The 6 Greatest Air Rowing Machines of 2024 (Tried and Examined)

If the considered operating on a treadmill causes phantom ache in your knees and joints — like how my ft scream each time I consider my teeny-tiny rock-climbing sneakers — the finest rowing machines is usually a stable different. As you push off the pedals and pull in with the handlebar, these machines ship a low-impact cardio exercise that targets your higher and decrease physique. Versus water or magnetic rowing machines, air rowers — one of the crucial common kinds of rowing machines — make the most of a fan that will increase resistance the tougher you row. 

Earlier than you dive in and convey certainly one of these row-boats residence, it’s essential to think about the next: What’s your finances? How a lot room do you may have out there? Will a machine with streaming capabilities assist encourage your coaching, or are you simply searching for one thing sturdy to squeeze in some dash periods? We’ve tried and examined greater than 20 of the preferred rowers available on the market and curated a listing of the very best air rowing machines on your consideration. Listed here are our prime picks.

The 6 Greatest Air Rowing Machines of 2024

How We Examined and Selected the Greatest Air Rowing Machines

Our crew of CrossFit coaches, licensed private trainers, and health junkies know a factor or two about rowing. We’ve tried and examined over 20 rowing machines in our quest to seek out the very best of the very best. The BarBend gear testing methodology is easy: We scored every profile in classes akin to tech capabilities, adjustability, and sturdiness on a scale from 1 (unhealthy) to five (unbelievable). The next are a few of the key factors we centered on whereas testing and selecting the highest performers.

• Resistance Sort: “There are a number of kinds of rowing machines, together with water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and every kind gives a unique expertise,” notes BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. Whereas we’re solely highlighting air rowers on this record, we included some choices with twin air and magnetic resistance for these searching for fine-tuned resistance and quieter rides.
• Footprint and Portability: “Measurement, weight and portability are essential, as you’ll want to make sure the machine will slot in your area and it’s comparatively simple to maneuver in the event you received’t be capable of go away it stationary,” says Capritto. As such, we included choices with transport wheels, folding capabilities, and the power to be stowed vertically for straightforward storage.
• Tech Capabilities: Tech on rowers is usually much less spectacular than what’s discovered on different cardio gear. Regardless, we regarded for choices with Bluetooth pairing and app compatibility. When fashions solely managed fundamental LCD shows, we opted for ones with built-in programming to assist velocity, time, interval, and distance-based exercises.
• Value: We wish rowing to be accessible for everyone, so we made certain to incorporate rowers with value tags starting from $279 as much as $2,199.
• Consolation: Rowing machines are likely to have laborious plastic seats, which may make your rear finish need to throw within the towel in your coaching endeavor. We saved our eyes peeled for cushioned, padded, and molded seats for added consolation. 
• Rowing Movement: When pushing out and pulling again by way of your stroke on a rowing machine, you need the whole lot to really feel {smooth} and seamless. We regarded for rowers that offered a distraction-free exercise, doing our greatest to keep away from machines that jerked or stuttered.

[Related: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines]

Greatest Air Rowing Machine Total: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is likely one of the most tried and true rowers available on the market. The “erg” (because it’s generally recognized) gives a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is provided with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to trace meters rowed and energy burned. 

When you stroll right into a CrossFit gymnasium, likelihood is you’ll see somebody sweating it out on the Concept2 RowErg. This machine is our alternative for the very best air rowing machine general on account of its recognition with severe athletes, affordable price ticket, and ease of use. Our crew has even gone as far as to say that that is the very best rower they’ve ever used. Worth scored a 4.5 out of 5. 

[Related: Best CrossFit Equipment for Home Gyms]

I’ve used this rower in CrossFit gyms and at my climbing gymnasium — principally, anyplace I am going and see a rower, it’s this one. Getting located is so simple as taking a seat and strapping in, although I at all times like to ensure the air damper, which controls the air resistance, is ready to a degree 5 out of 10 — a pleasant center settling which permits me to drag pretty fast in opposition to quantity of resistance. My solely criticism is that the seat hurts my butt bones, however for $3.50 you may put money into a cushioned seat from the Concept2 web site.

