Best Rowing Machines in Canada (2026)
We analysed 11 rowing machines on Amazon.ca: water, magnetic, air and hydraulic. Picks from $139.99 to $855.82, ranked on Canadian owner reviews.
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The best rowing machine in Canada is the MERACH R280 ($399.99), a water rower with a 181 kg capacity that folds for storage.
For a quieter magnetic rower, the MERACH Q1S ($299.99) has 72 Canadian reviews averaging 4.68. Prices run from $139.99 to $855.82.
Rowing trains your legs, back and arms in one stroke. If you would rather pedal seated, see our best exercise bikes. To walk or run indoors, try a treadmill. For standing low-impact cardio, an elliptical is the other option.
MERACH R280 Water Rowing Machine
The MERACH R280 is the closest thing here to rowing on a lake. Water resistance builds as you pull, and a solid wood frame holds users up to 181.4 kg. It folds 180 degrees and rolls on base wheels. The Bluetooth monitor needs no subscription. Twenty-six recent Canadian reviews average 4.54. The warranty is only 12 months.
ProductHunter.ca analysed 11 rowing machines sold on Amazon.ca. We compared resistance, frame, user limits, storage size and warranty terms.
We also read the verified Canadian reviews for each rower.
Six more rowers were left out because they had no Canadian reviews or no sensible Amazon.ca offer. Each review below says when the Canadian evidence is thin.
Rankings at a Glance
- #2
9.1WENOKER Foldable Water Rowing Machine (Wooden)Best Compact Water Rower$379.99
$379.99
Check Price - #5
8.8Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW523043Best Monitor$469.98
$469.98
Check Price - #9
8.4Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Full Motion Rowing Machine SF-RW5639SMART$182.02
$182.02
Check Price
Detailed Reviews
MERACH R280 Water Rowing Machine
The R280 is the closest thing here to rowing on a lake. Water resistance builds as you pull, and the stroke feels smooth. The solid wood frame holds up to 181.4 kg and folds for storage on base wheels. Twenty-six recent Canadian reviews average 4.54. The rails sit close together, so some larger users find leg room tight.
Specifications
| Resistance | Water (adjustable) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Solid wood |
| Max User Weight | 181.44 kg |
| Unit Weight | 23 kg |
| Dimensions | 184 x 71 x 44 cm |
| Storage | Folds 180 degrees, base wheels |
| Monitor | Dedicated monitor (distance, time, calories) + Bluetooth |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Model Number | MR-R28R1-US |
Pros
- +Water resistance gives the most natural rowing feel of any machine in this comparison
- +Highest stated capacity here: 181.4 kg (400 lb) on a solid wood frame
- +Folds 180 degrees and rolls on base wheels for upright storage
- +Canadian buyers praise the smooth stroke, build and looks; one cites very good after-sales service
- +Bluetooth monitor with a free app, so no subscription is needed
- +Strongest recent Canadian review record of any water rower here: 4.54 average, 8% negative
Cons
- -Rails sit close together; two Canadian buyers found it uncomfortable for larger legs
- -The included pump is cheap; one buyer lost a part into the tank while filling it
- -Sold by third-party seller MERACHFITNESS, not Amazon.ca; warranty is only 12 months
- -Monitor is basic, with no stated heart-rate or split-time display
Score Breakdown
Buy it for the most natural rowing feel under $400. Check the rail spacing if you have a larger build, and note the 12-month warranty.
WENOKER Foldable Water Rowing Machine (Wooden)
The WENOKER water rower costs $20 less than the MERACH and folds smaller. It has an ash wood frame and a Bluetooth app. Thirty-one recent Canadian reviews average 4.45, and buyers like the quiet water sound. Three reviews report the tank leaking, especially when stored upright. One buyer got screws that did not fit and found the overseas seller hard to reach.
Specifications
| Resistance | Water (adjustable) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Ash wood |
| Max User Weight | 158.76 kg |
| Unit Weight | 24.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 98 x 33 x 46 cm (folded) |
| Storage | Folds upright |
| Monitor | Monitor (time, distance, calories) + Bluetooth app |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- +Water resistance in a real wood frame, at $20 less than the MERACH water rower
- +Folds to a very small 98 x 33 x 46 cm footprint
- +158.76 kg (350 lb) stated capacity
- +Canadian buyers like the compact fold, solid wood and quiet water sound
- +Bluetooth app support and a monitor included
- +31 recent Canadian reviews averaging 4.45 stars
Cons
- -Three Canadian reviews report the tank can leak, especially when stored upright
- -One buyer found assembly screws that did not fit and the overseas seller hard to reach
- -The tablet arm shown in one photo was missing from the box for at least one buyer
- -Sold by third-party seller ZXXY, not Amazon.ca; warranty is 1 year
Score Breakdown
A good-value water rower if space is tight. Drain the tank before storing it upright, and expect limited support from the seller.
