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- Best overall: NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower
- Best budget: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Best premium: Hydrow Wave Rower
- Best for strength training: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
- The NordicTrack RW900 is a connected rowing machine with 26 digital resistance levels; the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is an adjustable dumbbell pair.
- Choose the NordicTrack RW900 for full-body cardio and guided rowing workouts; choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 for strength training in a compact space.
- The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 suits buyers who prioritize durable, straightforward rowing and performance tracking.
- The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 and PowerBlock Elite EXP offer heavier adjustable-dumbbell options than the SelectTech 552.
- Compare workout type, storage needs, screen features and resistance range before choosing a Black Friday 2026 fitness deal.
The NordicTrack RW900 and Bowflex SelectTech 552 serve different fitness goals: the NordicTrack RW900 is a connected rower with 26 resistance levels, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is an adjustable dumbbell pair that reaches 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends on whether you want cardio or strength training—not on which product appears in the same comparison.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around the most useful home rowers and adjustable dumbbells. The Best bet for guided cardio is the NordicTrack RW900; for compact strength training, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is an Easy recommendation. Below, you’ll find direct comparisons, alternatives and a practical buying guide to help match equipment to your space and routine.
How We Picked
- Compared the primary workout each product supports, including rowing for cardio and adjustable dumbbells for resistance training.
- Reviewed manufacturer-listed resistance ranges, weight settings, display details and user-capacity specifications where available.
- Considered storage and footprint, since home fitness equipment needs to fit the room and the buyer’s routine.
- Used owner feedback and product reviews to identify recurring strengths, trade-offs and setup considerations.
- Selected alternatives across connected, performance-focused and compact equipment so shoppers can compare more than one style.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Primary workout | Resistance or weight range | Display or key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower | Guided cardio | Indoor rowing | 26 digital levels | 22-inch HD touchscreen |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | Compact strength training | Strength training | 5–52.5 pounds per dumbbell | 15 weight settings |
| Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs | Performance rowing | Indoor rowing | 10 damper settings | PM5 monitor |
| Hydrow Wave Rower | Connected rowing | Indoor rowing | Connected resistance | 16-inch touchscreen |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine | Straightforward rowing | Indoor rowing | 16 magnetic levels | Magnetic resistance |
| Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell | Heavier adjustable strength training | Strength training | 10–90 pounds | 17 weight settings |
| PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair | Expandable strength training | Strength training | 5–50 pounds per dumbbell | Expansion stages available |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower
The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is the best connected rower for buyers who want guided cardio, with 26 digital resistance levels.
Best for: Guided, full-body cardio at home
- Resistance
- 26 digital levels
- Display
- 22-inch HD touchscreen
- Workout type
- Indoor rowing
- Large touchscreen supports instructor-led workout viewing.
- 26 resistance levels offer a broad range for training.
- Rowing engages upper body, lower body and core.
- Requires more floor and storage space than dumbbells.
- Connected features are a key part of the experience.
Is the NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is worth considering for buyers who want a connected rowing workout at home. The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower's 22-inch touchscreen and 26 resistance levels make guided cardio a central part of the experience, but the rower takes more space than adjustable weights.
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#2
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are the best compact strength-training pick for home users, with settings from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell.
Best for: Strength training with limited storage
- Weight range
- 5–52.5 pounds per dumbbell
- Weight settings
- 15 per dumbbell
- Pair
- 2 adjustable dumbbells
- One pair replaces multiple fixed-weight dumbbells.
- Dial adjustment makes switching weights straightforward.
- Compact storage suits many home workout areas.
- Maximum weight is lower than the SelectTech 1090.
- Not a substitute for a cardio machine.
Are the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are worth considering for home strength training, especially when storage space is limited. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds across 15 settings, covering a range of common exercises without requiring a full rack of weights.
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#3
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs is the best performance-focused rower for buyers who value clear workout data, with 10 damper settings.
Best for: Performance-focused rowing and tracking
- Damper settings
- 1–10
- Monitor
- PM5
- User capacity
- 500 pounds
- PM5 monitor provides detailed workout information.
- Air resistance responds to rowing effort.
- Separates for storage between workouts.
- Does not have a large built-in touchscreen.
- Air resistance produces more audible sound than some magnetic rowers.
