Magnetic or air rowing machine?

How air and magnetic resistance work

An air rower has a fan inside a cage at the front. Each pull spins the fan, and the fan has to push air out of the way. The harder and faster you pull, the more air it moves and the heavier the stroke feels. Most air rowers have a damper, a lever that opens or closes vents on the fan cage. Opening it lets more air in and makes the stroke feel heavier and slower to pick up; closing it makes it lighter. On the Concept2 RowErg the damper runs from 1 to 10. Our guide to Concept2 damper settings explains what the numbers mean.

A magnetic rower has a metal flywheel and a set of magnets. Moving the magnets closer to the flywheel adds drag. You choose a level with a dial, lever, buttons or an app, and the level does not change with your stroke speed. There is no fan, so nothing moves air around the room. See how magnetic rowing machines work for more on the mechanism.

Noise and draught: the big difference at home

Air rowers make a whooshing, whirring sound that rises with effort. A hard session is clearly audible through a closed door, and the fan noise can carry through floors in flats. The fan also pushes out a noticeable breeze, which some people like in a warm garage but others find chilly or dusty in a small room.

Magnetic rowers are much quieter. The magnets themselves make no sound, so what you hear is the seat rolling, the strap or cord winding back and any creaks from the frame. That makes them the usual pick for early mornings, late evenings, shared houses and upstairs flats. Whichever you choose, a firm mat under the machine helps with sound passing into the floor, and our guide to rowing machine and bike mats explains what to look for.

Stroke feel and data

Because air resistance builds with effort, an air rower feels lively. Pull harder and it pushes back harder, with no buttons to press. That is why air rowers are the standard for indoor rowing races and club training, and why their monitors focus on pace per 500 m and watts. Our article on rowing split times and the split and watts converter show how those numbers relate.

A magnetic rower feels steady and even. A given level feels the same each time, which suits people who like to repeat sessions by level and time. Monitor data varies a lot between brands. Some show only time, distance and stroke count, while others connect to apps over Bluetooth. Magnetic rowers also differ in how heavy the top level feels, so check the number of levels and the listed user weight before you buy.

Space, storage and upkeep

Air rowers are usually long, because they are built for a full-length stroke for tall rowers. Many split in two or stand on end for storage. Magnetic rowers range from long rail designs to compact folding models that stand upright on wheels. Our guide to rowing machine dimensions explains how much length to allow, including space behind the seat.

Upkeep is light on both. An air rower's fan cage collects dust and should be cleaned out now and then, and the chain needs occasional oiling on chain-driven models. A magnetic rower mainly needs the rail wiped and the console batteries changed. Follow the maker's manual for both, and ask the maker's support before taking anything apart.

Note:Long rowers are awkward to lift. Have two people move or upend a heavy machine, keep fingers clear of the rail and seat when folding, and check the locking pin is fully engaged before you let go.

Which should you buy?

Choose an air rower if you have a garage, outbuilding or room where noise and draught do not matter, you want resistance that responds to every stroke, and you care about pace and watts figures that line up with gym machines.

Choose a magnetic rower if you live in a flat or shared house, you row at times when others are asleep, or you want repeatable levels and a quieter room. Our best magnetic rowing machine guide lists current models, and our best rowing machine for small spaces guide focuses on compact designs. You can also browse more on the air rowers and magnetic rowers pages.

Frequently asked questions

Are air rowing machines loud? They are louder than magnetic rowers. The fan makes a whooshing sound that grows as you pull harder, and it can carry through floors in flats. A mat helps with floor noise but not with fan sound.

Does a higher damper setting mean a harder workout? Not on its own. The damper changes how the stroke feels, more like a heavy boat at high settings and a light boat at low ones. How hard you pull still sets the effort, so many people row at a middle setting.

Is a magnetic rower good for a flat? It is usually the better fit. It runs quietly, moves no air and many models fold or stand upright, which helps in small rooms.

Can I compare pace on a magnetic rower with an air rower? Only roughly. Each brand calculates distance and pace in its own way, so numbers from a magnetic rower may not match a gym air rower.