NordicTrack Rower Reviews – What You Need to Know

When you buy a NordicTrack rower you're getting a competitively priced machine with more features and capabilities than you’ll find with most other brands.

That has become a hallmark of NordicTrack, and is one of the main reasons their cardio equipment — including treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes — has remained so popular over the years.

Their rowers are no exception. After featuring only one machine in the lineup for many years, they now offer two models, both with advanced technology, iFIT workouts and touchscreen displays, along with a few unique capabilities that set them apart.

A Look at the Current Lineup

Current Models

As we mentioned there are currently two NordicTrack rowing machines. Let's take a look at each one so you can decide which one is right for you...

RW700

The new base model is the RW700, which replaced the previous RW600 and comes with a larger 10" tilt and pivot Smart HD display. It offers 26 resistance levels, oversized pedals, soft touch handles and Bluetooth capability.

RW900

The RW900 is very similar to the RW700, but with a much larger 24" Smart HD touchscreen display — similar to what you’ll find on NordicTrack’s higher-end treadmills and ellipticals.

Otherwise, the RW700 and RW900 are essentially the same rowing machine.

Recently Discontinued

Here are some recently discontinued NordicTrack rowing machines you may still come across secondhand. They can be solid options and are often available at a lower price than the newer models.

RW600

The RW600 was the previous entry-level model and replaced the earlier RW500 with a number of upgrades.

It includes 26 resistance levels, iFIT workouts, an adjustable console, space-saving folding design and a 7" Smart HD touchscreen instead of the tablet setup used on the RW500.

For comfort, you get an ergonomic seat, oversized pivoting pedals, adjustable foot straps and a soft touch handle.

RW200

The RW200 was the base model in the series and later updated to include iFIT compatibility.

In addition to iFIT, it offers adjustable magnetic resistance (up to 24 levels), 20 built-in workout programs, a steel monorail, oversized seat and pedals, speaker system, Watts Power Display and a 250 lb max user weight.

The RW200 is also sold under different names internationally (such as the RX800), but it’s the same machine.

RW500

The RW500 was a step up from the RW200, also featuring iFIT along with a larger console experience via the included tablet.

You also get 26 resistance levels and 30 built-in programs, along with the same core features found on the RW200.

How Do NordicTrack Rowing Machines Compare to the Competition?

According to our latest reviews, NordicTrack rowers stack up quite well against the competition, especially in the lower to mid-range category.

The RW700 and RW900 offer features that you just don’t typically find on other machines, even at similar price points.

One thing that definitely separates NordicTrack rowing machines from others is iFIT. You will find elements of connected training elsewhere, but few platforms offer the same combination of guided workouts, Google Maps routes, performance tracking and on-demand classes.

The only other rowers that currently include iFIT are ProForm rowing machines, which are made by the same parent company as NordicTrack.

Other separators include the integrated touchscreen displays, which are still relatively uncommon on residential rowing machines. These can be a strong motivator and add a more interactive element to your workouts.

You also get competitive warranty coverage on NordicTrack rowing machines — 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor — which is better than what many rowers in this price range offer.

How do they compare to higher-end brands? While NordicTrack has closed the gap in terms of features and pricing, they still don’t fully match the durability and performance of more established rowing brands like Concept2 and WaterRower.

For example, the Concept2 Model D has a max user weight capacity of 500 lbs, which is significantly higher than what you get with the RW700 and RW900.

So it really comes down to priorities — do you want more interactive features and entertainment, or a more traditional, commercial-grade rowing experience with highly precise performance tracking?

For many home users, NordicTrack rowers offer more than enough performance along with added features that make workouts more engaging.

NordicTrack Rowers - Bottom Line

We like the NordicTrack rowing machines, and user reviews have been quite positive. The iFIT technology takes your workouts to a whole new level, with plenty of features to keep you motivated and entertained.

You get a lot of built in programs, comfortable seat, adjustable foot straps and console, music compatibility with speaker system, plenty of resistance levels and strong warranties on all machines.

Casual rowers will appreciate all of the extras on the RW700 and RW900, but more serious rowers will be better served with a Concept 2 rower, which is less expensive and much more commercial-grade.

Still, with everything they have to offer, NordicTrack rowers remain extremely popular, with plenty of satisfied customers.