6 Best Rowing Machine Accessories (October 2026)
The best rowing machine accessories include the Hornet Watersports Rowing Machine Seat Cushion fits Perfectly for a snug seat fit, the Vapor Fitness Phone Holder Made for PM5 Monitors for a PM5 phone mount, and the QPARVERS Cable Machine Attachment Set LAT Pulldown for varied cable exercises.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which rowing machine accessories are worth considering?
- Seat cushions for longer rowing sessions
- How should you choose a seat cushion?
- What should you check before buying a phone holder?
- When do cable attachments make sense for rowers?
- How can you keep a rowing setup organized?
- Which rowing machine accessories should you choose?
The best rowing machine accessories solve the issue you notice most: seat cushions add padding, a phone holder keeps a phone near a compatible monitor, and cable attachments support strength exercises on a cable machine. For shoe security, see rower foot strap options.
Match each accessory to your rower, monitor or training setup before you buy. For footwear choices, see shoes for rowing machines.
A rowing workout does not need many add-ons. Comfort, screen access and a way to record progress are common reasons to add something, while cable attachments suit a separate strength setup.
For hand comfort and grip, compare rowing machine gloves.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a snug seat fitHornet Watersports Rowing Machine Seat Cushion fits Perfectly
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a PM5 phone mountVapor Fitness Phone Holder Made for PM5 Monitors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for varied cable exercisesQPARVERS Cable Machine Attachment Set LAT Pulldown
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itHome & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible
Best for a gel seat pad - 5
Best for a larger cable setCheck it - 6
Check itHome & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible
Best for thicker seat padding
Which rowing machine accessories are worth considering?
The most useful rowing accessories match a clear need and fit your equipment. For many rowers, a seat cushion or monitor phone holder is a more direct add-on than a cable attachment.
We compared the features and compatibility details against those needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Fit | Material | Care | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornet Watersports Rowing Machine Seat Cushion fits Perfectly | a snug seat fit | Concept2, WaterRower, Hydrow and more | Polyurethane foam core, polyester | Wipe with a wet cloth and air dry | 9.7 |
| Vapor Fitness Phone Holder Made for PM5 Monitors | a PM5 phone mount | Silicone | 9.6 | ||
| QPARVERS Cable Machine Attachment Set LAT Pulldown | varied cable exercises | 9.5 | |||
| Home & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible | a gel seat pad | Concept2, WaterRower, Hydrow, Peloton and more | Easy to clean | 9.3 | |
| WNOEY LAT Pulldown Attachment | a larger cable set | Steel with rubber-impregnated grips | 9.0 | ||
| Home & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible | thicker seat padding | Concept2, Hydrow, Peloton, Ergatta, WaterRower and more | Sports grade foam | 8.5 |
Seat cushions for longer rowing sessions
A seat cushion can add padding or a different seat shape, but check its thickness and fit before choosing one. These cushions name compatibility with multiple rowers, though the fit depends on your seat and position.
Hornet Watersports Rowing Machine Seat Cushion fits Perfectly: Best for a snug seat fit
- Designed for Concept2 seats
- Also fits WaterRower and Hydrow
- Anti-slip fabric bottom
- Polyurethane foam core
A slim seat cushion designed around the Concept2 seat shape, with an anti-slip bottom and a polyurethane foam core.
Pros
- Designed to fit Concept2 seats
- Anti-slip fabric underside
- Simple wipe-clean care
Cons
- Only 0.5 in thick
- Check seat dimensions and shape before ordering
The Hornet Watersports cushion is the top pick for a snug fit on Concept2 seats. It has a 0.5 in profile, a polyurethane foam core and an anti-slip fabric underside, and it also fits WaterRower and Hydrow machines.
Its thin shape adds little height. You can wipe the cushion with a wet cloth and let it dry after a workout.
Compare your seat's outline with the cushion before ordering, especially if your rower has a different seat shape. A snug fit helps keep it in place during strokes.
Choose it if you want a slim pad with specific compatibility details. If you prefer a thicker cushion, compare the Home & Rowe options below.
Vapor Fitness Phone Holder Made for PM5 Monitors: Best for a PM5 phone mount
- Fits Concept2 PM5 monitors
- Silicone cradle stretches to 4 in
- Designed to avoid pressing phone buttons
- Does not fit PM3 or PM4
A flexible silicone cradle mounts on compatible PM5 monitors and holds most smartphones, including many with protective cases.
