adidas Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

adidas rowing machines full range compared

adidas · Brand Hub

adidas Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

adidas brings a familiar name and built-in connectivity to home rowing, with two machines that share the same idea, a genuine resistance feel plus Kinomap and comfort features included. The R-21 is a water rower, the R-21x an air rower with fine resistance control. Here is how they compare and which suits your training.

The short version

Both adidas rowers come with Bluetooth, Kinomap and thoughtful extras built in. The R-21 is a water rower with seven levels and an included chest strap, giving a smooth, natural catch. The R-21x is an air rower combining a fan with an electromagnetic brake for 16 levels of on-the-fly control. Choose the R-21 for water feel, the R-21x for precise, adjustable air resistance.

At a glance

Model	Resistance	Price	FitRank
R-21x	Fan + electromagnetic, 16 levels	£799 (was £1,200)	4.2
R-21	Water, 7 levels	£699 (was £1,000)	4.2

Both connect over Bluetooth to Kinomap and include a tablet holder. They score identically overall; the choice is resistance type and how much fine control you want.

The range, model by model

adidas R-21x Rowing Machine

Adjustable air rower

4.2/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.3

Build4.2

Value4.0

Features4.3

£799£1,200

Save £401 Check price at Sweatband

16 levels of combined air and electromagnetic resistance
Handlebar quick-keys, change mid-stroke
12 preset programmes
Kinomap and a built-in tablet holder
Large footprint at 238cm long
Pricier than most air rowers
Dual resistance adds complexity
No built-in class screen

The R-21x is the most adjustable air rower we cover, pairing a fan with an electromagnetic brake for 16 levels controlled by quick keys on the handle. With 12 preset programmes and Kinomap, it suits structured, varied sessions, though at 238cm it needs real floor space. Read our full R-21x review.

adidas R-21 Water Rower

Connected water rower

4.2/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.2

Build4.2

Value4.0

Features4.4

£699£1,000

Save £301 Check price at Sweatband

Natural water resistance, 7 levels
Kinomap built in, 60-day trial
Heart-rate chest strap included
Built-in tablet holder
Only four workout programmes
150kg user weight limit
Water needs an occasional purifier tablet
Pricier than the value Xterra water rower

The R-21 pairs a genuine water-rowing feel with the connectivity most water rowers lack, Bluetooth, Kinomap and an included chest strap and tablet holder. It is a smooth, well-equipped water rower, let down only by having just four onboard programmes. Read our full R-21 review.

Who adidas rowing machines are for

adidas rowing machines are for buyers who want built-in connectivity and thoughtful extras from a familiar name, without stepping up to a premium specialist. Both include Kinomap and a tablet holder, and the R-21 even bundles a chest strap, so you are set up for guided or entertained rowing from day one.

If value is the priority, the Xterra rowers offer a similar feel for less, and if you want the best build in air, the JTX Ignite AirX is the step up. But for a connected water or air rower with the extras included, adidas makes a strong case.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the adidas R-21 and R-21x?

The R-21 is a water rower with seven water-resistance levels and an included chest strap. The R-21x is an air rower combining a fan with electromagnetic resistance for 16 levels and handlebar quick-keys. Choose the R-21 for a natural water feel, the R-21x for fine, adjustable air resistance.

Which adidas rowing machine is best?

They score identically, so it comes down to resistance type. The R-21 gives a smooth, natural water catch with a chest strap included; the R-21x gives responsive, highly adjustable air resistance with 12 programmes. Both include Kinomap and a tablet holder.

Do adidas rowers connect to apps?

Yes, both have Bluetooth and pair with Kinomap for scenic routes, challenges and multiplayer sessions, and both have a built-in tablet holder. The R-21 includes a 60-day Kinomap trial.

Are adidas rowing machines any good?

Yes. Both deliver a genuine resistance feel, whether water or air, with built-in connectivity and useful extras included. They sit between the value Xterra rowers and the premium specialists on price and features.

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Echelon Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Echelon rowing machines full range compared

Echelon · Brand Hub

Echelon Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

Echelon builds connected magnetic rowers around its class platform, the rowing equivalent of a studio bike. There are two, the premium Row-7s with a big built-in touchscreen, and the folding Echelon Row that uses your own tablet for a lot less. Both are near-silent and class-led. Here is how they compare and which makes sense for you.

The short version

Both Echelon rowers use quiet 32-level magnetic resistance and the same class platform, and both need an Echelon membership to get the best from them. The Row-7s has a 22-inch rotating touchscreen built in; the folding Echelon Row uses your own tablet and folds away for a third of the price. Choose the Row-7s for the built-in studio experience, the folding Row for value and compactness.

At a glance

Model	Resistance	Price	FitRank
Row-7s	32 magnetic levels	£1,999	4.4
Echelon Row	32 magnetic levels	£599 (was £999)	4.3

Both use 32 levels of near-silent magnetic resistance with handlebar controls, and both include a 45-day Echelon Premier trial. The class experience needs an ongoing membership on either.

The range, model by model

Echelon Row-7s Smart

22-inch screen smart rower

4.4/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.4

Build4.5

Value3.9

Features4.8

£1,999

Check price at Sweatband

22-inch HD touchscreen, rotates 180 degrees
Near-silent 32-level magnetic resistance
Handlebar thumb-toggle controls
Huge live and on-demand class library
£1,999 before any subscription
Class experience needs an ongoing membership
Magnetic feel less dynamic than air or water
A large machine to house

The Row-7s is the most complete connected rower we cover, built around a 22-inch touchscreen that pivots for off-machine workouts. If coached, on-screen classes are what keep you training, it is the machine, provided you will use the membership that unlocks them. Read our full Row-7s review.