When you received’t discover a touchscreen to stream programming, we just like the small however mighty PM5 monitor which scored a 4.25 out of 5. “This rowing machine lacks the visible attraction of different indoor rowing machines, [but] I do admire the extent of element its monitor gives throughout coaching,” famous BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger. It gives coaching metrics, exercise packages, and Bluetooth connectivity so you may pair this rower with over 30 totally different apps, from Zwift to ErgData. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.

This rower is constructed to final with a metal and aluminum building that may assist customers as much as 500 kilos. For this, sturdiness scored a 5 out of 5. 

Emminger famous, “I particularly benefit from the nickel-plated metal chain that showcases an ideal sense of sturdiness and glide no matter which dampener I’ve the resistance set to.” He scored building a 4.75 out of 5. Whereas a sequence drive can last more than a belt drive, they’ll require extra upkeep — it’s really helpful that you just oil this chain each 50 hours of use. 

Learn our full Concept2 Rower Evaluation.

Greatest Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine: Sole SR550

Sole SR550 Rower

This WiFi-equipped rowing machine combines magnetic and air resistance to evoke the expertise of rowing on the open water. It is roughly a foot smaller than most residence rowers and might fold up for straightforward storage. 

The Sole SR550 is our alternative for finest air and magnetic rowing machine because of its 16 ranges of resistance, quiet operation, and upgraded tech capabilities. The SR550 is an up to date model of the SR500 Rower, with Sole introducing a ten.1-inch touchscreen show with programming, built-in leisure apps (subscriptions wanted) like Hulu, Netflix, Max, and Disney Plus, and a display mirroring characteristic that permits you to view no matter’s in your cellular machine on the display. 

Whereas air rowers tend to be louder than water and magnetic rowers, the Sole SR550 makes use of a belt drive and a combo of air and magnetic resistance to assist hold the amount down. “My favourite factor about this rower is how quiet it’s throughout my exercise,” famous our tester, a CrossFit level-1 coach. Moreover, belt drives require much less upkeep than chain drives, nonetheless they could must be changed sooner. 

The touchscreen is an enchancment over the earlier mannequin’s LCD show and gives customers with 10 exercise packages. Nonetheless, with display mirroring, you should utilize the app of your option to stream courses if that’s what you’re lacking. And whereas there’s coronary heart price monitoring, you received’t discover a coronary heart price monitor included along with your buy just like the earlier mannequin had. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. 

There’s even a free Sole+ app for house owners of Sole gear, although there are solely a little bit over 20 rowing courses on the app, and so they lack the studio-like high quality of programming discovered on Hydrow, Tonal, or Peloton. This app scored a 3 out of 5.

The deal with has a cushioned grip to assist hold calluses at bay and options wi-fi resistance management, because of the magnetic resistance, so you may change the depth of your exercise mid-stroke. And while you’re carried out along with your exercise, the aluminum rail is foldable to clear up some flooring area. There’s additionally a lifetime guarantee on the body, and our tester gave guarantee, financing, and returns a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

[Related: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines]

Greatest Compact Air Rowing Machine: Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

The Bells of Metal Air Blitz Rower is likely one of the extra inexpensive choices available on the market proper now. This one is mild and straightforward to roll round your property gymnasium as wanted or retailer away while you’re anticipating company.

The Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower is our alternative for the very best compact air rowing machine because of its light-weight 90.4-pound construct — the common rower we’ve examined weighs round 105 kilos — and the power to simply disassemble the rower into two elements for straightforward storage. Customizations, customer support, supply, and setup all scored an ideal 5 out of 5 with our tester.

[Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Any Small Space]

“The machine was fairly light-weight, so tipping this onto its transport wheels to maneuver round was simple for me,” our tester, a licensed private coach, famous. 

In use, the body measures 8 ft lengthy and roughly 2 ft huge, taking over 16 sq. ft of flooring area — about half the scale of a queen-sized mattress. (1) The power to take away the rail from the flywheel splits the machine in two, permitting customers to simply stow the machine out of the way in which. Footprint and portability scored a 4.5 out of 5, nonetheless, it’s essential to say that this machine shouldn’t be meant to be saved upright.

