If you want one honest answer, the Concept2 RowErg is the best air rowing machine for almost every CrossFit athlete. It is the machine every affiliate programs around, its flywheel scales without a ceiling, and its PM5 monitor reports the split and stroke rate you need to track 500m sprints, calorie-capped WODs and the 2000m benchmark accurately.
That matters because an erg is not just a rowing machine with a fan. In CrossFit, the rowing erg is the standard tool for conditioning work that a barbell cannot touch, and the right air rower has to hold up under repeat 500m pieces, report honest numbers, and survive years of shared-wall use in a busy affiliate. We looked at 12 air rowers, read the owner feedback, and checked what each monitor can actually measure.
An erg and a rowing machine are the same thing. The word erg simply means the machine, and air resistance means the drag comes from a fan flywheel rather than magnets, water or a piston. If you also ride an air bike, our air bike roundup for HIIT training covers the other machine most CrossFit boxes buy alongside a rower.
Everything below reflects what we found in the owner reviews and spec data for these 12 models. Sizes, capacities and ratings come straight from the manufacturer listings we reviewed in 2026, and every pick has a clear weakness we are happy to name.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Air Rowers for CrossFit Training (October 2026)
Concept2 RowErg
- PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
- Adjustable air resistance damper
- 500 lb capacity with 5-year frame warranty
Sunny Air Rower SF-RW5940SMART
- 16 magnetic levels plus Air-Blade fan
- 52.6-inch rail up to 300 lb
- Folds vertically for storage
Stamina ATS Air Rower
- True air flywheel resistance
- Folds flat with built-in wheels
- 250 lb carbon steel frame
12 Best Air Rowers for CrossFit Training in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg |
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Check Latest Price |
| Stamina ATS Air Rower |
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 SereneLife Air and Magnetic Rower |
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 Marcy Air Resistance Rowing Machine |
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| Sunny Air Rower SF-RW5940SMART |
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 Stamina Dual Air and Magnetic Rower |
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 GMWD Lava Flow Air Rower |
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 Stamina Pro Dual Resistance Rower |
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 MERACH R50 Pro and R60N |
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 Aviron Strong Series Rower |
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Check Latest Price |
 AssaultRower Pro |
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Check Latest Price |
 Body-Solid Endurance R300 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Concept2 RowErg: The Benchmark Air Rower for CrossFit
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
Air flywheel
PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
500 lb capacity
57.3 lb machine
Pros
- Accurate splits and stroke rate from the PM5 monitor
- Self-scaling air resistance that suits sprinters and beginners
- Aluminum front legs and steel rear legs with a 5-year frame warranty
- Splits into two pieces on caster wheels
- Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
Cons
- One of the higher prices in the roundup
- Monitor runs on two D cell batteries
- Needs about 9 by 4 feet of clear floor space
The RowErg is the machine I recommend to anyone who programs rowing seriously. With more than 13000 owner ratings averaging 4.9, it is also the most proven air rower in this roundup by a wide margin.
What separates it is measurement. The PM5 tracks split per 500m, stroke rate, watts and heart rate from a chest strap, and it broadcasts over Bluetooth and ANT+ to apps like ErgData, ErgZone and Concept2 Logbook. That is what makes a benchmark repeatable and a calorie cap honest.
Build quality is the second reason. The aluminum front legs and steel rear legs hold frame alignment under hard sprint work, and the 5-year frame warranty outlasts anything else here. Owners consistently describe the flywheel as smooth and relatively quiet for an air machine.
Storage is the compromise. It splits into two sections that roll away on caster wheels, but it does not fold upright, so it stays set up at 24 by 96 inches unless you carry it. Budget roughly 9 by 4 feet of usable floor length for a safe stroke.
What to check before you buy
Check your ceiling clearance and floor length first, because the model needs a long run-out. Also confirm your gym has a device holder space nearby, since the integrated holder is what keeps your phone out of your hands mid-piece.
