The Best Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines
Home fitness can take a variety of different shapes. Whether you prefer cardio or weight training, there’s more equipment than ever on the market to help you reach your personal fitness goals from home. If you’re looking for an efficient and low-impact workout that combines both cardiovascular and weight-training, home rowing machines might just be the solution for you. Rowers use up to 86% of your body’s muscles, toning every part of your body while building cardiovascular endurance. With so many benefits, adding a personal rowing machine to your private workout space feels like a no-brainer. Home magnetic rowing machines provide consistent and hard-working workouts that challenge you at every level.
Magnetic rowing machines are some of the strongest personal workout equipment available today. Designed to rely on magnetic force to generate strong traction and high-energy cardio exercise, these sleek and silent magnetic rowers are low maintenance and top-quality. Novice and expert rowers alike can easily settle into a workout groove on these time-tested machines, creating a challenging magnetic rower workout regimen on a durable and long lasting machine. For consistent, high-quality exercise, a magnetic rowing machine is one of the best choices you can make. The market is full of high-quality models, so we’ve put together ten of our top picks for superior magnetic rowing machines that work as hard for you as you will in your workout.
Compare The Best Magnetic Rowing Machines
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordicTrack RW900 Rower | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Fitness Reality 4000MR Rower | Magnetic | Yes | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 3 | Women’s Health | Men’s Health Rower | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 4 | WEKEEP OVICX Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 242.50 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 5 | JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 6 | Merax Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 340 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 7 | HouseFit Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 8 | HouseFit Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 9 | MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 243 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 10 | Sunny SF-RW5515 Rower | Magnetic | Yes | No | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
Editor’s Best Magnetic Rower Choice!
Fitness Reality 4000MR
Editor’s Choice Under- Independent Rowing Handles
- 15 Workout Programs
- Backlit 5″ LCD
NordicTrack RW900 Rower
Editor’s Choice Under- Silent Resistance
- 22″ HD Display
- Folding Frame
Women and Men’s Health
Editor’s Choice Under- Bluetooth Monitor
- Folding Frame
- High-Rise
Top 10 Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine:
Table of Contents
NordicTrack RW900 Magnetic Rower
1 used from $963.50
Sleek, high-tech, and compact, this powerful rower from the industry-leading NordicTrack promises a tough workout on a portable and streamlined machine that takes up almost no space in your home. Sporting an ultra-smooth ball-bearing roller system and a 22” interactive HD touchscreen for built in workout feedback and on-demand workout streams, the NordicTrack RW900 Rower offers effortless rowing exercise that works your whole body in an innovative way.
The RW900 offers an oversized steel frame with an aluminum center beam that’s molded with your comfort in mind. The entire machine folds easily for compact storage or even travel using trademark NordicTrack Space Saver technology. This home rowing machine is fairly lightweight and could be used and set up by just about anyone, as well as moved around a workout space with ease due to included transport wheels.
Measuring 86.5 x 22 x 50.4”, the RW900 fits in any space and seats rowers of any height up to 250 pounds. The inertia-enhanced flywheel relies on silent magnetic resistance, easing pressure on your joints while allowing you to increase resistance to meet your fitness needs. The rower offers two forms of resistance and twenty-six digital resistance levels for ultimate personalization and resistance customization.
The rower is complete with a simple yet effective multi-function touchscreen fitness monitor that tracks your current workout time, stroke count, and calories burned as well as total strokes accumulated (all time), letting you track your progress toward fitness goals. Your purchase includes a free year of the NordicTrack iFit membership, offering pre programmed workouts and live rowing coaching that can really take your workout to the next level, as well as offering access to plenty of other preprogrammed workouts that go beyond just rowing.
Conclusion
The NordicTrack RW rower offers powerful workouts and ergonomic comfort for every level of rower. The screen and included access to iFit is a huge bonus that elevates the quality and consistency of your workouts, though having to pay for your subscription after the first year is a pain. The rower itself offers reliable resistance and exercise, with the low-maintenance capabilities of the magnetic resistance providing an extra special benefit. The price does lean towards the higher range for home rowing machines, but when you consider the dual resistance, extreme portability, and adjustable touchscreen console, the NordicTrack RW900 becomes a worthy purchase for any rowing aficionado.