An inexpensive $849.99 price ticket places this machine in a budget-friendly weight class, particularly since some rowers we’ve examined can price as a lot as $2,200. “It’s inexpensive than the Concept2 RowErg or AssaultRower Professional,” famous our tester, who scored worth a 4.5 out of 5. For this price, you’re getting metal and aluminum elements that assist customers as much as 320 kilos. Nonetheless, our tester identified that there have been a number of plastic elements on this machine, which raises some considerations about how properly it’s going to maintain as much as put on and tear over time. Sturdiness scored a 4 out of 5.

[Related: Best Budget Rowing Machines]

Air rowers don’t at all times have resistance changes, since resistance is created relying on how laborious you row, however the Blitz Air Rower has a damper on the flywheel that may improve or lower the depth of your exercise relying on how a lot air you permit into the fan. 

“Whereas I preferred the power to regulate resistance… I want the tech capabilities have been higher,” mentioned our tester, noting the dearth of programming on the small LCD monitor. There may be Bluetooth connectivity, however our tester additionally struggled to set it up. Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5.

Most Sturdy Air Rowing Machine: AssaultRower Professional

AssaultRower Professional

The AssaultRower Professional contains a powder-coated, metal body that may stand up to the weather and assist customers as much as 350 kilos. This air rower can be human-powered, so you will not have to plug something in earlier than you are taking off in your trip.

The AssaultRower Professional is our alternative for essentially the most sturdy air rowing machine on account of its metal building, shake and wobble-free exercise expertise, and smooth-like-butter glide and pull. Sturdiness scored a 4.5 out of 5, with customizations, footprint, portability, and tech capabilities proper behind, scoring a 4 out of 5. 

“This rower feels just like the Concept2 RowErg,” talked about our tester, a licensed private coach. “Nonetheless, it weighs twice as a lot.” The 109-pound weight of this machine is due, partly, to the powder-coated metal body. Powder-coated metal will help to maintain your gear freed from rust, whether or not it’s uncovered to drops of sweat or the weather that include a yard exercise. (2) Whereas we advocate at all times wiping down your gear after use, this protecting layer will help your machine resist corrosion over time.

Additionally, just like the Assault AirBike AND AssaultRunner Professional, it’s a user-powered machine that requires no electrical energy. 

“This factor is tremendous stable, and the pull is {smooth} and constant,” famous our tester, who appreciated that every stroke on this machine felt constant no matter effort. “There wasn’t any shake or wobble whilst I pushed it in my exercise.” 

This {smooth} and secure trip’s solely bump within the street could be the restricted tech capabilities. There’s no touchscreen to stream interactive programming, and the LCD show gives fewer exercise packages than the RowErg. “This monitor is just like what Assault Health makes use of with their air bikes, so that you’ll be capable of do some interval packages and join to a coronary heart price monitor, however that’s about it,” mentioned our tester. Dynamic programming scored a 3.75 out of 5, as customers a minimum of have entry to interval, cut up time, coronary heart price, and distance programming.

Assault Health is understood for making extremely sturdy gear, from air bikes to handbook treadmills, however our crew was additionally impressed with how snug their exercise was atop the cushioned seat. “I believe it’s extra snug than the Concept2,” mentioned our tester, scoring the rower’s ergonomics a 5 out of 5. “Whereas it isn’t tremendous forgiving, there’s some cushioning that made my lengthy exercises extra snug.” 

[Related: Assault Runner Elite Treadmill Review]

Greatest Air Rowing Machine for Streaming: Aviron Sturdy Rower

Aviron Sturdy Rower

Modern, fashionable and compact design coupled with a various exercise content material library and frequent new releases to get you motivated and hold you constant for the long run. The Aviron Go Rower is the right at-home magnetic rower to put money into. 

The smooth Aviron Sturdy Rower comes with its personal app that gives entry to greater than 500 on-demand courses, video video games, scenic rows, and even leisure apps. This streaming content material unfolds on a 22-inch touchscreen, and the Aviron app’s selection makes it top-of-the-line sensible rowers we’ve examined. Customizations earned a 5 out of 5, and supply, setup, ergonomics, and tech capabilities scored a 4.5 out of 5.

“There’s nothing prefer it,” famous our wide-eyed tester. “The gamification of your HIIT rowing exercise makes it really feel such as you’re not even understanding.” 

