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Buying guide

Best smart rowing machines with a screen or app

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    YOSUDA RM11: Kinomap and Zwift on a wood frame

    Resistance changes from buttons on the handle, so you do not stop rowing to adjust.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    MERACH Q1S electric: app changes the resistance

    The MERACH app can adjust resistance automatically, so your hands stay on the handle.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    WaterRower Original Performance: Peloton and EXR links

    Pairs the WaterRower Connect app with CITYROW, EXR and Peloton.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A smart rower is one that shares data with an app or shows classes on a screen. There are two routes. A few machines, like the Hydrow Wave, build a large touchscreen into the rower and pair it with a paid membership. Most others use Bluetooth to send strokes and distance to an app on your own phone or tablet, held in a bracket on the rower. The second route costs less and lets you choose the app, but the screen is only as big as the device you own. The points to compare are the screen, which apps the rower works with, whether a subscription is required, the resistance type and how much floor it takes. This guide sets six connected rowers side by side on those points, using the makers' listings only.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · YOSUDA

YOSUDA RM11: Kinomap and Zwift on a wood frame

A magnetic rower with an FSC-certified solid wood frame, aluminium rail and resistance buttons on the handle. A good middle ground for anyone who likes the wooden look without a water tank.

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: YOSUDA Rowing Machines for Home Gym, 10/16/32 Levels Quiet Resistance

No. 2 · MERACH

MERACH Q1S electric: app changes the resistance

MERACH's plug-in Q1S with 16 electromagnetic levels and automatic resistance changes through the MERACH app. It suits someone who wants app classes to set the effort for them.

In its favour

  • The MERACH app can adjust resistance automatically, so your hands stay on the handle.
  • It also works with Kinomap for scenic rowing routes, according to the listing.
  • The maker gives a stored footprint of 1.6 by 2.1 ft when stood upright on its wheels.

Good to know

  • It needs mains power, so plan for a socket near the rower.
  • Rail length in centimetres is not stated in the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: MERACH Rowing Machine for Home Gym 16 Resistance Levels

No. 3 · WaterRower

WaterRower Original Performance: Peloton and EXR links

folds

A wooden water rower whose PowerPulley sends data to your device, with a folding tablet arm. It suits people who already use a class app and want a water feel.

In its favour

  • Pairs the WaterRower Connect app with CITYROW, EXR and Peloton.
  • PowerPulley technology transmits data by Bluetooth to iOS or Android.
  • Stores upright in about the space of a dining chair.

Good to know

  • No built-in screen, so a tablet is needed for classes.
  • The listing does not say whether the partner apps need their own subscriptions.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: WaterRower Original Performance

No. 4 · Hydrow

Hydrow Wave: built-in 16 inch HD touchscreen

folds

A connected rower with a 16 inch HD touchscreen, front speakers and electromagnetic drag. It suits someone who wants guided classes on the machine itself and will pay for a membership.

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16" HD Touch Screen and Speakers - Fol...

No. 5 · MERACH

MERACH R15 colour display: MERACH and Kinomap

The R15 version with a colour display, 40 kg magnetic resistance and a foldable 130 cm rail. It suits taller users who still need upright storage.

In its favour

  • The 130 cm rail allows complete leg extension, per the maker.
  • A foldable rail lets it stand upright when not in use.
  • MERACH and Kinomap apps, plus a device holder and bottle holder.

Good to know

  • The listing does not give the machine's weight or folded size.
  • Costs noticeably more than the other R15 versions on the same listing family.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: MERACH Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower, 40 kg Resistance, 16 L...

No. 6 · SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS

Sunny full-motion rower: free SunnyFit app

12 levels

A compact rower with rotating handles, 12 levels and the free SunnyFit app. It suits first-time buyers who want guided sessions without fees.

In its favour

  • The SunnyFit app is free with no subscription, per the listing.
  • The LCD shows split time per 500 m and strokes per minute.
  • A 180 kg max user weight is stated in the title.

Good to know

  • Resistance type, rail length and storage are not stated.
  • Rotating handles move differently from a fixed rowing handle.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Full-Motion Rowing Machine, Home ...

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Magnetic rowers

Row and Spin chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.