Contrary to popular belief, a rowing machine does not only exercise your arms. It also targets a wide range of muscles such as the pecs, upper back, and abdominal muscles. Rowing machines also strengthen leg muscles such as the glutes, calves, and quadriceps.
Rowing machines have several advantages over the standard home gym equipment we are used to. This is because they exercise all major muscle groups in your body. Another advantage is that they are suitable for all fitness levels ranging from beginners to experts.
In addition, it has a quiet operation, and it is ideal for people looking to strengthen their cardiovascular system. All in all, unlike other magnetic rowing machine reviews on the internet, our products have been reviewed based on their weight, resistance types, and unique features. And with these criteria, our homerun favorite goes to Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine for its extra long side rail, wide range of magnetic resistance and modern finishing. Here’s what we have to say about this pick.
Best Magnetic Rowing Machine at a Glance
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Machine – Best Overall
What we like
- Has transportation wheels
- It has floor stabilizers
- Easy to store because of built-in transportation wheels
- Large LCD
What we don’t like
- Does not measure traveled distance
- Internals are a bit loud
After reviewing several rowing machines on this list, Sunny Health topped as the best magnetic rowing machine in the market. It has a magnetic resistance mechanism and rowing machine dimensions of 78 x 19 x 23.2 inches.
This rowing machine weighs 60.9 pounds and has a maximum weight recommendation of 250 pounds. It is made of alloy steel and requires 2AAA batteries to operate. When you buy this equipment, expect it to come with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Unlike other rowing machines, the Sunny Health Fitness SF machine has a digital LCD monitor that displays the time, estimated calories lost, and count. We also liked that it has an 8 level resistance knob that a user can use to increase or decrease the intensity of their upper body workout.
It has textured non-slip foot pedals with foot straps that keep your feet saddled so that you can focus on exercising your muscles. This health fitness sf rw5515 model is ideal for tall people because the slide rail length is around 48 inches.
Sunny Health Fitness SF-RW5515 provides comfort because it has a cushioned seat that enables users to train their lower body muscles for longer periods. We also liked its foldable design and transportation wheels, making it easy to store and move around.
It is also important to mention that it has anti-slip handlebars made of soft padded foam. It also has floor stabilizers that prevent the rowing machine from swaying and rocking while you try to lose belly fat.
Hydrow Connected Rowing Machine – Best for Indoor
What we like
- It has a 22’ HD touch screen
- Heart rating monitor
- Pre-recorded and live workout
- Comfortable seats
What we don’t like
- It does not come cheap
- Require internet to unlock features
Hydro is one of the best indoor rowing machines in the market. It uses electromagnetic resistance and has dimensions of 86 x 25 x 47 inches.
It is made from aluminum and weighs 145 pounds. This rower has a weight limit of 375 pounds.
Unlike other magnetic compact rowers in the market, this has a five-year structural warranty and a 1-year component warranty on items such as the handles, straps, screen, and seat assembly.
This hydro-connected rower enables users to work at least 86% of their body’s major muscle groups with an immersive outdoor experience. It does this by using patented technology that mimics the sounds and sights of a real rowing boat.
We also like the fact that it enables users to join in live and on-demand workout sessions and at the same time benefit from world-class athlete workout sessions. It is also important to note that for every workout program you pay for, the company donates to water.org.
Bluefin Fitness Rower Machine – Best with a Fitness App
What we like
- Anti-slip secure foot pedals
- Easy to use app
- Magnetic resistance and breaking
- Innovative fold design
What we don’t like
- Foot pedals are not suitable for people with tiny feet
- Not Bluetooth compatible
This Bluefin fitness magnetic machine is one of the best magnetic rowing machines with a fitness app. Bluefin can accommodate users weighing around 100kg and has a dimension of 65.39 x 29.33 x 20.08 inches.
It is made from an alloy steel plastic material and has a 12-month warranty.
This rower stimulates the natural rowing motion and is designed with a 10-degree incline to increase resistance and the intensity of the workouts. Also, it has 8 X levels of resistance, depending on the power you desire.
We also like that the tension control system offers smooth and natural breaking making it easier for the user to transition from one technique to the other.
This equipment is Kinomap compatible and has an integrated smartphone app that users can use for live coaching and training sessions.
It has easy storage capabilities because you can store it away by lifting, rotating, and resting it on its heavy-duty base.
Do not worry about the base damaging your floor because it has cushioned pads.
Stamina 35-1110 Rowing Machine – Best Comfortable
What we like
- Three-year warranty
- Has a water bottle space
- Exercise app
What we don’t like
- Monitor beeps are too loud
- Does not come with batteries
Stamina 35-1110 is one of the best comfortable magnetic rowing machines on the market. It has a dimension of 60 x 22 x 27.25 inches and weighs 40.5 pounds. It is made from aluminum carbon steel and requires 2AAA batteries to operate.
These magnetic rowers are designed to be used by people with a maximum weight of 250 pounds. If you buy this rowing machine, expect a 3-year frame warranty and a 90-day warranty on parts.
This fitness equipment is designed to help users do cardiovascular exercises, burn calories and boost heart health. It has eight levels of magnetic resistance with a multi-functional monitor that can calculate the workout time, calories burned, and strokes per minute.
