Home > Rowing Machine Reviews > Best Air Resistance Rowing Machines in the UK
Reviewed and Compared By BEMH Indoor Rowing Team • Updated: January 25, 2023
If you’re looking to build an at-home gym, an exercise rowing machine in the UK is one piece of equipment you don’t want to skip. You might be thinking an air home rower will only give you an upper-body workout. But that’s not necessarily the case because air resistance rowing machines in the UK can give you a full-body workout if you know how to use it properly.
It’s an ideal way to build up muscle and to improve your athletic performance across the board. If you’re not a fan of deadlifting, a rowing machine is a perfect alternative. Indoor rowing exercise benefits include engaging your core, improving endurance levels, and working your glutes and hamstrings.
Like any piece of exercise equipment, you want to look at reviews for the best air rowing machines for home use in the United Kingdom. If you’re going to invest the money and time into buying a rowing machine for home, you want to be sure it has everything you need. This guide covers the ten top air rowers in the UK, comparing each model to help you see the pros and cons of each so you can be confident about your purchase.
Best Air Rowers in the United Kingdom Comparison
| Name | Verdict | Monitor | Foldable | Resistance | Connectivity | Capacity | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept 2 Model D Air Rower | Best Value at £900 | PM5 Monitor. Tracks your calories, pace, meters, and watts | No, this air rower doesn’t fold away but it does separate into two parts. | Dynamic and Manually Adjustable Air Resistance | Bluetooth ANT/+ | 227kg | Yes |
| JLL Ventus Pro Air Rower | Good Value at £700 | LCD Display. Tracks you track your distance, calories, count, and time. | Yes, this air rower is foldable. | Dynamic Air Resistance (not manually adjustable) | None | 150kg | No |
| JTX Freedom Air Rower | Best Value at £500 | LCD Display. Tracks calories, power, heart rate, revolutions, stroke rate, speed, distance, and split rates | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic Air and Manually Adjustable Magnetic Resistance | None | 130kg | Yes |
| JLL Ventus 2 Air Rower | Best Value at £500 | LCD Display. Tracks your time, strokes, distance, pulse, and calories. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic Air and Manually Adjustable Magnetic Resistance | None | 120kg | No |
| Metis Fury Air Rower | Best Value at £700 | LCD Display. Tracks your calories, distance, time, watts, and strokes. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic and Manually Adjustable Air Resistance | None | 135kg | Yes |
| JTX Ignite Air Rower | Best Value at £600 | LCD Display. Track of your calories, count, distance, and time. | No, this air rower doesn’t fold away but it does separate into two parts. | Dynamic and Manually Adjustable Air Resistance | None | 113kg | No |
| V-Fit Tornado Air Rower | Best Value at £400 | LCD Display. Tracks distance, speed, time, stroke counter and calories. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic Air Resistance (not manually adjustable) | None | 115kg | No |
| Marcy Onyx Air Rower | Best Value at £400 | LCD Display. Tracks calories, stroke, RPM, distance, speed, and time. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic and Manually Adjustable Air Resistance | None | 135kg | No |
| NordicTrack RX800 Air Rower | Best Value at £400 | LCD Display. Tracks calories, speed, distance and time. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic Air and Manually Adjustable Magnetic Resistance | None | 130kg | No |
| SF-RW5623 Air Rower | Best Value at £300 | LCD Display. Tracks time, calories and speed. | Yes, this air rower is foldable | Dynamic Air and Manually Adjustable Magnetic Resistance | None | 136kg | No |
Our 10 Picks for Best Air Rowing Machines in the UK:
Concept 2 Model D with PM5 Monitor
This rowing machine for home promises to give you a full-body, low-impact workout. The frame weighs 26 kilograms and separates easily, with no tools, to make storage easier. You can move the rowing machine using the caster wheels and quick-release frame lock mechanism. The seat sits at 33.5cm with adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle to help improve your performance. The handle has a 10-degree bend, which allows you to row in your natural arm and hand position without straining your muscles.
This machine utilizes a Performance Monitor 5, which is easy to use and includes pre-set workouts. It has a wireless connection and measures your calories, pace, meters, and watts. At the top of the monitor, you’ll find a smartphone cradle to attach your phone for watching videos during your workout. The PM5 has ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless heart rate monitoring and has a backlit display. You can download the Concept2 app ErgData to store your workout data.
The Concept 2 Model D is powered by a flywheel and damper, allowing you to change the resistance to meet your needs. They designed the flywheel to help minimise the noise produced by the machine. The machine has a weight capacity of 500 pounds and is 2.44m x 0.61m x 0.36m in length, width, and height.
You receive a 5-year frame warranty and 2-year warranty on the monitor and moving parts when you purchase this machine. The Concept 2 Model D makes the bold claim of being to the standard of machine used by Olympic athletes.