Pros
- Designed for the PM5 monitor
- Flexible silicone cradle
- Ribs help keep phone buttons clear
Cons
- Does not fit PM3 or PM4 monitors
- Extra large phones with thick cases may not fit
The Vapor Fitness phone holder is for rowers with a Concept2 PM5 monitor who want their phone mounted above the display. Its flexible silicone cradle stretches to 4 in, and ribs help keep the phone's power and volume buttons from being pressed.
It also fits PM5 monitors on Concept2 SkiErg and BikeErg equipment. It does not fit PM3 or PM4 monitors, so check the model printed on your monitor before buying.
Most smartphones fit, including many with protective cases, but extra large phones with thick cases may not. The holder is not water resistant.
If you want a larger screen for video or coaching content, see our guide to best iPad holders for rowing machines. Choose this phone holder when PM5 compatibility and a compact phone setup are your main priorities.
QPARVERS Cable Machine Attachment Set LAT Pulldown: Best for varied cable exercises
- 4-piece attachment set
- V-shaped bar and rotating V handle
- Straight rotating bar
- Nylon braided tricep rope
A four-piece cable attachment set for seated rows, pulldowns, curls and tricep work on a compatible cable system.
Pros
- Includes 4 different attachments
- Rotating handles support varied movements
- One-year warranty description
Cons
- Requires a compatible cable machine
- Not a direct-fit rowing machine add-on
The QPARVERS set is a strength training add-on for a compatible cable machine, not a direct accessory for a standard rowing erg. It includes a V-shaped bar, straight rotating bar, rotating V handle and nylon braided tricep rope.
That mix supports cable movements such as seated rows, pulldowns, curls and tricep press-downs. The bars are alloy steel, and the V handle and straight bar have knurled rubber handles.
Count the pieces and check your cable machine's connection before choosing a set. If you row at home and also have a cable station, these attachments offer several options for strength exercises.
Home & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible: Best for a gel seat pad
- Gel seat pad
- Contoured shape
- Silicone anti-slip bottom
- Dustbag included
A contoured gel cushion with a silicone bottom and a dustbag for storage, sized to fit many rowing machine seats.
Pros
- Gel pad design
- No straps needed according to its design
- Dustbag included
Cons
- Thicker than a thin seat cover
- Measure your seat before choosing a contoured pad
The Home & Rowe gel cushion suits rowers who want a contoured pad rather than a thin seat cover. It measures 13.5 x 10.25 x 1.4 in and has a silicone anti-slip bottom designed to stay in place without straps.
It fits Concept2, WaterRower, Hydrow, Peloton, Ergatta, Echelon and NordicTrack machines. A light beige dustbag is included for storage, and the cushion is easy to clean.
The extra thickness may change how the seat feels, so compare it with your current setup. If you need knee padding too, see Best Rowing Machine Knee Pads for a separate comfort accessory.
WNOEY LAT Pulldown Attachment: Best for a larger cable set
- 5 bars and 5 snap hooks
- Solid steel construction
- Rubber-impregnated grips
- For cable machines and home gym systems
A larger collection of steel cable bars and snap hooks for buyers who want several grip options for strength exercises.
Pros
- Includes 5 bars and 5 snap hooks
- Rubber-impregnated grips
- Designed for several cable exercise types
Cons
- Needs a compatible cable machine
- Larger set may take more storage space
The WNOEY set is for buyers who want several cable handles in one package. It includes 5 bars and 5 snap hooks, with steel bars and rubber-impregnated grips.
The set is intended for cable machines, home gym systems and other compatible equipment. It supports pulldowns, tricep work and other cable movements, but it does not attach to a standard rowing erg unless that machine has a compatible cable system.
Consider this set if you want several grip options and have room to store them. Check the connector and your machine's instructions before adding cable attachments to your setup.
Home & Rowe Rowing Machine Seat Cushion Compatible: Best for thicker seat padding
- 2 in thick
- Tailbone relief cutout
- Contoured shape
- Silicone anti-slip bottom
A thicker contoured seat cushion with a cutout and silicone grip bottom for rowers who want more padding.
Pros
- 2 in thick
- Cutout design
- Storage bag included
Cons
- More height than a thin seat pad
- Check that the extra thickness suits your seat position
The second Home & Rowe cushion is the thickest seat pad here, at 2 in. It uses sports grade foam, a contoured shape with a tailbone relief cutout and a silicone bottom designed to grip without straps.
