The Best Magnetic Rowers for a Low-Impact Cardio Workout at Every Budget

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Rowing is a low impact way to get a full body workout with benefits including increasing muscle activation, strength and endurance. This fitness activity can provide an accessible cardio option for seated rehabilitation or a vigorous workout for advanced fitness levels.

If you are looking for quiet, low-maintenance fitness equipment, a magnetic rower may be a good fit for you. Magnetic rowers use two large magnets and a flywheel to provide resistance. Unlike water rowers, which mostly rely on your movement to create resistance, magnetic rowers allow you to adjust your resistance level manually.

Today’s magnetic rowers range from simple budget-friendly models to high-tech immersive machines. Some offer compatible apps with programming that takes you to scenic lakes and rivers around the world with unique on-demand classes and entertainment. While magnetic rowers have a long footprint, several models feature a foldable space-saving design.

How do you know which magnetic rower is right for you? It’s important to consider many factors which we will break down for you in this guide. We’ve compared the best magnetic rower options to help you find the one that is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Our Picks for the Best Magnetic Rowers of 2024:

• Best Magnetic Rower Overall: Hydrow Rower
• Best Magnetic Rower for Cross-Training: NordicTrack RW900
• Best Magnetic Rower for Heavier Users: Sole SR500
• Best Magnetic Rower for Interactive Programming: NordicTrack RW700
• Best Magnetic Rower with Handlebar Controls: Echelon Row
• Best Big-Screen Magnetic Rower: Aviron Strong Series
• Best Folding Magnetic Rower: Proform Pro R10 Rower
• Best Budget Magnetic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515

Best Magnetic Rower Overall: Hydrow Rower

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: N/A, drag can be adjusted from 0-300
• Dimensions: 86 inches long x 25 inches wide x 47 inches tall
• Programming: Includes a 30-day iFit trial and SmartAdjust technology
• Monitor: 22-inch pivoting HD touchscreen
• Warranty: Five years on frame, one year on parts and labor
• Price: $2,495

The Hydrow Rower is our pick for best overall magnetic rower because it comes with enhanced technology, durable construction and upgraded features with a modern design. It has an electromagnetic drag resistance mechanism that can be adjusted from 0-300 for a personalized workout for any fitness level. There are no chains, fans or water tank, and the industrial-grade webbed strap helps keep each stroke smooth and quiet. The handle has a lightweight ergonomic design to keep your wrists in a neutral position for a low-stress grip. For enhanced stability and performance, the seat has a 10-roller system that supports smooth movement along the rail and is extra cushioned. 

Workouts on the Hydrow Rower are led by Hydrow athletes whose experience ranges from former Olympians and U.S. National Rowing team members to competitive collegiate athletes. Access to the live and on-demand classes requires a Hydrow membership, which is an additional $44 per month. A subscription is not required to use the rower, but we want to note that the Just Row mode still requires Wifi. If your budget allows for a Hydrow membership you’ll also have access to yoga, Pilates, and strength and mobility training workouts. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn badges, certificates and even merchandise as you progress among other perks. Each workout is tracked on the 22-inch HD touchscreen and you can view metrics including strokes per minute, 500 meter average pace, total distance, calories and heart rate (monitor not included).

The durable aluminum and steel frame can support up to 375 pounds and users with up to a 36-inch inseam (the distance from the groin to the ankle or floor). For a sleek design, Hydrow utilizes a neutral flat anthracite polymer body. The monitor arm and legs are made of steel, so the overall weight is 145 pounds. This rower can be stored upright and wall-mounted with the Upright Storage Kit, which costs an additional $80. Although there are wheels on the front to help move it around, 145 pounds may be a challenge for some users. One drawback of this rower is the lackluster warranty for the price point. Specifically, the five-year frame warranty is short compared to other brands such as NordicTrack and Aviron, which offer a 10-year frame warranty.

There are over 9,000 reviews for the Hydrow Rower and it’s rated 4.7/5 stars. Positive reviews mention how much they like the classes and that rowing is quiet and smooth. One says, “Since getting the Hydrow Rower recently it has been a perfect addition to our workout routine. Excellent workout every time and we are very impressed with the machine in every way. It’s quiet, a smooth ride, and the perfect amount of upper-body resistance. The classes and free rowing with great views option is an extra bonus!”

For an in-depth look, check out our Hydrow Rower Review.

