The world is looking to find ways to work out at home due to the worldwide pandemic. One of the best ways to exercise is rowing, thanks to its ability to workout so much of the body. That’s why indoor rowing machines are finding such a resurgence in their popularity – particularly the type that uses air as the resistance mechanism. It removes the need for maintenance that might come with water resistance rowers, while still providing the relevant level of challenge.
With such benefits, it’s no surprise that people want these machines. However, it can be difficult to choose just which of these air rowing machines are the best. Good rowing machines offer a whole host of different benefits and challenges. Yet, some can cost too much for the average person. That’s why we want to help find that perfect rowing machine for a price that people can afford. With all of that, let’s jump right into our list of the best air rowers under $1000.
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concept 2 Model D | Air | Yes | Yes | 500 LBs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Resolve R1 Rower | Air and Magnetic | Yes | No | 330 LBs | High-Rise |
| 3 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5983 | Air and Magnetic | No | No | 265 LBs | High-Rise |
| 4 | SereneLife Air Rower | Air and Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 5 | Marcy Air Rowing Machine | Air | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 6 | Fitness Reality Dual Transmission | Air | No | Yes | 300 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 7 | Stamina ATS Air Rower | Air | Yes | No | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 8 | Stamina 1405 Air Rower | Air | No | No | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 9 | EFITMENT Air Rower | Air | Yes | No | 264.5 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 10 | MaxKare Air Rowing Machine | Air | No | No | 220 LBs | High-Rise |
Up first is the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. This home rowing machine is one of the best air rowing machines out there, much less for under $1000. It offers many of the top features that you could want on one of these rowers and it does so in a way that makes it easy to operate and understand. It sports a monitor that will track your workout statistics and connect to other devices through Bluetooth or ANT+, while the workout itself is easy to adjust through the resistance settings.
The Concept2 Model D uses the air resistance to maximum efficiency, having 10 different levels of resistance that are controlled through use of a damper. The noise that is a common complaint of air resistance rowers is nowhere to be found here, as the designers have somehow managed to lower it to such a level that you can barely hear it. The rower itself is easy to move around and assemble, while it’s folding capability means that it doesn’t take up too much space. At full extension its dimensions are 96 inches long, 24 inches wide and 14 inches tall. While folded, it measures at 25 inches (63.5 cm) long, 33 inches wide (83.8 cm) and 54 inches (137.2 cm) tall.
One of the best parts about the Concept2 Model D is the monitor that it comes with. The monitor itself is backlit, includes preset workouts, measures metete, pace, watts and calories. All the while it has the ability to connect to third party apps through a Bluetooth connection. This allows for you to compare yourself online and push to a new level with friends and family. The PM5 monitor also can be adjusted and pivoted to many different positions.
The Concept2 Model D would be an impressive model if it cost $500 more, yet this home rowing machine costs at just under the $1000 mark. It comes with a 2 year and 5 year limited warranty.
Conclusion
The Concept2 Model D makes for one of the best air resistance rowing machines on the market. The fact that it comes with a price tag that is under $1000 makes it all the more impressive. The PM5 monitor allows for connection to popular workout apps and serves as a valuable companion on its own. Meanwhile the actual build and resistance of the rower are a higher level of quality than many others available.
Pros
Cons
In second place is the Resolve Fitness R1 Dual Drive Rower. This is an air resistance rower that implements some elements of magnetic resistance as well. The fan blades offer a dynamic level of resistance, while the magnetic elements offer 12 different levels of preset resistance. The aluminum build, poly drive belt and coated handle of the R1 rower makes all of these elements quite smooth and efficient.
All the while, the R1 HIIT console is tracking the statistics of the workout. These include time, splits, strokes, strokes/min, distance, watts, calories, speed, and heart rate with its built-in heart rate receiver. It also has manual, race and training modes available for those who need a change.
The R1 does take up a bit of room when fully extended, which is why it has the ability to be folded. Fully assembled, it measures to be 105 inches (266 cm) long, 21 inches (52 cm) wide and 48.5 inches (123 cm) tall. When folded, that distance halves. This home rowing machine is great for those who have smaller living spaces.
