Best Air Magnetic Rowing Machines Reviews 2023
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Reviewed and Compared By BEMH Indoor Rowing Team • Updated: 2023
If you want a full-body workout that will improve your aerobic fitness, burn calories, and sculpt your shoulders, hamstrings, and glutes, the air-mag rowing machine is for you. Featuring the combination of air and magnetic resistance, air-mag rowers use the principles of rowing crew on an actual boat and apply them in an indoor setting.
Air-mag rowers are a good alternative for those who don’t like the loud noise of air rowers and boring fixed resistance of magnetic rowers. Thanks to its dual resistance technology, you get the dynamic air resistance and the fixed magnetic resistance, all together on the same home rower. So, you nor get bored of a fixed resistance mechanism and neither annoyed by loud fan noise.
Similar to water rowing machines, the air magnetic home rowers offer low-impact full-body workout which is great when you get tired of high-impact cardio workouts such as the treadmill. There are many reasons why it’s a great idea to have a magnetic air rower handy in the comfort of your home.
Thanks to the folding design of air magnetic rowers, they can make a great addition to any home gym, especially if you need to store the machine out of the way after each use. Here are our top picks for the best air magnetic resistance rowers to add to your home gym equipment.
Best Air Magnetic Rowing Machines Comparison
| ROWER | WORKOUTS | CAPACITY | CONNECTIVITY | FOLDABLE | RESISTANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BodyCraft VR500 Commercial-Grade Air-Mag Rower | Backlit - meters, watts, pulse, time, SPM, total strokes, calories, 500M split time, and resistance level | 350 Lbs | Resistance control via handlebar | Yes, frame folds up | 32 Electromagnetic and air-resistance |
| Ski-Row V1 Magnetic Air Rowing Machine | Time, watts, strokes per minute (SPM), distance, and calories | 350 Lbs | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Yes, frame folds up | 20 Electromagnetic and air-resistance |
| XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Air Mag Indoor Rower | Backlit - distance, time, calories, 20/10 interval, 10/20 interval, custom interval, fat burn, cardio, strength, game, and manual | 350 Lbs | HR straps | Yes, frame folds up | 16 Electromagnetic and air-resistance |
| SereneLife Smart Air-Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine | Backlit - distance, time, calories, 20/10 interval, 10/20 interval, custom interval, fat burn, cardio, strength, game, and manual | 250 Lbs | Bluetooth - Fit Show | No, frame doesn't fold up | 16 Electromagnetic and air-resistance |
| Sunny Fitness SF-RW5940 Air-Magnetic Rowing Machines | Clear screen - time, RPM, calories burned, and distance | 300 Lbs | N/A | No, frame doesn't fold up | 16-Level Manual Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bodycraft VR200 Air Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine | Not backlit - time, distance, calories, time 500m, strokes, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes profile | 300 Lbs | N/A | Yes, frame folds up | 8-Level Manual Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bluefin Fitness Blade Air Magnetic Indoor Rower | Backlit - speed, time, distance, strokes per minute & calories burned | 260 Lbs | Bluetooth - Kinomap | Yes, frame folds up | 8-Level Manual Magnetic and Air Resistance |
Editor’s Top Air-Mag Rower Choice!
My colleagues have already picked the best air mag rowers and reviewed them down below. But because the new air-magnetic rowers become available on a daily basis, I created this part.
Editor’s Choice is where I regularly update to make sure you get the best value air magnetic home rowers that suit your budget and needs. Based on several criteria, I picked the BodyCraft VR500 Rower for this month.
Aside from the fact that BodyCraft VR500 is a commercial-grade indoor rower, it also has some really unique features including built-in resistant control on the handles. Additionally, it comes with 32 levels of resistance, good monitor, and a heavy-duty I-Beam Mono-Rail made with high strength T13 aluminum.
Our Top 7 Air-Mag Rower Picks in 2023:
BodyCraft VR500 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
Featured the best rower in the most air-magnetic rowing machine reviews, the BodyCraft VR500 is a top-quality rowing machine under $2000. It’s the most durable and advanced air magnetic resistance rowing machine by BodyCraft. And the best fan-magnetic rowing machine to buy in our review.
Featuring 32 levels of Eddy Current Technology combined with air resistance to provide the benefits of both resistance systems. The resistance is electronically controlled which makes it extremely precise compared to manual resistance.
The VR500 gym rowing machine has an easy to read black mask LCD with LED-backlit display and keys. The following stats are displayed in current, average, and maximum values. Meters, watts, pulse, time, SPM, total strokes, calories, 500M split time, and resistance level.
