Rowing Machine Buying Guide
Magnetic vs Air vs Water Resistance
Rowing machines split into three distinct resistance types, and the one you choose shapes not just how hard you work, but how the machine sounds, feels, and fits into your home.
Magnetic resistance rowers use a flywheel and magnetic braking system to control resistance electronically. They're quiet, consistent, and easy to adjust mid-session. This makes them the most practical choice for home use, particularly if you live in an apartment or train while others are in the house. Resistance levels are fixed and set before or during your workout. The Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine is a standout in this category — a 7kg flywheel, 10 magnetic resistance levels, commercial-quality rollers, and a compact folded footprint of just 74cm x 53cm put it in excellent value territory.
Air resistance rowers generate resistance through a fan that spins as you pull. The harder you row, the more resistance you feel — it's entirely self-regulating. This makes them the preferred choice for athletes who want their effort to directly dictate intensity, which is why air rowers are the choice of competitive rowing clubs and training facilities worldwide. The Xterra Fitness ERG780 Air Rowing Machine is an exciting 2026 addition to Sweatband's range — Bluetooth connected, Kinomap and XF Connect compatible, with foldable storage and ergonomic adjustable footplates.
Water resistance rowers feature a tank of water that the flywheel moves through as you row. The sound, feel, and variable resistance more accurately replicate the sensation of rowing on open water than any other type. The WaterRower range available on Sweatband is handcrafted in New England from real wood — ash, walnut, cherry, and oak — and is considered by many to be the most aesthetically and experientially satisfying rower you can own at home. With a maximum user weight of 315kg and the S4 performance monitor across the range, WaterRower machines are as functional as they are beautiful.
Who should buy what?
Choose a magnetic rower if quiet operation, easy storage, and consistent resistance are your priorities.
Choose an air rower if you want performance-matched, effort-driven resistance and don't mind the noise.
Choose a water rower if you want the most realistic rowing feel, premium materials, or a machine you're genuinely happy to leave on display in your home.
Best Rowing Machine brands
How Much Should You Spend on a Rowing Machine?
Beginner Rowers
New to rowing?
You need smooth motion, reliable build quality, and something that won't intimidate you out of using it.
The Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine is one of the best beginner options across Sweatband's full catalogue. The folding design keeps storage simple, the 7kg flywheel ensures smooth, controlled motion, and 10 resistance levels give you enough range to develop from a complete beginner to a confident regular rower. At this price point, it delivers reliability and practicality in equal measure.
Suggested spend: £200-£500
Aim for a magnetic resistance rower with a flywheel of 7kg or more, a comfortable seat and footplate, and fold-flat capability if space is limited.
Who this suits
First-time rowers, those adding low-impact full-body training to their routine, and anyone who wants to row regularly without dedicating permanent floor space to a machine.
Coach's take
Form matters more than intensity early on. Get comfortable with the drive and recovery phases before chasing speed or stroke rate.
Resistance Type
Flywheel or Tank Specification
Seat & Rail Comfort
Folding & Storage
Monitor & Connectivity
Whether the machine uses magnetic, air, or water resistance to create workout intensity
The weight and mechanism that creates the rowing feel — either a flywheel (magnetic/air) or water tank (water rowers)
The ergonomics of the seat and the quality of the rail system your seat glides on
Whether the machine folds flat or stores upright to save floor space between sessions
The quality of the display and whether the machine connects to fitness apps or tracking platforms
Magnetic is quietest and most consistent — ideal for home use. Air resistance is self-regulating and effort-driven — the harder you row, the harder it gets, making it popular with performance-focused users. Water resistance most authentically replicates on-water rowing and is the choice of purists and serious enthusiasts.
On magnetic rowers, a heavier flywheel (7kg+) ensures smoother, more consistent motion. On water rowers, the volume and number of impeller blades in the tank determine feel. More impellers generally create a more realistic, responsive sensation. Always check these specs when comparing across resistance types.
You spend a lot of time in the seat on a rower. A well-padded, contoured seat reduces discomfort on longer sessions. The rail quality determines how smooth and fluid your stroke feels — commercial-quality rollers, as on the Viavito Sumi, reduce friction and make each pull more consistent. Dual-rail systems add stability at full extension.
Rowing machines are long pieces of equipment. Fold-flat designs, like the Viavito Sumi (74cm x 53cm folded), are transformative for smaller homes. WaterRower machines store upright on their end — a clever alternative that reduces floor footprint to almost nothing. If you're tight on space, storage design should rank alongside performance in your buying decision.
At minimum, your monitor should display strokes per minute, distance, time, and calories. More advanced machines add watt output, pace per 500m, and heart rate. Bluetooth connectivity opens up platforms like Kinomap and XF Connect for virtual rowing experiences. The S4 monitor on WaterRower machines is widely regarded as one of the best standalone rower displays available.
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Current Treadmill Deals Shop all
Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine
- NEW 2026 Air resistance rower
- Bluetooth + XF Connect/Kinomap compatible
- Ergonomic seat + adjustable footplates + foldable storage
Xterra Fitness ERG780 Air Rowing Machine
Echelon Row Smart Folding Rowing Machine
NordicTrack RW300 Rowing Machine
WaterRower Original Series Rowing Machine
4 colours available
Xterra Fitness ERG600W Rowing Machine
Half Human Air Ski Machine with Floor Stand
adidas R-21 Water Rower (Bluetooth)
FAQs
Why does my rowing machine feel jerky instead of smooth?
Why does my rowing machine feel jerky instead of smooth?
Usually it’s poor technique or low flywheel resistance. Focus on leg drive first and check that the rail and chain are clean. Even quality rowers from brands like Viavito or NordicTrack can feel rough if setup is off.
Air, magnetic, or water resistance — which is best?
Air, magnetic, or water resistance — which is best?
Air rowers feel most like real rowing. Magnetic rowers are quieter and compact. Water rowers are smooth and realistic but larger. Choose based on noise, space, and training goals.
How long should a rowing workout be?
How long should a rowing workout be?
Air rowers feel most like real rowing. Magnetic rowers are quieter and compact. Water rowers are smooth and realistic but larger. Choose based on noise, space, and training goals.
Can rowing machines help with weight loss?
Can rowing machines help with weight loss?
Yes — rowing burns high calories because it uses the whole body. Combine steady rows with interval sessions for best fat-loss results.
Why do my hands or lower back hurt after rowing?
Why do my hands or lower back hurt after rowing?
Grip the handle lightly and drive with your legs first. Back pain usually comes from rounding your spine or pulling too early with arms.
