Best Cheap Rowing Machines

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Rowing Machines · Buying Guide

Best Cheap Rowing Machines

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

You do not need to spend much to get a rower worth using. Everything here costs under £350, from a £149 fold-away to a specialist-brand pick with a proper warranty. These are the best cheap rowing machines in the UK, ranked on FitRank, with honest notes on what each one gives up.

Cheap rowing machines have improved a lot, mostly because quiet magnetic resistance, Bluetooth and app connectivity have trickled down from pricier machines. Under £350 you can now get a folding rower with 16 resistance levels, a 160kg capacity and app support, which was a mid-range specification not long ago. A couple of these are less than half their original price.

What you give up at this end is build quality, resistance range and, with the budget brands, long-term track record. For steady cardio, weight loss and general fitness that matters little. The one genuine trap is an unbranded marketplace rower with no warranty or support, which is where cheap becomes a false economy. Everything here is from a real brand sold through a real retailer. All are ranked on FitRank, our editorial score out of 5.

The quick list

Best overall · JTX Freedom Air · FitRank 3.9 · £349
Best cheap water rower · MERACH Foldable Wood Water Rower · FitRank 3.8 · £349.99
Best value magnetic · MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine · FitRank 3.7 · £199.98
Cheapest overall · Viavito Sumi Folding · FitRank 3.6 · £149
Best budget for stability · MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine · FitRank 3.5 · £169.98

1Best overall

JTX Freedom Air

3.9/5

FitRank

Air + magneticUnder £350

The JTX Freedom Air is the best cheap rower because it comes from a specialist British brand rather than an anonymous marketplace name, which at this price buys you a proper warranty and real support. Its DualTorque system pairs a fan with eight levels of magnetic resistance, it folds to around 130cm, and it weighs just 40kg.

The two-year in-home warranty is the clincher, most rowers this cheap come with little or no support, so a specialist warranty that sends an engineer to your home is a genuine advantage. At £349 it is the sensible cheap buy.

Best for Anyone who wants an affordable rower from a brand that will stand behind it.

Watch-out Entry-level build, and the combined air-and-magnetic resistance is basic rather than refined.

£349£399Save £50

Check price Read our full review →

2Best cheap water rower

MERACH Foldable Wood Water Rower

3.8/5

FitRank

WaterUnder £350

If you want the natural feel of a water rower on a budget, the MERACH wood rower is the cheapest way to get it. A solid wood frame and a 14-litre tank give the progressive, swooshing catch water rowers are loved for, and it folds 180 degrees one-handed to store like a large suitcase.

Its 180kg capacity is higher than water rowers costing far more, and it connects to the MERACH and Kinomap apps. At around £350 on Amazon it is comfortably the cheapest water rower we cover.

Best for Budget buyers who specifically want the water-rowing feel and a genuine fold-away.

Watch-out A budget-brand build and Amazon-based support, with six resistance levels and a basic monitor.

£349.99Amazon

Check price Read our full review →

3Best value magnetic

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine

3.7/5

FitRank

MagneticUnder £350

The upgraded MERACH magnetic rower is the value pick, with a 130cm extended rail for taller users, a 40kg peak resistance and 16 quiet levels, plus a large display and app connectivity. It folds or stores vertically, and unusually at this price it carries a two-year warranty.

At around £200 on Amazon it packs in more reach, resistance and reassurance than most machines near its price, making it the standout budget magnetic rower.

Best for Taller or stronger rowers who want a quiet magnetic machine for around £200.

Watch-out An Amazon-sold budget-brand machine, so warranty support runs through Amazon rather than a specialist retailer.

£199.98Amazon

Check price Read our full review →

4Cheapest overall

Viavito Sumi Folding

3.6/5

FitRank

MagneticUnder £350

The Viavito Sumi is the cheapest rower we cover at £149, and the one built purely around saving space. It folds in half, weighs just 26kg, and uses quiet magnetic resistance, with a 7kg flywheel that gives a smoother stroke than the price suggests. A 4.7-star retailer rating backs up its value.

It is an entry-level machine for gentle, regular use rather than hard training, but as the lowest-cost way to start rowing, or to find out if it suits you, it is hard to beat.

Best for The absolute lowest spend, small spaces, and testing whether rowing is for you.

Watch-out A light, basic machine with modest top resistance and no app connectivity.

£149£299Save £150

Check price Read our full review →

5Best budget for stability

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine

3.5/5

FitRank

MagneticUnder £350

The standard MERACH magnetic rower stands out among cheap machines for its dual slide rail, which resists tipping and supports users up to 160kg, more stable than the single-rail budget rowers around it. Sixteen quiet levels give a 30kg peak, and it connects to the MERACH and Kinomap apps.

At around £170 on Amazon it is one of the cheapest quiet, app-connected, stable rowers you can buy, an easy recommendation for a tight budget.

Best for A tight budget where stability and a higher weight limit matter.

Watch-out A modest 30kg peak resistance, and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

£169.98Amazon

Check price Read our full review →

The five compared

#	Rower	Price	Price	FitRank
1	JTX Freedom Air	£349	£349	3.9
2	MERACH Foldable Wood Water Rower	£349.99	£349.99	3.8
3	MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine	£199.98	£199.98	3.7
4	Viavito Sumi Folding	£149	£149	3.6
5	MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine	£169.98	£169.98	3.5

What under £350 actually buys you

At this price you are almost always looking at magnetic resistance, which is quiet, simple and reliable, though the peak resistance is modest, typically 30 to 40kg, so very strong rowers will top it out. You can also get genuine extras that used to cost more, the MERACH machines offer app connectivity and 160kg weight limits, and the MERACH wood rower even delivers a real water tank for around £350.

The one specification that varies most, and matters most, is the rail length and weight limit. Taller and heavier rowers should check both carefully, since the cheapest machines cut corners here. The MERACH upgraded model’s 130cm rail and the wood rower’s 180kg capacity are standouts at this end.

What you give up

Three things, and it is worth knowing them before you buy. Build quality is lighter and more plastic than pricier machines, so they feel less planted, particularly if you row hard. Resistance range is modest, fine for cardio but limiting for strong rowers. And the budget brands have less of a track record than the likes of JTX, so durability is less proven.

What you do not give up is the benefit of rowing itself. A cheap rower used four times a week does far more for you than an expensive one used twice. If money is tight, buying at this end and actually using it is the right call, and the JTX Freedom Air in particular gives you a specialist brand’s warranty to lean on.

