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Rowing Machine Test 2026: The Best Rowing Machine for Home Use

14. April 2026

BY Lars Wichert

Your own rowing machine enables a complete full-body workout. Without a gym, parking hassles, or time pressure. The most important criteria, the best models, and why AUGLETICS continues to lead in direct comparison.

Rowing is full-body training – but only with the right equipment

Rowing machines are among the most effective fitness equipment available: they engage over 85% of your muscles, are easy on the joints, and combine strength and endurance training in a single movement. No wonder more and more people are choosing a rowing machine for their home gym. Moving away from the gym toward a flexible, efficient training routine at home.

However, the market is confusing. Whether AUGLETICS, Concept2, WaterRower, NordicTrack, Kettler, Hydrow, or Peloton, the differences between devices are significant. This article helps you understand the crucial criteria and find the right model for you. Current status: The test results and awards from 2025, which we document in detail below, remain valid – and AUGLETICS has further expanded its leading position in the smart home rowing machine segment since then.

What really matters in a rowing machine?

When purchasing a rowing machine, there are several points that determine satisfaction or quick disappointment. Here are the most important test criteria – and why each one counts.

1. Resistance System

The braking system is the heart of every rowing machine. It determines noise level, rowing feel, and durability. An overview of the four common systems:

Magnetic brake (electronic)
Nearly silent, wear-free, and precisely controllable via display. The electronically controlled variant – as in the AUGLETICS – produces a particularly natural, smooth rowing feel. Ideal for residential buildings, evening training, and the highest standards. The recommendation for your home gym.
Disadvantage: requires power connection

Air-braked rowing machines

Realistic rowing feel through air resistance that increases automatically with your pace. The Concept2 RowErg is the classic choice, widely used by professionals and CrossFit gyms worldwide.
Disadvantage: Significantly louder than magnetic devices.

Water-resistance rowing machines
Simulates the experience with the typical splashing sound of water. WaterRower is the most well-known model here.

Disadvantages: Resistance is less flexibly adjustable than magnetic devices. Louder than magnetic brake, requires maintenance (refilling water, cleaning), occasional slippage in resistance uptake.

Hydraulic
Common in entry-level models. Lower purchase price, but less natural rowing feel and limited training flexibility. Not a satisfying long-term solution for ambitious athletes.

2. Noise Level

Those training in a rental apartment or multi-family building have little leeway. Magnetic devices – particularly the electronically controlled eddy current brake of the AUGLETICS – operate almost silently. Air and water brakes are significantly louder. An often underestimated factor that influences training frequency in the long term.

3. Space Requirements and Storage

Few people have a dedicated fitness room. What matters is how compact the device is and whether it can be stored to save space. The AUGLETICS Eight, at 181 cm in length, is one of the most compact rowing machines in the premium segment and can be folded upright and stored vertically after training. The integrated wheels enable easy movement.

4. Display and Digital Functions

This point has become the decisive differentiating feature in recent years. Classic rowing machines show time, stroke rate, and distance. Modern devices like the AUGLETICS Eight, on the other hand, offer a full-featured tablet with touchscreen, virtual coach, over 30 training programs, virtual routes through world cities, and streaming services – Netflix, YouTube, and more directly on the display.

5. Build Quality and Design

A rowing machine stands in your living space – visual quality is not a luxury, but a legitimate criterion. The AUGLETICS Eight Style combines oak wood with aluminum and stainless steel. This design decision was honored with the Red Dot Design Award in 2019. At the same time, sustainability is not marketing: AUGLETICS manufactures in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin, with regional partners and a measurable ecological approach.

6. No Monthly Subscription Fees

A point many only notice after purchase: devices like Hydrow or Peloton Row require monthly subscription fees to use the training content. With AUGLETICS, these costs do not apply. All functions, including Virtual Coach and workouts, are included in the device.

What independent tests say – and why their results remain valid

The major German media tests from 2025 placed AUGLETICS at the top twice. These results are not a snapshot: the tested characteristics – braking system, build quality, software depth, design – are structural strengths that remain unchanged in 2026.

F.A.Z. KAUFKOMPASS · BEST MAGNETIC ROWING MACHINE

“Anyone who enjoys fine-tuning their training and wants to keep as much data as possible in view will be fully satisfied here.”

The AUGLETICS Eight Sport was awarded as the best magnetic rowing machine in the F.A.Z. test. Particularly highlighted: the 10-inch HD touchscreen, 15 precise resistance levels, the detailed training data (force diagram, stroke length and pull analysis), and the entertainment functionality. The testers rated this combination as a unique selling point across the entire test field – regardless of the competitors’ braking systems.