MERACH Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine (Dual Slide Rail)
The Q1S has the best Canadian record of any rower here. All 72 of its reviews come from Canada and average 4.68, with 1% negative. Its 16-level magnetic resistance is quiet, and the dual rail fits users up to 6 ft 7 in. It folds upright on wheels. Four buyers say even the top resistance is too light for fit users.
Specifications
| Resistance | Magnetic, 16 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | Alloy steel, dual slide rail |
| Max User Weight | 158.76 kg |
| Unit Weight | 23 kg |
| Dimensions | 165 x 49 x 63 cm |
| Storage | Folds upright, base wheels |
| Monitor | App-based (MERACH, Kinomap), HR via app |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Max User Height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) |
Pros
- +Best Canadian review record of any rower here: 72 reviews, all from Canada, averaging 4.68 with 1% negative
- +Quiet, smooth 16-level magnetic resistance on a dual slide rail
- +Listing states it fits users up to 6 ft 7 in, and a 247 lb buyer reports it stays smooth
- +Folds upright on wheels and is light enough to move; a cottage-friendly buyer likes it
- +Free MERACH app plus Kinomap compatibility
- +Lowest-priced magnetic rower with this level of review evidence
Cons
- -The highest resistance is too light for fit users, noted by four Canadian reviewers
- -One buyer received two right pedals, and the replacement left pedal was a month late
- -Frame welds were not perfectly aligned for one buyer, which made assembly hard
- -Sold by third-party seller MERACHFITNESS, not Amazon.ca; 12-month warranty
Score Breakdown
The safest buy for most homes. Strong, fit rowers may want more resistance than 16 magnetic levels give.
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine NS-6050RE
The Marcy is the only air rower in the list. A turbine fan gives 8 settings, and the 35 kg frame is the heaviest here. It folds to 20.5 by 85 cm and rolls on wheels. Amazon.ca sells it with a two-year warranty. But no Canadian owner has reviewed it since March 2023, and older reviews mention weak resistance and a seized flywheel. At $855.82 it costs two to three times as much as better-reviewed rowers.
Specifications
| Resistance | Air (turbine), 8 settings |
|---|---|
| Frame | Steel |
| Max User Weight | 135 kg |
| Unit Weight | 35 kg |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 85 x 36.3 cm (folded) |
| Storage | Folds, transport wheels |
| Monitor | LCD (speed, distance, time) |
| Warranty | 2 years (manufacturer) |
| Model Number | NS-6050RE |
Pros
- +Only air-resistance rower in the field, with 8 settings
- +Heaviest frame here at 35 kg, with a 135 kg capacity
- +Folds to a very small 20.5 x 85 cm footprint and rolls on wheels
- +2-year manufacturer warranty, sold and shipped by Amazon.ca
- +Canadian buyers describe it as sturdy and easy to use, including a 6 ft, 235 lb rower
- +Monitor is simple to read
Cons
- -Priced at $855.82, far above magnetic and water rowers that score as well on specs
- -No Canadian verified review since March 2023, so recent reliability is unproven
- -Older Canadian reviews report weak resistance, a seized flywheel and missing or duplicated parts
- -Basic monitor with no app or Bluetooth
- -Only 1 left in stock at the time of research
Score Breakdown
Only for buyers who want air resistance and a 2-year Amazon.ca warranty. Without recent Canadian reviews, the price is hard to justify.
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW523043
The SF-RW523043 has the best monitor of any rower here. It shows split time, strokes per minute, distance, calories and pulse. It also has a covered stainless rail and 16 magnetic levels. Amazon.ca sells it. No Canadian reviews fall in the past two years. Older ones report a broken pulley, and buyers of other Sunny rowers say its warranty covers the US only.
