Merach Rowing Machine Reviews: Is NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower Worth It?

For fitness enthusiasts and professionals seeking an authentic rowing experience, superior performance, and precise metrics, the air resistance rowing machine has long been the irreplaceable “gold standard” of home fitness equipment.

The embodiment of this effort is our highly acclaimed model, the NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower. It’s more than just a machine—it’s a trustworthy fitness partner for your home, designed to let everyone enjoy the efficiency and joy of high-quality rowing, without the premium price tag.

Since its launch, the NovaRow R50 has been well-received by users and has also sparked considerable discussion. We are especially grateful to the many professionals for their rowing machine reviews and in-depth analysis of the product, which included comparisons to professional models like the Concept2. Furthermore, we firmly believe that transparent and open feedback is a vital force driving the product forward.

In this rower review, you’ll know exactly what the R50 air resistance rower offers, how it stacks up against competitors, and whether it's worth it. 

Among the various types of rowing machines, air resistance rowing machines are particularly popular. Compared with hydraulic or magnetic rowers, the air resistance rower provides immediate feedback. The harder you row, the greater the resistance. It is best for HIIT and experienced users.

The Merach R50 Air Resistance Rower is a durable, feature-packed machine designed specifically for home gym workouts. With smooth air resistance, Bluetooth compatibility, and a solid steel frame, it delivers both performance and exceptional value.

R50 Air Resistance Rower Key Features

So how does the R50 perform in practice, and what makes it the best budget alternative to a Concept2? Next, we'll delve into several aspects, including price, comfort, and portability.

Budget-friendly Performance

The R50 Air Resistance Rower aims to be the best rowing machine on a budget. Priced at a little over half of a Concept2, it still delivers professional-grade performance such as smooth resistance, solid build quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and useful features.

With air resistance adjusted from 1–10, this home air rower allows quick changes between light endurance work and heavy sprint sets. And its LCD electronic display is simple and user-friendly, tracking time, time/500M, distance, calories, SPM, watt, strokes, total strokes, and pulse. With Bluetooth, it syncs to apps like Zwift or the Merach app, unlocking workouts, challenges, and scenic 3D modes. Moreover, it also supports heart rate monitors.

Ergonomic Seat Design

Comfort matters during long workouts. Compared to Concept2, many users highlight that the R50’s seat is more ergonomic and comfortable. It uses comfortable materials to make the seat soft and conform to the contours of the hips, allowing you to row for extended sessions without discomfort.

Easy Storage & Mobility

As a home air rower, the R50 can be separated into two pieces for easy storage. Built-in wheels make moving it around simple.

Quick Assembly

The R50 arrives 90% pre-assembled. Out of the box, everything was well-packaged, and the instructions were clear. It takes about 20 minutes from unboxing to rowing. Overall, very smooth assembly.

The R50 Air Resistance Rower has undoubtedly generated significant buzz. With great popularity comes equally widespread discussion and scrutiny. We've been monitoring the conversations, and in the spirit of full transparency, we're addressing the most common concerns head-on to separate fact from fiction.

Display Performance

Powered by just 2 AA batteries, The R50’s LCD monitor is energy-efficient, reliable and excellent for long-term use. It tracks 9 key metrics in real time such as time, split per 500m, distance, calories, etc., ensuring stable data feedback.

For operation, we adopted an intuitive three-button layout (Set, Mode, Reset), complemented by detailed video tutorials and illustrated user manuals. Most beginners can become proficient within just three sessions.

Regarding screen visibility, we sincerely appreciate the valuable feedback from our users. Since the air rower wasn’t designed for outdoor use, glare or dim light can affect your reading. To resolves this, we recommend slightly adjusting the air rower’s position to avoid direct glare or adding ambient lighting in darker environments to significantly enhance readability.

As more people use this air resistance rowing machine, we're continuously optimizing the display to better suit outdoor rowing workouts. And we will keep listening to your feedback to drive ongoing product upgrades.

App Integration

The R50 Air Resistance Rower is designed to give you a complete training experience even without the app. So you can simply sit down and start rowing without any log-in required.

For app integrations, it is compatible with a few apps like Zwift, Kinomap, and the Merach app. The core feature of the Merach app is its immersive 3D real-world training maps. By highly restoring real courses and natural landscapes from around the globe, it transforms home rowing workouts into visual journeys full of exploration, creating a strong sense of immersion and delivering a fun, dynamic fitness experience for users.