Where to buy and the Amazon question

Most of these are sold either through Sweatband, an established UK retailer, or through Amazon in the case of the MERACH machines. Buying through a proper route matters more at this end than at the top, because it protects your warranty and gives you someone to contact when a part fails. The JTX and Viavito machines come through specialist retail; the MERACH rowers come through Amazon, which keeps their prices low but means support runs through Amazon and the seller.

The one thing to avoid is an unbranded, no-name rower with no warranty and no spare parts. A budget rower from a real brand is a sound purchase. A cheaper unbranded one is where budget becomes a false economy.

How we chose these rowers

Every machine here is scored on FitRank, our editorial rating out of 5 that weighs performance, build, value and features against each rower’s price and rivals. We do not rank by commission, and the order follows the scores. Budget rowers score lower than premium ones as a category, which is why the numbers here are more modest than elsewhere on the site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cheap rowing machine?

The JTX Freedom Air at £349 is our pick, because it comes from a specialist brand with a two-year in-home warranty rather than an anonymous marketplace name. For the lowest price the Viavito Sumi at £149 is the cheapest, and the MERACH upgraded magnetic rower at around £200 is the best value.

Are cheap rowing machines any good?

The better ones now are. Under £350 you can get a folding rower with 16 magnetic levels, app connectivity and a 160kg capacity from an established brand. What to avoid is an unbranded marketplace rower with no warranty, which is where cheap becomes a false economy.

What is the cheapest rowing machine worth buying?

The Viavito Sumi at £149 is the cheapest rower we would recommend, from an established retailer, folding in half for storage. Below that price you are usually into unbranded machines with no warranty or support, which we would avoid.

Can you get a water rower cheaply?

Yes. The MERACH wood water rower at around £350 is the cheapest genuine water rower we cover, with a solid wood frame, a 14-litre tank and a 180kg capacity. It is a budget-brand machine sold through Amazon, but it delivers the real water-rowing feel.

Do cheap rowing machines have apps?

Some do. The MERACH machines connect to the MERACH and Kinomap apps over Bluetooth for guided sessions and tracking. The Viavito Sumi is a simple, get-on-and-row machine with no app, and the JTX Freedom Air focuses on its console and heart-rate training.

Is it worth spending more than £350 on a rowing machine?

Only for specific reasons, a heavier, more responsive air or water rower, a built-in class screen, or a higher resistance range for hard training. For steady cardio and general fitness, a good cheap rower does the job perfectly well.

Ready to spend a little more? See the best air rowing machines and best water rowing machines. Short on space? The best folding rowing machines guide covers the fold-aways. For the full field, start with our best home rowing machines guide.

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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Best Folding & Magnetic Rowing Machines

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

The best folding and magnetic rowing machines compared

Rowing Machines · Buying Guide

Best Folding & Magnetic Rowing Machines

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

If space is your main constraint, a folding magnetic rower is the answer, quiet, compact and easy to tuck away between sessions. Here are the best folding and magnetic rowing machines in the UK, ranked on FitRank, from a £149 fold-in-half machine to a connected Echelon, with real specs and honest notes.

Folding rowers almost always use magnetic resistance, and the two go together for good reason. Magnetic resistance is set by level rather than effort, which makes it near-silent and mechanically simple, so the machines can be lighter and built to fold. That makes them the natural choice for a flat, a shared room or anywhere the rower has to disappear between uses.

The trade-off against air and water rowers is feel, magnetic resistance is smooth and consistent but does not scale with your effort the way a fan or a water tank does. For most home rowers, especially those short on space, that is a fair swap for quiet and compactness. We have compared the folding and magnetic rowers worth buying, from £149 to £599, and ranked them on FitRank, our editorial score out of 5.

The quick list

Best overall · Echelon Row Smart Folding · FitRank 4.3 · £599
Best specialist-brand folder · JTX Freedom Air · FitRank 3.9 · £349
Best value magnetic · MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine · FitRank 3.7 · £199.98
Cheapest and most compact · Viavito Sumi Folding · FitRank 3.6 · £149
Best for stability · MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine · FitRank 3.5 · £169.98

1Best overall

Echelon Row Smart Folding

4.3/5

FitRank

FoldingFolds away

The Echelon Row is the folding rower to beat, offering near-silent 32-level magnetic resistance and the option of Echelon’s connected classes, in a frame that folds vertically and rolls aside on built-in wheels. At £599, down from £999, with a 4.9-star retailer rating, it is the premium folding pick and the one to choose if you want quality as well as compactness.

The one thing to know is that it has no built-in screen, you run the Echelon Fit app on your own tablet, which keeps the price down. Full class features rely on an Echelon subscription, though a 45-day trial is included.

Best for Anyone who wants a quiet, foldable rower with the option of connected classes.

Watch-out No standalone display, you use your own device, and full features need an Echelon subscription.

£599£999Save £400

Check price Read our full review →

2Best specialist-brand folder

JTX Freedom Air

3.9/5

FitRank

FoldingFolds away

The JTX Freedom Air is the folding pick from a specialist British brand, and it folds smaller than most, to around 130cm, weighing just 40kg. Its DualTorque system pairs a fan with eight levels of magnetic resistance, so it folds away like a magnetic rower but gives some of the effort-scaling feel of an air machine.

The real draw at this price is the two-year in-home warranty, which anonymous budget folders cannot match. It is entry-level, but it is a genuine step above the cheapest machines.

Best for Buyers who want a compact folder from a specialist brand with a proper warranty.

Watch-out The combined air-and-magnetic resistance is basic, and the fan side makes more noise than pure magnetic.

£349£399Save £50

Check price Read our full review →

3Best value magnetic

MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine

3.7/5

FitRank

MagneticFolds away

The upgraded MERACH is the value magnetic rower, with a 130cm extended rail that suits taller users up to around 1.95m and a stronger 40kg peak resistance than most budget machines. Sixteen quiet levels, a large display and app connectivity round it out, and it folds or stores vertically.

Unusually for a budget rower it carries a two-year warranty. At around £200 on Amazon it is excellent value, accepting the budget-brand build and Amazon-based support.

Best for Taller or stronger rowers who want a quiet magnetic machine on a budget.

Watch-out An Amazon-sold budget-brand machine, so warranty support runs through Amazon rather than a specialist retailer.

£199.98Amazon

Check price Read our full review →

4Cheapest and most compact

Viavito Sumi Folding

3.6/5

FitRank

FoldingFolds away

The Viavito Sumi is the cheapest rower we cover and the one built purely around saving space. It folds in half, weighs just 26kg, and uses quiet magnetic resistance, so it stores in a corner or a closet and suits a flat or a shared room. A 7kg flywheel gives a smoother stroke than the price suggests.

