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To help you pick the best options out there, we reached out to fitness experts to learn more.

best foldable rowing machine

Inti St. Clair/Adobe Stock

Air:If youve ever used a rower at your gym, chances are it was an air rower.

That fan helps to create air resistance, which increases with the force, or power, youre producing.

These machines are usually smaller than water rowers, but they can get pretty noisy.

Nordictrack RW500 Rower

Water:This bang out of machine uses, you guessed it, water.

Hydraulic:Think of these machines as the fun-size version of rowing.

These machines use pistons (that slide through a cylinder) as resistance.

Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Rower

Magnetic resistance produces no friction and is virtually silent, which makes them great for apartment living.

Finally, youll want to measure the area where the rower will be in use to ensure it fits.

Its large, comfortable seat and oversized footplates mean your feet arent at risk of slipping off.

Concept2 Rowerg Rowing Machine

And you’ve got the option to place your smartphone or tablet into the rowers unit holder.

This includes global workouts, live training sessions (on and off your rowing machine), and more.

Maggi Gao, NASM-CPT, a kettlebell coach, is particularly fond of this model.

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine + 30-Day Free Echelon Membership

Its standard in many commercial gyms and its a great model to get started on.

The rower has 32 magnetic resistance levels, 300-pound weight limit, and a comfortable smooth-glide seat.

Membership and app options:The Echelon Fit app works with this rower.

Peleton Row Basics

Though youll definitely be paying for both the design and the features, this machine has great smart features.

Membership and app options:Peloton machines all work with the Peloton app.

It includes on-demand classes, training programs, scenic classes, and more.

Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine

According to reviewers, it is also easy to assemble and has a smooth, quiet ride.

The rower has eight levels of magnetic resistance and even features heart rate monitors on the handles.

For rowing, youll use the closer footplates and allow the seat to slide forward and back.

Avari Conversion II Rower and Recumbent Bike

For cycling, simply lock the seat in place and use the front set of moving pedals.

Membership and app options:Theres no app for this rower, plus there is no Bluetooth connectivity.

It includes live and on-demand classes for rowing, strength training, yoga, and more.

Xterra Fitness ERG Water Rowing Machine

Ergatta Rower

Ergatta

If aesthetics are your top priority, theErgatta rowing machineis for you.

Instead of a steel frame, this rower is made from high-quality dark-stained wood.

It offers a variety of beginner intro classes that help you perfect your form in real-time.

Hydrow Wave Rower

Ergatta Rower