Exercise Bike vs Rowing Machine (2027): Which Is Better?

Exercise bikes and rowing machines are both low-impact cardio staples, but they work your body very differently. A bike focuses on the legs and is easy to ride for long sessions, while a rower works the legs, back, core and arms in a single stroke. Rowing burns more per minute for most people, but cycling is easier to sustain and gentler to learn.

The best choice depends on your goals, comfort and space. We compared popular Amazon exercise bikes and rowing machines on resistance, weight rating, noise, footprint, ratings and price.

Below are our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews and a buying guide. For more, see the best exercise bikes, best rowing machines and best indoor cycling bikes.

Top 3 Machines for This Comparison

Exercise Bike vs Rowing Machine Comparison

1. Schwinn IC4 – Best Bike

The Schwinn IC4 is our top pick because it is the most trusted bike in this comparison, with 100 micro-adjustable magnetic levels, dual SPD and toe-cage pedals, a 330 lb user rating and more than 3,700 ratings at 4.5 stars. It costs about $900.

Schwinn’s IC4 has 100 micro-adjustable magnetic levels, dual SPD and toe-cage pedals, a 330 lb user rating and works with Peloton and Zwift apps.

More than 3,700 ratings at 4.5 stars and smooth magnetic resistance make it a favorite.

It costs about $900, has no built-in screen and apps need separate subscriptions.

The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, and it connects to Peloton, Zwift and other apps through your own device. There is no built-in screen, so you supply your own tablet, and app subscriptions are separate. For cyclists who want a quality studio-style bike, it is hard to beat.

Best for: Cyclists wanting studio feel

May not fit: Buyers wanting a built-in screen

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2. Concept2 RowErg – Best Rower

The Concept2 RowErg is the standard air rower, with a 500 lb rating and a 4.9-star average, for about $990.

Concept2’s RowErg is the standard erg for racing, CrossFit and online rankings, with an air flywheel and damper from 1 to 10, a PM5 performance monitor and a roughly 500 lb user rating, in a 96 by 24 inch frame that splits for storage.

Its PM5 data is consistent across machines, and more than 13,000 ratings average 4.9 stars.

It costs about $990, needs about 9 by 4 feet of floor and is louder than magnetic rowers.

On paper, you get air flywheel with damper 1 to 10, pm5 performance monitor, about 96″l x 24″w, ~500 lb max user. Its biggest strengths are the standard erg for racing, crossfit and online rankings and pm5 data is consistent across machines; keep in mind about $990 before ordering.

Best for: Full-body training and rowing fans

May not fit: Tight budgets

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3. YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic Rower – Best Magnetic Rower

YOSUDA’s H-185 has 16 magnetic levels and a 350 lb rating, with more than 2,500 ratings.

YOSUDA’s H-185 is a magnetic rower with 16 levels, a 350 lb user rating and a 64.6 by 17.7 inch frame at 54 lb, with a Bluetooth app.

It has a 4.5-star average on more than 2,500 ratings and a steadier frame.

It is not as smooth as air at high stroke rates and the monitor lacks watts.

The specifications to note are 350 lb max user weight, 64.57″l x 17.72″w x 28.35″h, 54 lb, bluetooth app. In daily use the advantages are heavier 54 lb frame feels steadier and narrow 17.7-inch width, and the drawbacks are not as smooth at high stroke rates as air and monitor lacks watts.

Best for: Quiet rowing at home

May not fit: Watts-focused trainers

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4. MERACH S08 Exercise Bike – Best Budget Bike

MERACH’s S08 has a belt drive and runs under 25 dB for about $200.

MERACH’s S08 has magnetic resistance, a belt drive, a 300 lb user rating, a claimed sub-25 dB noise level, an LED monitor, a tablet holder and the free MERACH app.

A quiet belt drive for about $200 and more than 2,100 ratings stand out.

The frame is lighter and the display is basic.

Key details include magnetic resistance, belt drive, 300 lb max user, about 60 lb, under 25 db claimed. Buyers most often praise that it is quiet belt drive for about $200 and 2,100+ ratings, while the main trade-offs to weigh are lighter frame than premium bikes and basic led display.

Best for: Quiet, cheap cycling

May not fit: Heavy riders over 300 lb

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5. YOSUDA Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike – Most Reviewed Bike

YOSUDA’s magnetic bike has a 25 lb flywheel and more than 25,000 ratings.

YOSUDA’s magnetic cycling bike has a 25 lb flywheel, a belt drive, a 300 lb user rating, a 4-way seat and 2-way handlebars.

More than 25,000 ratings at about $200 make it the most reviewed bike here.

The LCD is basic and it is not as smooth as premium bikes.

On paper, you get magnetic resistance, 25 lb flywheel, belt drive, 300 lb max user. Its biggest strengths are 25,000+ ratings, the most here and quiet belt drive; keep in mind basic lcd before ordering.

