Best Magnetic Rowing Machine | 2023 Buyer’s Guide
One of the best forms of cardio workouts that you can do is rowing, but only some have access to an actual boat, oars, and a safe body of water.
Luckily, the gym rowing machine provides the same challenging workout you can get with the said outdoor activity right from the comfort of your home.
Magnetic rowers have been gaining popularity as an essential addition to a home gym, but with many models available, it can be confusing to choose the right one.
Read on to find out the best magnetic rowing machines you can get your hands on.
At a Glance:
Hydrow Rower – Best Magnetic Machine Overall
Aviron Strong Series Rower – Best Modern Magnetic Rower
ProForm Pro 750R Rower – Best Value for Money
Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Power Motion Rower – Best Budget Magnetic Rowing Machine
NordicTrack New RW900 Rower – Best Cross-Training Magnetic Rowing Machine
What Is the Best Magnetic Rowing Machine?
The best magnetic rowing machine has a wide range of magnetic resistance and great value for money.
Most of the top magnetic rowing machines offer a smooth and silent rowing experience. They are also durable and ergonomically designed.
Overview
Step up your fitness journey and add the Hydro Rower to your home gym.
One of the best magnetic rowers in the market, it boasts a sturdy aluminum and heavy-duty steel frame combined with a flat, anthracite polymer body.
Additionally, it uses a mechanism that uses electromagnets, ensuring silent and smooth rowing strokes.
This rower also integrates high technology with its Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. It has a touchscreen performance monitor and front-facing speakers, adding immersion.
Features
Have smooth and more productive workouts. This machine uses the brand’s patented electric magnetic resistance system.
Experience immersion during exercise. The Hydrow Rower has a 22” touchscreen and front-facing speakers, making it feel like you’re on the water.
Get the most out of your workout with technology. It can connect to Bluetooth and WiFi and syncs to health apps to measure your progress.
Work out in comfort. This machine comes with ergonomic cushioned seats, providing comfort and support while you exercise.
Enjoy easy storage. You can tilt this machine to a more unintrusive position.
Pricing
With a price tag of $2,495, the Hydrow Rower is at a higher price point than other magnetic rowers.
In exchange, you get a high-quality model with equipment that can help you maximize your workout’s benefits and calories burned.
Bottom Line
For those who want to heighten their rowing workouts with visual and auditory immersion, the Hydro Rower is a worthy investment.
Fully equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi functionality and a high-quality and durable build, your rowing workouts can’t get any smoother by using this magnetic resistance rowing machine.
Overview
Bring the intense workout rowing provides by adding the Aviron Strong Series Rower to your home. Its sleek and compact design makes it an excellent addition to your setup.
This interactive magnetic rowing machine provides a smooth rowing stroke and a quiet workout experience. It also uses a dual air and magnetic resistance system.
The magnetic rower has a low frame and an elevated seat. It features modern fittings, including a 22” HD rotating touchscreen performance monitor.
Features
Do both cardio and strength training. This machine uses a dual air and magnetic resistance system that mimics water.
Have a comfortable workout. This design has the perfect frame and seat height, adjustable foot pedals, and provides a cooling effect to make you comfortable.
It will last a long time. This machine is built to last, featuring a durable, high-weight capacity, aluminum construction.
Don’t sweat the storage. This magnetic rower is compact and easily fits in small spaces for easy storage.
Gain easy access to workouts. Featuring a 22” touchscreen and speakers, you can find easy access to exercises that you can follow.
Pricing
The Aviron Strong Series Rower has a starting price tag of $2,199, which is at the higher end of the price range.
However, the high-tech, pro-level features make this machine arguably the best magnetic rower you can buy
Bottom Line
Perfect for people wanting to work with water’s powerful resistance, the Aviron Strong Series Rower mimics it thanks to its dual resistance system.
If you want to incorporate both strengthening and cardio in just one unit, this indoor rowing machine is the one to get.
Overview
Powerful, fluid workouts, the ProForm Pro 750R Rower is a good budget machine to add to your home gym setup.
With a frame ergonomically built to let you be in proper form while working out, this magnetic rowing machine enables you to target train up to 14 different body areas.
The machine also has a device holder, where you can place your tablet and watch iFit trainers guide you to stay in proper form, letting you exercise your entire body with minimal impact.
Features
Get the most out of your workout with lower impact. The frame of this magnetic makes each workout low-impact but with high productivity.
A certified personal trainer from iFit will guide you to maximize gains. They can customize your workout with the unit’s adjustable resistance levels.
