When it comes to the home gym, there are three options for you to choose from: magnetic, water, and air rowing machines. Each type is beneficial for you in their own way and it’s hard to say which one is the best.
However, if you have decided to go with the air rowing type, this post will help you with the next step, which is choosing the best air rowing machines.
Here are the best air rowing machines you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Concept2 Model D
- Best For Lighter People: MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Best For Small Space: Stamina ATS Air Rower
- Most Durable: SereneLife Home Rowing Machine
- Best For Heavier People: MaxKare Rowing Machine
- Easy To Assemble: Stamina | X Air Rower
- Best For Intense Workouts: EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine
- Best For Smooth Rowing Workouts: Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
- Best For Beginners: Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
- Best For Seniors: Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower
| 10 Best Air Rowing Machines | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Concept2 Model D | |
Best For Lighter People | MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower | |
Best For Small Space | Stamina ATS Air Rower | |
Most Durable | SereneLife Home Rowing Machine | |
Best For Heavier People | MaxKare Rowing Machine | |
Easy To Assemble | Stamina | X Air Rower | |
Best For Intense Workouts | EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine | |
Best For Smooth Rowing Workouts | Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower | |
Best For Beginners | Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine | |
Best For Seniors | Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower | |
Best Overall: Concept2 Model D
- Perfect for everyone to exercise – 10 resistance levels & various height and angle adjustments
- Keep you stay motivated – provide an Online Challenge, Free ErgData app records, and stores
- Easy to track your fitness metrics & more - backlit LCD display & ANT+ and Wireless Bluetooth compatibility
- The seat could be more comfortable
The Concept2 Model D is a commercial-grade air rowing machine designed for universal use, whether in-home or gym. Anyone who wishes to improve their cardiovascular status, lose weight, and tone their body shape should consider this one.
It’s lightweight and foldable but feels sturdy, just like other counterparts in our list. There are 10 resistance levels to choose from with smooth experience and minimum noise.
Concept2 Model D also gives you angle and height adjustment options to find your most comfortable workout gesture.
What we like the most about this air rower is it keeps you staying motivated by allowing you to join an Online Challenge, connecting to Free ErgData app records and store workouts, as well as many other fitness apps.
The eye-friendly backlit LCD display is another big bonus. It’s also compatible with ANT+ and Wireless Bluetooth for extra convenience, such as heart rate tracking, games, and managing your fitness metrics.
| Concept2 Model D Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 57 lb (26 kg) |
Dimension | 8 ft x 2 ft |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 500lb |
Resistance Settings | 1-10. |
Highlight Features | 10 resistance levels & various height and angle adjustments Provide an Online Challenge, Free ErgData app records, and stores Backlit LCD display & ANT+ and Wireless Bluetooth compatibility |
Built with everything that a dream air rowing machine could have, Concept2 Model D stands out for its best overall performance to bring home our Editors’ Choice Award this year.
Best For Lighter People: MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Offer superior stability, reliability, and comfort – ergonomic construction, triangle design with a sturdy steel frame
- Convenient and easy to track your workout indicators – LCD screen display & an iPad holder
- Lightweight and easy to store
- The resistance adjustment knob could be more functional
- The count function isn’t really accurate
Due to its weight capacity of 220 pounds, the MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower is ideal for lightweight exercisers. But what makes it stand out from other similar counterparts is ergonomic design and the price.
It’s hard to find an air rower featuring two adjustable foot platforms plus safety straps, and a well-padded ultra-large seat at this price point.
Above all, it boasts a triangle design with a sturdy steel frame for superior stability and reliability. The display is also worth mentioning. Aside from an iPad holder, it features an integrated LCD screen where you can easily track your calories burnt, total count, count, time, and speed.
