Equipe Your Home Gym With the Best Rowing Machines in the United Kingdom
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Reviewed and Compared By BEMH Indoor Rowing Team • Updated: January 2023
If you’re searching for a way to lose weight, build muscle, and maintain your health, you’ve got a lot of options. Unfortunately, none of them can compare to using one of the best rowing machines in the UK.
For example, running’s great for losing weight and staying healthy. But it only works the muscles in your legs, leaving your arms and chest completely untouched. You could add a strength-training regimen, but that extends your workout time, taking time away from other things you need to be doing.
Swimming’s an exercise that works the whole body, but during the winter it’s practically impossible to do unless you have an indoor, heated pool (and who’s got one of those?).
Few exercises give you the benefit of a full-body workout at a reasonable price. And even fewer provide the advantages of cardio with the power of strength-training – at the same time.
Using a rowing machine in the UK is one of the only exercises that provides all these benefits in a single package. This is a machine that works almost every muscle in your body, both upper and lower.
It’s an aerobic workout that will get your heart pumping and your lungs working, helping you burn an average of 600 calories per hour. And the best Britain rowing machines provide all of this at low impact so anyone can benefit from them. Even if you have bad knees or a bad shoulder, UK rowing machines can help you lose weight, stay fit, and even build muscle mass.
The only disadvantage to using a rowing machine is that you have to buy one and have the needed floor space to enjoy the benefits. Fortunately, you don’t have to wonder about which rowing machines are your best buys in the United Kingdom.
We’ve put together this United Kingdom rowing machine reviews to help you navigate the wild waters of rowing machines. So, sit down and get your rowing hands ready because we’re about to look at eight rowing machine reviews in the United Kingdom.
Best UK Home Rowing Machines Compared
| WATER ROWER NAME | ROWING COMPUTER | USER WEIGHT | USER INSEAM | CONNECTIVITY | ROWER RESISTANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportstech WRX700 Water Rowing Machine | distance, calories, strokes, splits, and heart rate | 200-KG Max | 38" Max | Bluetooth | Self-Adjusting Water Resistance |
| Capital Sports M1 Rowing Machine | distance, calories, strokes, splits, and heart rate | 150-KG Max | 38" Max | N/A | Self-Adjusting Water Resistance |
| Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor | distance, calories, strokes, splits, watts, and heart rate | 227-KG Max | 38" Max | Bluetoooth & ANT+ | 10 Levels, Air Resistance |
| JTX Freedom Air Resistance Rowing Machine | speed, calories distance, stroke rate, revolutions, heart rate, power and split times | 130-KG Max | 37" Max | N/A | 17 Levels, Air & Electromagnetic Resistance |
| Sportstech RSX500 Magnetic Rowing Machine | speed, calories distance, stroke rate, revolutions, and heart rate | 120-KG Max | 37" Max | Bluetooth | 16 Levels, Electromagnetic Resistance |
| JLL Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine | time 500M, calorie, distance, strokes, strokes per minute (SPM), pulse, total strokes, date, and temperature | 120-KG Max | N/A | N/A | 8 Levels, Air & Electromagnetic Resistance |
| JLL R200 Home Rowing Machine in the UK | total count, count, calorie, distance, scan, time | 100-KG Max | N/A | N/A | 10 Levels, Manual Magnetic Resistance |
| NiceDay Compact Hydraulic Rower with Waistband | calories burned, count, scan, strokes per minute and time | 100-KG Max | N/A | N/A | 12 Levels, Hydraulic Resistance |
Best Overall UK Rowing Machine Choice
Our expert team has already picked the best indoor rowing in Britain in 2023 and reviewed them down below. This is the part where I search the market every month and pick the best rowing machine in the UK for home.
My choice for the best rowers for home is the Sportstech WRX700 water rower and the popular JLL Ventus 2 rowing machine. This high-quality affordable rower has been seen in every best rowing machine review in the UK. It is made of durable materials and has adjustable air resistance, making it perfect for everyday home rowing training.
In addition to its beautiful look, this best-rated air rowing machine in the UK boasts a good tilt monitor with an excellent media shelf to allow you to watch your favorite show while burning calories. This monitor displays heart rate (using a 2.4G signal wireless HRM), time, distance, split time, strokes per minute, heart rate, and calories per hour to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals.