Pros
Compact, efficient, dual-resistance, touchscreen console
Cons
Expensive, iFit membership requires subscription after one year, low weight limit
Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine
2 used from $402.24
Fitness Reality works to take your fitness goals and turn them into real results that work for real people. This is one of the best magnetic rowing machines out there, offering all of the necessities for an intense yet enjoyable rowing workout in the comfort of your own home while working every major muscle group. Built to last and designed for ease of use, the Fitness Reality 4000 MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine is one of the most durable and intense rowing workouts available for you to implement in your home or personal workout space today.
The Fitness Reality 4000 MR is relatively compact considering how large (and powerful) its magnetic flywheel is. Measuring 72 x 25 x 51.5” and weighing 133 lbs, this indoor rowing machine is certainly heavy, but it folds easily and stores nicely in a corner or closet until you’re ready to use it. The 4000MR also comes equipped with heavy-duty wheels that make transport and maneuvering it around your home a piece of cake. The Fitness Reality 4000MR sports a steel mainframe that’s reliable and durable and features an extended 38” slide rail for mega-rowing stretch.
The machine also sports two dual independent rowing handles that offer a full range of rowing motion that exercise your entire upper body, unlike other rowing machines that operate on a pulley system. Rowing is made more challenging with the smooth, chain-driven magnetic tension system with 16 levels of adjustable tension. Despite using a chain transmission, this home exercise machine is still one of the quietest options available. You can track your workout resistance, intensity, and biometric feedback on the included LCD screen display powered through an included AC adapter, which showcases calorie and mile count, and workout length as well as three pre-programmed workout goal settings to keep you focused on achieving any type of personal fitness goals.
Conclusion
The 4000MR demonstrates many of the best qualities of magnetic rowing machines, including their portability, quiet yet intense resistance, and powerful drive. The sturdy machine can support any size rider and maximizes rowing intensity while maintaining an ergonomic body drive that won’t strain your muscles. Any beginner or experienced rower looking for a machine that works as hard as they do will enjoy the 4000MR for its versatility and power while sticking to an incredible price of just $700.
Pros
Quiet magnetic resistance, very affordable, dual independent handles, LCD screen, built in workout programs
Cons
Heavy to move, bulky flywheel
Women’s Health | Men’s Health Magnetic Rower
Reap the rewards of rowing with the Womens’ Health & Men’s Health Magnetic Rower. This rower helps you realize all the benefits of rowing, including cardiovascular health and increased muscle strength, while combining technical innovation and durable magnetic resistance. Blending dual resistance technology and increased comfort for a relaxing fitness experience, this Magnetic Rower is one of the top magnetic resistance rowing machines on the market.
The Magnetic Rower presents several features designed to enhance comfort and convenience while creating an intense workout, such as a oversized padded and molded seat, padded rowing handle, textured footplates with adjustable straps, built-in wheels, floor levelers, and a high-quality aluminum beam for maximum user ease. Weighing just 64 pounds and measuring at 80 x 23 x 28.5”, the Magnetic Rower is a portable yet powerful personal exercise machine that’s one of the more compact ones on the market.
The indoor rowing machine also stands on end for easy storage, meaning you can take it down for use and then fold it right back up to keep it out of the way. The sleek magnetic flywheel combines the power of magnetic resistance with sheer muscular pull into one system, creating a uniquely blended exercise routine that will push you to new heights. You can increase your workout intensity easily by adjusting to any of the included fourteen levels of specially calibrated resistance, ranging from beginner level to advanced and elite athletes..
Monitor your workouts through the included SmartPower tech monitor, which tracks time, count, distance, calories, watts, and total count. You can also enjoy basic workout data tracking and on water/in-studio professional coaching through the integrated MyCloudFitness software, though you will have to pay for a membership if you want to fully engage in this technical connection with the rowing community.
