What are the best 5 fitness trackers for rowing? Well, we are about to find out as that’s the topic for this article. Fitness trackers are now widely used by millions of people who participate in sports. Rowing is no different as rowers like to keep track of their performance and recovery. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Rowing is one of the most complete workouts you can do. It engages nearly every major muscle group, builds cardiovascular endurance, and promotes both strength and stamina in a balanced way. Whether you are powering through long sessions on the water or grinding out intervals on an indoor rowing machine, tracking your performance can make the difference between steady progress and wasted effort.
That is where fitness trackers come in. They provide real time data, feedback on stroke rate, calorie burn, heart rate, and recovery, helping you fine tune your workouts for better results.
The market for fitness trackers has grown dramatically over the last decade, and while most trackers are designed for running, cycling, or general fitness, not all are well suited for rowing. The best devices for rowers are those that can monitor repetitive arm and body movements, capture accurate heart rate data, and translate the motion of rowing into meaningful metrics.
In this article we explore the five best fitness trackers for rowing, detailing their key features, prices, benefits, and the trade offs you need to know before making a choice.
What Makes a Fitness Tracker Good for Rowing
Before we look into the top devices, it helps to understand the criteria that matter most for rowing:
☑ Stroke rate tracking – the ability to count strokes per minute with precision
☑ Heart rate accuracy – especially during high intensity intervals
☑ Water resistance – essential for rowers who train on open water
☑ Motion recognition – accurate sensors that distinguish rowing from other repetitive activities
☑ Battery life – long sessions demand a tracker that can last without constant charging
☑ Connectivity – compatibility with rowing apps and machines such as Concept2 monitors
These factors separate everyday activity trackers from rowing focused devices.
The Best 5 Fitness Trackers For Rowing
1. Garmin Forerunner 965
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a powerhouse for athletes across many sports, and rowing is no exception. It features multi sport tracking with dedicated profiles for indoor and outdoor rowing.
Key Features
- Bright AMOLED display with detailed workout metrics
- Advanced heart rate tracking with wrist based optical sensor
- Rowing profiles with stroke rate, distance, and pace metrics
- GPS accuracy for outdoor rowing sessions
- Training readiness and recovery insights
Price
Around $600 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Excellent for both indoor and outdoor rowing
☑ Long battery life of up to 24 days in smartwatch mode
☑ Robust data for serious athletes who cross train
Pros
☑ High accuracy sensors
☑ Advanced performance metrics and training analytics
☑ Works seamlessly with third party apps
Cons
☑ Premium price may be steep for beginners
☑ Complex interface for users seeking simplicity
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the most popular fitness wearables in the world, and it offers strong support for rowing both indoors and outdoors.
Key Features
- Built in rowing workout modes
- Optical and electrical heart rate sensors with advanced health tracking
- Bright Retina display for easy workout visibility
- Water resistant design suitable for rowing on lakes and rivers
- Seamless integration with Apple Fitness and rowing apps
Price
Around $400 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Easy to use for beginners and advanced rowers
☑ Strong health features beyond rowing, including sleep and mindfulness tracking
☑ Wide compatibility with apps and smart features
Pros
☑ Accurate heart rate tracking
☑ User friendly design and high quality build
☑ Regular updates and ecosystem integration
Cons
☑ Battery life of about 18 hours requires daily charging
☑ Lacks some of the advanced rowing specific metrics found in Garmin devices
3. Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 is a stylish fitness watch that balances smart features with detailed workout tracking, including rowing profiles.
Key Features
- AMOLED touchscreen with customizable workout data screens
- Indoor and outdoor rowing activity tracking
- Body battery energy monitoring to assess recovery
- Heart rate, HRV, and respiration tracking
- Compatible with Concept2 machines through Bluetooth connectivity
Price
Around $450 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Strong blend of lifestyle and sports tracking
☑ Excellent companion for both gym sessions and outdoor training
☑ Comprehensive recovery insights
Pros
☑ Lightweight and stylish design
☑ Highly accurate rowing metrics
☑ Long battery life up to 14 days
Cons
☑ Limited advanced analytics compared to the Forerunner series
☑ Higher price compared to entry level trackers
4. Fitbit Charge 6
For rowers who want affordability without sacrificing core features, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers a solid balance of fitness tracking and value.