There are 4 user profiles to save your custom workout. And 12 preset programs that include 4 races, 4 Heart rate controls, 2 intervals, 1 custom definable and manual program. These programs should be more than enough to keep you engaged and prevent you from getting bored.
The monitor is also capable of connecting with the Polar T34 wireless chest strap. But it’s not Bluetooth, ANT/+ or WiFi-enabled. So, you can’t join online rowing games. The LCD monitor uses a battery that is included but the electromagnetic system requires to be plugged into a typical socket to work.
A few other great features that put the Bodycraft VR500 in the first position in our top rowing machine reviews are the comfortable handlebar with wireless resistance control, easy fold-up design with child safety lock, and contoured seat.
When buying this magnetic rowing exercise equipment, you will receive an ensuring generous warranty. If you can afford it, don’t look further because the BodyCraft VR500 indoor rower is the best air magnetic rowing machine for home use.
SKI-Row SR7 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
One of our all-time air-mag rowing machines. The Ski-Row erg rower features a great sleek design, powerful electromagnetic resistance, large LCD computer, and ergonomic design. The 20 levels of low-noise air-magnetic adjustable resistance make it perfect for users of all ages and fitness levels. If you are looking for challenging resistance, you will love this dual combination design.
You can buy Ski-Row Pro magnetic erg rowing for less than 2000 which I belive it’s overpriced, especially compared to BodyCraft model but it’s a good option to consider if BodyCraft is not available. This magnetic-Air exercise rower supports up to 300 pounds. The seat and handle are both padded and feature a detailed ergonomic design. So, you can expect great comfort during rowing workout.
It has an adjustable footpad design with custom texture for user comfort. The footboard adjusts to your feet’s size and offers a unique heel support system. Dynamic magnetic air exercise equipment rowing machine folds away in two easy steps and has durable wheels for easy transportation.
The very unique features are yet to be told. This air magnetic rower has a user-friendly Blue backlit computer console that displays time, watts, strokes per minute (SPM), distance, and calories. So, you can keep track of your power, progress, and performance.
But that’s not all, the monitor includes Manual and Race modes, watts mode, heart rate control programs, and a recovery function. A great benefit to offer a variety of training options. It’s also compatible with the Bluetooth heart rate straps but it’s not included.
Ski-Row SR7 magnetic exercise rower is for tall rowing enthusiasts as well as short users. It can provide rowing exercise for users with up to 6’6″ inseam length and there is no height restriction for shorter users.
XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
Thanks to the combination of both air and magnetic resistance (16 levels), this indoor rower can nicely simulate the feel of rowing. You get the dynamic resistance from the air fans while the magnets offer extra smooth and quiet resistance for a challenging rowing workout.
Featuring electromagnetic technology, the Xterrra Fitness ERG700 rower requires to be plugged into electricity which is not ideal for everyone but this technology has its pros as well. For instance the precise resistance adjustment, blue backlit monitor without the need for batteries, and importantly, electromagnetic offer preset rowing programs.
There are 10 effective programs that offer a wide variety of workouts including distance, time, calories, 20/10 interval, 10/20 interval, custom interval, fat burn, cardio, strength, game, and manual.
ERG700 also has a nice console display that features a large 5. 5″ bright blue backlit LCD with easy touch buttons and height and angle adjustment for the perfect viewing angle. So, no matter your height, you can adjust the angle of the monitor to see the feedbacks better.
Xterra Fitness ERG700 displays program profile, elapsed time, stroke count, distance, calories, strokes/min, watts, resistance level, and heart rate (chest strap not included).
Additionally, it comes with an ergonomic rowing handle that is contoured and padded for superior feel and comfort. On top of that, it has a 20″ frame height that gets you on and off the rower with ease.
Last but not least, when you are not using your ERG700 air magnetic rower, you can simply fold it up and wheel it out of the way. With folded dimensions of just 52.5” long x 18” wide it won’t take a room when not in use.
SereneLife Smart Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
With 16 levels of electromagnetic resistance combined with dynamic air resistance, the Serene indoor rower can nicely simulate the feel of rowing and eliminate the boring feel of magnetic rowers. You get the dynamic resistance from the air fans while the magnets offer extra smooth and silent resistance for a fun rowing workout.
Featuring electromagnetic system, this indoor rower requires to be plugged into electricity which is not ideal for everyone but this technology has its pros as well. For instance the precise resistance adjustment, easy to read digital monitor without the need for batteries, and importantly, electromagnetic offer preset rowing programs.
There are effective builtin programs that offer a wide variety of workouts including distance, time, interval, custom interval, fat burn, cardio, strength, and manual. But even more importantly this rower is “SMART” meaning based on the program that you choose, its resistance automatically changes to deprecate the real rowing experience.
