Water
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Water resistance rowing machines are similar to air rowers in their mechanism. They accurately emulate real rowing; resistance increases according to your pace. Water rowing machines allow you to increase or decrease the pressure by changing the amount of water in the resistance tank. They're not nearly as noisy as air resistance machines, but they're louder than magnetic and piston options. They're the heaviest - and generally most expensive - rowing machines; they're also the most aesthetic models and offer the highest maximum user weights.

Magnetic
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Magnetic resistance - as found in many exercise bikes and elliptical trainers - uses powerful electromagnets to provide a variable system of resistance. Like piston machines, magnetic rowing machines are virtually silent; they're also longer and smoother, which allows fuller, more fluid extension. The variable resistance settings are ideal for those seeking specific workouts; many magnetic rowers offer versatile monitors that give you custom-fit workout options. Serious rowers in training, however, will prefer air or water resistance, both of which vary according to stroke rate.

Piston
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Piston resistance uses hydraulic cylinders attached to dual arms. Piston models are the smallest and least expensive options - they provide a great intro to rowing and its benefits without making a lot of demands on your space or budget. They're compact, quiet, and the only rowing machines that can work each arm independently. The big drawbacks: they're not as smooth as the other types, their frames are often too small for taller users, and their rowing simulation is least like the real thing.

Air / Magnetic
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Air/Magnetic rowers blend true-to-life Air rowing with silky-smooth Magnetic resistance. They generally start with noisy Air resistance at the lower work rate levels and, just when you can't stand the noise level, switch to silent Magnetic with increased effort. These combos are available at a wide range of prices and vary broadly in important features like console programs, resistance adjustment, and weight capacity.

Air
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Air resistance uses a fan to create resistance - which means it responds to your pace, increasing resistance according to your stroke rate for a great simulation of real rowing. Air models are generally long; they provide more full extension and take up more space, although some fold for easy storage. The fan, while cooling for users, makes air rowers far and away the loudest option.