For at-home training, the best rowing machines can deliver an exceptional fitness experience. The low-impact, full-body workout discipline can be excellent for a wide range of athletes — even those with a taller stature. The best rowing machines for tall people utilize longer slide rails and comfortable ergonomics to eliminate the cramped sensations you’d experience on, say, a more compact vessel.

Naturally, a height-friendly rower will feature a longer slide rail to accommodate the longer strokes, but there are other components worth thinking through when looking to add one of these machines to your personal training space. To help you set the pace, our experts have gotten hands-on with a slew of top-performing profiles and consulted with our in-house team of experts to come up with a list of our favorite rowing machines for tall people available today.

The 10 Best Rowing Machines for Tall People of 2024

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People Overall: Concept2 RowERG

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Tall People: NordicTrack RW900

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Tall People: ProForm Pro R10

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Most Stylish Rowing Machine for Tall People: Ergatta Rower

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Tall People: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Tall People: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Water Resistance: CITYROW Max Rower

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Trainer-Led Workouts: Peloton Row

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Tall People

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best rowing machines for tall people, we got hands-on with 15 different machines from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to check out our BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

Rail Length: The slide rail length can determine how long your strokes are in a given motion, so taller athletes should opt for a lengthier profile more often than not to better accommodate their frames. We compared all rowers included in this guide to the standard rail length of 95 inches — if a rower featured a shorter rail length, we tested our own comfort level to ensure full strokes were achievable.

Dynamic Programming: Having a rowing machine that’s compatible with live and on-demand training courses can help you stay motivated via engaging instructors and interesting workout modules. We compared workout libraries across the rowing machines included in this round-up, as well as the subscription costs of each available service to ensure the monthly price was worth the investment.

Storage Features: If you’re looking to add a rower (or any of the best cardio machines for that matter) to your home gym, it can be beneficial to seek out a profile with more convenient storage features, such as a foldable frame or upright storage capabilities. We made sure to note how each rower could be stored while not in use, as well as whether additional hardware was necessary to achieve such setups.

Weight Capacity: Your rowing machine’s weight capacity can be a good indication of its durability — sturdier frames can support more weight, while lighter weight ratings may imply less stable materials. All of the rowers featured in this guide are rated to support at least 250 pounds, with some even capable of withstanding 500-pound loads or greater.

Ergonomics: BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto states that while low-impact in nature, rowing can potentially exacerbate pain points like the lower back due to the seated body placement. We looked for rowing machines that could accommodate taller frames while still remaining comfortable enough for routine training needs.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People Overall: Concept2 RowERG

For taller athletes, the Concept2 RowERG can be an excellent indoor rowing machine. The slide rail measures 95 inches, giving you plenty of room to achieve a proper stroke. Plus, the RowERG (formerly marketed under the Model D moniker) features a user weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, ensuring athletes that the equipment is sturdy enough for regular use.

I’ve used this RowERG more times than I can count and scored the ergonomics at 4 out of 5. My 6’2” frame fits comfortably across the saddle and footplates, and every drive and catch feels efficient during training.

Our tester rowing atop the Concept2 RowERG

The RowERG can also be an optimal pick for taller athletes training in tighter quarters. We think it’s one of the best rowing machines for apartments thanks to a collapsible design that splits the footprint in two for easier storage. Combined with the sturdy frame and hefty weight capacity, we rated the overall construction at 4.75 out of 5.

Of course, though, there are some pitfalls with this otherwise impressive rowing machine. Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial team member and former collegiate rower, rated the noise factor at 2 out of 5. “I wouldn’t say it’s loud enough to drown out your headphones, but the air-powered flywheel is definitely loud enough to wake a sleeping household,” she adds.

This Concept2 rower is also more of a utilitarian cardio machine in comparison to others in the category given its bare-bones PM5 monitor. There are a handful of preset workouts and “games” available across the monitor for more engaging training sessions, but Keary notes that they are somewhat outdated in terms of their engagement. If you prefer a more immersive workout experience, we recommend opting for a rower that’s compatible with a streamable fitness app.

Read our full Concept2 RowERG Review.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Tall People: NordicTrack RW900

Yes, rowers designed for taller athletes tend to run on the larger side, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few compact options on the market that can make post-workout storage an easier endeavor. For example, the RW900 from NordicTrack measures in at 82 inches long, which is shorter than your average 3-seater sofa. (1) Despite these metrics, the rower still delivers an interactive training experience across a 22-inch display integrated with one of the best fitness apps we’ve tested — iFIT.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated the RW900’s footprint and portability at 4 out of 5. “The entire profile doesn’t feature storage features like a foldable frame or upright capabilities, but I did enjoy the lightweight makeup of the machine itself,” they stated. “I could easily maneuver this magnetic rower into position for a workout, so as long as you have the space available to house the unit outside of training, it can be a solid pick.”

