# Water or magnetic rowing machine?

Source: https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/water-or-magnetic-rowing-machine
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Row and Spin

**In short:** Choose a water rowing machine if you want resistance that rises with how hard you pull, a soft whooshing sound and a wooden look. Choose a magnetic rowing machine if you want fixed, repeatable levels, near-silent running and no tank to look after. Neither is better overall: it comes down to feel, noise and space.

Water and magnetic rowers look similar from the side, but they create resistance in very different ways, and that changes how they feel, how they sound and what you need to do to keep them running. A water rower spins paddles inside a tank. A magnetic rower moves magnets towards a metal flywheel. This guide compares the two on stroke feel, noise, upkeep, resistance control and storage, with four real listings as examples, so you can decide which type suits your room and your routine.

## How each type creates resistance

On a **water rower**, the handle strap turns a set of paddles inside a sealed tank of water. The faster you pull, the more water the paddles have to push aside, so the load rises with your effort. There are no levels to choose. You set the overall heaviness by how much water you put in the tank, and on most models that is a job you do once and then leave alone.

On a **magnetic rower**, a metal flywheel spins past a set of magnets. Moving the magnets closer to the flywheel adds drag; moving them away reduces it. You pick a level with a dial, lever or buttons, and that level stays the same whatever pace you row at. Some newer models use electromagnets instead of a manual dial, so the level can be changed by a console or an app. Our explainer on [how magnetic rowing machines work](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/how-magnetic-rowing-machines-work) covers the mechanism in more detail.

## Stroke feel: self-adjusting against fixed levels

A water rower has a slight pause at the catch, then the load builds smoothly as the paddles get going. Many people describe it as closer to a boat because it responds to the speed of the stroke. If you ease off, it gets lighter straight away. If you push harder, it gets heavier. That makes it easy to vary effort without touching anything.

A magnetic rower feels even and predictable from the first centimetre of the drive. Because the level is fixed, a set of strokes at level 6 today feels the same as level 6 next week, which suits people who like to repeat the same session and compare numbers. The trade-off is that the resistance does not respond to stroke speed in the same lively way. Cheaper magnetic models can also feel a little light at the top of their range, so check the number of levels and the listed maximum user weight.

## Noise, space and upkeep

Noise is where the two differ most. A water rower makes a steady swish of moving water on every stroke. It is not loud, but you will hear it in the next room. A magnetic rower is usually the quieter of the two: the main sounds are the seat rolling on the rail and the strap winding back. For flats with thin floors, a magnetic model and a decent mat are the safer choice.

Water rowers tend to be long, because the tank sits at the front and the rail needs room for a full stroke. Many stand upright on end for storage, but they are heavy once the tank is full, so tip them up slowly and keep hands clear of the rail. Magnetic rowers vary more: some have long rails that fold, and others are compact. Our guide to [rowing machine dimensions](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/rowing-machine-dimensions) explains how much floor space to allow.

Upkeep is simple on both, but different. A water tank needs purification tablets added from time to time to stop the water going cloudy, and you should keep it out of direct sunlight. Follow the maker's schedule, and see our [tank filling and cleaning guide](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/water-rower-tank-filling-and-cleaning). A magnetic rower mainly needs the rail wiped down, the seat rollers kept free of dust and the console batteries changed. Electromagnetic models also need a mains socket within reach.

Note: Plug-in electromagnetic rowers should run from a wall socket, not a long chain of extension leads, and the cable should not cross the rowing area. If the power supply or console fails, contact the maker's support rather than opening the unit.

## Four example rowers compared

The table uses facts from each Amazon listing. Sizes are the listed working dimensions, depth by width by height. Check the current listing before you buy, as specifications can change between batches.

| Rower | Resistance | How you adjust it | Listed size (cm) | Listed max user | Storage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| WaterRower Oxbridge (S4 monitor) | Water tank | Water level in tank | 172 x 35 x 53 | 250 kg | Stands on end |
| Dripex 14 L water rower | Water, 12-blade impeller | Self-adjusting with stroke speed | 182 x 44 x 35 | 150 kg | Rail folds vertically |
| MERACH Q1S | Electromagnetic (plug-in) | 16 levels, console or MERACH app | 147 x 46 x 71 | 158 kg | Stands upright on wheels |
| YOSUDA RM11 | Magnetic | 32 levels, buttons on the handle | 193.5 x 54 x 72.3 | 180 kg | Folds, 4 transport wheels |

Water and magnetic rowers from our guides, listing facts only

- **WaterRower Oxbridge:** solid cherry wood frame, S4 monitor with Bluetooth, siphon pump and purification tablets included.
- **Dripex:** 14 L tank, rubberwood and steel frame, 125 cm dual-rail track and a phone or tablet holder.
- **MERACH Q1S:** dual slide rail, app-controlled resistance and Kinomap compatibility.
- **YOSUDA RM11:** wood frame with a 135 cm aluminium rail, listed for users from 1.55 m to 2.00 m tall, Kinomap and Zwift compatible.

[See our best water rowing machines](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-water-rowing-machine)

## Which one should you choose?

Pick a **water rower** if you like the idea of resistance that follows your effort, you have room for a longer machine, you do not mind a gentle swish of water, and you are happy to add a purification tablet every few months. The wooden frames also suit living rooms where the rower stays out on show. Our [best water rowing machine](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-water-rowing-machine) guide and our [WaterRower models compared](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/waterrower-models-compared) page list current options.

Pick a **magnetic rower** if quiet running matters most, you want numbered levels you can repeat, or you need something lighter to move and store. Electromagnetic models add app control, which is handy if you follow structured sessions on a tablet. See our [best magnetic rowing machine](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-magnetic-rowing-machine) guide for shortlisted models.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is a water rower louder than a magnetic rower?** Usually, yes. A water rower makes a constant swishing sound as the paddles move the water. A magnetic rower is normally quieter, with most of the sound coming from the seat rollers and the strap.

**Can you change the resistance on a water rowing machine?** Not with a dial. The resistance rises and falls with how fast you pull. You can make the whole stroke heavier or lighter by adding or removing water, within the levels marked on the tank. Check your manual for the recommended range.

**Does a magnetic rower need any maintenance?** Very little. Wipe the rail, keep the seat rollers clean, check bolts now and then and change the console batteries when needed. Plug-in models just need their power lead kept tidy and undamaged.

**Which type is easier to store?** It depends on the model. Many water rowers stand on end, but they are heavy with a full tank. Many magnetic rowers fold or stand upright on wheels and weigh less, which makes them easier to move day to day.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-water-rowing-machine
- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-magnetic-rowing-machine
- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/waterrower-models-compared
- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-rowing-machine-uk

## Sources

- [WaterRower UK](https://www.waterrower.co.uk/)