Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
Rowing is one of the oldest sports around, not only because it’s a good time but because you also get a great workout from it!
However, not many of us have an open body of water handy to be able to do it on a daily basis. That’s where having a top magnetic rowing machine comes in.
They allow you to benefit from rowing just like you would if you were on the water, right from the comfort of your own home.
We’ve spent over the last month testing out and reading consumer reviews to bring you the very best models on Amazon today. Let’s dive right in!
Best Magnetic Rowing Machines
Schwinn Crewmaster Rower | Fitness Reality 1000 Rower | Sunny Health & Fitness Rower | |
---|---|---|---|
Weighs: | 98 Pounds | 63.6 Pounds | 94 Pounds |
Size: | 57.5" x 10.5" x 38" | 39. 5” x 21.5” x 53.5” | 38" x 24" x 65" |
Capacity: | 285 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 265 Pounds |
Other: | 10 levels of resistance | Bluetooth Smart fitness with My Cloud app | Separate rowing arms for realistic experience |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Magnetic Rowing Machines
- Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine
- Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine
- SereneLife Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Sunny health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Stamina DT 397 Rowing Machine Rower
- Circuit FItness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Our reviews to the top rated magnetic rowing machines with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right rower for you.
Magnetic Rowing Machine Reviews
#1 Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine
- Weight: 98 Pounds
- Size: 57.5″ x 10.5″ x 38″
- Weight Capacity: n/a
- Other: 10 Year frame warranty
Schwinn is without a doubt one, if not the most respected name in bikes currently. However, did you know they produce some incredible at-home exercise equipment, too?
Their top-notch level of quality and performance is evident in their Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine, coming with everything you need for a great workout.
If you’re worried that you don’t have enough room for a rowing machine to sit at home all the time, there’s no need to fret.
The frame is actually foldable, and you can do so easily and quickly. Stow the rail vertically when it’s not in use – no problem!
The durable nylon transmission ensures that it’s very quiet, even during more rigorous rowing sessions while remaining powerful.
With 10 levels of magnetic resistance, you’ll be able to add versatility and challenge into your workouts to make sure your body never plateaus or gets bored.
The large footplates along with foot straps keep your feet secure and make sure you won’t lose your balance as you’re pulling back.
You can use it as a bit of leverage to keep your body moving while working out your core.
In the center, you’ll see a large LCD display which is made to be at eye level to help with neck and spine health, as well as added convenience.
Adjust the height as you wish – it works with just about any height or user preference.
You’ll be able to track time, count, distance traveled, stroke, calories burned, recovery, and more.
#2 Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
- Weight: 63.6 Pounds
- Size: 39.5” x 21.5” x 53.5”
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Other: 10 Year frame warranty
Next up, we bring you the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine, which has obtained the respectable title of “Amazon’s Choice” for a multitude reasons.
We’ve used tons of rowing machines, but this model continues to be one of the most versatile options.
If you’re looking for a full-body workout, look no further than the 1000 Plus.
The 63.6-pound model may not look very powerful but looks can be deceiving.
This is another model that can fold away quickly, but is also a bit more lightweight than the former rowing machine so you can more conveniently move it from different areas of the home.
While you can expect it to provide the typical rowing motions, you can also perform a large selection of exercises.
They’ve been smart and discovered a method to let you use the handlebars as a weighted workout machine.
Perform curls, upright rows, bent over rows, front raises, shrugs, triceps extensions, standing shoulder presses and more.
If you decide to take advantage of these features, you’ll be able to work out the length of your back, lats, traps, shoulders, biceps/triceps and more. Not many rowing machines can say that.
To make sure you’re feeling great during extended rowing sessions or when maneuvering heavier weights, the handlebar comes fully padded with a cushy yet thick foam.
It even forms to the individual shape of your palms and fingers to eliminate the risk of blisters.
Foot pedals are slip-resistant and grippy, including adjustable strap rings to help more appropriately place your bodyweight.
As these rings pivot, you’ll get a safe and natural movement along with a greater range of motion without worrying about injury.
The seat is one of our favorite features, and is very wide and contoured to work with your body instead of against it.
It also accomodates users of various shapes and sizes, holding up to 250 pounds.
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Weight: 94 Pounds
- Size: 38″ x 24″ x 65″
- Weight Capacity: 265 Pounds
- Other: Foldable frame
Sunny Health & Fitness is typically known for offering budget-friendly products that perform well but aren’t necessarily top-notch.
However, that’s recently changed for the better.
