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Resistance type shapes how a rower feels and sounds. Air and water rowers respond to how hard you pull, while hydraulic and magnetic models use a set resistance you adjust with a knob or levels. Makers also describe magnetic and air designs as quiet, which matters in apartments or shared homes.

Check the weight limit, rail length and footprint before you buy. Several listings here fold for storage, but many do not state a weight or dimensions, so compare those numbers directly. If you want to pair a rower with other equipment, see our home gym cardio equipment picks and cardio options sorted by space.

Every specification on this page comes from each product’s Amazon listing, checked on 9 November 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.

For a broader look at cardio options, read our picks for home gym cardio machines in small spaces.

Quick picks

How we chose these

  • Resistance type: Air, water, hydraulic and magnetic systems feel and sound different, so pick the one that matches your space and routine.
  • Weight capacity: Check the maker’s stated user limit, since listings range from 250 pounds to 500-pound user capacity.
  • Footprint and storage: Look for folding or upright storage if the room is small.
  • Monitor and connectivity: Some models include an LCD or LED display, while others add app or Bluetooth support.

Figures come from each product’s listing text. Where a maker does not state a value, the table says so.

Comparison table

Product Resistance Weight capacity Monitor Best for
1. Concept2 RowErg Adjustable air 500-pound user capacity Performance Monitor 5 included Monitor-based indoor rowing
2. Drone R1 Air, 10 damper levels 330 lbs per maker Not stated Air rowing with a foldable frame
3. YOSUDA R2 Air, 10 levels 65.5 lb Self-powered, split and watts Air rowing with a self-powered monitor
4. Merach R50 Pro 10-level air, up to 110 lbs peak 440 lbs 15.6-inch screen Air rowing with a large screen
5. WaterRower S4 Water flywheel 38 kg S4 BLE monitor Water rowing with a wood frame
6. Merach R280 12 blades, 15L water tank 400 lbs in title, 350 lbs in features Not stated Foldable water rowing
7. JOROTO Water level and speed 400 lbs Dedicated monitor and Bluetooth Foldable water rowing
8. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Hydraulic cylinder 250 lbs Multi-function electronic monitor Hydraulic rowing that folds
9. FEIERDUN Hydraulic 12 hydraulic levels 300 lbs Monitor included, details not stated Light, compact hydraulic rowing
10. GYMAX Hydraulic Up to 110 lbs 265 lbs in title LCD monitor Hydraulic rowing with LCD
11. YOSUDA Magnetic 16 levels 350 lbs App connection Quiet magnetic rowing
12. Sunny Smart Magnetic 16 levels 300 lbs App connection Quiet magnetic rowing with app
13. Sunny 50-inch Magnetic 16 levels 300 lbs App access Taller users wanting a long rail
14. Merach Q1S Magnetic flywheel 350 lbs App data tracking Quiet dual rail rowing
15. TOUSAINS ER7 32 magnetic levels 400 lbs LCD monitor, self-powered Self-powered magnetic rowing
16. MERACH Foldable 16 levels 350 lbs Bluetooth to MERACH App Small spaces and apartments
17. Merach RS3 16 magnetic levels 26.5 kg App course and PR tracking Scull rowing with extra exercises
18. Stamina Magnetic 8 levels 250 lbs LCD monitor, battery powered Basic magnetic rowing

Weight capacity and weight are shown only where the listing states them. Figures are as each maker reports them.

Air and water resistance

Air and water rowers respond to how hard you pull, and several fold for storage.

1. Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine: Monitor-based indoor rowing

Concept2 says the RowErg includes the Performance Monitor 5 and a device holder for a phone or tablet. The machine separates into two pieces for storage and has caster wheels.

The maker lists a recommended space of 9×4 feet and a 5-year frame warranty.

  • Seat height of 14 inches (Concept2)
  • Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity (Concept2)

2. MAJOR FITNESS Drone R1 Indoor Rowing Machine: Air resistance with a foldable frame

MAJORFITNESS says the R1 resistance scales with how hard you pull and offers 10 damper levels. The aluminum frame and full-length rail are described as built for stability.

The brand also describes a chain-and-sprocket system and an anti-slip pedal design with 6 positions.

  • Foldable design (MAJORFITNESS)
  • Six pedal positions with anti-slip design (MAJORFITNESS)

3. YOSUDA R2 Rowing Machine for Home, Air Rower with Self-Powered Monitor: Air rowing with a self-powered monitor

YOSUDA says the R2 uses an air system with 10 levels of airflow resistance and 32 fan blades. The self-powered monitor is described as running without external batteries.

YOSUDA describes a monitor that reports 500m split, watts, strokes and heart rate, with heart rate requiring a separate chest strap.

