny Health SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health SF-RW5515 proves that effective rowing workouts don’t require breaking the bank. This magnetic resistance rowing machine offers eight adjustable resistance levels, making it suitable for beginners through intermediate users. The LCD monitor displays essential workout metrics including time, count, calories, and total count. Its compact foldable design makes it ideal for apartments or smaller home gyms. The aluminum rail ensures smooth seat gliding, while the anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps accommodate various foot sizes. The foam-padded handle provides comfort during longer sessions, and the overall construction feels solid despite the budget-friendly price point.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Quiet magnetic resistance system
- Space-saving foldable design
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to premium models
- May not suitable for very tall users
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Wave revolutionizes home rowing with its immersive workout experience. The 22-inch HD touchscreen transports you to waterways around the world with live and on-demand classes led by elite athletes. The electromagnetic resistance system operates whisper-quiet, making it perfect for apartment living or early morning workouts. What makes Hydrow special is the quality of instruction and the scenic routes that keep workouts engaging and motivating. The machine’s sleek design looks more like premium furniture than exercise equipment. The rowing technique instruction is exceptional, helping users develop proper form while preventing injury. Monthly membership unlocks thousands of workouts across all fitness levels.
Pros:
- Immersive scenic workouts and expert instruction
- Ultra-quiet magnetic resistance
- Premium build quality and elegant design
Cons:
- Requires monthly subscription for full features
- Premium price point
NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
The NordicTrack RW900 combines premium hardware with cutting-edge technology to deliver an unmatched rowing experience. The massive 26-inch HD touchscreen dominates your field of view, providing crystal-clear visibility of iFit workouts. With 26 levels of SMR magnetic resistance, you’ll find the perfect intensity for any workout goal. The iFit integration offers thousands of workouts, from technique-focused sessions to high-intensity intervals, all led by world-class trainers. The machine automatically adjusts resistance based on the selected workout, creating a truly hands-free experience. The commercial-grade construction handles users up to 300 pounds, while the pivoting screen allows for off-machine workouts too.
Pros:
- Massive 26-inch interactive touchscreen
- Automatic resistance adjustment with iFit workouts
- Commercial-grade build quality
Cons:
- Requires iFit membership for full functionality
- Large footprint when in use
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 makes rowing accessible to everyone with its incredibly affordable price point. This hydraulic resistance rowing machine provides a full-body workout while maintaining an ultra-compact footprint. The multi-function monitor tracks stroke count, workout time, and calories burned, giving you basic but essential workout feedback. The padded seat and pivoting foot plates ensure comfort during workouts, while the foam-padded handles provide a secure grip. Its unique design allows for easy storage under a bed or in a closet. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of premium models, it delivers an effective cardiovascular and strength workout that’s perfect for beginners or those with limited space and budget.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable entry point into rowing
- Extremely compact storage footprint
- Simple, reliable operation
Cons:
- Limited resistance range compared to other types
- Basic monitor with minimal metrics
Buying Guide
Space and Storage
When choosing between rowing machines and ellipticals for your home gym, space considerations play a crucial role. Rowing machines typically have a smaller footprint when stored, as most models fold in half or can be stored vertically. The average rowing machine measures about 8 feet long when in use but can often be reduced to 3-4 feet for storage. Ellipticals, on the other hand, maintain a larger presence even when not in use, typically requiring a permanent 6×3 foot space. However, ellipticals don’t require the long horizontal clearance that rowing machines need during operation. Consider your available space both during workouts and storage when making your decision.
Budget
Budget plays a significant role in your rowing machine vs elliptical decision. Quality rowing machines start around $150 for basic hydraulic models and can reach $2,000+ for premium options with advanced features. The sweet spot for most users falls between $200-$900, where you’ll find reliable magnetic or air resistance machines with good monitors. Ellipticals typically require a higher initial investment, with quality machines starting around $300 and premium models reaching $3,000+. However, rowing machines often provide better value as they engage more muscle groups per dollar spent, potentially eliminating the need for additional strength training equipment.
Key Features
Modern rowing machines offer various resistance types including air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic systems. Air resistance (like the Concept2) provides the most authentic rowing feel and automatically adjusts to your effort. Magnetic resistance offers quieter operation, perfect for apartments or shared living spaces. Advanced features to consider include performance monitors that track metrics like stroke rate, distance, and calories burned. Some premium models offer interactive screens with virtual coaching and scenic routes. Look for adjustable foot straps, comfortable seating, and smooth rail systems for the best user experience. Storage features like folding frames or vertical storage capabilities can be crucial for smaller spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which burns more calories: rowing machine or elliptical?
Rowing machines typically burn more calories per minute than ellipticals due to their full-body engagement. A 155-pound person can burn approximately 260-400 calories in 30 minutes on a rowing machine, compared to 240-350 calories on an elliptical. However, the actual calorie burn depends on your intensity level, body weight, and workout duration. Rowing machines engage up to 85% of your muscle groups, including legs, core, back, and arms, while ellipticals primarily target the lower body with some upper body involvement.
Are rowing machines better for small spaces than ellipticals?
Yes, rowing machines are generally better for small spaces. Most rowing machines can fold in half or be stored vertically, reducing their storage footprint to just a few square feet. When in use, they require about 8 feet of length but minimal width. Ellipticals require a permanent footprint of approximately 6×3 feet and cannot be easily stored away. If you have limited space, a foldable rowing machine like the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 or Concept2 Model D would be the better choice.
Which is easier on the joints: rowing or elliptical?
Both rowing machines and ellipticals provide low-impact workouts that are gentle on joints. However, ellipticals might have a slight edge for users with back issues since they maintain an upright posture throughout the workout. Rowing machines require proper form to avoid back strain, but when used correctly, they provide excellent low-impact exercise. The smooth, gliding motion of both machines eliminates the harsh impact associated with running or jumping exercises. For users with knee problems, both options are excellent as they avoid the stress of weight-bearing impact.
Our Final Verdict
When comparing rowing machines vs ellipticals for your home gym, rowing machines emerge as the winner for most users due to their superior full-body engagement, space efficiency, and overall value. For budget-conscious buyers, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 at $199 offers excellent value with magnetic resistance and foldable design. Serious fitness enthusiasts should invest in the Concept2 Model D at $900 for its unmatched durability and authentic rowing experience. Those wanting interactive features should consider the Hydrow Wave at $1,495</strong