Water vs Air Rower: Which is Best?

When it comes to rowing machines, two of the most popular types on the market are water rowers and air rowers. Both offer exceptional full-body workouts that mimic the motion of actual rowing. However, the type of resistance they use, the sound they make, their maintenance needs, and their price points differ. If you’re considering purchasing a rowing machine for your home gym, understanding the nuances between water rowers and air rowers can help you make the right choice.

In this detailed comparison, I will break down Water Rower vs Air Rower so that you, as the reader, can decide which one aligns with your fitness goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

Water Rower vs. Air Rower

Feature	Water Rower	Air Rower
Resistance Mechanism	Water	Air
Resistance Adjustment	Typically manual (adjusting water level)	Often manual (adjusting damper settings)
Feel	Smooth, fluid, and natural	Smoother and quieter than some air rowers, but can still be noisy
Noise Level	Relatively quiet	Can be noisy, especially at higher intensities
Workout Intensity	Can be high intensity, but often feels more moderate	Can be high intensity, with a focus on explosive movements
Maintenance	Requires regular water changes and cleaning	Generally lower maintenance, but may need occasional cleaning
Price	Generally more expensive	Often less expensive
Space Requirements	Can be bulky	Can be more compact
Environmental Impact	Minimal environmental impact	Minimal environmental impact

What is a Water Rower?

A water rower is designed to replicate the feeling of rowing on a real body of water. It uses a water tank as its resistance mechanism, providing a smooth, natural resistance as you row. Here’s a breakdown of the essential factors that define a water rower.

Water Rower vs Air Rower: Which Home Gym Essential is Right for You?

How Does a Water Rower Work?

A water rower features a tank filled with water and paddles inside it. When you pull the handle and perform a rowing stroke, these paddles spin in the water, creating resistance. The faster and harder you row, the greater the resistance becomes, closely mimicking the experience of real-life rowing.

Resistance: Natural, Smooth Rowing Experience

A water rower uses water as its resistance. The machine has a tank of water at the front, and when you pull on the handle, a flywheel inside the tank spins through the water, creating resistance.

The resistance increases as you row harder, simulating the real-life experience of rowing on water.
It provides a smooth, natural rowing motion that feels organic.
The fluid resistance adapts to your effort, meaning the faster you row, the more resistance you feel.

Sound: The Soothing Slosh of Water

One of the most notable features of water rowers is the sound they make. Every time you pull the handle, the water sloshes in the tank, creating a rhythmic and soothing sound that many users find peaceful.

For some people, the sound of the water enhances their workout experience, making it feel more connected to nature.
However, if you are sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter environment, you may want to consider how much the sound might affect your workout space.

Maintenance: More Involved Care

Water rowers require more maintenance than their air-based counterparts. Since they contain water, you will need to regularly check and clean the tank.

Water Changing: You’ll need to change the water every 3-6 months to prevent mold or algae buildup.
Cleaning: Cleaning the water tank periodically is necessary to maintain the clarity and function of the machine.
Water Treatment: Some machines require adding water treatment tablets to ensure the water remains clear and free of bacteria.

Price: Slightly More Expensive

Water rowers tend to come with a higher price tag compared to air rowers. The unique water-based resistance system and the materials used often make them more expensive.

High-End Appeal: Many water rowers are built with wood, giving them an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This contributes to the premium cost.
Cost: Expect to spend slightly more if you choose a water rower, especially if you prefer high-end brands that focus on durability and design.

What is an Air Rower?

An air rower uses a fan to generate resistance, and the intensity of your workout is directly related to how hard you pull the handle. As your stroke speed increases, the fan spins faster, generating more air resistance.

How Does an Air Rower Work?

Air rowers work by using a flywheel with blades attached to it. As you pull the handle, these blades rotate, creating air resistance. The faster you row, the more resistance the flywheel generates, offering a challenging workout.

Resistance: Dynamic and Progressive

Air rowers work using air resistance. The machine’s flywheel spins when you pull the handle, and the faster you row, the more air is sucked into the flywheel, which increases resistance.

Self-Regulating Resistance: Just like with a water rower, the harder you row, the greater the resistance you’ll face.
Challenging Workout: This allows for a challenging workout, making air rowers a popular choice for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and competitive athletes.
Progressive Resistance: The air resistance increases progressively, providing more of a challenge as you push harder.

