NordicTrack Rowers Comparison: RW900 vs. RW700 vs. RW600. Which to Choose? 

NordicTrack has been around for decades and is recognized by health and fitness experts as one of the best brands in the industry. In 2022, NordicTrack released a heap of new designs and updates to their best-selling rowing machine, the RW model. 

Since the RW models were first released in 2018, NordicTrack has continued improving their already industry-leading rowers with specific redesigns and incredible innovations. Some of the new updates are clearly evident, while others take a little bit more investigation.

iFit continues to lead the way and is an integral part of what makes the NordicTrack rowers as popular and good as they are. If you haven’t got time to read the entire comprehensive review, check out our comparison table below. 

Quick Summary & Comparison Table

Below, you’ll find a comparison table to help you decide at a glance whether the Nordic RW900, RW700, or RW600 is the best rower for you. What you’ll find with the Nordic Rowers is that although they look similar, they have very different features from model to model, which is why I’ve put together this easy-to-read comparison table. 

Here at girlbikelove, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.

NordicTrack RW900 Review

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

4.8

With the RW900’s Rotating Smart HD Touchscreen, you can take part in immersive workouts, then hop off your rower for a strength training session or yoga in beautiful locales. Stream live & on-demand workouts on iFIT.

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Coming in as the most expensive of the three NordicTrack models, the RW900 is seen as the “cream of the crop.”  The RW900 comes fully equipped with a high-quality 30-watt sound system, a 22incch HD one-touch screen, and access to the auto-adjust resistance technology system

The bigger touchscreen is not the only benefit; the screen also swivels and rotates, allowing users to take advantage of the iFit exercises designed for working out of the rower. Moreover, users get the choice of 26 levels, which means that almost every family member can find the resistance that suits them best. 

The RW900 also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, transport wheels, and fully adjustable foot straps.  

Pros

• Much larger screen than other models
• Awesome 30-Watt sound system
• Comes fully equipped with Auto-Adjust Technology 
• Takes up less floor space than other models

Cons

• Doesn’t fold away
• Relatively expensive for most people 

NordicTrack RW700 Review

Nordictrack RW700 Rower

4.6

The RW700 has an improved sliding rail system combined with an upgraded flywheel & SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance technology, ensures your rowing experience will be buttery smooth and quiet.

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Just as with the other NordicTrack RW600 and 900 models, the RW700 has 26 levels of resistance, oversized pedals that have pivots for comfort and safety, and a booming 30-watt forward-facing speaker system. The RW700 also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and auto-adjust resistance technology.

The NordicTrack RW700 is silky smooth and incredibly quiet thanks to its magnetic resistance system. However, the touchscreen is the same size as the RW600. The screen on the RW700 can swivel and rotate, which is perfect for when you want to stretch on the floor or work on some core exercises. 

The RW700 is excellent value for money, although the screen could be a bit bigger, especially considering the price. 

Pros

• 30-Watt sound system makes working out a great experience
• Screen tilts and pivots, making it ideal when not rowing 
• Magnetic resistance means the rower is silky smooth and quiet

Cons

• Considerably larger than the RW900
• Might be over budget for some people
• Does Not fold away

NordicTrack RW600 Review

Nordictrack RW600 Rower

4.6

Row all over the world on your RW600, build your body with iFit’s strength training workouts, or take advantage of our empowering new mindfulness sessions.

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Although the NordicTrack RW600 is the cheapest of the three rowers, don’t think it’s not as good as the others. The RW600 has many of the top features that the RW700 and RW900 have, and in fact, it even has some that they don’t. 

Some of the same features are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, forwards facing speakers and sound system, and of course, 26 levels of resistance. Unlike the NordicTrack RW700 and 900, the RW600 uses magnetic resistance and air systems. The air resistance allows you to adjust the rower manually, which I love, while the magnetic resistance utilizes auto-adjust technology.

The NordicTrack RW600 also comes fully loaded with small wheels, which make it easy to move the rower around. The RW600 also folds away easily, making it perfect for those with limited space. 

Pros

• Cheapest of all three RW models
• Folds away for easy storage
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for easy connection to speakers and apps

Cons

• Small screen with no pivot or tilt feature built-in
• Air resistance is loud compared to the magnetic system on the RW700 and 900

Detailed Comparison

Screen Size and Tech

Amazingly, the NordicTrack RW600, 700, and 900 all come fully equipped with HD Touchscreens direct from the factory. The most significant difference between the three models, however, is the screen’s size and their tilting and swiveling ability. 

