Looking to challenge your body and take your workouts to the next level? Magnetic and air resistance rowing machines are two very popular options to consider when choosing your indoor rowing machine. However, which one is right for you? In this article, magnetic vs air rower we’ll compare the key differences between magnetic and air resistance rowing machines to help you make the right choice. From cost to effectiveness, we’ll break down everything that you need to know in order to choose the rowing machine that’s perfect for your fitness goals. Let’s dive in and take a look!
My Top Magnetic VS Air Rower Picks:
 | Hydrow Wave |
| View on Amazon |
 | Concept2 RowErg |
| View on Amazon |
Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic resistance uses magnets to create resistance and is very consistent and precise, allowing for a good gauge of how much power you are exerting. Magnetic rowing machines are generally very adjustable so you are able to set specific resistance levels which allow for very customizable workouts by adjusting resistance levels. They are also quite popular due to the fact that they can be pretty quiet like their water resistance rowing machine counterparts unlike the noisy air rowing machines such as the Concept2 RowErg rowing machine.
Magnetic resistance indoor rowing machines generally tend to be less expensive and require less maintenance, as there are no fluid parts to replace. They are also very popular for beginners as they are seen as easier to use, however with whichever rowing machine you decide to purchase it is vitally important to practice the correct rowing stroke in order to avoid injury. A big downside for most magnetic rowing machines however, is that they fail to provide a natural or fluid rowing experience especially the more budget friendly varieties.
Pros
- Very little maintenance
- Adjustable Resistance
- Less moving parts
- Quiet
Cons
- Resistance can feel unnatural
- Durability concerns for cheaper models
Hydrow Wave
The Hydrow Wave is one of the best magnetic resistance indoor rowing machines that exists is the Hydrow Wave rowing machine. It features a modern polymer and steel frame and includes 50-300 resistance levels to choose from. The Hydrow Wave has been engineered to provide what many magnetic rowing machines have not, a smooth and natural rowing stroke!
Air Resistance
The main difference between a magnetic vs air rower is that instead of magnets providing the resistance you have air entering a flywheel providing the resistance and the more air that enters into the flywheel housing, the more that the resistance is increased. A damper is used to limit air flow which allows for different resistance levels. Air rowers are known for being able to provide a good natural off-water rowing experience as well as being low maintenance and durable. The main downside of air resistance is that air is generated whilst rowing and this can be somewhat noisy, especially if you are rowing at higher intensities.
Pros
- Smooth and realistic
- Resistance easily adjustable
- Durability
- Low maintenance
- Light and portable
Cons
- Noisy
- Generates a bit of wind
Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 RowErg is one of the best air resistance indoor rowing machines. It features a slick black aluminum monorail and smooth stainless-steel track and includes 10 resistance levels to choose from giving you the experience of rowing in a lightweight racing scull to a heavy row boat.
Check out my Concept2 RowErg buyers guide for more information on the Concept2 RowErg rowing machine.
Conclusion
Generally, the choice between the magnetic vs air rower often comes down to budget and your fitness goals. If you are serious about rowing and training or getting in shape and plan to use your rowing machine multiple times a week or even daily I would highly recommend going with an air rower like the Concept2 RowErg rowing machine rather than a magnetic rowing machine, unless you are looking at more of a high end magnetic rowing machine like the Hydrow or Hydrow Wave rowing machines.
The reason being that the main downside with magnetic resistance is that it needs to be engineered extremely well in order for it to offer a realistic rowing experience. Most of the budget magnetic rowing machines out there for purchase do not offer a consistent or realistic rowing stroke. Because of this the rowing and training experience is much better on an air rower or high end magnetic rowing machine like the Hydrow Wave where they have done a great job engineering a realistic rowing stroke which is going to give you a much better workout.
Check out my article Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg where I compare the best magnetic VS air rower rowing machines.