Echelon Row-s Smart Rowing Machine Review

Quick Take

Finding a high-quality smart rower that doesn’t feel like a compromise can be a challenge, but the Echelon Row-S has carved out a serious spot in my home gym rotation. As someone who values both data and durability, I was immediately struck by the “overbuilt” feel of this machine; it features a 114-pound steel frame that stays perfectly grounded even during my most aggressive 500-meter sprints. Currently priced at $799.99 (down from its original $1,599 MSRP), it offers a massive 22-inch HD touchscreen that doesn’t just display your metrics—it flips 180 degrees, which has been a game-changer for my floor-based strength and mobility work between rowing sessions.

The real magic of the Row-S lies in the combination of its silent magnetic resistance and the Echelon Fit App. With 32 levels of digital resistance controlled directly from the handlebars, I can make micro-adjustments to my drag without breaking my rhythm or reaching for a dial. The app integration provides a deep library of live and on-demand classes, but what I find most engaging are the scenic rows filmed in waterways around the world. At 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H, it’s a substantial piece of equipment, but the clever folding design allows it to shrink down to a footprint of just 41 inches long, making it a viable elite-level option even if you don’t have a dedicated studio space.

The Echelon Row-S has become a cornerstone of my home gym, primarily because it delivers a commercial-grade rowing experience without the commercial-grade price tag. At $999 (down from its original $1,599), it sits in a very competitive sweet spot. Compared to the NordicTrack RW900, which often retails around $1,600–$1,900, or the Aviron Strong Series, which can climb past $2,200, the Row-S feels like a massive bargain for those who want a built-in 22-inch HD touchscreen. It’s a substantial machine with a 106.5 lb product weight and a 300 lb user capacity, but the folding design is what really saves it for me; it collapses from 84 inches long to just 40 inches, making it manageable for smaller spaces.

The performance is where this machine truly earns its “Pro” reputation. The 32 levels of silent magnetic resistance provide a incredibly smooth stroke that feels consistent from the catch through the finish. Unlike air rowers that can be deafening, the magnetic system is nearly silent, which is a huge plus for early-morning sessions while the rest of the house is asleep. My favorite design choice, however, is the patent-pending handlebar resistance controls. Being able to toggle the difficulty mid-stroke without letting go of the handle or leaning forward to reach a dial is a small detail that makes a massive difference during high-intensity intervals.

When it comes to the digital experience, the 22-inch screen is the star. It’s vibrant and responsive, but its best trick is the 180-degree flip. I frequently rotate the screen away from the rower to follow “FitPass” classes, which include everything from yoga and Pilates to heavy strength training. This effectively turns the Row-S into a full-body fitness hub. The screen also integrates seamlessly with the Echelon Fit App, which offers a massive library of live and on-demand rowing sessions. Whether I’m looking for a competitive leaderboard-driven studio class or a low-key recovery row, the variety is impressive enough to keep me from ever feeling like my routine is getting stale.

The Echelon Row-S is a substantial piece of equipment built to handle high-intensity training, featuring a heavy-duty steel frame with a total product weight of 114 lbs. When fully extended for a workout, it measures 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H, providing a long enough rail to accommodate a wide range of heights while supporting a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. Despite its professional-grade footprint, the Row-S is exceptionally residential-friendly thanks to its clever folding design and built-in transport wheels. By releasing a simple locking lever, the rail folds upward, reducing the machine’s length to a compact 41 inches—allowing it to be tucked away in a corner or closet when your session is finished.

The Echelon Row-s rowing machine has user-friendly slots for your feet. Photo by FitRated.com

Workout Programs

The Echelon Fit App serves as the central nervous system for the Echelon ecosystem, offering a surprisingly deep level of variety that prevents workout fatigue. The platform excels at catering to different motivational styles, ranging from high-octane live studio classes with real-time leaderboards to serene “Scenic Rows” and “Echelon Worlds” for those who prefer a more meditative or gamified experience. A standout feature for multi-discipline athletes is the “FitPass” section; since the 22-inch screen on the Row-S flips 180 degrees, you can easily transition from the rower to the floor for yoga, HIIT, or strength training sessions led by the same roster of professional instructors.