We also like that it has an all-in-one workout app with an integrated intelligent audio coaching system. Stamina 35-1110 is the best comfortable rowing machine because of its smooth ball-bearing rollers and pivoting footplates with adjustable straps for holding your feet in place. It has a padded molded seat that smoothly glides on the aluminum beam.
In addition, these budget rowers have a smartphone and water bottle holder. With Stamina, you do not have to worry about moving it around because it has built-in wheels.
NordicTrack RW900 Rower – Best for Resistance Training
What we like
- SpaceSaver design
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- 15-year frame warranty
- Interactive 22” smart HD touchscreen
What we don’t like
- No free subscription
- A bit expensive
NordicTrack RW Rower is the best magnetic rowing machine for resistance. It uses two resistance mechanisms; magnet and air.
It has a dimension of 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 and an average weight of 130.6 pounds. This rower is designed to accommodate users with a maximum weight of not more than 250 pounds.
Of all the magnetic rowers we reviewed, we specifically liked the Nordic Track Rw900 because of its 15-year frame warranty and it is the most interactive rower among the rest in the market today.
In addition, it also has a 2-year labor warranty and a 5-year warranty on parts. This rowing machine has a 30-day IFit Family membership plan for studio classes starting at $39.
It has an interactive and rotating Smart 22 inch HD touch screen and 26 digital resistance levels. The resistance levels are linked to your Ifit workout schedule, automatically adjusting the resistance depending on the workout level.
Another feature that we liked is its innovative SpaceSaver design that can fold the rower in half after each workout session.
It is also important to note that athletes can connect this rower to Bluetooth headphones for an improved user experience while “rowing the world” with iFit.
NordicTrack Rw rowing machines have quick-release adjustable pedals that increase comfort while using the rowing machine. All-in-all, although this NordicTrack RW900 leans on the expensive side, if you are seeking an interactive and engaging rower, this is an impressive addition to your home gym that is worth the investment.
UREVO Foldable Indoor Rowing Machine Rower – Best for Tall Users
What we like
- Eight magnetic resistance levels
- Quieter than iron made rails
- Alleviate shoulder and back pain
What we don’t like
- Pull up cord rubs on the nylon cord
- The belt starts to fray after some time
Urevo foldable rowing machine is an indoor rower with a magnetic resistance mechanism. It has a folding size of 21.3 x 20.8 x 50.2 inches and a maximum load-bearing capacity of 330lbs.
It is made from an aluminum frame material and has a digital display LCD console that can estimate the number of calories lost, time and track your overall fitness goals.
This is one of the best magnetic rowing machines for tall people, especially 6.5 inches and above. This is because it has a slide rail length of 49 inches and an inseam of 45 inches.
This rower has an 8 level magnetic resistance control that can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout at will.
Urevo has an ergonomically designed padded seat attached to an aluminum rail. The aluminum rail makes this rowing machine quieter than other iron-designed rowers in the market.
During our review, we realized that athletes could perform several exercises such as side raises, tricep extensions, and reverse grip curl exercises.
Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best for Quiet Home Rowing Exercise
What we like
- Very quiet
- 14 resistance levels
- Interactive app
- Bluetooth compatibility
What we don’t like
- Lightweight. The machine might move while rowing for heavier users.
- Basic screen display
The Fitness Reality machine is one of the best quiet magnetic resistance rowers we reviewed. It has a dimension of 88.5 x 21.5 x 21.5 inches.
This quiet magnetic resistance rower has an alloy steel frame and weighs 28.83 kilograms. In addition, it has a maximum weight recommendation of 250 pounds and will need 2AA batteries to work.
It has a 1-year limited warranty. We like that it can perform a wide range of exercises ranging from butt workouts, shoulder exercises, full leg extension exercises, and arm exercises.
This magnetic rowing machine boasts an ultra-quiet design that uses a nylon belt drive system.
The rower also has 14 resistance levels, with level 1 being easy and level 14 being the hardest. Using this rower, expect to benefit from a real-time analytic platform compatible with the MyCloudfitness app as you lose belly fat.
The app is available on android and IOS. It tracks your distance, calories lost, strokes done per minute, etc. It is also important to note that the app is compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit.
It is also important to note that each first-time user gets access to a 30-day free exercise program and a nutrition tracking program.
SereneLife Air & Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Durability
What we like
- Strong construction and can carry up to 250 lbs.
- Air resistance for a natural, dynamic response during rowing
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustment
- Foldable seat and can be stored vertically to save space
What we don’t like
- Basic fitness meter with no backlight
- HR chest strap has to be purchased separately
SereneLife rowing machine is a strong and durable air and magnetic rowing machine made from a durable steel metal alloy and engineered ABS that is built to last. It can hold up to a maximum weight of 250 lbs.
This strength training equipment has a dimension of 77.2 * 16.1 * 29.9. It comes in black and has a maximum weight recommendation of 250 pounds. It is important to note that this rowing workout equipment has a one-year warranty.
