Top 8 Best Magnetic Rowing Machines Review and Buying Guide

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Magnetic rowers are beneficial for those who need exact resistance measures to note their progress accurately. If you live in a small space or apartment, finding a quiet rowing machine is essential. The easily adjustable resistance is a plus as you can achieve desired resistance easily.

On the contrary, you might be missing the dynamic resistance of conventional rowing machines. However, they are noisy and cause a lot of disturbance in the home environment.

You need a learning curve to get higher resistance, and it sometimes gets you frustrated when you need to start again and again before you reach the required level.

These hybrid magnetic rowers are also known as electromagnetic options found in advanced models. You find these kinds in remotely adjustable resistance types as they are controlled using the computer.

Owing to so much variety, which of them is the best magnetic rowing machine? Check out the list below to get an answer to your question:

How to Choose the Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

Most exercise machines offer aerobic and cardio workouts, but they tend to tone only either the upper or lower parts of your body. However, rowers tone your entire body and hence are gaining popularity.

Also, the emergence of currently affordable machines is another reason people choose this machine for total body workouts.

As we look at magnetic rowers today, let us see the main factors that need attention before buying them.

Weight

When using it at home, few people might be interested in using it other than you. You must consider the weight of each of them and check the load-bearing capacity of the machine before you decide the rower. If you’re tall and heavy, the durability and sturdiness of a rowing machine are what you must consider. Find durable rowing machines here.

If your partner or friend is above the allowed weight, then they cannot use the machine. You could have fixed it if you considered this factor earlier by adding a few more bucks to your budget.

Stability

A rower needs to be stable as you work out with a lot of movement, and you don’t want the machine to move with you. Make sure the machine is stable enough before purchasing one.

Monitor

This is purely your choice as the budget varies highly based on this factor alone. Most high-end models offer advanced monitors, whereas basic models provide just the necessary readings. It all depends on how you will use these readings and how important they are for your fitness journey. Just make sure that you find a good balance between the price and utility of the monitor.

Top 8 Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

Magnetic rowing machines have a false notion that they are less effective than an air rower. Though it is partly true, it is not the entire truth as the technology is improving rapidly, and you can get much better models with a competing resistance. Check out such advanced models to economic models of magnetic rowers listed below.

Hydrow Rower

Hydrow Rowing Machine with Immersive 22" HD Rotating Screen -

Hydrow rower allows access to both on-demand and lives studio workouts with a schedule for you to work out along with the trainer. This impressive feature is not limited to rowing but also offers several other strength training exercises that you can follow during your daily workout sessions the rower.

The 22” LCD screen is easy to watch and rotates to help you position it for a proper viewing angle. When you are not watching the training videos, you can tune in to wonderful water videos for a unique feel while rowing.

Another great feature about this rower is you can challenge your partner remotely and compete using the score you make, from wherever you are. This gives a similar excitement to real rowing in competitive sports.

Since it comes with a fabric strap and works on magnetic resistance, this machine is ultra-quiet as most noise-making parts work silently in this machine.

The commercial-grade mechanism requires minimal maintenance. Its components are designed to bear a load of 375 lbs. allowing multiple users to exercise on it.

Blue tooth compatibility and data sharing are the advanced features of this machine. When coming to comfort, well-padded seats, ergonomic handle, adjustable footplates are mention-worthy features.

Pros

  • Operates smoothly using the 10-rollers below the seat.
  • Simply flip it upright for a small footprint during storage.
  • Hydrow will donate to water.org when you row for 60 days.

Cons

  • Price is expensive.
  • It does not come with any preset workouts.

View on Amazon.

Kettler Coach 2 Rower

KETTLER Coach 2 Rowing Machine

This well-reputed rower machine is German-made and adheres truly to the quality of its name, which comes from a more than half-century-year-old company.

This company is known for its fitness equipment manufacturing, and you need not doubt the construction of this machine as it is expert made.

Do not go by its physical looks as it is not much appealing when it comes to aesthetics. However, it is highly functional and gives you maximum output with minimal maintenance.