Conclusion
This Magnetic Rower is bluetooth compatible, meaning you can transport data and share workout information from one device to another easily right through the rowing machine. The basic workout tracking is free on the MyCloudFitness app, so getting your workout tracking set up is not a challenge. This rower also promises no lag resistance through the use of a smart power dial that immediately calculates your drag and pull statistics and factors it into your fitness regime. The Magnetic Rower is a great high-tech yet affordable machine, offering variability in workouts, resistance, and intensity for the perfect home fitness experience at a bargain price.
Pros
Compact and easy storage, highly variable magnetic intensity, web-fitness integration, affordable price, quiet when in use
Cons
Need to pay for full access to workout training tools
WEKEEP OVICX Magnetic Rowing Machine
Enjoy your daily workout and achieve your fitness goals without even having to leave your home. This foldable, seated rowing machine from WEEKEP is ideal for private or home gyms and will help you get an intense full-body workout while strengthening your cardiovascular system in no time. The OVICX is sleek and streamlined, designed to protect your body while you work and train your muscle groups in a major way. Durable, high quality, and smooth, this rowing machine is great for rowers at any level.
The OVICX is surprisingly lightweight despite its bulky looking flywheel, weighing just 64 pounds with a footprint of 78 x 12 x 28 inches. The machine is also foldable, occupying minimal space and packing in tightly for storage during non-use. Made from premium, durable steel and able to withstand up to 250 pounds of additional weight, the OVICX is built to last.
This indoor, all-weather workout is designed to provide hard-working yet ergonomic body design, perfect for anyone looking for a low-impact option. The smooth dual-rail glide track reduces impact on knee and ankle joints, and you can adjust the seat even further to meet your personal optimization needs. Featuring a powerful magnetic resistance system with sixteen adjustable resistance levels, the intensity is completely customizable and can easily be adjusted via a resistance dial to meet any rower’s needs. An admittedly simple electronic screen tracks time, count, and calories burned while also monitoring your resistance level and miles rowed.
Conclusion
The OVICX magnetic rower is designed to highlight silent, powerful, and versatile workouts for any level of fitness enthusiast. The seat features a noise-control dial that can prevent a wearing or grinding noise between seat and rail while still keeping you securely locked onto the machine. The double track ensures twice the safety while you row, while also providing an even more stable base for you to work out on. The ultimate highlight of this high-quality rower is its affordable price point; at just $449, this is one of the cheapest, yet high-performing rowing machines on the market. Ergonomic, affordable, and powerful, the OVICX is a great way to invest in your fitness through a high-quality machine.
Pros
Portable and compact, low-impact exercise, 16 intensity levels, double-rail track, affordable
Cons
No pre-programmed rowing workouts, not Bluetooth compatible
JOROTO Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine
Simple, streamlined, and straightforward, the JOROTO magnetic rowing machine is a no-fuss, no frills magnetic machine that offers high-performing cardio-intensive workout while challenging all your major muscle groups. Quiet, adjustable, ergonomic, and user-friendly, the JOROTO is designed for basic exercise that’s easy to set up and even easier to operate.
This magnetic indoor rowing machine is a high-performing piece of equipment that offers simple and solid exercise for all levels of rowers. The ergonomic design has a small footprint, occupying less than 0.15 square meters of space. It features a molded and padded seat designed for user comfort, oversized non-slip pedals with adjustable straps for security and grip, and a molded, softly padded handlebar for a firm, but never painful grip. The built-in water bottle holder only adds to user comfort, and the whole cycle can be operated without electricity, making set up as simple as unfolding your machine and hopping on the rower.
The true highlight of this rower, though, is its magnetic resistance system. With ten levels of adjustable magnetic force, this machine can adjust to different workout plans for both beginners and experts. The powerful magnetic drive creates low-maintenance but high-performing exercise. Track your workouts with the simple LCD monitor that tracks time, count, total count, and calories in addition to an included media shelf.
