You’ve decided a rowing machine is the one. It works your entire body, it’s low impact, and it folds away better than a treadmill. Then you start shopping and discover there are three completely different types — water, air, and magnetic — each with passionate fans insisting theirs is the only one worth buying. The Concept2 lot think anything else is a toy. The WaterRower crowd won’t shut up about how nice theirs looks. And the magnetic camp just wants something quiet enough to use while the kids are sleeping.
They’re all right, and they’re all wrong. The best rowing machine depends on what you’re actually going to do with it — and more importantly, where you’re going to put it, who else is in the house, and how much abuse it’s going to take. Here’s what you need to know before spending £300 to £2,000 on something that might end up as an expensive clothes horse.
In This Article
- Water, Air and Magnetic: How Resistance Actually Works
- Water Rowing Machines
- Air Rowing Machines
- Magnetic Rowing Machines
- Noise Levels Compared
- Size, Storage and Living With a Rower
- Build Quality and What to Check
- Monitors and Connectivity
- Best Water Rowing Machines 2026 UK
- Best Air Rowing Machines 2026 UK
- Best Magnetic Rowing Machines 2026 UK
- Which Type Is Right for You
- Frequently Asked Questions
Water, Air and Magnetic: How Resistance Actually Works
Every rowing machine creates resistance — the force you pull against during each stroke. The mechanism that creates that resistance is the fundamental difference between the three types, and it affects everything from how the stroke feels to how loud the machine is.
The Variable vs Fixed Distinction
Water and air rowers use variable resistance — the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. This mimics how real rowing works on water, where a faster stroke naturally meets more drag. The resistance scales with your effort, so a beginner and an athlete can use the same machine on the same setting and each get an appropriate workout.
Magnetic rowers use fixed resistance — you select a level (usually 1-16 or similar), and that’s the resistance you get regardless of stroke speed. Pull gently or pull hard, the force stays the same. Some people prefer this because it’s predictable. Others find it feels artificial compared to the flowing resistance of water or air.
Why It Matters for Your Workout
Variable resistance teaches you to row properly. When you pull harder, you feel more resistance and learn to modulate your effort through the stroke — driving with the legs, engaging the back, then finishing with the arms. Fixed magnetic resistance doesn’t provide this feedback loop, which is why rowing coaches almost universally recommend air or water machines for technique development.
For general fitness, fat loss, and cardiovascular training, any type works. The differences matter most if you’re serious about rowing technique, competing, or training with structured programmes that use pace metrics.
Water Rowing Machines
Water rowers use a paddle wheel spinning in an enclosed tank of water. As you pull the handle, the paddle spins faster, pushing against the water and creating resistance. The sound is a satisfying whoosh — like oars through water — and the resistance feel is the smoothest of the three types.
The Appeal
The stroke feel on a water rower is the closest to actual on-water rowing. The resistance builds gradually through the stroke, peaks in the middle, and tapers off at the end. This makes the rowing motion feel natural and flowing rather than mechanical. The British Rowing organisation notes that smooth, consistent stroke patterns are fundamental to effective rowing training.
The other major selling point is aesthetics. Water rowers — particularly the WaterRower brand — are genuinely beautiful pieces of furniture. The solid ash or walnut frames look like they belong in a living room rather than a garage. If your rowing machine has to live in a shared space, a water rower is the only type that won’t make the room look like a gym.
The Drawbacks
Water rowers need maintenance. You’ll need to add purification tablets to the tank every few months to prevent algae growth, and the water level needs occasional topping up. It’s not difficult — maybe 10 minutes every 6 weeks — but it’s more than air or magnetic machines require.
They’re also heavy. A water rower with a full tank weighs 25-35kg, which makes moving it around the house a genuine effort. Most water rowers store upright (they lean against a wall on their end), which saves floor space but means you’re tipping a heavy, water-filled machine every time.
Resistance Adjustment
You adjust resistance on a water rower by changing the water level in the tank. More water equals more resistance. This isn’t something you change between sessions — it’s more of a one-time setup. The variable resistance within a given water level means most people set it once and leave it.
Air Rowing Machines
Air rowers use a flywheel with fan blades that spin against air resistance. Pull the handle, the flywheel spins, and the fan blades push against air. Faster strokes create more air resistance, giving you the same variable resistance feel as water but through a different mechanism.
