By the RowingMachineUK.co – The UK's Home Rowing Authority Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Best Rowing Machines with Built-In Screen & App Connectivity UK 2025

If you're serious about home rowing, a built-in screen transforms the experience from staring at your living room wall to following structured workouts, real-time form feedback, and live classes. But the premium rowers with screens aren't cheap, and the ongoing subscription costs vary wildly. Here's what actually matters when comparing the leading options available in the UK.

Why a Built-In Screen Matters

A screen on a rowing machine isn't just marketing fluff. It lets you track split times, power output, and stroke rate in real time—metrics that genuinely improve your technique. The best ones connect via Bluetooth to chest straps for heart-rate monitoring and sync with fitness apps like Strava and Apple Health. Some platforms unlock Kinomap or EXR compatibility, meaning you can row against virtual opponents or through scenic routes. But these features come with subscription fees that can add £10–£30 monthly, so you need to know what you're paying for before committing.

Ergatta: The Premium Choice

Ergatta dominates the UK enthusiast market. The 27-inch HD touchscreen is genuinely impressive—crisp visuals that make live classes and on-demand rowing sessions feel immersive. The rower connects seamlessly to their app, which includes live group classes, head-to-head races, and a library of on-demand workouts.

The honest bits: Ergatta's real strength is community and gamification. If you're motivated by leaderboards and competing against others, it's exceptional. The Bluetooth HR connectivity is reliable, and the rower's ergonomics are solid—the seat glides smoothly and the resistance system (water with air adjustment) feels responsive. UK pricing sits around £3,500–£4,000.

The catch: Ergatta's subscription costs £19 monthly for unlimited classes and features. That's manageable, but it's mandatory if you want to use the thing properly—the screen without the subscription is essentially a very expensive monitor. There's no Kinomap integration or built-in outdoor route rowing. If you're someone who likes to row solo without a subscription, Ergatta won't suit you.

NordicTrack RW900: Best Value with Flexibility

The NordicTrack RW900 undercuts Ergatta by roughly £1,000 (around £2,500–£2,800 in the UK) while delivering more flexibility. The 22-inch touchscreen is smaller but perfectly functional, and it runs NordicTrack's iFit platform, which includes rowing-specific coaching and form guidance.

Why it works: The RW900 connects via Bluetooth to any standard HR monitor, not just a proprietary chest strap. iFit integrates Kinomap, so you can row through real-world locations—cycling routes, coastal paths, mountains—which genuinely changes how workouts feel. The magnetic resistance is quieter than water-based systems and requires zero maintenance. For UK buyers on a tighter budget, this offers genuine features without the premium price.

The limitations: iFit's subscription is around £15 monthly, which is cheaper than Ergatta, but the rowing-specific content is lighter. If your priority is scenic outdoor routes (via Kinomap), you'll get that. If you want daily live rowing classes and a buzzing community, NordicTrack doesn't match Ergatta's offering. The 22-inch screen, whilst adequate, isn't as immersive. Some users report the app occasionally lags during live classes.

Hydrow: Premium with EXR Integration

Hydrow's rower is built for water-based authenticity—it uses an actual water tank for resistance, which feels noticeably different (and smoother) than air or magnetic systems. The 16-inch HD screen is smaller than competitors, but it's angled perfectly for viewing during workouts.

The appeal: Hydrow's EXR platform offers live and on-demand classes with a strong outdoor-rowing focus. If you've actually rowed on water, Hydrow mimics that feel better than any other home machine. The build quality is exceptional—everything feels commercial-grade. UK pricing is around £3,200–£3,400.

Real drawbacks: Hydrow's subscription is the priciest at £27 monthly (or roughly £270 annually). The smaller screen feels cramped compared to Ergatta, especially if you're following form cues. There's no Kinomap integration. Most significantly, water-based resistance is brilliant for feel but requires occasional maintenance (periodic water conditioning, no extreme heat or cold), which magnetic or air systems don't need. For UK homes with temperature swings, this is worth considering.

Subscription Costs & Features at a Glance

Ergatta: £19/month, live classes, head-to-head racing, no Kinomap NordicTrack RW900: £15/month (iFit), Kinomap included, lighter rowing-specific content Hydrow: £27/month, live outdoor-rowing focus, EXR platform, no Kinomap

Over five years, that's a difference of £720 between NordicTrack and Hydrow—meaningful enough to factor into your decision.

What to Actually Consider

Ask yourself three things. First: are you motivated by live classes and community, or do you prefer solo workouts with scenic variety? Ergatta wins the first; NordicTrack wins the second. Second: how much are you willing to spend monthly? NordicTrack is the budget option without sacrificing features. Third: does water-based feel matter to you? If you've rowed before, Hydrow's authenticity might justify the cost. If you're new to rowing, magnetic or air resistance will suit you fine.

All three rowers use Bluetooth HR connectivity reliably, so that's not a differentiator. Screen quality matters most during live classes; if you're mostly rowing solo, a smaller screen is genuinely fine.

The Bottom Line

The RW900 makes the strongest case for most UK buyers—it's competitive on price, flexible on content, and Kinomap integration genuinely adds variety. Ergatta suits people who thrive on community and don't mind the premium. Hydrow is for purists who value the feel of water-based rowing above all else. None of them are bad buys if you'll actually use the machine, but the subscription costs are non-negotiable, so pick based on what will actually keep you motivated.