JLL Ventus Pro Air Rowing Machine
The JLL Ventus Pro is considered to be a good air resistance rowing machine in the UK. It has a smooth aluminium slide rail to give you a full-body workout with wind resistant. The seat has an ergonomic design which can adapt to the curves of your body for added comfort. The handle is easy-to-grip and keeps your elbow at a comfortable height.
Unlike the previous model, this air rowing machine is foldable, and you can easily transport it around your home with its wheels. The large footrest is ideal for those with larger feet who want added stability. This machine utilises a motor-controlled permanent magnet braking system and a 2.8k steel frame for the air resistance. You have up to 10 resistance levels to choose from, allowing you to increase your speed by bumping up the resistance.
You can adjust the resistance manually by changing the level of resistance you apply. The JLL Ventus Pro uses adjustable + dynamic air control dual system making it ideal for elite and beginner rowers for an at-home gym. The machine is 2m x 0.5m x 0.65m in length, width, and height.
The LCD display is not backlit and there is no preset programs to follow but it is easy to read, allowing you to track your distance, calories, count, and time. It also has a nice adjustable tablet holder so you can use rowing exercise applications on your device.
JTX Freedom Air Rowing Machine
The JTX Freedom was voted the best air rowing machine in the UK by The Independent. This machine brings together airflow and electro-magnetic resistance to give you an intense at-home workout. There are 16 resistance levels to choose from. The frame is made using reinforced aluminium and comes with a 2-year warranty.
This machine promises to give you quiet and smooth motion with its noise-reducing technology and uses a nickel-plated steel chain. The JTX Freedom is designed to help improve your posture and technique, with 6-point adjustable footplates. The wide padded seat provides extra comfort.
The machine comes with an advanced computer with a built-in training program. It comes with more details than you would expect for a home air resistance rower in the UK. It is designed to improve your performance and monitor your progress with easy-to-read statistics.
The monitor tracks calories, power, heart rate, revolutions, stroke rate, speed, distance, and split rates. It also comes with eight pre-programmed workouts, including heart rate training. The JTX Freedom is easy to fold away and doesn’t require any tools. This air rower is 2.25m x 0.58m x 0.86m in length, width, and height.
JLL Ventus 2 Air Resistance Rower
All rowing machine reviews in the UK have to include the JLL Ventus 2. The machine sits at 2.14m x 0.54m x 1.15m in length, width, and height. This air rower uses an aluminium sliding frame to give you a smoother feel, and the frame has 3 points of contact with the floor for added stability. The foot platform is high-grade and adjustable for extra support.
The Ventus 2 is a dual-resistance machine powered by air resistance, meaning the harder you row, the greater the resistance will become. There is also an in-built magnetic resistance system which gives you 8 resistance levels and helps reduce the level of friction for a quieter ride.
The handlebars have an ergonomic design and are coated with a sweat resistance non-slip plastic. The built-in air vents keep you cool while the adjustable resistance lever is placed conveniently in front of you to make it easier to switch between levels. The seat is made from padded foam with heavy-duty rollers to allow for a smoother ride.
JLL Ventus’ LCD monitor has 11 functions, allowing you to track your time, strokes, distance, pulse, and calories. You can also track your heart rate using the Bluetooth to connect a heart rate band. You can tilt the monitor to suit your height, and it comes with a tablet holder to hold your phone or iPad. You can easily fold and store the JLL Ventus 2 when you’re not using it.
METIS Air Resistance Rowing Machine
The Metis Fury is another good air resistance rowing machine in the UK. It gives you all the indoor rowing exercise benefits while being budget-friendly and easy-to-use. The machine sits at 2.4m x 0.62m x 1.13m in length, width, and height. It has a durable stainless-steel chain to help reduce noise levels.
This air rowing machine offers 10 resistance levels to suit all fitness levels, so you can work on your cardio health, whether you’re a beginner or a trained athlete.
The Metis Fury has a foldable lightweight frame with built-in wheels, making it easy to move around your at-home gym or store away when you’re not using it. The LCD display has a blue backlight to make it easier to look at. The monitor allows you to track your stats, including calories, distance, time, watts, and strokes.
The frame has an ergonomic design with adjustable footrests and straps to allow you to set the air rowing machine to a suitable height. The handlebars are designed for added comfort, to make it easier to hit your fitness goals.
JTX Ignite Air Resistance Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a sleek machine that looks like Concept2 rowers but less expensive, the JTX is the best indoor rowing machine with air resistance. The seat has an ergonomic design with a soft rubber cushion which fits the curve of your body. The large footrest is ideal for those who need extra support while exercising.
The JTX has a 10-level air resistance system which you can adjust with the resistance selection lever. The aluminium slide rails make it easy to get in a full-body workout and allow you to unlock all the indoor rowing exercise benefits. The handles have been designed to be easy-to-grip and keep your elbows at a comfortable height to prevent muscle strain.
The LCD display is user-friendly. Although it doesn’t come with Bluetooth, backlit screen or preset programs, it does allow you to keep track of your calories, count, distance, and time.