• The RW900 screen is 22-inches and can swivel and tilt
• The RW700 screen is 10-inches and can also tile and swivel
• The RW600 screen is 10-inches cannot rotate but does tilt

The screens on the RW models also feature forward-facing speaker systems that provide users with an immersive fitness experience unlike any other rower. 

Digital Consoles

When it comes to the digital console, it can either make or break a rower; and in this case, the consoles are quite simply remarkable. In particular, the screen on the RW700 and RW900 can rotate an amazing 360° and even tilts up and down. 

Why is this important, you ask? iFit offers a range of exercises you can perform off the rower, meaning the swivel feature allows you to work out on the floor while still watching the screen. The image quality on all three RW models is sharp and clear, and the touchscreens are easy to use.

The RW600 screen is slightly smaller and doesn’t allow you to swivel the screen, but that said, users can tilt the screen up and down, which is adequate for most people.

Resistance Type and Control

Changing resistance can be tricky on some indoor rowers, but that’s not the case with the NordicTrack RW900, 700, and 600 models. Changing resistance is done using the touchscreen, and don’t forget you have 26 levels to choose from, meaning all fitness levels can find their sweet spot. 

Additionally, the RW600 also has old-school buttons for changing resistance which can be found below the digital console. The RW900 and RW700 do not offer one-touch buttons to change resistance. On these models, resistance is adjusted via the screen. If you’d like to go one better, take advantage of the Auto-Adjust and let iFit do the work. 

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when choosing how to change resistance. Personally, I like doing it manually because I feel I have more control over my workout. On the other hand, some users find it easier to let SmartAdjust change resistance levels for them; either way, you’ll get a sweat-popping workout.

Size 

Compared to the 2021 RW600 model, the RW700 and the RW900 are 7 inches shorter in length, meaning they have a considerable advantage when it comes to saving floor space. The difference in dimensions is a critical factor to consider when deciding which rower is suitable for you. 

However, the RW900 weighs slightly more than its two younger models weighing in at 163lbs or 73kgs compared to 117lbs or 53kgs for the RW600 and 146lbs or 66kgs for the RW700. 

• RW900 weighs 163lbs or 73kgs
• RW700 weighs 146lbs or 66kgs
• RW600 weighs 117lbs or 53kgs

The extra weight of the RW900 is due to the screen size, which is significantly larger than the RW700 and RW600; in fact, the screen is 10-inches bigger.

Dimensions for the NordicTrack RW models:

• RW900 is 82″L x 22″W x 54″H or 208 x 56 x 137 cm
• RW700 is 87″L x 22″W x 47″H or 221 x 56 x 119 cm
• RW600 is 87″L x 22″W x 47″H or 221 x 56 x 119 cm

Another helpful feature we shouldn’t overlook is that the NordicTrack RW models can fold away, which is particularly important if you live in a small apartment or are limited in space. Some verified customers have even suggested that standing the RW rowers upright is even easier and saves more space. 

Which NordicTrack Rower Is Best For Me? 

Choosing which rower is exactly right for you can be tricky, but guess what? It doesn’t have to be. It’s really just a matter of answering a few simple questions and then deciding which of the features on each rower is most important to you.

NordicTrack RW600 Indoor Rower Is Perfect:

• For those who are on a tight budget
• For those looking for dual-resistance systems
• For those who want a rower that can easily fold away

NordicTrack RW700 Indoor Rower Is Perfect:

• For those who want the latest tech like Bluetooth, wi-fi
• For those who want 26 levels of magnetic resistance 
• For those who love the swivel and rotating touchscreen 
• For those who want the option to exercise on the floor

NordicTrack RW900 Indoor Rower Is Perfect:

• For those who want the “cream of the crop”
• For those who have a big budget
• For those who want the 22-inch touchscreen with tilt and pivot features
• For those who want to take advantage of the iFit app
• For those who want extras like adjustable foot straps and transport wheels

Alternatives

Concept2 Indoor Rower 

The Concept 2 rower and the NordicTrack are two completely different styles of indoor rowers in almost every way. Firstly, the Concept2 Rower was designed by two-former Olympic athletes and is targeted toward hardcore rowers who love to get a sweat up during an indoor workout. 

On the other hand, the NordicTrack RW models are also designed for serious rowers, but the brand focuses much more on delivering technological features such as magnetic resistance, auto-adjust, and the iFit app. 