When not in use, it’s easily folded up for simple storage. The folded measurement is 42.5” x 19.9” x 54.7”.
| MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 57.3 lbs |
Dimension | 75.6” x 19.9” x 14.4” |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 220 pounds |
Resistance Settings | Adjustable |
Highlight Features | Ergonomic construction, triangle design with a sturdy steel frame LCD screen display & an iPad holder |
We love recommending the MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower but nothing else is because of its ergonomic construction for decent stability and comfort, along with an incredibly low price.
Best For Small Space: Stamina ATS Air Rower
- Easy to maneuver – equipped with transportation wheels
- Ultra-compact - folded dimensions of 48” L x 18.75” W x 28” H & unfolded dimensions of 77” L x 18.75” W x 22” H
- Safe to use - floor protectors
- Very comfortable and relaxing - oversized angled rail, padded handle, adjustable footplates, and upholstered padded seat
- Wish the resistance was stronger in the beginning
- A bit noisy
- Some plastic parts feel slightly flimsy
Looking for the best air rowing machine for a narrow apartment/house is quite a headache, but with the Stamina ATS Air Rower, we confidently assure that it’ll fit!
Its folded dimensions are 48” L x 18.75” W x 28” H while the unfolded dimensions are 77” L x 18.75” W x 22” H, which is significantly smaller than other options. Regardless, it is full of functionalities and comfort.
The oversized angled rail is built for smooth-sliding seat enhancement while the padded handle, adjustable footplates, and upholstered, padded seat increase your relaxation while workouts.
It’s also designed with your safety in mind by featuring floor protectors.
Buy it with confidence because your purchase will be backed by a one-year parts warranty and a three-year frame warranty.
| Stamina ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 53 pounds |
Dimension | 77” long x 18.75” wide x 22” tall. |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
Resistance Settings | Adjustable |
Highlight Features | Equipped with transportation wheels Folded dimensions of 48” L x 18.75” W x 28” H & unfolded dimensions of 77” L x 18.75” W x 22” H Floor protectors Oversized angled rail, padded handle, adjustable footplates, and upholstered padded seat |
Don’t quickly disappoint when you find that most standard air rowing machines don’t fit your small space. The Stamina ATS Air Rower is your best solution!
Most Durable: SereneLife Home Rowing Machine
- Super-durable and built to last - engineered ABS and steel metal alloy
- Versatile – 10 resistance levels
- Easily track your calories burnt, strides, distance, and time - advanced technology
- The readout is a bit dim and small
- Its seat is challenging to assemble
Next is the most durable air rowing machine on our list – the SereneLife.
Its durability is superior to other counterparts, thanks to its premium, built-to-last construction including engineered ABS and steel metal alloy. This robust design also allows it to hold up to the max load of 250 pounds.
Along with that, you’ve got 10 resistance levels to customize your workouts, and it’s very easy to switch between levels. Experience is smooth and quiet.
We love that it takes up very little space with minimal noise. The advanced technology, besides, gives you easy control of calories burnt, strides, distance, and time.
| SereneLife Home Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 81.1 lbs. |
Dimension | 34. 8” x 19. 3” x 83. 5” |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250lb |
Resistance Settings | 10 |
Highlight Features | Engineered ABS and steel metal alloy 10 resistance levels Advanced technology |
Designed with durability in mind, the SereneLife Air Rowing Machine gives a feeling of a really good quality machine that will last long
Best For Heavier People: MaxKare Rowing Machine
- Sturdy and robust – the weight capacity of 264 pounds
- Offer stronger resistance - Twin Drive Belt system
- Supportive and comfortable for heavy exercisers - large footplates with adjustable safety straps, an ergonomic seat made of PU, and wide rowing straps
- The wire “cage” around the turbine could be better
While holding up well a maximum loading weight of 264 pounds, the MaxKare Rowing Machine offers step-up durability, stability, and is easy to hold/operate.
But the real star is its Twin Drive Belt system, which can easily satisfy the ambitious exercise goals of any rowing enthusiast or even athletes.
It feels comfortable, which is a big bonus. The machine features large footplates with adjustable safety straps, a supportive, ergonomic seat made of PU, and wide rowing straps.