Conclusion
The JOROTO is designed for people who want a simple and straightforward rowing experience. It doesn’t feature a lot of high-tech bonuses or have complex mechanical components. It’s made to row, and row it does. For a little over $320, this aluminum rower is a great machine for basic use, but its simple design means experienced rowers may eventually grow out of the machine. This rower is perfect for beginner rowing machines or as a recovery tool for people getting into low-impact exercise, and its ease of use makes it a great versatile piece of equipment.
Pros
Easy to use, good resistance variability, ergonomic design, affordable
Cons
Simple monitor, not many fancy features
Merax Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine
An ergonomic and lightweight magnetic rowing machine, the Merax Rowing Machine is the perfect lightweight cardio machine that offers endurance-building and high-energy workouts for every rower. Tiny but powerful, the Merax Rowing Machine can seat up to 340 additional pounds despite weighing just 59 pounds and taking up a mere 80 x 18 x 31 in. Compact, powerful, and contoured for your optimum performance, the Merax is built to work as hard as you’ll work on it.
The Merax Rowing Machine offers magnetic resistance designed to strengthen muscles and provide excellent cardio benefits. The durable magnetic flywheel is low-maintenance, resisting rust, sweat, or other wear and tear and is built to last through the toughest, most vigorous exercise regimens.
The aluminum flywheel and commercial-grade sliding mount work in tandem with the magnetic flywheel to create silent and smooth workouts that make virtually no noise. The harder you work, the more your resistance increases, creating a heart-pounding workout that can be customized to fit your every need. You can also adjust your workout with eight different levels of magnetic tension resistance that are easily adjusted by the resistance selection knob, creating a customized fitness regime that targets your goals and your needs.
Track your progress with the built in adjustable LED monitor that cycles through time, stroke, distance, and calories burned for different immediate feedback metrics that help you adjust your workouts to your goals.
Conclusion
The Merax Rowing Machine is surprisingly powerful for how small and portable it appears. It offers one of the biggest weight limits of rowing machines available today, and its silent workout makes it a compelling choice for any home or gym experience. The magnetic flywheel provides reliable and consistent drag that generates a steady workout without putting additional strain on your body. It’s extremely affordable and built to last, plus it’s covered by warranty to further protect your investment. Though its resistance levels are lower than usual due to the smaller flywheel, for rowers looking for a long cardio burn this magnetic rowing machine is the perfect fit.
Pros
Compact, can handle wide weight limit, ergonomic design, silent workout, affordable
Cons
Limited resistance levels, light and small flywheel
HouseFit Magnetic Rowing Machine
The HouseFit rowing machine offers portability, durability, and high-performing exercise with every workout. This sleek and easy to use machine makes working out exciting and innovative, with full-body benefits that last for years to come. With its athlete-centered frame and ergonomic design, the HouseFit rowing machine stands out in your home as a piece of exercise equipment that’s designed to be functional and versatile while still being affordable.
Designed and made with rowers in mind, the HouseFit rowing machine is built with rider comfort and maximizing exercise as the ultimate goal. Featuring a stable and solidly built magnetic flywheel and high-quality padded hardware, this streamlined machine is named after its main purpose, to fit right into your home. Measuring at just 65 x 22 x 32 inches, this machine is the epitome of compact. It folds up to a mere 29 x 22 x 65 inches and stands on end for easy storage in a closet or corner.
With built-in wheels for easy transport and a folding frame, it’s easy to assemble and then fold up the rowing machine before and after workouts, creating compact storage. The powerful magnetic resistance on the HouseFit rowing machine creates a powerful exercise regimen, offering fifteen levels of magnetic resistance that are both challenging and effective and easily reached via resistance dial.
The equipped LCD digital monitor keeps track of important statistics during your workout like workout length, distance rowed, speed of rowing, and caloric burn, all designed to generate helpful immediate feedback on your workout. The ergonomic seat cushion, shock absorbers, and solid aluminum slide rails all contribute to a quiet, powerful, and effective workout as well.