Echelon Row Smart Folding

Folding connected rower

4.3/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.2

Build4.3

Value4.5

Features4.2

£599£999

Save £400 Check price at Sweatband

Near-silent 32-level magnetic resistance
Folds vertically with built-in wheels
Handlebar resistance controls
Excellent value against the Row-7s
No built-in monitor, uses your own device
Full features need an Echelon subscription
Magnetic feel less dynamic than air or water

The folding Echelon Row offers the same resistance and class platform as the Row-7s but uses your own tablet and folds for storage, at a third of the price. It is our pick for quiet, foldable connected rowing, as long as you are happy training with a phone or tablet in the holder. Read our full Echelon Row review.

Who Echelon rowing machines are for

Echelon rowing machines are for people who train best with coached, on-screen classes and will use the membership that powers them. Both are near-silent, which suits flats and shared homes, and both give a controlled, low-impact row rather than the effort-scaling feel of air or water. The platform is the point.

If you would not use classes, you are paying for a screen and a subscription you do not need, and a manual air or water rower gives you a better row for less. But for connected, studio-style rowing, Echelon is the most complete option here.

Frequently asked questions

Which Echelon rowing machine is best?

The Row-7s is the most complete, with a built-in 22-inch touchscreen, at £1,999. But the folding Echelon Row at £599 offers the same resistance and classes using your own tablet and folds away, which makes it the better value for most people.

What is the difference between the Echelon Row-7s and the folding Row?

The Row-7s has a built-in 22-inch rotating touchscreen; the folding Echelon Row uses your own tablet with the Echelon app and folds for storage, for a third of the price. Both use the same 32-level magnetic resistance and class platform.

Do Echelon rowers need a subscription?

To get the full class experience, yes. Both include a 45-day Premier trial, after which the live and on-demand classes need an ongoing Echelon membership. You can still row and track basic metrics without it.

Are Echelon rowers quiet?

Yes, very. Both use magnetic resistance, which is near-silent, making them well suited to flats, shared homes and early-morning sessions.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Xterra Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra rowing machines full range compared

Xterra Fitness · Brand Hub

Xterra Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

Xterra Fitness is the value specialist in home cardio, and its two rowers make the same promise, the feel of machines costing far more, for less. Both sell at £499, and the only real decision is resistance type, the ERG600W is a water rower, the ERG780 an air rower. Here is how they compare and which is right for you.

The short version

Xterra’s two rowers are the value picks in their categories, both £499 and both folding. The ERG600W gives a genuine water-rowing feel for less than half a WaterRower’s price. The ERG780 is a fully connected air rower that covers the flagship JTX brief for less. Choose the ERG600W for a smooth, natural water catch, the ERG780 for responsive, gym-style air resistance.

At a glance

Model	Resistance	Price	FitRank
ERG600W	Water, 6 levels	£499 (was £899)	4.1
ERG780	Air, 10 levels	£499 (was £899)	4.0

Both fold for storage, carry app connectivity through Kinomap, and offer full metric LCD consoles. The difference is resistance type, water versus air, and the feel that comes with each.

The range, model by model

Xterra Fitness ERG600W water rowing machine

Xterra ERG600W Water

Value water rower

4.1/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.0

Value4.5

Features3.8

£499£899

Save £400 + EXTRA20 Check price at Sweatband

Genuine water feel for under half a WaterRower’s price
Comfortable raised 13.5-inch seat
Folds with transport wheels
Adjustable 5.5-inch LCD
Functional rather than premium finish
136kg user weight limit
Water needs an occasional purifier tablet
No built-in app classes

The ERG600W delivers the smooth, natural water catch of machines twice the price, with a 16-blade tank and six resistance levels. A comfortable raised seat, a folding frame and a full metric console make it the value benchmark among water rowers. Read our full ERG600W review.

Xterra Fitness ERG780 air rowing machine

Xterra ERG780 Air

Value air rower

4.0/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.0

Value4.3

Features3.6

£499£899

Save £400 Check price at Sweatband

Effort-scaling air resistance, 10 levels
Bluetooth with XF Connect and Kinomap
Folds vertically for storage
150kg user weight limit
Fan noise, as with any air rower
Functional finish
No built-in class screen
Heart-rate strap is an optional extra

The ERG780 is a 2026-model air rower that covers much of the flagship JTX brief for less. Ten levels of effort-scaling air resistance, XF Connect and Kinomap app support and a folding frame make it a fully featured connected air rower at a keen price. Read our full ERG780 review.

Who Xterra Fitness rowing machines are for

Xterra rowing machines are for buyers who want the real feel of a water or air rower without the premium price, and who value a folding frame that tucks away. At £499 each, both undercut the specialist and premium brands while giving up little that matters for home training, which is exactly Xterra’s niche.

If you want the best build and warranty in air, the JTX Ignite AirX is the step up, and if you want a handcrafted water rower to leave on display, the WaterRower is the premium choice. But for value in either category, Xterra is hard to beat.

Frequently asked questions

Which Xterra rowing machine is best?

It depends on the feel you want. The ERG600W is a water rower with a smooth, natural catch; the ERG780 is an air rower with responsive, effort-scaling resistance for interval training. Both are £499, fold for storage and score similarly, so choose on resistance type.

What is the difference between the Xterra ERG600W and ERG780?