It is an entry-level machine for gentle, regular use rather than hard training, but as a first, affordable, tuck-away rower it does the job well, backed by a 4.7-star retailer rating.

Best for Tight budgets and small spaces, and testing whether rowing suits you before spending more.

Watch-out A light, basic machine for gentle use, with a modest top resistance and no app connectivity.

£149£299Save £150

Check price Read our full review →

5Best for stability

MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine

3.5/5

FitRank

MagneticFolds away

The standard MERACH magnetic rower’s trick is its dual slide rail, borrowed from wooden rowers, which resists tipping and twisting and supports users up to 160kg, more stability than the single-rail machines it competes with. Sixteen quiet levels give a 30kg peak, ample for gentle cardio and weight loss.

It connects to the MERACH and Kinomap apps over Bluetooth, folds and rolls away, and at around £170 on Amazon it is one of the cheapest quiet, app-connected rowers you can buy.

Best for The lowest-cost route to a stable, quiet, app-connected magnetic rower.

Watch-out A modest 30kg peak resistance, and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

£169.98Amazon

Check price Read our full review →

The five compared

#	Rower	Resistance	Price	FitRank
1	Echelon Row Smart Folding	Magnetic, folds	£599	4.3
2	JTX Freedom Air	Air + magnetic, folds	£349	3.9
3	MERACH Upgraded Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic, folds	£199.98	3.7
4	Viavito Sumi Folding	Magnetic, folds in half	£149	3.6
5	MERACH Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic, dual rail	£169.98	3.5

Why folding rowers are magnetic

Almost every folding rower uses magnetic resistance, and it is worth understanding why. A magnet provides resistance without any physical contact, so there is nothing to wear out and no noise, and the level is set by a dial or the app rather than by how hard you pull. That simplicity means the machine can be lighter and the frame can be built to fold, which a heavy water tank or a large fan cannot easily do.

The result is a rower that is quiet enough to use at six in the morning without waking the house, light enough for one person to move, and compact enough to store in a cupboard or behind a sofa. If those things matter more to you than the effort-scaling feel of an air or water rower, a folding magnetic machine is the right category.

Who a folding rower suits

Folding and magnetic rowers suit people whose main constraint is space or noise, a flat, a shared home, a room that has to do double duty, or early-morning training when others are asleep. They are also the most approachable for beginners, since the quiet, controlled resistance is forgiving and there is no fan roar to contend with.

They are less ideal if you want the responsive, competition feel of an air rower for interval training, or the natural swoosh of water. If that is you, our air rowing machines and water rowing machines guides cover those. But for quiet, compact, everyday rowing, this is the category that fits real homes.

How to choose a folding rower

Check the folded size and weight

This is the reason you are buying one, so check it first. The Viavito Sumi folds in half and weighs just 26kg, the JTX Freedom Air folds to around 130cm, and the Echelon and MERACH machines fold or store vertically. Measure your storage space and check the weight if you will move it often.

Match the resistance to your ambitions

Budget magnetic rowers have modest peak resistance, the standard MERACH tops out at 30kg, the upgraded model at 40kg. For gentle cardio that is plenty, but stronger rowers should look at the higher-peak machines or step up to an air rower.

Check the rail length for your height

Taller rowers need a longer rail to stretch out. The MERACH upgraded model’s 130cm extended rail suits users up to around 1.95m, while shorter budget rowers can feel cramped. Check the recommended height range before buying.

Decide if you want connectivity

The Echelon offers connected classes through its app, and the MERACH machines connect to MERACH and Kinomap for guided sessions. The Viavito is a simple, get-on-and-row machine with no app. Neither is wrong, but knowing which you want narrows the field.

How we chose these rowers

Every machine here is scored on FitRank, our editorial rating out of 5 that weighs performance, build, value and features against each rower’s price and rivals. We do not rank by commission, and the order follows the scores. Our assessments draw on published specifications, resistance systems, pricing and independent owner and reviewer feedback rather than a single showroom session.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best folding rowing machine?

The Echelon Row Smart Folding is our top pick, a quiet, 32-level magnetic rower that folds vertically and offers connected classes, at £599. For value the MERACH upgraded magnetic rower at around £200 is excellent, and the Viavito Sumi at £149 is the cheapest way in.

Are folding rowing machines any good?

For their purpose, yes. Folding magnetic rowers are quiet, compact and easy to store, which makes them ideal for small spaces. They feel less dynamic than air or water rowers and the cheapest are built for gentle use, but a machine like the Echelon Row is genuinely capable and still folds away.

Are magnetic rowing machines quiet?

Yes, they are the quietest type. Magnetic resistance works without physical contact, so there is no fan noise or moving water, just the near-silent glide of the seat. That makes them well suited to flats, shared homes and early-morning sessions.

Do folding rowers fold up small?

How small varies by model. The Viavito Sumi folds in half and weighs 26kg, the JTX Freedom Air folds to around 130cm, and the Echelon and MERACH machines fold or store vertically. Always check the folded dimensions against your storage space.

Are magnetic rowers good for a full-body workout?

Yes. Like all rowers they work your legs, back, core and arms in one movement, engaging most of the body. The difference is in feel rather than muscles worked, magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet rather than effort-scaling like air or water.

What is the cheapest folding rowing machine?

The Viavito Sumi at £149 is the cheapest folding rower we cover, and it folds in half for storage. The MERACH magnetic rowers at around £170 to £200 on Amazon are the next step up and add a higher weight limit and app connectivity.

Prefer a more responsive machine? See the best air rowing machines or the best water rowing machines. For the full field, start with our best home rowing machines guide, or the best cheap rowing machines if budget is tight.

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 Nova Row R50 Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

MERACH · Air Rower Review

MERACH Nova Row R50 Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The MERACH Nova Row R50 is the Amazon pick among air rowers, a 32-blade machine with a proper steel chain and an extended rail, pitched openly as a budget Concept2 alternative.

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 · Amazon Check price on Amazon

Price shown on Amazon

The verdict

It offers 10 levels of air resistance set by a manual lever, up to 50kg peak, driven by a nickel-plated steel chain rather than the cheap rope some budget rowers use. Reviewers regularly note how close it looks and feels to a Concept2, and its extended 1365mm rail suits taller users up to 2.1m.