Conclusion
Rowers of any experience level will likely find this machine useful and effective. Though the LCD monitor leaves a lot to be desired, the ergonomic and powerful build of the machine contributes to consistent and reliable workouts that tax your body and strengthen your endurance. At just $370, this remains an affordable middle of the road rowing choice, and its reliable performance makes it a worthy investment for any level of rower.
Pros
Sturdy and reliable frame, compact, affordable, personalized resistance levels
Cons
Simplistic and under-performing LCD monitor
ShareVgo Smart Rower SRM1000
Bring the unparalleled full-body workout of rowing home with the ShareVgo Smart Rower SRM 1000. ShareVgo combines quality rowing with integrated technological components for a smart rowing experience that tracks your progress and pushes your workout regime in newer and better ways than ever before. Designed and tested in California, land of the perpetually fit athletes, the ShareVgo Smart Rower strives to create top-notch exercise experiences with each piece of equipment, and the SRM1000 rower is certainly no exception.
The SRM1000 rower balances full-body exercise with high-tech fitness tracking that integrates into your plugged-in life with ease. Sleek design meets a custom designed smart app for instant fitness tracking that’s also Bluetooth equipped and able to integrate with heart rate technology for the ultimate workout. The magnetic resistance on this machine is another highlight, designed to create customizable resistance that won’t break you or the machine down.
Featuring eight different resistance levels, you can customize the style of resistance that works best for you by adjusting your resistance levels to meet your fitness goals. The portable machine is easily assembled and folded for storage and function, and the sturdy rail and oversized seat pads and footpads accommodate users up to 300 pounds. Measuring 82 x 20 x 32 inches and weighing just over 62 pounds, the ShareVgo Smart Rower balances lightweight efficiency and powerful workouts for a perfectly portable piece of equipment that can be navigated and used by anyone.
Conclusion
The personalized fitness app is the true highlight of the ShareVgo Smart Rower. You’ll never be bored with your fitness regime again. The app allows for multiple user registration, so you can share your machine with friends AND measure your progress metrics against each other. Use the intuitive dashboard to track and compare your results, target various goals and challenges, and log your workout data for easy reference. No matter your level of interest or experience in rowing, the ShareVgo Smart Rower will be able to work with you.
Pros
Smart app and tech integration, ergonomic build, compact, affordable
Cons
Limited resistance levels
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
The MaxKare magnetic rowing machine is another example of high-quality magnetic resistance rowing that delivers powerful full body and cardio exercise benefits to every user. The MaxKare rower delivers proven performance and fitness benefits at a very affordable price, generating powerful workouts that are ergonomic and body-friendly. A great investment, this commercial-grade machine is recommended for all levels of rowers.
Sporting a 45 inch inseam length (the distance you can row or pull yourself) and weighing 64 pounds, the rowing machine is sturdy and heavy-duty, but still folds easily for compact storage. The steel frame supports riders up to 243 lbs, and the wide-set saddle and ergonomic foot holders support riders through their entire workout. Add to that heavy-duty wheels and you’ve got a highly durable and portable machine that fits well in any home, office, or exercise space and will last you for years despite its bigger size and heavier weight.
Resistance is generated by a powerful magnetic flywheel featuring sixteen levels of magnetic resistance. The inertia enhanced flywheel is built to perform at any level, allowing you to customize it easily to meet your needs.The included multi-functional LCD monitor displays calories burned, reps/minute, time spent, stroke count,and total count, supporting your training and tracking data by providing instant and effective feedback for riders. The padded handlebars and footrests help relieve spinal pressure, shoulder and back pain, and prevent muscle strain, all while protecting your knees and other points of impact while you row.
Conclusion
The MaxKare sits at about $250, making it an affordable investment for any home fitness junkie. The heavy machine is made for challenging and punishing workouts, making it a good pick for dedicated rowers or people ready to put some muscle into their rowing journey. Whether a beginner or a pro, the MaxKare magnetic rower is a worthy investment on your indoor rowing equipment journey.
