6 Best Alternatives to the Aviron Strong Series Rowing Machine: 22" (2026)

Comparing top rowing alternatives

YPOO 350 lb Magnetic Rower

The YPOO Magnetic Rower prioritizes quiet operation and vertical storage over digital immersion. It features a 65-inch length, which is significantly shorter than the Aviron’s 84-inch footprint, making it better for tighter spaces. While it lacks the 22-inch HD touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, it offers a higher weight capacity of 350 lbs compared to the Aviron’s 100 lb limit. You get magnetic resistance for smooth, silent strokes. This model suits users who value physical durability and space efficiency over interactive screen-based training. It is a practical choice for home gyms where noise and size are primary concerns.

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower

The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower is designed for portability and small spaces. At 58.1 inches long and weighing only 22.4 pounds, it is far smaller and lighter than the Aviron’s 114-pound steel frame. It uses hydraulic resistance rather than the Aviron’s dual air and magnetic system, which provides a different feel and potentially less consistent resistance. It includes app connectivity for tracking, similar to the Aviron’s digital focus, but lacks the large touchscreen display. This rower is ideal for users with limited floor space who need a lightweight, easy-to-store option for basic cardio rather than immersive, game-based workouts.

Merach R7 Self-Powered Black Rower

The Merach R7 Self-Powered Rower offers a unique self-generation feature, allowing you to charge devices while rowing. It is shorter at 73.9 inches and lighter at 57.3 pounds than the Aviron, though it has a wider stance at 32 inches. It uses magnetic resistance but omits a built-in display, relying instead on app-based training. This contrasts with the Aviron’s integrated 22-inch HD touchscreen. The Merach is best for users who prefer app-driven workouts and want to reduce reliance on external power sources. It sacrifices the immediate visual feedback of a large screen for a more minimalist, self-sustaining design.

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Magnetic Rower

The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Magnetic Rower is extremely space-efficient, measuring only 38.8 inches in length and weighing 45.5 pounds. It is much more portable than the Aviron’s 84-inch, 114-pound unit. It uses magnetic resistance and offers app integration, aligning with the Aviron’s digital connectivity but without the large touchscreen. The compact form factor makes it suitable for small apartments or offices. You give up the immersive screen experience and the high resistance of the Aviron, gaining instead a lightweight, easy-to-store machine for basic cardio. It is a practical choice for users prioritizing footprint over display quality.

Winfita 32-Level Magnetic Rower

The Winfita 32-Level Magnetic Rower provides a quiet, stable rowing experience with 32 levels of magnetic resistance. It is shorter at 61.8 inches and lighter at 36.4 pounds than the Aviron, with a higher weight capacity of 350 lbs. It features an LED monitor rather than a large HD touchscreen, offering basic metrics without the immersive screen. It includes app connectivity for tracking. This model suits users who value quiet operation and high weight capacity over a large display. It is a solid alternative for home use where space and noise are considerations, but digital engagement is secondary to the physical workout.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower with 24" Screen

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower features a 24-inch interactive display, which is larger than the Aviron’s 22-inch screen. It is slightly shorter at 80.1 inches but heavier at 145 pounds. It offers guided training and requires a subscription for full access, similar to the Aviron’s membership model. It lacks the dual air and magnetic resistance, using a different mechanism instead. This rower is best for users who want a large screen and guided content but prefer a slightly more compact footprint than the Aviron. It is a premium option for those focused on interactive, instructor-led workouts rather than game-based psychology.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Aviron Strong Series 22" Touchscreen Rower

Best for: Immersive, screen-based rowing workouts

Resistance Type

Dual (air and magnetic)

Weight Capacity

100 lb

Display Type

22" HD touchscreen

Connectivity

Bluetooth, Apple Watch

Foldable

Yes (upright storage)

Form Factor

Compact

View on Amazon: Aviron Strong Series 22" Touchscreen Rower Affiliate link

This rower features a 22-inch HD touchscreen and dual air-magnetic resistance up to 100 lbs. It measures 84 inches long and 27 inches wide. The unit supports users up to 6'8" tall and weighs 114 pounds. Bluetooth and Apple Watch connectivity track your progress. It offers upright storage without wall mounting. This model suits those seeking immersive, game-based workouts with high resistance levels.

