The 6 Best Hydraulic Rowing Machines for Your Home Gym
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Rowing machines offer a low-impact cardio and strength workout that can work almost all of your muscles. Though indoor rowing machines run the gamut in pricing, there are four types of rowers to choose from that can fit nearly every budget. Air and water rowers use those elements for resistance, while a magnetic rowing machine uses a magnetic brake to create resistance. The hydraulic rowing machine, on the other hand, gives you resistance based on a hydraulic cylinder or piston. It tends to be cheaper and quieter than the other types.
Hydraulic rowing machines generally differ from other rowing machines. Sometimes the seat doesn’t slide up and down the track, so you won’t engage your legs and core like you would on a traditional rower. Also, the arm handles aren’t on a chain or cord like other rowers. In most cases they move back and forth, not allowing you to have a rounded, freestyle movement with your arms similar to the way natural water rowing works.
There are advantages to buying a hydraulic rower. They tend to be quieter and more affordable than other types, and many fold down so they can fit into tight spaces. If you’re looking to get into rowing, they can be a good investment. Of course, there are disadvantages as well. They may not offer the full range of motion that magnetic, water and air rowing machines have. Hydraulic rowers aren’t the best if you’re looking for an intense workout. That said, they can provide a good fitness routine that combines cardio and strength training.
If you’re looking to buy a rowing machine, or just exploring them, we’ve got some details on some of the best hydraulic rowing machines to help you make the choice that’s best for you. We’ll give you the basics like what’s included, what’s not and what users say about some of the best hydraulic rowing machines on the market.
Our Picks for the Best Hydraulic Rowing Machines:
- Best Overall Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Rowing Machine
- Best Budget Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine
- Best Compact Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine for Home Use: Niceday Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine with App: Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052
- Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Upgrade: Aviron Impact Series Rower
Best Overall Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key Features:
- Price: $169.98
- Dimensions: 52.2L x 28.7W x 11.8H inches
- Product weight: 35.8 pounds
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Resistance levels: 12
- Product highlights:
- High weight capacity
- Digital monitor
- Rounded motion close to natural rowing
This is a relatively low-cost rower that will give you the full rowing motion with your arms instead of a simple push-and-pull motion. The digital monitor on the Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Rowing Machine keeps tabs on time, calories burned and more. You may be more comfortable for longer workouts thanks to the cushioned seat, which can ease the pressure on your body as you move. Adjustable foot straps keep your feet placed firmly so you feel stable in the machine. The handles provide a full range of movement so your arms can circle around similar to the way it is if you’re rowing in water. The arms do fold down to save space.
One potential drawback is build quality. Verified buyer John K. on the brand’s website wrote, “I really like the rower. But…the right handle is about to break off.” Jamill V. also wrote that he loves the machine but the monitor would not work.
Pros:
- Holds up to 350 pounds
- Assembly manual easy to understand
- App provides free workouts
Cons:
- Tension may not be high enough for some users
- Not the best fit if you’re over 5 feet 10 inches
- Possible quality control issues
Best Budget Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key Features:
- Price: $119.98
- Dimensions: 54 inches L x 20 inches W x 23 inches H
- Product weight: 20.9 pounds
- Weight capacity: 220 pounds
- Resistance levels: 12
- Product highlights:
- Affordable
- 12 resistance settings
- Lightweight
Looking for a basic budget rowing machine with push/pull motion for a low-impact workout? The Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine may be a good start. It has 12 levels of resistance to vary your workouts with your fitness level. The digital monitor lets you track time, calories and more. Your feet can stay put thanks to the large, non-slip pivoting pedals with straps; non-slip handlebars can also keep your hands secure while you move. Note that the rowing bar comes up between your legs, not to the outside of them like some other hydraulic rowing machines. This makes your arms move differently—they stay closer to the sides of your body, rather than bending outwards as they would with a wider handle. This rower also comes with a rowing app that provides free workouts so you can tune into a class, but they’re not live-streamed. Reviewers liked that it was easy to set up. “Easy to assemble, exactly as described, and perfect for a beginner,” writes Judi S. on the brand’s website. Overall, it may be a good pick if you want a basic hydraulic rowing machine that’s easy on your funds.