The ERG600W uses water resistance for a smooth, boat-like feel; the ERG780 uses air resistance that scales with your effort and suits intervals. Both cost £499 and fold away. The water rower is quieter, the air rower more responsive.

Are Xterra rowing machines good value?

Yes, value is their whole point. Both sell at £499, roughly half what comparable water and air rowers from premium brands cost, while delivering a similar feel. The trade-off is a more functional finish rather than a premium one.

Do Xterra rowers fold up?

Yes. The ERG600W folds with transport wheels and the ERG780 folds vertically, so both are more practical in a small space than a fixed machine like a wooden water rower.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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JTX Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

JTX Fitness · Brand Hub

JTX Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

JTX Fitness is a British specialist that both makes and sells its own equipment, and its rowers sit at the quality end of the market. There are two in the range, the commercial-grade Ignite AirX and the compact, affordable Freedom Air, and both come with the proper warranties and UK support that anonymous marketplace brands cannot match. Here is how they compare and which suits you.

The short version

Both JTX rowers are air machines with genuine specialist-brand build and a two-year in-home warranty. The Ignite AirX is the flagship, a commercial-grade rower that is our top-rated air machine overall. The Freedom Air is the compact, folding, budget option, pairing a fan with magnetic resistance. Buy the Ignite AirX if you want the best; buy the Freedom Air if space or budget is tight.

At a glance

Model	Resistance	Price	FitRank
Ignite AirX	Air, 10-point damper	£649 (was £799)	4.6
Freedom Air	Air + 8 magnetic levels	£349 (was £399)	3.9

Both are air rowers with self-powered or low-power consoles, Kinomap connectivity and JTX’s two-year in-home warranty. Neither has a built-in class screen.

The range, model by model

JTX Ignite AirX Rower

Commercial-grade air rower

4.6/5

FitRank

Excellent

Performance4.7

Build4.8

Value4.3

Features4.6

£649£799

Save £150 Check price at JTX

Commercial-grade build, nickel-plated steel chain
Live drag factor on the console
Self-powered, no cables
Two-year in-home warranty
Air resistance is the loudest type
No built-in touchscreen
A long machine at around 240cm
Premium price

The Ignite AirX is JTX’s flagship and our highest-rated air rower, a commercial-grade machine with the same build JTX supplies to gyms. Effort-scaling air resistance, a 10-point damper and a live drag-factor readout make it a serious training tool, and it separates into two pieces for storage. Read our full Ignite AirX review.

JTX Freedom Air

Compact folding air rower

3.9/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.8

Build4.1

Value4.0

Features3.7

£349£399

Save £50 Check price at JTX

Specialist brand at a budget price
Folds to around 130cm, just 40kg
Dual air-and-magnetic resistance
Two-year in-home warranty
Entry-level build vs the flagship
Combined resistance is basic
135kg user weight limit
No built-in class screen

The Freedom Air is the compact, affordable way into the JTX range. Its DualTorque system pairs a fan with eight magnetic levels, it folds to around 130cm and weighs just 40kg, and it still carries the two-year in-home warranty that sets JTX apart from budget rivals. Read our full Freedom Air review.

Who JTX Fitness rowing machines are for

JTX rowing machines are for buyers who want a machine that will last and a brand that will stand behind it. You are happy to follow your own sessions or use Kinomap rather than a built-in class screen, and you value warranty and UK support over the lowest possible price. Both rowers reward that with a build a step above anonymous marketplace machines.

If you want coached classes on a big screen, an Echelon rower suits better, and if budget is the overriding concern, the cheapest MERACH and Viavito machines cost less up front. But for air rowing from a specialist brand, JTX is the safe long-term choice.

Frequently asked questions

Which JTX rowing machine is best?

The Ignite AirX. It is JTX’s commercial-grade flagship and our top-rated air rower, with a 10-point damper, live drag factor and a two-year in-home warranty at £649. The Freedom Air is the cheaper, more compact option at £349.

What is the difference between the JTX Ignite AirX and Freedom Air?

The Ignite AirX is a commercial-grade pure air rower built for serious, repeated use. The Freedom Air is an entry-level folding machine that combines a fan with magnetic resistance, is more compact and costs £300 less. Both are air rowers with JTX’s two-year warranty.

Are JTX rowing machines good?

Yes. JTX is a British specialist with strong build quality, proper warranties and UK support. Its rowers rate well against rivals, and the Ignite AirX is our highest-rated air rower overall.

Do JTX rowers come with a warranty?

Yes, both carry a two-year in-home warranty, which sends an engineer to your home rather than asking you to return the machine. That level of cover is rare at these prices and a key reason to choose JTX.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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MERACH Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

MERACH rowing machines full range compared

MERACH · Brand Hub

MERACH Rowing Machines: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

MERACH is the budget brand to know in home rowing, an Amazon-first name that undercuts the specialists across every resistance type. Its four rowers span air, water and magnetic, so whatever feel you want, there is a MERACH that delivers it cheaply. Here is how they compare, and which is worth your money.

The short version

MERACH’s four rowers cover air, water and magnetic resistance at prices the specialists cannot match, all sold through Amazon. The Nova Row R50 is a Concept2-style air rower; the wood rower is the cheapest genuine water rower we cover; and the two magnetic machines are among the most affordable quiet, app-connected rowers you can buy. The trade-off across the range is a budget-brand build and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

At a glance

Model	Resistance	Price	FitRank
Nova Row R50	Air, 10 levels	£484.49 (was £569.99)	3.8
Wood Water Rower	Water, 6 levels	£349.99	3.8
Upgraded Magnetic	Magnetic, 16 levels	£199.98 (was £239.99)	3.7
Magnetic	Magnetic, 16 levels	£169.98 (was £199.99)	3.5

All four are sold through Amazon and connect to the MERACH and Kinomap apps over Bluetooth. Build quality and support are budget-brand; the value across the range is strong.