Enjoy a full-body workout. This magnetic rower’s design and seat placement allow for working out every upper and lower body muscle.
Keep your workouts peaceful. This machine is virtually quiet, thanks to Silent Magnetic Resistance.
Store this rowing machine with ease. This is a foldable magnetic rowing machine so you can store it in smaller spaces.
Pricing
Available at an affordable price of $699, the ProForm Pro 750R Rower brings decent rowing machine features for a fraction of the cost.
Bottom Line
For people looking for a high-quality machine but at a lower starting price, the ProForm ProR750 Rowing machine has everything you could want.
Getting a powerful, effective, and customizable home rower machine doesn’t have to break the bank!
Overview
Another budget-friendly option that many still consider the best magnetic rowing machine is the Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Power Motion Rower.
Despite the budget-friendly price, it is still a durable machine that enables you to perform productive full-body workouts that are low impact.
This foldable rowing machine from Sunny Health features an ergonomic design, helping maximize your leg workouts while keeping things comfortable.
It also has 16 levels of magnetic resistance.
Features
Get the most out of your workout sessions. This magnetic rower boasts 16 levels of magnetic resistance, helping you achieve a full-body workout.
Keep your sessions comfortable. Equipped with ergonomic foot pedals and a cushioned seat, you can have longer sessions with these comfortable fittings.
Maximize your exercises. With a sturdy build, non-slip pedals, and stabilizers, you can safely exert maximum effort for more gains.
Keep your gadgets in place with this magnetic rower’s secure device holder.
Keep track of your progress. Equipped with a digital monitor, this basic rower lets you check your fitness stats.
Pricing
At $233.98, Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Power Motion Rower proves that you don’t have to break the bank to add a durable magnetic rower to your home gym.
This foldable rower is sturdy and provides all the essential features for a rowing workout routine, making it arguably the best budget rowing machine you can get.
Bottom Line
Shelling out too much money is not a prerequisite to adding a high-quality rower to your home setup, and the Sunny Health & Fitness rower proves this.
This budget magnetic rowing machine is perfect for all fitness levels, especially for people looking for the essentials.
Overview
Another machine many consider the best magnetic rowing machine you can add to your home gym is made by a trusted brand: Nordic Track.
The New RW900 Rower features high-tech accessories and a comfortable build. It also boasts easy storage to save space when not in use.
This machine boasts up to 26 digital resistance levels on top of an ergonomic and comfortable design. This ensures low-impact workouts with the maximum productivity you can expect.
Features
Do high-productivity workouts. Being powered by SMR™, this machine provides up to 26 digital magnetic resistance levels, ramping up your workout’s difficulty.
Enjoy accessible features navigation. Equipped with a 22” touchscreen, you can easily switch among preset levels for any available workouts.
Keep your workout comfortable. This premium magnetic rowing machine comes with molded seats and pivoting pedals, ergonomically designed for comfort.
Enjoy easy storage. Having a small footprint, you can store this home rowing machine upright.
Gain iFit access. This machine includes a free 1-month membership, giving you access to numerous workouts.
Pricing
The NordicTrack New RW900 Rower comes with a $1,999 price tag, which is in the upper mid-range compared to other magnetic rowing machines in the market.
Bottom Line
Perfect for people looking for a feature-filled machine that’s not too pricey, the NordicTrack New RW900 Rower ticks all the boxes.
What Is a Magnetic Rowing Machine?
A magnetic rower is one of the many pieces of fitness equipment you can find in a gym. Like other cardio machines, this helps you keep your heart rate up.
As its name suggests, this fitness equipment simulates rowing, with magnets providing resistance and attachments, letting the user make a smooth rowing motion to burn calories.
While it’s accessible and compact, do note that this type of rower provides a weaker resistance compared to other types.
Pro athletes may find it lacking, but it still makes for the perfect addition to a home gym.
Which Is Better: Air, Water, or Magnetic Rower?
There are three main types of rowing machines that you can buy for your home setup: Air, Water, and Magnetic Rower. Each is differentiated mainly by how they provide resistance.
Air Rowing Machine
Considered the most common and popular type is the air rower.
Also called fan-based rowing machines, these units provide rowing resistance by blowing air through the flywheel.
By doing so, you can control how much resistance you get depending on how hard you pull. When you pull harder, the fans spin faster, giving you more resistance.
These rowers also have a wide range of resistance levels that you can easily control. It also offers a smooth rowing experience.
Many also choose to buy an air rower because it is more accessible in terms of price compared to other rowers.
However, the main drawback people would pinpoint when using this type of machine is the noise it makes when you use it. It’s loud, and many people see this as a nuisance.
Magnetic Rowing Machine
The magnetic rower is the second type of rowing machine you should consider adding to your home gym.
But how does a magnetic rowing machine work?
As its name suggests, this uses strong magnets to provide the resistance you feel. When you use the machine, two strong magnets move past each other, generating resistance.
Some advantages of using this machine include consistent resistance, smooth rowing, and silent operations.
Additionally, most magnet-powered rowers are built with a compact design. Since they are easy to store, they’re perfect for home gym setups with limited space.
While top-of-the-line magnetic rowers can skyrocket in price, there are still extremely budget-friendly machines.
However, if you’re expecting to experience an almost-similar feel of rowing on water, this type may not be the one for you.
Magnetic rowers offer a range of resistance but don’t mimic how it actually feels to row on the water.
Water Rowing Machine
Considered the most modern type of rower, the water-driven rowing machine is the closest you can get to experiencing rowing on water.
Because of this, many consider this the best rowing machine one can get
Usually, you will find water rowers with sleek and minimalist designs.
It has a drum of water, usually positioned under a footrest. Along with paddles, this drum provides resistance in your workout.
Despite being powered by a water drum, the operations of this machine are still silent and smooth. However, it’s the least accessible among the three types when it comes to price.
Which Is the Best?
Choosing the best among the three depends on what you’re looking for.
Air rowers are the top pick if you’re on a budget and want exercise equipment with easily adjustable resistance.
Magnetic ones are your go-to if you need a compact machine for a home gym, along with a smooth and silent workout experience.
Lastly, choose water rowing machines if you don’t mind investing in a smooth and silent rowing machine that can also mimic rowing on water.
What to Look for When Buying a Magnetic Rowing Machine?
To ensure that you’re getting one of the best magnetic rowing machines, there are several things that you need to look out for.
If you want to search for the best magnetic rowing machine, here are some things you need to consider.
Comfort. Choose a machine that’s ergonomically designed, and that is comfortable to use.
Build and Footprint. Before buying a machine, consider your floor space. Most magnetic rowing machines are compact and easy to store.
Durability. For the best value for money, ensure that the magnetic rower you’re eyeing to buy lasts for a long time.
Workout Experience. Get to know the feel and the range of the resistance your rowing machine can provide.
Technology. Decide whether you want a high-tech machine or can choose one that provides the basics.
Cost. Consider how much money you want to invest in a magnetic rowing machine. The usual prices start from $100 and can go up to over $3,000.
Benefits of Magnetic Rowing Machines
Cable machines are to strength training as rowers are to cardio: magnetic rowers are one of the most useful pieces of home gym equipment you can have.
Here are some of its benefits.
Magnetic rowing machines help you get a good cardio workout in the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to go to a body of water to experience the benefits of rowing.
Most rowers put a premium on ergonomic design, letting you work out major muscle groups with low impact. This enables you to maximize the calories burned from a session.
These machines can help you in both cardio workouts and strength training; it’s an excellent machine to use if you want to lose weight.
Magnetic rowers are silent and smooth compared to the more popular air rowing machines.
Most magnetic rowing machines are compact and are designed with a small footprint. T, and this makes them easy to store.
How to Use a Magnetic Rowing Machine?
The key to a productive rowing workout is perfecting a form that mimics a natural rowing motion. Here’s how you can practice this on your indoor rower:
First: Practice with only your legs first.
Hold the oars with your arms straight and extended; keep your knees bent, and put your body weight against the balls of your feet.
Keeping your back straight and your core engaged, push against the footrest and extend using only your legs.
When doing this, keep rolling on your feet so that they’re flat as you extend your legs. Also, keep your arms extended.
Next: Practice with only your arms.
Keep your legs extended and pushed against the footrest.
With your back straight, hold the oars and pull them towards your chest by bending your elbows out.
Make sure to hold the oar lightly and use your upper body to pull them towards you instead of your shoulders.
Finally: Combine them.
First, push back with the proper lower body motion.
Then, when your legs are extended, make the upper body rowing motion.
Avoid the Following:
Hunching your back
Doing a scooping motion with the oars
Bending your knees sideways
Lifting the oars as you pull back
Holding the oars too tightly
Wrapping Up
Magnetic rowers are some of the best machines you can get for fantastic cardio and strength workouts right from the comfort of your own home.
There are many models for different people and budgets. Choose the best magnetic rowing machine, and you will surely have productive workouts from here on out!