Is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs is a strong choice for buyers who prioritize rowing data and a straightforward training experience. The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs's PM5 monitor tracks workouts, and the 10 damper settings adjust airflow rather than selecting fixed resistance levels.
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#4
Hydrow Wave Rower
The Hydrow Wave Rower is the best compact connected rower for buyers who want instructor-led sessions, with a 16-inch touchscreen.
Best for: Connected rowing in a smaller footprint
- Display
- 16-inch touchscreen
- Workout type
- Connected indoor rowing
- User capacity
- 375 pounds
- Screen supports immersive instructor-led classes.
- Compact design is intended for home use.
- Offers a connected alternative to performance-only rowers.
- The screen is smaller than the RW900 display.
- Connected workouts are central to its appeal.
Is the Hydrow Wave Rower worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Hydrow Wave Rower is worth considering for buyers who want instructor-led rowing in a connected format. The Hydrow Wave Rower's 16-inch touchscreen supports guided sessions, while its compact design aims to fit home workout spaces more easily than larger rowers.
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#5
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine is the best straightforward magnetic rower for buyers who want simple resistance control, with 16 levels.
Best for: Basic indoor rowing without a large screen
- Resistance
- 16 magnetic levels
- Workout type
- Indoor rowing
- Resistance style
- Magnetic
- 16 levels provide multiple resistance choices.
- Magnetic resistance offers a simple rowing setup.
- Avoids making a large connected display the main feature.
- Does not offer a large instructor-workout touchscreen.
- Buyers should check available space before ordering.
Is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine is worth considering for buyers who want indoor rowing with simple resistance adjustment. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine's 16 magnetic resistance levels offer range for home workouts, while its feature set is more straightforward than connected touchscreen rowers.
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#6
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell is the best heavier adjustable-weight option for strength-focused buyers, with settings from 10 to 90 pounds.
Best for: Heavier adjustable dumbbell training
- Weight range
- 10–90 pounds
- Weight settings
- 17
- Product format
- Single adjustable dumbbell
- Higher maximum weight than the SelectTech 552.
- Adjustable design reduces the need for several individual weights.
- Useful for strength routines that progress to heavier loads.
- Sold as a single dumbbell, so a pair requires two units.
- Heavier loads require more storage and handling space.
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell is worth considering for strength-focused buyers who need heavier loads than the SelectTech 552 provides. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell's 10-to-90-pound range offers room to progress, but remember that the product is a single dumbbell rather than a pair.
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#7
PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair
The PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair are the best expandable dumbbells for buyers who want a compact starting set, with weights from 5 to 50 pounds per hand.
Best for: Expandable strength training with compact storage
- Weight range
- 5–50 pounds per dumbbell
- Pair
- 2 adjustable dumbbells
- Expansion
- Compatible expansion stages available
- Compact block design stores more neatly than many fixed weights.
- Expansion stages support heavier training loads.
- Pair format supports bilateral strength exercises.
- Expansion kits are separate purchases.
- The shape feels different from a traditional dumbbell.
Are the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair are worth considering for buyers who want compact adjustable weights with an expansion path. Each dumbbell starts at 5 to 50 pounds, and compatible stages support buyers who want a higher maximum later.
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Which is better, the NordicTrack RW900 or Bowflex SelectTech 552?
The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is better for cardio, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are better for strength training; the products are not direct substitutes. The RW900 has 26 digital resistance levels and a 22-inch HD touchscreen, while each SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds.
Choose the NordicTrack RW900 if you want rowing workouts that engage your legs, back, arms and core, especially with guided sessions on screen. Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if your routine centers on curls, presses, squats and other resistance exercises, or if storage space is limited. A Black Friday 2026 comparison is most useful when you first decide which type of workout you want to do consistently.
Which home rower is best for your workout style?
The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is best for guided rowing, while the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor, Standard Legs is best for performance tracking. The Hydrow Wave Rower offers another connected option, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Magnetic Rowing Machine keeps the feature set straightforward.
A large screen and instructor-led sessions can help make guided workouts feel engaging, but they are not essential to rowing itself. The Concept2 RowErg focuses on measured performance through its PM5 monitor and air resistance. The Sunny Health & Fitness model uses 16 magnetic levels for a simpler setup. Compare the kind of coaching you want, the sound and feel of resistance, and how the machine fits your room before choosing.