To provide a comfortable workout and allow you to make the most out of your rowing machine exercise, this affordable UK home rower comes with an ergonomic seat and height-adjustable footplates with straps.
On top of all the features, I mentioned above, this awesome rowing machine in the UK is equipped with transport wheels for easy movement and can be stored folding which comes in handy every time. You can simply lift this air rowing machine on its end or fold it and store it out of the way against your wall or closet when not in use.
Thanks to its drive mechanism, this top-rated air rowing machine has very little noise compared to many other air rowers in the UK market. Receiving 5-star from most consumers (except those who wanted a boat and a lake but received a rower for less than 500 Pounds), JLL Ventus 2 indoor rowing machine in the UK is my pick for the best air rowing machine in 2023 (unless you can buy the Concept 2 for around the same price, then that would be my best pick).
Overview of Home Rowers in the United Kingdom
1. Sportstech WRX700 Folding Rowing Machine
UK rowing machines come in many different shapes, sizes, and designs. And those differences can add up to major variations in price. We’re starting off this guide by looking at a model that’s on the high end of the scale. But, there’s a reason for that higher price. Sportstech X700 rower provides a workout that is as close to actually rowing a boat as possible from an at-home rowing machine in Britain.
Unlike UK rowers that are designed to create resistance with a fan or belt, the X700 uses actual water. This gives it a leg-up on the competition because water-resistance is natural. If you pull harder, you get more resistance. And vice versa. This makes it the perfect rower for everyone – from the beginner who’s never even seen a rowing machine to the Olympic athlete who’s on a daily training regimen. And it’s not just a versatile machine for novice and experienced users, its adjustable feet ensure that you’ll be able to get the most out of it regardless of your height.
According to tests, this rower will have you using nearly 85% of your total muscle mass. This makes it an incredibly effective tool for building muscle and burning calories. And since it includes an excellent Bluetooth performance monitor, you can easily see detailed information about your rowing intensity, distance, number of strokes, and more. The monitor gives you the option of rowing a certain distance or a certain amount of time. So, no matter what fitness goals you’re trying to achieve, the Sportstech X700 can help.
Although this may not be the beautiful rowing machine in the world, it is one of the best home rowers in the UK overall. And when you’re finished with your workout, you can wheel it to the nearest closet and store it upright or folding. This is especially helpful for those looking at rowing machines who have limited living or storage space.
If you want the most authentic rowing experience – with the advantages that come along with that – there is no better rower than the Sportstech X700 rowing machine. It has been listed in many of the best United Kingdom rowing machine comparisons and reviews.
2. Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor
1 used from £936.18
If you don’t have £1,000+ to spend on a rowing machine, you’ll want to skip the WaterRower and consider some of the other, less-expensive options. Concept2’s Model D is a great, affordable alternative to the WaterRowers.
Rather than using water to create resistance, the Concept 2 Model D uses a flywheel and damper. This means that you won’t get the variable resistance that’s based on the force you use like you would with a water-based model. Instead, you can use the damper to increase or decrease the amount of resistance you’ll be pulling against. Though this might not be quite as effective as using water, it’s an alternative that works well (and will save you money).
The Model D includes an advanced performance model that offers a number of different statistics regarding your workout. You can clearly see your distance, speed, burnt calories, and watts generated. And it allows you to view that data using five different display options: all data, force curve, a bar chart, large print, and pacer.
In addition, you can use a smartphone to connect to Concept2’s app where you can store all of your workout data and get additional feedback about your exercise routines.
Concept2 has built this machine with versatility in mind. The footrests are fully adjustable, giving you the ability to tailor the machine to you. And the handle has a slight bend, giving you a more natural grip that won’t strain your arms unnecessarily.
And when you’re not using the Model D, you can easily separate it into two, easily storable pieces. One of the biggest disadvantages of this machine is the fact that, when fully assembled, it takes up quite a bit of space (it’s 244 cm long).
This may be a problem for you if you live in a small apartment or otherwise have limited floor-space. But if you’re looking for a more affordable rowing machine that will still give you a five-star workout, you could do far worse than the Concept2 Model D. For many years, this model has been our best-buy air rowing machine in the UK for commercial and home use.