Easily track your workout metrics through the machine’s LCD digital display or enjoy watching videos while exercising, thanks to the built-in iPad holder.
| MaxKare Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 64 lbs |
Dimension | 71.3” (L) x 20.1” (W) x 14.2” (H) |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 264 pounds. |
Resistance Settings | 8 |
Highlight Features | The weight capacity of 264 pounds Twin Drive Belt system Large footplates with adjustable safety straps, an ergonomic seat made of PU, and wide rowing straps |
For heavier people, the MaxKare Rowing Machine is what you are after to improve your health and body shape.
Easy To Assemble: Stamina | X Air Rower
- Easy and quick to set up – helpful directions & minimal assembly required
- Help optimize your workouts for better results - two FREE expert-guided workout videos online
- Great maneuverability – transportation wheels
- The folded dimensions are still bulky
- Its monitor is a bit hard to read
If complicated assembly manuals are the main reason that stops you from buying a rowing machine, the Stamina | X Air Rower will ease that nightmare.
Just follow its assembly instructions and make sure everything is connected properly, then you will be pleased. With two people, the whole process might take only around 30 minutes, we swear!
Regardless, it is functional, comfortable, and durable.
While offering various adjustable resistance levels, it provides you with two FREE expert-guided workout videos online, which helps optimize your exercise process for better results.
When not in use, it is easily moved around due to the transportation wheels and foldable design.
| Stamina | X Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 63 Pounds |
Dimension | 78.5 x 18 x 29 inches |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Helpful directions & minimal assembly required Two FREE expert-guided workout videos Transportation wheels |
Don’t fret if you are either a low-tech person or a beginner because the Stamina | X Air Rower is very easy to assemble.
Best For Intense Workouts: EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine
- Ideal for intense workouts - maintenance-free belt-drive mechanism and four stabilizing feet
- Safety, great grips, and comfort – ergonomic foot pedals with adjustable straps & foam-covered handles
- Easy to track your workout metrics - onboard digital display
- It can get loud at high resistance levels
The EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine is a perfect choice for those serious athletes who want to improve their split time every week.
Why? Because it can afford intense workouts with no compromise of your comfort, noise, or smooth rowing experience.
The maintenance-free belt-drive mechanism is key. It activates the progressive fan resistance so, the harder of your pulling, the more resistance feeling.
While providing an onboard digital display for easy control and ergonomic foot pedals with adjustable straps and four stabilizing feet, we do appreciate that EDITMENT built the handles of this machine with foam covering.
This additional component plays a huge role in reducing the exerciser’s fatigue, blister, and even slippage while workouts.
| EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59 lbs |
Dimension | 74.8 x 18.9 x 22.83 inches |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 245 pounds |
Highlight Features | Maintenance-free belt-drive mechanism and four stabilizing feet Ergonomic foot pedals with adjustable straps & foam-covered handles Onboard digital display |
We highly recommend the EFITMENT Aero Air Fan Rowing Machine for serious exercisers with intense workouts.
Best For Smooth Rowing Workouts: Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
- Offer smooth rowing experience - upgraded ergonomic seat with extra padding and the aluminum seat rail
- Deliver stability and reliability - textured footplates with adjustable straps
- Safe and good grips - floor protectors-safeguard
- Overpriced
- A bit loud
The Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower is a high-end option that’s professionally designed to take the smooth rowing experience to the next level.
The secrets lie in its upgraded ergonomic seat with extra padding and the aluminum seat rail. Besides, the textured footplates with adjustable straps make your workouts a lot more stable and reliable.
For more safety, it is also built with floor protectors-safeguard.
When not in use, it is easily folded up and moves around on the stock transportation wheels.
| Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59 Pounds |
Dimension | 73.5" L x 18.25" W x 22" H. |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250lb |
Highlight Features | Upgraded ergonomic seat with extra padding and the aluminum seat rail Textured footplates with adjustable straps Floor protectors-safeguard |
If you’re looking for a good rowing machine for smoother rowing workouts at home, the Stamina 35-1402 ATS is our suggestion.