Unlike the Stamina ATS air rower, this rower can be used as both an air and magnetic rower. It is designed to target almost all major muscle groups in the body. It can be used to target the shoulders, legs, bicep, triceps, and thighs. We like that these rowers are designed to make it fun to exercise ranging from sports training, weight loss, cardio fitness, and fat burning.
In addition, this air rower has a resistance system with a resistance level of 1 – 8. This makes it suitable for cardio fitness and stamina building. Another thing that we liked about this equipment is that it has a digital LCD display that is powered with 2 AA batteries. We also like that it has a smooth gliding slide rail that does not make any noise when used.
Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower – Best for Heart Rate Tracking
What we like
- 12 program variation
- Sturdy and with quiet magnetic resistance
- Display/console for heart rate program with HR chest strap included
- Folds easily for storing away
What we don’t like
- Small footrest and seat needs more cushioning
- Short warranty period on moving parts
Stamina Avari A350-700 tops this list as one of the best magnetic rowers for heart rate tracking. This is because it has a heart rate chest strap that snugly fits around your chest to monitor your cardio workouts.
It has a dimension of 44 x 30 x 11 inches and weighs around 80 pounds. These magnetic rowers have a metal frame and a 3-year frame warranty.
It also has a 90-day warranty on parts. It is suitable for use by users weighing less than 275 pounds.
We like that this magnetic rower has 12 preset workout programs that include six cardio profiles, one heart rate program, and four custom user programs.
Stamina A350-700 has a fitness monitor to help users track the time, distance traveled, and other parameters such as pulse, watt, and strokes per minute.
It is suitable for a full-body workout, and users can control the resistance type on this programmable multi-function fitness monitor.
This compact machine has a large padded seat with adjustable foot straps that stabilize the body while one is working out.
Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Rower – Best Foldable Rower
What we like
- Has an innovative foldable design and transport wheels for easy storing
- High seat for comfortable rowing
- Best for small spaces and more ideal for personal use
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Small parts when broken are not replaceable
- Only 8-levels of resistance
- Basic monitor display
This rower is one of the best foldable magnetic equipment on this list because of its innovative and foldable design. The design comprises a quick-release pin and a foldable monitor. Another feature that makes it easy to store after use is its two built-in transport wheels.
This home rowing machine will require 2 AA batteries to operate. It has a dimension of 74.4 * 19.7 * 31.9 inches, and it is made from a metal frame material. This home rowing machine has 8 preset levels that can be set using a resistance knob. You can use the knob to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout based on the workout programs targeted.
This home gym equipment is designed to help you burn fat and increase your cardiovascular endurance. Another thing that we liked was the ergonomic design that made it efficient and functional to use. For example, it has a slip-resistant design which increases safety and comfort.
In addition, the footsteps accommodate people of different sizes, and the row handles are covered with foam to prevent slipping. Another feature that we liked about this equipment is its multi-angle monitor that can fold forward and backward. Great price and is the most affordable rower in the Marcy line.
Final Verdict
The winner for this roundup is Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machines.
They topped the list because of their weight capacity {250 pounds} and Stability, It has non-slip foot pedals and a comfortable chair, and rowing was smooth and had low noise. We also love the sleek design and the large LCD to track your fitness goals. The transportation wheels added extra convenience to its portability.
Running-up is the Hydrow Connected home rowing machine. It is a durable magnetic rower that offers an immersive workout experience with a 22” HD touch screen which we think is its unique feature combining leisure and design to your cardio session.
Users also benefit from more because it has more than 3,000 pre-recorded workout sessions and many more features.
Factors to Consider When Buying Quality Rowing Machines?
When buying magnetic rowers or ordinary rowing machines, you need to consider three main factors: weight, stability, and features.
Weight
The weight of a home rowing machine can tell you if it’s of quality or not. From experience, heavier rowing machines tend to be of the best quality.
However, this is not to say that bulky magnetic rowers are best. The best weight for a magnetic rower is around 50 – 100 lbs on the lower side.
Also, you need to consider the recommended weight of the magnetic rowers you want to buy in relation to your weight.
For example, if you weigh 500 pounds and above, you should consider rowers such as the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine.
It is best for heavy users who weigh around 1,000 pounds.
If you weigh 200 pounds and below, you can consider Sunny health a safe and durable rower because it is within your weight limit.
Stability
The second factor you need to consider is the stability of the rowing machines you consider buying.
The stability of a magnetic rowing machine is rated based on the type of seat it has and the feet design.
Stable, magnetic rowers should have wide front and rear feet. Also, the feet should be capped with rubber to prevent the rower from sliding each time you row.
Features
Contrary to popular belief, you can find a budget rowing machine with impressive features for cardio workouts.
One main feature to consider is the Monitor. Does the monitor offer an immersive HD experience? Does it track strokes, distance, time, and lost calories?
The more the features, the better because your cardio workouts will be more enjoyable and intense.
The features should also depend on your individual needs. For example, if you want to measure your heart rate, you should consider the Stamina Avari Programmable best magnetic Rower.
This is because it has a heart rate tracking strap.
If you need a live workout session, you should consider magnetic rowing machines with an App.
An example of this is the Bluefin fitness home rowing machine that has an app with live workout functionalities.