3. Snode WR100 Water Rowing Machine
Like X700 model, the Snode WR100 is a rowing machine that’s built to accurately mimic the motions of rowing a boat. And like the X700, the Classic derives its resistance from a paddle that’s set in a basin of water. As you row, the paddle spins against the water, creating the resistance you need to get your heart rate up and your muscles burning.
This model is virtually identical to the X700, in terms of resistance, but has a completely different design. It’s made of steel and has a water tank below the frame which gives you a clear view of what is in front of you. But even more importantly, the Snode has a tall frame. This is an excellent design, especially for those who can’t bend too far to mount the standard rowers. It’s a truly beautiful piece of exercise equipment that looks good.
As with the X700, the WR100 includes a good monitor that you can program (by distance or time) and where you can view your workout stats. It has the same adjustable foot placement as the X700, as well as the ability to stand upright and roll wherever you want to store it.
It’s worth noting that whenever you receive your Snode (or Sportstech X700, for that matter), you will have to put it together. After all, this is a large piece of equipment (156 cm long). Fortunately, it’s not difficult to do. And once you’ve got everything in place, it’s incredibly easy to maintain.
So, if you’ve been looking for a rower that uses water resistance and is compact, look no further than the Snode water rowing machine in the UK. It’s one of the best home rowers in the UK and it has all the bells and whistles you could want – whether you’re buying your first rowing machine, or you’ve been using them for years.
Listed in every top 10 rowing machine in the United Kingdom, the Snode has one disadvantage. Like other water rowing machines in the UK, you will need to change its water every 6-months. Also, unfortunately, it can’t be folded, unlike the X700.
4. JTX Freedom Air Rowing Machine
Coming in at less than half the price of the WaterRower Club, the JTX Freedom Air is a very reasonably priced rowing machine that will give you a smooth, gym-quality workout.
This machine uses a combination of air and electromagnetic resistance to give you a wide range of resistance options. This gives you the ability to tailor each workout to your needs, whatever they may be. The Freedom Air’s sixteen levels of electro-magnetic resistance ensure that anyone can use this machine – from young teens to senior citizens, and everyone in between.
In addition to its flexible resistance settings, this home rowing machine in the UK includes an advanced computer with eight pre-programmed workouts. And if you connect your heart monitor to it, it will give you the option of creating a custom plan that adjusts the resistance to keep you at an optimum heart rate. This is not a feature that you’ll find on every rowing machine. And it has the potential to give the Freedom Air a leg up on the competition.
The included monitor doesn’t just give you workout options though. It also offers you an easy-to-read screen that displays your speed, distance, strokes, revolutions, time, heart rate, and more.
Featured high on several home UK rowing machine reviews, this indoor rower will give you a smooth workout that’s on par with its more expensive peers. Though it is worth mentioning that, at 130kg, the weight limit on this model is lower than on some of the sturdier, more costly machines.
When you’re finished with your exercise routine, storing the Freedom Air is as easy as folding it up, wheeling it away, and putting it in a closet or corner of a room.
If you’ve been looking for a rowing machine that’s very reasonably priced but offers lots of options, the JTX Freedom Air rowing machine is a fantastic choice.
5. Sportstech RSX500 Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sportstech RSX500 rowing machine is on par, pricewise, with the JTX Freedom Air. Both of them retail for around £500.00. And like JTX’s rowing machine, the RSX500 offers a lot of options for an affordable price.
This rowing machine uses computer-controlled resistance and, like JTX’s offering, it offers sixteen different levels of resistance. This gives you the ability to completely customize your workout, making it a great option for anyone who may have multiple users in their home.
But it isn’t just the different levels of resistance that makes this a good potential choice. The RSX500 has an advanced, onboard computer and a 5.5-inch display that will let you see all the major stats concerning your workout. And twelve pre-installed programs give you lots of options for making the most of your exercise routine.
This rowing machine is also compatible with the Kinomap app, a revolutionary training app that allows you to do everything from viewing your training history to taking part in real-time events. This alone sets the Sportstech RSX500 ahead of many of its competitors.
But they reach even farther ahead by being one of the few companies to include a heart rate belt with their rowing machine. This connects to the machine’s computer and helps you learn more about your workout – as well as how to make it more effective.