Pros:

• Electromagnetic drag mechanism matches the user output for an optimal workout
• Screen can pivot for workouts off the rower
• Seat and handle have an ergonomic design
• Immersive 22-inch monitor

Cons:

• Hydrow subscription is an additional $44
• Lackluster warranty for the price point
• Heart rate monitor and upright storage kit not included

Best Magnetic Rower for Cross-Training: NordicTrack RW900

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 26 digital resistance levels
• Dimensions: 82 inches long x 22 inches wide x 54 inches tall
• Programming: Includes a 30-day iFit trial and SmartAdjust technology
• Monitor: 22-inch Tilt & Pivot Smart HD touchscreen
• Warranty: 10 years on frame, two years on parts, one year on labor
• Price: $1,999

With NordicTrack’s RW900, integrated technology allows you to experience immersive full-body workouts on beautiful lakes and rivers around the world through a 22-inch Smart HD touchscreen. The NordicTrack RW900 originally hit the market in 2017 and the brand has since updated the machine regularly with the newest version of the machine launched in January 2023.

This magnetic rower is made with an inertia-enhanced flywheel and Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) technology, designed to help give you a smooth and quiet ride. The machine is made to be comfortable and ergonomic. It features a molded seat, soft handles and oversized pedals with nylon foot straps.

NordicTrack seeks to help you “train smarter,” and one way the brand does this is by integrating iFit technology. iFit keeps track of your goals, milestones and statistics like calories burned and heart rate. It also provides access to a growing on-demand library of classes led by expert trainers. Rowing class offerings include global workouts, taking you to locations like the River Thames through London, Lake Bled in Slovenia and La Jolla Beach in California.

NordicTrack’s SmartAdjust technology automatically adjusts your resistance level along with your iFit workouts. You can opt to let SmartAdjust select the intensity it determines is best for your routine or set it for your own preferences and manual adjustments.

This is a great machine overall, but if you weigh over 250 pounds or are looking for a foldable magnetic rower option, this might not be the best fit for you.

Reviewers on the Best Buy website rave about iFit programming and say that the RW900 is a quiet machine. One reviewer on the Best Buy website shares, “My husband who is a bodybuilder LOVES this machine because he gets a serious core, extreme cardio workout and extreme fitness hits mix. I have bad knees & yet I LOVE this machine! It’s easy, it’s hard, it’s fun—I rowed down the Zambezi River today passing crocs and hippos while getting a great workout at my level!”

Pros:

• Quiet
• SmartAdjust technology makes automatic adjustments
• Immersive classes available through iFit
• Large 22 inch monitor

Cons:

• iFit membership requires a $39/month subscription
• 250 pound weight capacity
• Not foldable

Best Magnetic Rower for Heavier Users: Sole SR500

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 16
• Dimensions: 94 inches long x 18 inches wide x 46 inches tall
• Programming: 11 standard preset programs and it can be used with the Studio app
• Monitor: 5.5-inch backlit LCD monitor
• Warranty: Lifetime on frame, three years on parts, one year on labor
• Price: $749.99

If you need a machine that can handle a higher weight capacity, the Sole SR500 is a great option since it supports up to 515 pounds. SR500 is designed to be used by a wide range of body sizes, with a long 94 inch aluminum rail for those who are taller and need extra length. It also features a high sitting position, which makes it easy to get on and off.

This machine combines air and magnetic resistance to simulate the experience of rowing on water. This solves one of the biggest drawbacks of magnetic rowers which is that some of them don’t give you the feeling of rowing on water. With a combination of air and magnetic resistance, you get the best of both worlds, a quiet machine that provides the sensation of being on water.

SR500 offers 11 standard preset programs and can be adjusted for 16 resistance levels. One great feature of this machine is that resistance can be changed directly on the handlebar which allows for seamless transitions without distracting from your workout. One reviewer on Amazon shares, “The ability to wirelessly adjust intensity at the handle is an awesome feature. Sixteen levels of resistance and ten preset programs allows for diverse workouts.”

The rower’s display is a 5.5-inch backlit LCD screen, which is used to keep track of your stats. While SR500 doesn’t have immersive programming built into the display, the rower can be paired with the Studio app, which offers over 3,000 workouts, including rowing workouts. However, you will need your own tablet or device to use the app.

The SR500’s folding design and transportation wheels provide for easy and convenient storage.