If resale matters to you, this is the one that holds value best, which members on r/crossfit name as a genuine financial argument for the premium.
Where it falls short
It sits at the pricier end of this roundup and the monitor needs two D cell batteries replaced periodically. Neither is a dealbreaker for affiliate use, but both sting for a casual home buyer.
For beginners, the learning curve is real and most owners describe it as a technique problem rather than a hardware problem. Learn the legs-back-arms sequence before you chase a fast split.
2. Stamina ATS Air Rower: The Foldable Budget Fan
Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine with Smart Workout App – Foldable Rowing Machine with Dynamic Air Resistance for Home Gym Fitness – Up to 250 lbs Weight Capacity
Air flywheel
Folds flat with built-in wheels
250 lb capacity
77-inch rail
Pros
- Lowest cost in the roundup while still using a true air flywheel
- Folds flat and rolls on built-in wheels
- Tracks speed distance time and calories
- muuv audio coaching app included
- Padded sliding seat on a steel frame
Cons
- Basic monitor with no splits or stroke rate
- No device holder
- 77-inch rail suits average and shorter rowers
The Stamina ATS is the cheapest way to get a genuine air flywheel rather than a magnet pretending to be one. It holds a 4.0 rating across 436 ratings, the largest review base among the budget air rowers we looked at.
For CrossFit at home, the appeal is simple. It folds flat, rolls on built-in wheels, and the 18 by 77 by 22 inch footprint returns your floor space quickly. Carbon steel construction is rated to 250 lb.
The compromise is data. The multi-function monitor shows speed, distance, time and calories, but no splits and no stroke rate, so structured interval programming has to run off a phone timer or a stopwatch.
Owner ratings spread wider than on premium models, with 9 percent one-star feedback. The common themes are a simple monitor, a modest frame size, and generally smooth wind resistance.
What to check before you buy
Measure your height against the 77-inch rail. Shorter frames are the classic failure point for tall athletes, who finish their stroke sitting on the front of the rail instead of driving the legs.
Also decide whether you need exported session data. If your training is measured in calories and metres rather than splits, this monitor is enough.
Where it falls short
Warranty coverage is 3 years on the frame and 90 days on parts, which matters more than the frame years once you start replacing chains and seat rollers.
It is not built for affiliate duty. Treat it as a home machine that happens to use a real flywheel, and it will do its job well.
3. SereneLife Air and Magnetic Rower: Quiet and Small
SereneLife Air & Magnetic Rowing Machine – Measures Time, Distance, Stride, Calories – For Gym or Home Cardio Workout
Air fan plus 8 magnetic levels
Alloy steel frame
250 lb capacity
62.3 lb machine
Pros
- Combines a wind fan vent with 8 magnetic levels
- Quiet smooth stroke reviewers compare to commercial machines
- Folds easily and is light enough to move between rooms
- Swiveling foot pads reduce ankle restriction
- Alloy steel frame rated to 250 lb
Cons
- Small low-contrast display that is hard to read mid-stroke
- Multiple owners report monitor failures within weeks
- Velcro foot straps need repeated adjustment
This is the quietest-feeling air rower in the group, which is why it suits a flat or an apartment. Owners regularly compare its stroke to commercial machines, and the magnetic element keeps the fan from spinning up on every recovery.
The dual system also helps beginners. Eight magnetic levels give you a floor of resistance, and the air fan adds difficulty as you pull harder, so one machine covers warm-up pace and sprint effort.
Build is respectable for the money, with an alloy steel frame rated to 250 lb and a listed weight of 62.3 lb. It folds for storage and light enough to shift between rooms.
The monitor is the weak point. Reviewers describe a small, low-contrast display that is partly obscured by the foot strap, plus several reports of the monitor failing and reading only zeros weeks after purchase.