  • Self-powered KER energy recovery system (YOSUDA)
  • One-piece molded airbox (YOSUDA)

4. Merach R50 Pro Rowing Machine Indoor, Backlit Professional Monitor: Air rowing with a large screen

Merach says the R50 Pro uses a 10-level air system that reaches up to 110 lbs at peak. The track is extended for taller users and rated to 440 lbs.

The maker describes a 15.6-inch screen that tilts and supports wired and wireless mirroring.

  • Adjustable footplates (Merach)
  • Screen tilts up to 60 degrees (Merach)

5. WaterRower Water Rowing Machine | S4 BLE Monitor | Made in USA: Water rowing with a wood frame

WaterRower says its water flywheel makes resistance that grows with rowing effort, and describes a hardwood frame built in the United States.

The S4 BLE monitor connects to the WaterRower digital ecosystem, according to the brand.

  • Phone and email help on weekdays (WaterRower)
  • Over 100,000 machines sold into commercial gyms in 25 years (WaterRower)

6. Merach R280 Water Rowing Machine, Foldable & Space-Saving: Foldable water rower

Merach says the R280 uses 12 blades and a 15L water tank to adjust resistance. The maker says it folds or stores upright in seconds.

Merach describes the frame as solid wood and says it fits users up to 6ft7in.

  • Solid wood construction (Merach)
  • Accommodates users up to 6ft7in (Merach)

7. JOROTO Water Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Rowing Machine with 400LBS Weight Capacity: Foldable water rower with monitor

JOROTO says its water resistance adjusts with water level and rowing speed. The brand says its foldable frame turns 180 degrees vertically and claims up to 60% space savings.

The maker describes solid oak FSC-certified construction rated to 400 lbs.

  • Leg length limit of 39 inches (JOROTO)
  • Leak-proof water tank (JOROTO)

Hydraulic rowers

Hydraulic models use a cylinder with an adjustable setting to change resistance.

8. Stamina Hydraulic Rowing Machine, BodyTrac Glider 1050: Hydraulic rower that folds

Stamina says the BodyTrac Glider relies on a hydraulic cylinder with full-motion arms. The brand describes a multi-function electronic monitor that tracks progress.

The molded seat and textured footplates with straps are described for comfort. The maker says the machine folds for storage.

  • Weight 39 pounds (Stamina)
  • Dimensions 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.13 inches (Stamina)

9. FEIERDUN Hydraulic Rowing Machine for Home, Compact Adjustable Rower with 12 Resistance Levels: Lightweight hydraulic rower

FEIERDUN says the rower has 12 hydraulic resistance levels set by a knob. The maker describes it as compact and lightweight for moving or storing.

The brand lists a setup of about 5 minutes and says no tools are required.

  • Weight 31.9 lbs (FEIERDUN)
  • Quick 5-minute setup (FEIERDUN)

10. GYMAX Rowing Machines for Home, Hydraulic Rower with LCD Monitor: Hydraulic rower with LCD

GYMAX says the hydraulic cylinder can be raised or lowered with a release knob to change resistance up to 110 lbs. The rower has full-motion arms on a ball-bearing roller system.

The brand describes a generously padded seat and hook-and-loop foot straps.

  • Setup in 6 main steps (GYMAX)
  • Capacity of 265 lbs in listing title (GYMAX)

Magnetic rowers

Magnetic models use a set of magnetic levels, and makers often describe them as quiet.

11. YOSUDA Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower with 16-Level Resistance: Quiet magnetic rower

YOSUDA says its magnetic resistance and industrial-grade PU rollers produce a smooth, jerk-free stroke. The maker lists a load-bearing capacity up to 350 pounds.

The brand says the machine covers 2.9 sq.ft and includes app connection.

  • Seat with three large wheels (YOSUDA)
  • Covers 2.9 sq.ft (YOSUDA)

12. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower, Compact Quiet & Smooth Rowing Machine: Magnetic rower with app support

Sunny Health & Fitness says the dual rail system and 45.7-inch slide rail allow full leg extension. The maker describes 16 magnetic levels set with a manual tension knob.

The brand says a belt drive helps keep the stroke smooth and quiet.

  • Frame supports up to 300 lb (Sunny Health & Fitness)
  • Free SunnyFit app connection (Sunny Health & Fitness)

13. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine, Full-Body Workout: Magnetic rower with long rail

Sunny Health & Fitness says the 50-inch rail gives room for a full rowing stroke. The dual rail has protective coverings that the maker says help prevent scratches.

The brand describes 16 magnetic resistance levels and free access to its app.

  • 300 lb capacity (Sunny Health & Fitness)
  • Free SunnyFit app access (Sunny Health & Fitness)

14. Merach Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine Indoor, Dual Slide Rail, Quiet & Smooth: Quiet dual rail rower

Merach says the Q1S uses a magnetic flywheel system that it describes as very quiet. The dual slide rail is said to prevent flipping over during rowing.

