10 Best Magnetic Rowing Machines (2025 Updated)

As a certified personal trainer with a keen interest in rowing machines, particularly for clients looking for budget-friendly options, I've incorporated a comprehensive testing approach to ensure the machines I recommend meet various crucial criteria.

The following elaborates on the seven criteria used to test the best budget rowing machines.

Durability

The rowing machine's construction and material quality are paramount. I look for a robust frame, secure connections, and a history of longevity. Machines that can withstand daily usage and support a higher weight capacity indicate better durability.

Price

Budget-friendly doesn't mean cheaply made. I identify machines that offer the best value for money, staying under $1,500 and ensuring they do not compromise on essential features or quality despite the lower price point​.

Tension Levels

The variety of tension levels is important for accommodating different fitness levels and progression over time. The ability to adjust resistance easily and the smoothness of the resistance mechanism are key factors I evaluate.

Muscular Power

Testing for muscular power involves evaluating the rowing machine's ability to offer resistance that can simulate the power required in rowing. This is crucial for building strength and speed​​.

Muscular Endurance

A rowing machine should be able to provide consistent resistance for prolonged periods, simulating the endurance aspect of rowing. This is tested through long-duration rows to check for any loss of resistance quality over time​.

Strength Testing

The maximum force exertion capabilities of a machine are gauged to ensure it can withstand powerful strokes and does not show signs of strain or wear with heavy use​.

Coordination and Fluidity of Motion

A good rowing machine should facilitate a fluid rowing motion, which is indicative of a well-designed pulley system and overall machine ergonomics. This is assessed by the natural feeling of the rowing action during use​​.

Aerobic Capacity

The ability of a machine to support workouts that enhance aerobic capacity, such as various intensities and durations, is also tested. This involves monitoring the ease of maintaining a steady pace and the functionality of any built-in workout programs​.

Always check the maximum user weight capacity of the home rowing machine first to ensure it can support your body weight.

The capacity of rowing machines varies from 220-265lbs (some models can even accommodate up to 350-500lbs) and has to do with the machine build quality and stability.

Also, consider the number of users as lighter, compact rowers often aren’t strong enough to support everyday heavy use like pricier commercial machines.

The best size for magnetic rowers mainly depends on the users’ height and place for storing their indoor rower.

The best magnetic rowing machines should be small enough to fit into your home gym space without compromising intense workouts.

Yet, it should be large enough with a longer beam or central seat rail to allow full leg extension comfortably. This allows you to maintain proper rowing technique and form when sliding, without hitting furniture or walls, e.g. a 6ft4in user (or taller) will need a beam at least 7ft (84in) long.

The heavier your magnetic rower, the more stable it will be (a decent rower weight ranging 50-100lbs).

Rowing machines are usually larger and longer than most other at-home exercise equipment pieces, so you’ll need to figure out whether you have adequate space before purchase.

Compare your home workout space measurements and the rowing machine dimensions (length, width, height + add 3-4ft around it) to make sure it will fit properly and allow for comfortable use with your hands and legs moving freely while rowing.

Midrange rowing machines for home use are 5-8 ft long, whereas foldable models are usually 2.5-3.5ft long when folded to fit into most closets.

When determining the design of the best rowing machine for your body type, I’d pay particular attention to the material, comfort, and adjustability of the seat, handles, and footrests, which differ from one manufacturer to another.

You don’t want to compromise safety or get a sore, numb butt and blisters, do you?

Seek foam-padded handles, non-slip pivoting foot pedals, and a cushioned, ergonomic seat large enough to support your back comfortably, enabling you to maintain proper rowing form.

Different magnetic rowing machines provide either manual or automatic resistance that’s more consistent and quieter than rowers with other resistance types.

“Rowing activates nine muscle groups and 85% of the body's musculature. It will work your upper and lower body, tone your arms, and strengthen your back.”

 

- Dr. Cameron Nichol, MD, former Olympic rower

The more levels of resistance, the more options for workout variety and gradual progression, but the more expensive the rower gets.

Budget rowers usually come with five to eight levels of magnetic resistance (sufficient for beginners). More advanced users will be better off getting a high-quality rower with 10-20 levels of resistance.

A budget indoor rowing machine comes with basic features, while pricier magnetic rowing machines offer several advanced features.

Besides the paddings for comfort and transportation wheels for easier transportation of heavier models, the performance monitor quality is among the most important special features.

“Rowing recruits many muscle groups and can provide a total-body, cardiovascular, muscle-building workout that you should consider adding to your weekly exercise routine. Rowing is also impact-free and non-weight-bearing, which makes it even more appealing because you can work intensely without putting added stress on your joints.”

 

- Stephanie Thielen, ACE Fitness Instructor

Lower-end magnetic rowers usually include a basic monitor that tracks and displays the essential workout reads like strokes (per minute), speed, and time.

The best high-end magnetic rowing machines are supplied with more advanced backlit or touchscreen monitors that also track your workout data like row count, speed, distance in kilometers and miles, time elapsed, plus offer:

• Preset workout programs (e.g. fat burning, strength building, etc.)
• Heart rate trackers
• Calorie counters
• Racing games and
• Other bells and whistles to add variety and excitement to your workout routine.

The pricier magnetic rowing machines often offer a larger, more detailed central LCD console with a bigger screen, allowing you to see your stats even when rowing in dark rooms.

Related: 10 cardio machine ideas for your home gym

To enhance the power of magnetic rowing machines, you should consider integration with fitness tracker apps. The results of a study conducted by UCLA Health indicate that pairing wearable fitness devices with personalized guidance significantly improves long-term exercise habits and sleep quality.

The study from the UCLA Health website indicated that just wearing the devices wasn't enough—lasting change was achieved when the data from the trackers was used to provide personalized, actionable feedback, improving both compliance and behavioral change​ [1].

I believe that the best magnetic rowing machine for home use may be the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus because it’s a durable, compact machine long enough for taller users. Your silent, comfy rowing action with a smooth glide that Fitness Reality offers won’t annoy or wake up anyone around you.

Based on our tests, its crystal-clear monitor for performance tracking and an amazing magnetic resistance range ensure challenging and engaging workouts for rowing enthusiasts of all fitness levels.

Make sure you pick the best magnetic rower that delivers the rowing workout you need within your desired price range.