The best air rowing machine for hard training is the Concept2 RowErg (FitScore 87.7/100): a fan flywheel with a continuous damper, a PM5 monitor that shows 500 m split and watts, a 500 lb user limit and a 5-year frame warranty on its Amazon listing. It is the machine commonly found in CrossFit boxes and Hyrox gyms, so your numbers compare directly with theirs.
Air rowers are the machines you find in CrossFit boxes, Hyrox gyms and rowing clubs. The reason is the fan. It gives back exactly what you put in, so a sprint feels as hard as you make it and a recovery row stays easy, with no buttons to press between efforts. That makes an air rower a natural fit for intervals, benchmark pieces and race prep.
This guide explains how fan resistance works, why the damper is not a difficulty dial, what drag factor means, why the monitor matters as much as the frame, how loud a fan gets and where air + magnetic hybrids fit. It then ranks five air rowers sold on Amazon US by FitScore. If you would rather have a softer, quieter stroke, compare our best water rowing machine and best magnetic rowing machine guides.
Comparison Table
| Compareat a glance | TOP PICK | Pick 2 | Pick 3 | Pick 4 | Pick 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best Overall | Best Touchscreen Rower | Most Resistance Levels | Best Folding Pure Air | Pure Air With a Screen |
| Resistance | Air | Air + Magnetic | Air + Magnetic, 16 levels | Air, 10 levels | Air, 10 levels |
| Max User Weight | 500 lb | 507 lb | 300 lb | 500 lb | 440 lb |
| Length in Use | 96 in | 84 in | 91.3 in | 95 in | 95 in |
| Fit | Inseam up to 38 in | Users up to 6 ft 8 in | 52.6-in rail | 50-in rail | 53.5-in rail |
| Storage | Separates in two | Stands upright | Folds and stands upright | Folds and stands upright | Folds and stands upright |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg The RowErg is the only pick with a perfect Performance score: a continuous air damper and a PM5 that shows 500 m split, watts, stroke rate and heart rate, with Bluetooth and ANT+ for ErgData and 40+ compatible apps.
- Best Touchscreen Rower: Aviron Strong Series Rower The Aviron combines air and magnetic resistance with a 22-inch touchscreen for games and streamed sessions.
- Most Resistance Levels: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower This Sunny Health & Fitness hybrid scores 93 on Performance, second only to the Concept2, thanks to 16 magnetic levels under its air blades and a monitor that shows 500 m split, stroke rate and heart rate.
- Best Folding Pure Air: GMWD Air Rowing Machine The GMWD is a pure air rower with a 10-level damper, a 500 lb limit, an alloy steel frame and a 2-year warranty.
- Pure Air With a Screen: Merach NovaRow R50 Aura Air Rower with 15.6-inch Screen The NovaRow R50 Aura is a pure air rower with 10 resistance levels and a 15.6-inch 1080p screen that tilts 60 degrees and mirrors a phone or tablet, wired or wireless.
- The Concept2 RowErg is our top pick for hard training (FitScore 87.7/100).
- Fan resistance rises with effort; the damper changes the feel, not the workout.
- Drag factor is the number to match from one machine or session to the next.
- Only the Concept2 lists both 500 m split and watts.
- Air + magnetic hybrids add a base load; the Sunny Health & Fitness offers 16 levels.
The 5 Best Air Rowing Machines
Every pick uses a fan flywheel; two add a magnetic brake. Check the monitor data and the fit against how you train.
Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg
Presentation
Best overall
Editor’s pick
Concept2 RowErg
Concept2 RowErg ranks #1 in this guide with a FitScore of 87.7/100. The RowErg is the only pick with a perfect Performance score: a continuous air damper and a PM5 that shows 500 m split, watts, stroke rate and heart rate, with Bluetooth and ANT+ for ErgData and 40+ compatible apps.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Air Rowing Machines
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines seven category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Rowing Machine
Read our full Concept2 RowErg review for specs, owner feedback and alternatives.