It takes users up to 160kg, the highest of the air rowers we cover, and splits into two pieces for storage. At around £484 on Amazon it is strong value, with the usual budget-brand and Amazon-support caveats.

Strengths

Effort-scaling air resistance, 32-blade fan, 10 levels
Nickel-plated steel chain, not rope
Extended 1365mm rail suits users up to 2.1m tall
160kg user weight limit, the highest air rower here
FTMS Bluetooth with MERACH and Kinomap, iPad holder
Splits into two pieces for storage, two-year frame warranty

Watch-outs

Budget-brand build and Amazon-based support
No built-in workout programmes
Air resistance is loud, as with any fan rower
Manual lever rather than handlebar resistance control

The row

The R50’s pitch is Concept2 performance for roughly half the price, and while that is a bold claim, the fundamentals are sound. A 32-blade fan gives the effort-scaling air feel that suits interval training, with 10 levels set by a manual lever, and crucially it uses a nickel-plated steel chain rather than the rope some budget rowers cut corners with, which matters for durability and feel.

The extended 1365mm rail is a genuine advantage for taller rowers, supporting heights up to 2.1m, and the 160kg weight limit is the highest of any air rower we cover. It is a lot of usable machine for the money.

Console and the Amazon caveat

The LCD covers time, 500m splits, distance, calories, stroke rate, watts and pulse, and FTMS Bluetooth connects it to the MERACH and Kinomap apps, with an iPad holder fitted. There are no built-in workout programmes, so structure comes from the apps rather than the console.

As with the MERACH water rower, the machine is sold through Amazon, so the two-year frame warranty and support are Amazon and seller based rather than through a specialist retailer. For the price and specification, that is a trade many buyers will happily make.

Who it is for

Buy the MERACH Nova Row R50 if you want a Concept2-style air rower at a lower price, or you are a taller or heavier rower who needs the extended rail and 160kg limit. If you want a specialist brand’s build and warranty, the JTX Ignite AirX or Xterra ERG780 are the alternatives, and if quiet matters, choose a magnetic rower.

Specifications

Resistance	Air, 32-blade fan, 10 levels (manual lever), 50kg peak
Drive	Nickel-plated steel chain
Frame	Iron and aluminium, extended 1365mm rail
Suitable heights	1.19m to 2.10m
Console	LCD, time, 500m, distance, calories, SPM, watts, strokes, pulse
Connectivity	FTMS Bluetooth, MERACH and Kinomap, iPad holder
Max user weight	160kg
Storage	Splits into two pieces, transport wheels

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.9

Effort-scaling air from a 32-blade fan with 10 levels and a proper steel chain, close to a Concept2 in feel.

Build quality 3.7

An iron-and-aluminium frame with an extended rail and a 160kg limit, sound value though not a specialist-brand build.

Value 4.1

Strong. Concept2-style air rowing for around £484, with a longer rail and higher weight limit than many rivals.

Features 3.5

A full metric LCD, FTMS Bluetooth apps and an iPad holder, held back by no built-in programmes and a manual lever.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MERACH Nova Row R50 a good air rower?

For the price, yes. It offers effort-scaling air resistance from a 32-blade fan, a proper nickel-plated steel chain rather than rope, an extended rail for tall users and a 160kg limit, at around £484, and is widely compared favourably to pricier machines.

Is the MERACH R50 really like a Concept2?

MERACH markets it as a budget Concept2 alternative, and reviewers note it looks and feels similar, with the same effort-scaling air resistance. It is not identical in build or brand pedigree, but for home use at roughly half the price it delivers a comparable experience.

Is the MERACH R50 suitable for tall users?

Yes, notably so. Its extended 1365mm rail supports users up to 2.1m tall, longer than most rowers, so it suits taller rowers better than many rivals.

Where do you buy the MERACH Nova Row R50?

Through Amazon. That keeps the price competitive but means the two-year frame warranty and support are Amazon and seller based rather than through a specialist fitness retailer.

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.

← Best home rowing machines

MERACH Wood Water Rower Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

MERACH foldable wood water rowing machine

MERACH · Water Rower Review

MERACH Wood Water Rower Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The MERACH wood water rower is the affordable way into water rowing, and the cleverest at solving storage, a solid-wood machine with a 180kg capacity that folds one-handed.

MERACH Foldable Wood Water Rower

Budget folding water rower

3.8/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.8

Build3.6

Value4.2

Features3.6

£349.99

On Amazon Check price on Amazon

Price shown on Amazon

The verdict

It pairs a solid wood frame with a 14-litre water tank for the progressive, speed-scaling resistance water rowers are known for, then folds 180 degrees, one-handed, with wheels on the base so it moves and stores like a large suitcase. The aerospace-grade tank seal is designed to stay leak-free even stored upright.

Its 180kg capacity is higher than either the adidas or the Xterra water rowers, impressive at the price. At around £350 on Amazon it is comfortably the cheapest water rower we cover, accepting a budget-brand build and a simpler finish, and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

Strengths

Cheapest water rower we cover
Solid wood frame with a 14-litre tank
180kg user weight limit, the highest among affordable water rowers
Folds 180 degrees one-handed, wheels on the base
Built-in monitor plus Bluetooth for MERACH and Kinomap
Leak-proof tank seal, stores upright

Watch-outs

Budget-brand build and finish
Sold through Amazon, so warranty and support differ
Six resistance levels, fewer than some rivals
Basic built-in monitor

The row

For a budget machine the MERACH gives a genuine water-rowing experience. The 14-litre tank provides the progressive, effort-scaling catch that defines water rowers, with six levels set by the water volume, and the solid 40mm wood frame is more substantial than the price suggests, supporting users up to 180kg. That capacity is a real strength, higher than the adidas and Xterra water rowers.

It will not match the refinement of a WaterRower, but as an affordable way to get the water feel at home, it delivers.

Folding and the Amazon caveat

The folding design is the cleverest here. It folds 180 degrees with one hand and rolls on base wheels, so it moves and stores like a large suitcase, and the aerospace-grade tank seal keeps it leak-free even upright. For a small home that wants a water rower rather than a magnetic one, that fold-away design is a genuine differentiator.

The thing to weigh is that it is sold through Amazon rather than a specialist retailer, so the warranty and support are different from the likes of Sweatband. The built-in monitor is basic, though Bluetooth connects it to the MERACH and Kinomap apps.

Who it is for

Buy the MERACH wood water rower if you want the water-rowing feel at the lowest price, you need a genuine fold-away, or you want a higher weight limit than the mid-range water rowers offer. If you want a refined, long-term machine, the WaterRower is the premium step up.