The range, model by model

MERACH Nova Row R50 Air

Budget air rower

3.8/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.9

Build3.7

Value4.1

Features3.5

£484.49£569.99

Save £85 Check price on Amazon

Concept2-style air feel for less
Nickel-plated steel chain, not rope
Extended rail suits users to 2.1m tall
160kg user weight limit
Budget-brand build and Amazon support
No built-in workout programmes
Loud, as with any air rower
Manual resistance lever

The Nova Row R50 is MERACH’s air rower, pitched openly as a budget Concept2 alternative and rated close to it. A 32-blade fan, a proper steel chain and an extended rail for taller users make it a lot of air rower for around £484. Read our full Nova Row R50 review.

MERACH foldable wood water rowing machine

MERACH Foldable Wood Water Rower

Budget folding water rower

3.8/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.8

Build3.6

Value4.2

Features3.6

£349.99

Check price on Amazon

Cheapest water rower we cover
Solid wood frame, 14-litre tank
180kg user weight limit
Folds 180 degrees one-handed
Budget-brand build and finish
Amazon-based support
Six resistance levels
Basic built-in monitor

The wood water rower is the cheapest genuine water rower we cover, pairing a solid wood frame and a 14-litre tank with a clever one-handed fold. Its 180kg capacity beats water rowers costing far more, making it a strong budget pick for the water feel. Read our full Wood Water Rower review.

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine

Extended-rail magnetic rower

3.7/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.7

Build3.6

Value4.0

Features3.5

£199.98£239.99

Save £40 Check price on Amazon

Extended 130cm rail for taller users
Stronger 40kg peak resistance
Large display and app connectivity
Two-year warranty
Budget-brand build and Amazon support
Manual, non-connected resistance dial
No built-in programmes
Basic onboard metrics without the app

The upgraded magnetic rower is the value pick for taller or stronger rowers, with a 130cm extended rail and a 40kg peak resistance. A large display, app connectivity and a two-year warranty make it a lot of quiet magnetic rower for around £200. Read our full Upgraded Magnetic review.

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine

Budget dual-rail magnetic rower

3.5/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.4

Build3.5

Value3.8

Features3.3

£169.98£199.99

Save £30 Check price on Amazon

Very affordable, around £170
Dual slide rail for extra stability
160kg user weight limit
Quiet, app-connected
Budget-brand build and Amazon support
30kg peak, modest for strong rowers
Basic LCD, full metrics need the app
No built-in programmes

The standard magnetic rower is one of the cheapest quiet, app-connected rowers you can buy, and its dual slide rail adds real stability for the money. A 30kg peak suits gentle cardio and weight loss rather than hard training, but at around £170 it is hard to fault on price. Read our full Magnetic review.

Worth spending more?

MERACH covers the budget end of every resistance type, and for gentle, regular use that is genuinely good value. But the machines are Amazon-sold budget-brand rowers, so build quality, resistance range and warranty support are a step below the specialists, and stronger rowers will top out the cheaper magnetic models.

If you want a proper warranty and UK support, JTX is the specialist step up in air, and Xterra gives you a genuine water or air feel for £499 with retailer backing. Treat MERACH as the smart budget choice, and those brands as the upgrade when you are ready.

Who MERACH rowing machines are for

MERACH rowing machines are for buyers on a budget who want a specific feel, air, water or magnetic, for the lowest sensible price, and who are comfortable buying through Amazon. Across the range you get app connectivity, generous weight limits and, on some models, a two-year warranty, which is a lot for the money.

They are less suited to serious rowers who will top out the budget resistance, or to anyone who wants a specialist retailer’s warranty and support. For that, JTX and Xterra are the step up. But for affordable home rowing across every resistance type, MERACH is the brand that covers it.

Frequently asked questions

Which MERACH rowing machine is best?

It depends on the feel you want. The Nova Row R50 is the best for air and interval training; the wood rower is the cheapest genuine water rower; and the upgraded magnetic model is the best value quiet rower, especially for taller users. All are budget machines sold through Amazon.

Are MERACH rowing machines any good?

For budget machines, yes. They offer app connectivity, generous weight limits and a genuine feel across air, water and magnetic resistance, at prices the specialists cannot match. The compromises are a budget-brand build and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

Is MERACH a good alternative to Concept2?

The Nova Row R50 is marketed as a budget Concept2 alternative and is widely rated close to it in look and feel, for roughly half the price. It is not identical in build or brand pedigree, but for home use it delivers a comparable air-rowing experience.

Where do you buy MERACH rowing machines?

Through Amazon. That keeps prices low but means the warranty and support run through Amazon and the seller rather than a specialist fitness retailer. Some models, like the upgraded magnetic rower, carry a two-year warranty.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Rowing Machines

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Rowing Machines

A rowing machine is one of the most efficient pieces of home cardio you can own, working around 85% of your muscles in a single low-impact movement. Whether you want the natural feel of water, the responsiveness of air or a quiet magnetic rower that folds away, this is your starting point. Every machine below is scored with FitRank, our editorial rating out of 5.

Start here

Not sure where to begin? Our main guide ranks the best rowers across every type and budget.

Start here

Best Home Rowing Machines →

Our overall top picks across every resistance type and price, one machine for each kind of buyer.