What to check before you buy
Sit in front of the monitor before committing. If the display is hard to read at rest, it will be worse at 30 strokes per minute in a dark garage, and you will lose track of pace during a long WOD.
Note that resistance here is partly magnetic, so it behaves more like a hybrid than a pure air rower. That is a plus for quiet use and a minus for the pure self-scaling feel sprinters expect.
Where it falls short
Warranty coverage is one year, and owners who dealt with support after a monitor failure describe the response as unresponsive. That is the main reason it is not an affiliate pick.
The seat can feel loose on the rail and tilt toward the front. Check it early and tighten before long sessions.
4. Marcy Air Resistance Rowing Machine: Heavy-Duty Mid-Range Frame
California Fitness Products by Marcy Deluxe Rowing Machine with Adjustable Air Resistance for Cardio Training NS-7874RW
Air resistance
Alloy steel frame
300 lb capacity
10 damper levels
Pros
- Heavy-duty alloy steel frame rated to 300 lb
- Smooth quiet pull on a nickel-plated steel chain
- Damper lever varies both intensity and noise
- Adjustable footplates straps and monitor angle
- Popular with CrossFit athletes training at home
Cons
- Owners split on whether damper levels change much
- Soft seat compared with a Concept2
- Can walk across the floor without a mat
For a home gym shared by two or three heavy athletes, the Marcy is the sturdiest mid-range frame here. The alloy steel build is rated to 300 lb and carries a 2-year manufacturer limited warranty.
The drive is a nickel-plated steel chain with a rubber-grip handle, and owners describe the pull as smooth and quiet. A damper lever varies both resistance intensity and the noise level, which is genuinely useful in a shared space.
Adjustable footplates, foot straps and monitor angle are all standard, which is more than some competitors at this level offer. It tracks calories, distance, stroke count and time.
Reviewers divide on one point. Some feel the ten damper levels change little between settings, so treat the damper as a stroke-character control rather than a difficulty dial, exactly as on any air rower.
What to check before you buy
Put a mat under it. Owners report the machine walking across the floor during hard rowing sessions, which is both a noise problem and a stability problem for a standing start.
Sit on the seat first if you plan long pieces. It is described as softer and less stable than a Concept2 seat, which shows up after twenty minutes.
Where it falls short
The flywheel can develop loud squeaking after extended use, and there is no device holder for your phone. On a monitor that shows stroke count but no splits, a phone on the floor is your only timing reference.
It is also a 96-inch long machine, so storage needs planning even though it splits.
5. Sunny Health and Fitness Air Rower: Best Value With Vertical Folding
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Smart Air + Magnetic Rower for Training
Air-Blade plus 16 magnetic levels
52.6-inch rail
300 lb capacity
Folds upright
Pros
- 16 magnetic levels combined with Air-Blade flywheel resistance
- 52.6-inch steel-reinforced rail fits users up to 6 foot 9
- Folds vertically against a wall
- SunnyFit app with 1000-plus guided workouts
- Monitor shows pace SPM distance calories and strokes
Cons
- Heaviest unit here at 81.6 lb
- Precise heart rate needs the separately sold HR200 monitor
- Compact fold comes with a narrow 22-inch frame
The Sunny SF-RW5940SMART has the widest resistance range of any machine here, pairing 16 magnetic levels with Air-Blade fan resistance. That range is exactly what a mixed room needs, from a coached warm-up to a max-effort 500m.
The rail is the standout number. At 52.6 inches steel-reinforced, it supports users up to 6 foot 9 without cutting the stroke short, which solves the reach problem that trips up many compact machines.
It folds vertically for upright storage, and the monitor runs four training modes with pace, stroke rate, distance, calories and stroke count. The SunnyFit app comes free with more than 1000 guided workouts and no extra hardware.
Owners rate it 4.1 from 170 ratings, with 60 percent five-star. The praise concentrates on resistance range, rail length and the app library.