Pros

• 22-inch HD touchscreen display
• Dual air and magnetic resistance up to 100 lbs
• Bluetooth and Apple Watch compatibility
• Upright storage without wall mount
• Supports users up to 6'8" tall

Cons

• Membership required for interactive content
• No heart rate sensor included
• Resistance cap lower than some competitors

Good fit if

• You want immersive game-based rowing workouts
• You need a large touchscreen for tracking
• You have space for 84-inch length

Skip if

• You prefer manual resistance without digital features
• You want a fully self-contained unit without subscriptions
• You need resistance higher than 100 lbs

Verdict: Aviron Strong Series Rower delivers a premium screen and strong resistance for immersive training. It fits users who value digital engagement and have room for its 84-inch footprint.

2 Best folding elliptical

YPOO 350 lb Magnetic Rower

Best for: quiet, space-saving home rowing

Resistance Type

magnetic

Resistance Levels

16

Weight Capacity

350 lbs

Display Type

LCD

Connectivity

YPOOFIT, Kinomap

Rail Length

46 in

View on Amazon: YPOO 350 lb Magnetic Rower Affiliate link

The YPOO RM930 is a folding rowing machine with a 350 lb weight capacity and 16 levels of magnetic resistance. It features a 46-inch dual slide rail and operates at under 25 dB. The unit includes an LCD display and app compatibility. It is designed for home use and folds vertically to save space. You get a compact, quiet cardio option that supports users up to 6'3" tall.

Pros

• 350 lb weight capacity
• 16 levels of magnetic resistance
• 46-inch dual slide rail
• Folds vertically for storage
• Operates at under 25 dB

Cons

• No built-in Bluetooth connectivity
• LCD display only, no touchscreen
• No included heart-rate sensors

Good fit if

• You need a quiet rower for apartments
• You want a machine that folds vertically
• You require a high weight capacity

Skip if

• You prefer a non-folding frame
• You want a touchscreen display
• You need built-in Bluetooth

Verdict: YPOO Foldable Magnetic Rower 350 lb fits users who prioritize quiet operation and vertical storage in a home setting. It suits those needing a high weight capacity without requiring a touchscreen or Bluetooth.

3 Best budget

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower

Best for: small spaces and portability

Resistance Type

hydraulic

Resistance Levels

12

Weight Capacity

220 lb

Display Type

LCD

Connectivity

Bluetooth, SunnyFit App

Form Factor

Compact

View on Amazon: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower Affiliate link

This Sunny Health & Fitness rower uses hydraulic resistance with 12 adjustment levels. It weighs 22.4 pounds and measures 58.1 by 20.1 by 24.8 inches. The compact design fits small spaces easily. You get free access to the SunnyFit app for tracking workouts. A digital display and device holder keep you engaged. It suits those needing a lightweight, portable cardio option.

Pros

• 12 levels of hydraulic resistance
• Lightweight 22.4-pound build
• Free SunnyFit app access
• Integrated device holder
• Compact 58.1-inch length

Cons

• Hydraulic resistance lacks the smoothness of magnetic systems
• No Bluetooth connectivity for data syncing
• Basic digital display without advanced metrics

Good fit if

• You have limited storage space
• You want a lightweight machine to move between rooms
• You prefer simple knob-based resistance adjustments

Skip if

• You need a heavy-duty commercial-grade build
• You require precise magnetic resistance control
• You want to sync workout data to third-party fitness apps

Verdict: Sunny Health Compact Hydraulic Rower offers a portable, app-connected solution for small spaces. It fits users who prioritize easy storage and basic cardio over premium resistance mechanics.

4 Also great

Merach R7 Self-Powered Black Rower

Best for: Self-powered rowing for tall users

Resistance Type

magnetic

Connectivity

MERACH app

Intended Use

Home Use

Color

Black

Dimensions

73.9 × 32 × 17.8 inches

Weight

57.3 pounds

View on Amazon: Merach R7 Self-Powered Black Rower Affiliate link

The Merach R7 is a self-powered magnetic rower that requires no external electricity. It features a 49.2-inch rail for tall users up to 6'4.8" and offers 130 lbs of magnetic resistance. The unit includes a wide-angle dial display and connects to the Merach App for interactive classes. Its self-generating system allows you to charge devices via Type-C. This model suits those seeking a quiet, high-resistance machine for home use.

Pros

• Self-powered system with no external power needed
• 49.2-inch rail accommodates users up to 6'4.8"
• 130 lbs of professional-grade magnetic resistance
• Connects to Merach App for interactive classes

Cons

• Includes only a wide-angle dial, not an HD screen
• Lacks a traditional digital display for detailed metrics
• App connectivity required for full interactive features

Good fit if

• You want a rower that generates its own power
• You are over 6 feet tall and need a long rail
• You prefer quiet magnetic resistance for home use

Skip if

• You require an HD touchscreen display
• You need a rower with a traditional digital console
• You want to use the rower without any app connection

Verdict: Merach R7 Self-Powered Magnetic Rower fits users who prioritize self-generation and tall-user clearance over a traditional display. It is ideal for those who want to charge devices while rowing and prefer app-based training.