The Appeal
Air rowers are the standard in rowing clubs, CrossFit boxes, and competitive training for good reason. The Concept2 — the most popular air rower by miles — provides the most accurate and consistent performance data of any rowing machine. Every Concept2 in the world measures effort the same way, which means your 500m split time is directly comparable to anyone else’s. This is why every rowing competition, online challenge, and training programme uses Concept2 data.
The stroke feel is slightly different from water — a bit more aggressive, with resistance building faster at the start of the stroke. Most competitive rowers prefer this because it rewards powerful leg drive, which is the foundation of good rowing technique.
Air rowers are also the most durable type. A Concept2 Model D will last decades with minimal maintenance — a bit of chain oiling, occasional cleaning, and that’s it. Commercial gyms run them for 15+ years.
The Drawbacks
Noise. Air rowers are loud. The fan creates a constant whooshing that increases in volume the harder you row. During an intense interval session, you’re generating 70-80 decibels — equivalent to a vacuum cleaner. If you’re in a flat, rowing at 6am, or have sleeping children nearby, this is a real issue.
They’re also not winning any beauty contests. The Concept2 looks like gym equipment because it is gym equipment. Functional, industrial, and not something you’d want as a centrepiece in your lounge. It does fold in half for storage, which helps.
Damper Setting vs Resistance
This trips people up. The damper lever on an air rower (1-10 on the Concept2) doesn’t control resistance — it controls how much air enters the flywheel housing. A higher damper feels heavier per stroke, like rowing a heavier boat. A lower damper feels lighter and faster, like rowing a racing shell. Most experienced rowers set it at 3-5. Setting it at 10 doesn’t give you a harder workout — it just changes the character of the stroke and can wreck your back.
Magnetic Rowing Machines
Magnetic rowers use magnets positioned around a metal flywheel. Moving the magnets closer increases resistance; moving them further away decreases it. There’s no air movement and no water — just a silent magnetic field slowing the flywheel.
The Appeal
Silence. A magnetic rower is nearly silent in operation — you’ll hear the seat sliding on the rail and the chain or belt moving, but the resistance mechanism itself makes no sound. If noise is your primary concern — flat living, early mornings, shared walls — magnetic is the only realistic option.
They’re also the cheapest type at the entry level. Budget magnetic rowers start around £150-200, compared to £400+ for a decent air rower and £800+ for a water rower. For someone who wants a rowing machine but isn’t sure they’ll use it regularly, the financial risk is lower.
The Drawbacks
The stroke feel on most magnetic rowers is the weakest of the three types. The fixed resistance doesn’t scale with effort, so hard pulls feel the same as easy pulls at the same setting. This makes the rowing motion feel less natural and can encourage poor technique — yanking the handle rather than building force through the stroke.
Build quality varies enormously. The £150 magnetic rowers you see on Amazon are fine for light use but have wobble issues, rough seat motion, and resistance that feels inconsistent. You need to spend £400-600 to get a magnetic rower that feels solid enough for regular training.
Hybrid Models
Some mid-range and premium magnetic rowers use an air-magnetic hybrid system — combining a small fan with magnetic resistance. These give you a taste of variable resistance while staying quieter than a pure air rower. The JTX Freedom Air is a popular UK example of this hybrid approach.
Noise Levels Compared
Noise matters more than most buyers expect. Here’s what you’re dealing with:
- Magnetic — 40-50 dB at moderate effort. Quieter than a conversation. You can row while someone watches TV in the same room
- Water — 50-60 dB at moderate effort. A pleasant swooshing sound. Audible in the same room but not through closed doors. Most partners find the sound inoffensive or even pleasant
- Air — 60-80 dB depending on intensity. Clearly audible through walls. During hard intervals, as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Not compatible with sleeping children on the same floor
If you live in a detached house with a garage or dedicated gym room, noise doesn’t matter — buy whatever suits your training goals. If you’re in a flat, terrace, or need to row while others sleep, magnetic or water are your only options.
Size, Storage and Living With a Rower
Rowing machines are long. A full-sized rower needs about 270cm × 60cm of floor space during use, plus room behind for the handle at full extension. That’s roughly the footprint of a single bed. Most UK spare rooms and garages can accommodate this, but measure first.