Shop by type and budget

Already know what you are after? Jump straight to the right guide.

Water Rowing Machines →

Natural, swooshing resistance that scales with effort and feels closest to rowing a real boat.

Air Rowing Machines →

Responsive, effort-scaling resistance, the gym-style choice for interval training.

Folding & Magnetic Rowing Machines →

Quiet, compact rowers that fold away, ideal for flats and small spaces.

Cheap Rowing Machines →

The best budget rowers worth buying, all under £350.

Which resistance type is right for you?

The biggest decision when buying a rower is the resistance type, because it shapes the feel, the noise and the price.

Air rowers use a fan, so resistance rises the harder you pull. They feel the most like a real boat and suit interval training, but they are the loudest. See our air rowing machines guide.

Water rowers use a water tank for a smooth, progressive catch and a soft swooshing sound, and many double as furniture. They are premium but lovely to use. See our water rowing machines guide.

Magnetic rowers set resistance by level rather than effort, which makes them near-silent and easy to fold, the right choice for quiet homes and small spaces. See our folding and magnetic rowing machines guide.

All our rower reviews

In-depth reviews of every rower we cover, grouped by brand. For brands with a range, the brand name links to a full comparison.

Rowing machine FAQs

What is the best type of rowing machine?

It depends on what you want. Air rowers feel the most like real rowing and suit interval training but are loud. Water rowers give a smooth, natural catch and often look the part, at a premium. Magnetic rowers are near-silent and fold away, ideal for small or shared spaces. Our best home rowing machines guide picks the top machine in each category.

How much should I spend on a rowing machine?

You can get a genuinely usable folding rower from around £149, and a specialist-brand machine from about £349. Premium air and water rowers, and connected machines with classes, run from £500 to £2,000. Our cheap rowing machines guide covers the best under £350.

Are rowing machines good for weight loss?

Yes. Rowing works most of the body in one low-impact movement, so it burns a lot of energy for the time spent, especially in interval sessions. As always, diet does most of the work in weight loss and exercise supports it, but a rower is one of the most efficient home machines for it.

Which rowing machine is quietest?

Magnetic rowers are the quietest, since the resistance works without contact and there is no fan or moving water. If noise is your main concern, a folding magnetic rower is the safest choice, and our folding and magnetic guide covers the best of them.

What is FitRank?

FitRank is our editorial score out of 5 that weighs performance, build, value and features against each machine’s price and rivals. We do not rank by commission, and every rower on the site is scored the same way, so the numbers are comparable across brands and types.

Half Human Air Rowing Machine Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Half Human · Air Rower Review

Half Human Air Rowing Machine Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Half Human Air is a commercial-grade air rower styled closely on the Concept2, offering the same responsive air feel and a built-in programme library for considerably less.

Half Human Air Rowing Machine

Commercial-grade air rower

4.0/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.2

Build4.1

Value3.7

Features4.0

£749£849

Currently out of stock Check availability at Sweatband

Currently out of stock, check Sweatband for restock

The verdict

The Half Human Air is a sturdy, commercial-grade air rower that draws obvious comparison to the Concept2 RowErg, which it resembles closely but undercuts on price. It offers 10 levels of effort-scaling air resistance set by a dial, a 5-inch backlit LCD, and, unlike the bare-bones Concept2, eight on-board workout programmes including three interval modes and a game.

Bluetooth connects it to the D-Fit and Kinomap apps for coached sessions, virtual routes and multiplayer rowing, and a padded seat and adjustable footrests keep longer sessions comfortable. It carries a two-year warranty. At £749 it is a capable commercial-style rower, though at the time of writing it is out of stock, so check availability before setting your heart on it.

Strengths

Commercial-grade build, styled on the Concept2
10 levels of effort-scaling air resistance
8 on-board programmes including interval and game modes
5-inch backlit LCD with full metrics
Bluetooth with D-Fit and Kinomap apps
Large padded seat, two-year warranty

Watch-outs

Currently out of stock at the time of writing
Air resistance is loud, as with any fan rower
No built-in class screen, apps run on your device
A premium price against budget air rowers

The row

The Half Human Air delivers the responsive, effort-scaling feel that makes air rowers so good for interval training, with 10 dial-set levels to change the character of the stroke. Its commercial-grade construction feels planted and sturdy, and reviewers repeatedly note how closely it mirrors the Concept2 in both look and feel, at a lower price. It is a genuine performance rower rather than a budget machine.

A large padded seat, adjustable footrests and transport wheels round out a comfortable, practical package.

Programmes and connectivity

Where it goes beyond the Concept2 is the on-board software. The 5-inch backlit LCD offers eight programmes, manual, time, distance and calorie countdowns, three interval formats and a game mode, plus live feedback on the metrics that matter. Bluetooth connects it to the D-Fit and Kinomap apps for coached workouts, virtual global rows and multiplayer sessions on your own device.

There is no built-in class screen, so the app runs on a tablet in the device holder. For a commercial-grade air rower with a proper programme library, it is well equipped, and the two-year warranty adds reassurance.

Who it is for

Buy the Half Human Air if you want a commercial-grade, Concept2-style air rower with more on-board programmes than the original, for less money, and you can catch it in stock. If it is unavailable, the JTX Ignite AirX and MERACH Nova Row R50 are the closest alternatives on our air rowers guide.