Best for: Proven value

May not fit: Premium feel seekers

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6. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine (SF-RW523021) – Best Smart Rower

Sunny’s smart magnetic rower has a long 79.3 inch frame and an app, for about $400.

Sunny’s smart magnetic rower has a long 79.3 inch frame, magnetic resistance, a 300 lb user rating, a smart app and transport wheels at 68 lb.

It suits taller rowers and averages 4.5 stars on more than 4,900 ratings.

It costs about $400 and is not a race-standard erg.

The specifications to note are about 300 lb (135 kg) max user, 79.3″l x 19.7″w x 36.4″h, 68 lb, smart app, transport wheels. In daily use the advantages are 4.5 stars on 4,900+ ratings and quiet enough for apartments, and the drawbacks are longer footprint than budget magnetic rowers and still not a true race-standard erg.

Best for: Tall rowers

May not fit: Race-standard erg seekers

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7. Merach Q1S Magnetic Rower – Best Budget Rower

Merach’s Q1S is a magnetic rower with a 350 lb rating for about $190.

Merach’s Q1S is a magnetic rower with 16 levels, a 350 lb user rating, a dual slide rail and a 65 by 19.3 inch frame at 42 lb.

A very quiet brake and more than 2,300 ratings for about $190.

Resistance tops out early for strong rowers and the rail is short for riders over about 6 foot 2.

Key details include magnetic, 16 levels, 350 lb max user weight, 65″l x 19.3″w x 24.8″h, 42 lb. Buyers most often praise that it is very quiet magnetic brake and 2,300+ ratings at 4.4, while the main trade-offs to weigh are resistance tops out early for strong rowers and short rail for riders over about 6’2″.

Best for: Entry-level rowing

May not fit: Very tall users

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8. Sunny Belt Drive Pro Cycling Bike – Best Heavy Flywheel Bike

Sunny’s belt drive Pro bike has a 40 lb flywheel for about $300.

Sunny’s belt drive Pro bike has a 40 lb flywheel, friction resistance, a performance monitor with pulse and a 265 lb user rating at 99 lb.

A heavy flywheel for about $300 gives smooth momentum, with 1,600-plus ratings.

The friction pads wear and the weight limit is 265 lb.

On paper, you get 40 lb flywheel, belt drive, friction resistance, performance monitor with pulse. Its biggest strengths are heavy flywheel for about $300 and smooth momentum; keep in mind friction pads wear before ordering.

Best for: Smooth momentum on a budget

May not fit: Riders over 265 lb

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How to Choose Between an Exercise Bike and a Rowing Machine

Compare the muscles worked

Exercise bikes focus on the quads, hamstrings and glutes with low impact on the joints. Rowing machines work legs, back, core and arms in one motion, using around 85 percent of the body’s muscles. If you want a full-body workout, a rower is stronger, while a bike targets the lower body.

Look at the impact and comfort

Bikes are seated and supportive and are easy on the knees, hips and back. Rowing is also low impact but needs good technique, and a poor stroke can strain the lower back. Beginners and people with back issues may prefer the bike, at least at first.

Check the calorie burn and intensity

Both can deliver hard cardio. Rowing tends to burn slightly more calories at the same effort because it uses more muscle, while bikes make it easy to sustain long sessions. Choose the one you can maintain, since consistency matters more than the machine.

Think about space and storage

Rowers are long but many fold or store upright, while exercise bikes have a small footprint but are tall. Measure your space and check the folded dimensions, especially if you plan to store the machine after each workout.

Compare noise and price

Magnetic bikes and rowers are quiet, while air rowers and air bikes are louder. Prices range from under 200 dollars to over 1,000 dollars for both. Compare build quality, warranty and monitor features rather than focusing on price alone.

Choose based on your goals

Pick a bike for low-impact, long-duration cardio and lower body endurance, especially if you like cycling classes. Pick a rower for full-body conditioning, strength endurance and efficient workouts. If you have room, using both adds variety and reduces repetitive strain.

FAQ

Is rowing better than cycling?

Rowing works more muscles and burns more per minute for most people, while cycling is easier on beginners and easier to sustain.

Which is better for weight loss?

Both work. Rowing usually burns more per minute, but you will do more of whichever you enjoy.

Which is easier on the joints?

Both are low impact. Cycling is gentler on the back, while rowing requires good technique.

Which takes less space?

Bikes have a small footprint. Rowers are longer but many fold or store upright.

Which is quieter?

Magnetic bikes and magnetic rowers are quiet, while air rowers are louder.

Which is better for beginners?

Bikes are easier to learn. Rowing is easy with a quick lesson on technique.

Final Verdict

The Schwinn IC4 is the best bike in this comparison and the Concept2 RowErg is the best rower. The MERACH S08 and Merach Q1S are the best budget picks in each category.

Choose a bike for easy, leg-focused cardio and a rower for full-body training. See exercise bikes for home and rowing machines for home for more.