Rowing machines work 86% of the muscles in your body, they’re low impact and provide a pro cardio workout, and this is why they’re one of the most popular cardio machines in the world and why many of us want one for our home gyms. But when people ask me: air vs magnetic rower, which is best? There really isnt a huge difference!
Both Provide a Full-Body Workout While Increasing Your Cardio Fitness
Its doesnt matter what rowing machine type you choose. All will require the same rowing technique, all work the same muscles, and all will help increase your cardio fitness.
So while we know resistance type doesnt really affect the quality of your workout, there are a few notable differences that may sway you to choose one over the other. Let’s take a look at them all.
Air vs. Magnetic Rower – Which is Best For a Home Gym?
Pro & Drawbacks of Magnetic Rowing Machines
Magnetic resistance systems have been around for a long time. We first saw them on high-end rowers and exercise bikes, but in the last few years, magnetic resistance has started to filter its way down the price ranges, and we can now get hold of a decent magnetic rowing machine for around $350. This is great news because magnetic resistance is the perfect choice for a home rowing machine and here’s why:
Whisper Quiet When In Motion
Magnetic resistance is whisper-quiet, the magnets of the resistance system never have to make contact with the flywheel; thus, it’s a frictionless resistance system. And because it’s frictionless, it makes minimal sound and is maintenance-free.
Constant Resistance
Another benefit of magnetic resistance is that it’s constant, and by that, I mean it doesnt matter how fast or slow you row; the resistance strength stays the same unless you manually change it via the resistance knob.
Constant resistance allows you to row at a slow pace on a strong resistance setting great for the legs and something thats impossible with an air rower.
Belt Drive Systems – Quiet & Maintenance Free
A belt drive system usually accompanies magnetic resistance systems, belt drive systems are much quieter than a chain drive, and they dont require any maintenance.
Magnetic resistance and a belt drive system is the quietest combination you’ll find for any rowing machine making it the ideal choice for a home gym.
Monitors
As with all cardio machines, the more money you spend, the more advanced the monitor.
If you want a ton of workout programs and an HD color screen, you’ll have to pay NordicTrack prices.
Save money and keep things basic. More often than not, if you choose a high-end magnetic or air rower, the build quality of the machine isnt any better. It’s just the monitor thats more advanced.
A monitor that tracks all the basic workout stats such as distance, strokes, strokes per minute, time, and wireless heart rate monitoring can usually be found for Under $400. A basic but good monitor is all we really need when rowing.
And lastly, depending on how much you spend, you can select resistance strength via the monitor or a tension knob. Cheaper machines use a tension knob.
To Sum Up (magnetic)
The reason magnetic rowing machines are so popular for home gyms is because of their near-silent operation.
When you combine a smooth belt drive system with a magnetic reistnace system, it is a pairing thats unbeatable for a home rower. You won’t disturb others or yourself with the sound of your workouts.
Their other pros include smooth rowing strokes, thanks to their premier weighted flywheels and belt drives. And they’re usually a little cheaper than an air rower because magnetic resistance systems are now less costly to produce.
Air Rowing Machines Pros & Drawbacks
Like magnetic rowing machines, there are some excellent low-cost air rowers, so there is no need to spend $800 on an air rower for home. You can get hold of a well-built air rowing machine for around $400.
Air Rowing machines have been around for decades, and you’ve probably seen a ton of them in your local gyms; they’re not as popular for home use as magnetic, ill explain why in a minute, but if you want that natural rowing feel? An air rower is probably your best choice.
Mimics The Feel of Outdoor Rowing
Yes, what sells the air rowing machines is their natural rowing stroke, and thats simply because air resistance is dynamic. It mimics the feel of outdoor rowing more closely than magnetic resistance. The faster you row, the stronger the resistance you feel from the rowing handle, just like you would when rowing outdoors on actual water.
Great For HIIT Workouts
There are no resistance settings with an air rower and no tension knob to control the level of resistance you feel, the pace of your workout determines resistance strength. Excellent for HIIT workouts as it saves you from reaching and changing resistance levels from a tension knob.
Fan To Create Resistance – Noisy
Still, air rowers were designed for commercial gyms, no one imagined back then that people would be using these things at home decades later. And not much has changed design-wise. They are still loud because they use a fan to create resistance.
If you’re thinking of using an air rower at home, it’s best to house it in a separate room or garage because you will end up disturbing others with the sound of your workouts. These things are noisy.
Chian Drive
Nearly all air rowers come fitted with a chain drive system which is a good thing because a chain drive will last a lifetime if looked after. Still, the drawback again is just how loud it is, much louder than a belt drive, and a chain drive requires maintenance such as regular lubrication.
Monitors
Air rower monitors are very similar to monitors you’ll see featured on magnetic rowers.
The only difference is that you won’t find a monitor with resistance settings because air resistance is controlled by the pace of the workouts and not the resistance system itself.
We see damper settings on a few higher-end models that control how much air is allowed to enter the flywheel. This affects how heavy or light the rowing stroke feels, but most air rowers generally do not come with damper settings.
To Sum Up (air)
I love air rowers. I used to use them all the time in my local gym, the natural feel you get from an air rower is unbeatable, and it’s why they are the first choice for more serious rowers in training. But for home use, especially if you live in an apartment, they are not ideal because of the noise level.
Recommendations
I’ve reviewed many rowing machines over the years, both magnetic and air. So I know just how hard it can be to find a decent rowing machine for home, especially when the quality on offer can vary so much from one company to the next.
As I mentioned earlier, you dont need to spend a ton of cash to get hold of a decent machine. Just do your research, and you’ll be surprised how good a rower you can find for your money.
Hers a quick look at my favorite affordable magnetic and air rowers.
Fitness Reality 1000 Magnet Rowing Machine
Fitness Reality are known well for building high-quality, low cost gym gear, and their rowing machine, the Fitness Reality 1000, is no exception.
It includes the most resistance levels, longest rail, and smoothest rowing stroke in its price bracket, and at under $350 it’s a gem of a rowing machine.
It boasts a belt drive system and 7lb premier weighted flywheel, so the rowing stroke is quiet, smooth, and consistent. It’s a heavy rower for the price point at 66lb so we know it’s made from quality materials, and it’s sturdy with a max capacity of 300lb.
It’s well worth some serious consideration, and if you’d like to know more about this rower, you can read our full review. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Full Review
Stamina 1399 Air Rower
Stamina has built more rowing machines than any other company in the past few years. These guys know what there doing, and they are particularly good at building affordable air rowers, and the 1399 is their best so far.
Like the Fitness Reality, this machine boasts a long rail so it’s suitable for taller users, also we have a smooth rowing stroke and heavy steel frame, and it’s currently priced at around $300 so it’s a great price for a quality air rower.
The monitor is basic on this one with no way to monitor pulse. But we do have a nylon strap rather than a chain that will keep the noise down. The Stamina 1399 is an excellent choice for those who want that natural feel of outdoor rowing but dont want to pay concept 2 prices. If you can live with a basic monitor, this air rower is worth checking out.
Here is our full review: Stamina 1399 Air Rower Full Review
Final Thoughts
There is no clear winner as to magnetic vs. air rower. However my personal choice for a home rowing machine would be a magnetic one because I like how quiet these machines are. Magnetic rowers have come a long way in the past few years. Even commercial gyms are starting to replace their air rowers with magnetic they are that good.
Still, if you’re more seroius about your rowing and you dont mind the noise an air rower makes? Then an air rower might be for you. Their dynamic resistance system sells these machines as it provides a more realistic experience.
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