Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home-Gym

Why it's worth it

Sixteen magnetic resistance levels, a stainless steel covered rail and a 300-pound capacity give you a real full-body workout with no monthly fee. It's compact, it stores upright, and the free SunnyFit app adds guided sessions at no extra cost.

It's a genuine rowing stroke, not a toy. Sixteen magnetic levels adjusted by a dual induction sensor give you enough range to work hard, and the elastic rope rebound keeps the return smooth. Legs, core, back and arms all fire the way they should. For learning technique and building a habit, this does the job the expensive machines do.

Nothing here costs you money every month. The SunnyFit app is free with the machine and includes over 1,000 trainer-led workouts plus scenic virtual routes. Compare that with the connected rowers, where the classes are the recurring bill. If you're not sure rowing will stick, paying nothing to find out is the right call.

From our review of 6 indoor rowing machines, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +It's a genuine rowing stroke, not a toy
• +Nothing here costs you money every month
• +The covered stainless rail keeps it quiet
• +It's the easiest one to fit in a normal room

What to know

• –The display is a basic LCD, and there's no app connectivity
• –Build quality tracks the price
• –Magnetic resistance flattens out at the top end