Specifications
| Resistance | Magnetic, 16 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | Alloy steel, stainless-steel covered rail |
| Max User Weight | 135 kg |
| Unit Weight | 27 kg |
| Dimensions | 190 x 53 x 83 cm |
| Storage | Upright storage |
| Monitor | Time, count, 500 m split, SPM, distance, calories, pulse + SunnyFit app |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
| Model Number | SF-RW523043 |
Pros
- +Most complete monitor of any rower here: split time, strokes per minute, distance, calories and pulse
- +16 levels of magnetic resistance with a stainless-steel covered rail
- +Free SunnyFit app with 1,000+ guided workouts and no subscription
- +Upright storage and a 135 kg capacity
- +Sold and shipped by Amazon.ca
- +Quiet, according to the listing and older Canadian reviews
Cons
- -No warranty is stated on the listing, and buyers of other Sunny rowers say Sunny told them cover is US-only
- -No Canadian verified review in the last 24 months, so recent reliability is unproven
- -Older Canadian reviews report a broken pulley that the maker would not replace
- -$469.98 is $170 more than the better-reviewed MERACH Q1S
Score Breakdown
Pick it only for the data display. The MERACH Q1S costs $170 less and has a far stronger Canadian record.
WENOKER Magnetic Rowing Machine (Red-Black, 350 lb)
This WENOKER is a good starter at $279.99. The steel frame is rated to 158.76 kg and folds on transport wheels. Sixty-three recent Canadian reviews average 4.40 with 8% negative, and buyers call it quiet and easy to build. Resistance is light, and some say it weakened with use. The seat sits low, which an older buyer found hard.
Specifications
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | 5 mm steel |
| Max User Weight | 158.76 kg |
| Unit Weight | 22.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 89 x 19 x 57 cm |
| Storage | Folds, transport wheels |
| Monitor | LCD (time, speed, distance, calories) + tablet holder |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise | < 30 dB (listing claim) |
Pros
- +63 Canadian verified reviews in the last two years, averaging 4.40 with 8% negative
- +Low price: $279.99 for a 158.76 kg steel-frame magnetic rower
- +Folds small and rolls on transport wheels
- +Recent buyers describe it as quiet, easy to assemble and apartment-friendly
- +LCD monitor and a tablet holder
- +Light enough to move at 22.3 kg
Cons
- -Resistance is on the light side and weakened with use for some buyers
- -One Canadian buyer lost tension after 1-2 months; others report a chipping finish or cracked cover
- -Sits very low to the floor, which an older buyer found hard to use
- -A defective display took months to resolve for one buyer
- -Sold by third-party seller ZXXY, not Amazon.ca; 1-year warranty
Score Breakdown
A solid, affordable starter for tall or mobile users. Fit rowers will want more resistance.
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW522016
This Sunny rower suits taller people. Its 136 cm rail allows a long inseam, and it has two device holders and the app. Amazon.ca sells it. Only three Canadian reviews exist, and none is recent. It has the lowest capacity here and no stated warranty. For $461.99, that is a hard case.
Specifications
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | Alloy steel |
| Max User Weight | 113.4 kg |
| Unit Weight | 28.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 208 x 50.6 x 72.4 cm |
| Storage | Foldable |
| Monitor | LCD (distance, time, count, calories) + SunnyFit app, 2 device holders |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
| Rail | 136 cm, 123 cm inseam |
| Model Number | SF-RW522016 |
Pros
- +136 cm rail and 123 cm inseam allowance suit taller rowers
- +Free SunnyFit app and two device holders
- +Sold and shipped by Amazon.ca
- +Foldable frame
- +Canadian buyers who reviewed it were pleased with the value and ease of use
Cons
- -Only 3 Canadian verified reviews, none since May 2023, so recent reliability is unproven
- -Lowest stated capacity in the field at 113.4 kg
- -No warranty is stated on the listing, and buyers of other Sunny rowers say cover is US-only
- -One reviewer hit an assembly problem in the very last step
- -Only 5 left in stock at the time of research
Score Breakdown
A reasonable spec sheet with little proof behind it. The MERACH Q1S costs about $160 less and has far more Canadian reviews.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5515
This Sunny has the most ratings of any rower here. Amazon.ca sells it at $329.99, and it folds upright on wheels. At least seven Canadian reviewers say even the top level feels easy. Pulley and strap failures come up. One buyer says Sunny called the warranty US-only.
