Why Are Rowing Machines So Expensive?

A good rowing machine can look expensive next to a treadmill or a bike. Some of that is genuine cost, and some of it is subscription and screen pricing. This page explains what drives the price, how to work out the real cost, and where you can save.

What you are paying for

• Build and materials. A rower has a long rail, a sliding seat, a flywheel or tank, and a handle that takes a lot of force. Machines used in gyms and clubs are built to take daily use for years.
• The resistance system. An air flywheel, a water tank or an electromagnetic system all add cost. Better ones feel smoother and respond accurately.
• The monitor. A good monitor measures pace, power, distance, stroke rate and heart rate reliably. That matters if you want to track progress.
• Screens and content. Machines with a large touchscreen cost more, and the content often needs a monthly fee on top.
• Warranty and support. Longer warranties and spare parts availability add to the price.
• Size. A 2.4 m machine is bulky to make, ship and store. Delivery costs are real, and heavy items are expensive to move.

Compared with other gym equipment, a rower is a single machine that works the whole body. That does not make it good value for everyone, but it is part of why people pay for one instead of buying several items.

The price spectrum

UK prices looked roughly like this on 30 October 2026:

• Under £500. Folding magnetic and air models such as the Xterra ERG780 at around £449, and budget water models such as the Marcy AquaPro Hydro at around £399. Very cheap hydraulic rowers are cheaper still, though they feel quite different from a boat.
• About £500 to £1,000. A broad middle that includes the NordicTrack RW300 at around £799, WaterRower’s Hybrid from around £899 and the Concept2 RowErg at around £990.
• Above £1,000. Premium water rowers and connected machines. The Hydrow Origin is around £1,515 at Fitshop and needs a monthly membership on top.

Prices change often, especially around sales, so check current listings.

Work out the real cost

The sticker price is only part of it. Add up:

1. The machine.
2. Delivery and any assembly.
3. Any monthly fee multiplied by the number of months you expect to use it.
4. Accessories you need, such as a mat or seat pad.

A worked example over three years: a £990 air rower with no fee costs £990. A £799 NordicTrack RW300 with iFIT Train at £14 a month costs £799 plus £504, or £1,303. A £449 folding air rower costs £449 but may be replaced sooner if you row hard on it. Divide each total by how many sessions you expect to do. At three sessions a week for three years, that is about 470 sessions, so £990 works out at roughly £2.10 a session.

Cheaper ways to row

• Buy a budget model. Fine for light, occasional use. Expect less durability and a less boat-like feel. See best rowing machine under £500 and under £1,000.
• Choose a machine with no subscription. It keeps the running cost down. See rowing machines without a subscription.
• Buy second-hand. Concept2s are common on the used market. See how to find a Concept2 for sale.
• Use a gym or club. If you only want to row a couple of times a week, a membership may cost less than a machine. See where to find rowing machines near you.
• Wait for sales. Retailers often discount around Black Friday.

Buying second-hand

Check these things before you hand over cash:

• The rail should be straight and free of deep scratches, and the seat should roll smoothly.
• The chain should be clean and move freely.
• The monitor should power up and record a short piece.
• The handle and footplate should be intact, with no cracks.
• Ask to row it for a few minutes.

Private sales carry no returns protection, so test what you can. A seller who can show the machine working is usually a better bet than one who cannot.

Is it worth it?

Work out the total cost, not just the sticker price. A durable machine with no fees can be cheaper over five years than a budget machine you replace, or a connected machine you pay for monthly. If you will use it twice a month, a gym is likely better value. If you will row several times a week, owning one can pay back. For a shortlist, see the best rowing machine guide.