Are magnetic rowing machines any good?

Where magnetic rowers shine

The biggest strength is noise. With no fan and no water, the loudest sounds are usually the seat rolling and the strap winding back. That makes magnetic rowers a sensible choice for upstairs flats, early mornings and rooms shared with a television. Some listings quote figures below 30 dB, though those are makers' figures rather than a standard test.

The second strength is size. Many magnetic rowers have a shorter frame than a typical air or water rower, and lots of them fold upright or flat. The YPOO RM912F, for example, folds either upright or flat, and the MERACH Q1S manual stores upright on its wheels. If floor space decides the purchase, magnetic models give you the most choice.

• Quiet: no fan noise and no water sloshing.
• Compact: shorter frames and many folding designs.
• Simple: set a level with a knob, lever or button.
• Low upkeep: no water to treat and no fan cage to clean.
• Wide choice: from basic folding units to app-connected electric models.

Where they fall short against air and water

Feel is the main compromise. An air rower's resistance rises as you pull harder, and a water rower gives a rolling, boat-like surge. A magnetic rower feels more even and set by the dial. Some people like that, others find it flat. Smaller flywheels on budget models can also feel a little uneven at the start of each stroke.

Maximum resistance can be limited on lighter machines. If you are tall or very strong, check the rail length and the top level on the listing. MERACH, for example, quotes a 130 cm rail on its R15 range. Short rails on compact rowers may not allow a full stroke for taller users.

Data is the third gap. Concept2 air rowers use a published formula and a calibrated monitor, which is why their numbers are used for online rankings. Magnetic rower consoles vary by brand, so split and watts may not match another machine. That matters only if you want to compare scores with other people.

Manual or electromagnetic?

Within the magnetic type there are two main designs. Manual magnetic rowers move a set of permanent magnets with a knob or lever. They usually run the console from batteries, so you can place them anywhere. Electromagnetic rowers use electric coils, so the console or an app can change the level for you. They need a socket nearby.

If you want an app to run programmed sessions that raise and lower resistance, electromagnetic is the choice. If you want something you can move to any room without a lead, manual is simpler. Our explainer on how magnetic rowing machines work covers the mechanics.

Note:Electromagnetic rowers run from the mains. Route the lead away from the moving seat and rail, and contact the maker's support or a qualified technician if the plug, lead or console shows damage.

Who should choose a magnetic rower

A magnetic rower is a good fit if you live in a flat, share walls, need to fold the machine away after each session or want the lowest upkeep. It also suits anyone who likes a clear, repeatable setting on a dial and prefers to follow an app rather than chase numbers.

Look at another type if the feel of rowing on water matters most to you, in which case a water rower is worth a look, or if you want numbers that compare across machines and online rankings, where an air rower such as the Concept2 RowErg is the usual pick. Our comparison of magnetic or air rowing machines goes into more detail.

Resale is worth a thought too. Long-established air and water brands with spare parts on sale tend to be easier to sell second-hand than lesser-known magnetic models. If you expect to sell in a year or two, factor that in.

What to check before you buy

A few listing details tell you most of what you need. Check the rail length against your height, the stated maximum user weight, the folded size and whether the console shows split, stroke rate and distance. Check whether app support uses an open standard such as FTMS if you want to use third-party apps.

For shortlisted models with these details laid out, see our best magnetic rowing machine guide and, if space is the deciding factor, the best rowing machine for small spaces.

1. 1

   Measure the floor space and the storage spot, including height if it folds upright.

2. 2

   Check the rail length on the listing against your inside leg and height range.

3. 3

   Decide between manual and electromagnetic based on where your sockets are.

4. 4

   Check which data the console shows and which apps it connects to.

5. 5

   Read the assembly and folding steps in the manual before you commit.

See our magnetic rower picks →

Frequently asked questions

Are magnetic rowing machines good for flats? They are usually the best type for flats because they are quiet and often fold. A mat underneath helps reduce vibration through the floor, and our guide to rowing machine and bike mats covers sizes.

Do magnetic rowers wear out? The magnetic brake itself does not wear, because nothing touches the flywheel. The parts that wear are the strap, seat rollers and bearings, as on any rower. Replacement parts are easier to find for well-known brands.

Is a magnetic rower as good as a Concept2? It does a different job. A Concept2 is louder and longer but gives widely comparable data and strong resale. A magnetic rower is quieter and smaller. Choose based on your room and whether comparable numbers matter to you.

Can I use apps with a magnetic rower? Many recent models connect over Bluetooth to the maker's app, and some support FTMS for apps such as Kinomap. Check the listing and the maker's support pages for the apps each model works with.