Pros:
- Straightforward assembly process
- Compact design
Cons:
- Lower weight capacity
- Doesn’t fold
Best Compact Hydraulic Rowing Machine: Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Stamina
Key Features:
- Price: $324.99
- Dimensions: 58.25 inches L x 42.5 inches W x 18.125 inches H
- Product weight: 39 pounds
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Resistance levels: 12
- Product highlights:
- Rounded arm motion for rowing
- Seat slides on track
- Folds down
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 is made to emulate actual rowing, and it has a more substantial build than other hydraulic rowers (at least in appearance). The arm handles with padded handgrips give you a true rowing motion instead of a back-and-forth push-and-pull motion. This is great for your upper body. Plus, the seat does move on the track so it activates your legs and core as well. When looking at reviews from actual users, the biggest gripe seems to be the wobbly foot pedals, so that may be something you’ll need to contend with–or they may not bug you at all. Amazon review Orin J. Howerton writes, “Assembly quality is reasonable, I'd say pretty awesome at this price point with one exception: the foot braces are pretty bad... I haven't had my feet fall out of them yet wearing shoes, but can see how that happens and question the longevity of them as they're just pretty thin plastic.”
If you like to follow an exercise class, this rowing machine comes with the free müüv app that gives you a library of guided workouts. It folds down and has wheels to pivot so you can store it upright, which may make it an ideal fit if you’re in a tight space.
Pros:
- Folds to save space
- Padded handles
- Seat slides on track
Cons:
- Foot pedals move or feel flimsy, reviewers say
Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine for Home Use: Niceday Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Amazon
Key Features:
- Price: $189.99
- Dimensions: 57.1 inches D x 25.9 inches W x 21.7 inches H
- Product weight: 34 pounds
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Resistance levels: 16
- Product highlights:
- High weight capacity rower
- Some parts pre-assembled
- Circular arm handle motion
The Niceday Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a sturdy rower with a wide arm motion capability instead of the straight-line back-and-forth motion on some other hydraulic rowing machines. The arm handles move in a circular motion, so you get a larger span of movement with each stroke that’s kind of like actual rowing (or being on a chain-based air, water or magnetic rower). Padded handles keep your hands comfortable as you row along. The textured footbed also has straps to keep your feet secure as you move. The oversized seat slides up and down the track and is contoured so it keeps you from getting sore after a long workout. It holds up to 350 pounds, which is higher than some other hydraulic rowing machines. Overall, this hydraulic rowing machine may make a good addition to your home gym.
Pros:
- Lots of resistance options for beginners and advanced users
- Comes partly assembled
- Wide range of motion for arms
Cons:
- May not be best if you’re over 6’2”
- Handles come high on the chest, some users say
Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine with App: Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052
Stamina
Key Features:
- Price: $175.00
- Dimensions: 58.25 inches D x 42.5 inches W x 18.13 inches H
- Product weight: 39 pounds
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Resistance levels: 12
- Product highlights:
- Folds down to save space
- Seat moves on track
- Free access to müüv fitness app
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052 has a seat that moves up and down the track, which not all hydraulic rowing machines have. This engages your legs and core. The full-motion arms move in a way that simulates the way you’d row in the water, giving you a good upper body workout. It has an LCD monitor so you can keep track of your workout stats like strokes and calories burned. It also comes with access to an app to give you workouts as well as coaching and assembly videos. But to see the content on the app, you’ll need a stand–and this rower provides one. You’d just need to rest a tablet on the device tray provided near the monitor. Overall, reviewers are happy with their purchases, but some cited faulty monitors and trouble keeping feet in.