Like other NordicTrack fitness equipment, the RW900 is compatible with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand training modules. The library features over 16,000 workouts that go well beyond your typical rowing workout, and we like how the 22-inch HD touchscreen swivels and rotates for easier off-rower viewing. As such, we rated the tech capabilities at 5 out of 5.

Our tester training on the NordicTrack RW900

We also enjoyed the AutoAdjust features that come via iFIT. Instead of pausing your workouts to adjust your instructed intensity, the machine automatically toggles to the direct settings for you in tandem with your trainer-led courses.

In terms of value, the NordicTrack RW900 is somewhat expensive at $1,999. We scored the value at 4 out of 5, though, given that a subscription to iFIT is required to operate this piece of home gym equipment. There are no manual modes to choose from, so you’ll need to subscribe to the $39 monthly service in order to even use this magnetic rower.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Tall People: ProForm Pro R10

If you need to make the most of your smaller space when not in the throes of a workout, the ProForm Pro R10 can be a suitable indoor rower. The 86.5-inch length can comfortably accommodate taller athletes, but the footprint can be cut in half post-workout thanks to the convenient SpaceSaver design.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored the footprint and portability at 4 out of 5, stating they appreciated the simplicity of the folding process. “The two handles along the slide rail and foot pedals make the hinging action quick and painless.” they added. “Plus, I like how the Pro R10 clips in during folded storage, so there’s no worry about it unfolding as you go about your day.”

During operations, we also enjoyed the 24 magnetic resistance levels that offered up plenty of challenges while remaining quiet. The fabric belt also kept the noise levels low, gliding effortlessly through our strokes with none of the feedback you’d experience with a heartier chain or cable system.

The ProForm Pro R10 also earned a 4 out of 5 for its tech capabilities thanks to the brand’s compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. The screen is somewhat smaller than other iFIT-enabled machines at 10 inches, but we had no issues in terms of picture quality or clarity.

[Related: iFIT Review]

Of course, you’ll need to pay for access to iFIT to the tune of $39 monthly, so be prepared to account for the extra expense when calculating your budget. Our tester also recommends a strong internet connection. “You need a trusty Wi-Fi signal if you don’t want to experience lags mid-workout,” they added.

Lastly, we had no qualms when it came to assembling this Pro R10 rower. The entire process took roughly one hour, and the pieces went together smoothly. However, while the lightweight components were a treat during install, we do wish they created a sturdier frame. We rated the durability at 3 out of 5, as the Pro R10 is only rated for athletes up to 250 pounds.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

For taller athletes looking for one of the best air rowing machines, we recommend the Blitz Air Rower from Bells of Steel. Similar in design to the Concept2 RowERG, this rower features a 95-inch length that can be great for taller frames, as well as a lower price point at roughly $850. Naturally, too, this air rower can be excellent for high-intensity training with 10 dampening levels to choose from for more challenging workouts.

Aside from having a lower price point than the RowERG, this Blitz Air Rower stands apart from other rowing machines thanks to its LCD monitor. Admittedly, our tester found the design to be somewhat basic, rating the available programming at 2 out of 5 since there are no preset workout programs available.

However, they noted, “I did enjoy how the monitor displays your dampener level for more informed training. Combine this fun metric with the tracked 500-meter split time, elapsed time, calories, and projected finish, and you can be well-informed throughout your entire session.”

The LCD monitor is also housed on an adjustable arm at the front, which can be excellent for creating an optimal viewing angle. Our tester noted that they routinely strain their neck on other rowers trying to read their stats mid-workout, so this adjustability was a nice perk during trials. Overall, we rated the adjustability at 4 out of 5.

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower features a weight capacity of 320 pounds, which is lower than its Concept2 competition. This profile is also slightly heavier at roughly 91 pounds, but we found the silhouette to still remain plenty maneuverable given the front transport wheels. “The most difficult portion of moving this rower is getting the rail up into the air,” adds our tester. “Once you break the balance point, it moves easily over carpet and hardwood alike.”

As a final note, the Blitz Air Rower is not made to be stored vertically. This means you’ll need to plan accordingly to properly house this otherwise impressive air rowing machine.