Specifications

Resistance	Water, 6 levels by tank volume
Tank	14 litres, leak-proof seal
Frame	Solid wood, 40mm
Monitor	Built-in LCD, time, distance, strokes, calories
Connectivity	Bluetooth, MERACH and Kinomap apps, tablet holder
Max user weight	180kg
Storage	Folds 180 degrees one-handed, transport wheels
Bought via	Amazon

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.8

A genuine 14-litre water catch with six levels, delivering the water feel at a fraction of a premium rower’s price.

Build quality 3.6

A solid 40mm wood frame supporting 180kg, more substantial than the price suggests, if plainer in finish.

Value 4.2

Its strongest pillar. A real water rower with a class-leading fold and a high weight limit, for around £350.

Features 3.6

A built-in monitor, Bluetooth apps and a clever one-handed fold, held back only by a basic display and six levels.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MERACH wood water rower any good?

For a budget water rower, yes. It offers a genuine 14-litre water tank, a solid wood frame, a 180kg capacity and a one-handed fold at around £350. The compromises are a budget-brand build and Amazon-based support rather than a specialist retailer’s.

Does the MERACH water rower fold?

Yes, and it is the best folder among water rowers we cover. It folds 180 degrees with one hand and rolls on base wheels, storing upright like a large suitcase, with a leak-proof tank seal.

What is the weight limit on the MERACH wood water rower?

180kg, higher than the adidas R-21 (150kg) and Xterra ERG600W (136kg), and beaten only by the premium WaterRower’s 315kg.

Where do you buy the MERACH wood water rower?

Through Amazon. That keeps the price low but means the warranty and support are Amazon and seller based rather than through a specialist fitness retailer.

Related rowing machines

Compare it against the field in our best home rowing machines guide, or narrow it down in our best water rowing machines guide. You might also consider the WaterRower Original, adidas R-21 Water Rower and Xterra ERG600W.

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adidas R-21x Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

adidas · Air Rower Review

adidas R-21x Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The adidas R-21x is the most adjustable air rower we cover, a fan-and-electromagnetic system with 16 levels and handlebar quick-keys for precise, on-the-fly control.

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

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The verdict

The R-21x pairs a fan with an electromagnetic system for 16 levels of resistance, controlled by quick keys on the handle so you can change effort mid-stroke without breaking rhythm. That fine control, plus 12 preset programmes, makes it the pick if you like structured, varied sessions rather than a single damper setting.

It is chain-driven with an adjustable LCD console and Kinomap connectivity, and a built-in tablet holder. At 238cm long it is a big machine, and at £799 down from £1,200 it is a considered buy, but for on-the-fly resistance control it leads the field.

Strengths

16 levels of combined air and electromagnetic resistance
Quick resistance keys on the handle, change mid-stroke
12 preset workout programmes
Bluetooth with Kinomap and a built-in tablet holder
Adjustable LCD with 500m splits and heart rate

Watch-outs

Large footprint at 238cm long
Pricier than most air rowers
Combining two resistance types adds complexity
No built-in class screen

Resistance and control

The R-21x’s headline is control. Rather than a simple damper, it combines a fan with an electromagnetic brake to offer 16 distinct resistance levels, changed with quick keys built into the handle, so you never stop or reach for a dial mid-session. For interval work and structured programmes that on-the-fly adjustment is genuinely useful, and 12 preset programmes give variety out of the box.

The chain drive gives a solid, direct feel, and the machine is stable in use, though at 238cm it is one of the longer rowers here, so measure your space.

Console and connectivity

The adjustable LCD reports speed, time, distance, calories, stroke rate, heart rate and 500m splits, and Bluetooth connects it to Kinomap for routes and challenges on your own device. A built-in tablet holder lets you watch or follow classes while you row.

There is no built-in class screen, so for a Peloton-style experience the Echelon rowers are the alternative, but for a highly adjustable connected air rower the R-21x is well equipped.

Who it is for

Buy the adidas R-21x if you want fine, on-the-fly resistance control and plenty of built-in programmes, and you have room for a longer machine. If you want the best build and warranty, the JTX Ignite AirX is the pick, and if value is the priority, the Xterra ERG780 costs £300 less.

Specifications

Resistance	Fan plus electromagnetic, 16 levels
Controls	Quick resistance keys on the handle
Drive	Chain
Programmes	12 preset
Console	Adjustable LCD
Data	Speed, time, distance, calories, heart rate, SPM, 500m split
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Kinomap, tablet holder
Dimensions	238 x 55.8 x 125cm

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.3

Effort-scaling air plus an electromagnetic brake for 16 levels, with handlebar quick-keys, excellent for structured sessions.

Build quality 4.2

A solid, chain-driven machine, stable in use, though its 238cm length demands real floor space.

Value 4.0

Fair. Pricier than most air rowers at £799, justified by the adjustability and programme count rather than raw value.

Features 4.3

Very strong. 16 levels, handlebar controls, 12 programmes, Kinomap and a tablet holder, short only of a built-in screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the adidas R-21x a good rower?

Yes, particularly if you like adjustable resistance. It combines a fan and electromagnetic system for 16 levels with handlebar quick-keys and 12 programmes, the most adjustable air rower we cover. Its drawbacks are a large footprint and a higher price.

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

The R-21 is a water rower with seven water levels. 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 water feel, the R-21x for adjustable air resistance.

How big is the adidas R-21x?

It measures 238 x 55.8 x 125cm in use, one of the longer rowers we cover, so measure your available space before buying.

Does the adidas R-21x connect to apps?

Yes, it has Bluetooth and pairs with Kinomap for scenic routes and challenges, with a built-in tablet holder for following workouts on your own device.

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, Xterra ERG780 and JTX Freedom Air.

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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adidas R-21 Water Rower Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

adidas · Water Rower Review

adidas R-21 Water Rower Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The adidas R-21 brings the natural feel of a water rower together with the connectivity most water rowers lack, Kinomap, a chest strap and a tablet holder all in the box.

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

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The verdict

The R-21 offers seven levels of water resistance set by the tank volume, and pairs over Bluetooth with Kinomap for scenic routes, challenges and multiplayer sessions, with a 60-day Kinomap trial included. A chest strap and a built-in tablet holder come in the box, so you are set up for guided or entertained rowing from day one.

At £699, down from £1,000, it sits between the value Xterra and the premium WaterRower. It is a genuine water rower rather than a magnetic machine dressed up as one, so the feel and the soft swooshing sound are the real thing. The one basic spot is just four workout programmes.