They now have managed to create affordable products while incorporating cutting-edge technology and comfort, as we see here in their Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine.
Create powerful strokes on this indoor rower, working out muscles in your upper and lower body.
The ergonomic design offer a full range of motion to produce the most efficient results and help with your safety.
The rowing arms aren’t seen as often, though still simulate a real rowing experience on the water.
You can also change up your hand positions to help ease up or make the workout tougher.
The wide, contoured seat is molded and padded so comfort isn’t even a question here.
It aids in functionality too, helping with correct circulation in the glutes and thighs to eliminate the chance of that tingly, poor circulation feeling.
The non-slip foot pedals offer a great amount of texture to ensure safe footing during intense workouts, too.
Portability wheels and the fact that the frame is foldable means that you won’t have to worry about lugging it around.
Moving it to various parts of the house or apartment can be done almost effortlessly.
Resistance is adjustable just by turning the tension knob, making it perfect for hills and intervals.
The digital monitor is also adjustable and can be placed at eye level for your health and convenience.
It shows time, count, calorie, or total count to help you stay on track and achieve all of your fitness goals.
Finally, the tablet holder allows a special space for your tablet or other smart device to listen to music or watch videos on.
#4 SereneLife Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Weight: 94 Pounds
- Size: 38″ x 24″ x 65″
- Weight Capacity: 265 Pounds
- Other: Syncs to smart devices
Are you someone who always loves to be on top of cutting-edge technology?
If so, then you’ll love the SereneLife Magnetic Rowing Machine which comes incorporated with some of the technology all of us use in our everyday lives.
Bluetooth technology allows you to connect to your smart devices to easily track your fitness goals and performance, no matter where you are!
With 8 different resistance levels, you’ll be able to perfectly customize the intensity of your workout which is necessary for fat loss and muscle toning, along with building stamina.
Coming with its own tracking app to work with your smartphone, it will help motivate you to work harder and smarter.
However, the clear digital display screen is also nice for tracking performance as you’re actually using the rowing machine.
You’ll be able to see elapsed time, strides, distance traveled, revolutions per minute, calories burned, and more.
Just remember that you do need two AAA batteries to use it so you’ll have to purchase those separately.
As one of the longest-lasting models out there, the frame is made of steel metal alloy and engineered ABS which is made to last as long as commercial equipment does.
In fact, it even includes a reinforced handle cable, handlebar, footrests, and a padded row seat.
#5 Sunny health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Weight: 59 Pounds
- Size: 37″ x 19″ x 53.5″
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Other: Smooth and quiet operation
We know that this is our second Sunny Health & Fitness product on this guide, but it wouldn’t be complete with we left off their SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine.
This machine is just a bit more expensive than some others on here, using magnetic resistance and some of the top technology on the market today.
Let’s take a look at what else this beauty has to offer. With adjustable magnetic resistance, it’s very simple and quick to change up your workout routines.
Just with one twist, you can select between 8 different levels of resistance, making it perfect for versatility and to ensure your body doesn’t get used to your rowing style.
Comfortable doesn’t just describe this model – it goes further than that. Textured non-slip foot pedals will keep your footing secure even during the most vigorous of workouts!
The foot straps are there to aid with this, also assisting with leverage so you never feel unbalanced or unsafe which will help you achieve your goals quicker.
Foam grip handlebars help to eliminate any pains or calluses, also helping you to keep a more accuracte grip.
The LCD monitor is located smack-dab in the center, conveniently displaying time spent, count, calories burned, total count, and scan.
We did feel it was a bit small in comparison to others on our guide, but it got the job done well.
#6 Stamina DT 397 Rowing Machine Rower
- Weight: 62 Pounds
- Size: 66″ x 22″ x 34.5″
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Other: Beautiful design
The Stamina DT 397 Rowing Machine Rower is quite possibly the most visually stunning rowing machine we’ve had the pleasure of using.
The all-black design is incredibly sleek and feels like something from the future.
However, it’s not just looks that landed it a place on our guide – let’s take a further look into how great this powerhouse is.
Dual resistance technology combines air resistance along with magnetic resistance so you get 2 different levels of challenges for your body to take on.
This also allows you to have more control over the type of resistance you’re working with. If you want more of a challenge, all you have to do is pull harder on the handlebars.
To easy up, let up on the tension! You can also adjust the tension knob to any of the 8 different levels – the choice is yours!
To track how you’re doing, look at the LCD monitor located in-between the feet. It’s placed at eye level for convenient tracking and to avoid any straining or neck discomfort.
The display tracks time, count, distance, calories, and total count.