Pros:
- Sliding seat
- Circular rowing motion for arms
- Space-saving fold-down mechanism
Cons:
- Some issues with monitor and tracking capabilities, Amazon reviewers say
- Reviewers had hard time keeping feet in
Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Upgrade: Aviron Impact Series Rower
Aviron
Key Features:
- Price: $1,899.00
- Dimensions: 97 inches L x 21 inches W x 43 inches H
- Product weight: 97 pounds
- Weight capacity: 397 pounds
- Resistance levels: 16
- Product highlights:
- 22-inch touchscreen
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- Folds down
Thinking of trying another type of rowing machine other than a hydraulic rowing machine? The Aviron Impact Series Rower is an air and magnetic resistance rower, so it gets its resistance from a combination of the two. You’ll pay more for it than a hydraulic rowing machine, but it may be the ideal step up if you know you love rowing and you want a machine that can keep up with your appetite for toning and cardio. Plus, it has a huge touchscreen with plenty of custom content. The monthly membership under $30 gives you access to workouts, games and your streaming accounts though you can use features without paying extra.
Related Post: Aviron Strong Series Rower Review
Pros:
- Games, workouts and streaming entertainment from digital screen
- Comfortable grip keeps you in proper form
- High weight capacity
Cons:
- No live classes
- Expensive
Why Buy a Hydraulic Rowing Machine?
Hydraulic rowing machines are a good choice if you want the ability to work out at home. These machines tend to be quieter and less expensive than water, air and magnetic rowers. Many of them fold down, so they can save on space. Unlike other rowing machines, they may not work your full body, because hydraulic rowers don’t always have moving seats to activate your legs. But they can still give you a good workout—and they can be easier to store than bulkier machines.
If you’re new to rowing, you may want to consider a hydraulic rower. But if you’re more advanced and want a full-body workout, you may want to opt for an air, magnetic or water rower so you can get a complete range of movement like you would on the actual water. Hydraulic machines typically don’t give you any wiggle room in arm movement, though some on this list let you row in a circular motion instead of a straight line back and forth. Either way, a hydraulic rowing machine may work for your fitness needs, and there are many to choose from.
Hydraulic rowing machines tend to be less pricey than air, magnetic and water rowing machines. Not all are poor quality; some are on the better side so you can get a nice bang for your buck.
How Hydraulic Rowing Machines Work
Hydraulic rowing machines get their back-and-forth motion from one or two pistons, which are cylinders that contain air or a fluid. The pistons are most often attached to the handlebars. You can tighten the piston to create more resistance.
Some hydraulic rowing machines use a sliding seat, which is how the air, water and magnetic types of rowers work. This engages your legs and core in addition to your arms. But many hydraulic rowing machines do not have seats that slide back and forth on a track. They only have handles that move back and forth, so your legs and core don’t get in on the action.
The Benefits of a Hydraulic Rowing Machine
The primary benefit of hydraulic rowers over other types of rowing machines is that they cost less.
Rowing itself can be a full-body workout that gives you cardiovascular exercise and builds strength. A rower is geared for all fitness levels, so it can be a good choice whether you're solo or there are multiple people in your home are using it. Not all rowing machines are built the same, though. Some are better if you’re looking for more intense workouts. But overall, they provide a good workout for people at a variety of fitness levels.
The Drawbacks of a Hydraulic Rowing Machine
First, the motion you get on a hydraulic rowing machine is less like being on the actual water or even rowing on an air or water rowing machine. (But newer models do seem to try to better emulate actual rowing with sliding seats and a more circular, natural arm motion range.) Many have a basic back-and-forth motion that’s not exactly like actual rowing or fancier rowing machines, but it still delivers an upper body workout. It’ll still give you cardio and strength training, just not on your legs and not as much on your core as the types of rowers you see in a gym.
Generally, you’re more likely to get a smaller machine if it’s a hydraulic rowing machine. Rowing machines can be bulky. Even the gym-quality ones may have some folding ability, but not all. Hydraulic rowing machines don’t have a huge flywheel like some of the larger versions you may have seen in the gym. Some hydraulic rowers have folding functions so they can be space-saving compared to other types.
A hydraulic rowing machine can also be loud or get squeaky, but they generally tend to be quieter than other types of rowers.
If you’re on the tall side, not all hydraulic rower machines will be a good fit for you. Think about your pants inseam measurement. If this number is longer than the distance from the edge of the seat to the top of the footrest when you’re on the machine, you won’t get the full stride and may wind up feeling cramped.