For those who want to stay connected while they sweat, the Echelon experience integrates several social and media layers. The app allows you to sync your workout data directly to platforms like Strava, Apple Health, and Fitbit, making it easy to share your progress with your existing fitness community. Furthermore, the Echelon community itself is highly active, with “Tribes” and social feeds where members can participate in challenges and encourage one another. While the tablet-based versions of the app allow for some multitasking, the primary focus remains on the immersive Echelon interface, ensuring that your heart rate and stroke data are always front and center.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the Echelon hardware is the inclusion of a functional “Manual Mode.” While many “smart” competitors essentially lock you out of the machine’s features without an active monthly subscription, Echelon allows users to operate the Row-S in a freestyle capacity. In this mode, the console still tracks and displays your vital metrics—such as stroke rate, calories burned, and distance—allowing you to follow your own training plan or watch your own entertainment on a separate device. This flexibility is a major selling point for athletes who want a high-end machine but don’t want to feel “tethered” to a subscription in perpetuity just to get a solid workout.

Positives

Is this the best rowing machine for you? Here are some features that make it a top seller.

• Cinematic 22-Inch Rotating Screen: The standout feature is the massive HD touchscreen. Not only does it provide an immersive rowing experience, but the 180-degree flip capability allows you to transition seamlessly to floor-based strength or yoga workouts, effectively turning the rower into a complete home studio hub.
• Handlebar Resistance Controls: Unlike most rowers that require you to reach for the console or a floor-level dial, the Row-S features integrated toggles on the handle. This allows you to adjust between the 32 levels of digital magnetic resistance mid-stroke, maintaining your rhythm during intense intervals.
• Commercial-Grade Stability: Weighing in at 114 lbs with a heavy-duty steel frame, this machine offers the “bolted-to-the-floor” stability of a gym-quality rower. It eliminates the wobbling or lifting often found in lighter residential models, even when you’re pulling for a max-effort 500m sprint.
• Silent and Smooth Magnetic Drive: The digital magnetic resistance system is nearly silent, making it an ideal choice for early-morning or late-night sessions. The glide of the seat and the pull of the belt are remarkably fluid, providing a consistent feel from the catch to the finish without the roar of an air-resistance fan.
• Substantial Space-Saving Design: Despite its full-sized, 84-inch rowing rail, the Row-S features a clever vertical folding mechanism. When you’re finished, the rail folds up to a compact 41-inch footprint, and the built-in transport wheels make it easy for one person to maneuver into a corner.
• Subscription Flexibility and Manual Mode: While the Echelon Fit App offers a deep library of live and on-demand content, the Row-S doesn’t “brick” without a membership. You can still use the machine in Manual Mode to track your metrics like stroke rate, distance, and calories, giving you long-term utility without being forced into a monthly fee.

Negatives

• Significant Footprint: Measuring 84” long and 21” wide, this rower requires a substantial amount of dedicated floor space when in use. While it is shorter than the 96” Concept2 Model D, it is considerably longer than compact options like the Concept2 Dynamic (76”), making it a tight fit for narrow workout areas or smaller apartment layouts.

• Weight and Maneuverability: At 114 lbs, the Row-S is a heavy piece of equipment, nearly double the weight of the Concept2 Model D (57 lbs). While the built-in transport wheels help, moving this machine across carpet or over door thresholds can be a strenuous task for a single person, especially compared to lighter, more minimalist rowers.

• Limited Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty unless you purchase the Echelon Fit App for continued coverage.

The Echelon Row-s rowing machine sports a handy 22″ touchscreen which can pivot for off-rower workouts. Photo by FitRated.com

Our Conclusion

Ultimately, the Echelon Row-S is a powerhouse of a machine that consistently punches above its weight class, especially when you catch it at its frequent promotional price point. While its original MSRP positions it against the elite names in the industry, the regular discounts often found online make it one of the most cost-effective ways to bring a 22-inch HD “connected fitness” experience into your home. Whether you choose to fully immerse yourself in the Echelon Fit App’s massive library of live classes and scenic world rows, or you prefer the independence of Manual Mode to track your own metrics, the Row-S provides a high-performance foundation that won’t outgrow your fitness level.

For the athlete who wants the silent, smooth pull of magnetic resistance combined with a rock-solid steel frame, this rower is an exceptionally smart buy. Its ability to serve as a total-body studio hub—thanks to that rotating screen—means you aren’t just buying a rower; you’re investing in a piece of equipment that can anchor your entire fitness routine. If you are looking for gym-quality durability and modern tech without the typical $2,000 price tag, the Row-S should be at the very top of your list.

The Echelon Row-s rowing machine features 32 levels of magnetic resistance. Photo by FitRated.com