Pros:

• Weight capacity of 515 pounds
• Resistance can be adjusted directly on the handlebar
• High seated position
• Foldable for storage

Cons:

• Smaller LCD screen
• No immersive built-in programming
• Compatible app requires $19.99 monthly membership and your own media device such as a phone or tablet

Best Magnetic Rower for Interactive Programming: NordicTrack RW700

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 26 digital resistance levels
• Dimensions: 87 inches long x 22 inches wide x 47 inches tall
• Programming: On-demand and streaming workouts with iFit
• Monitor: 10-inch Smart HD Touchscreen
• Warranty: 10 years on frame, two years on parts, one year on labor
• Price: $1,499

The NordicTrack RW700 is very similar to the NordicTrack RW900, with one of the main differences being the size of its touchscreen. While the RW900 has a 22-inch monitor, the RW700 has a smaller 10-inch screen.

Like the RW900, the NordicTrack RW700 is constructed with an inertia enhanced flywheel and SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance technology for a smooth and quiet ride. Oversized pedals with adjustable foot straps and “Soft Touch” ergonomic handles provide comfort for your workout. The rower also has the same 26 levels of digital resistance as the NordicTrack RW900.

Though NordicTrack RW700 features a smaller screen than the brand’s RW900, the rower still supports iFit, the immersive app that offers on-demand workout classes, automatic resistance adjustments and metrics tracking. iFit rowing workouts are coached by studio instructors and competitive rowers including world champions and Olympic athletes. You can connect your Bluetooth headphones to the rower for iFit audio or listen on the machine’s 30W sound system.

Front wheels make the machine easy to move and store when needed, though it doesn’t fold.

If you don’t need a large monitor, this is a high-quality machine at a great price.

Pros:

• 26 resistance levels
• Quiet
• SmartAdjust technology makes automatic adjustments
• Immersive classes available through iFit

Cons:

• Smaller touchscreen display
• iFit membership requires a $39/month subscription
• Not foldable

Best Magnetic Rower with Handlebar Controls: Echelon Row

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 32
• Dimensions: 84 inches long x 21 inches wide x 45 inches tall
• Programming: Live and on-demand classes when connected to tablet or smartphone
• Monitor: Connects to your own smart device such as your phone or tablet
• Warranty: One year warranty included with the machine. An extended warranty can be purchased for $99 for an extra year and $149 for two more years
• Price: $769.99

Echelon Row Connected Rowing machine is a foldable magnetic rower that features 32 levels of electronic resistance. The rower is designed to support up to 300 pounds of weight, while providing an ergonomic foundation for proper hip and spine alignment.

One of the benefits of this machine is that you can easily make resistance changes directly on the handlebar. This patent-pending Bluetooth resistance controller allows you to seamlessly adjust the challenge without disrupting your workout.

While this Echelon rower does not come with its own monitor, it has a built-in device holder with 90-degree swivel for your tablet or phone. You can use your own device with the Echelon app for a range of live and on-demand classes including rowing workouts featuring scenic destinations. The machine syncs with the app through Bluetooth connectivity.

Reviewers on the Echelon website love the classes on the app and say that this rower is a good value for the price, especially if you are looking for a rower with a lower price point. “For the money you cannot beat this. Very good quality and have been very happy with it,” says one reviewer.

Pros:

• Foldable design helps save space when not in use
• Affordable price point
• Bluetooth resistance controller
• 32 levels of resistance

Cons:

• Monitor not included
• Some reviewers report difficulty and inconsistency connecting to the app at times
• Echelon app requires a $34.99/month subscription

Best Big-Screen Magnetic Rower: Aviron Strong Series

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 16 levels
• Dimensions: 84 inches long x 27 inches wide x 48 inches tall
• Programming: Library of content including classes, games and entertainment
• Monitor: 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty on certain parts including power adapter, touchscreen, drive belt, handlebar, foot carriage, seat, knob, resistance mechanism, sensors and legs; 10 years on frame
• Price: $2,199

The Aviron Strong Series rower is a sleek machine with a dual resistance system that uses air to replicate the feeling of rowing on water and magnetic resistance to give you a smooth experience. The machine is made with a commercial grade belt designed to give you a quiet ride at around 60 decibels.

Aviron Strong Series rower is designed to be both durable and comfortable. While the rower only weighs 114 pounds, it can support a 507-pound weight capacity and height of up to six feet eight inches. Its lightweight foldable design and front wheel make it easy to move and store, including in an upright position.

Some of the features that Aviron offers for comfort are an elevated seat for easy accessibility of getting on and off the rower, an ergonomic rotating handlebar and adjustable foot holders. The foot plates feature a unique patent-pending design that allows you to adjust for foot size as well as the width between your feet. For extra comfort, you can upgrade your seat with a soft Cloud Seat for $99 and for an additional $129, you can add a Lumbar Support Kit for lower back support.