Specifications

Resistance	Air, 10 levels (dial)
Console	5-inch backlit LCD
Programmes	8 (manual, time, distance/calorie countdown, 3 interval, game)
Data	Strokes, time, distance, calories, heart rate, SPM
Connectivity	Bluetooth, D-Fit and Kinomap apps, device holder
Comfort	Large padded seat, adjustable footrests
Warranty	2 years
Availability	Out of stock at time of writing

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.2

Responsive, effort-scaling air resistance with 10 levels in a commercial-grade frame styled on the Concept2.

Build quality 4.1

Sturdy, commercial-grade construction that reviewers rate close to the Concept2, backed by a two-year warranty.

Value 3.7

Fair. Cheaper than a Concept2 with more on-board programmes, though premium against budget air rowers and currently hard to buy.

Features 4.0

Eight on-board programmes including intervals and a game, a full LCD and app support, short only of a built-in screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Half Human Air Rowing Machine any good?

Yes. It is a commercial-grade air rower styled closely on the Concept2, with 10 levels of effort-scaling resistance, eight on-board programmes and app support, at £749. Its main drawbacks are the loud fan common to all air rowers and, currently, its availability.

How does the Half Human Air compare to a Concept2?

It resembles the Concept2 RowErg closely in look and feel and costs less, while adding eight on-board workout programmes the Concept2 lacks. The Concept2 has a longer track record and a stronger resale value, but the Half Human is a capable, cheaper alternative.

Does the Half Human Air rower connect to apps?

Yes. Bluetooth connects it to the D-Fit and Kinomap apps for coached workouts, virtual global rows and multiplayer sessions, using your own tablet or phone in the built-in device holder.

Is the Half Human Air rower in stock?

At the time of writing it is out of stock. Check Sweatband for restock availability, and see our air rowers guide for in-stock alternatives like the JTX Ignite AirX and MERACH Nova Row R50 in the meantime.

Related rowing machines

Compare it against the field in our best home rowing machines guide, or narrow it down in our best air rowing machines guide. You might also consider the JTX Ignite AirX Rower, adidas R-21x and Xterra ERG780.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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NordicTrack RW300 Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

NordicTrack · Magnetic Rower Review

NordicTrack RW300 Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The NordicTrack RW300 is the iFIT rower for people who want coached, automatically-adjusting workouts, a quiet magnetic machine that changes its own resistance to match the session.

NordicTrack RW300 Rowing Machine

iFIT connected magnetic rower

4.1/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.2

Value3.9

Features4.2

£799£999

Save £200 Check price at Sweatband

Price and any code applied at checkout via Sweatband

The verdict

The RW300 is NordicTrack’s entry rower and its appeal is iFIT, the coaching platform that runs the show. It uses 26 digital levels of near-silent SMR magnetic resistance, and with iFIT’s SmartAdjust the machine changes its own resistance in real time to match a trainer-led session, so you simply row while the coaching does the thinking. It engages around 85% of your muscles and stands upright on a patented space-saver frame when you are done.

The catch is the same as every connected machine, the 5-inch LCD shows your stats but the classes run on your own tablet through the iFIT app, and the real value needs an ongoing iFIT membership after the 30-day trial. At £799, down from £999, it is a premium magnetic rower whose worth depends on whether you will use iFIT.

Strengths

26 digital levels of near-silent SMR magnetic resistance
iFIT SmartAdjust changes resistance automatically to match the session
Full metric 5-inch LCD, plus watts and 500m splits
Stands upright on a space-saver frame
USB-C charging, device shelf, speakers and Bluetooth audio
Syncs with Strava, Garmin and Apple Health

Watch-outs

The class experience needs an ongoing iFIT membership
No built-in touchscreen, iFIT runs on your own device
Mains powered, so it needs a socket
A premium price for a magnetic rower

The row

The RW300 rows quietly and smoothly, as magnetic rowers do, with 26 digital levels giving plenty of range from gentle recovery to hard intervals. The stand-out is SmartAdjust, part of iFIT, which lets a trainer-led workout control the resistance for you in real time, so the machine ramps up for a hard push and eases off for recovery without you touching anything. It is a genuinely different experience from a manual rower.

The build is solid, with oversized pivoting pedals, a soft-grip handle and an extended rail, and it stands upright on a patented space-saver frame to reclaim floor space between sessions.

iFIT and the subscription catch

The 5-inch LCD shows a full set of live stats, watts, stroke rate, 500m splits, calories and more, but the immersive part, the 10,000-plus coached workouts, global rows and AI coaching, runs through the iFIT app on your own tablet or phone. A 30-day iFIT Train trial is included, and there are dual speakers and Bluetooth headphone support for audio.

After the trial, the coaching and SmartAdjust need an ongoing iFIT membership, so factor that running cost into the price. If you will use iFIT, it is what makes the RW300 special. If you would not, a manual magnetic rower gives you the quiet row for less.

Who it is for

Buy the NordicTrack RW300 if you want a quiet, premium magnetic rower and you will genuinely use iFIT’s coached, auto-adjusting workouts. If you would not use a subscription, the folding Echelon Row offers connected classes and folds for less, and a simple MERACH magnetic rower gives you the quiet row at a fraction of the price.

Specifications

Resistance	26 digital levels, SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, SmartAdjust
Console	5-inch backlit LCD
Data	Watts, SPM, total strokes, time, calories, distance, resistance, speed, 500m split, pulse
Platform	iFIT (BLE) on your own device, 30-day Train trial included
Extras	USB-C charging, device shelf, dual speakers, Bluetooth audio
Data sync	Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health
Storage	Stands upright, space-saver frame, transport wheels
Power	Mains powered

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.1

Quiet 26-level magnetic resistance with iFIT SmartAdjust changing the level automatically to match coached sessions.

