Best Rowing Machine Australia
Rowing machines deliver a full-body workout that hits 86% of your muscles in a single movement, making them one of the most efficient pieces of home gym equipment. In Australia, the choice comes down to resistance type — air, magnetic, water, or hydraulic — each with distinct noise levels, maintenance needs, and feel. We focused on foldability, noise, and build quality for Australian home gym setups.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Resistance type drives the experience: air rowers feel most like on-water rowing, magnetic is quietest for apartments, and water resistance offers a natural soothing sound.
- 2Check the rail length — rowers under 110 cm rail length will bottom out for anyone over 185 cm tall, which is common in Australia.
- 3Foldable models save space but check the folded dimensions — some 'foldable' rowers still take up significant floor area when stored upright.
- 4Look for a rower with Bluetooth and app compatibility (Kinomap, iFit, or ErgData) if you want structured training and progress tracking.
- 5Set a minimum weight capacity of 120 kg — cheaper rowers rated at 100 kg flex and wobble for average-sized adults at high stroke rates.
Top 5 Fitness Picks for Australia
Concept2
Concept2 RowErg with Standard Legs
| resistance | Air (fan damper, 10 settings) |
| monitor | PM5 with Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| maxUserWeight | 227 kg |
| railLength | 137 cm (suits riders up to 198 cm) |
| foldable | Separates into 2 pieces |
Pros
- Air resistance scales naturally with stroke intensity
- PM5 monitor tracks every metric and syncs to ErgData, Strava, and Apple Health
- Separates into two pieces for compact storage
- Holds resale value better than any other rower on the market
Cons
- Air resistance is loud at high stroke rates — not apartment-friendly
- Premium price at around $1,600–$1,800 AUD
Verdict
The industry benchmark — used by Olympic teams, CrossFit boxes, and home rowers worldwide for its air resistance and bulletproof build.
Sunny Health & Fitness
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
| resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| monitor | LCD (time, count, calories, total count) |
| maxUserWeight | 113 kg |
| railLength | 112 cm |
| foldable | Yes, upright |
Pros
- Near-silent magnetic resistance perfect for apartments
- Folds upright for compact storage
- 8 adjustable resistance levels
- Large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps
Cons
- LCD monitor is basic — no Bluetooth or app connectivity
- Rail length limits tall users over 190 cm
Verdict
Best value magnetic rower under $500 — quiet operation, foldable design, and 8 resistance levels suit most home gym setups.
WaterRower
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
| resistance | Water (adjustable via tank fill level) |
| monitor | S4 Performance Monitor |
| maxUserWeight | 150 kg |
| material | Ash hardwood |
| foldable | Stores upright |
Pros
- Handcrafted Ash wood frame doubles as furniture
- Water resistance is self-regulating — row harder for more resistance
- S4 monitor tracks intensity, stroke rate, and distance
- Stores upright taking minimal floor space
Cons
- Expensive at $1,400–$1,700 AUD
- Water tank needs occasional purification tablets every 3–6 months
Verdict
The most visually striking rower available — real wood frame and water resistance deliver an authentic rowing feel with a calming water sound.
Everfit
Everfit Rowing Machine with Magnetic Resistance
| resistance | Magnetic, 10 levels |
| monitor | LCD (time, count, calories) |
| maxUserWeight | 100 kg |
| railLength | 105 cm |
| foldable | Yes |
Pros
- Priced well under $300 AUD
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance
- Foldable frame with transport wheels
- Padded seat and non-slip handlebars
Cons
- Build quality is noticeably lighter than mid-range options
- Weight capacity of 100 kg limits heavier users
Verdict
A popular Australian brand option under $300 — straightforward magnetic rower for casual fitness without breaking the budget.
JMQ Fitness
JMQ Fitness RW-1000 Air Rowing Machine
| resistance | Air (fan-based) |
| monitor | LCD (distance, time, calories, stroke count) |
| maxUserWeight | 150 kg |
| railLength | 125 cm |
| foldable | Yes |
Pros
- Air resistance provides natural scaling with effort
- Long rail accommodates tall rowers up to 195 cm
- Heavy-duty steel frame with 150 kg capacity
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Air resistance is audible at high stroke rates
- Monitor lacks Bluetooth — no app syncing
Verdict
Mid-range air rower that delivers a Concept2-like feel at roughly half the price — solid choice for CrossFit-style training.
Editor's Note
Concept2 remains the gold standard in Australian rowing circles, and its resale value holds at 70–80% even after years of use. For budget buyers, the Everfit and Centra magnetic rowers are solid entry points available through Amazon AU. If noise is your primary concern, magnetic resistance is the clear winner — air rowers like the Concept2 are noticeably loud at high intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill for weight loss?
Rowing burns comparable calories to running (400–600 cal/hr) but works your upper body simultaneously and is zero-impact on joints. It's a better choice if you have knee or hip issues.
How much space does a rowing machine need at home?
Most full-size rowers need 250 cm × 60 cm when in use. Foldable models reduce the storage footprint to around 100 cm × 60 cm stood upright, which fits in a corner or closet.
What resistance type is best for beginners?
Magnetic resistance is best for beginners — it's quiet, requires no maintenance, and offers consistent tension at every stroke rate. Air and water rowers feel more natural but are louder.
How long should a rowing workout be?
For general fitness, 20–30 minutes at moderate intensity 3–4 times a week is effective. Beginners should start with 10–15 minute sessions and build up over 2–3 weeks.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.