The RowErg is the only pick with a perfect Performance score: a continuous air damper and a PM5 that shows 500 m split, watts, stroke rate and heart rate, with Bluetooth and ANT+ for ErgData and 40+ compatible apps. Its listing states a 500 lb limit, a 5-year frame and 2-year parts warranty, and caster wheels. The limits: at 96 inches it is the longest here, and it separates in two for storage instead of folding or standing upright. Owners praise the solid build and say assembly needs only a few screws.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Intervals and sprint pieces
- Pacing by 500 m split and watts
- Users up to 500 lb
For
- Storing it in two pieces
- Heavier users (up to 500 lb)
- Tall rowers (inseam up to 38 in)
Not For
- Quiet early or late sessions
- Rooms under 10 ft long
- Folding storage (it separates instead)
Key Specs
- Resistance: Air
- Max user weight: 500 lb
- Length in use: 96 in
- Fit: Inseam up to 38 in
- Warranty: 5 yr frame, 2 yr parts
Pros
- 500 m split and watts on the monitor
- 5-year frame warranty
- Inseam up to 38 in
Cons
- Fan noise
- 96 in long in use
- 2-year parts warranty
Best Touchscreen Rower: Aviron Strong Series Rower
Presentation
Best touchscreen rower
Pick 2
Aviron Strong Series Rower
Aviron Strong Series Rower ranks #2 in this guide with a FitScore of 79.7/100. The Aviron combines air and magnetic resistance with a 22-inch touchscreen for games and streamed sessions.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Air Rowing Machines
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines seven category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Rowing Machine
Read our full Aviron Strong Series review for specs, owner feedback and alternatives.
The Aviron combines air and magnetic resistance with a 22-inch touchscreen for games and streamed sessions. Its listing states a 507 lb limit, users up to 6 ft 8 in, and an alloy steel frame with a 10-year frame warranty, which gives it the top Durability score here, shared with the Concept2. It stores upright. The limits: the monitor data on the listing stops at time, distance, strokes, calories and heart rate, with no split or watts; parts are covered for 1 year; it weighs 114 lb, and transport wheels are not stated. The membership is optional, but the listing recommends it for the interactive content.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Intervals with a set base load
- Classes on the 22-in screen
- Users up to 507 lb
For
- Storing it upright in a corner
- Heavier users (up to 507 lb)
- Tall rowers (users up to 6 ft 8 in)
Not For
- Quiet early or late sessions
- Rooms under 9 ft long
- Training by split or watts
Key Specs
- Resistance: Air + Magnetic
- Max user weight: 507 lb
- Length in use: 84 in
- Fit: Users up to 6 ft 8 in
- Warranty: 10 yr frame, 1 yr parts
Pros
- Users up to 6 ft 8 in
- 10-year frame warranty
- Air and magnetic resistance
Cons
- Fan noise
- 84 in long in use
- No 500 m split or watts listed
Most Resistance Levels: Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower
Presentation
Most resistance levels
Pick 3
Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower
Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower ranks #3 in this guide with a FitScore of 77.9/100. This Sunny Health & Fitness hybrid scores 93 on Performance, second only to the Concept2, thanks to 16 magnetic levels under its air blades and a monitor that shows 500 m split, stroke rate and heart rate.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Air Rowing Machines
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines seven category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Rowing Machine
This Sunny Health & Fitness hybrid scores 93 on Performance, second only to the Concept2, thanks to 16 magnetic levels under its air blades and a monitor that shows 500 m split, stroke rate and heart rate. Its listing states a 52.6-inch rail and users up to 6 ft 9 in, second only to the Merach, for a Comfort score of 85. It folds, stands upright, rolls on wheels and has a device holder and the SunnyFit app. The limits: a 300 lb user rating, the lowest in this group, and a 180-day parts warranty (3 years on the frame), which hold its Durability score at 60.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Intervals with a set base load
- Pacing by 500 m split
- Users up to 300 lb
For
- Storing it upright in a corner
- Tall rowers (52.6-in rail)
- Training by split times
Not For
- Quiet early or late sessions
- Rooms under 10 ft long
- Users above 300 lb
Key Specs
- Resistance: Air + Magnetic, 16 levels
- Max user weight: 300 lb
- Length in use: 91.3 in
- Fit: 52.6-in rail
- Warranty: 3 yr frame, 0.5 yr parts
Pros
- 500 m split on the monitor
- 52.6-in rail
- Folds and stands upright, with wheels
Cons
- Fan noise
- 6-month parts warranty
- 91.3 in long in use
Best Folding Pure Air: GMWD Air Rowing Machine
Presentation
Best folding pure air
Pick 4
GMWD Air Rowing Machine
GMWD Air Rowing Machine ranks #4 in this guide with a FitScore of 77.3/100. The GMWD is a pure air rower with a 10-level damper, a 500 lb limit, an alloy steel frame and a 2-year warranty.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Air Rowing Machines
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines seven category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Rowing Machine
