Best Rowing Machines Compared: Concept2, French Fitness, Life Fitness & More
Rowing machines deliver one of the most complete workouts available, engaging 86% of your body's muscles while being gentle on joints. But with options ranging from classic air resistance to modern water tanks, how do you pick the right one?
From the legendary Concept2 RowErg trusted by Olympic athletes to French Fitness water rowers that replicate real on-water feel, the rowing machine market offers something for every training style and budget. Air rowers provide unlimited resistance that scales with your effort, water rowers deliver that authentic rowing experience, and magnetic models offer whisper-quiet operation perfect for apartments.
At Fitness Superstore, we carry everything from remanufactured commercial-grade machines like the Life Fitness Row GX and Matrix Indoor Rower to brand-new models with lifetime frame warranties. Whether you're outfitting a garage gym, upgrading a commercial facility, or adding functional training equipment, understanding the differences between these five machines helps you invest wisely.
Below, we break down air vs. water resistance, compare PM5 monitors against basic LCD displays, and show you which rowers fold for storage versus which ones stand upright. Let's find the machine that matches your training goals.
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French Fitness FF-AR Air Rower
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French Fitness WR80 Water Rowing Rower Machine w/Resistance
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Concept2 Model C Indoor Rower w/PM2 Console
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Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower w/PM5 Console
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Life Fitness Row GX Water Rower
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Matrix Indoor Rower w/LCD Console
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Technogym Skillrow
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Throwdown HIIT Rower 9-4850-KINTP0
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Which Rowing Machine Should You Buy?
When selecting the best rowing machine for your needs, consider the type of resistance, available space, connectivity features, and your budget.
- Entry-Level (Best for Beginners & Budget-Conscious): French Fitness FF-AR and Concept2 Model C are affordable, durable, and ideal if you're just starting out or want a reliable machine without premium features.
- Mid-Range (Best Value): French Fitness WR80 include more workout programs, better displays, and superior warranties, perfect for consistent training.
- Premium (Best for Serious Athletes & Connected Training): Concept2 RowErg PM5 and Technogym Skillrow are the most durable, feature-packed options with advanced connectivity and app integration, designed for competitive rowers and tech-savvy users.
- Best for Water Rowing Feel: French Fitness WR80 and Life Fitness Row GX deliver authentic water resistance that mimics rowing on a lake.
- Best for Quiet Operation: Matrix Indoor Rower uses magnetic resistance for whisper-quiet performance, ideal for apartments, condos, and noise-sensitive environments.
- Best for HIIT & Circuit Training: Throwdown HIIT Rower features isokinetic resistance and quick-transition design perfect for CrossFit boxes and group training.
- Best for Dual-Mode Training: Technogym Skillrow offers both cardio rowing and power resistance modes in one machine. Two workouts, one footprint.
- Most Compact Storage: French Fitness WR80 folds to 40"×22"×27.5", while Life Fitness Row GX and Matrix Indoor Rower store vertically.
- Best Connectivity & App Integration: Concept2 RowErg PM5 works with unlimited third-party apps, while Technogym Skillrow includes professional coaching content.
- Best Commercial Warranty: French Fitness FF-AR and French Fitness WR80 (Lifetime frame) lead in long-term protection.
- Highest Weight Capacity: French Fitness FF-AR, Concept2 Model C, and Concept2 RowErg PM5 all support 500 lbs.
Use our full rowing machine comparison chart to match features with your needs and avoid buying more (or less) machine than you really need.
Visit our Benicia, CA showroom to test these rowers in person, or connect with our equipment specialists who'll guide you through specs, warranties, and delivery options. Ready to find your perfect rower? Explore our Rowers Collection, we’re here to help.
FAQs
What's the real difference between air and water resistance on rowing machines?
The real difference between air and water resistance is how they create drag: air resistance scales infinitely with your effort (pull harder, get more resistance), while water resistance mimics real rowing with consistent drag through liquid. Air rowers excel for competition training and max intervals, whereas water machines deliver an authentic on-water feel.
Can remanufactured rowing machines really match new equipment performance?
Yes, remanufactured rowing machines can match new equipment performance because they receive complete mechanical overhauls with genuine OEM parts, bearings, chains, seats, and everything critical for performance. You save 30-40% while getting the same rowing experience, though you'll trade cosmetic perfection and longer base warranties for that value.
Which rowing machine works best for apartment living or shared walls?
The rowing machine that works best for apartment living is the Matrix Indoor Rower, which runs whisper-quiet with magnetic resistance, no air whoosh or water splash. Technogym Skillrow also operates quietly in cardio mode, while air rowers create the most noise, and water rowers fall in between.
How much space do I actually need for a rowing machine, including clearance?
You need approximately 9 feet long by 4 feet wide for rowing machine use, including clearance. Most machines measure 8 feet assembled, but require extra room for full stroke extension. Concept2 and French Fitness FF-AR fold to 25×33 inches for storage, while the WR80 stands upright at 40×22×27 inches.