Best for water feel
JOROTO MR280PRO
FitScore for Folding Rowers
- ResistanceWater
- Max user weight400 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)Inseam up to 39 in
- Length × width (in use)70.9 × 17.5 in
Choose it if you want the feel of water and a 400-lb rating on a rower that stands upright.
Best for set levels
YPOO RM930
FitScore for Folding Rowers
- ResistanceMagnetic
- Max user weight350 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)46-in rail; users up to…
- Length × width (in use)65 × 17.7 in
Choose it if you want 16 set levels, near-silent running and the lightest frame.
Overall winner for folding rowers: JOROTO MR280PRO, by 2.6 points. It leads on performance, durability and comfort: water resistance that grows with your effort, a 400-lb rating and room for long legs. The YPOO RM930 is the better fit if you want set levels, a lighter frame and the shortest footprint.
JOROTO MR280PRO wins 2 rounds- YPOO RM930 wins 2 rounds
- =1 tie
Product photos from Amazon. FitScore weights are explained below.
JOROTO MR280PRO vs YPOO RM930: both fold and stand upright. The JOROTO is a water rower rated for 400 lb; the YPOO is a lighter magnetic rower with 16 levels and a shorter frame.
The JOROTO ranks #1 and the YPOO #2 in our best folding rowing machine and best rowing machine for small spaces guides.
Head-to-Head Specs
Here are the two rowers side by side. A check mark shows the stronger spec on each line. Check both warranties before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty. The CDC physical activity guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, and steady rowing sessions count toward it. In a study of 107 adults aged 20 to 74, rowing on an ergometer used more energy than cycling at the same power output.
| Specification | JOROTO MR280PROFitScore 85 | YPOO RM930FitScore 82.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Water | Magnetic |
| Resistance levels | No preset levels: the pull gets heavier the harder you row | 16 levels |
| Max user weight | 400 lb✓ | 350 lb |
| Fit (rail / inseam / height) | Inseam up to 39 in✓ | 46-in rail; users up to 6 ft 3 in |
| Length × width (in use) | 70.9 × 17.5 in | 65 × 17.7 in✓ |
| Storage | Folds and stands upright | Folds and stands upright |
| Product weight | 52 lb | 44.4 lb✓ |
| Monitor and metrics | Time, distance, strokes, calories | Time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate✓ |
| Bluetooth and apps | Bluetooth; JOROTO | Bluetooth; YPOO, Kinomap |
| Subscription | None required | None required |
| Warranty | 1 year frame, 1 year parts | 1 year frame, 1 year parts |
| Specs won | 2 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
FitScore Duel
Both scores use the weights of our best folding rowing machine guide (how we score): practicality 37%, performance, durability and comfort 16% each, affordability 10% and features 5%. The YPOO wins practicality and affordability; the JOROTO wins performance, durability and comfort, which together outweigh them. The two tie on features.
Key Differences
- The JOROTO uses a water tank with no preset levels; the YPOO uses a magnetic flywheel with 16 levels.
- The JOROTO is rated for 400 lb; the YPOO for 350 lb.
- The JOROTO fits inseams up to 39 inches; the YPOO has a 46-inch rail for users up to 6 ft 3 in.
- The YPOO is 65 × 17.7 inches in use; the JOROTO is 70.9 × 17.5 inches.
- The YPOO weighs 44.4 lb; the JOROTO 52 lb.
- The YPOO monitor adds stroke rate.
Round 1 of 5
JOROTO MR280PRO vs YPOO RM930: Resistance and Rowing Feel
JOROTO MR280PRO wins this round
The JOROTO uses water: the pull gets heavier the harder you row, with the swish of the water on each stroke.
The YPOO gives you 16 magnetic levels, so each session starts at a known setting. Owners find it easy to use, though the stability of the frame draws mixed comments.
Round 2 of 5
Fit, Capacity and Build
JOROTO MR280PRO wins this round
The JOROTO is rated for 400 lb and fits inseams up to 39 inches.
The YPOO is rated for 350 lb and has a 46-inch rail for users up to 6 ft 3 in. Owners describe a sturdy build. Both carry a 1-year frame and parts warranty.
Round 3 of 5
Footprint and Storage
YPOO RM930 wins this round
Both fold and stand upright. The YPOO is 65 × 17.7 inches in use and weighs 44.4 lb, the easier one to lift into place.
The JOROTO is 70.9 × 17.5 inches and weighs 52 lb.
Round 4 of 5
Noise and Home Use
YPOO RM930 wins this round
Magnetic resistance is one of the quietest systems, and owners mention the YPOO quiet running; they also call it easy to assemble.
The JOROTO is quiet too, but you hear the water on every stroke.
Round 5 of 5
Monitor and Apps
Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.
The YPOO monitor shows time, distance, strokes, calories and stroke rate and connects by Bluetooth to the YPOO app and Kinomap.
The JOROTO monitor shows time, distance, strokes and calories and connects to the JOROTO app. Neither needs a paid plan.
Who Should Buy Each
Water feel, heavier users
Choose the JOROTO MR280PRO if you want the feel of water, a 400-lb rating and room for long legs on a rower that stands upright.
Lightest fold, set levels
Choose the YPOO RM930 if you lift the rower into place every day, want 16 set levels and quiet running for an apartment.
Consider Instead
YOSUDA Water Rower
If you want a folding water rower with a longer frame warranty, look at the YOSUDA Water Rower, #4 in our folding guide. See our water vs magnetic rowing machine guide to choose the resistance type first.
Final Verdict
For a folding rower, the JOROTO MR280PRO is the better buy. Its water resistance, 400-lb rating and fit give it the edge. If you move the rower every day or want set levels and quiet running, the YPOO RM930 is the one to choose.
JOROTO MR280PRO vs YPOO RM930 FAQ
With the weights of our folding guide, the JOROTO MR280PRO scores 85 against 82.4 for the YPOO RM930. In our small spaces guide the order is the same.
The YPOO RM930. Magnetic resistance runs almost silently, while the JOROTO makes the soft sound of water.
The YPOO RM930, at 44.4 lb against 52 lb. Both fold and stand upright.
The JOROTO MR280PRO: rated for 400 lb, for inseams up to 39 inches. The YPOO is rated for 350 lb and users up to 6 ft 3 in.
No. The JOROTO works with its own app and the YPOO with its app and Kinomap, without a paid plan.
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