Specifications
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | Alloy steel |
| Max User Weight | 113.4 kg |
| Unit Weight | 27.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 198 x 49 x 59 cm |
| Storage | Folds upright, transport wheels |
| Monitor | LCD (time, count, calories, scan) |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
| Rail | 130 cm, 102 cm inseam |
| Model Number | SF-RW5515 |
Pros
- +By far the most-rated rower here, with 18,000+ global ratings
- +Sold and shipped by Amazon.ca at $329.99
- +130 cm rail; the listing claims a fit for users up to 207 cm
- +Folds upright with transport wheels
- +Solid for beginners according to Canadian buyers; the seat glides well
- +Canadian average of 4.16 stars across 100 reviews
Cons
- -At least seven Canadian reviewers say even level 8 resistance is easy
- -One Canadian buyer says Sunny told them the warranty is valid only in the U.S.
- -Pulley and strap failures, loose foot screws and console failures are reported
- -Only 9 Canadian reviews in the last 24 months, so the average mostly reflects older stock
- -On backorder (Temporarily out of stock) at the time of research
Score Breakdown
A cheap starter for gentle use. The MERACH Q1S costs $30 less and has a stronger Canadian record.
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Full Motion Rowing Machine SF-RW5639SMART
This is the cheapest rower here that Amazon.ca sells, at $182.02. It is light and stores under a bed. Recent buyers like the easy build and comfy seat. The short, fixed stroke is too easy for fit users. Four Canadian reviews say the cylinder failed or locked up. Buyers also say Sunny called its warranty US-only.
Specifications
| Resistance | Hydraulic, 12 levels |
|---|---|
| Frame | Steel |
| Max User Weight | 180 kg |
| Unit Weight | 16.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 142 x 74 x 58 cm |
| Storage | Compact; stores under a bed |
| Monitor | LCD stroke count + Bluetooth, SunnyFit app |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
| Model Number | SF-RW5639SMART |
Pros
- +Lowest-priced Amazon.ca-direct rower here at $182.02, down from $263.99
- +Very compact and light (16.5 kg); stores under a bed
- +Bluetooth and the free SunnyFit app
- +Recent Canadian buyers like the easy assembly, comfortable seat and small footprint
- +High stated capacity of 180 kg
- +More than 6,700 global ratings
Cons
- -Hydraulic rowing has a short fixed stroke; fit users say it does not challenge them
- -Four Canadian reviews report the cylinder failing, locking up or losing resistance
- -Buyers say Sunny told them its warranty covers U.S. customers only and asked $70 to ship a part
- -No warranty is stated on the Amazon.ca listing; stroke-count-only display
Score Breakdown
Treat it as a light-use machine to try rowing. Expect limited warranty help in Canada.
LUBBYGIM Magnetic Rowing Machine (Elastic-Rope, Foldable)
The LUBBYGIM is the cheapest rower here at $139.99. It weighs 12.1 kg, folds, and has a two-year warranty on the listing. Casual users like the small footprint. But 28% of recent Canadian reviews are one or two stars. Tension cords fray or shred within months for at least three buyers. Resistance is stepped by cord and hard to reduce.
Specifications
| Resistance | Elastic-rope tension (up to 3 cords) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Alloy steel |
| Max User Weight | 136.08 kg |
| Unit Weight | 12.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 135.9 x 41.9 x 70.1 cm |
| Storage | Foldable, transport wheels |
| Monitor | LCD (calories, stroke count, time) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- +Lowest sticker price in the field: $139.99
- +Only 12.1 kg and foldable, so it is easy to move and store
- +2-year warranty stated on the listing
- +Canadian buyers who use it casually, including French-language reviewers, like the price and the small footprint
- +Easy to put out of the way in winter
Cons
- -28% of recent Canadian verified reviews are 1-2 stars
- -Tension cords frayed or shredded within a few months for at least three Canadian buyers
- -Missing or broken parts, a sensor failure and an unsecured rope holder are reported
- -Resistance is stepped by cord and hard to reduce; not suited to larger or tall users
- -Sold by third-party seller LUBBYGIM DIRECT, not Amazon.ca
Score Breakdown
A throwaway price for occasional light use. Frayed cords are the repeated problem.
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052 Hydraulic Rowing Machine
The Stamina Glider is a basic hydraulic rower from a known brand. It has adjustable cylinder resistance and a ball-bearing seat. The evidence is thin. Only three Canadian reviews exist, none since June 2023. They mention a missing screw, damage on arrival and misaligned holes. The warranty is 90 days on parts and one year on the frame. One unit was left in stock.