You can even choose to work along with expert trainers with 2 free, guided online workouts that come free with your purchase and stream to your smart device!
A padded, molded seat, padded rowing handle, textured footplates, and adjustable foot straps are all designed to make your workout as comfortable as possible (within reason).
You never have to worry about sore spots, callouses, or your feet sliding off of the footrests.
Furthermore. You have floor levelers to ensure the machine is even, even if your floors aren’t.
Built-in wheels make it easy to transport and roll away from room-to-room and make storage a breeze.
#7 Circuit FItness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Weight: 90 Pounds
- Size: 49″ x 20.5″ x 51″
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Other: Built-in wheels
Last but certainly not least, we have arrived to the last item on our guide today: the Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine.
This model is a bit more expensive than others we have looked at so far, but it’s more than worth it.
The performance is difficult to match, and each part of the model is made with durability and professional-level operation in mind.
Any rowing machine you buy should be an investment. However, there are still some machines that are notably longer-lasting than others.
Comprised of heavy-duty steel and aluminum, it’s hard to find a rower that matched it in this regard, too.
The blend of metals allows it to be tough but still relatively lightweight all things considered, so you can easily transport it if necessary.
While it has a greater weight capacity of any other on our guide (300 pounds), it’s also heavier than most too, weighing 90 pounds.
However, it can be folded up and rolled with the transport wheels so you’ll never have to struggle to stow it away.
Incorporating a magnetic flywheel, you will be hard-pressed to find a rower more silent than this one.
If you enjoy working out in the wee hours of the night or early in the morning and don’t want to disturb anyone, then this is the one for you.
It offers various resistance levels too, so you can quickly change it up for more challenging or efficient workouts.
In order to track how your rowing session is going, a large LCD screen panel is there to help you out.
It’s easy to read and view your speed, distance, time spent, calories, SPM, date, and even ambient temperature! This one kind of goes above-and-beyond in helping you reach new fitness levels.
Finally, the seat comes reinforced and injection-molded to provide the highest level of comfort and support.
The foam-covered handlebars and adjustable foot straps help even more with this.
Magnetic Rowing Machine Comparison Table
Magnetic Rowing Machines | Weight | Size | Weight Capacity | Other | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing | 98 lbs | 57.5"x10.5"x38" | n/a | 10 Year frame warranty | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus | 63.6 lbs | 39.5”x21.5”x53.5” | 250 lbs | 10 Year frame warranty | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
Sunny Health & Fitness | 94 lbs | 38"x24"x65" | 265 lbs | Foldable frame | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
SereneLife Magnetic Rowing | 94 lbs | 38"x24"x65" | 265 lbs | Syncs to smart devices | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Sunny health & Fitness SF | 59 lbs | 37"x19"x53.5" | 250 lbs | Smooth and quiet operation | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Stamina DT 397 Rowing Machine | 62 lbs | 66"x22"x34.5" | 250 lbs | Beautiful design | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
Circuit FItness Deluxe | 90 lbs | 49"x20.5"x51" | 300 lbs | Built-in wheels | 4.2 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Magnetic Rower – Buying Guide
Now that you’ve had the chance to go through all of the top magnetic rowing machines on the market today, have you already figured out which one you’ll be using in your home?
If not, then it’s important to take a look at the crucial questions to ask yourself before you decide on a certain model.
We know how challenging it can be, so we’ve decided to go ahead and write up the comprehensive buying guide, below.
By the time you’re done reading, there will be no doubt which is the one for you!
Size
One of the most important considerations to take here is the size of the machine. If it doesn’t fit in your home, then there’s not much point in focusing on anything else. (Short on space? Check out our folding rowers)
There’s two things to take into consideration here: the size of your body and the available space you have in your home to use for your new rowing machine.
Rowing machines vary in length, so if you’re taller you should choose one that will adjust to suit your height.
The manufacturer’s site will inform you of the heights that will work with the model in question. If the height works for you, it’s not going to matter much if it can’t support your weight.
That’s why you must look into the weight limit of the machine you have your eye on. Weight limits vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and model.
Display Screen
While this isn’t the most important feature of a rowing machine with magnetic resistance, it can still affect your motivation levels and subsequently, your results.
For many (if not most) of us, it can be difficult to stay motivated during cardio workouts. They can be monotonous and time can feel like it’s passing incredibly slow.
Stats are a large factor in staying motivated during these times.
Receiving accurate stats on your monitor will undoubtedly help you become more physically fit, and accuracy varies per model and manufacturer, too.