The GMWD is a pure air rower with a 10-level damper, a 500 lb limit, an alloy steel frame and a 2-year warranty. Unlike the two-piece Concept2, it folds, stands upright and rolls on wheels; the listing gives a stored footprint of 32.7 x 28.7 inches. Its rail is listed at 50 inches, with users up to 6 ft 3 in, and Bluetooth links it to FitShow with no subscription. The limits: the monitor shows stroke rate and calories but no split or watts, and there is no heart rate support. Owners find it sturdy, but feedback on durability, Bluetooth and distance tracking is mixed.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Intervals and sprint pieces
- Users up to 500 lb
- Putting away after each session
For
- Storing it upright in a corner
- Heavier users (up to 500 lb)
- Tall rowers (50-in rail)
Not For
- Quiet early or late sessions
- Rooms under 10 ft long
- Training by split or watts
Key Specs
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Max user weight: 500 lb
- Length in use: 95 in
- Fit: 50-in rail
- Warranty: 2 yr frame, 2 yr parts
Pros
- 500-lb user rating
- 50-in rail
- 10 air levels
Cons
- Fan noise
- No heart rate listed
- No 500 m split or watts listed
Pure Air With a Screen: Merach NovaRow R50 Aura Air Rower with 15.6-inch Screen
Presentation
Pure air with a screen
Pick 5
Merach NovaRow R50 Aura Air Rower with 15.6-inch Screen
Merach NovaRow R50 Aura Air Rower with 15.6-inch Screen ranks #5 in this guide with a FitScore of 67.9/100. The NovaRow R50 Aura is a pure air rower with 10 resistance levels and a 15.6-inch 1080p screen that tilts 60 degrees and mirrors a phone or tablet, wired or wireless.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Air Rowing Machines
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines seven category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Rowing Machine
The NovaRow R50 Aura is a pure air rower with 10 resistance levels and a 15.6-inch 1080p screen that tilts 60 degrees and mirrors a phone or tablet, wired or wireless. Its listing states a 440 lb limit and an alloy steel frame, plus a 53.5-inch rail and users up to 82.7 inches, the tallest stated here. It folds into two sections and stands upright, at 55.7 x 22.4 inches folded. The limits: the listing names no monitor metrics, so no split or watts, states no transport wheels, and covers frame and parts for 1 year.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Intervals and sprint pieces
- Classes on the 15.6-in screen
- Users up to 440 lb
For
- Storing it upright in a corner
- Heavier users (up to 440 lb)
- Tall rowers (53.5-in rail)
Not For
- Quiet early or late sessions
- Rooms under 10 ft long
- Training by split or watts
Key Specs
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Max user weight: 440 lb
- Length in use: 95 in
- Fit: 53.5-in rail
- Warranty: 1 yr frame, 1 yr parts
Pros
- 53.5-in rail
- 10 air levels
- 440-lb user rating
Cons
- Fan noise
- No heart rate listed
- 95 in long in use
Fan Resistance, the Damper and Drag Factor
The handle chain spins a flywheel with fan blades inside a cage. The blades have to move air, and air pushes back harder the faster they spin. Drive with more power and the load climbs at once; ease off and it drops. Two rowers of very different strength can share the same machine at the same setting and both get a hard session.
The damper is the lever or dial on the side of the fan cage. Opening it lets more air in, so the flywheel slows faster between strokes and each drive feels heavier, like a lower gear on a bike. Closing it gives a lighter, quicker stroke. Neither setting makes the workout harder by itself: your effort sets the intensity. Concept2 suggests a damper of 3 to 5 for most rowers. In a 2013 study of club rowers on an air-braked ergometer, a low drag factor (100) brought higher stroke rates and heart rates than a high one (150), while the higher setting was more economical.
The same damper number can feel different on two machines, because dust in the cage, room temperature and altitude change the airflow. That is why the Concept2 PM5 reports drag factor, a measure of how quickly the flywheel slows. Set the damper so the drag factor matches your usual number and the stroke will feel the same at home, at the gym or on race day.
| Damper | Stroke feel | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Light, quick catch; higher stroke rate | Long steady rows, sprints at high rate |
| Middle | Balanced, boat-like feel | Most intervals and benchmark pieces |
| High | Heavy catch; slower flywheel | Short power work; tires the legs sooner |
Pro tip: Higher is not harder. A damper set to the maximum often slows your stroke rate and wears your legs out before your lungs; pick the setting that lets you hold good form for the whole piece.
Split, Watts and the Monitor: Why Numbers Matter
For interval training, the monitor is half the machine. A 500 m split tells you the pace you are holding right now, and watts show the power behind it. With both, you can set targets such as eight rounds of 500 m at a fixed split and see in real time whether you hold them.
The PM5 on the Concept2 RowErg measures how fast the flywheel spins and slows and uses drag factor in its math, so a given split means the same effort on any RowErg. That is why rowing benchmarks shared in CrossFit and Hyrox training are usually RowErg numbers. Other monitors can show a split or calories that look similar but are not calibrated the same way, so a time from one brand will not always match another.