There is a bit of an issue when it comes to the price. While $999 is underneath $1000, it’s not exactly by a lot. The fact that no warranty is mentioned at all is also highly concerning.
Conclusion
The Resolve Fitness R1 air rowing machine is a quality one. You get plenty of value from the monitor and the magnetic/air hybrid design from the rowing machine itself. While it takes up quite a bit of room, the fact that the rower can be folded makes that issue nearly nonexistent. However, you’ll have to be willing to drop a pretty penny to get this home rowing machine.
Pros
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The SF-RW5983 from Sunny Health & Fitness is another rowing machine that looks to combine elements of air and magnetic resistance systems in order to make the most efficient workouts possible. It is the cheapest of the top three, with a price tag of $700.
There are 16 levels of magnetic resistance that complement the metallic fans already present on the SF-RW5983. This makes the air resistance of the rower more consistent and enjoyable as a result. Meanwhile, the pedals are non-slip and adjustable, with an elevated seat and dual slide rail tracks to combine for more efficient workout sessions.
The monitor on the SF-RW5983 isn’t as advanced as some of the others listed here, but it will certainly do the job. It will swivel around to the preferred position and display statistics such as time, pulse calories burned, strokes per minute (SPM) and the total strokes. While it doesn’t provide any videos or entertainment features, there is a device holder located on the rower for tablets or other mobile devices to distract during workouts.
As previously mentioned, the SF-RW5983 costs just around $700. It comes with the standard warranty that Sunny Health and Fitness attaches to all of their products: 3 years on the frame and 180 days on the other parts and components that make up the rower.
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5983 makes for an excellent air resistance rowing machine thanks to the various elements that it is made of. The magnetic resistance elements make for a new challenge, while the seat, pedals and handles are all firm and efficient. The fact that it comes with a warranty that is better than many competitors in this price range is also definitely a bonus.
Pros
Cons
The SereneLife Air rower is another rowing machine that tries to implement a combination of air and magnetic resistance, though it still leans more towards the air side of things (hence the name “Air Rower”). There are 16 different resistance levels available, giving you the ability to fine tune just how intense you want that particular workout to be.
The technological capabilities of this home rowing machine are also made to keep you up to date on how you are doing in the overall workout. It has a LCD display that measures time, distance, strides, pulse & calories burned. It also has a pulse monitor via a wireless receiver, allowing you to see just how your body is reacting to the workouts as well.
In terms of how the rower is built, you’ll have no fears about the quality. It has a reinforced hand cable and steel-metal alloy frame. However, it remains portable by also being foldable for the best storage potential. The downside of the portable build is that it can only handle a max weight of 250 lbs (113 kg).
For a price of $390, this home rowing machine is cheaper than a great deal of other rowers. There is also a one year warranty that comes with the SereneLife Air Rower, giving you some time to decide if it is right for you or if it breaks.
Conclusion
The SereneLife Air Rower is a rower that will work for a great deal of people. It has a system that will allow for people to set their own level of resistance while maintaining the ease of use that air rowing machines gives. The fact that it is also so cheap and comes with a 1 year warranty is another big boon to this foldable indoor rowing machine.
Pros
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The Marcy Air Rowing Machine certainly catches the eye with its sleek design and yellow colour scheme. Fortunately, there is more to one of these turbine rowing machines than simple looks.
The Marcy air rower offers 8 different levels of preset resistance in order to provide different levels of challenge to whoever feels confident enough to hop on and start rowing. It also has pedals that are designed to be adjustable to whoever climbs aboard. The padded seat makes sure that the process of climbing on and working out isn’t a painful one. For those who have limited storage, this home rowing machine can accommodate them by folding.
Marcy’s monitor that comes with the air rowing machine isn’t anything too impressive, but it will give you some useful information. Your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and RPM will all be tracked and displayed on the small screen in front of the fan.