Best For Beginners: Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
- Optimize your workout process – help exercise 86% of your muscles & 8 resistance levels
- Built to last – solid steel frame
- Ergonomic, comfortable, and reliable - two adjustable footplates with straps and an ergonomically designed injection molded seat
- Easy to store – foldable design and transportation wheels
- The difference between resistance levels isn’t much
- No batteries included
- Heavy
For beginners, you don’t need to pay a bunch on various workout machines; this one can make 86% of your muscles well-exercise while saving lots of your home space. The most important is it’s built to last so you’ll save more.
It is also easy to assemble and operate.
There are eight resistance levels for your custom workout from easy levels to a higher intensity. Along with that, it has two adjustable footplates with straps, an ergonomically designed injection molded seat, and an integrated display panel.
Through this screen, you can quickly track most of your exercise metrics, such as RPM, calories burnt, distance, and speed.
For simple storage, it’s a big thank you to the foldable design and transportation wheels.
| Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 77 lbs |
Dimension | 85" x 20.5" x 36.25" |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
Resistance Settings | 8 |
Highlight Features | Help exercise 86% of your muscles & 8 resistance levels Solid steel frame Two adjustable footplates with straps and an ergonomically designed injection molded seat Foldable design and transportation wheels |
Look no further than the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine is you’re a beginner exerciser who wants to improve your health and body shape.
Best For Seniors: Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower
- Easy to adjust resistance levels
- Simple to assemble or store – foldable construction & transportation wheels
- Easy to read your workout metrics – LCD display with bigger numbers
- Save you from back pain and fatigue - a durable rowing cord, huge footplates with adjustable straps, and well-padded, smooth-sliding seat
- Slightly noisy
- It’s heavy
The Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower is easy to assemble, operate, and move around. Meanwhile, its resistance levels are easily adjusted – the harder you pull, the more resistance. It’s also easy to get on/off.
The biggest selling point (also makes this machine an ideal choice for seniors) is its easy-to-read LCD display with ultra-big numbers.
It’s also designed with your safety in mind.
By featuring a durable rowing cord, huge footplates with adjustable straps, and a well-padded, smooth-sliding seat, the air rower not only gives a reliable feel but also comfort. Thanks to this ergonomic construction, it saves the user from back pain and fatigue efficiently.
| Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 73 Pounds |
Dimension | 78 inches by 31.5 inches by 19.75 inches |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 pounds |
Highlight Features | Foldable construction & transportation wheels LCD display with bigger numbers A durable rowing cord, huge footplates with adjustable straps, and well-padded, smooth-sliding seat |
Thanks to its safety, reliable design with comfort, the Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower becomes the best pick for seniors in our review list.
How To Choose The Best Air Rowing Machine?
Resistance Levels
The first thing to consider when choosing a rowing machine is the resistance level. It’s best to opt for a machine with both responsive and adjustable resistance. That means it can mimic the resistance it feels as you are rowing.
However, it’s worth noting that cheap rowing machines don’t always deliver sufficient resistance for all fitness levels. You should check the resistance levels carefully when browsing models.
How It Fits You
Inseam Length
This is an important measurement you should look into to make sure the machine fits your body measurements as the lengths of people’s legs are different.
There are good rowing machines with an inseam length of 38 inches, suitable for 6-foot 7-inch users. It’s worth noting that cheap rowing machines often have shorter inseam length, so pay attention to this indicator to make sure you can fully extend your leg when exercising.
Ergonomic Frame
An ergonomic frame is one that allows the seat to slight forward, which lets you lean forward while extending your arms fully. Therefore, you should find and get this type of frame.
Seat Height
By choosing the right seat height, you will get a good balance when you exercise, helping you avoid accidents. The seat height is especially important if you have back and knee issues, who will benefit from a taller seat.