Sound: A Whooshing Noise

Air rowers are known for the “whooshing” sound they create when the flywheel spins. Unlike the soothing slosh of water, air rowers create a louder, more mechanical sound.

Motivating or Distracting: Some users find the whooshing noise motivating, as it creates an energetic atmosphere, while others may find it disruptive if they prefer a quieter workout environment.
Consider Your Space: If you plan to use your rower in a shared or quiet space, the noise level of an air rower might be a concern for you.

Maintenance: Minimal Upkeep

Air rowers typically require less maintenance than water rowers, which is an advantage for users looking for low-maintenance equipment.

No Water Involved: Since there is no water involved, you won’t need to worry about changing or cleaning water tanks.
Simple Cleaning: Basic cleaning, such as wiping down the machine after use and ensuring the chain or belt is in good condition, is usually all that is required.

Price: More Affordable

In general, air rowers are more affordable than water rowers. This makes them a great option if you are on a budget but still want a quality rowing machine.

Wide Range of Models: Air rowers come in a variety of price points, from budget-friendly to high-end models used by professional athletes.
Affordable Entry-Level Models: You can often find a solid air rower at a much lower price than a water rower.

Key Differences Between Water Rowers and Air Rowers

While both water and air rowers provide full-body, cardio-intense workouts, there are clear differences between the two. To help you choose the one that best suits your needs, here’s a closer look at the major differences:

1. Resistance Type

Water Rower: Uses water as resistance. The harder you row, the more resistance you face, closely mimicking the feel of real-life rowing on water.
Air Rower: Uses air resistance. The faster you row, the more air the flywheel pulls in, increasing resistance.

2. Sound

Water Rower: Produces a calming, sloshing water sound that many find soothing.
Air Rower: Produces a louder, whooshing sound that some may find distracting or motivating, depending on their preference.

3. Maintenance

Water Rower: Requires more maintenance, including cleaning and changing water periodically.
Air Rower: Low maintenance, mainly just regular cleaning and checking the moving parts.

4. Price

Water Rower: Generally more expensive, often featuring premium wood construction and design.
Air Rower: More affordable with a range of models, making it accessible for a broader audience.

Water Rower vs. Air Rower: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between a water rower and an air rower comes down to personal preference, fitness goals, and your workout environment. Let’s break down the factors you should consider when making your decision.

1. Your Preferred Resistance Type

If you enjoy the idea of a smooth, natural rowing experience that feels as close to real rowing as possible, a water rower is a better fit for you. It provides fluid resistance, ideal for those who want a low-impact but effective workout.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more dynamic and intense workout, the air rower offers increasing resistance based on the speed and power of your strokes. It’s ideal for high-intensity workouts and athletes.

2. Sound Sensitivity

If you love the sound of water and find it relaxing, a water rower may enhance your workout experience. The sound can also help drown out distractions and keep you focused.
However, if you prefer a more energetic atmosphere or don’t mind a bit of noise, the air rower can give you that motivational whooshing sound that complements a more intense workout.

3. Maintenance Commitment

Water rowers require more attention when it comes to maintenance. If you’re comfortable with tasks like cleaning water tanks and changing water every few months, the water rower won’t be an issue for you.
If you prefer something low-maintenance, an air rower may be the better option since it requires less upkeep and doesn’t involve water.

4. Budget Considerations

If you’re on a budget and want to invest in a quality machine, an air rower is likely to be the more cost-effective choice. There are several options available, from affordable models to high-end designs.
For those willing to invest in a premium product, a water rower is often seen as a long-term investment, with high-end models offering durability, aesthetics, and a unique rowing experience.

Final Words

When it comes to choosing between a water rower and an air rower, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and fitness goals. Both machines offer excellent full-body workouts and cardiovascular benefits, but each has its own strengths.

Choose a water rower if you want a smooth, natural rowing feel with the added bonus of calming water sounds. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more meditative workout and don’t mind regular maintenance.
Choose an air rower if you’re looking for a dynamic and challenging workout with progressive resistance. It’s the perfect choice for athletes, HIIT enthusiasts, or anyone who prefers a louder, more intense workout environment with minimal maintenance.

No matter which option you choose, both the water rower and air rower will provide you with an effective and enjoyable workout experience, helping you reach your fitness goals.