Smooth ball bearings make the gliding action on the beam quiet and easy even without using any lubricants.

Its large display provides you the required information to check your workout details at a glance. The comfortable seat and properly positioned footrests that come with straps hold your feet firmly in place while you row vigorously.

The eddy current resistance system offers dynamic resistance, meaning, if you pull harder, harder is the resistance.

Its power levels range between 25 to 500 watts based on your pull strength. This wide range of resistance is apt for both novices and well-trained people.

As it comes with complete equipment required heart rate monitoring, i.e., T34 Polar chest strap, you get to monitor your exercises better and optimize them.

The heart zone sessions can adjust your resistance automatically for optimum results of fat-burning and weight loss.

Pros

  • 12 pre-set programs
  • A reliable machine with durability
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Does not support competitive rowing

View on Amazon.

Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower

Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower

The well-calibrated and high-resolution display offers you accurate readings that are also easy to read. It shows you all the essential data a rider requires to know, such as count, tracking time, watt, distance, pulse, strokes per minute, and calories.

Like the above rower, even Avari rower comes with 12 pre-set programs, and 6 of them offering good cardio workouts. You can tone your arms, abs, legs, lower back, and strengthen your muscles and back since this low-impact exercise offering machine targets all major muscle groups.

The three-phase rowing strokes offer an excellent aerobic activity that boosts your metabolism and encourages healthy calorie burning.

As this machine can fit into your small apartment easily, you need not go to the gym to get this fat-burning workout to remove the extra flab in your body or to keep your fit body in shape.

This indoor rowing machine offers a total-body workout using the 7 automatically adjusting resistance programs.

It motivates you to stay on your workout schedule, as you can see visible results within few days of starting your workout.

Pros

  • Comfortable padded seat.
  • Challenging programs to keep pushing your fitness goals.
  • Durable aluminum frame.
  • Padded handle for good grip and comfort for hands.

Cons

  • The seat squeaks a bit, making noise while gliding.

View on Amazon.

Sunny Health And Fitness SF-RW5515

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with 8-Level

The popular home fitness brand offers this indoor rowing machine at an amicable price with decent quality. Along with functionality, they offer good value for your purchase.

An LCD monitor that shows you important data about your workout. Assembling it does not require much time as the machine comes with all required equipment, and you can do it easily in 30 to 45 minutes.

They come with 8 resistance levels which are easily adjustable using the tension knob. This magnetic resistance-based rower works using the tension created by the placement of magnets around the flywheel.

Also, magnetic-based rowers are quietly operating and offer smooth functioning.

You get the floor stabilizers with this machine, so you need not worry even if the machine is on an uneven surface as you can adjust it for stability.

The strong steel rail offers high durability to the sliding beam that offers excellent support while you work out.

The large seat offers stability when you exercise, even for a long duration which keeps your lower back comfortable.

It comes with wheels at the end of the frame, allowing you to maneuver it easily. Also, folding it makes it easier for storage.

Pros

  • Quiet operation in comparison to air rowers.
  • Affordable price for low-budget home gyms.
  • Lightweight and comes with wheels for easy transport.
  • Easy to use resistance knob with 8 levels.

Cons

  • Not made for pro-rowers.
  • The seat is not very comfortable.

View on Amazon.

NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine

NordicTrack Smart Rower with 22” HD Touchscreen and 30-Day iFIT

This rower competes with Hydrow in many aspects and yet has a unique feature that makes it better. It comes with hybrid resistance of both magnetic and air resistance. You get to choose the required mode of resistance based on your training requirement.

It has several advanced options, and one of them is the automatic adjustment of resistance by the training assistant remotely by the personal mentor.

Yes, you get to have training sessions, online classes, and virtual locations offered by google maps for an exclusive rowing experience.

Though you get a free trial subscription for iFit, which provides all these goodies, you need to buy a subscription to enjoy them for the long term.

