6 Best Alternatives to the WaterRowing Machine Ash Rowing Machine S4 (2026)

How these alternatives compare

WaterRower Walnut S4 Handcrafted Rower

This WaterRower Walnut S4 shares the same 84-inch length and 22-inch height as the Ash model, maintaining the classic footprint. The primary difference is the wood type, offering a walnut finish instead of ash. It weighs slightly less at 61.7 pounds compared to the Ash model's 63.9 pounds. Like the original, it uses water resistance and includes the S4 monitor for tracking performance. You choose this if you prefer the darker walnut aesthetic over the natural ash look. The build quality and handcrafted origins remain identical. It is best for buyers who want the same premium USA-made experience but with a different wood tone. The storage method and dimensions stay consistent with the original design.

YOSUDA RM-207 Water Rower

The YOSUDA RM-207 differs significantly by offering a folding form factor, unlike the rigid frame of the WaterRower Ash. It features a 400 lb weight capacity, far exceeding the Ash model's 103.5 lb limit. The dimensions are more compact at 71.7 inches in length and 13 inches in width, making it easier to store. It uses an aluminum tank with 16L of water for resistance. While it lacks the premium wood construction of the original, it provides sturdy performance for home gyms. The black color and folding design prioritize space-saving over traditional aesthetics. You should pick this if vertical storage or high weight limits are your main concerns. It sacrifices the handcrafted wood feel for practicality and durability.

YOSUDA Water Rower 450 lb Capacity

This YOSUDA model offers a 450 lb capacity, surpassing the Ash model's 103.5 lb limit. It features a folding design with dimensions of 43 inches in length and 20 inches in width, allowing for compact vertical storage. The PRO-Enhanced tank provides water resistance, differing from the standard tank in the original. It weighs 57.5 pounds, lighter than the Ash model. The wood-colored finish mimics the original aesthetic but uses a different construction method. This option suits users who need to save floor space while maintaining a high weight limit. It gives up the handcrafted USA-made wood frame for a more versatile, foldable structure. The S4 monitor is not included, so you rely on other tracking methods.

Dripex Water Rower 400lb Oak

The Dripex Water Rower includes an LCD monitor, which differs from the S4 monitor in the Ash model. It supports a 400 lb weight capacity, significantly higher than the Ash model's 103.5 lb limit. The folding design measures 72.8 inches in length and 17.7 inches in width, offering better storage flexibility. It weighs 55.6 pounds, lighter than the original. The brown color and folding frame prioritize function over the premium wood construction of the WaterRower. You choose this if app connectivity and high capacity are priorities. It sacrifices the traditional handcrafted look for modern features and space-saving design. The water resistance mechanism is similar, but the overall build is more utilitarian. This model is ideal for users who value digital tracking and storage efficiency.

JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower

The JOROTO MR280PRO offers a 400 lb weight capacity, far exceeding the Ash model's 103.5 lb limit. Its folding design measures 70.9 inches in length and 17.5 inches in width, allowing for compact storage. It weighs 52 pounds, making it lighter than the original. The brown color and folding frame differ from the Ash model's rigid wood construction. This rower lacks a traditional standalone monitor, relying on other tracking methods. You pick this if vertical storage and high weight limits are essential. It gives up the handcrafted USA-made wood frame for a more practical, foldable structure. The water resistance is comparable, but the build is more utilitarian. This model suits users who prioritize space-saving and durability over premium aesthetics.

KINGSMITH WR20 Tri-Fold Water Rower

The KINGSMITH WR20 features a tri-fold design, measuring 28.9 inches in length and 18.9 inches in width, much smaller than the Ash model. It weighs 88.2 pounds, heavier than the original. The walnut color mimics the premium look of the WaterRower, but the construction is different. It lacks a built-in monitor, requiring app-based tracking instead. The water resistance mechanism is similar, but the folding frame prioritizes space-saving over traditional form. You choose this if compact storage and app connectivity are your main goals. It sacrifices the S4 monitor and rigid frame for versatility. The model is ideal for users with limited floor space who still want a water rower experience. It offers a different storage solution compared to the original design.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

WaterRower Ash Rowing Machine

Best for: Buyers seeking premium handcrafted wood construction

Resistance Type

water

Weight Capacity

103.5 lbs (with water)

Display Type

S4 Monitor

Intended Use

Home Use

Dimensions

21 × 84 × 22 inches

Weight

63.9 pounds

View on Amazon: WaterRower Ash Rowing Machine Affiliate link

This is a handcrafted ash wood rowing machine made in the USA. It uses a water-filled flywheel for smooth, natural resistance that increases with your effort. The S4 monitor tracks your workout metrics. It measures 84 inches long and weighs 63.9 pounds without water. It is designed for home use and targets 84 percent of your muscle mass.