When it comes to programming, Aviron has a robust library of built-in content that you can watch on the rower’s large 22-inch rotating touchscreen. Whether you're looking for short high-intensity workouts or longer training sessions, Aviron offers a variety of workout options. This includes multiplayer gamified workouts, entertainment streaming (such as Netflix, Hulu and more), guided classes and scenic destinations. One fun example of the brand’s content is its “Pros vs. Joes” workout, where you can virtually race against Olympians and pro athletes.

Reviewers on the Aviron website say this machine is easy to use and that they love the variety of content. One reviewer says, “The system is easy to use & the ergonomic design of the rower makes it easy for all body types & sizes. Also as someone who lives in an apartment, it is quiet & fits perfectly in the corner of a room. I really can’t say enough great things about it.”

Pros:

• Quiet
• Foldable space-saving design
• Wide variety of entertainment programming including over 500 workouts
• 507 pound weight capacity

Cons:

• Higher price point
• App membership is $25/month

Best Folding Magnetic Rower: Proform Pro R10 Rower

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: 24 digital resistance levels
• Dimensions: 22 inches wide x 86.5 inches long x 45.5 inches tall
• Programming: Interactive programming through iFit app with SmartAdjust™ technology
• Monitor: Ten-inch smart HD touchscreen
• Warranty: Five years for frame, one year for parts and one year for labor
• Price: $1,403

Rowing machines have a long footprint when in use, so if you have limited space, a rower that can easily fold and move for storage is ideal. The Proform Pro R10 rower’s foldable design and front wheels allow you to conveniently collapse and roll it, making it a great compact rower for small spaces.

Proform Pro R10 Rower is constructed with an inertia-enhanced flywheel for a smooth and steady rowing experience. Its 24 digital resistance levels designed with Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) provide a quiet, frictionless workout.

The machine is created to be ergonomic with a molded seat and multi-position handlebars. Pedals are oversized and have adjustable foot straps to accommodate for a variety of foot sizes.

To keep users motivated and provide an immersive workout experience, Proform Pro R10 Rower currently comes with a three year family membership to iFit when purchased through the Proform.com website. This interactive fitness app can be accessed on the rower’s 10-inch smart touchscreen and provides a large range of classes, including rowing workouts around the world. (iFit is the same app that is available with NordicTrack machines.)

Reviewers on retailers of Proform Pro R10 Rower including Sam’s Club and Kohl’s.com consistently say that this machine is easy to assemble and share how much they enjoy iFit. One reviewer on Kohls.com says, “There are so many different workouts included, ranging from beginners to experienced. Plenty of tutorials for those of us who have no clue what we are doing. The rower was easy and quick to assemble.”

The Proform Pro R10 Rower has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so if you need a foldable machine that can support more weight, Aviron Strong Series or Sole SR500 may be a better fit.

Pros:

• Space-saving folding design
• Quiet
• Immersive programming through iFit

Cons:

• 250 pound weight capacity
• iFit membership requires monthly subscription (after included membership expires)

Best Budget Magnetic Rowing Machine: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515

Key Features:

• Resistance levels: Eight resistance levels
• Dimensions: 89 inches long x 18.9 inches wide x 23.6 inches tall
• Programming: No programming on this model, but the “Smart” model version is available for an additional $60.
• Monitor: Small digital performance monitor
• Warranty: Three-year warranty on frame and 180 days on other parts and components
• Price: $289.98

Magnetic rowers are usually a bit of an investment and many popular options cost over $1,000, but if you have a limited budget, Sunny Health & Fitness’s magnetic rowing machine may be a good option for you. The brand is known for its affordable fitness equipment and at just $289.98, the Classic Magnetic Rowing machine is a steal.

While you won’t get all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive rowing models, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 offers a smooth and quiet rowing experience for a fraction of the price of other rowers. The machine offers eight levels of adjustable resistance and a digital monitor to track time and calories burned. While the console is basic, it also only requires two AAA batteries to use, making this machine a good cord-free option.

The SF-RW5515 is made with padded non-slip handlebars, a wide padded seat and non-slip pedals for a comfortable ride. It’s also foldable with front wheels for easy storage.

Although you might be skeptical of a magnetic rowing machine with such a low price, reviewers on the Sunny Health & Fitness website and on Amazon consistently say they are happy with this purchase. In fact, there are over 17,000 ratings for this Sunny Health & Fitness machine on Amazon with 86 percent of people giving it four or five stars. Reviewers on both the Sunny Health and Fitness website and Amazon say that this machine is a great value for the price and that it’s easy to assemble. One Amazon reviewer says, “Honestly, this rower is better than some I’ve used in professional gyms. The only thing I wished, [is that] it had more resistance.”