However, it is convenient to work out at home rather than take up a gym membership that requires certain timings and not safe during this pandemic period.

As they are intended for the home gym, foldable storage is handy when you are short on space. The interactive sessions and large LCD of 22 inches create an atmosphere of having a trainer just beside you.

Pros

  • Global trainers with the best experience are available at your fingertips.
  • Smooth and quiet rowing experience.
  • Pivoting pedals are easy on your foot.
  • Ergonomic handle and soft seat add comfort.

Cons

  • Needs subscription to enjoy it to its full functionality

View on Amazon.

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower

Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine with Bluetooth Workout Tracking Built-In,

This pocket-friendly rower comes with basic functionality with no extra bells and whistles. It performs well, and if you do not mind the look part, then this is a go-to rower.

Moreover, it allows you to connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth and has a holder to dock your cell. The basic model of the MyCloudFitness App is free forever to offer you guidance on your workout sessions. The foldability and wheels allow easy storage and transport around the house.

Dual transmission makes it possible to have several resistance levels. As already mentioned, it does not compromise on its working and offers 14 resistance levels which are rare in low-priced models.

This type of magnetic tension offers both beginner and harder levels of resistance.

The extra foot pedals serve as stabilizers as well as an additional exercise aid. You can perform upright rows, curls, bent-over rows, shrugs, front raises, standing shoulder presses, triceps extensions, and many more exercises using this provision.

Pros

  • An affordable indoor rowing machine with decent enough functionalities.
  • 14 resistance levels to challenge your strength.
  • Bluetooth connection facility to allow your smartphone for checking readings.
  • The foldable structure reduces the space required to store it.

Cons

  • Footplates look cheaply made.

View on Amazon.

MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine

This is another rower in the affordable range with 16 resistance levels. It comes with a comfortable seat and handles, making it a preferred machine in this range.

Its screen is basic, but its functionality is beneficial enough to keep you going to challenging levels to maintain your fitness.

The 49-inch rail comes with a 45-inch inseam length which makes it suitable for people of height 6’5”.

The large and comfortable seat cushion provides you with an enjoyable workout experience. The foam handles are non-slippery and safe for you to handle for long times.

Similarly, the foot pedals and the straps play the role of securing your feet to the machine while working out in full swing.

The magnet-based flywheel works smoothly without making any noise. The lightweight, wheels, and foldability are good reasons to have it in a home gym as they aid in easy moving and storage. This machine folds into a compact model to keep your space free when you do not use the machine.

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly machine with good resistance options.
  • Well-designed seat and handles.
  • Long slide rail suitable for tall people.
  • Non-slip foot pads offer good stability while working out.

Cons

  • The screen does not offer much.
  • Low warranty period.

View on Amazon.

Horizon Oxford 6 Rower

The blue backlit display has white letters. It is easy on the eye and better visible than other types, which black lettering. Also, the screen is adjustable to make it comfortably viewable for your height and viewpoint.

It has electronically managed resistance levels with 20 progressions making it highly versatile to advance your fitness journey. The magnetic resistance offers silent rowing as well as the smooth functioning of the machine. This machine can allow connection with a wireless heart rate monitor to get your readings while you row.

You get 12 various built-in sessions for rowing along with a couple of cardio-based training workouts to keep your body healthy. It can accommodate shoe sizes in between 6 to 12 on its footpads as they are adjustable.

Rowers require a lot of space lengthwise, and most home users need to store them off after they are done. This rower folds to give you a compact size which helps you store in much lesser space than the complete rower.

It is solidly built with an ergonomically designed molded seat and offers a load-bearing capacity of 350 lbs. which is useful even for slightly heavyweight people.

Pros

  • The 20 resistance levels are challenging enough for a long period.
  • Adjustable foot pads allow people with many foot sizes to use them.
  • On-board built-in sessions are helpful to guide your workouts.
  • The foldable design is useful for storing the rower in a smaller space.

Cons

  • The console seems a little outdated when compared to modern interactive screens.

View on Amazon.

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