What to check before you buy
Be honest about the 81.6 lb weight. It is the heaviest unit here, so folding and moving it takes effort and you need a clear path to wherever you store it upright.
Decide if precise heart rate matters. That feature depends on the separately sold HR200 monitor, so budget for it if you train to a heart rate ceiling rather than to splits.
Where it falls short
Its structural frame warranty runs 3 years with 180 days on other parts and components, which is thinner coverage than the Concept2 offers.
The compact fold also narrows the frame to 22 inches, so wide-footed athletes may find the stance tighter than on a full-size rower.
6. Stamina Dual Air and Magnetic Rower: Smallest Footprint
Stamina Dual Air and Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine w/Fitness Coaching App – 8 Levels Magnetic & Air Resistance, LCD Monitor – Compact Rowing Machines for Home Use
Air plus magnetic
66-inch frame
250 lb capacity
50 lb machine
Pros
- Magnetic base level plus air resistance that rises as you pull
- Compact 66-inch footprint at only 50 lb
- Large easy-to-read LCD monitor
- Molded seat padded handle and leveling feet
- muuv coaching app with no subscription
Cons
- 250 lb capacity is lower than several rivals
- Short rail may feel cramped for taller athletes
- No stroke rate or heart rate tracking
At 66 by 22 by 34.5 inches and 50 lb, this is the smallest and lightest machine in the roundup. If your training space is a corner of a room rather than a garage bay, footprint matters more than anything else.
The dual resistance works well for CrossFit programming. You set a magnetic base level, then the air resistance climbs as your stroke rate climbs, so the same setting works for an interval and a long row.
The large LCD is a real upgrade over tiny budget displays, and the molded seat, padded handle, leveling feet and drink holder are sensible touches. The muuv app needs no subscription.
Owners rate it 4.1 from 79 ratings with 55 percent five-star. The appeal is clearly the compact design and readable monitor.
What to check before you buy
Sit down and row it before buying. The 66-inch rail is genuinely short, and tall athletes consistently report it feels cramped in the catch position.
Check your own weight against the 250 lb limit. Several rivals here are rated higher, and the limit matters if a training partner uses the machine.
Where it falls short
The metric set is basic with no stroke rate and no heart rate tracking, so structured interval work needs an external timer. No chest strap is included either.
For a box that programs sprints, this is a good warm-up and recovery tool rather than a competition machine.
7. GMWD Lava Flow Air Rower: 500 Pound Capacity in a Folding Frame
GMWD Air Rowing Machines for Home, 10-Level Adjustable Resistance Professional Rower Machine with Performance Monitor, Ergonomic Comfort Seat, Device Holder & Easy Storage, Lava Flow Series
10 air levels up to 110 lb
500 lb capacity
72 lb machine
Folds upright
Pros
- Air resistance keeps rising with pull speed to 110 lb peak
- Alloy steel and aluminum frame rated to 500 lb
- 50-inch rail fits users from 4 foot 7 to 6 foot 3
- Folds to 32.7 by 28.7 inches and stores upright
- Bluetooth syncing to the free FitShow app
Cons
- Monitor assumes a fixed 6 meters per stroke so distances and calories are wrong
- Display feels cheap and hard to read
- Metal legs need stretching to align and no 14 mm wrench is included
The GMWD RM02 pairs real air resistance with a 500 lb frame rating, which is rare in a machine that folds. Ten levels reach a 110 lb peak, so it has actual ceiling room for a strong sprinter.
Storage is well handled. It folds down to a 32.7 by 28.7 inch floor footprint and stores upright on caster wheels, which is why it works in a small garage.
Owners rate it 4.3 across 64 ratings with 62 percent five-star. Customer service has been reported as responsive, including fixing an electronic readout problem.
There is one detail that should decide this purchase for a CrossFit athlete. The monitor registers a fixed 6 metres per stroke, so distance and calorie data are not accurate for WODs or any benchmarked piece.