Build quality 4.2

A solid NordicTrack frame with oversized pedals and an extended rail that stands upright to save space.

Value 3.9

The weaker pillar. At £799 plus an ongoing iFIT membership, the value hinges on using the platform.

Features 4.2

A full metric console, iFIT with SmartAdjust and AI coaching, speakers, USB-C and third-party syncing. Feature-rich, short only of a built-in touchscreen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NordicTrack RW300 any good?

Yes, if you want iFIT. It is a quiet, well-built magnetic rower with 26 auto-adjusting resistance levels and SmartAdjust, which lets coached workouts control the resistance for you. Its value depends on using an ongoing iFIT membership after the 30-day trial.

Does the NordicTrack RW300 need a subscription?

For the coached workouts and SmartAdjust, yes. A 30-day iFIT Train trial is included, but the 10,000-plus classes and automatic resistance control need an ongoing iFIT membership afterwards. You can still row and see basic stats on the 5-inch LCD without it.

Does the NordicTrack RW300 have a screen?

It has a 5-inch LCD for live stats, but not a large touchscreen. The immersive iFIT classes run on your own tablet or phone via the app, held on the built-in device shelf. NordicTrack’s pricier RW700 and RW900 have built-in HD touchscreens.

Is the NordicTrack RW300 quiet?

Yes. It uses NordicTrack’s SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, which is near-silent, making it well suited to flats, shared homes and early-morning sessions.

Related rowing machines

Compare it against the field in our best home rowing machines guide, or narrow it down in our best folding rowing machines guide. You might also consider the Echelon Row-7s, Echelon Row Smart Folding and Viavito Sumi.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

MERACH · Magnetic Rower Review

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The MERACH upgraded magnetic rower is the one to choose if you are taller or want more resistance, with a longer 130cm rail and a stronger 40kg peak than the standard model.

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine

Extended-rail magnetic rower

3.7/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.7

Build3.6

Value4.0

Features3.5

£199.98£239.99

Save £40 · Amazon Check price on Amazon

Price shown on Amazon

The verdict

This is the step up from MERACH’s standard magnetic rower, and the upgrades are the ones that matter. A 130cm extended rail suits taller users, up to around 1.95m, giving a fuller range of motion, and the magnetic flywheel offers a stronger 40kg peak resistance against the standard model’s 30kg, so it holds up better for firmer efforts.

It keeps the 16 quiet resistance levels, app connectivity and fold-away design, adds a large display, water bottle holder and adjustable device holder, and carries a two-year warranty. At around £200 on Amazon it is still cheap, and the small premium over the standard model buys genuinely useful extra reach and resistance.

Strengths

Extended 130cm rail suits taller users
Stronger 40kg peak magnetic resistance
16 quiet resistance levels
158kg user weight limit
Large display, water bottle and device holders
Two-year warranty, 90% pre-assembled, folds away

Watch-outs

Budget-brand build and Amazon-based support
Still a manual, non-connected resistance dial
No built-in workout programmes
Basic on-board metrics without the app

The row

The upgraded model’s two headline changes are reach and resistance. The 130cm extended rail lets taller rowers, up to around 1.95m, stretch out fully at the catch, which the shorter budget rowers cramp, and the magnetic flywheel steps up to a 40kg peak, giving stronger rowers more to work against. Sixteen quiet levels cover everything from gentle recovery rows to firmer strength sessions.

Ergonomic touches, an improved handle and an adjustable rail angle, help you hold good form and avoid knocking your knees or elbows, and the whole thing stays near-silent thanks to the magnetic system.

Extras and the Amazon caveat

Beyond the row, the upgrades continue. A large display shows your metrics, there is a water bottle holder and an adjustable device holder for a phone or tablet, and Bluetooth connects to the MERACH app for guided sessions. It arrives 90% pre-assembled, folds or stores vertically, and unusually for a budget machine carries a two-year warranty.

It is still an Amazon-sold, budget-brand machine, so support runs through Amazon and the seller rather than a specialist retailer, but the two-year cover is more reassuring than most at this price.

Who it is for

Buy the MERACH upgraded magnetic rower if you are taller, want more resistance than an entry rower offers, or simply want the better-specified MERACH for a small premium. If you are shorter and want the lowest price, the standard dual-rail MERACH saves a little, and if you want a specialist brand, the JTX Freedom Air is the alternative.

Specifications

Resistance	Magnetic, 16 levels, 40kg peak
Rail	130cm extended, heights ~1.50m to 1.95m
Console	Large LCD display
Extras	Water bottle holder, adjustable device holder
Connectivity	Bluetooth, MERACH app
Max user weight	158kg
Assembly	90% pre-assembled
Storage	Folds or stores vertically
Warranty	2 years

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.7

A stronger 40kg peak and a longer 130cm rail make it the better MERACH magnetic for taller and stronger rowers.

Build quality 3.6

A sound budget frame with an extended rail and, reassuringly, a two-year warranty, if still a budget-brand build.

Value 4.0

Strong. Extra reach, resistance and a two-year warranty for around £200 make the small premium over the standard model worthwhile.

Features 3.5

A large display, water bottle and device holders and app connectivity, short only of built-in programmes and a connected dial.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MERACH upgraded magnetic rower worth it over the standard one?

For most people, yes. The small premium buys a longer 130cm rail that suits taller users, a stronger 40kg peak resistance and a two-year warranty. If you are shorter and want the lowest price, the standard dual-rail model saves a little.

Is the MERACH upgraded rower suitable for tall users?