SPIEGEL ONLINE · TEST WINNER 2025

“The AUGLETICS Eight Style is the most expensive device in the test – but also the technically best.”

In direct comparison with the Concept2 RowErg, the Skandika Styrke Premium, and the Domyos 500B from Decathlon, the Eight Style received top marks in nearly all categories – particularly for the electronically controlled magnetic brake, the user-friendly training software with integrated technique coach, and the streaming functions directly on the display. The only criticism: the higher purchase price.

HARDER-FASTER-BETTER-STRONGER · EXPERIENCE REPORT

Quiet, powerful, elegant – and technically at the highest level.

Ulf from the blog Harder-Faster-Better-Stronger emphasizes in his detailed experience report primarily the silent operation, the high-quality oak wood design, and the integrated Virtual Coach as a practical entry aid. His conclusion: the AUGLETICS Eight as the perfect choice for anyone seeking a quiet, elegant, and technically sophisticated device for their home gym.

RED DOT AWARD 2019

Award-winning product design: oak wood meets engineering quality.

The Red Dot Design Award recognizes the AUGLETICS Eight Style for the consistent connection of aesthetics and function. The device integrates into everyday life as a living room-suitable object – without having to hide behind its performance.

AUGLETICS in comparison – the structural advantage

The following table shows why AUGLETICS occupies a special position in the smart premium rowing machine segment. The most relevant devices for home use are compared:

Why AUGLETICS is still the first choice in 2026

The market for smart home fitness equipment is growing – and with it, user expectations. What was considered a novelty in 2025 is now the standard: a device that is intelligent, quiet, and fits into the living room. AUGLETICS was the first German company to consistently implement this combination in the premium rowing sector. And thanks to the software, which is constantly being developed, the AUGLETICS Eight always remains up to date.

Whisper-quiet electric eddy current brake

No fan, no noise. Ideal for apartments, nighttime peace, and considerate training in multi-family buildings.

Virtual Coach – without subscription, without surcharge

Real-time feedback on posture, rhythm, and pull behavior directly on the display. No monthly cost block, no external device necessary.

15.6-inch touchscreen with streaming
Netflix, YouTube, virtual routes through Berlin, London, or Paris – training becomes an experience, not an obligation.

Most compact length in the premium segment
181 cm length, foldable, with wheels. Fits in living room, bedroom, or guest room – and disappears behind the door after training.

Sustainable production in Germany
Developed and assembled in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin. Oak wood, regional partners, measurable ecological approach. Made in Germany is not a label here, but reality.

Detailed training data
Force diagram, stroke length and pull analysis, heart rate integration: for anyone who wants to not just complete their training, but understand it.

The recommendation – consistently clear

The market for smart rowing machines has evolved since 2024. Buyer expectations have increased: quiet, space-saving, digitally sophisticated, without monthly extra costs – and visually living room-suitable. AUGLETICS is the only device in the German market that fully meets these requirements from a single source.

Those primarily looking for competition preparation on the Concept2 – for example, for world ranking entries or CrossFit competitions – are well served by the Concept2 RowErg. For everyone else looking for a smart, quiet, stylish home device with real coaching feedback and no subscription model, AUGLETICS is the way to go. The Eight Style is the clear recommendation for anyone who wants the best overall package.