There are a number of classes to sneak your exercise in, together with on-demand courses, gamified exercises that resemble video video games, dwell competitions with mates, and scenic rows throughout attractive our bodies of water. When you want to double dip and work out whilst you make amends for your favourite exhibits, you can even entry streaming companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ (particular person subscriptions wanted). Dynamic programming scored a 4 out of 5.

The immersive 22-inch touchscreen swivels 4 methods, permitting you to additionally use it for off-rower energy and mobility exercises. “The display reacts rather well whereas navigating the house display or when streaming programming, and also you get a ton of metrics displayed all through your coaching,” mentioned our tester, giving tech capabilities a 4.5 out of 5.

Entry to streaming depends in your subscription to Aviron’s Household Membership, which prices a further $29 a month. Our tester famous, “It is a actually aggressive membership charge in comparison with different health subscriptions.” It’s lower than Peloton All-Entry ($44/month) and iFIT ( $39/month), however with a dear $2,199 upfront price — plus added equipment you might need to think about, just like the $129 handlebar with Bluetooth resistance controls — some customers might not need to hold their tab operating.

Greatest Funds Air Rowing Machine: Stamina ATS Air Rower

Stamina ATS Air Rower

This low-impact cardio machine is budget-friendly, offering customers with entry to air fan resistance that is light-weight and foldable for straightforward storage.

The Stamina ATS Air Rower is our alternative for finest finances air rowing machine on account of its $279 price ticket, a small value to pay when in comparison with different rowers we’ve examined, which have ranged in value from $850 to $2,199. Footprint, portability, supply, and setup all scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester.

This rower’s air resistance will increase or decreases depth primarily based on how laborious you row, and an upholstered, padded seat will help inexperienced persons end out their exercise with out ache of their keister. It might additionally fold up, remodeling from 9 sq. ft down to only 6 sq. ft. 

[Related: The 5 Best Rowing Workouts for Beginners]

“It’s a small machine, and pretty simple to maneuver, however the rower needs to be angled excellent to have the ability to roll round on the transport wheels,” talked about our tester, a licensed private coach. “Because it weighs round 50 kilos, it’s nearly simpler to only choose it up and transfer it.” Portability scored a 4 out of 5.

This rower touts carbon metal building, however our tester doesn’t assume it’ll maintain up over time. “I’m solely 140 kilos and this rower wobbled a bit throughout my exercise,” they famous, “Frankly, I don’t assume the machine is constructed to final.” Along with the metal seat rail and body, lots of the elements are constructed out of plastic, which tends to be much less resilient on train gear. Sturdiness scored a 2.5 out of 5.

Whereas there’s a fundamental LCD show that gives coaching metrics like train time, velocity, distance, and energy burned, there aren’t any extra tech options on this rower. 

Our tester additionally famous that this rower is finest fitted to shorter athletes. “I’m 5 ft 6 inches and I couldn’t get a full vary of movement for my row,” they mentioned, “so I can’t think about anybody taller than me becoming comfortably on this rower.” 

[Related: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Advantages of Air Rowing Machines

Like water, magnetic, and hydraulic rowers, air rowing machines can ship calorie-torching sweat periods with out putting an excessive amount of affect in your joints. Whether or not you row for gold or are taking issues a bit slower, listed here are a few of the advantages of rowing machines. (3)

• Low-Impression: Rowing will help save your knees and joints from pointless stress. “As a result of a rowing machine is a low-impact exercise, not solely will it keep away from pounding in your joints, however it’s additionally usually really helpful by medical doctors publish hip and knee surgical procedure,” says Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and present Row Home coach. 
• Full-Physique Exercise: “Rowing is an efficient type of train, partaking many of the physique’s muscle groups and considerably working the cardiovascular system,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “…It engages nearly all of the physique’s muscle groups and might develop energy and explosiveness within the glutes and hamstrings along with bettering cardiovascular endurance.” Cardio and energy coaching? Sure, please.
• Seems like Rowing on Water: Air rowers can carefully mimic the sensation of rowing on water when in comparison with magnetic and hydraulic rowers. Whereas water rowers might really feel essentially the most like being out on a lake because you’re pulling in opposition to literal water resistance, they don’t embrace changes to that resistance like an air rower can.
• HIIT vs LISS: Since your stroke price dictates the depth of your at-home rowing expertise, customers can go for excessive depth or low-intensity regular state periods, relying on their desired targets and exertion. This versatility makes air rowers appropriate for customers of any health degree.