Yes. Its 130cm extended rail is designed for users up to around 1.95m, giving a fuller range of motion than the shorter budget rowers, which taller rowers often find cramped.

Is the MERACH upgraded magnetic rower quiet?

Yes. Like all magnetic rowers it is near-silent, suiting flats, shared homes and early-morning sessions.

What warranty does the MERACH upgraded rower have?

It carries a two-year warranty, which is more generous than most budget rowers, though as an Amazon-sold machine the support runs through Amazon and the seller.

Related rowing machines

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Best home rowing machines

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

MERACH · Magnetic Rower Review

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The MERACH magnetic rower is one of the cheapest ways to get a quiet, app-connected rowing machine at home, with a dual-rail design for stability and a 160kg capacity.

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine

Budget dual-rail magnetic rower

3.5/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.4

Build3.5

Value3.8

Features3.3

£169.98£199.99

Save £30 · Amazon Check price on Amazon

Price shown on Amazon

The verdict

This is MERACH’s mainstream magnetic rower, and its headline feature is the dual slide rail, inspired by wooden rowers, which gives it more stability than the single-rail budget machines it competes with, and supports users up to 160kg. Sixteen levels of quiet magnetic resistance, up to a 30kg peak, cover gentle cardio through to firmer efforts.

It is near-silent, folds and rolls away, and connects over Bluetooth to the MERACH and Kinomap apps for guided sessions and metric tracking. At around £170 on Amazon it is genuinely cheap, with the budget-brand build and Amazon-based support that implies.

Strengths

Very affordable, around £170
Dual slide rail for extra stability
16 levels of quiet magnetic resistance
160kg user weight limit
Bluetooth with MERACH and Kinomap apps
Folds and rolls away, 90% pre-assembled

Watch-outs

Budget-brand build and Amazon-based support
30kg peak resistance, modest for strong rowers
Basic LCD, full metrics need the app
No built-in workout programmes

The row

The MERACH’s dual-rail design is the thing that sets it apart from other rowers at this price. Where most budget machines use a single central rail, the twin rails borrow from wooden water rowers to resist twisting and tipping, which makes the stroke feel steadier and supports heavier users up to 160kg. A 5.5kg magnetic flywheel and 16 levels give quiet, adjustable resistance up to a 30kg peak.

That peak is modest, so very strong rowers will top it out, but for gentle cardio, weight loss and general fitness it is ample, and the near-silent magnetic system suits a flat or a shared room.

Connectivity and the Amazon caveat

A built-in LCD tracks the basics, and Bluetooth connects the rower to the free MERACH app and to Kinomap for guided courses, scenic rowing and fuller metrics like heart rate and cadence. It arrives 90% pre-assembled and sets up in around half an hour, then folds and rolls away on built-in wheels.

As with all the MERACH machines, it is sold through Amazon, so the warranty and support are Amazon and seller based rather than through a specialist retailer. At this price, most buyers will accept that trade.

Who it is for

Buy the MERACH magnetic rower if you want the cheapest route to a quiet, stable, app-connected rower and you value the dual-rail stability. If you are taller or want more resistance, the extended-rail MERACH upgraded model is worth the small step up, and if you want a specialist brand’s warranty, the JTX Freedom Air is the alternative.

Specifications

Resistance	Magnetic, 16 levels, 30kg peak
Flywheel	5.5kg
Rails	Dual slide rail
Console	LCD, time, distance, calories, resistance
Connectivity	Bluetooth, MERACH and Kinomap apps, device holder
Max user weight	160kg
Assembly	90% pre-assembled, around 30 minutes
Storage	Folds, transport wheels

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.4

Quiet 16-level magnetic resistance to a 30kg peak, ample for cardio and weight loss if modest for strong rowers.

Build quality 3.5

A dual-rail design that adds real stability for the money, supporting 160kg, though the finish is budget-brand.

Value 3.8

Its strongest pillar. A stable, app-connected magnetic rower for around £170 is hard to beat on price.

Features 3.3

Bluetooth apps, a device holder and a fold-away design, held back by a basic LCD and no built-in programmes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MERACH magnetic rowing machine any good?

For a budget rower, yes. It offers 16 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, a stabilising dual rail, a 160kg capacity and app connectivity for around £170. The compromises are a modest 30kg peak resistance and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

Is the MERACH magnetic rower quiet?

Yes, very. It uses a magnetic flywheel, which is near-silent, so it suits flats, shared homes and early-morning sessions without disturbing others.

What is the weight limit on the MERACH magnetic rower?

160kg (350lb), which is generous for a budget machine and helped by the dual-rail design that resists tipping.

Does the MERACH magnetic rower fold?

Yes. It folds and moves on built-in transport wheels, and arrives 90% pre-assembled, so it stores away easily and sets up in around half an hour.

Related rowing machines

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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WaterRower

NordicTrack

Viavito

Half Human

Rowing machine FAQs

Half Human Air Rowing Machine Review

The verdict

Strengths

Watch-outs

The row

Programmes and connectivity

Who it is for

Specifications

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.2

Build quality 4.1

Value 3.7

Features 4.0

Frequently asked questions

Related rowing machines

NordicTrack RW300 Review

The verdict

Strengths

Watch-outs

The row

iFIT and the subscription catch

Who it is for

Specifications

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.1

Build quality 4.2

Value 3.9

Features 4.2

Frequently asked questions

Related rowing machines

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

The verdict

Strengths

Watch-outs

The row

Extras and the Amazon caveat

Who it is for

Specifications

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.7