Most Stylish Rowing Machine for Tall People: Ergatta Rower

Admittedly, rowing machines can be eyesores at times, especially when juxtaposed with your more luxe furniture and home design. The Ergatta Rower, on the other hand, forgoes the typical black metal design for a cherry wood frame that can add some style to your home gym setup.

Measuring 86 inches long, this water rower offers a comfortable rowing platform for tall and short athletes alike. Plus, we like the Ergatta Rower’s available workout library that brings a gamified experience to your fitness goals. “I feel like I’m back in my old arcade,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I also enjoyed the scenic rowing modules that make you feel like you’re paddling through real-world environments. You can really transport yourself thanks to the water-based resistance, too.”

Our tester using the Ergatta Rower

We did rate the available programming at 3.75 out of 5, though, since there are no trainer-led workouts to choose from across the library. While the gamified training circuits are fun, we understand that some may prefer a more regimented and structured class style.

The Ergatta Rower’s water resistance is also noteworthy, giving your sessions that natural stroke sensation that’s simply not accomplishable with air or magnetic rowing machines. That said, we scored the customizations at 3 out of 5 since the resistance cannot be changed during workouts. The water will also need to be changed routinely in order to prevent algae build-up within the tank itself.

Despite the extra maintenance, we still hold the Ergatta Rower in high regard, especially for athletes looking to spruce up their training space with heightened aesthetics. Even when you’re not using this water rowing machine, you can conveniently store the unit in a corner given its vertical storage capabilities. Just be sure to have enough clearance overhead to properly house the 86-inch frame length.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Tall People: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite

As with any cardio machine, an expensive price tag can make one hesitant to make the purchase more than once. As such, searching for a high-quality profile can be a must, especially when trying to find a rower that accommodates your taller frame. The AssaultRower Elite from Assault Fitness is designed with a resilient powder-coated steel frame and corrosion-resistant hardware capable of supporting athletes up to 350 pounds.

We also like this durable air rower for its 143-pound overall weight. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, experienced no wobbliness or shaking during workouts, which they credited to the rock-solid profile. We scored the durability at 4.5 out of 5.

In addition to the well-built frame, we also like how Assault Fitness bolsters the deal with a well-rounded warranty package. The coverage includes five-year support for the frame, three-year coverage for non-wear parts, and one-year support for labor. We rated the package at 4 out of 5 as it’s a clear upgrade over the brand’s other rower — the AssaultRower Pro — that only offers warranty coverage for the frame (seven years) and moving parts (three years).

Like the AssaultRower Pro, this Elite profile features front transport wheels for better maneuverability. These are also a treat ,as you can set this rower up virtually anywhere you please since electricity isn’t required for operation. 

Our tester notes, though, “Be sure to have a good grip on the back handle when rolling this unit over carpet. I experienced a few catches that were minor inconveniences pre-training.”

The AssaultRower Elite also shares a similar performance monitor with the brand’s other exercise equipment. You can quickly keep tabs on metrics, including Time, Distance, Speed RPM, Watts, Heart Rate, and Calories. There are also some preset workout programs and intervals to choose from, although our tester stated they were underwhelming when compared to other training libraries out there. In total, we rated the available tech at 4 out of 5.

[Related: SkiErg vs Rower vs Air Bike]

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower

Every now and again, regardless of your height, a low-thought workout can be enjoyable — just hop in the saddle, load up your favorite TV series or movie, and paddle away. The Aviron Strong Series Rower is our pick for streaming-centric athletes, as this smart rower’s 22-inch HD touchscreen is compatible with popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and even Spotify, giving you a plethora of options to zone out as you tone up.

The Strong Series Rower is my at-home rowing machine of choice, and in addition to the entertainment platforms, I also appreciate the array of workout modules. There are gamified programs that transport you into an arcade-like atmosphere with each stroke, as well as trainer-led sessions, racing modules, and scenic rows. 

I scored the programming at 5 out of 5, because all of the available workouts are approachable regardless of your expertise in the discipline.

Our tester navigating the home screen of the Aviron Strong Series Rower

In terms of the 22-inch display, I rated the component at 4.75 out of 5. I’ve experienced no lags or issues when trying to stream a workout, and navigating the home screen’s functionality is simple and reactive to each touch. Plus, the swiveling and pivoting nature of the display means you can adjust your viewing angle easily for added comfort in the saddle.