The most common complaints are the limitation of the monitor and that there are only eight resistance levels. It should also be noted that this machine has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Foldable design
• Easy to assembly
• Battery operated console offers a cord-free option

Cons:

• 250 pound weight capacity
• Short warranty
• Small monitor with limited features (No distance tracking)
• Only eight resistance levels

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Rower for You

Size and foldability

Rowers have a long footprint which is usually between 80 and 95 inches. Many popular magnetic rowing machines (though not all), feature a foldable design to help save space when not in use. If you have limited room in your home gym, consider the total footprint of the machine when in use and when stored.

Features

Rower features will vary by brand, ranging from simple functional design to high-tech and innovative. Basic features such as seat characteristics, foot pedals, handlebars, weight capacity and the type of screen the rower comes with should be considered when finding the machine that’s right for you. Here are some factors that will help you determine the best features for your needs:

• Seat: Consider the size of the seat, how much support it provides and the amount of cushioning you prefer. Seat height should also be considered for ease of getting on and off the machine.
• Foot pedals: Consider what type of friction the foot pedals provide, how big the pedals are and what type of adjustments for securing your feet are available. Some machines may also allow you to adjust the distance between the pedals.
• Handlebars: Consider the ergonomics, friction and cushioning of the handlebars. You should also decide if you want a machine that allows you to make resistance adjustments directly on the handlebars.
• Weight capacity: Make sure the machine can accommodate your weight and height.
• Screen: Do you want a machine that comes with a screen? Do you want that screen to support immersive programming? Screens will vary based on technology and size. Some screens only provide basic tracking statistics while other screens support HD quality video for classes and entertainment. Some rowers don’t come with their own screen, but can be connected to your own device such as a tablet or phone.

Power

Most magnetic rowers need to be plugged into a power source, but not all. The Horizon Oxford 3 Rower and Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 are cord-free indoor rower options that can be used with batteries only.

Resistance levels

The machines on this list offer between eight to 32 resistance levels. Some rowers allow you to change the resistance directly on the handlebar for seamless adjustments, while others may have resistance buttons located in other areas.

Tech

Each rower brand aims to use its own unique tech and innovations to provide an effective and engaging cardio machine workout that lets you focus on exercising, not distractions. This technology may include features when it comes to resistance, foot pedals, handlebars, and screens. For example, NordicTrack’s SMR technology helps provide a smooth, quiet ride while Sole SR500 uses technology that combines air and magnetic resistance to help give you the feeling of being on the water. The Echelon Row has a patent-pending Bluetooth resistance controller to allow you to make adjustments seamlessly as you row.

Some of the biggest advances in tech include HD touchscreens that permit you to experience immersive programming. Many of the rower brands also have their own compatible apps for classes, community and statistic tracking.

Interactive programming

Most of the rowers on this list are compatible with fitness apps that provide interactive programming including on-demand classes, live classes, and interactive games. Some apps feature custom immersive experiences that take your workout to scenic lakes and rivers around the world.

For instance, NordicTrack and ProForm both work with the iFit app which provides an expansive library of workouts. NordicTrack machines also feature SmartAdjust technology, which automatically adjusts the resistance along with the iFit workout.

“iFIT offers a wide range of interactive rowing content, including both studio and global workouts with a wide variety of workout types—from intro to rowing, HIIT, endurance, sprints, race prep, intervals, time crunch, cross training off the machine, split enhancement and more,” says Mecayla Froerer, head of global fitness, programming and talent relations at iFIT.

In addition to iFit, other interactive programming options include Studio for enhancing Sole workouts, the Echelon Fit app and Aviron interactive memberships.

Price

Magnetic rowers are available in a wide price range, accommodating a variety of budgets. The rowers on this list range in prices from around $290 to over $2,000.

How We Chose the Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

We selected the best magnetic rowing machines to fit a wide range of needs including different budgets, body types, skill levels and home gym space. We looked at machine features, technology, prices, size, foldability, programming offerings and user reviewers. We also considered the weight and heights supported by the machines.

How to Use a Magnetic Rowing Machine

John Peel, Master Trainer at iFit shares that the rowing stroke is broken down into four phases: catch, drive, finish and recovery.