What to check before you buy
Understand the distance problem before you buy. If your programming includes calorie caps or scored metres, a fixed-per-stroke monitor will make every result meaningless no matter how hard you train.
Allow time for assembly. Metal legs need stretching to align and a 14 mm wrench is not included, which is the most common assembly complaint in the reviews.
Where it falls short
Beyond the distance math, the display feels cheap, the foot straps are weak, and there is a small rattle during use with a louder flywheel than premium machines.
It is a strong general fitness machine. For scored CrossFit work, it is not the one to build a season around.
8. Stamina Pro Dual Resistance Rower: Chest Strap in the Box
Stamina Pro Dual Air and Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine Foldable w/Fitness Coaching App and Wireless Chest Strap Heart Monitor – Folding Rowing Machines for Home Use
Air plus magnetic
300 lb capacity
87 lb machine
Folds upright
Pros
- Dual resistance with an adjustable magnetic base intensity
- Wireless chest strap heart rate monitor included
- Folding frame with built-in wheels for upright storage
- Custom interval and target heart rate programming
- muuv coaching app with no subscription
Cons
- Heaviest Stamina model at 87 lb so folding takes effort
- Only 50 ratings with 10 percent one-star feedback
- Parts warranty is just 90 days despite a 5-year frame warranty
The Stamina Pro stands out for one accessory nobody else bundles here: a wireless chest strap heart rate monitor, ready to pair in the box. For heart rate based intervals that is real value, since you are not buying a strap separately.
Resistance is dual air and magnetic with an adjustable magnetic base, and the console runs custom interval and target heart rate workouts. The frame is rated to 300 lb and folds upright on built-in wheels.
Owners rate it 4.0 from 50 ratings with 10 percent one-star feedback, the smallest sample in the roundup alongside a few others. The chest strap and interval programming are what separate it from cheaper dual-resistance models.
Construction includes a high-strength nylon strap, aluminum beam, contoured seat and pivoting foot plates, which is a solid spec sheet for the weight class.
What to check before you buy
Ask how you will move it. At 87 lb it is the heaviest Stamina model here, so folding and repositioning takes real effort and it is a two-person job in a tight room.
Check that your phone or tablet can read the workout data, because the basic LCD does not give you splits or stroke rate on its own.
Where it falls short
The 5-year frame warranty is paired with only a 90-day parts warranty. That is the detail that matters after two years when a chain or monitor needs replacing.
With only 50 ratings, long-term reliability data is thin. Ask yourself whether you are comfortable being an early adopter of the fault points.
9. MERACH R50 Pro and R60N: The Backlit Monitor Upgrade
Merach R50 Pro Rowing Machine Indoor, Professional Monitor, Easy Storage
32-blade air fan
440 lb capacity
72 lb machine
Backlit LED monitor
Pros
- Backlit competition monitor is easy to read in a dark garage
- Force and air pressure reported as comparable to a Concept2
- Solid feel with a contoured seat good for long sessions
- 32-blade fan keeps noise reasonable
- App support with workouts and real-time competition
Cons
- Monitor setup instructions are finicky and need trial and error
- Fan enclosure feels cheaper than a Concept2
- Several users question monitor data accuracy
The MERACH R50 Pro is the only machine here with a properly backlit competition monitor, which matters in the dim garage most of us actually train in. It runs 20-plus training modes on an LED backlit display.
The 32-blade fan gives a reported force and air pressure that experienced rowers compare favourably to a Concept2, and it keeps noise reasonable for an air rower. Rated capacity is 440 lb.
It arrives 90 percent pre-assembled and separates into two sections for vertical storage, which makes it practical in a shared room.
The rating is strong at 4.5 from 44 ratings with 79 percent five-star, the second-highest average here on a small sample. Owners coming from budget magnetic rowers rate the stroke and seat highly.
What to check before you buy
Budget an evening for setup and monitor pairing. Owners describe the setup instructions as finicky, and assembly running longer than the stated estimate is a repeated note.