Storage Options
- Water rowers — store upright, leaning against a wall. Footprint of about 55cm × 55cm when stored. Heavy to move (25-35kg with water)
- Air rowers — most fold in half. The Concept2 separates into two pieces that stack. Stored footprint about 130cm × 60cm. Lighter than water (around 25kg) and easier to move on casters
- Magnetic rowers — many fold upright or flat. Budget models may not fold at all. Check before buying. Lightest of the three (15-25kg)
Floor Protection
All rowers benefit from a mat underneath — both for protecting your floor and for stopping the machine sliding during hard strokes. A standard gym mat (about £20-30 from Argos or Amazon UK) works fine. On carpet, you don’t strictly need one, but the seat rail collects carpet fibres without a mat beneath it.
Build Quality and What to Check
The Rail
The seat rail is the most important component to assess. It should feel smooth and solid — no bumping, no catching, no wobble. Run the seat back and forth by hand before buying. On a good rower, it glides silently. On a cheap one, you’ll feel every bump and hear the seat rattling. Aluminium rails are better than steel for smoothness and corrosion resistance.
Maximum User Weight
Every rower has a rated maximum user weight. Budget models typically rate to 100-120kg, mid-range to 130-150kg, and premium models to 150kg+. Buy above your weight — the rating represents the structural limit, not the comfortable operating range. If you weigh 90kg, a machine rated to 100kg will feel flimsy and flex during hard rowing.
The Handle and Chain
Belt-drive handles are quieter and smoother than chain-drive. Chain-drive is more durable and what you’ll find on the Concept2. Both work well. What matters more is the handle itself — it should be comfortable, slightly curved to reduce wrist strain, and textured enough to grip without gloves when your hands get sweaty.
Footplates
Adjustable footplates with secure straps are essential. Your feet take a lot of force during the leg drive — loose or poorly positioned footplates mean wasted energy and blisters. Look for heel cups and quick-adjust straps rather than buckles.
Monitors and Connectivity
Essential Metrics
Every rowing machine monitor should show:
- Time — elapsed workout time
- Distance — usually in metres
- Stroke rate — strokes per minute (spm)
- 500m split time — your pace per 500 metres, the universal rowing performance metric
- Calories — estimated energy expenditure (take with a pinch of salt)
The Concept2 PM5 monitor is the gold standard — it tracks all of this plus watts, drag factor, and connects via Bluetooth to apps. WaterRower’s S4 monitor is good but not as intuitive. Budget magnetic rower monitors often show only basic metrics with questionable accuracy.
App Connectivity
If you want to follow structured workouts, race against others, or track progress over time, Bluetooth connectivity matters. The Concept2 works with ErgData (free), Asensei, and connects to the Concept2 online logbook. WaterRower pairs with the WaterRower Connect app or SmartRow upgrade. Budget magnetic rowers rarely have meaningful app support.
Best Water Rowing Machines 2026 UK
WaterRower Natural (About £1,000-1,100)
The original and still the best-looking rowing machine ever made. Solid ash frame, hand-finished, and looks stunning in any room. The rowing feel is smooth and the swooshing sound is satisfying. It stores upright and takes up minimal floor space when not in use. The S4 monitor covers the basics but isn’t as data-rich as the Concept2’s PM5. Available from John Lewis and WaterRower directly.
Best for: Living spaces where aesthetics matter, rowers who value smooth stroke feel.
WaterRower Club (About £950-1,050)
The same machine as the Natural but in a darker stained finish. Slightly cheaper. Functionally identical — the difference is purely cosmetic. If you prefer dark wood to light ash, this is the one.
FluidRower Neon Pro V (About £750-850)
A more affordable water rower with a steel and polycarbonate frame. Not as attractive as the WaterRower but solid build quality and the same water resistance principle. The double tank design allows more resistance range. Good value if you want water resistance without the premium price tag. Available from Fitness Superstore.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want water resistance.
Best Air Rowing Machines 2026 UK
Concept2 RowErg (About £950-1,050)
The rowing machine. Used in every serious gym, rowing club, and CrossFit box worldwide. The PM5 monitor is the best in the business, the build quality is exceptional, and it will outlast you. The resistance feel rewards good technique, and every performance metric is globally comparable. Separates into two pieces for storage. Available direct from Concept2 UK or Fitness Superstore.
This is the one I’d buy if noise isn’t an issue. Nothing else comes close for training quality and long-term value.
Best for: Serious training, technique development, anyone with a dedicated gym space.
JTX Freedom Air (About £400-500)
An air-magnetic hybrid that gives you some of the variable resistance feel of air rowing with less noise. Build quality is solid for the price, and JTX’s UK-based customer service is excellent. The monitor is basic compared to the Concept2 but covers all the essentials. A good middle ground if you want air resistance but can’t tolerate full Concept2 noise levels. Available from JTX Fitness directly.