Perhaps you want to only burn 200 calories and move on with your day. If you don’t have a display screen, how will you know how many you’ve burned?
Improving our body composition is a science, and real stats are required to correctly track this.
However, not every screen is the same. Some are more dated-looking, grayscale screens which only show the very basics.
Others are full-color LCD, backlit screens which most of us have become accustomed to in our day and age.
As an alternative or addition, there are some machines with capabilities, letting you can track all of your stats through a free app on your smartphone or even play games with others around the world!
Comfort
When it comes to exercising, there’s always some type of discomfort involved. However, this discomfort should never be due to a poorly designed machine or workout equipment.
This equipment should work with your body instead of against it.
There are a few different points to consider in terms of comfort in water rowing machines: the footplates, seat, and handlebar.
These should ideally have a non-slip surface and grooves or nubs to help keep your feet in place, no matter how intensely you’re rowing.
On top of that, they should be large enough to fit your feet comfortably without risking them slipping off.
There are some which also rotate a bit, which will allow for more natural movement and motions.
This rotation will also help to lower the risk of injury while letting you move easier to have better results
The seat should be wide enough to give you the support you need while being able to move around naturally without having to continuously re-adjust your body to avoid losing your balance.
Contoured, molded seats will help to eliminate soreness and keep you firmly centered in place, working with the natural shape of your body instead of it being hard and flat, which can leave your bones feeling uncomfortable quickly.
As you’re going to be holding onto these rather firmly the entire time, you don’t want them to cause soreness or chafe your hands.
The models you want to look at will have handlebars covered in a thick foam material to protect your hands and fingers from the hard bar inside.
Contoured bars help with this, too, and can help you grip onto the bar more securely.
Portability
Are you going to be leaving your magnetic rowing machine out the entire time? Or will you move it back to be stowed away once you’re finished with your workout?
This will influence how portable the model needs to be. If you have a dedicated space you can keep the machine, you may not have to think much about this.
However, if you don’t, then look for one that is foldable, lightweight, and has built-in transport wheels so you can easily roll it away once you’re done.
If it’s not foldable but it has wheels, then this will also help. Just know that magnetic rowing machines vary widely in weight.
Warranty
The warranties also vary widely on the models currently out there.
A year is pretty standard for the entire magnetic rowing machine, though if you go up in price you’ll often find that you’ll get longer warranties like 3 to 5 years, with some even offering lifetime warranties on the frames!
If you think about it, that’s going to end up saving you money in the long run so it may just be worth it to shell out a bit more money upfront if you can swing it.
FAQs About Magnetic Rowing Machines
Q: How do magnetic rowers work?
A: These use a magnetic break in the flywheel which create resistance. You’ll be able to choose the resistance setting which matches your own personal goals.
The magnetic rowing machines don’t increase in resistance if you pull on them harder, like air resistance models do. They work by varying the distance between strong magnets instead.
Q: Are magnetic rowers any good?
A: They’re some of the best on the market today.
In fact, it seems like most people seem to prefer them as they’re extremely quiet and versatile, which can’t all be said for other types of resistance rowing machines.
Q: Is rowing a good core exercise?
A: It’s a very good core exercise, as you’re essentially working out every part of it.
You’re obviously working your abs as they must support your upper body as you lean back and come back up to the upright position.
Your obliques are being trained as well as the muscles which run alongside your spine to keep it properly supported and protected.
Q: Which is better a rowing machine or elliptical?
A: They’re very similar in that they offer full-body workouts. However, if you’re going for low-impact then the rower just can’t be beat.
It’s very easy on the joints and for some people who are very out of shape, sitting down may feel like an easier first step to jumping into an active and healthier lifestyle.
Q: Are magnetic rowers better than water rowers?
A: While water rowers may do the best job at accurately replicating what it feels like to be out on the water, they’re not as convenient for many users.
For example, water rowing machines require you to fill up a large water tank, which can be a hassle. Not only that, but water rowers are notably noisier than magnetic ones.
While they’re not as loud as air rowers, it’s still something to take note of.
Summary
Now that you’ve had the chance to read some good magnetic rowing machines, which one will you be using in your home?
We know that there are a lot of excellent options to choose from which can make it hard to decide on just one.
However, know that whichever one lands on your doorstep, that you’ll be getting one of the best out there today.
What’s most important is that you read our guide to determine the best model for your fitness needs, body type, and home. We hope that our guide has helped you to do just that.
Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again soon!
How We Researched
To come up with the top magnetic rowing machines, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.