This rowing machine is quiet, making it great for at-home use. It is easy to assembly with clear instructions, and you can fold it away between workouts.
V-Fit Tornado Air Rowing Machine
The V-Fit is an affordable air rowing machine in the UK. The machine sits at 2.12m x 0.44m x 0.74m in length, width, and height. The machine has a steel frame with an aluminium rowing rail and roller mounted padded seat. The handle is contoured to allow for extra comfort, while the pivoting footplates are oversized to accommodate any size.
The LCD screen has six functions, allowing you to keep track of calories, distance, speed, strokes, stroke rate and time. You can change the readings between miles and kilometres, depending on your preference. The V-Fit Tornado is easy to assemble, coming with all the tools you need, and has a foldable frame. The integrated wheels make it easy to move around as needed.
The V-Fit gives you all the indoor rowing exercise benefits without a crazy price tag. The multi-van air fan allows you to set your resistance with the centre-pull micro link chain.
This rowing machine is powered by 2 AA batteries, making it easy to maintain. If you’re looking for affordable top-rated home rowing in the UK, you should add the V-Fit Tornado to your list.
Marcy Onyx Geneva 6000 Air Rower
The Marcy Onyx Geneva 6000 is a battery-powered air resistance rowing machine, requiring no mains power. The frame sits at 2.3m x 0.48m x 0.89m in length, width, and height. There is a mould-injected wide foam seat and sealed ball bearings to allow for a smooth glide. You get a two-year frames and parts warranty with the Marcy Onyx Geneva 6000.
This machine has an 8-level resistance lever, allowing you to adjust it to meet your fitness goals. The Marcy Onyx has a 14-gauge steel frame with powder coated chip resistant paint to help it withstand usual wear and tear.
The LCD monitor is simple to use and allows you to track your calories, distance, stroke, speed, RPM, and time. You can adjust the monitor to give you a clear view from your position, although it is not backlit. You can easily fold this machine using the one pin release system.
Nordictrack RX800 Rower with Air Resistance
This rowing machine for home utilises non-slip pedals and pedal straps to stop any accidental slippages, allowing you to move safely in the machine. It also comes with floor levellers and base rollers for extra stability, providing a better workout experience. You can easily move this machine around due to its transport rollers.
The air resistance system replicates the natural rowing motion, allowing you all the indoor rowing exercise benefits from the comfort of your home.
This machine has an ergonomically designed seat, which is adjustable to allow you to choose the most comfortable position. The weight capacity on this exercise rowing machine with air tension is 100kg, lower than average.
The basic LCD screen allows you to keep track of your calories, speed, time, and distance. You’ll want to note that this LCD display is not backlit, and it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5623 Rower
The Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine for home sits at 1.72m x 0.63m x 0.77m in length, width, and height. It has a non-slip pedal with adjustable strap, with non-slip handlebars and a wide cushioned seat. You have floor stabilizers to allow for a smoother glide.
The frame is made using alloy steel to allow it to stand the test of time. The LCD digital monitor is easy to use. It allows you to keep track of your time and calories.
This air rowing machine has 8-levels of resistance thanks to the convenient tension knob, which you can use to increase and decrease resistance. You can change the resistance up between workouts to allow you to get all the indoor rowing exercise benefits.
This machine offers additional air resistance using the integrated fan to create a dynamic response based on your stroke power and speed. It stimulates the feel of a natural rowing experience. The transportation wheels make this machine easy to move around by tilting the machine.
Buyer’s Guide to Find the Best Home Air Rowers in the UK
When you are reading air resistance rowing machine reviews in the UK, you can easily become overwhelmed with information. We have three things you should look for to help you find a good home air resistance rower in the UK.
Foldable Design
If you live in an apartment or have limited space for your at-home gym, you want to look for an air or water rower in the UK that is foldable. It’ll save you space and allow you to easily pack the machine away between uses. If you have the space to build a permanent at-home gym, you might find this feature isn’t as important to you.
LCD Monitor
All the best air rowing machines in the UK come with LCD monitors. You’ll want to determine how much you need to track, depending on your workout goals. Beginners will typically want a standard style which tracks calories, time, and speed. If you’re training for a competition, you might prefer an LCD monitor which offers Bluetooth connectivity to track your pulse rate.
Comfort
One thing to look out for when searching for rowing machines is the adjustability of the frame. You want to find the best affordable rowing machine in the UK that works for your height and build. While every model has a different weight capacity, you want to find one that offers comfortable padding and an adjustable seat. Look for frames which offer extra stability to give you a smoother glide.
Final Verdict
If you have the space to house a permanent rowing machine and don’t need a foldable model, we think the Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor is the best option in the UK (and anywhere else in that manner). It has the quickest assembly time, and you get a 5-year warranty for the frame. The PM5 monitor has ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless heart rate monitoring and has a backlit display. It is the only rowing machine on our list with a downloadable app. With all this out of the way, if you want a quiet rower, you better go for one of the best magnetic rowing machines in the UK that we picked for this year.
