Head-to-head · Best Rowing Machines Under $1000

NordicTrack RW600 vs XTERRA Fitness ERG700

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

NordicTrack RW600 and XTERRA Fitness ERG700 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #2 in Best Rowing Machines Under $1000

NordicTrack RW600

4.5

$999as of May 20

The RW600 is the smart-rower pick under $1,000. Built-in 10" touchscreen + iFIT class library means no iPad juggling — turn it on, pick a class, row. Auto-resistance during classes is the standout: the instructor calls 'level 18,' the machine adjusts itself. Best for users who like guided cardio over self-directed work, and who'll actually use the iFIT subscription. The hidden cost is that subscription — strip it away and the RW600 is competing with the Concept2 RowErg purely on resistance feel, which is a fight it doesn't win.

Strengths

— 10" HD pivoting touchscreen built in — no iPad or phone required
— 26 magnetic resistance levels adjusted from the console or via iFIT auto-resistance during classes
— Quiet magnetic resistance — apartment-friendly compared to the Concept2 RowErg's air whoosh

Watch-outs

— iFIT subscription is ~$39/month after the included 30-day trial — meaningful ongoing cost
— 250 lb user capacity is half the Concept2 RowErg's 500 lb
— Touchscreen doesn't tilt or pivot like the higher-tier RW700 / RW900

$999 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Rowing Machines Under $1000

XTERRA Fitness ERG700

4.5

$870as of May 20

The ERG700 is the dual-resistance pick under $1,000 without a content subscription. Air-plus-magnetic gives a more nuanced resistance feel than the magnetic-only NordicTrack RW600, and the lifetime frame warranty backstops the long-term investment. Console is basic — this is not a screen-led machine like the NordicTrack RW600 or Aviron Strong Go. Best for users who want resistance authority and durability without locking into a monthly subscription, and who already have a tablet or phone they can prop up for class content if they want it.

Strengths

— Dual air + magnetic resistance — only pick here besides the Aviron Strong Go that combines both systems
— 16 magnetic resistance levels stack on top of the air-flywheel feel
— 350 lb user capacity — higher than the NordicTrack RW600 and Sunny SF-RW5515

Watch-outs

— Console is a basic LCD with 10 preset workouts — no streamed content like the NordicTrack RW600 or Aviron Strong Go
— Build quality and console refinement trail the Concept2 RowErg's PM5 monitor
— Less name recognition than Concept2, NordicTrack, or Sunny

$870 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

NordicTrack RW600

Only pick with a built-in touchscreen — the Concept2 RowErg has a numbers display, the Aviron Strong Go requires your own iPad, the XTERRA ERG700 and Sunny SF-RW5515 have basic LCDs. Quieter than the Concept2 RowErg. Lower user capacity (250 lb) than the Concept2 RowErg's 500 lb and XTERRA ERG700's 350 lb.

XTERRA Fitness ERG700

Dual air + magnetic resistance shared only with the Aviron Strong Go. Best warranty in this lineup (lifetime frame). Higher user capacity (350 lb) than the NordicTrack RW600 and Sunny SF-RW5515. Basic LCD console — no built-in touchscreen like the NordicTrack RW600, no iPad-required gamification like the Aviron Strong Go.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	NordicTrack RW600	XTERRA Fitness ERG700
Resistance	Magnetic (26 levels)	Air + magnetic (16 levels)
Display	10" HD touchscreen	LCD with 10 preset workouts
User Capacity	250 lb	350 lb
Subscription	iFIT ($39/mo, 30-day trial included)	None
Warranty	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame, 5-year parts, 1-year labor
Storage	SpaceSaver vertical fold	Foldable

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