Best for: Home use where noise matters but you still want variable resistance.
Concept2 BikeErg Comparison Note
If noise is the dealbreaker, consider whether a rowing machine is the right choice compared to an exercise bike. Both offer excellent full-body and cardio workouts, but bikes are universally quieter.
Best Magnetic Rowing Machines 2026 UK
NordicTrack RW900 (About £1,200-1,400)
The premium end of magnetic rowing. A large touchscreen with iFIT subscription gives you instructor-led workouts, scenic rows, and auto-adjusting resistance that matches the programme. The stroke feel is smoother than most magnetic rowers thanks to a high-quality flywheel. Expensive, and the iFIT subscription (about £16/month) adds ongoing cost. Available from NordicTrack directly.
Best for: People who need motivation and structured programmes to stay consistent.
JTX Ignite Air (About £350-400)
A solid mid-range magnetic rower with decent build quality and smooth resistance across 16 levels. Folds upright for storage. The monitor is basic but functional. Importantly, the seat rail is smooth — which isn’t guaranteed at this price point. Another strong option from JTX with UK support. Available from JTX Fitness.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need something quiet and compact.
Decathlon Domyos 500 (About £250-300)
The best budget magnetic rower available in the UK. Build quality exceeds what you’d expect at this price, the seat motion is surprisingly smooth, and it folds for storage. The resistance is limited to 8 levels and doesn’t feel as refined as the JTX, but for occasional use or beginners, it’s more than adequate. Available in-store and online from Decathlon.
Best for: Beginners, occasional users, tight budgets.
Which Type Is Right for You
This comes down to three questions:
How Important Is Noise?
If you need to row while others sleep, live in a flat with thin walls, or want to row while watching TV at normal volume — buy magnetic. If noise is a minor concern and you can row behind a closed door — water works. If noise doesn’t matter at all — air gives you the best training experience.
How Serious Is Your Training?
If you want to follow structured rowing programmes, compete on the Concept2 logbook, or develop proper rowing technique — buy the Concept2 RowErg. Nothing else matches it for training data and stroke feel. If you’re rowing for general fitness and don’t care about pace metrics — any type works.
Does It Need to Look Good?
If the machine lives in a shared living space and aesthetics matter — the WaterRower is the only rower that looks like furniture. Everything else looks like gym equipment to varying degrees. If it lives in a garage, spare room, or dedicated gym space — appearance is irrelevant, so buy on performance and budget.
My recommendation for most UK home gym users: the Concept2 RowErg if you have a space where noise doesn’t matter, or the JTX Freedom Air if you need to keep things quieter. Both are solid cornerstones for a home gym setup that’ll last years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a water rowing machine better than air? Neither is objectively better — they suit different priorities. Water rowers are quieter, look better, and have a smoother stroke feel. Air rowers (particularly the Concept2) provide more accurate performance data and are the standard for competitive training. If aesthetics and noise matter, go water. If training quality and data matter, go air.
How noisy is a Concept2 rowing machine? The Concept2 generates 60-80 decibels during use, depending on intensity. At moderate effort it’s comparable to a loud conversation; during hard intervals it approaches vacuum cleaner territory. You’ll hear it clearly through internal walls. It’s not suitable for use while others are sleeping in the same house unless you’re on a different floor with doors closed.
What’s the best rowing machine for a small space? Air rowers like the Concept2 fold in half or separate into two pieces, making them the most space-efficient when stored. Many magnetic rowers fold upright too. Water rowers store upright but have a heavy, bulky frame. For the smallest stored footprint, the Concept2 is hard to beat.
How much should I spend on a rowing machine UK? Budget £300-500 for a decent magnetic rower, £400-600 for an air-magnetic hybrid, £800-1,100 for a quality air or water rower. Below £200, build quality drops sharply — wobbly rails, inconsistent resistance, and monitors that break within a year. A good rowing machine lasts 10-15+ years, so the per-year cost of a £1,000 machine is modest.
Can I lose weight with a rowing machine? Yes — rowing burns roughly 400-600 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight. It’s one of the most efficient calorie-burning exercises because it engages 86% of your muscles. Combined with a calorie deficit, regular rowing is an excellent tool for weight loss. The low-impact nature also means it’s sustainable long-term without the joint stress of running.