Specifications
| Resistance | Hydraulic, adjustable |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon steel |
| Max User Weight | 113.4 kg |
| Unit Weight | 17.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 148 x 108 x 46.1 cm |
| Storage | Compact |
| Monitor | Stroke count + device tray, muuv app |
| Warranty | 90 days parts, 1 year frame |
| Model Number | 35-1052 |
Pros
- +Recognizable North American fitness brand with a muuv app for guided workouts
- +Compact hydraulic design
- +Adjustable cylinder resistance with a ball-bearing roller seat
- +Frame warranty of 1 year
- +Sold by a Canadian-located seller (Spreetail CA)
Cons
- -Only 3 Canadian verified reviews, none since June 2023, so recent reliability is unproven
- -Canadian reviews mention a missing screw, damage on arrival and misaligned drilled holes
- -Shortest warranty here: 90 days on parts, 1 year on the frame
- -Hydraulic stroke and a 113.4 kg capacity limit it to light use
- -Only 1 left in stock at the time of research
Score Breakdown
Hard to justify. The MERACH Q1S costs less and has a far better Canadian record.
How We Compared
Specifications come from each Amazon.ca listing. Where a listing states no warranty, the table says so.
| Model | Price | Score | Resistance | Max User Weight | Unit Weight | Storage | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERACH R280 Water Rowing Machine | $399.99 | 9.2 | Water (adjustable) | 181.44 kg | 23 kg | Folds 180 degrees, base wheels | 12 months |
| WENOKER Foldable Water Rowing Machine (Wooden) | $379.99 | 9.1 | Water (adjustable) | 158.76 kg | 24.9 kg | Folds upright | 1 year |
| MERACH Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine (Dual Slide Rail) | $299.99 | 9 | Magnetic, 16 levels | 158.76 kg | 23 kg | Folds upright, base wheels | 12 months |
| Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine NS-6050RE | $855.82 | 8.9 | Air (turbine), 8 settings | 135 kg | 35 kg | Folds, transport wheels | 2 years (manufacturer) |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW523043 | $469.98 | 8.8 | Magnetic, 16 levels | 135 kg | 27 kg | Upright storage | Not stated on listing |
| WENOKER Magnetic Rowing Machine (Red-Black, 350 lb) | $279.99 | 8.7 | Magnetic, 8 levels | 158.76 kg | 22.3 kg | Folds, transport wheels | 1 year |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW522016 | $461.99 | 8.6 | Magnetic, 8 levels | 113.4 kg | 28.5 kg | Foldable | Not stated on listing |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5515 | $329.99 | 8.5 | Magnetic, 8 levels | 113.4 kg | 27.6 kg | Folds upright, transport wheels | Not stated on listing |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Full Motion Rowing Machine SF-RW5639SMART | $182.02 | 8.4 | Hydraulic, 12 levels | 180 kg | 16.5 kg | Compact; stores under a bed | Not stated on listing |
| LUBBYGIM Magnetic Rowing Machine (Elastic-Rope, Foldable) | $139.99 | 8.2 | Elastic-rope tension (up to 3 cords) | 136.08 kg | 12.1 kg | Foldable, transport wheels | 2 years |
| Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052 Hydraulic Rowing Machine | $311.99 | 8.2 | Hydraulic, adjustable | 113.4 kg | 17.7 kg | Compact | 90 days parts, 1 year frame |
Water, Magnetic, Air or Hydraulic: What You Are Paying For
The top two rowers here use water. Resistance builds as you pull harder, so the stroke feels like rowing on a lake. The sound of the water is part of the appeal. The MERACH R280 and the WENOKER water rower also have wood frames and fold for storage.
Magnetic rowers are quieter and let you set a level. The MERACH Q1S has 16 levels and the best Canadian record here. Cheaper models with fewer levels run light. At least seven Canadian reviewers say even the top level on the most-rated Sunny feels easy.
Hydraulic and rope rowers cost the least and have the weakest owner records. Four Canadian reviews say the hydraulic Sunny's cylinder failed or locked up. At least three LUBBYGIM buyers saw cords fray within months. The Marcy is the only air rower, and it costs $855.82.
Water rowers have their own risk. Three Canadian reviews of the WENOKER water rower report leaks, mostly when it is stored upright with water in the tank. Drain the tank before long storage and check the seal when it arrives.