Ask how important exact split data is. Several users question the accuracy of the monitor, so treat it as excellent guidance rather than a certified judging system.
Where it falls short
The fan enclosure is described as feeling cheaper than a Concept2, and unboxing quality is inconsistent, with some units arriving with a dented seat bar or damaged box.
It is not full competition spec. If you race or benchmark seriously, verify the numbers against a known distance before you trust them in a WOD.
10. Aviron Strong Series: 22 Inch Touchscreen and Game Workouts
Aviron Strong Series Rower: 22″ HD Touchscreen, Dual Air & Magnetic Resistance up to 100 lbs. Game-Based Workouts, Streaming, Compact Design, Black
22-inch HD touchscreen
Dual resistance to 100 lb
507 lb capacity
84-inch frame
Pros
- 22-inch HD touchscreen with streaming classes and multiplayer games
- Dual air and magnetic resistance up to 100 lb
- Steel and aluminum frame tested over 1 million cycles
- Quiet commercial-grade nylon belt drive
- Upright storage without a wall mount
Cons
- Interactive content and games require a paid membership
- Software is buggy with frozen screens and lost workout data
- Highest price in the group by a wide margin
The Aviron Strong Series is the only machine here with a 22-inch HD touchscreen, streaming, instructor classes and game-based workouts. For athletes who find a bare LCD dull, that changes the whole experience of a 30-minute session.
It is also genuinely heavy-duty. Dual air and magnetic resistance reaches up to 100 lb, and the steel and aluminum frame was tested over one million cycles with a listed 507 lb rating.
At 84 inches long it fits users up to 6 foot 8 and stores upright without a wall mount, and the nylon belt drive is quiet. Owners rate it 4.3 from 25 ratings, a small but enthusiastic sample.
What to check before you buy
Factor in the membership. The interactive content and games need a paid subscription, and several buyers report they did not expect that cost when they bought the machine.
Check your power outlet. It runs on corded electric power, so unlike battery-powered rivals it has to be plugged in and it cannot move to a garage easily.
Where it falls short
Software stability is the recurring complaint. Screens freeze, reboot mid-workout and show unknown errors, sometimes losing workout data, which is a real problem for a scored WOD.
It is also the most expensive machine here by a wide margin, and some units shipped with a missing or mismatched monitor mount nut.
11. AssaultRower Pro: Three Fan Infinite Resistance
AssaultRower Pro – Rower Workout Machine for HIIT, Cardio, and Endurance Training – Motorless.
3-fan infinite air resistance
350 lb capacity
109 lb machine
Folds upright
Pros
- Three-fan infinite resistance gives fine-grained intensity control
- Dual-stage chain and belt drive for gym-style row motion
- Steel foot plates and aluminum beam with a commercial-grade seat
- Fits athletes up to 350 lb with real-time metrics
- Needs no electricity so it works indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Heaviest machine here at 109 lb so moving and folding is hard
- Only 20 ratings with 19 percent one-star feedback
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity so no structured online workouts
The AssaultRower Pro is built like affiliate equipment. The three-fan system gives infinite air resistance with continuous, fine-grained intensity control, which is exactly what a coach wants for HIIT intervals.
A dual-stage chain and belt drive produces the smooth, gym-style row motion Assault is known for, with steel foot plates and an aluminum beam carrying athletes up to 350 lb.
It needs no electricity at all, so it works indoors or outdoors, and it folds to stand upright with transport wheels. Warranty cover is 7 years on the frame and 3 years on non-wear parts.
Owner feedback is thin at 20 ratings with 19 percent one-star. Enthusiastic buyers cite the smooth chain drive and infinite resistance for CrossFit-style intervals.
What to check before you buy
Plan the move. At 109 lb this is the heaviest machine in the roundup, so getting it into position and folding it after a session is a two-person job in most homes.