It fits Concept2, Hydrow, Peloton, Ergatta, NordicTrack and WaterRower machines. A storage bag is included.
That extra height may suit someone who wants more padding, but it can change the seat position compared with a thinner pad. Check the seat dimensions and keep your foot position comfortable through the full stroke.
How should you choose a seat cushion?
Choose a rowing seat cushion by matching its dimensions, shape and thickness to your machine and comfort preference. A thin pad adds less height, while a thicker contoured design provides more material between you and the seat.
The Hornet cushion is 0.5 in thick. The Home & Rowe gel pad is 1.4 in thick, and the foam pad is 2 in thick, so these options can change your seating height by different amounts.
A contoured pad may have a cutout or shape intended to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Treat this as a comfort feature, not a medical solution; seek advice from a qualified health professional about ongoing pain.
For older rowers comparing equipment and setup needs, our Best Rowing Machine For Seniors guide covers machine considerations. Add a cushion only if its fit and thickness work with your seat.
What should you check before buying a phone holder?
Check your monitor model and phone size before buying a phone holder. The Vapor Fitness holder fits Concept2 PM5 monitors and is not compatible with PM3 or PM4 monitors.
The silicone cradle stretches to 4 in, but very large phones with thick protective cases may not fit. Consider whether the holder puts your screen where you can see it without changing your posture or distracting you from rowing.
For a tablet-sized screen, compare the options in our best iPad holder for rowing machine guide. A phone holder and a tablet holder solve similar viewing needs, but their fit and screen size differ.
When do cable attachments make sense for rowers?
Cable attachments make sense if you also use a compatible cable machine for strength training. They don't replace the handle or foot straps on a rowing machine, and these sets are designed for cable exercise stations.
The QPARVERS set has 4 attachments, while WNOEY includes 5 bars and 5 snap hooks. Think about which exercises you plan to do, how the connector fits your machine and where you'll store the pieces.
Don't assume that an attachment fits an erg because it uses rowing-related terms or mentions seated rows. Confirm that your equipment has the required cable connection and follow its instructions.
How can you keep a rowing setup organized?
A tidy setup makes it easier to keep small accessories close and avoid clutter around the rower. If the machine develops a rattle, see how to check rowing machine chain noise.
Store cushions and cable handles where they can dry and stay clear of the machine's moving parts.
A workout journal can help you record sessions without adding another screen. See Best Rowing Machine Workout Journal if you want a paper-based way to track workouts.
Water rowers also need attention to tank care, separate from accessory storage. Our How to Maintain a Water Rowing Machine Tank Water Quality? guide covers water quality upkeep.
Which rowing machine accessories should you choose?
Choose the Hornet cushion for a slim pad with Concept2 compatibility, the Vapor Fitness holder for a PM5 phone mount, and a Home & Rowe cushion if you want a thicker or gel-style seat pad. Pick cable attachments only when you have a compatible cable machine and a plan to use them.
Start with one accessory tied to a specific need, then check how it fits your equipment before adding more. A simple setup that suits your seat, screen and training routine is easier to use consistently.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a snug seat fit
Hornet Watersports Rowing Machine Seat Cushion fits Perfectly
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a PM5 phone mount
Vapor Fitness Phone Holder Made for PM5 Monitors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for varied cable exercises
QPARVERS Cable Machine Attachment Set LAT Pulldown
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What accessories are useful for a rowing machine?
Useful rowing machine accessories address a specific need: a seat cushion for added padding, a compatible phone holder for screen access, or a workout journal for tracking sessions. Start with comfort, fit and your training routine, then add only what you'll use.
Check monitor and seat compatibility before buying.
Do rowing machine seat cushions fit every rower?
No. Seat shapes and sizes vary, so compare your rower with the cushion's stated compatibility.
Some here name Concept2, WaterRower and Hydrow, while others also mention Peloton and Ergatta.
Measure the seat and check thickness if you want to keep your usual rowing position.
Will a phone holder fit any rowing machine monitor?
No. The Vapor Fitness holder is designed for Concept2 PM5 monitors and does not fit PM3 or PM4 monitors.
It holds many smartphones, but extra large phones with thick cases may not fit.
Confirm both the monitor model and your phone dimensions before choosing a mount.
Can cable attachments be used with a rowing machine?
Cable attachments are for compatible cable machines or gym systems, rather than a standard rowing machine. The QPARVERS and WNOEY sets include bars or handles for cable exercises such as pulldowns and seated rows.
Check the attachment connection and your machine's instructions before use.