The normal price of the Marcy Air Rowing Machine ranges right into the $600. It has been known to come down significantly in price, however, with the one listed at the time of writing being $380. It also comes with a 2 year limited manufacturer warranty, covering replacement parts.
Conclusion
Depending on what price you can acquire the Marcy Air Rowing Machine for makes or breaks the value for money. It is a fantastic rowing machine for the price of less than $400, though the normal $600 price stretches that value to the max. You’ll want to take notice at the time of purchase and keep an eye out for a better price.
Pros
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The Fitness Realty Dual Transmission Fan Rower (with a mouthful of a name) is next on our list of the best air rowers under $1000. It’s not a particularly large rower, with the dimensions of 70 inches (178 cm) long, 23 inches (58 cm) wide and 26 inches (66 cm) tall. It’s also not very heavy, only sitting at 44 lbs (20 kg). But if even that is too big, the rower is foldable to save even more space. There is only a 250 lb (114 kg) user weight limit, which is rather small. However, it isn’t like it will break under 251 lbs, so many users should be fine.
In terms of the resistance of the Fitness Reality rower, there are 14 levels of magnetic and air resistance that you can choose from. This combined power makes for a nice, smooth and quiet workout, even at the higher intensity levels.
The monitor seems basic at first, only able to track the distance, calories, time and watts based on your workout. However, it also has the ability to connect through Bluetooth to your phone. Fitness Reality have also seemingly partnered with MyCloudFitness App in order to help you track long term fitness goals even more easily.
In terms of the price for Fitness Reality Dual Transmission Rower, you’ll find that it is a pretty decent one. The retail price is right around $350, which we think is a fair appraisal. We were unable to find any sort of warranty information, which is always concerning. Better to have warranties than to not.
Conclusion
The Fitness Reality Dual Transmission would not be a very good rower if not for the technological aspects of Bluetooth and phone connections that it brings. However, since it does bring them and offers a fairly solid resistance system so that puts it square in the middle of our list.
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The Stamina ATS Rower is the first one of the Stamina rowing machines we’ve got on this list of best air rowers under $1000. Described as “durable and affordable” the ATS Air Rower certainly looks to hold onto that description. The rower itself is foldable, which makes it nice for those who need to make it smaller in storage. The extended dimensions are 77 inches (195 cm), 18 inches (46 cm) wide and 22 inches (56 cm) tall. The folded dimensions are 48 inches (122 cm) long, 18 inches (46 cm) wide and 28 (71 cm) tall.
The resistance of the rower is unlike the others in that it chooses not to go with the magnetic/air combination, instead solely relying on the dynamic power of air. The foot pads of the ATS are adjustable, while the seat is comfortable enough for those workouts that are longer.
The monitor of the Stamina ATS is extremely basic. It is rather small and will show you stats like speed, distance, time and calories burned, which you can cycle through with the “Scan” function.
The price of the Stamina ATS Air Rower is a decent one. It costs $330 and comes with a 3 year frame warranty. That’s not even mentioning the 1 year parts warranty that is always welcome.
Conclusion
The Stamina ATS Air Rower is a fine budget rower for anyone seeking to get a piece of exercise equipment to begin their rowing career. It is cheap and has a decent warranty, while the machine itself will do the job of making you fit.
Pros
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And here is the second Stamina rowing machine on our list. The Stamina 1405 Air Rower shares many qualities with the Stamina ATS – both good and bad. First up is the design. It is a rower mostly made of steel, wth chrome, black and blue elements decorating it. The dimensions are 78.5 inches (199 cm) long, 19.75 inches (50 cm) wide and 31.5 inches (80 cm) tall. Unlike the base ATS rower, this one cannot fold.
The resistance that the Stamina 1405 decides to go with is the exact same as the ATS rower. The dynamic air resistance that you can make as hard or as easy as you want. It certainly turns out efficiently. Meanwhile the foot pads are adjustable and the seat is foam padded. The seat in particular is… OK at best. You might get a tad uncomfortable after longer workout sessions.
There is a small (but bigger than the ATS Air Rower) monitor that tracks distance, speed, time and calories burned while exercising. Otherwise there isn’t anything too notable about the technological functions of the 1405 Air Rower.
