Rowing Machine NerdRowing Machine Deals: When to Buy & Where to Save
Rowing machines go on sale in predictable windows, and the size of the discount depends enormously on the brand. This guide explains when prices actually drop, which makers discount (and which almost never do), where to buy, and how to tell a genuine deal from a fake one - so you pay the right price whenever you're ready.
When rowing machines go on sale
If you can time your purchase, these are the windows that matter. Black Friday is comfortably the best of them for most machines.
| Sale event | When | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday / Cyber Monday | Late November | The biggest discounts of the year, especially on connected and budget rowers. Best single window to buy. |
| Amazon Prime Day | July (and an October event) | Strong drops on budget and mid-range air/magnetic rowers sold on Amazon. |
| New Year / January | Late December–January | Fitness-resolution sales and bundle deals as brands chase Q1 demand. |
| Memorial Day & Labor Day | Late May, early September | Smaller US fitness-equipment sales; occasional connected-rower bundles. |
Which brands actually discount
This is where most buyers waste time waiting for a sale that never comes. Discount behaviour splits cleanly by brand type:
- Concept2 almost never discounts. The Model D holds its price year-round and rarely sees more than token reductions - because demand is steady and resale value is high. Don't wait for a big Concept2 sale; it won't come. The good news is it holds 75-85% of its value used, so buying any time is low-risk. See our guide to buying a used Concept2.
- Connected rowers discount and bundle. Hydrow, Peloton, Ergatta, and Echelon run real sales around Black Friday and New Year - often as price cuts, free accessory bundles, or waived/cheaper subscription months. If you want a screen-based rower, waiting for these windows genuinely saves money.
- Budget brands fluctuate constantly. Sunny, Stamina, Xterra, and similar Amazon-sold rowers change price week to week. Use a price-history check and buy on a dip rather than at list.
How to spot a real deal
- Check the price history, not just the "was/now" sticker. A browser price-tracker tells you whether the "sale" price is genuinely low or just the normal price dressed up.
- Consider last year's model. When a connected rower gets a refresh, the previous generation is often heavily discounted and rows just as well.
- Look at certified-refurbished and open-box. For sturdy machines like the Concept2, refurbished units can be excellent value - just confirm the warranty and the monitor generation.
- Factor in the subscription. A cheap connected rower with a pricey mandatory membership can cost more over three years than a dearer machine with a free app. Always price the total cost of ownership.
Our current picks - sale or no sale
The best deal is the right machine at a fair price, not the biggest percentage off the wrong one. Start with our research-based picks, then watch for a discount on the model that actually fits you:
- The overall shortlist: best rowing machines
- On a budget: best budget rowing machines and best under $500
- Quiet for apartments: best magnetic rowers
- Connected: best smart & connected rowers
- Want a cheaper version of a big name? See our rowing machine alternatives.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, which never changes our picks or what we tell you about pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to buy a rowing machine?
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November are the best windows for most rowers, with Amazon Prime Day (July) and New Year sales close behind. The exception is the Concept2, which rarely discounts - so there's no point waiting for a sale on one.
- Does the Concept2 ever go on sale?
- Very rarely, and only by token amounts. Concept2 demand is steady and resale value is high, so the price stays flat year-round. Because a used Concept2 holds 75-85% of its value, buying any time is low-risk rather than something to delay.
- Are Black Friday rowing machine deals worth it?
- For connected rowers (Hydrow, Peloton, Ergatta, Echelon) and budget machines, yes - Black Friday brings genuine price cuts, accessory bundles, and subscription offers. Always check the price history so a 'deal' isn't just the normal price relabelled.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.