Which adjustable dumbbells should you choose?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells suit general home strength training, while the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell reaches 90 pounds and the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Stage 1 Pair can expand beyond its starting range. Their weight capacity and format are the key differences.
The 552 pair is a practical place to start when you want two adjustable weights and a manageable range for varied exercises. Choose the 1090 when heavier loading matters and you are comfortable buying a single dumbbell per unit. PowerBlock is a strong fit for buyers who value compact storage and an upgrade path, with expansion stages sold separately. Check whether the listed product is one dumbbell or a pair before comparing options.
How much space do rowers and adjustable dumbbells need?
Adjustable dumbbells generally need less workout-floor space than a rower, while the NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower, Hydrow Wave Rower, Concept2 RowErg and Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 each require room to move through a rowing stroke. Equipment dimensions and storage arrangements should guide your decision.
Measure the floor area where you plan to exercise, then account for clearance around the equipment and a place to store it. A rower needs room for the seat rail and full body movement, even when the machine stores upright or separates for storage. Adjustable dumbbells need a stable storage surface and enough room to lift safely. For Black Friday 2026, confirm the product’s current footprint and delivery requirements before ordering.
What features matter most when comparing Black Friday fitness deals?
Workout fit, resistance range, space and display features are the four most useful comparison points for Black Friday 2026 fitness equipment. A NordicTrack RW900 touchscreen is valuable to buyers who want connected cardio, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552’s adjustable range supports strength exercises with less equipment.
Start with the routine you will use most often rather than choosing by screen size or the number of settings alone. Then compare whether the weight or resistance range matches your current ability and training goals. Review storage needs, assembly details, included accessories and any app or membership requirements. A good deal is a strong match for your space and habits, not simply the product with the longest feature list.
Buying Guide
Choose your workout first
Pick a rower for cardio and full-body rowing, or adjustable dumbbells for resistance training. The NordicTrack RW900 and Bowflex SelectTech 552 meet different needs, so decide which routine fits your goals before comparing features.
Match the resistance range to your goals
Compare resistance levels on a rower with weight increments on dumbbells. The SelectTech 552 reaches 52.5 pounds per hand; the SelectTech 1090 goes to 90 pounds. Check the specifications against your current training and progression plans.
Measure your workout area
Measure available floor space and clearance before buying a rower. For dumbbells, plan for a stable place to store the pair and enough room to perform each movement safely. Check the product dimensions before checkout.
Decide whether connected features matter
Touchscreens and guided classes can add structure to workouts, but simpler displays serve buyers who prefer independent training. Compare screen size, workout access and any related membership requirements before choosing a connected machine.
Compare what is included
Confirm whether adjustable weights are sold as a pair or individually, and check for included monitor or storage accessories. Review delivery, assembly and warranty details for each Black Friday 2026 option.
FAQ
Is the NordicTrack RW900 better than the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
The NordicTrack RW900 is better for connected cardio, while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is better for compact strength training. The RW900 is a rower with 26 digital resistance levels; the SelectTech 552 is a pair of adjustable dumbbells that reaches 52.5 pounds per hand.
What is the difference between the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is a pair of adjustable dumbbells with a maximum of 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjusts from 10 to 90 pounds, but each 1090 is sold as a single dumbbell, so buyers need two for a pair.
Is the Concept2 RowErg a good alternative to the NordicTrack RW900?
The Concept2 RowErg is a good alternative for buyers who prioritize rowing performance and workout tracking over a large touchscreen. Its PM5 monitor records workout information, while the NordicTrack RW900 emphasizes connected instructor-led training and 26 digital resistance levels.
Are adjustable dumbbells good for a small home gym?
Adjustable dumbbells are a strong option for a small home gym because one pair replaces multiple fixed-weight dumbbells. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds per hand, while the PowerBlock Elite EXP pair offers an expansion path.
Which rower is best for connected workouts?
The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower and Hydrow Wave Rower are connected choices with built-in touchscreens. The RW900 has a 22-inch display and 26 digital resistance levels, while the Hydrow Wave has a 16-inch touchscreen for instructor-led rowing sessions.
What should I compare when shopping for Black Friday 2026 fitness equipment?
Compare workout type, resistance or weight range, space requirements, display features and included accessories. Also check whether adjustable dumbbells are sold as a pair, how the rower stores, and whether connected workouts require an additional membership.