Pros

• Handcrafted ash wood frame made in the USA
• Water flywheel provides smooth, self-regulating resistance
• S4 monitor tracks performance metrics
• Targets 84 percent of total muscle mass

Cons

• 84-inch length requires significant floor space
• 63.9-pound weight makes it difficult to move
• No Bluetooth connectivity mentioned for data sync

Good fit if

• You want a durable, handcrafted wooden rower
• You prefer natural water resistance over air or magnetic
• You have space for an 84-inch long machine

Skip if

• You need a foldable machine for small spaces
• You want Bluetooth connectivity for app tracking
• You prefer a lightweight, portable unit

Verdict: WaterRower Ash S4 Rower is a premium, USA-made option for those who value craftsmanship and natural water resistance. It suits buyers with ample space who prioritize build quality over portability.

2 Best premium

WaterRower Walnut S4 Handcrafted Rower

Best for: Premium home rowers valuing craftsmanship

Resistance Type

water

Weight Capacity

103.5 lbs (with water)

Display Type

S4 BLE Monitor

Connectivity

BLE

Intended Use

Home Use

Dimensions

21 × 84 × 22 inches

View on Amazon: WaterRower Walnut S4 Handcrafted Rower Affiliate link

This handcrafted rowing machine uses a water-filled flywheel for smooth, natural resistance that scales with your effort. It features the S4 BLE monitor for connectivity and tracks performance metrics. Built from sustainably sourced Appalachian walnut, it offers a durable, low-impact full-body workout. The design allows for easy vertical storage, making it suitable for home use where space and aesthetics matter.

Pros

• Handcrafted walnut construction from sustainably managed forests
• S4 BLE monitor for data connectivity
• Water flywheel provides scalable, smooth resistance
• Vertical storage design saves floor space

Cons

• Heavier build at 61.7 lbs without water
• Larger footprint requires more room
• No remote control included in specifications

Good fit if

• You want authentic water resistance feel
• You value handcrafted wooden aesthetics
• You need monitor connectivity via BLE

Skip if

• You need a compact foldable design
• You prefer a lightweight machine
• You require app integration

Verdict: WaterRower Walnut S4 BLE delivers premium craftsmanship and authentic water resistance for serious home users. It suits those who prioritize build quality and monitor connectivity over compact storage.

3 Best budget

YOSUDA RM-207 Water Rower

Best for: High-capacity home storage

Resistance Type

Water

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Display Type

Rowing-dedicated monitor

Connectivity

Bluetooth APP

Intended Use

Home Use

Form Factor

Folding Elliptical

View on Amazon: YOSUDA RM-207 Water Rower Affiliate link

The YOSUDA foldable water rower offers a 400 lb weight capacity and an aluminum 16L tank. It features a dedicated monitor with Bluetooth app connectivity for tracking data. The unit weighs 59 pounds and includes transport wheels for easy movement. This model suits home users seeking a high-capacity, space-saving water resistance machine with digital tracking options.

Pros

• 400 lb weight capacity supports heavier users
• Foldable design saves floor space
• Bluetooth app connectivity for data tracking
• Aluminum slide rails for smooth motion

Cons

• No physical remote control included
• Monitor is basic, lacking advanced metrics
• App connectivity may have setup friction

Good fit if

• You need a high weight capacity rower
• You want to store the machine vertically
• You prefer water resistance with app tracking

Skip if

• You require a physical remote control
• You need a premium wooden finish
• You want a built-in screen display

Verdict: YOSUDA Foldable Water Rower 400 lb provides a sturdy, high-capacity option for home gyms with limited space. It fits users who prioritize weight limits and storage flexibility over premium aesthetics or included remotes.

4 Also great

YOSUDA Water Rower 450 lb Capacity

Best for: heavy users needing vertical storage

Resistance Type

Water

Weight Capacity

450 lb

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Foldable

Yes (180° foldable)

Intended Use

Home Use

Form Factor

Folding Elliptical

View on Amazon: YOSUDA Water Rower 450 lb Capacity Affiliate link

This YOSUDA water rower uses an FSC-certified beech wood frame and a PRO-Enhanced tank for smooth resistance. It supports users up to 450 pounds and stands 20 inches wide. The unit folds 180 degrees for vertical storage and includes a monitor that tracks distance, time, and calories. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync workout data to your phone. It arrives 98% pre-assembled for quick setup.