Strengths

Natural water resistance with 7 levels
Bluetooth and Kinomap built in, 60-day trial included
Heart-rate chest strap included in the box
Built-in tablet and smartphone holder
Adjustable LCD with 500m splits and heart rate
150kg user weight limit, two-year guarantee

Watch-outs

Only four workout programmes
150kg limit, below the WaterRower
Water needs an occasional purification tablet
Pricier than the value Xterra water rower

The row

The R-21 delivers the smooth, progressive water catch that makes water rowers so pleasant, with seven levels set by how much water is in the tank, on top of the natural effort-scaling. The densely padded seat and adjustable footplates make longer sessions comfortable, and the whole thing rolls on transport wheels.

It measures 215 by 57cm on the floor and carries a two-year guarantee, so it is a substantial, well-supported machine.

Connectivity and extras

This is where the R-21 pulls ahead of most water rowers. Bluetooth pairs it with Kinomap for scenic routes, challenges and multiplayer sessions, with a 60-day trial included, so the connected experience is built in rather than an afterthought. A heart-rate chest strap comes in the box, which many rivals charge extra for, and there is a tablet holder for entertainment or classes.

The adjustable LCD shows speed, time, distance, calories, stroke rate, heart rate and 500m splits, though there are only four workout programmes, which is the one area it feels basic.

Who it is for

Buy the adidas R-21 if you want the natural feel of a water rower with app connectivity, a chest strap and a tablet holder included. If budget is the priority, the Xterra ERG600W gives a similar water feel for £200 less, and if you want a premium wooden machine, the WaterRower is the step up.

Specifications

Resistance	Water, 7 levels by tank volume
Console	Adjustable LCD, 4 programmes
Data	Speed, time, distance, calories, heart rate, SPM, 500m split
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Kinomap (60-day trial), chest strap included, tablet holder
Max user weight	150kg
Dimensions	215 x 57 x 106cm
Warranty	2 years

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.2

A genuine, smooth water catch with seven adjustable levels, on par with dedicated water rowers.

Build quality 4.2

Solid construction with a densely padded seat and a two-year guarantee, though a 150kg limit is below the WaterRower.

Value 4.0

Fair at £699. More than the value Xterra, but the included Kinomap trial, chest strap and tablet holder add real worth.

Features 4.4

Its strong suit. Built-in Bluetooth and Kinomap, an included chest strap and a tablet holder, let down only by four programmes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the adidas R-21 Water Rower any good?

Yes. It combines a genuine water-resistance feel with built-in Bluetooth and Kinomap, an included chest strap and a tablet holder, a strong connected package for a water rower at £699. Its main limit is just four workout programmes.

Does the adidas R-21 connect to apps?

Yes, it has Bluetooth and pairs with Kinomap for scenic routes, challenges and multiplayer sessions, with a 60-day trial included. A heart-rate chest strap is also included.

How does the adidas R-21 compare to the Xterra ERG600W?

Both are water rowers with a similar feel. The adidas adds Bluetooth, Kinomap, an included chest strap and a tablet holder, and takes users up to 150kg. The Xterra is around £200 cheaper and folds for storage.

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

Related rowing machines

Compare it against the field in our best home rowing machines guide, or narrow it down in our best water rowing machines guide. You might also consider the WaterRower Original, Xterra ERG600W and MERACH wood 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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Viavito Sumi Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Viavito · Folding Rower Review

Viavito Sumi Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Viavito Sumi is the cheapest rower we cover and the one built purely around saving space, a quiet, fold-in-half magnetic rower for £149.

Viavito Sumi Folding

Cheapest folding rower

3.6/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.4

Build3.5

Value4.2

Features3.3

£149£299

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The verdict

It folds in half for storage, uses quiet magnetic resistance, and at £149, down from £299, it is a low-risk way to find out whether rowing suits you. A 4.7-star retailer rating across many reviews backs up its value credentials, and a 7kg flywheel and 4-roller system give a smoother stroke than the price suggests.

Set expectations correctly and it delivers. This is a light, entry-level machine for gentle, regular use rather than serious training, and committed rowers will eventually want more, but as a first, affordable, tuck-away rower it does the job well.

Strengths

Cheapest rower we cover at £149
Folds in half, stows in a corner or closet
Quiet, friction-free magnetic resistance
7kg flywheel and 4-roller system for a smooth stroke
Lightweight at 26kg, easy to move
Two-year warranty, easy assembly

Watch-outs

Basic LCD console
Maximum resistance is modest for advanced rowers
Entry-level build for gentle use
No app connectivity

The row

The Sumi is more capable than its price suggests. A 7kg flywheel and a commercial-quality 4-roller system give a smoother, more fluid stroke than you would expect at £149, and the 10 levels of friction-free magnetic resistance are adjusted by an oversized knob below the console. Magnetic resistance is quiet, which suits a flat or a shared room and early-morning sessions.

The honest limit is at the top end. Advanced rowers will find the maximum resistance modest, and this is a machine for gentle, regular fitness rather than hard training. Within that brief it is genuinely good.

Folding and storage

This is the Sumi’s reason for being. It folds in half, weighs just 26kg, and rolls on transport wheels, so it stores in a corner or a closet and one person can move it easily. For anyone whose main constraint is space, that fold-away design is the whole appeal.

The LCD console is basic but clear, showing time, distance, calories, stroke count and strokes per minute. There is no app connectivity, which at this price is no surprise, this is a get-on-and-row machine.

Who it is for

Buy the Viavito Sumi if you want the cheapest possible route into rowing, you are short on space, or you want to test whether rowing suits you before spending more. If you plan to train hard or often, step up to a JTX Freedom Air or an Echelon Row, which offer more resistance and a sturdier build.

Specifications

Resistance	10 levels, silent magnetic (knob-adjusted)
Flywheel	7kg, 4-roller system
Console	Basic LCD, time, distance, calories, count, SPM
Row length	80cm
Frame	Folds in half, steel rail, transport wheels
Weight	26kg
Warranty	2 years

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.4

A smooth 7kg flywheel and quiet magnetic resistance handle gentle, regular rowing well, if the top resistance is modest.

Build quality 3.5

Sturdier than the price suggests for an entry machine, folding in half and weighing just 26kg.

Value 4.2

Its strongest pillar by far. A capable, fold-away rower for £149 is hard to beat as a first machine.

Features 3.3

A basic but clear LCD and a fold-in-half frame. No app connectivity, which is no surprise at this price.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Viavito Sumi any good?

