A magnetic rowing machine is usually pretty easy to use, both in setting up for your workout, and in maintenance. To adjust your intensity of resistance, the only thing you have to do is turn a knob on the machine.

Turning the knob just changes the distance between the flywheel and the magnets. The closer the magnet is to the flywheel, the harder you have to pull. That’s it—it’s pretty simple.

Also, while there’s a large price range for magnetic rowers, the cheaper ones tend to start a bit lower than water rowers.

So why would anyone NOT use a magnetic rowing machine, right?

The main downside is that you’re capped at the highest resistance level of the rowing machine. It’s a built-in, fixed limit. While magnetic rowers are still loved by many very fit people, those who don’t want to run into a resistance limit may want to consider the other types.

Now, for air resistance:

An air resistance rowing machine is actually using a combination of air and magnetism. The fundamental form of resistance still comes from magnets, and there will usually be a dial to control magnetic strength, just like a magnetic rowing machine would.

However, you could then add resistance to whatever your magnet’s setting is by activating a fan blade, which displaces more air. The displaced air works in tandem with the distance of the magnet from the flywheel.

So if you plan on building up your strength over time to be as strong as possible, then this may be worth considering. It’s worth noting that you still may run into limits.

This sort of rower is a bit rarer, and may sometimes be classified as a magnetic rowing machine by manufacturers—so be mindful when reading descriptions.

Like air resistance, this type makes use of fans to displace something—in this case, the fans displace water within a controlled tank.

However, with water, the user has much more control over the resistance of their rowing machine. A user can simply put in as much water as can fit in the tank (which usually has markings to indicate levels of resistance).

Now, the levels of resistance are a bit less fixed than with magnetic rowers, and if a tank doesn’t have markings, it can be hard to measure (especially at first).

Additionally, as you’re dealing with water in a tank, there’s some maintenance and set-up work that you wouldn’t need to bother with in a

So why would one prefer a water rowing machine?

Water rowers still tend to be a bit better for those looking to push their limits higher and higher over time.

Also, if you’re using a rowing machine to practice rowing on a boat, rather than simply as a form of exercise, you might prefer the feel of resisting water, as opposed to a magnetic force.

In short, water resistance is better for those who consider rowing a more serious hobby, rather than a simple exercise in their spare time.

The other considerations you should have in finding the best rowing machine are a little more straightforward.

One important thing to figure out early-on is how you think you’ll use your rower in daily use. Specifically, where in your home you will use it:

If your home is small and/or crowded, then you should probably prioritize a rowing machine that is more portable.

A good, portable rowing machine will be easy to both fold and set-up, and usually has wheels so it can be moved around easily. It’s also better if it’s lightweight (so it’s easier to carry if need be), and doesn’t take up much space if you leave it in one spot.

It’s not inevitable, but such a portable rowing machine is GENERALLY more likely to be a little less sturdy, especially for heavier users, and may have a lower recommended maximum wait.

Another important point to keep in mind is that your rower should have appropriate design features to prevent soreness:

A poorly designed seat will quickly leave you feeling sore after an extended period of rowing, and poorly designed handles will leave your hands sore, and perhaps even calloused after use.

Most sellers will claim to have comfortable design, and most popular rowers will indeed have the basics. Nonetheless, it’s good to check what customers say here to make sure.

Lastly, some rowers might have Bluetooth connectivity so that you can track your progress using an app from the manufacturer (or an app that the manufacturer has a partnership with). Whether this is worth it for you or not is very much a personal thing.

Some would find it’s more gimmicky and unnecessary. Others find it a great point towards ease of use. Additionally, the compatible app may have guided workouts or even personalized plans based on your data. Again: the importance of that is very subjective.