Despite its smaller dimensions — we’ve previously counted the Aviron Strong Series among the best compact rowing machines we’ve tested — this dual magnetic and air-powered rower features a sturdy design capable of supporting up to 507 pounds. 

However, I do have to rate the construction at 4 out of 5, as building the unit takes some doing. For example, the plastic shrouds that cover the joint where the flywheel meets the slide rail are tight — I had to pry the opening open to slide the rail into position.

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Tall People: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Given their longer dimensions, you can expect to pay a little more for rowing machines for taller athletes. However, there are a handful of profiles on the market that can cater to budget-minded athletes, such as the SF-RW5515 from Sunny Health and Fitness. The roughly $400 price tag is well below the average $1,700 cost, making it one of the most affordable rowers available today.

I’ve used this wallet-friendly rower and can attest to the value baked into the silhouette. I rated this Sunny Health and Fitness offering at 4 out of 5 for the category thanks to its smooth operation during strokes, cushioned ergonomic saddle, and grippy handlebars that showed no signs of slipping or wear after multiple sessions.

This SF-RW5515 rower can also be ideal for taller athletes in small spaces thanks to the foldable slide rail. When folded for storage, this magnetic rowing machine can take up just 5.68 square feet of space, which is less than your typical coffee table. (2) As such, we rated the footprint and storage capabilities at 4 out of 5.

However, this is by no means a high-tech cardio machine. The digital monitor is very basic in its readouts, capable of tracking Time, Stroke Count, Total Stroke Count, and Calories Burned. I scored the available tech at 3.5 out of 5, too, given that there aren’t any preset workouts to choose from for more structured sessions — you’re constantly in manual mode while training.

Finally, I’ll say that the SF-RW5515 sits lower to the ground than other rowing machines I’ve used in the past. While this doesn’t necessarily compromise the performance of the machine, it can make getting into and out of the saddle a bit of a chore. If you have any joint issues or want a more accommodating setup, it may be best to opt for a taller rower.

[Related: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Water Resistance: CITYROW Max Rower

Looking for a cardiovascular training experience that mimics the sensation of paddling over water? A water rowing machine can be the perfect vessel, with the CITYROW Max Rower serving as our favorite in the category. This stylish, efficient indoor rowing machine uses a front-housed water tank to help each stroke mimic the natural, flowing nature of on-water rowing.

While there are no levels of resistance with this rowing machine style — you’ll need to pull harder if you want to up the ante — we still enjoyed the training opportunities with this impressive home gym addition. “In actuality, the natural motion of the flywheel against water and the sloshing sounds of the tank can be soothing during training,” added our tester who rated the workout experience at 4 out of 5.

The CITYROW Max Rower is also convenient thanks to its vertical storage capabilities. We scored the footprint at 4 out of 5 because of this feature, which can go a long way in helping you make the most of your training area, especially when trying to work out in a more lived-in room of your abode.

In addition to the rowing experience, this water rower pairs seamlessly to the CITYROW app for live and on-demand workouts. The classes are clearly projected across the 19.5-inch HD touchscreen, and we also liked the variety of modules available for different training disciplines, including yoga, HIIT, and others. The display also pivots and tilts, which can be helpful when taking in an off-rower session.

Like other water rowing machines, you’ll need to keep a regimented maintenance schedule to ensure your equipment stays in peak operating condition. The water will need to be changed routinely in order to prevent algae and bacteria from clouding up the tank interior. If you’re desiring the closest thing to paddling a canoe through your favorite waterways, though, we think the maintenance is worth the experience.

Read our full CITYROW Max Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Trainer-Led Workouts: Peloton Row

Taller athletes looking to pair their rowing experience with an abundance of trainer-led programs have more options than ever these days. In our opinion, though, the “Peloton Experience” available through the Peloton Row is one of the most engaging platforms available, loaded with a plethora of energetic, experienced instructors that can make every sweat session a challenging yet enjoyable sensation.

In addition to the live and on-demand courses — available through the $44 monthly Peloton All-Access Membership — we liked the Row for trainer-led workouts thanks to its large 23.8-inch HD touchscreen. This wide monitor is one of the largest we’ve found in the category and can provide clear, crisp visuals every time you log in for a cardio workout. The display also pivots and swivels, which can be ideal for off-rower workouts available through the platform.

[Related: Peloton Bike Review]

Another cool feature that led to our 5 out of 5 tech rating for the Row is the real-time form feedback. As you power through your rowing stroke, the Row analyzes your form, providing quick callouts during your streamed workouts to help you achieve a more comfortable, efficient rowing motion. This can be helpful for beginners that may not understand the ins and outs. 