How A lot Do the Greatest Air Rowing Machines Price?

Air rowers include quite a lot of options, from sturdy builds and high-tech immersive shows to twin resistance capabilities and padded seats. Beneath, see how our picks stack up in opposition to one another when it comes to value. 

What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for an Air Rowing Machine

Constructing out your property gymnasium with the finest cardio machines is usually a dream come true. Earlier than scooping one up, although, you’ll need to take your time to think about how a lot area you may have, what kind of coaching you need to do, and the way a lot tech will profit your coaching. Listed here are some key areas to think about.

Air Vs Magnetic, Water, or Hydraulic

“Air rowers are sturdy and supply adjustable resistance that may emulate the resistance you’d really feel on the water. They’re a bit noisy however relating to a dependable and inexpensive machine, an air rower is the way in which to go,” notes Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial member and former collegiate rower. 

Air rowers do, nonetheless, produce a louder exercise as a result of gush of air that’s pressured out of the spinning fan. However they are typically inexpensive than magnetic rowers, sturdier than hydraulic ones, and extra adjustable than water rowing machines.  

Rowing Vs Different Cardio Gear

“In contrast to different cardio machines, rowing will goal your glutes, quads, again, lats, and shoulders with each stroke you are taking,” famous Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and present Row Home coach. When in comparison with one thing like operating on a treadmill, indoor rowing machines activate a wider vary of muscle teams throughout your whole physique and have been proven to ship much less of an affect to your knees and joints. (4) 

Nonetheless, not like utilizing treadmills or ellipticals, rowing shouldn’t be a weight-bearing train so customers received’t reap the advantages of elevated bone density. (5)

[Related: Best Treadmills]

Tech Capabilities

Whereas air rowers are sometimes easy, hard-working machines, some choices embrace tech options with app compatibility or touchscreens for streaming programming. Take into account how a lot tech you need and what kind of tech will finest assist your coaching.

Nonetheless, in the event you’re taken with machines with all the bells and whistles, be ready to fork over a bigger funding. “Good rowing machines are costlier and normally require a month-to-month subscription to entry full performance,” notes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC.

Measure Your House

“You should definitely test the general dimensions of the machine and measure —and measure once more! —the area during which you plan to position it,” says Capritto. When you’re tight on flooring area, think about rowers with folding options or the power to tilt vertically for upright storage.

Again Ache

“Rowing might exacerbate ache in individuals who battle with low again ache. The seated exercising place mixed with the hip hinging concerned within the rowing stroke shouldn’t be best for people with decrease again ache,” notes Capritto. Ellipticals and recumbent train bikes could also be higher suited to assist these with ailing backs, offering entry to low-impact cardio whereas conserving the torso in a extra upright place.

[Related: Best Recumbent Bikes]

Greatest Air Rowing Machines FAQs

References

1. American Mattress. (n.d.). Mattress Measurement Chart | American Mattress. https://www.americanmattress.com/pages/mattress-size-chart
2. KeystoneKoating. (2023b, September 26). Advantages of powder coating. Keystone Koating. https://www.keystonekoating.com/weblog/powder-coating-benefits/
3. Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, Okay. S., & Kwon, T. Okay. (2014). Comparative evaluation of basal bodily health and muscle operate in relation to muscle steadiness sample utilizing rowing machines. Bio-medical supplies and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. https://doi.org/10.3233/BME-141056
4. Yoshiga, C. C., & Higuchi, M. (2002). Coronary heart price is decrease throughout ergometer rowing than throughout treadmill operating. European journal of utilized physiology, 87(2), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0599-z
5. Shanb, A. A., & Youssef, E. F. (2014). The affect of including weight-bearing train versus nonweight bearing packages to the medical therapy of aged sufferers with osteoporosis. Journal of household & group drugs, 21(3), 176–181. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8229.142972