One of the bigger issues with the Stamina 1405 Air Rower is the price. It costs around $550, which is quite a bit more than the Stamina ATS.
Conclusion
The major problem with the Stamina 1405 is that there isn’t that much to justify such a large price increase over other models of Stamina rowers (or other rowers in general). It does offer some good elements, like the dynamic resistance system and better monitor, but that just is not enough for such a large price.
Pros
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Nearing the end of our list of the best air rowers under $1000, we have the EFITMENT Air Rower. The design of this home rowing machine is that of steel, with 51 inches of the slide rail being made of the stuff. It can hold a max of 245 lbs (111 kg), which is a bit low. The dimensions of this rower are 75 inches long, 19 inches (48 cm) wide and 23 inches (58 cm) tall. It can be folded to reduce those dimensions, as well as rolled around on the transportation wheels it comes with.
Once again, the resistance that comes with this home rowing machine is one of dynamic air resistance. No magnets or preset resistance levels to be found here. This is still a benefit, as it means that you can make the exercise as hard or as easy as you truly desire. The foot pads are adjustable, while there are stabilizers on the bottom of the rower. For those who are worried that their hands might start to slip during the workout, the handlebar is specifically made to be non-slip.
The battery charged monitor on the EFITMENT Air Rower is quite small, making it hard to see at times. However, when you can see it, you can track your time, stroke count, calories burned and repetitions per minute. Nothing special, but always nice to have.
The price of the EFITMENT Air Rower is an extremely cheap $300. There is no listed warranty information, which is not ideal.
Conclusion
The EFITMENT Air Rower is not a great rower if you are looking for one of the top tier rowing machines that will contest with the best. However, it is a good rowing machine to look at if you are trying to get into the world of rowing or simply want a cheaper air rower to get some work in. It offers good resistance and comfortable enough rides, though the monitor is not anything to write home about.
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Rounding out our list of the top indoor air rowing machines is our contestant from MaxKare. The MaxKare Air Rowing Machine has an alloy steel frame with a triangle design to maximize the stability during workouts. It’s dimensions when fully extended are 75.6 inches (192 cm) long, 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 14.4 inches (36 cm) tall. It can be folded for storage uses, with dimensions of 42.5 inches (108 cm) in length, 20 inches (51 cm) in width and 54.7 inches (139 cm) in height.
The MaxKare air rower doesn’t combine magnetic resistance with air, but rather friction based. It uses a belt that will allow users to increase or decrease the tension level of the rower. Thus, different users can set it to different levels and have tougher or easier workouts.
There is no monitor to track stats on this home rowing machine. For entertainment purposes, there is a space for holding iPads and other tablets. However, you will not be able to track your workouts on the machine itself.
The price of the MaxKare air rowing machine is normally around $340, though it has been known to drop down to $260. There is a 1 year manufacturer warranty for any shipping damage or defects.
Conclusion
The MaxKare Air Rowing Machine is an OK rower at best. The resistance system, while unique, does not offer the same sort of range that full air resistance or the magnetic/air resistance systems do. The seating and handlebar are comfortable enough and the ability to fold is most certainly a nice one. However, it really isn’t great to see absolutely no monitor. Just a spot for entertainment. But it is nice that it can get so cheap.
Pros
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With our list at its end, we’re now going to point out some elements of these rowers that you should take into account and examine when searching for one of these air rowers.
Foldability
Rowing machines can take up quite a bit of room, especially in smaller homes. That’s why many of them prefer to implement foldability into their design, in order to help with storage when they aren’t in use.
Air Resistance Types
As you can see from the list, there are a variety of different variations of the air resistance type. Whether that’s magnetic and air, air by itself, or air with a friction belt attached, different types of resistance types can result in different experiences.
For those who are looking for a rower with air resistance under $1000, our top choice has to be the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. It takes all of the elements that are best about air rowing machines and delivers them for a price that is extremely acceptable to any determined rower. It offers the best experience listed here, which is all we can really ask for.