In this list, only the Concept2 shows both split and watts on its listing. The Sunny Health & Fitness rower shows a 500 m split; the GMWD shows stroke rate and calories; the Aviron lists time, distance, strokes and calories; the Merach listing names no metrics at all. If you train to pace, weigh that as heavily as the frame. To set heart rate targets for intervals, try our heart rate zone calculator.
- 500 m split: the pace you are holding; the main number for intervals.
- Watts: power output, useful for comparing efforts at different stroke rates.
- Stroke rate: strokes per minute; helps you row long and strong instead of short and fast.
- Heart rate: pairing a strap lets you train by zone; the Concept2, Aviron and Sunny list it.
How to Choose the Best Air Rowing Machine: Noise, Fit and Hybrids
A fan is the loudest rowing system. The whoosh grows with effort, so a hard interval can fill a room or an apartment below. Our Noise score rates air lowest and air + magnetic hybrids a little higher, but for this article we set the Noise weight to zero: every eligible machine has a fan, and a buyer who wants hard sessions accepts the sound. A thick mat helps with vibration more than with the fan itself.
Air + magnetic hybrids, such as the Aviron and Sunny Health & Fitness picks here, put a magnetic brake on the same flywheel. The magnetic level sets a base load you choose with a knob or screen; the fan adds load as you speed up. The Sunny offers 16 magnetic levels. That suits rowers who want a heavier feel at low stroke rates without a fully open damper.
Fit matters for long drives. The Concept2 has a 54-inch monorail and fits an inseam up to 38 inches (stated on Concept2’s site). The Merach lists a 53.5-inch rail with users up to 82.7 inches (about 6 ft 10 in), the Sunny Health & Fitness a 52.6-inch rail with users up to 6 ft 9 in, and the Aviron users up to 6 ft 8 in. If you are tall, see our best rowing machine for tall people guide. Air rowers are also long, 84 to 96 inches on the listings that state it.
Air Rowing Machines Compared
Values come from each Amazon US listing; the Concept2 rail and inseam come from Concept2’s site, because the listing does not give them. “Not stated” means the listing is silent.
| Rower | Resistance | Max user weight | Rail / fit | Footprint (L x W, in) | Storage | Monitor / app | FitScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg | Air, continuous damper | 500 lb | 54 in rail, inseam up to 38 in | 96 x 24 | Separates in two | PM5: split, watts, heart rate; ErgData + 40+ apps | 87.7 |
| Aviron Strong Series Rower | Air + Magnetic | 507 lb | Users up to 6 ft 8 in | 84 x 27 | Stands upright | 22 in touchscreen, heart rate; Aviron app (membership optional) | 79.7 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower | Air + Magnetic, 16 levels | 300 lb | 52.6 in rail, users up to 6 ft 9 in | 91.3 x 22 | Folds and stands upright | 500 m split, heart rate; SunnyFit | 77.9 |
| GMWD Air Rowing Machine | Air, 10-level damper | 500 lb | 50 in rail, users up to 6 ft 3 in | 95 x 24 | Folds and stands upright | Stroke rate, calories; FitShow | 77.3 |
| Merach NovaRow R50 Aura Air Rower with 15.6-inch Screen | Air, 10 levels | 440 lb | 53.5 in rail, users up to 82.7 in | 95 x 24 | Folds and stands upright | 15.6 in screen with mirroring; metrics not stated; Merach App | 67.9 |
Watch out: Only the Concept2 lists both split and watts. If you follow a CrossFit or Hyrox program that gives targets in split or watts, the other monitors cannot show all of them.
Checklist Before You Buy an Air Rowing Machine
8 checks
Tap a number to check off that step.
- 01
Decide whether you need split and watts on the monitor.
- 02
Check for heart rate support if you train by zone.
- 03
Measure the floor for 84 to 96 inches of length, plus room at each end.
- 04
Check the rail length or user height on the listing against your inseam.
- 05
Compare the max user weight with your weight, with a margin.
- 06
Choose two-piece, folding or upright storage for your space.
- 07
Plan for fan noise: a ground floor, a mat and sensible training hours.
- 08
Read the frame and parts warranty on the listing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1Treating the damper as a difficulty level and rowing every session at 10.
Mistake 2Comparing splits from one brand’s monitor with RowErg scores.
Mistake 3Ignoring drag factor when moving between machines.
Mistake 4Buying an air rower for an apartment without thinking about the fan noise.
Mistake 5Choosing a touchscreen rower without checking which features need the membership.
Mistake 6Skipping the fit check on a listing that states no rail length.