We also scored the footprint at 4 out of 5 for this Peloton rowing machine. The overall length is 94 inches, which is just under the standard 95-inch metric for most rowers. However, we do want to note that there are no present storage features that can help shrink the footprint while not in use. The Peloton Row can be stored vertically, but an additional wall anchor kit is required on top of the expensive $2,995 price tag.

Speaking of its cost, the machine is roughly $1,200 more than the average rowing machine for taller athletes, and that’s not accounting for the required membership. Be sure to analyze your financial standing before signing up.

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Tall People

Rowing machines can be an effective way to train at home, especially for taller athletes that may feel too cramped atop an exercise bike or those looking for a more approachable form of cardio. Below are some of our favorite perks associated with the fitness equipment category.

Low-Impact Training: Rowing can be a more comfortable workout experience given the low-impact nature of the movement. Unlike running on a treadmill, where you’re constantly putting your joints and body through different stressors in each step, rowing has you seated and moving back and forth along a guide rail, eliminating gravity from the equation and keeping your knees, back, and hips in a more comfortable setup.

Full-Body Workout: According to BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, rowing can be an exciting, efficient way to train multiple muscle groups in one given session. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance,” she says. 

Engaging Fitness Experience: A number of rowing machines come equipped with access to live and on-demand workouts, which can be helpful in creating a fresh, new training experience each time you hop in the saddle. While access to these platforms can require an additional monthly subscription, having the ability to change up your routine and regimen can help keep spirits high throughout your fitness journey.

How Much Do Rowing Machines for Tall People Cost?

Rowing machines for taller athletes can vary in price depending on their dynamic programming, display size, resistance type, and more. On average, though, we’ve found that most worthwhile silhouettes will cost roughly $1,700. Read below to compare the price points of every rowing machine featured in this round-up.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rowing Machine for Tall People

Like any piece of home gym equipment, buying a rowing machine (regardless of your height) is a multilayered process. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto notes that there are a slew of components worth thinking through beyond the product dimensions alone. Here are some of the factors we recommend pondering over before ultimately deciding on a rower for your space.

Product Dimensions

Your rowing machine’s dimensions should accommodate your personal height, but a large machine can be rendered useless if you cannot house it within your training space. The standard rowing machine length is 95 inches, which can be an excellent starting point for your search. However, you can be fine with a shorter rail length — we’ve included a handful of rowers measuring between 82 and 86.5 inches in this guide.

Our tester on the Concept2 RowErg.

If you need a lengthier rower but don’t have the available space to constantly house the machine itself, it can be wise to look for a profile with some form of storage convenience. Common setups that allow for easier storing include vertical or upright capabilities, as well as foldable slide rails.

Available Programming 

While every training preference is different, having a rowing machine that’s compatible with an online workout library can be helpful when looking to maintain a sense of intrigue across your training schedule. Additionally, these platforms can oftentimes include fitness classes for off-rower training, too, giving you a sense of variety beyond your daily strokes.

[Related: Best Online Workout Programs]

When looking for a rower to match your needs, be sure to read up on the available programming to ensure the modules are aligned with your goals. Be mindful, though, that access to these services can require an additional subscription charge which will need to be factored into your budget.

Resistance Type

When it comes to rowing machines, there are three main resistance types to choose from. Water rowing machines can provide a natural stroke feel that is reminiscent of on-water rowing. However, the intensity of your resistance cannot be adjusted, and the water housed in the tank will need to be changed routinely to prevent any algae or bacteria build-up.

Air rowers, according to Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial team member and former collegiate rower, “are sturdy and provide adjustable resistance that can emulate the resistance you’d feel on the water. They’re a bit noisy, but when it comes to a reliable and affordable machine, an air rower is the way to go.”

Finally, magnetic resistance rowing machines can offer smooth, quiet operations as well as differing levels of in-training intensity. However, the added tech can increase the price of the machine itself.

Our tester on the Aviron Strong Rower.

There is no right or wrong answer between the three rower styles, so look for a silhouette that interests you most. All are plenty capable of delivering a worthwhile workout experience.

Price

On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,700 for a suitable rowing machine for tall athletes, with a number of profiles coming below and above this median price tag. Of course, though, every budget is different, so it’s best to look for a rowing silhouette that fits your finances best.

Best Rowing Machines for Tall People FAQs

References

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889 

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