Pros

• 450 lb weight capacity for heavy users
• 180° foldable design for easy storage
• Bluetooth connectivity for app integration
• FSC-certified solid beech wood frame

Cons

• No built-in workout programs on the monitor
• Bluetooth only transmits data, no audio
• Larger footprint than non-folding models

Good fit if

• You need a rower that stores vertically
• You weigh up to 450 pounds
• You want to track data on your phone

Skip if

• You require pre-loaded workout programs
• You have very limited floor space
• You prefer a compact non-folding unit

Verdict: YOSUDA Foldable Water Rower 450 lb is a sturdy option for taller users who need to save space. It suits those who value high weight limits and app connectivity over built-in training programs.

5 Best lcd monitor

Dripex Water Rower 400lb Oak

Best for: High capacity home rowing with app tracking

Resistance Type

water

Resistance Levels

6

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Display Type

LCD

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Rail Length

125 cm

View on Amazon: Dripex Water Rower 400lb Oak Affiliate link

This Dripex water rower features a 125 cm dual-rail design and supports users up to 400 lb. It includes an LCD monitor for tracking time, distance, strokes, and calories. The unit folds vertically for storage and connects via Bluetooth to fitness apps. It is suitable for home use and fits users up to 6'5'' tall.

Pros

• 400 lb weight capacity
• Bluetooth connectivity for app tracking
• Vertical folding design with transport wheels
• 125 cm dual-rail system

Cons

• LCD display lacks backlight
• No physical resistance knob for quick adjustments
• 125 cm rail limits stride length for very tall users

Good fit if

• You need high weight capacity
• You want app integration via Bluetooth
• You have limited floor space for storage

Skip if

• You prefer a backlit display
• You require a remote control
• You are taller than 6'5''

Verdict: Dripex Water Rower with LCD Monitor suits those prioritizing high capacity and app connectivity over premium display features.

6 Also great

JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower

Best for: home storage and heavy users

Resistance Type

water

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Display Type

Bluetooth-enabled monitor

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Intended Use

Home Use

Form Factor

Folding Elliptical

View on Amazon: JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower Affiliate link

The JOROTO MR280PRO is a foldable water rowing machine built with a solid oak frame. It supports up to 400 pounds and features a 180-degree vertical fold design to save space. The unit includes a Bluetooth-enabled monitor that connects to the JOROTO app for guided workouts. Its water resistance system adjusts dynamically to your rowing speed. This rower suits home users who want a sturdy build and efficient storage.

Pros

• 400 lb weight capacity
• Solid oak frame construction
• 180-degree vertical folding design
• Bluetooth monitor with app connectivity
• 90% pre-assembled for quick setup

Cons

• Bluetooth monitor lacks a dedicated display screen
• No remote control included
• Foldable design may reduce stability compared to rigid frames

Good fit if

• You need a rower that folds vertically for small spaces
• You want a high weight capacity for heavier users
• You prefer guided workouts via a mobile app

Skip if

• You require a built-in digital display screen
• You need a remote control for resistance adjustments
• You prefer a non-folding rigid frame for maximum stability

Verdict: The JOROTO MR280PRO Water Rower fits users who prioritize vertical storage and high weight capacity over a traditional standalone monitor. It is a practical option for home gyms with limited floor space.

7 Best compact

KINGSMITH WR20 Tri-Fold Water Rower

Best for: compact storage and tall users

Resistance Type

water

Resistance Levels

6

Weight Capacity

331 lbs

Connectivity

Kinomap, KS Fit App

Foldable

Yes, tri-fold

Intended Use

Home Use

View on Amazon: KINGSMITH WR20 Tri-Fold Water Rower Affiliate link

The Kingsmith WR20 is a tri-fold water rower designed for home use. It features an extended rail that accommodates users up to 7'4" tall and supports a 331 lb weight capacity. The water tank offers six levels of adjustable resistance. You can track metrics on the built-in display or sync with the Kinomap and KS Fit apps. This model arrives ready to use with no assembly required.

Pros

• Tri-fold design folds to 28.9 x 18.9 x 22.8 inches for compact storage
• Extended rail supports users up to 7'4" in height
• Six-level adjustable water resistance with 176 lbs max force
• Compatible with Kinomap and KS Fit apps for tracking
• Zero assembly required for immediate use

Cons

• Lower 331 lb weight capacity compared to some competitors
• No built-in Bluetooth connectivity for direct monitor pairing
• Lacks a remote control for resistance adjustments

Good fit if

• You need a rower that folds into a small footprint
• You are taller than 6'5" and need an extended rail
• You want to track workouts via third-party fitness apps

Skip if

• You prefer a traditional upright storage design
• You require a weight capacity above 331 lbs
• You need a rower with a built-in Bluetooth monitor

Verdict: The KINGSMITH WR20 Tri-Fold Water Rower fits buyers who prioritize space-saving storage and app-based tracking over high weight limits or native Bluetooth connectivity.

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Frequently asked questions