Rowing Monitor
The monitor is another important part of the rowing machine.
You should find one with easy-to-see backlit, ANT/+, and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, it should at least display basic information like workout time, calories burned, distance, strokes per minute, and heart rate.
Some higher-end monitors can also come with a USB port or internal memory so you can save your everyday progress.
Comfort
Handle: you should always go with ergonomic handles. Besides, the most comfortable, soft handles are made of lightweight aluminum.
Footboard: remember that the footboard must be adjustable, which allows you to make correct foot positions.
Which Brands Make The Best Air Rowing Machine?
Marcy
With nearly four decades of experience in the industry, this brand is a renowned manufacturer of fitness equipment. It’s become the leader by delivering innovation and high quality in each product.
Stamina
Founded in 1987, this brand has focused on making innovative yet affordable exercise equipment for home gymers.
MaxKare
If you prefer to buy your rowing machine online, this e-commerce retailer is a good choice. It offers a wide range of equipment that can meet anyone’s needs.
FAQs
Are air rowers good?
Yes, air rowers are good as they offer an excellent rowing-on-water simulation. They let you control your resistance while you work out as the resistance is corresponding to hơ hard you row.
Which is better: air vs magnetic rower?
There isn’t a definite answer to this question, but we will show you the key differences between these types of rower:
Air rowers don’t have resistance settings, but it will change as you change the rowing intensity. Magnetic rowers let you change the resistance from a monitor.
Air rowers offer smooth and strong resistance while magnetic rowers offer certain levels of resistance depending on the settings.
Air rowers are quite noisy while magnetic rowers are very quiet.
The monitor on an air rower displays accurate data for tracking your workout while that on the magnetic rower is mostly used for presetting the workout.
Both these rowers are efficient workout machines, so the choice between them comes down to each person’s needs and preferences.
How long do you need to row on a rowing machine?
The duration of the workout depends on your own strength and endurance but you should row at least 30 minutes per day.
What happens if I row every day?
It’s great if you row every day, but you should only come to this level gradually. Sudden over-training can result in injuries and other adverse effects on your body.
How effective is a rowing machine workout?
Working out on a rowing machine helps you burn about 600 calories per hour, which is more efficient than many home workout machines.
A rowing machine offers low-impact workouts but forces you to exercise the entire body, so it’s good to strengthen your body as a whole.
How to master the proper rowing technique?
There are several tips to help you master the rowing machine like the following:
Do not grip the handles too hard
Drive the machine with your legs
Row in the legs-hips-arms-arms-hips-legs sequence
Drive straight back to prevent yourself from lifting off the seat
Do not shrug your shoulders up
Breathe properly
Relax your elbows
Do not rebend your knees too soon
Sit up tall throughout the exercise
How long does it take to see results from rowing?
If you work out properly, you can start to see the results after 14 days.
Should I use a rowing machine as my main form of exercise?
This depends on your preference and goal in your workout, but a rowing machine is a great main form of exercise. It gives you more energy and helps you increase endurance.
Can I get fit just rowing?
Yes, you can. With the right workout and intensity, you can burn an average of 600 calories per hour, making rowing one of the best ways to get fit.
Can rowing get you ripped?
Yes, you can. A high-intensity rowing exercise can help you burn up to 1000 calories and more. It activates 9 muscle groups that account for 85% of the total musculature of the body.
What body type is good for rowing?
There is not a definite answer to this question, but considering the characteristics of the exercise, those with long thighs and a great height seem more suitable for rowing.
Does rowing make thighs bigger?
Yes, it does. Rowing tones your muscle in general, including legs, glutes, thighs, upper arms, and shoulders.
Does rowing help flabby arms?
Yes, it does, but you have to row vigorously to achieve such results.
Conclusion
So, have you figured out what to look for in the best air rowing machines yet? We hope that our detailed guide has given sufficient information to make a smart decision. If you have further questions on this type of machine, don’t hesitate to come back here, we’re glad to help out.
Nancy Lang