A complaint across the board for hydraulic rowing machines on the whole is that a hydraulic rower isn’t best if you want a long or intense workout. After a while, the mechanism gets too heated and resistance drops. If you're looking for a marathon rowing session, these don’t seem to be the best machines. But if you want an occasional home gym workout that gives you a little cardio and resistance, a hydraulic rowing machine may be good.
What to Look for in a Hydraulic Rower
Construction and durability
A machine may look sturdy, but that doesn’t mean it is. In addition to testing the machine for fit and to see if it feels solid, note the weight limit. See if it has a steel frame, or a partially steel frame.
Look into the durability of the track for a moving seat, if your machine has one. If the seat doesn’t move, your legs and core will not be involved in the workout, so it’ll be limited to your upper body. If you have a track, be sure that the seat moves smoothly on it—especially when you’re on it. Keep an ear out for any squeaking or other noises that suggest it’s not as sturdy as you think.
If you get a hydraulic rowing machine, you may not be on it for long amounts of time, so you may not need the best-of-the-best rower on the market. But it’s a good idea to know what your rower is made of, and to try to determine if it is strong enough for your exercise routine.
Size
Have a tight space? You may want to base your choice on portability and foldability. A lot of hydraulic rowing machines fold down, which is great for smaller spaces (or if you don’t want to leave it out all the time). If space is an issue, look for a rowing machine that folds down, and get the measurements of the unit both when it’s in use and when it’s folded.
Resistance levels
You’ll probably want multiple levels of resistance so you can intensify your workouts as you go, or dial back the force if you need to. With a hydraulic or piston rower, you can’t adjust the resistance mid-stride, so you’ll have to stop and shift the hydraulic component separately. But many have a variety of resistance levels so you can find what works for you. It’s usually as easy as twisting a knob to crank up or pare down the intensity.
Cost
Hydraulic rowers tend to cost less than their water, air and magnetic counterparts. You get what you pay for, though, so do your research before you invest in a machine. Consider what features matter most to you, then read reviews from multiple sources.
How We Chose the Best Hydraulic Rowing Machines
To choose the best hydraulic rowers, we evaluated what options were on the market, and chose the top models based on features, price and user ratings and reviews.
Hydraulic Rowing Machine FAQs
How do hydraulic rowing machines work?
Hydraulic rowing machines are a type of rowing machine that uses hydraulic resistance. When you pump your arms back and forth, it creates a back-and-forth motion from a hydraulic cylinder that’s filled with air or a fluid. Some have multiple cylinders, or pistons. Many don’t have seats that slide along the rail, so your legs and core may not be involved in the movement.
Are hydraulic rowing machines expensive?
They’re generally more budget friendly than air, water and magnetic rowing machines. This can make them a good choice for people who are getting started with rowing or want to purchase exercise equipment on a budget.
Are hydraulic rowers noisy?
Actually, they tend to be quieter than other kinds of rowers. That’s especially good if you’re in a tight space or an apartment.
Final Thoughts
If you want to purchase a rowing machine, you’ve got a lot of options. Air, water and magnetic rowing machines have their perks, but they can cost a lot more. Hydraulic rowing machines offer a budget-friendly way to own a rowing machine. They’re cheaper and quieter than other types of rowing fitness equipment, too.
A hydraulic rowing machine can deliver a good workout. But they don’t always have the sliding seat to engage your legs and core, and they may not offer that circular, natural rowing motion for your arms. So they may not engage as many muscles as other rowers. Hydraulic rowing machines may not be right if you want a long, intense workout. But they can be good for beginners, or those looking for short cardio and strength training workouts.
The best rowing fitness equipment in terms of a hydraulic rower is one that meets your exercise needs and fits into your budget. There are a few models that offer a traditional, circular rowing motion for your arms. Some also have seats that go back and forth on the track. On the flip side, you may want a basic rower with back-and-forth arm motions—and hydraulic rowing machines are good for that. They don’t come with all the perks of ones with a built-in flatscreen and workout libraries. They may not be as sturdy with a steel frame or have as many bells and whistles as the ones you’ll see at a gym. But they can meet your needs whether you need something small, something for quick workouts, or something that’s on the more affordable side.
The hydraulic rowing machines we featured have different features and price points that can make it easy to find one that works for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