Decide whether you need connectivity. There is no Bluetooth or app connection, so no structured online workouts, which rules it out if you program from your phone.
Where it falls short
The monitor covers fewer metrics than connected competitors, and the small sample of 20 ratings with a sizeable share of one-star feedback means less long-term data than the Concept2 or Stamina options offer.
With 20 ratings it is the smallest sample here. Buy it for the hardware and the resistance control, not for the review history.
12. Body-Solid Endurance R300: The Lifetime Warranty Option
Body-Solid Endurance (R300) Air Resistance Indoor Rower – Cardio & Total Body Workout Machine with Self-Generating Power
User-controlled air resistance
330 lb capacity
Limited lifetime warranty
81.1 lb machine
Pros
- Perfect 5.0 rating with every one of the 19 ratings at five stars
- Reported as much quieter than a comparable NordicTrack RW500
- Commercial-grade feel including for a 6 foot 1 user
- Console reports stroke rate watts heart rate and calories with no power cord
- Limited lifetime warranty with responsive support
Cons
- Smallest review base here at 19 ratings so long-term data is thin
- No tablet holder included though a phone holder is
- At 81.1 lb it takes two people to move
The Body-Solid Endurance R300 is the warranty answer. It carries a limited lifetime warranty and a 330 lb capacity, with user-controlled air resistance on a precision-engineered flywheel driven by a nickel-plated chain.
Its console is unusually thorough for a non-connected machine, reporting time, heart rate, calories, paddle width, stroke rate, distance, cycle and watts. The multi-piece design disassembles for storage and transport, and a phone holder is included.
It holds a 5.0 rating with all 19 ratings at five stars, which is a perfect score but from the smallest sample in the roundup. Owners describe a commercial-grade feel and much quieter operation than a comparable NordicTrack RW500.
Customer support is repeatedly singled out as responsive and thorough, including when a part failed.
What to check before you buy
Weigh the evidence. A perfect rating from 19 owners tells you current owners are happy, but it gives you far less long-term reliability data than the Concept2 or Stamina ATS review counts do.
There is no tablet holder, only a phone holder, and because the console is self-generating some programs still need batteries fitted.
Where it falls short
At 81.1 lb it is one of the heavier units and typically takes two people to move. The 95.1-inch length also means a long run-out in a small space.
If you want parts and app connectivity, this is not the machine for you. If you want a warranty that outlives your training career, it is.
Air Rower or Air Bike for CrossFit?
This is the most asked question on r/crossfit, and the honest answer is that the two machines train different things. A rower pulls from the legs, back and arms with almost no impact, so it suits long aerobic pieces, 2000m benchmarks and lifters who need conditioning without wrecking their spine.
An air bike is far more scalable. A hard sprint pushes the handles and the fan at the same time, which burns more total energy in a short window, so it wins for high-intensity conditioning, metcon-style WODs and work capacity circuits. Members who add a Concept2 to an air bike usually keep both: bike for intensity, rower for intervals and benchmarks.
If your budget covers one machine only, most home CrossFit athletes should start with the rower. The skill curve is steeper but the machine doubles as a low-impact recovery and warm-up tool, which a bike does not.
Our best air bikes for HIIT training guide covers the bike side in detail. If you are building a full garage setup, pair the rower with our weight sled guide for driveway work and plyo box guide for jump training to cover the remaining modality gaps.
Damper Settings, Splits and 2000m Targets for CrossFit WODs
One misconception causes more lost fitness than any other: a higher damper setting does not make rowing harder. It changes the character of the stroke. Setting 1 feels like a light racing shell and setting 10 like a heavy barge, while the difficulty still comes from how hard you pull.
CrossFit boxes typically run the damper between 3 and 5. That keeps the fan quiet, makes flywheel speeds realistic and lets heavier athletes work at a pace light athletes can match. Race and benchmark settings are usually higher because the pacing is controlled.