Regarding data concerns, we strictly follow our Data Policy and do not sell or misuse user information. Your privacy and trust are just as important to us as the performance of our equipment.

For a better exercising experience and multi-user compatibility, our team is actively working on simplifying the login and pairing process, upgrading our visuals and performance to make them smoother and more immersive.

All in all, no product is perfect, and the R50 is no exception. We value your input and want to assure you that user experience drives our product upgrades. If you're willing to share your honest experience, please reach out to our support team at support@merach.com so we can assist you further and keep you updated on improvements.

So what is the main difference between the R50 Air Resistance Rower and the Concept2, and which one is right for you? The following detailed comparison table lays out both air rowing machines’ data.

From the data in the table, we can see that there is no significant difference in appearance between the two air rowers. here's our breakdown of the key pros and cons for each model To help you make a better decision.

Pros & Cons of the Merach R50 Air Resistance Rower

Pros & Cons of the Concept2 Air Rower

When it comes to real-world feedback, the Merach R50 Air Resistance Rower has been warmly received by users on Amazon. With an average rating of 4.5 stars, it consistently earns praise for its balance of performance and value. Over 90% of reviews are above 4 stars, and nearly 70% of customers gave it a full 5-star rating.

Many of our users highlight that the R50 delivers professional-level rowing at a price point that feels surprisingly affordable. The smooth resistance, ergonomic seat, and easy storage as standout features that make daily training more enjoyable. For beginners, the simple setup and user-friendly display are frequently cited as confidence boosters, while more experienced athletes appreciate the challenge provided by the air resistance system.

And here is a real workout video from our users. Their real experiences show why the R50 is one of the best affordable rowing machines.

Here are some of the questions users frequently ask about this air rower, and we've provided the answers for you.

Q1: Can I use rowing machines for weight loss?

Yes. Rowing is one of the most efficient calorie-burning exercises. According to studies, the calories burned on rowing machines are between 600 and 800 calories per hour. Unlike treadmills, the rowing machine engages about 86% of your muscles, including legs, back, arms, and core, which boosts calorie expenditure and improves overall strength. Moreover, it’s low-impact, so it’s easier on your joints compared with high-impact cardio, making it sustainable for long-term fat loss.

Q2: Is the Merach R50 good for beginners?

Yes. The R50 Air Resistance Rower is well-suited for beginners thanks to its intuitive design. The LCD monitor keeps tracking simple, so you can focus on your workout instead of complicated settings. Its ergonomic cushioned seat reduces discomfort, allowing longer sessions without soreness. The Merach app also offers guided programs and virtual rowing courses, which help beginners build structure and stay motivated.

Q3: How does air rower compare to magnetic rowers?

Air resistance rowers create resistance proportional to your effort — the harder you row, the greater the resistance. This makes them ideal for interval training, endurance work, and simulating the feel of outdoor rowing. In contrast, magnetic rowers use adjustable magnetic tension, which offers a quieter operation but lacks the same dynamic, “live water” sensation. If you want a workout that adapts naturally to your pace and intensity, air resistance rowing machine is the superior choice. If your priority is silence, magnetic rowers may be better.

Q4: Is the R50 Air Rower loud?

Like all air rowers, the R50 generates a “whooshing” sound as the fan blades spin. The noise level is generally lower than a treadmill or most exercise bikes, and many users even find the sound motivating, as it reflects their rowing intensity. In a home environment, the noise is manageable and unlikely to disturb others in nearby rooms. For added quiet, placing the rower on a rubber mat or using it in a carpeted space helps dampen sound.

In conclusion, there is no one best rowing machine. Make a rational choice and find the rowing machine that suits you best.

If you seek “ultra-simple monitor operation” and have enough budget, the Concept2 is still the top choice. If your priority is value, professional performance, and comfort, the Merach NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower stands out as one of the best affordable rowing machines available. It truly stands as a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to a Concept2 and delivers excellent functionality at nearly half the price. For home users, renters, or anyone looking for a balance between cost and quality, the R50 makes a compelling case.

The good news is that you can get a discount when you buy now. Just type in the coupon code MerachR50. Ready to take your training to the next level? Order the Merach R50 today and start rowing smarter, stronger, and healthier.