Water vs Magnetic Rowing Machine: Which Is Best for Home?
Quick answer: choose a magnetic rower if you want the quietest machine and easy resistance changes (best for flats and early mornings); choose a water rower if you want the most natural rowing feel and do not mind the gentle sound of water. Air rowers suit hard interval training but are the loudest.
Rowing works around 85% of your muscles in one smooth movement and is low impact on knees and ankles, which is why it is such a popular home cardio machine. The biggest decision is the type of resistance.
The three resistance types
| Magnetic | Water | Air (fan) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | Near silent | Soft whooshing | Loud |
| Feel | Smooth and even | Most like rowing on water | Gets harder the faster you pull |
| Changing resistance | Dial or console levels | Add or remove water | Pull harder or adjust damper |
| Upkeep | Very little | Purification tablet every few months | Dust the fan |
Magnetic rowers: quiet and compact
Magnetic rowers use magnets near a flywheel, so there is no friction and almost no noise. Many fold or stand upright for storage, which helps in a spare room.
- We R Sports Deluxe Magnetic Rowing Machine – 7kg Flywheel Cardio Rower (from £141.90): an affordable starter rower with a 7kg flywheel.
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine | Full-Body Home Rower (from £243.89): a long 130cm rail suits taller rowers.
- JLL Foldable Rowing Machine | 16-Level Quiet Magnetic Rower (from £328.89): 16 quiet magnetic levels and folds away.
- Echelon Row Smart Rowing Machine, 32 Magnetic Resistance Levels, Folding with Transport Wheels (from £472.99): 32 levels with studio-style classes.
Water rowers: the most natural feel
A paddle spins in a tank of water, so resistance builds smoothly through each stroke, much like a boat. The sound is calming rather than noisy. Most are longer than magnetic rowers, so measure your room.
- JLL Aqua 1 Water Rower – Dual Hydro & Elastic Resistance Cardio Machine (from £252.99): combines water and elastic resistance at an accessible price.
- Marcy AquaPro Hydro Rowing Machine, FSC Oak Frame, 22L Water Tank and Bluetooth Console (from £314.99): FSC oak frame and a Bluetooth console.
- XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rowing Machine – 16-Impeller Dual Rail Rower (from £548.90): dual rail design with a 16-impeller system.
What else to check
- Rail length: if you are over about 6ft, look for a long rail so your legs can fully extend.
- Maximum user weight: check the figure on each product page.
- Storage: folding or upright storage clears floor space between workouts.
- Console: at minimum it should show time, distance, strokes per minute and 500m split.
A simple 20-minute beginner session
- 5 minutes easy rowing at a relaxed pace to warm up.
- 10 rounds of 30 seconds harder rowing, then 30 seconds easy.
- 5 minutes easy rowing to cool down.
Focus on technique: push with the legs first, then lean back slightly, then pull the handle to your lower ribs. Reverse the order on the way back.
FAQs
Q: Is a rowing machine good for losing weight?
A: Rowing burns a lot of energy because it uses legs, core and arms together. Combined with a sensible diet, regular sessions support weight loss.
Q: Are water rowers noisy for flats?
A: They make a soft water sound rather than mechanical noise. If neighbours are a concern, a magnetic rower is the quietest choice.
Q: How often do I change the water in a water rower?
A: You usually do not change it; add a purification tablet every few months to keep it clear.
Compare all rowing machines, including water and magnetic rowers.
Prices shown were correct when this guide was updated on 10 November 2026 and may change. Check the product page for the latest price.