Space, Height and Storage in a Canadian Home
Plan for 170 to 210 cm of floor space while you row. Stored, the machines shrink a lot. The Marcy folds to 20.5 x 85 cm, and the WENOKER water rower to 98 x 33 x 46 cm. Check the folded size against the closet or corner you have in mind.
Tall rowers need a long rail. The MERACH Q1S states a fit up to 6 ft 7 in. The Sunny SF-RW522016 has a 136 cm rail and a 123 cm inseam allowance. Compact hydraulic and rope rowers have a short stroke that tall users outgrow.
Weight limits vary too.
- 181.4 kg — MERACH R280, the highest.
- 180 kg — the hydraulic Sunny.
- 113.4 kg — two other Sunny rowers and the Stamina.
Warranty and Seller Reality in Canada
The best-reviewed rowers here come from third-party sellers, not Amazon.ca.
MERACHFITNESS sells both MERACH rowers with a 12-month warranty. A seller called ZXXY sells both WENOKER rowers with one year of cover.
Amazon.ca sells the Marcy, which lists two years of cover. It also sells four Sunny rowers that state no warranty.
Canadian buyers of several Sunny rowers say Sunny told them its warranty covers U.S. customers only.
That is the trade-off. Amazon.ca fulfilment gives you a simple return path. The third-party sellers have the stronger Canadian review records. Keep your packaging until you have rowed a few sessions.
Why Concept2 Is Not on This List
The Concept2 Model D is the rower many gyms use. We left it out because Amazon.ca has no featured offer for it. The only new offer we found came from one third-party seller at $2,299. That is nearly six times the price of the MERACH R280.
Five more rowers were left out because they had no Canadian reviews or no sensible Amazon.ca offer.
Is Rowing Right for You?
Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines ask adults for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity a week.
Rowing counts as aerobic activity, so two or three sessions on a rower can add up fast.
It is not for every body. If your lower back is the problem, a recumbent exercise bike is gentler. If you want to walk or run, see our best treadmills. For standing, low-impact cardio, look at an elliptical.
How We Research & Rank
| Criterion | Weight | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Rowing Feel & Resistance | 25 | Water, magnetic, air, hydraulic or rope resistance, how many levels you can set, and how smooth the stroke is. |
| Build, Stability & Fit | 20 | Frame material, stated user limit, rail length and the height range a rower can fit. |
| Monitor & Features | 10 | What the monitor shows, app support, Bluetooth and device holders. |
| Storage & Warranty | 20 | Folded size, wheels, warranty terms on the listing, and whether Amazon.ca or a third party sells it. |
| Owner Satisfaction | 25 | Verified Canadian reviews: star average, share of 1-2 star reviews and defects that repeat. |
Scores are out of 10. Only Owner Satisfaction uses review evidence. Rowers with few Canadian reviews are pulled toward the field average.
Prefer to Pedal Instead?
An exercise bike is easier on the back and lets you sit the whole time. See which bikes have the best Canadian owner reviews, from $251.99 to $1,399.
See the Best Exercise BikesFrequently Asked Questions
The MERACH R280 water rower, at $399.99. It has a solid wood frame that folds and rolls on wheels. Its monitor needs no subscription. Canadian owners rate it 4.54 stars. The warranty lasts a year.
The MERACH Q1S, at $299.99. All 72 of its reviews come from Canada, averaging 4.68 with 1% negative. It has 16 quiet magnetic levels on a dual slide rail, and it states a fit for users up to 6 ft 7 in. It folds upright on wheels and works with a free app.
Water rowers feel more like rowing on a lake, because resistance builds as you pull harder. Magnetic rowers are quieter and let you set a level. In this list the top two picks are water rowers, and the best-reviewed magnetic option is the MERACH Q1S. Water rowers add a leak risk if stored upright.
Yes, if the rail is long enough. The MERACH Q1S fits users up to 6 ft 7 in. The Sunny SF-RW522016 has a 136 cm rail and a 123 cm inseam allowance. Compact hydraulic and rope rowers have a short stroke that tall users usually outgrow.
It depends on the seller. Buyers of several Sunny rowers say Sunny told them its warranty covers U.S. buyers only. Those listings state no warranty. The MERACH, WENOKER, Marcy and LUBBYGIM listings give one to two years. Ask who does repairs before you buy.
Choose by movement and joints. A rower trains legs, back and arms. A treadmill suits walkers and runners. An exercise bike is gentler on a sore back. An elliptical keeps you standing with low impact on your knees.