How We Selected the Best Air Rowing Machine
Only rowers with air (fan) resistance, alone or combined with magnetic, qualify for this list. Each one must also be active in our catalog, in stock with an Amazon buy box and a seated rower rather than a full-motion trainer, and a brand can hold at most two places.
Each rower then gets a FitScore out of 100 from seven categories, weighted for a buyer who trains hard: Performance leads at 35%. Specs come from the Amazon US listing (the manufacturer page only when the listing is silent); a value the listing does not state scores zero. That is why the Merach NovaRow R50 Aura, whose listing names no monitor metrics and no transport wheels, ranks 5th despite a 440 lb rating and a 15.6-inch screen. The tiers behind each category are on our How we score page.
| Category | Weight | What it measures for this buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 35% | Resistance system, resistance range and monitor data, with full marks for split plus watts |
| Durability | 25% | Max user weight, frame and parts warranty on the listing, frame material stated |
| Comfort | 15% | Fit for your height (inseam, rail length or tallest user stated) and stroke smoothness |
| Practicality | 10% | Folding, upright or two-piece storage, length in use, machine weight, transport wheels |
| Features | 10% | Bluetooth, apps, heart rate, screen or device holder, programs, metrics |
| Affordability | 5% | Internal list-price tier; used in the math, never published |
| Noise | 0% | Not counted here: every eligible rower uses a fan |
Decision Shortcuts
Match the monitor to how you train, then check the fit and the space you have.
Best Overall: You train for CrossFit, Hyrox or timed pieces: choose Concept2 RowErg, so your split and watts match what you will see at the gym or on race day.
Best Touchscreen Rower: You stay motivated by screens, games and classes: choose Aviron Strong Series Rower, with its 22-inch touchscreen; plan on the optional membership for most of the content.
Most Resistance Levels: You want a set base load plus a fan, or you are tall: choose Sunny Health & Fitness Air Magnetic Rower, with 16 magnetic levels and users up to 6 ft 9 in, if you are within its 300 lb rating.
Best Folding Pure Air: You need a pure air rower that folds: choose GMWD Air Rowing Machine, if you can train without split or watts.
Pure Air With a Screen: You want a pure air rower with a screen for your own video: choose Merach NovaRow R50 Aura, with a 15.6-inch tilting screen and fold-up storage, if you can train without split or watts and accept a 1-year warranty.
Final Verdict
Concept2 RowErg is our first choice for most people shopping for a air rowing machine. A fan flywheel has no fixed level: the harder and faster you pull, the more the air pushes back. The damper changes how much air reaches the fan, which changes the feel of the stroke, not how hard the session is. Drag factor, shown on the PM5, measures how quickly the flywheel slows and is the number to repeat from one session to the next. Split per 500 m and watts let you pace intervals and compare results with other RowErg users. Air + magnetic hybrids add a set magnetic load under the fan; the fan still rises with effort.
For most buyers, Concept2 RowErg is the best air rowing machine we would check first, after confirming its current price and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
For hard training, the Concept2 RowErg, with a FitScore of 87.7/100. Its PM5 monitor shows 500 m split, watts and heart rate, its listing states a 500 lb limit and a 5-year frame warranty, and it is the rower commonly used in CrossFit and Hyrox training. The Aviron Strong Series Rower ranks 2nd for buyers who want a touchscreen.
Concept2 suggests 3 to 5 for most rowers. A higher setting makes each stroke heavier but does not make the workout harder; your effort does. Many rowers row better at a middle setting, holding a steady stroke rate. Use drag factor on the PM5 to repeat the same feel on any machine.
Drag factor is the PM5’s measure of how quickly the flywheel slows down between strokes. It depends on the damper setting and on airflow through the fan cage, which dust, temperature and altitude can change. Matching your usual drag factor gives the same stroke feel on different RowErgs.
Yes, they are the loudest rowing type. The fan whoosh grows with effort, so hard intervals can be heard in other rooms. Our Noise score rates air + magnetic hybrids a little quieter than pure fans. If noise is a concern, a water or magnetic rower is quieter, and a mat helps cut vibration through the floor.
An air rower suits intervals because the load follows your effort instantly, with no buttons to press between rounds. For Hyrox and CrossFit, a machine with split and watts lets you train to the same targets you will face on a RowErg. Vigorous rowing also counts toward the 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week in the CDC adult guidelines. The American Heart Association says vigorous effort makes it hard to say more than a few words without a breath.
A pure air rower gets all its load from the fan, so it rises only with effort. An air + magnetic rower adds a magnetic brake with set levels, such as the 16 on the Sunny Health & Fitness, giving a heavier base feel at low speeds while the fan still adds load as you push.
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