5 Also great

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Magnetic Rower

Best for: Small spaces and app tracking

Resistance Type

magnetic

Resistance Levels

8

Weight Capacity

285 lbs

Display Type

LCD

Connectivity

SunnyFit app

Foldable

yes, vertical

View on Amazon: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Magnetic Rower Affiliate link

This compact magnetic rower offers a low-impact cardio workout with 8 resistance levels. It features a 285 lb weight capacity and a foldable design for easy storage. The LCD monitor tracks basic metrics, which sync to the free SunnyFit app for extended tracking and virtual tours. It suits those needing space-saving equipment.

Pros

• 8-level magnetic resistance for quiet operation
• 285 lb user weight capacity
• Foldable design with transport wheels
• Free SunnyFit app connectivity
• LCD monitor for basic metrics

Cons

• Only 8 resistance levels compared to higher-tier models
• Basic LCD display without advanced metrics
• No heart rate monitoring sensors listed

Good fit if

• You have limited floor space
• You want a quiet magnetic rower
• You prefer app-connected tracking

Skip if

• You need high-intensity resistance levels
• You require a large color touchscreen
• You are over 285 lbs

Verdict: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW521020 Magnetic Rower fits users who prioritize compact storage and app integration over premium display features.

6 Best led monitor

Winfita 32-Level Magnetic Rower

Best for: Quiet home rowing with app tracking

Resistance Type

Magnetic

Resistance Levels

32

Weight Capacity

350 lb

Display Type

LCD

Connectivity

App supported

Rail Length

44 in

View on Amazon: Winfita 32-Level Magnetic Rower Affiliate link

This Winfita rower uses a magnetic drive with 32 resistance levels to keep noise under 25dB. It features a dual-slide rail design and supports up to 350lbs. The LCD monitor tracks your workout data, and the unit connects to an app for smart training. Its compact footprint and built-in wheels make it easy to store in small spaces. It suits users seeking a quiet, stable machine for full-body cardio.

Pros

• 32 adjustable magnetic resistance levels
• Dual-slide rail for stability
• Supports up to 350lb weight capacity
• LCD monitor with app sync
• Quiet operation under 25dB

Cons

• LCD display lacks advanced metrics
• No remote control included
• Only 1-year warranty coverage

Good fit if

• You need a quiet rower for apartment living
• You prefer a stable dual-rail design
• You want app-connected data tracking

Skip if

• You require a large HD touchscreen
• You need Bluetooth heart-rate monitoring
• You want a self-powered flywheel

Verdict: Winfita Magnetic Rower with 32 Levels offers a stable, quiet rowing experience for users who value magnetic precision and app connectivity over flashy displays. It fits those prioritizing a compact footprint and high weight capacity.

7 Best premium

NordicTrack RW900 Rower with 24" Screen

Best for: users wanting guided training on a large screen

Resistance Type

magnetic

Resistance Levels

26

Display Type

24 in touchscreen

Connectivity

iFIT, Strava, Garmin, Apple Health

Color

Black

Dimensions

80.1 × 21.8 × 52.7 inches

View on Amazon: NordicTrack RW900 Rower with 24" Screen Affiliate link

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower features a 24-inch pivoting touchscreen and 26 digital resistance levels. It uses silent magnetic resistance for quiet home workouts. The machine measures 80.1 inches long and weighs 145 pounds. You need an iFIT Pro Membership to access streaming content and SmartAdjust features. It suits users who want guided training and off-rower class support.

Pros

• 24-inch pivoting touchscreen for optimal viewing
• 26 digital resistance levels for customized intensity
• Silent magnetic resistance for quiet operation
• Pivoting pedals with adjustable nylon straps

Cons

• Requires iFIT Pro Membership for connected features
• Large footprint at 80.1 inches long
• Heavy build at 145 pounds

Good fit if

• You want a large screen for streaming
• You prefer silent magnetic resistance
• You value guided AI coaching

Skip if

• You want a compact machine under 70 inches
• You prefer equipment without required subscriptions
• You have limited floor space

Verdict: NordicTrack RW900 Rower fits users who prioritize a large interactive display and guided training over a compact footprint. It is best for those willing to subscribe for full feature access.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions