Purchasing a new rowing machine usually means you either love the workout or you’re a rower yourself. With all the choices out there it can be hard to decide on a machine that suits your needs.
Daily Climbing has broken it down to the best magnetic rowing machines on the market which makes making an informed choice easy.
Magnetic rowing machines unlike traditional air-based ones are near-silent they also tend to boast better monitoring software and a wider range of pre-programmed workouts.
Another benefit magnetic rowers have is the resistance always stays the same unlike traditional air rowers where the resistance increases depending on how fast you pull.
The Best Magnetic Rowing Machines (Best Magnetic Rowers) Reviewed
| Editors Award | Brand |
|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | Fitness Reality 1000 |
| Alternative Top Pick | MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine |
| Best Budget Rowing Machine | Xterra Magnetic Rowing Machine |
| Best Compact Rowing Machine | Merax Exercise & Fitness Compact Rowing Machine |
| Best Full Motion Rowing Machine | Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine |
Our Top Pick: Fitness Reality 1000
Our Top Pick
I’m a huge lover of tech and for me the best products appear when someone modernises a product a loads it up with tech and the fitness reality is one product where the tech really helps improve the product.
The fitness reality 1000 is Bluetooth compatible which means you can keep track of all your workout data on your phone and even research new workouts.
While the idea of a Bluetooth might turn away some technophobes I really recommend you give it a try first!
The Fitness Reality app allows you so many additional features like racing against Olympic champion to personalized training programs based on previous workouts.
But enough about the tech! The fitness reality also excels in the design of the machine. It boasts an extremely comfy workout seat along with a complete 3. 5” LCD display to monitor your various metrics like stokes/min calories or total time.
One of the best parts about the magnetic rowing machines are how silent they are and the foot stabiliser pads help ensure there is no creaking or banging as you are working out which means this can be used during early morning workouts where the kids or spouse are still in bed.
But what are the workout specs you might be thinking by now? The fitness reality has a nice and comfy extra wide handle bar and 14 levels of resistance for you to battle it out against.
Along with being a rowing machine you have the alternative option of using it for full body resistance trainer.
What We Like:
- Bluetooth App – The Bluetooth app is what really sets this machine apart from its competitors allowing for so many additional features that just wouldn’t be available otherwise.
- Comfy – It’s important to be comfy when working out to ensure nothing chafes or rubs and the Fitness reality ticks all the boxes.
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Alternative Top Pick: MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
Alternative Top Pick
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
So if you really didn’t like the idea of the bluetooth based fitness reality then the Maxkare is likely the machine for you.
Jam packed with features like anti slip pedals and a folding hinge for easy storage its the perfect choice for those who dont need all the bells and whistles.
The MaxKare rowing machine offers a whopping 16 levels of resistance which means even if you are a complete beginner the machine is suitable.
Like most machines the Maxkare comes with a LCD display screen to display the bare necessies. It also has a padded seat and handle bar to ensure maximum comfort when in use.
Another handy little feature is the Maxkare has a bottle holder on it which allows you to stay hydrated between sets.
What We Like:
- Extra Long Slide Rail – Sometimes your height makes some machines just not practical, luckily the rail allows for heights of up to 6,5ft.
- Bottle Holder – A nice little quality of life feature that helps make this rower a great choice.
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Best Budget Rowing Machine: Xterra Magnetic Rowing Machine
Best Budget Rowing Machine
Xterra Magnetic Rowing Machine
While it might not boast all the features of the Techy Fitness Reality or the robust resistance of the Maxkare the Xterra is the perfect choice for casual users who are just using the machine for exercise rather than training.
The Xterra offers 8 levels of resistance set by a nice easily adjustable knob.
The Xterra is also pretty comfy for the price with a padded seat and bar.
One great feature is its 9lbs flywheel which helps it simulate real rowing.
The Xterra is a great purchase for someone looking to kit out a home gym on a budget.
What We Like:
- Great Price – The Xterra is extremely budget-friendly and perfect for someone who wants a reliable machine or a cheap pickup for a home gym.
- Sturdy Frame – The Ativafit felt really sturdy and well constructed.
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Best Compact Rowing Machine: FISUP Exercise & Fitness Compact Rowing Machine
Best Compact Rowing Machine
Merax Exercise & Fitness Compact Rowing Machine
So space is expensive and not all of us can afford additional rooms for home gyms. So we have tried to find a machine that is compact but also doesn’t sacrifice any features to do so.
The Merax rowing machine is packed with great little features like a simplified LCD display for those who are not great with technology.
One thing to note about the Merax is that the resistance is pretty challenging even on the lowest level so if your a looking for a challenge the Merax might be the rower for you.
A comfy padded seat is a must for when you have long rowing sessions and the Merax has one of the best-padded seats I have seen on a rower.
What We Like:
Multiple Resistance – A great feature that allows you to change the intensity of the workout.
Compact – The Fisups main frame locks in an upright position making the Fisup extremely compact and easy to store.
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Best Full Motion Rowing Machine: Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
Best Full Motion Style Rowing Machine
Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
The full-motion style of rowing machines are starting to become more and more popular and with the Fitness 4000MR I can see why!
This full motion machine is loaded up with 15 workout programs that will put you to the test.
The Fitness 4000MR has rubber-coated dual independent rowing arms that allow the full range of motion.
If difficulty is your idea of a good time the rower has 16 levels of magnetic tension/resistance that will allow you to choose the challenge of your workout.
The 4000MR also features a backlit LCD display which allows you allows you to display the usual specs and offers three workout settings which allow you control over your workout.
What We Like:
Challenging – With 16 levels of resistance the 4000MR has a workout option for everyone.
15 Programs – With 15 programs its a breeze to find a level suitable for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are magnetic rowers better than air?
The main difference between the rowers is that air based ones have more resistance based on how fast/hard you pull while magnetic rowers will always have the same level of resistance that you can set before a workout.
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
Rowing machines are a cardio based exercise which makes them perfect for losing belly fat, they will also help you build and define muscle in your upper body.
Are Water-based rowers better than magnetic?
Water-based rowers offer more resistance based on the water that gets displaced during the exercise and are perfect for people who want the feel of rowing on water.
It’s more a question of preference rather than which machine is better.
Is 20 minutes of rowing enough?
While how much rowing is enough will depend completely on your aims and goals and what sort of body type you are.
20 minutes is perfect for a small high intensity session.
Other Worthy Mentions:
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health and Fitness rowing machine is another perfect budget buy and is a good all-round rower.
- 16 Levels of Resistance
- SPM Monitor
- 250lb Max Load
ECHANFIT Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Echanfit is a heavy-duty rower with a steel frame for durability and stability.
It has a 6 feature monitor which doubles as a tablet shelf and an added bonus of a water bottle holder.
- Variable Resistance
- Contoured Rowing Seat
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