Pros
Adjustable resistance, multi-functional LCD monitor, padded seats and handlebars, magnetic flywheel
Cons
Heavier model, wider and takes up more space than other models
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Rower
Row into shape with our final pick, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine! This is one of the best magnetic rowing machines out there, offering all of the necessities for an intense yet enjoyable rowing workout in the comfort of your own home working every major muscle group. Designed to last, the Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine presents one of the most durable and intense rowing workouts available in your home or personal gym today.
The Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine is one of the larger personal models available on the market today. Coming in at roughly 208.3 x 48.3 x 58.4 cm and weighing almost 30 kg, this indoor rowing machine is not for the faint of heart. However, it does come equipped with heavy-duty wheels that make transport and maneuvering it around your home a piece of cake.
The Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine sports a steel mainframe that’s reliable and durable; it will hold users of all shapes and sizes. With a newly improved smoother magnetic tension system with 8 levels of adjustable tension, this home exercise machine is also one of the quietest options available. No one will hear you exercising with this silky magnetic tension system. Exercising is made simpler with the LCD screen display, which showcases calorie and mile count, and workout length to keep you focused on achieving any type of personal fitness goals.
Conclusion
The SF-RW5515 creates reliable, powerful, and consistent performance no matter how many riders use it. For intermediate to experienced rowers looking for a machine that works as hard as they do, the Sunny Magnetic Rower may be just the purchase for you.
Pros
Magnetic resistance means quieter resistance, the machine is durable over a long period of time, product stands up to heavy-duty or high-intensity workouts
Cons
Heavier and larger than most models, difficult to repair should it break, not well-suited for novice rowers, not able to connect via Bluetooth or to web-based fitness tracking
A Buyer’s Guide to Magnetic Rowing Machines
Magnetic rowing machines are innovative and unique within the world of rowing machines. Understanding the elements of a magnetic rowing machine is essential to finding the right machine for your needs, so here are a few things to look out for when you’re looking to purchase your new magnetic rowing machine.
Magnetic Resistance Levels
The key component of a magnetic rowing machine is its magnetic resistance. Take a look at how the magnetic resistance of your flywheel is generated. Does it use magnets to generate friction resistance? Are there built-in resistance levels? How do you adjust them? Knowing your personal preference will help you determine what type of magnetic resistance style works best for you.
Portability
Magnetic rowing machines have a reputation for being bulky beasts with a big footprint. Buying a home rowing machine can take up a lot of valuable space, so make sure that the unit you’re buying is portable or foldable for easy storage. Anything else might be a challenge to store or keep safely unless you’ve got a lot of spare room!
Digital Monitor
Being able to track your rowing progress and resistance levels is key to a productive rowing session. A good digital monitor can provide detailed feedback as you row, as well as walk you through preprogrammed workouts and intensity suggestions. Pick a magnetic rowing machine with a high-quality monitor that’s technologically sound. Bluetooth connectivity wouldn’t hurt either!
Digital Monitor
Being able to track your rowing progress and resistance levels is key to a productive rowing session. A good digital monitor can provide detailed feedback as you row, as well as walk you through preprogrammed workouts and intensity suggestions. Pick a magnetic rowing machine with a high-quality monitor that’s technologically sound. Bluetooth connectivity wouldn’t hurt either!
The Final Verdict
Rowing machines provide a consistently challenging workout that’s high-performing, high-energy, and reliable. When you’re shopping for an at-home rowing machine, you want a machine that can fulfill all of those requirements and more. For an affordable, durable, and worthwhile investment that provides efficient and ergonomic exercise, the Fitness Reality 4000MR is the perfect fit. This high-quality machine offers versatile and hardworking exercise, built in workout programs, and innovative independent rowing arms for full-body exercise, all at the affordable price of just $700. If you’re looking for quality exercise and a bargain price, you can’t do better than the Fitness Reality 4000MR.
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