Best rowing machines for home in the UK

In its favour

• Resistance changes from buttons on the handle, so you do not stop rowing to adjust.
• The 135 cm rail is stated to suit users from 1.55 m to 2.00 m tall.
• Certified to EN 20957 with a 180 kg user limit and a two-year warranty, per the listing.

Good to know

• The listing title mentions 10, 16 and 32 level versions, so check which one you are buying.
• Stored footprint after folding is not stated in centimetres.

In its favour

• The listing describes it as the official water rowing machine of British Rowing.
• The S4 Performance Monitor has Bluetooth and shows stroke rate, distance and time.
• A 300 kg weight limit gives plenty of headroom for every adult in the house.

Good to know

• At 209 cm long it needs a clear run of floor, so measure the room before ordering.
• The listing quotes the frame and parts warranty terms in two different ways, so check before buying.

In its favour

• Sixteen electronic levels change from buttons on the handlebar during a session.
• The 130 cm extended double rail is aimed at taller users, according to the maker.
• It arrives about 90% pre-assembled and can fold or stand upright for storage.

Good to know

• It is a plug-in model, so it needs a socket near where you row.
• The levels are fixed steps, so it lacks the self-regulating feel of a water or air rower.

In its favour

• Folded upright it takes 1.29 sq ft (about 0.12 m²), per the listing.
• The maker quotes under 30 dB with 16 magnetic levels.
• Bluetooth sync with Kinomap and the YPOO FIT app.

Good to know

• Stated user heights run only up to 6 ft 2 in.
• How resistance is adjusted is not stated in the listing.

In its favour

• A 14 L tank with a 12-blade impeller gives water resistance that follows your stroke effort.
• The rail folds vertically and four wheels help you move it between rooms.
• Bluetooth and a built-in tablet holder let you follow app workouts.

Good to know

• The 125 cm rail is shorter than most premium water rowers, so tall users should check the fit.
• The listing does not name which apps it connects to.

In its favour

• A 16 inch HD touchscreen with front-facing speakers is built in, so no tablet is needed.
• It pairs with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and wireless headphones, per the listing.
• The 375 lb (about 170 kg) weight limit is generous for a connected rower.

Good to know

• The listing states a membership is required and sold separately.
• Upright storage needs a kit that is sold separately.

In its favour

• The maker rates it at under 30 dB, which suits flats.
• Upright storage needs about 3.1 sq ft of floor, with transport wheels built in.
• A one-year hardware warranty is stated in the listing.

Good to know

• A 39 inch (about 99 cm) rail is short for tall rowers.
• Changing levels means reaching for the knob mid-session.