For its purpose, yes. At £149 it offers a smooth 7kg flywheel, quiet 10-level magnetic resistance and a fold-in-half design, strong value. It is an entry-level machine for gentle, regular use rather than hard training.

Does the Viavito Sumi fold?

Yes, it folds in half and moves on transport wheels, weighing just 26kg, so it stores easily in a corner or closet. That fold-away design is its main selling point.

Is the Viavito Sumi suitable for tall users?

Its 80cm row length suits a wide range of heights, and several taller owners report it accommodates them fine. If you are very tall, check the row length against your reach before buying.

Can you do serious training on the Viavito Sumi?

It is better suited to gentle, regular fitness. Advanced rowers may find the maximum resistance modest, so if you plan to train hard a JTX Freedom Air or an air rower is a better fit.

Related rowing machines

Compare it against the field in our best home rowing machines guide. You might also consider the Echelon Row-7s and Echelon Row Smart Folding.

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 Freedom Air Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

JTX · Air Rower Review

JTX Freedom Air Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The JTX Freedom Air is the most affordable and most compact way into the JTX range, a folding rower with a dual air-and-magnetic system and a specialist brand’s warranty.

JTX Freedom Air

Compact folding air rower

3.9/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.8

Build4.1

Value4.0

Features3.7

£349£399

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The verdict

The Freedom Air takes a different approach to resistance from the flagship. Its DualTorque system combines a fan with eight levels of magnetic resistance, so you get the effort-scaling feel of air plus the option to dial in a fixed level, which suits everyone from beginners to stronger rowers.

It folds down and rolls away, weighs just 40kg, and carries JTX’s two-year in-home warranty, which is rare at this price and a real reason to choose it over an anonymous budget machine. At £349 it is a lot of specialist-brand rower for the money.

Strengths

Specialist-brand rower at a budget price
Dual air-and-magnetic resistance with 8 magnetic levels
Folds to around 130cm, weighs just 40kg
Two-year in-home warranty
Console shows watts, 500m splits and heart rate
Polar-compatible heart-rate receiver

Watch-outs

Entry-level build compared with the flagship
Combined resistance is basic rather than refined
135kg user weight limit
No built-in class screen

Resistance and feel

The Freedom Air’s trick is combining two resistance types. The fan gives the effort-scaling feel of an air rower, while eight levels of magnetic resistance let you set a fixed baseline on top, which JTX calls DualTorque. In practice that makes it flexible, easy for a beginner on a low setting, and able to push a stronger rower harder. It is not as refined as a pure commercial air rower, but it is versatile for the money.

The action is smooth enough for steady sessions and intervals alike, and the machine is stable despite its light 40kg weight.

Storage and warranty

Compactness is the other reason to buy it. It folds to around 130cm and rolls on transport wheels, so it stores easily in a flat or a shared room, and at 40kg one person can move it. The console covers a genuinely full set of metrics for the price, including watts and 500m splits, across eight programmes plus two heart-rate control modes.

The standout is the two-year in-home warranty. At this price most rowers come from anonymous brands with little support, so a specialist warranty that sends an engineer to your home is a meaningful advantage.

Who it is for

Buy the JTX Freedom Air if you want a compact, foldable rower from a specialist brand with a proper warranty, without spending flagship money. If you want the best build and a pure commercial air feel, the Ignite AirX is the step up, and if you only need gentle use, the cheaper Viavito Sumi will do.

Specifications

Resistance	DualTorque, air plus 8 magnetic levels
Console	Time, distance, 500m, SPM, total strokes, watts, calories, heart rate
Programmes	8, plus 2 heart-rate control modes
Heart rate	Polar-compatible receiver
Frame	Folds to ~130cm, transport wheels, 40kg
Dimensions	230 x 55 x 86cm in use
Max user weight	135kg
Warranty	2 years in-home

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.8

A flexible dual air-and-magnetic system that suits beginners and stronger rowers, if less refined than a pure air rower.

Build quality 4.1

Solid for the price and stable in use, with the reassurance of a specialist brand’s two-year in-home warranty.

Value 4.0

Good. A specialist-brand rower that folds small, with a proper warranty, for £349.

Features 3.7

A surprisingly full console with watts and 500m splits, plus heart-rate control modes, short of app classes and a screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the JTX Freedom Air a good rower?

For the price, yes. It offers a dual air-and-magnetic resistance system, a full metric console, a compact folding design and, unusually at this price, a two-year in-home warranty from a specialist brand. It is entry-level but a genuine step above anonymous budget machines.

What is DualTorque on the JTX Freedom Air?

It is JTX’s name for combining two resistance types, a fan for effort-scaling air resistance plus eight levels of magnetic resistance you set on top, giving a flexible range from beginner to stronger rower.

Does the JTX Freedom Air fold?

Yes. It folds to around 130cm and moves on transport wheels, and at just 40kg it is easy for one person to store, well suited to small spaces.

What is the weight limit on the JTX Freedom Air?

135kg. If you need more, the Xterra and MERACH air rowers take 150kg and 160kg respectively.

Related rowing machines

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Xterra ERG780 Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra Fitness ERG780 air rowing machine

Xterra · Air Rower Review

Xterra ERG780 Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Xterra ERG780 is the value air rower, a fully featured, connected machine that covers the flagship brief for less, and folds away.

Xterra ERG780 Air

Value air rower

4.0/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.0

Value4.3

Features3.6

£499£899

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The verdict

This 2026-model air rower covers much of the same ground as the flagship air rowers, like the JTX Ignite AirX, for less. It offers 10 levels of manually adjustable air resistance on a chain drive, engages over 80% of your major muscle groups, and connects over Bluetooth to Xterra’s XF Connect and Kinomap for workouts and scenic routes.

At £499, down from £899, it undercuts the pricier air rowers while giving up little that matters, and it folds vertically for storage, which not every air rower does. There is no built-in class screen, but for a connected, data-rich air rower at this price it is hard to beat.

Strengths

Effort-scaling air resistance with 10 damper levels
Bluetooth with XF Connect and Kinomap
4-inch backlit adjustable LCD with watts and 500m splits
Recovery mode and full metric set
Folds vertically for storage
150kg user weight limit

Watch-outs

Fan noise, as with any air rower
Functional finish rather than premium
No built-in class screen
Optional-extra heart-rate strap

The row

The ERG780 gives the responsive, effort-scaling feel that makes air rowers so good for intervals, with 10 damper levels to change the character of the stroke. It engages over 80% of your major muscle groups, and the chain drive and steady frame handle higher stroke rates without fuss. For most home rowers this is all the machine you need.