Sportstech has made inclusion a priority by not only giving you the ability to adjust the pedals, but they’ve also included an extra-long pull rope so taller individuals can use this machine without feeling awkward.
If you want a rowing machine that’s armed to the gills with options – and that won’t break the bank – then the Sportstech RSX500 is the rowing machine for you.
6. JLL Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine
Purchasing a quality rowing machine doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. JLL’s Ventus 2 is proof of that. This is a rowing machine that’s £200.00 less than the JTX Freedom Air and the Sportstech RSX500, but it contains all the essential features that you’ll want out of a quality piece of exercise equipment.
The Ventus 2 uses air and magnetic resistance to create a workout that is tailored to fit your abilities and needs. It only includes eight resistance settings, giving it far fewer than its more expensive competitors. But it is significantly cheaper, so that’s something that you’ll have to weigh in your mind. What’s more important to you? More options or lower price?
With this said, some users have reported that even on higher settings, this rowing machine doesn’t pack that much of a punch. So, if you’re an Olympian-hopeful training for your next qualifier, this machine may not be exactly what you’re looking for. But if you’re simply someone who wants a decent workout at a low cost, this rower should do the trick.
It does include an onboard monitor that will give you the ability to easily see and track your time, strokes per minute, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. And above the monitor, there’s a rack that allows you to set up your phone or tablet so that you can watch Netflix (or the video subscription service of your choice) while you row. This is a great, if simple, feature that even some expensive rowing machines in the UK overlook.
When the Ventus 2 arrives, you’ll have to put it together, though doing so isn’t much of a challenge. You should have it up and running within the hour. And when you try it for the first time, you’ll find that it provides a smooth and complete workout that simply can’t be beaten for the price.
7. JLL R200 Home Rowing Machine in the UK
1 used from £267.31
The JLL R200 home rowing machine is truly a budget model. It’s less than £200.00, which makes it affordable for almost anyone. But just because this cheap rowing machine in Great Britain is on the low end of the price scale doesn’t mean that it’s worthless. This is a quality and reliable machine that you should be able to get years of use out of.
Unlike most of the other models that we’ve looked at on this list, the R200 uses a belt and magnets to create resistance. Once you’ve gotten it setup and started your first routine, you’ll find that the R200 provides a smooth and quiet workout.
Resistance can easily be adjusted with a small, turnable knob that gives you a total of ten possible settings. Users have reported that the lower half of the settings are basically useless for the average person. They’re simply too easy to get any kind of genuine workout from them. However, the highest settings offer the kind of resistance needed to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping.
Unlike more expensive rowing machines on Amazon UK, the R200’s monitor is very basic and doesn’t give you any of the programmable options and workouts that some of the other machines provide. However, it will let you know the basics of your workout, including your stroke rate and calories burned.
Since the R200 compact rowing machine in the UK is on the cheaper side, it’s not quite a sturdy as some of the other models we’ve looked at in this best rowing machine reviews in the UK. And if you’re over 188 cm, you’ll likely want to find a different rower because this one won’t accommodate your height. With all of that said, the R200 is incredibly easy to store since it folds upright and, honestly, isn’t very big to begin with.
If your budget is limited but you still want a full-sized rowing machine that has adjustable resistance settings, the JLL R200 is definitely worth considering. It may also be a good option for anyone who’s thinking about trying a rowing machine but doesn’t want to commit hundreds of pounds to something that they may or may not stick with.
8. NiceDay Compact Hydraulic Rower With Waist Band
If you want a rower that will give you a worthwhile workout but won’t cost much more than a tank of gas, then you should check out the NiceDay rower. This is the perfect model for those who are just being introduced to the world of rowing machines.
Instead of water or air resistance, the Nice-Day uses a piston to create the resistance needed for your workout. And this piston gives you twelve levels of resistance to try out. Like other, cheaper models, you’ll likely want to stay in the upper range of resistance levels if you want an actual workout. And if that’s not enough, you can also change the incline of the machine in order to create an even higher level of intensity.
Like most of the other rowers out there, the Niceday includes non-slip footplates and a seat that’s built for stability. Both of these features ensure the maximum level of comfort you could expect from a simple machine like this.