SereneLife Smart also has a nice large tablet holder and the console display that features a large bright LCD with easy touch buttons and height and angle adjustment for the perfect viewing angle. So, no matter your height, you can adjust the angle of the monitor to see the feedbacks better.
This SereneLife Smart home air-mag rower displays program profile, elapsed time, stroke count, distance, calories, strokes/min, watts, resistance level, and heart rate (chest strap not included).
Additionally, it comes with a comfortable rowing handle that is contoured and padded for superior feel. On top of that, it has an elevated frame that gets you on and off the rower with ease.
Last but not least, although it’s advertised as a foldable rowing machine, you can’t fold the SereneLife Smart unless you use tools to remove screws. All in all, it’s one of the best air-magnetic rowing machine on the market.
Sunny Fitness SF-RW5940 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
The SF-RW5940 air-mag rower provides an unparalleled full-body workout. Simply put, it is one of the best air magnetic resistance rowing machines under $500 that offer low-impact, full-body workout available.
Thanks to the combination of air and mag, the SF-RW5940 offers the full body rhythmic nature of rowing which makes it wonderfully efficient at burning calories while also developing flexibility and strength.
This indoor rowing machine comes with a very basic monitor which is understandable for the price but it’s not engaging and definitely not as encouraging as other air mag rowing machines listed above. It is very small and there is no backlit on the monitor.
Therefore, you can’t see your rowing exercise stats easily, especially in low-light conditions. The monitor allows you to track the time, stroke count, calories, rpm, and distance. But there is no watt, wireless connectivity, or rowing programs. All in all, the monitor is very basic.
As for the resistance, there is an air fan and 16 magnetic levels and its manually adjustable. So, unlike electromagnetic, you don’t need a power socket to plug in the rower for exercise.
This air magnetic rowing machine is also equipped with a well-padded and soft cushion seat measuring at 10L x 12W x 2H inches. It creates a comfortable seated position that limits possible numbness and tingling in your glutes.
Featuring a 41-inch slide rail inseam, the Sunny SF-RW5940 air rower can accommodate almost all users from below-average to above-average heights. lastly, this air-mag rower is foldable which means it will take very little space when not in use.
Bodycraft VR200 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you want to know what is the second-best air magnetic resistance rowing machine under $1000, the BodyCraft VR200 indoor rower is your answer. The VR200 is one of the best value rowing machines that is featured fourth in our indoor rower reviews. It’s a good alternative for those who can’t afford the advanced VR500 magnetic-air rower.
Purchasing this air-magnetic rowing machine won’t break your bank account. It costs less than $900 yet offering a durable and sturdy drive. The BodyCraft VR200 is a foldable air-magnetic rower that takes very little space when it’s not in use. So, you can get it out of the way easily after each use.
What we really like about the VR200 magnetic air fan indoor rower is the resistance system. The first level is air resistance only which means it will respond to your effort so the faster you row, the harder it gets. Starting the second level to the eight-level is a combination of air and magnets. Note that the VR200 portable rowing machine has a manual resistance system so it doesn’t have heart rate control programs.
Unlike the VR500, the VR200 air-magnetic rowing machine has a pretty basic computer. It’s a non-backlit monitor that tracks time, distance, calories, time 500m, strokes, strokes per minute, and total stroke profile. It doesn’t have preset programs, Bluetooth, ANT/+, WiFi, or wireless chest strap connectivity. So, you can’t monitor your heart rate or join online racing apps.
Unlike other budget indoor home rowers, VR200 foot-rests have detailed features that help you get a solid push-off. Some good details include deluxe pivoting heel rest, heel stop, non-slip lines, and wide velcro foot straps to provide a snug fit for your feet. For extra durability and smoothness, it has a T13 extruded aluminum mono-rail and Premium Nylon belt.
One of the common issues that are often found on the rowing machine for home exercise is the weak return spring that stops working properly after a few months. But thankfully the BodyCraft VR200 air-magnetic rowing machine has a heavy-duty commercial clutch and return spring to avoid regular frustrating maintenance.
There are a few other good features that put the VR200 in our best air magnetic rowing machine reviews. They include the lightweight aluminum handlebar, quiet performance, built-in transport wheels, and a deeply contoured seat with heavy-duty roller bearings.
Bluefin Fitness Blade Air Magnetic Rowing Machine
One of the few air magnetic rowing machines under $500 that features Bluetooth connectivity and a Blue backlit monitor. The Bluefin air mag rower can measure time, distance, calories burned & strokes per minute with the backlit LCD digital fitness console.
