What Type of Rowing Machine Is Best? A UK Buyer's Guide

If you're wondering what type of rowing machine is best, the short answer is that it depends on your budget and goals, but air and magnetic rowers tend to offer the best all-round performance for home use. There are five main types of rowing machine on the market, and each varies in price, features and the kind of workout it delivers. Before you spend any of your hard-earned cash, it pays to know exactly what you're looking for.

We've done extensive research to break down each type so you can make an informed decision. The five main types of rowing machine are:

• Elastic band
• Hydraulic
• Magnetic
• Air
• Water

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and all of them can be used as home rowing machines very effectively. Let's look at each one in turn.

Elastic Band Rowing Machines

Elastic band rowing machines sit at the budget end of the market, alongside hydraulic rowers. If you're looking to keep your costs down, an elastic band or hydraulic machine is where you'll start.

They work by using resistance bands that increase the tension as you pull the handle towards you, much like stretching a strong elastic band. The further you pull, the harder it gets, which is what creates the workout. Because they rely on banded resistance, there are very few moving parts; the most complex component is usually the battery-operated LCD display.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Lightweight, easy to set up and foldable for storage
• Few moving parts, so less to go wrong

Cons

• Some models are made from poor materials or have a cheap design
• Maximum tension is at the top of the row, which is not ideal
• Can feel too easy for many people, limiting the exercise benefit
• Can be too small for taller or heavier users

Hydraulic Rowing Machines

Hydraulic rowing machines are still on the budget side, but they offer a few advantages over elastic band rowers. Crucially, hydraulic rowers usually deliver higher tension at the top of the stroke compared to the bottom, so you work more muscles as you move through the motion.

They also tend to have a more elaborate design, so you often get extra features such as an LCD screen, more resistance options and different workout programmes.

Pros

• More tension at the top creates greater muscle engagement
• Little maintenance required, as there's only one moving part (the hydraulics)

Cons

• If the hydraulics fail, the machine is essentially a large paperweight
• They typically don't fold up, so they're harder to store at home
• Can be quite loud

Magnetic Rowing Machines

Magnetic rowing machines are a clear step up from the previous two types and are well suited to anyone with some fitness experience who wants more resistance and room to grow.

They work by using electromagnetic resistance to make the pull harder or easier. While they're typically pricier than elastic band and hydraulic rowers, they offer a big jump in quality, feel and difficulty, and they're still very reasonably priced, with some models starting from around £150.

Pros

• The best balance of cost and quality of all five types
• A range of tension levels to suit beginners and more experienced users alike
• Resistance can be increased significantly, letting you progressively overload as you get stronger
• Often include extra features such as USB ports and tablet holders

Cons

• More expensive than hydraulic and elastic band rowers

Air Rowing Machines

Air rowing machines are the top tier of home rowing machines, and you'll find them in gyms and clubs as well as in homes. They usually pack in more features than magnetic rowers, including multiple tension levels, resistance curves for different workouts and even heart rate monitors built into the handlebars.

Air rowers are what most people picture when they think of a rowing machine. They use a flywheel that spins in the air as you pull. The harder you pull, the more air resistance is generated, and the harder the workout becomes.

If you want a home rowing machine that will last a long time and give you the biggest scope to improve without hitting the machine's upper limit, an air rower is the one to buy.

Pros

• Wide range of resistance levels and programmes to suit all experience levels
• Typically comes with lots of additional features and display options
• Most accurately resembles rowing on water

Cons

• More expensive than elastic band and hydraulic rowers
• Heavy and more difficult to move around than other models
• Can be louder than other types of rowing machine

Water Rowing Machines

Water rowing machines are a newer development in the home market, having only really been widely available for ten years or so.

At the most basic level, water rowers use an adjustable amount of resistance to stop you simply going faster and faster as you pull, much like an air rower. The extra feature that makes them special is the water itself.

If you've never seen one in action, or heard one, they make a satisfying whooshing sound as the flywheel spins through the water. Most people love the noise, but it's worth watching a few videos online to make sure you like it before buying.

Pros

• Easy to maintain, with little to go wrong
• Dynamic resistance is much closer to actual rowing than other types
• Quiet movement, so it won't disturb others
• Low-impact thanks to the water wheel

Cons

• Can be very expensive, though you're paying for quality
• Typically much larger than other home rowing machines

Summary: Which Type of Rowing Machine Is Best for You?

If you want a home rowing machine that will last a long time and give you the most room to improve without hitting the machine's upper limit, our recommendation is to invest in an air rower.

If you'd prefer something a little more budget-friendly, a magnetic rower is your best option. Starting from around £150 to £200, they're a big step up from hydraulic and elastic band machines and still give you a great workout at home.

If you want to spend as little as possible, an elastic band or hydraulic rower is for you. They're not quite as good on quality or rowing feel, but you'll still get the benefits of rowing at home, and they typically start from around £80.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you're still unsure what type of rowing machine is best for you, leave a comment below and one of our experts will be happy to help.