Split time is the pace for 500 metres, shown as a decimal such as 1:45, and stroke rate is your pulls per minute. Intervals usually pair 24 to 28 strokes per minute with a damper around 3, while a 2000m benchmark runs closer to 5 or 6.
Technique first: drive with the legs, then the back, then the arms, and reverse on the return. Pulling with the arms first is the most common self-taught error and it wrecks both calorie burn and your lower back.
On benchmark targets, a nine-minute 2000m is achievable for a trained athlete and out of reach for most beginners, so treat any printed target as a starting point. Your benchmark should improve with a steady 2000m every four to six weeks, not with a single hard effort.
Air Rower Maintenance and Chain Care
Air rowers need very little, but the two items that matter are the chain and the seat roller. Put one drop of chain oil on the chain every 50 hours of use, or whenever it starts sounding dry or squeaky under load.
Wipe the rail and seat roller with a dry cloth weekly so grit does not grind into the rollers, and check that the flywheel housing vents are clear. Vibration and a sudden louder fan usually mean a blocked vent rather than a failed machine.
Replace monitor batteries annually, and treat user capacity and warranty length as the two numbers that tell you whether a machine will still be servable in year five. Parts availability is a real buying criterion, not an afterthought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air rowing machine?
The Concept2 RowErg is the best air rowing machine for most people. Its PM5 monitor reports accurate splits, stroke rate and calories, its flywheel scales without a resistance ceiling, and its 5-year frame warranty plus long parts support make it the safest choice for CrossFit programming.
Is an erg the same as a rowing machine?
Yes. The erg is the rowing machine, usually an indoor rower. The word erg simply means the machine you row on. When resistance comes from a fan flywheel rather than magnets, water or a piston, it is an air resistance erg, which is the CrossFit standard.
Is CrossFit good for rowing?
Rowing is one of the best conditioning tools in CrossFit because it is low impact and self-scaling. The same machine works for a beginner at a light pace and a competitive athlete at race pace, and it trains the legs, back, core and grip without the joint impact of running.
What rowing machine do professional rowers use?
Most competitive rowers train indoors on a Concept2 RowErg because international erg competitions standardise on that machine. Its flywheel, damper settings and PM5 monitor produce repeatable distances, which is why the same benchmark results are comparable worldwide.
What is a good erg score for a 2000m row?
It depends on experience and body weight, so judge progress against yourself first. A trained athlete reaching a nine-minute 2000m is a strong result, while a beginner may need well over twelve minutes. Row the test every four to six weeks to track improvement.
Are air rowers better than magnetic rowers?
Air rowers are better for CrossFit because resistance rises with stroke power and has no ceiling. Magnetic rowers are quieter, cheaper and often fold smaller, so they suit apartments and light training, but they cap out and give less honest feedback on power output.
How loud is an air resistance rowing machine?
An air rower is louder at high stroke rates because the fan whines with speed. Running the damper at 3 to 5 slows the flywheel and cuts noise noticeably. Magnetic and dual air-magnetic models are the quietest options if you share walls.
Do air rowers need maintenance?
Very little. Apply one drop of chain oil every 50 hours of use, wipe the rail and seat roller weekly, and keep the flywheel vents clear. Replace monitor batteries about once a year and check the chain and straps for wear annually.
Which Air Rower Should You Buy?
Buy the Concept2 RowErg if you train with structure, compete in benchmark WODs or share one rower between athletes. Nothing else in this roundup matches its measurement accuracy, frame warranty and parts support, and that is why it is our editor’s choice for the best air rowers for CrossFit training in 2026.
Choose the Sunny air rower if vertical storage and a wide resistance range matter more than brand loyalty. Pick the Stamina ATS if budget and a folding footprint decide the purchase.
Whichever one you choose, learn the stroke sequence before chasing speed. The machine is the easy part, and a clean legs-back-arms pattern is what turns it into real conditioning.