Air bike vs rowing machine

How the fan resistance works

On both machines, a fan spins as you work and the air it moves creates the resistance. There are no levels to choose: the faster you pedal or row, the more resistance you feel. On a rower, a damper lever lets more or less air into the fan housing to change how heavy each stroke feels. Our guide to Concept2 damper settings explains this.

Most air bikes have no damper. The fan is open, so the only way to change resistance is to pedal and push faster or slower. A few models add wind guards or adjustable covers. Our explainer on what an air bike is covers the basics.

Arms, legs and technique

An air bike has handles that move back and forth with the pedals, so you push and pull with your arms while you pedal. You can use arms only, legs only or both. There is very little to learn: sit, set the seat height and go. See how to use an air bike for set-up tips.

A rowing machine uses a clear sequence: legs push, body swings, arms pull, then the reverse on the way back. Done well, it feels smooth and powerful; done badly, it feels jerky. Most people learn it in a few sessions. Our guide on how to use a rowing machine breaks it down step by step.

Space and storage

An air bike has a footprint similar to a large upright bike, roughly a metre and a bit long and a little over half a metre wide, and it stays assembled in one place. Front wheels let you tilt and roll it.

An air rower is long. A Concept2 RowErg, for example, takes around 2.4 metres of length in use, and you need clearance around it. The advantage is that many rowers stand upright or separate into two parts for storage. See rowing machine dimensions and how to store a rowing machine upright.

Noise and airflow

Both machines are noisy at high effort because the fan moves a lot of air. An air bike blows a stream of air towards you, which some people enjoy and others find chilly. A rower's fan is enclosed and the air leaves the housing to the sides.

In a flat, both can be heard through floors and walls during hard efforts. If noise matters most, consider a magnetic rower, which is close to silent. Our magnetic or air rowing machine comparison explains the trade-off.

See quiet magnetic rowers →

Data and monitors

Air rowers such as the Concept2 RowErg have a monitor that shows split per 500 metres, watts, stroke rate and distance, and most connect to apps. Our guide to rowing split times explains the numbers, and our split and watts converter turns one into the other.

Air bike monitors usually show time, distance, watts and RPM, with interval programmes on many models. Bluetooth app support varies, so check the listing or maker's page if you want to record sessions.

Which should you choose?

Choose an air bike if you want short, simple sessions with no technique to learn, you have a compact spot where it can stay assembled and you do not mind a loud fan. Choose an air rower if you enjoy a longer, rhythmic movement, want detailed stroke data and need the option to stand it upright. Our best rowing machines for home guide lists air, magnetic and water rowers.

Frequently asked questions

Is an air bike quieter than a rowing machine? No. Both use fans and both are loud at high effort. A magnetic rower is far quieter than either.

Does an air bike need electricity? Most air bike monitors run on batteries, and the fan needs no power. Check the listing for the model you choose.

Can a rowing machine stand upright? Many can, including the Concept2 RowErg and many water and magnetic rowers. Check the maker's instructions before you tip it.

Which needs less space? In use, an air bike. In storage, an upright rower can take less floor than an air bike.