“Using proper form and technique will help you get the most out of your rowing workout and avoid injury,” says Peel. He recommends practicing the rowing motion slowly and often, making each stroke long and letting the power come from your legs, not your arms.

Peel says to set up your position by sitting with your glutes at the back of the seat and tailbone in the seat depression. Feet should be placed on the footrests with straps across the top of the feet, tight enough to keep your feet secure.

“Grab the row bar. Your grip should be wide, on the outside of the bar, and thumbs under the bar. Keep the top of your wrist flat, avoiding rolling out to the side,” explains Peel. He shares that this grip will allow your elbows to track alongside your body and behind you as you complete the row.

Next you will start your row in the “catch” position with your feet on the footrest with your knees bent, bar in hands, body leaning forward with a straight back and core engaged.

You go through the four phases, repeating them throughout the workout:

• Catch: This is the starting position.
• Drive: In this position you will push back, extending your legs first.
• Finish: During this phase your biceps, glutes and quads will contract allowing you to stabilize.
• Recovery: During this phase you slide back to the catch position.

If you are new to rowing, it’s a good idea to consult with a fitness professional and read your rower instruction manual to ensure proper form and use of the rowing machine. Most rowing brands offer guidance for technique, including instructional videos and classes.

The Types of Rowing Machines

Magnetic

Magnetic rowers use two magnets and a flywheel to produce resistance. This type of rower allows you to easily control the levels of magnetic resistance manually. Magnetic rowing machines usually provide a quiet and smooth experience. They also tend to be lighter in weight and some magnetic rowers are foldable for space-saving when not in use.

A drawback of magnetic rowers is that they don’t provide the feel of being on the water that other rowers offer. However, some magnetic rowers combine magnetic and air rower features to simulate the effect of feeling like you are rowing on water.

Water

Water rowers are designed to mimic the experience of being on water by creating resistance using water and paddles. This type of rower usually doesn’t have manual resistance adjustments, rather the user’s movements create the resistance. Water rowing machines often lean towards a higher price point and may require more maintenance than other rower types.

Air

Air rowers create resistance as air moves through a flywheel. The user’s movements determine the amount of air resistance. Air rowing machines can simulate the feeling of rowing on water and provide a smooth experience with limited friction. However, air resistance is not always as consistent as the other resistance types.

Benefits of a Magnetic Rower

Magnetic rowers are a quiet and low maintenance option for home use. Many magnetic rowers offer immersive programming and apps to help you achieve your workout goals.

John Peel, master trainer at iFit says, “I feel they are great for an in-home setting because they are extremely quiet, lightweight, compact and precise, with consistent resistance and tension.”

Drawbacks of a Magnetic Rower

One of the biggest drawbacks of magnetic rowers is that they don’t provide the feeling of being on the water. To address this, some machines use a magnetic rower system that includes some air rower features to imitate the water rowing sensation.

Another potential drawback of magnetic rowers is that they have a long footprint. For instance, most magnet rowers on this list have a steel frame that’s over seven feet long. If you have limited space, consider a magnetic rower with a foldable design.

Magnetic Rower FAQs

How long does a magnetic rower last?

Magnetic rowers are designed to be durable machines that will last you years. That said, how long your rower lasts will depend on several factors including how often you use it and how you care for it. One thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your magnetic rower is to choose a high-quality model with a solid warranty policy. Cheaper magnetic rowers with shorter warranties may have shorter lifespans.

Do magnetic rowing machines need electricity?

While some magnetic rowing machines need electricity, others offer a cordless option. For example, Horizon Oxford 3 Rower and Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 can be used with batteries only.

Are magnetic rowers loud?

One of the advantages of magnetic rowers is that they are designed to be quiet. When compared to air rowing and water rowing machines, they are usually a more quiet rowing option.

What muscles do magnetic rowers work?

One of the benefits of magnetic rowers is that they work muscle groups throughout your body, including your upper body, lower body and core.

“Rowing workouts are unique because they work your entire body with every stroke, setting them apart from other cardio equipment (such as treadmills, bikes or stair climbers). Rowing with proper form will recruit roughly 85 percent of the muscles in the body,” says Peel.

Some of the muscles that magnetic rowers work include triceps, deltoids, traps, calves, various back muscles, lats, glutes, hamstrings, quads and abdominals.

Final Thoughts

Magnetic rowers are a great addition to your home gym for a low impact cardio and strength training workout. Whether you’re a beginner looking for immersive guided classes, a fitness enthusiast searching for an intense challenge, or are in the market for a budget workout machine, there’s a magnetic rower that’s right for you.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.