It also comes with a monitor that displays calories burned, strokes per minute, and time. You won’t be getting any programmable workouts or app connectivity with this machine, but you will get the bare basics that you need to have a decent workout and know (approximately) how many calories you’re burning through.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re over 183 cm, you’ll probably be too tall for this machine to be worthwhile. And if you’re looking for a rower that will last you for years into the future, you can go ahead and forget about this one. As a budget choice, the Niceday is made to be the novice’s introduction to rowing machines, not a proper rower.
But if all you’re wanting is a decent workout for the lowest price imaginable, then you can’t go wrong with the Niceday. It is one of the cheapest rowing machines in the UK that take very little floor space and can still offer a good workout.
Buying Guide For Best Rowing Machines to Buy in the UK
So, we’ve looked at eight of the best UK home rowing machines. But… which one is the right one for you? That’s a question that largely depends on what you’re looking to get out of it, how much space you have in the house, and your budget. If you want the kind of home rower that will give you the best, most authentic experience – and the price and space aren’t a factor – then you’d want to go with a WaterRower.
On the other hand, if you need a simple, affordable rower that you can use for physical therapy and don’t want to deal with changing water, then you’ll probably want to shoot for a model that uses air resistance rowing machine. Fortunately, we’ve looked at enough options to meet your needs, whatever they might be. So, here’s our verdict on which rower you should get, depending on what you’re looking to get out of it.
I’m looking for the most affordable option – that will last.
Technically, the most affordable option on our list is the NiceDay rower. But there have been reports of it giving up after a year’s time. Because it’s only £100.00 or so, this isn’t a deal-breaker. But if you’re going to invest money in a rower, you might as well spend a little more and get a home rowing machine that lasts for a few years. If that’s what you’re looking for, then we’d recommend the JLL Ventus 2. Yes, it will cost you a little more money, but it will also give you a lot more use. And it includes most of the features you’d expect on a higher-end model. So, unless you’re willing to buy a new rower every year, you likely won’t want to purchase anything less than a Ventus 2.
I’m looking for a reasonably priced rower that will help me do home therapy.
If you mainly want a home rower to do regular physical therapy, you should look at the JLL R200. This is a cheaper model that won’t last long if you try to do intense workouts every day. But, if you’re just looking for an affordable way to work your legs and arms, then this could be a great option for you. And since it’s so easy to store, you can get it up and out of the way with minimal effort, making it the perfect option for those doing home therapy. There are also quite a few reasonably priced air-mag rowers that would be perfect for indoor rowing.
I’m looking for the most authentic rowing experience.
If you want an authentic rowing experience – complete with the sound of water sloshing as you exercise – then there’s simply no better option than the Sportstech X700. Not only is it cheaper than all its competitors, its wooden finish and space-saving foldable frame makes it a much more beautiful option. And the fact that it easily stores is the icing on the home rower cake. And though it’s more expensive than many of the other options on the list, the fact that it’s a water-driven rower in the UK makes it one of the best choices for advanced rowers. This is the kind of home rowing machine that Olympians can train on.
I’m looking for the best UK home rowing machine, overall.
If you’re looking for your best overall option, we’d recommend the Sportstech RSX500. It’s a more affordable option that still has all the features you want in quality, well-built home rower. And they’ve thrown in a heart rate monitor for free! Plus, its compatibility with the Kino App makes it a great choice for everyone. This is simply one of the best overall rowers at the best price. It’s easy to set up, easy to store, and its price is within the reach of almost anyone. You simply cannot go wrong with the Sportstech RSX500. It is with no doubt one of the best magnetic rowing machines on the market.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve gotten to read eight rowing machine reviews in the United Kingdom. You’ve seen the pros and cons to these machines, as well as gotten an idea of which one may be right for you. But, as they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And now, it’s time for you to take that first step.
Maybe you’ll take it by visiting a local gym or exercise equipment store and testing out the available rowers. This will give you an even greater idea of which rower might be for you – and which ones might not.
Maybe you’re already prepared to dive in. In that case, go ahead and order the rower in the UK that fits your budget and needs. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or work through an injury, a good rowing machine in the UK can help.
If you can’t decide what is the best rowing machine for home use in the UK for you or you are not sure if spin bikes are better cardio machines for you, send us an email or leave a comment with your requirements. Members of our team at BEMH will try to help you find the best-buy rowing machine in the UK that fits your needs.