The concept2 is very well built, though, and pretty much “indestructible,” so consider that when choosing between these two popular brands. 

Ergatta Indoor Rowers

The Ergatta Rower is the most unique rower on the market. Categorized as a “connected water rower,” the designers embarked on creating an indoor rower that’s visually striking, fun, and practical.

Unlike other brands that spend an absurd amount of money paying instructors to design and deliver training sessions, the team at Ergatta focused their attention on mimicking competitive gaming software. This means every session has a competitive edge. Whether it’s racing other rowers or trying to beat your PB. 

The water resistance system is probably the coolest thing, though, and makes the rowing experience feel natural and realistic. 

Compared to the NordicTrack, the Ergatta Rower is considerably more expensive at $2499.00 compared to the NordicTrack RW900 at $1699.00. 

Hydrow Indoor Rowers

In recent years, Hydrow Rowers have become incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Model after model, they produce practical, stylish, and fun rowers that provide users with an interactive and challenging workout experience.

Priced in a similar range to the RW900, the Hydrow rower costs $2295.00, meaning it’s not the cheapest rower on the market. However, you get all the bells and whistles plus access to more than 3000 on-demand training sessions designed by experts in the field of sports and fitness.

The workout sessions set this rower apart from others in the niche and are why Hydrow is popular with experienced rowers and newcomers.

Compared to NordicTrack, both brands have very reputable names in the home gym industry and share many main features. So, in this case, it comes down to personal preference when choosing between models. 

Aviron Indoor Rowers

The Aviron brand is now one of the most recognized in the indoor rowing niche and continues to grow in popularity. The Aviron Impact and the Aviron Tough are priced at $1999.00 and $2199.00, respectively. This makes them nearly $400 more expensive than the NordicTrack RW900 costing $1699.00.

Aviron rowers have 16 levels of resistance and are built to last, with numerous verified customers stating their machine had lasted for years and required very little maintenance. The Aviron rowers use a magnetic and air resistance system, while the NordicTrack RW models come equipped with a magnetic resistance system.

Considering both brands are now recognized as leaders in the industry, and the prices are somewhat similar, personal preference might play a big factor in deciding which rower is best for you. If you like sleek and modern designs, I recommend the NordicTrack RW models. 

ProForm Indoor Rowers

The ProForm brand offers a wide range of gym equipment, including treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and of course, indoor rowers. ProForm rowers are modern and contemporary and include many of the same features as the big-name brands for a fraction of the cost. 

The ProForm ProR120 rower will set you back $1403.00, while the ProForm Pro750R Rower is priced at a very reasonable $699.00. Proform rowers provide users with auto-adjust technology and take advantage of the ever-popular iFit app, which has an enormous variety of training sessions for all fitness levels. 

Compared to NordicTrack, the Proform is not as good, in my opinion, simply because NordicTrack has been designing home gym equipment for decades. That said, if you’re after an affordable rower that still packs a punch, ProForm might be for you. 

Echelon Indoor Rowers

Echelon offers customers the choice of three rowers, all of which are easy to work out on, even for those who are new to rowing. The brand provides 32 levels of resistance, which are super easy to adjust via the ergonomically designed handlebars. 

The rowers use air resistance which, although it is noisy, does help to make the rowing experience smooth and efficient compared to other water-based resistance systems. 

Echelon does have an excellent app called the Echelon United app that has more than 1000 on-demand sessions and even access to live workouts. Bear in mind that the big drawback with Echelon rowers is that without the Echelon United app, the rowers are pretty much unusable. 

The Final Verdict

It’s fair to say that NordicTrack Rowers are not the cheapest on the market, but boy do you get a big bang for your buck. Not only is NordicTrack a reputable international fitness brand, but the customer and expert reviews prove you can’t go wrong with the RW900, RW700, or RW600.

All three of the NordicTrack RW models have 26 levels of resistance, are fully equipped with numerous practical and high-tech features, and include lengthy warranties.

Although the Rowers seem expensive upfront, over time, they pay for themselves, especially considering you won’t be paying for expensive gym memberships anymore. The rowers offer the best training sessions with the iFit, and the convenience of working out whenever you like just can’t be beaten.  

So, should you buy a NordicTrack RW rower? YES. You may pay a little bit more now, but in the long run, you’ll save money, and your body will thank you for it.