It is a full-length air rower at around 240cm in use, so measure your space, but it folds vertically afterwards to reclaim the floor.

Console and connectivity

The 4-inch backlit LCD is angle-adjustable and reports the full set of metrics including watts and 500m splits, with a recovery mode built in. Bluetooth connects it to XF Connect and Kinomap for workouts and scenic routes on your own device, and there is an optional heart-rate chest strap.

There is no built-in class screen, so if that is what you want the Echelon rowers are the alternative, but for a connected air rower at this price the ERG780 is excellent.

Who it is for

Buy the Xterra ERG780 if you want a fully featured, connected air rower at the keenest price and you are happy following sessions on your own device. If you want the best build and warranty, the JTX Ignite AirX is the step up, and if quiet is your priority, look at a magnetic rower.

Specifications

Resistance	Air, 10 levels, chain drive
Console	4-inch backlit adjustable LCD, recovery mode
Data	Time, distance, calories, resistance, strokes, 500m, SPM, watts, FTMS
Apps	XF Connect, Kinomap (Bluetooth)
Heart rate	Bluetooth receiver, chest strap optional
Max user weight	150kg
Storage	Folds vertically

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.1

Responsive, effort-scaling air resistance with 10 damper levels, engaging over 80% of the major muscle groups.

Build quality 4.0

A steady chain-driven 2026 machine that folds vertically, functional in finish but sound and stable.

Value 4.3

Strong. A fully connected air rower with a full metric set for £499 undercuts most rivals comfortably.

Features 3.6

Bluetooth apps, watts, 500m splits and a recovery mode, short only of a built-in screen and an included heart-rate strap.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Xterra ERG780 a good air rower?

Yes, it is our value pick. It offers effort-scaling air resistance with 10 levels, Bluetooth apps, a full metric set including watts, a folding frame and a 150kg limit, all for £499, which undercuts most rivals.

How does the Xterra ERG780 compare to the JTX Ignite AirX?

The ERG780 covers a similar brief for around £150 less and adds app connectivity through XF Connect and Kinomap. The JTX has a commercial-grade build, a live drag-factor readout and a two-year in-home warranty.

Does the Xterra ERG780 fold?

Yes, it folds vertically for storage, which helps since air rowers are long, around 240cm in use.

Is the Xterra ERG780 noisy?

It is an air rower, so the fan makes a whooshing sound that rises with effort, louder than a magnetic or water rower. A mat and a carpeted or garage space help.

Related rowing machines

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Xterra ERG600W Review

August 19, 2026July 30, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra Fitness ERG600W water rowing machine

Xterra · Water Rower Review

Xterra ERG600W Review

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The Xterra ERG600W delivers the smooth, natural feel of a water rower for £499, less than half the price of a handcrafted WaterRower, and it folds away too.

Xterra ERG600W Water

Value water rower

4.1/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.0

Value4.5

Features3.8

£499£899

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The verdict

The ERG600W’s horizontal tank uses 16 impeller blades to mimic a boat moving through water, and a 4.8-star retailer rating and well-regarded build make it the value benchmark among water rowers. Six resistance levels set by the water volume let you dial in a base feel on top of the natural effort-scaling.

At £499, down from £899, with the EXTRA20 code taking it lower at the time of writing, it gives up little that matters for home training. The raised 13.5-inch seat makes getting on and off easy, and unlike a premium wooden rower it folds and rolls away.

Strengths

Genuine water feel for well under half a WaterRower’s price
16-blade tank, six resistance levels by water volume
Comfortable raised 13.5-inch padded seat
Folds with transport wheels for storage
Adjustable 5.5-inch LCD with recovery mode
Steel frame and smooth dual aluminium rail

Watch-outs

More functional in look and finish than a wooden rower
136kg user weight limit
Water needs an occasional purification tablet
No built-in app classes

The row

The ERG600W nails the thing that matters most in a water rower, the feel. The 16-blade impeller gives a smooth, progressive catch and the soft swooshing sound water rowers are loved for, and reviewers consistently rate the stroke quality on a par with machines costing twice as much.

The raised 13.5-inch seat makes getting on and off easy, a small thing that matters more than it sounds, and the dual aluminium rail keeps the action steady even at higher stroke rates.

Console and storage

The adjustable 5.5-inch LCD covers time, 500m splits, calories, distance, stroke rate and more across six programmes plus a recovery mode, with an optional heart-rate chest strap. It is a clear, functional console rather than a connected screen.

When you are done it folds and rolls away on transport wheels, which a premium wooden water rower does not do, so in a tight space the Xterra is arguably the more practical machine.

Who it is for

Buy the Xterra ERG600W if you want the genuine water-rowing feel without the premium price, and you value a folding frame and a comfortable high seat over a handcrafted wooden look. If looks and a huge weight limit matter more, the WaterRower is the step up.

Specifications

Resistance	Water, 16-blade tank, 6 levels by water volume
Frame	Steel, dual aluminium rail
Console	5.5-inch adjustable LCD, 6 programmes plus recovery
Data	Time, 500m, calories, distance, strokes, SPM, total strokes, pulse
Heart rate	Optional chest strap
Seat	13.5-inch padded
Max user weight	136kg
Storage	Folds, transport wheels

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.1

A smooth 16-blade water catch that reviewers rate alongside machines costing twice as much.

Build quality 4.0

A sturdy steel frame and dual aluminium rail, functional in finish but stable and well made for the money.

Value 4.5

The standout. A genuine water rower that folds, for £499 and less with EXTRA20, is exceptional value.

Features 3.8

A clear, adjustable LCD with recovery mode and an optional heart-rate strap, though there are no app classes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Xterra ERG600W a good water rower?

Yes, it is our value pick among water rowers. It delivers a smooth, natural water catch that reviewers rate alongside machines twice the price, folds for storage and costs £499. The main compromise is a more functional finish than a wooden rower.

How does the Xterra ERG600W compare to a WaterRower?

The ERG600W gives a very similar water feel for less than half the price, and it folds, which the WaterRower does not. The WaterRower has a handcrafted wooden frame, a 315kg weight limit and a more premium finish.

Does the Xterra ERG600W fold?

Yes. It folds up and moves on transport wheels, which makes it more practical for small spaces than a fixed wooden water rower.

What is the weight limit on the Xterra ERG600W?

136kg. If you need a higher limit, the WaterRower Original takes 315kg and the MERACH wood water rower 180kg.

Related rowing machines

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