The maker says the machine works with its app and with KINOMAP, and that most users can assemble it within 30 minutes.

  • Maximum weight 350 pounds (Merach)
  • Assembly within 30 minutes (Merach)

15. TOUSAINS ER7 Self-Powered Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Gym with 32-Level Resistance: Self-powered magnetic rower

TOUSAINS says the ER7 creates power while you row to run its LCD monitor, so no batteries or wall outlet are needed. The maker lists 32 magnetic resistance levels.

The brand describes a foldable dual-rail frame with transport wheels and KINOMAP compatibility.

  • Built-in transport wheels (TOUSAINS)
  • Folds upright for storage (TOUSAINS)

16. MERACH Foldable Rowing Machines for Home, Magnetic Rowing Machine with 16-Level: Compact foldable magnetic rower

MERACH says the foldable design reduces footprint by 20% and suits apartments or limited spaces. The brand lists 16 adjustable levels.

The maker says the machine connects by Bluetooth to its app, which it describes as having over 1,000 courses and games.

  • 350 LBS load capacity (MERACH)
  • Resistance boost of over 11% claimed (MERACH)

17. Merach RS3 Scull Rowing Machine for Simulate Real Row, Multiple Rower Modes: Scull rower with cable handles

Merach says the RS3 uses dual oars and a 120-degree stroke arc to mimic on-water rowing. Swapping handles is described as unlocking 26+ movements.

The brand describes the silent magnetic setup as keeping noise down, and says the Merach App records each session.

  • 16 resistance levels (Merach)
  • Compatible with standard gym handles (Merach)

18. Stamina Magnetic Rower – Rower Machine with Smart Workout App: Basic magnetic rower

Stamina says the magnetic rower rides on ball bearing rollers and offers 8 adjustable resistance settings. The brand describes it as smooth and quiet.

The LCD monitor is battery powered and the maker says the machine works with a smart workout app.

  • Frame warranty of 3 years, parts 90 days (Stamina)
  • 63 inches deep, 19 inches wide, 28 inches high (Stamina)

Which one fits you

Your situation Look at Why
Small room or apartment Foldable models such as the Merach foldable and JOROTO Both makers describe folding designs for storage
Want a quiet machine Magnetic models such as the Merach Q1S or YOSUDA magnetic Makers describe magnetic systems as quiet
Want the feel of water WaterRower S4 or Merach R280 Both use water flywheel or tank resistance
Want a monitor with rowing data Concept2 RowErg or YOSUDA R2 Both list monitors with rowing metrics

Practical tips

  • Check the weight limit against the heaviest user in the home, and confirm the rail length if you are tall.
  • Measure the floor space you need, including the folded footprint if you plan to store the rower.

FAQ

Which type of rower is quietest?

Makers of magnetic and air models describe them as quiet, such as YOSUDA’s magnetic rower and the Merach Q1S. Quiet claims come from each maker.

Do all of these rowers fold?

No. Several listings describe a folding or upright storage design, such as the Merach R280 and TOUSAINS ER7. Others, like the Concept2 RowErg, separate into two pieces for storage.

Do I need batteries for the monitor?

It depends on the model. Concept2 says its monitor takes two D cell batteries, while TOUSAINS says its ER7 runs its LCD on power generated while rowing.

Sources

Specifications from each product’s Amazon listing, checked 9 November 2026: Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine, MAJOR FITNESS Drone R1 Indoor Rowing Machine, YOSUDA R2 Rowing Machine for Home, Air Rower with Self-Powered Monitor, Merach R50 Pro Rowing Machine Indoor, Backlit Professional Monitor, WaterRower Water Rowing Machine | S4 BLE Monitor | Made in USA, Merach R280 Water Rowing Machine, Foldable & Space-Saving, JOROTO Water Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Rowing Machine with 400LBS Weight Capacity, Stamina Hydraulic Rowing Machine, BodyTrac Glider 1050, FEIERDUN Hydraulic Rowing Machine for Home, Compact Adjustable Rower with 12 Resistance Levels, GYMAX Rowing Machines for Home, Hydraulic Rower with LCD Monitor, YOSUDA Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower with 16-Level Resistance, Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower, Compact Quiet & Smooth Rowing Machine, Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine, Full-Body Workout, Merach Q1S Magnetic Rowing Machine Indoor, Dual Slide Rail, Quiet & Smooth, TOUSAINS ER7 Self-Powered Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Gym with 32-Level Resistance, MERACH Foldable Rowing Machines for Home, Magnetic Rowing Machine with 16-Level, Merach RS3 Scull Rowing Machine for Simulate Real Row, Multiple Rower Modes, Stamina Magnetic Rower – Rower Machine with Smart Workout App. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our budget home gym equipment guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.