Key Features
- Dedicated rowing workout mode with stroke tracking
- Continuous heart rate monitoring with improved accuracy
- Compatibility with rowing apps through Google integration
- Lightweight, slim band design ideal for daily wear
- Water resistant to 50 meters
Price
Around $160 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Affordable entry point into rowing wearables
☑ Easy to use app with clean data presentation
☑ Tracks sleep, stress, and recovery
Pros
☑ Great price to performance ratio
☑ Slim and comfortable for all day wear
☑ Long battery life up to 7 days
Cons
☑ Lacks advanced metrics for competitive rowers
☑ Requires premium subscription for deeper insights
5. Whoop Strap 4.0
The Whoop Strap is a recovery and performance focused wearable that has become popular among athletes, including rowers. While it does not have a screen, it shines in providing deep insights into strain and recovery.
Key Features
- 24/7 heart rate and HRV monitoring
- Strain score to measure the intensity of rowing sessions
- Recovery score based on HRV, resting heart rate, and sleep
- Comfortable strap design worn on wrist, arm, or clothing
- Water resistant and designed for long wear
Price
Free strap with monthly membership around $30 US dollars.
Benefits
☑ Ideal for serious rowers tracking long term training loads
☑ Provides recovery insights that guide workout intensity
☑ Simple and lightweight for constant wear
Pros
☑ Best in class recovery analytics
☑ Highly accurate HRV tracking
☑ No distractions from a screen
Cons
☑ Requires ongoing subscription
☑ Lacks on the spot workout displays
☑ Best suited for advanced users who understand training loads
Who Should Use Rowing Fitness Trackers
- Recreational rowers who want motivation and to track calories, heart rate, and general fitness progress.
- Competitive rowers seeking detailed stroke metrics, recovery scores, and GPS data for on water training.
- Indoor rowing enthusiasts who use machines like Concept2 and want to sync performance data automatically.
- Cross trainers and athletes who row as part of a varied fitness program and want multipurpose devices.
Less suitable for:
- Users who dislike wearing devices during water activities
- People who want very simple trackers without the need for apps or detailed analysis
How to Get the Best From Your Wearable
☑ Wear it snugly – loose straps reduce sensor accuracy, especially during fast rowing
☑ Sync with rowing apps – connect with platforms like Strava or Concept2 logs for deeper analysis
☑ Charge regularly – battery life differs greatly, so make charging part of your routine
☑ Use recovery data – do not just track workouts, learn from rest and recovery insights
☑ Label your workouts – logging whether you rowed indoors or outdoors helps apps improve accuracy
☑ Track long term trends – weekly and monthly data is more valuable than day to day fluctuations
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do all fitness trackers support rowing?
No, not all trackers have rowing as a workout mode. Many require you to use generic cardio settings, but the best trackers listed here have dedicated rowing profiles.
2. Are wrist based heart rate sensors accurate for rowing?
They are reasonably accurate for steady rowing but can struggle with high intensity intervals. Chest straps paired with your tracker provide the most reliable heart rate data.
3. Can these trackers sync with indoor rowing machines?
Yes, many models including Garmin and Fitbit devices can connect with Concept2 machines or sync data through apps.
4. Are rowing fitness trackers waterproof?
Most are water resistant, but not all are designed for prolonged submersion. Always check the water resistance rating before using outdoors.
5. Do I need to pay a subscription for rowing metrics?
Some trackers like Whoop require a subscription for all features, while Fitbit offers basic metrics for free but charges for deeper analysis. Garmin and Apple generally include rowing features without extra fees.
6. Which tracker is best for beginners?
The Fitbit Charge 6 is ideal for beginners thanks to its simplicity, affordability, and straightforward data presentation.
Conclusion
Rowing is a powerful workout, and the right fitness tracker can take your performance and consistency to the next level. From the feature rich Garmin Forerunner 965 to the minimalist but insightful Whoop Strap 4.0, there is a device for every type of rower. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers unmatched integration with everyday life, while the Garmin Venu 3 strikes a strong balance of style and function. For those on a budget, the Fitbit Charge 6 delivers excellent value.
The key is to choose a device that fits your style of rowing, your budget, and your long term goals. A good rowing tracker will not only capture your strokes and calories but will also help you understand recovery, sleep, and overall training balance. With consistent use, these wearables can turn every rowing session into a step toward better fitness, improved performance, and greater enjoyment on the water or in the gym.
Our Thanks!
Many thanks for taking the time to read this article on The Best 5 Fitness Trackers For Rowing. We hope that you have found it helpful with your search for a suitable fitness tracker. You should take a look at our related article which is titled Best 3 Fitness Trackers For HIIT Workouts.
Let us know which brand and type and brand of fitness tracker you’re using or thinking of buying in the comments section below!
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All the best!
Eamon