It is compatible with the Kinomap app and it had a device holder that allows you place your mobile or tablet and connect via Bluetooth to track & analyze your workout overtime on your own personal fitness dashboard.
Featuring a heavy-duty aluminum slide rail, this Bluefin air magnetic rower provides for a smooth low acoustic indoor rowing experience. 41-inch slide rail inseam.
There fore 8 levels of manually adjustable magnetic resistance + dynamic air resistance to fulfill the need for all fitness levels. Although the magnetic resistance is fixed, the Air resistance is a progressive resistance which means the harder you pull against the fan, the more intensity you’ll feel.
BlueFitn Fitness air magnetic rower foot pedals are large and anti-skid for a more comfortable rowing experience. Additionally, this home rowing machine has an oversized padded seat for added comfort while rowing at home. It also comes with a padded multi-grip handle that provides a soft feel and secure slip-resistant grip.
Another feature that I love about this air magnetic rowing machine is its convenient foldable design that allows for more storage options when your rower is not in use. Overall, Bluefin is one of the top air magnetic rowers for the price that can target the muscles in your arms, back, legs, and core while rowing with a weight capacity of 265 lbs.
Air-Mag Rowing Machine – FAQ
Is air-mag rowing machine quieter than air rowers?
Yes, among indoor rowing machines, the air rowers including Concept 2 model E and D are the loudest because they need to use multi blad fans to be able to create resistance. But that’s not the case with the air-mag rowers because most of the resistance is created by magnets rather than only air.
Do air magnetic rowers offer dynamic resistance?
Yes, that’s exactly why air-magnetic rowers were created in the first place. While the magnets offer a fix resistance, the air resistance is completely dynamic. It means, the harder you pull, the more resistance you get.
What is the best air magnetic resistance rowing machine?
Currently, in 2023, the best air-mag rowing machine (VR500) is by one of our favorite US-based fitness equipment brands (BodyCraft). It’s pretty unique, both in terms of technology using wireless resistance controls on the handle and durability. It is listed first in this air-mag rowing machine review.
Should I buy a water rower or an air-mag rower?
If you prefer the sound of water and don’t mind to change the tank water every 6 months or so (depending on how often your row), then a water rower is what you need to consider. Also, keep in mind that most water rowers, especially the wooden ones such as this Club WaterRower don’t fold up but they can be stored standing. Note: Storing water rowers vertically is not always an option especially with the kids in the house.
Air-Mag indoor rower uses more muscles or spin bikes?
Rowing machines use more muscles. I love spin bikes, especially magnetic spin bikes but unfortunately, they don’t offer a complete full-body workout as rowing machine do. Spin bikes mainly use the lower body muscles but outdoor and indoor rowing workout uses more than 80% of upper and lower body muscles.
Rowing machine has more impact or running?
Running has more impact on the joints and overall body than rowing workout. Indoor rowing exercise is one of the safest indoor cardio workout exercise recommended for most people.
Do you recommend rowing or spinning for senior users?
In m many cases, neither of these exercises is ideal for senior people but it also depends on the individuals. Generally, we recommend upright exercise bikes and recumbent exercise bikes. Their seats/backrest and frame designs offer more support than air-mag rowers and spin bikes.
Does the height of home rowing machine matter?
Yes, it is an important factor that is often overlooked when buying air-magnetic rowers. Taller rowers are easier to get on and off because you don’t need to bend too far to the floor to set on the rower. Note: If you don’t have a good balance and think you might fall off the rower, it’s always better to consider a rowing machine with a shorter frame.
Air magnetic resistance rowers are more quiet or magnetic rowers?
Magnetic rowing machines are the quietest indoor rowers among all (air, water, and air-mag). So, if you live in a small apartment or have a roommate who you don’t want to disturb during exercise, it’s better for you to consider a rowing machine with magnetic resistance.
Final Verdict
Indoor rowing can be a game-changer of physical fitness. Utilizing several different muscle groups (85%), the rowing exercise is great for both upper and lower body muscles. Along with these workouts often also come the benefits of weight loss and more toned muscles. However, not everyone can have their own rowboat or can be on a rowing team.
The next best thing is an at-home rowing machine. We’ve found and reviewed a list of the top 6 air magnetic rowing machines based on a variety of factors. Of course, the cost must be considered when looking at these air magnetic resistance rowing machines. Some are obviously going to be more expensive, but for the number of features those indoor home rowers bring, that cost needs to be viewed with a critical eye.
If you think we should add another home rower to this list of best air mag rowing machines, please leave a comment below or send us an email. Also, if you have any questions regarding air-magnetic rowers, do get in touch with us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