About the author

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert ist Sportwissenschaftler und ehemaliger Leistungssportler im Rudern. Er war 13 Jahre Teil der deutschen Nationalmannschaft. Dabei kann er auf zwei Teilnahmen an den Olympischen Spielen sowie drei Weltmeistertitel zurückblicken. Er war nach seiner Ruderkarriere als Trainer tätig und konnte mit seinem Team die Europameisterschaft gewinnen. Mittlerweile ist er in seiner Freizeit im Triathlon unterwegs und hält dort die Weltbestzeit der Amateure über die Ironman-Distanz. Lars verfügt über das Wissen als Trainer, Leistungssportler und Sportwissenschaftler, sodass sich jeder angesprochen fühlen kann. Sein Ziel ist es, Spaß an der Bewegung zu vermitteln und zu verdeutlichen, dass mit geringem Aufwand viel für die Gesundheit getan werden kann – denn es gibt keine bessere Vorsorge als die in seine eigene Gesundheit. Lars Wichert è uno scienziato dello sport ed ex atleta agonista di canottaggio. Ha fatto parte della nazionale tedesca per 13 anni. Ha partecipato a due Olimpiadi e ha vinto tre titoli mondiali. Dopo la carriera di canottiere, ha lavorato come allenatore e ha vinto il campionato europeo con la sua squadra. Nel tempo libero pratica il triathlon e detiene il record mondiale amatoriale sulla distanza Ironman. Lars dispone delle conoscenze necessarie come allenatore, atleta agonista e scienziato dello sport, in modo da poter soddisfare le esigenze di tutti. Il suo obiettivo è quello di trasmettere il piacere del movimento e di dimostrare che con poco sforzo si può fare molto per la salute, perché non c’è prevenzione migliore che quella della propria salute. Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was a member of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two Olympic appearances and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championship with his team. He now spends his free time competing in triathlons and holds the world record for amateurs over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a coach, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His goal is to convey the fun of exercise and to make it clear that a lot can be done for one’s health with little effort – because there is no better prevention than taking care of one’s own health. Lars Wichert est scientifique du sport et ancien athlète de haut niveau en aviron. Il a fait partie de l’équipe nationale allemande pendant 13 ans. Il a participé à deux reprises aux Jeux Olympiques et remporté trois titres de champion du monde. Après sa carrière d’avironneur, il a travaillé comme entraîneur et a remporté le championnat d’Europe avec son équipe. Aujourd’hui, il consacre son temps libre au triathlon et détient le record mondial amateur sur la distance Ironman. Lars dispose des connaissances nécessaires en tant qu’entraîneur, athlète de haut niveau et scientifique du sport, ce qui lui permet de s’adresser à tout le monde. Son objectif est de transmettre le plaisir de bouger et de montrer qu’il est possible de faire beaucoup pour sa santé avec peu d’efforts, car il n’y a pas de meilleure prévention que celle de sa propre santé.

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert ist Sportwissenschaftler und ehemaliger Leistungssportler im Rudern. Er war 13 Jahre Teil der deutschen Nationalmannschaft. Dabei kann er auf zwei Teilnahmen an den Olympischen Spielen sowie drei Weltmeistertitel zurückblicken. Er war nach seiner Ruderkarriere als Trainer tätig und konnte mit seinem Team die Europameisterschaft gewinnen. Mittlerweile ist er in seiner Freizeit im Triathlon unterwegs und hält dort die Weltbestzeit der Amateure über die Ironman-Distanz. Lars verfügt über das Wissen als Trainer, Leistungssportler und Sportwissenschaftler, sodass sich jeder angesprochen fühlen kann. Sein Ziel ist es, Spaß an der Bewegung zu vermitteln und zu verdeutlichen, dass mit geringem Aufwand viel für die Gesundheit getan werden kann – denn es gibt keine bessere Vorsorge als die in seine eigene Gesundheit. Lars Wichert è uno scienziato dello sport ed ex atleta agonista di canottaggio. Ha fatto parte della nazionale tedesca per 13 anni. Ha partecipato a due Olimpiadi e ha vinto tre titoli mondiali. Dopo la carriera di canottiere, ha lavorato come allenatore e ha vinto il campionato europeo con la sua squadra. Nel tempo libero pratica il triathlon e detiene il record mondiale amatoriale sulla distanza Ironman. Lars dispone delle conoscenze necessarie come allenatore, atleta agonista e scienziato dello sport, in modo da poter soddisfare le esigenze di tutti. Il suo obiettivo è quello di trasmettere il piacere del movimento e di dimostrare che con poco sforzo si può fare molto per la salute, perché non c'è prevenzione migliore che quella della propria salute. Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was a member of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two Olympic appearances and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championship with his team. He now spends his free time competing in triathlons and holds the world record for amateurs over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a coach, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His goal is to convey the fun of exercise and to make it clear that a lot can be done for one's health with little effort – because there is no better prevention than taking care of one's own health. Lars Wichert est scientifique du sport et ancien athlète de haut niveau en aviron. Il a fait partie de l'équipe nationale allemande pendant 13 ans. Il a participé à deux reprises aux Jeux Olympiques et remporté trois titres de champion du monde. Après sa carrière d'avironneur, il a travaillé comme entraîneur et a remporté le championnat d'Europe avec son équipe. Aujourd'hui, il consacre son temps libre au triathlon et détient le record mondial amateur sur la distance Ironman. Lars dispose des connaissances nécessaires en tant qu'entraîneur, athlète de haut niveau et scientifique du sport, ce qui lui permet de s'adresser à tout le monde. Son objectif est de transmettre le plaisir de bouger et de montrer qu'il est possible de faire beaucoup pour sa santé avec peu d'efforts, car il n'y a pas de meilleure prévention que celle de sa propre santé.