By the RowingMachineUK.co – The UK's Home Rowing Authority Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Are Rowing Machines Noisy? UK Flat & Terraced House Buyer's Guide

If you're considering a rowing machine for your home but live in a flat or terraced house, noise is a legitimate concern. Unlike a detached property, sound travels through shared walls and floors to neighbours' spaces. The good news is that noise levels vary dramatically depending on the machine type—and several practical steps can significantly reduce the impact.

How Noisy Are Rowing Machines, Really?

Most rowing machines produce between 65 and 85 decibels during use. To put that in perspective:

• A normal conversation is around 60 dB
• A vacuum cleaner is roughly 70 dB
• A lawnmower sits around 90 dB

That 65–85 dB range means a quiet machine won't disturb neighbours if used during reasonable hours. A loud one, however, will—especially if you live above someone, beside someone, or in a terrace where sound travels through cavity walls.

The noise comes from two sources: the resistance mechanism itself and the impact of your body moving on the seat. Early morning sessions or late-night workouts amplify the problem, as do thin floors and poor sound insulation.

Noise Levels by Resistance Type

Air resistance machines are the noisiest. The flywheel spins rapidly and creates a whooshing sound that intensifies with harder strokes. Expect 80–85 dB. Models like the Concept2 are built on this principle—excellent for performance and feel, but not flat-friendly unless your upstairs neighbours are heavy sleepers.

Hydraulic machines produce moderate noise around 70–75 dB. The hydraulic cylinders create a rhythmic compression sound that's less jarring than an air machine but still noticeable in quiet periods. They're compact and affordable, but neighbours will hear you using one regularly.

Magnetic resistance rowers are considerably quieter, typically 65–70 dB. The magnetic brake system operates smoothly with minimal mechanical sound. You'll hear the seat rail gliding and your own breathing, but the machine itself is subdued. This is a strong choice for flats.

Water resistance rowers sit at around 70–75 dB and are arguably the most pleasant to listen to. The water creates a gentle splashing sound that many find less intrusive than the mechanical hum of magnetic systems, though technically the dB reading is similar. The sound is also less "machine-like," which can help with neighbours' tolerance.

Practical Steps to Reduce Noise

Use a rubber or foam mat beneath the machine. A 10–15 mm thick mat absorbs vibrations before they travel through your floor to the flat below. Thick rubber mats (the type used under gym equipment) work better than thin yoga mats. Cost: £20–50. Benefit: reduces impact noise by 5–10 dB.

Place it on carpeting rather than hard flooring if possible. Carpet absorbs both vibration and airborne sound much better than laminate, vinyl, or wooden floors. If your bedroom or lounge has carpet, that's an ideal spot.

Avoid early morning or late-night use in terraced or semi-detached homes. A 70 dB machine at 6 AM sounds louder to a sleeping neighbour than at 5 PM. If you must row early, choose a magnetic or water model and use a mat.

Position the machine away from shared walls. In a terraced house, the wall you share with neighbours is the critical barrier. Placing the rower a metre away from that wall and facing into the room rather than towards it makes a noticeable difference.

Ensure the machine is stable. A wobbly rower creates extra noise as it shifts on the floor. Proper assembly and occasionally checking bolts and joints keeps vibration to a minimum.

Close doors to other rooms. Sound will carry through an open-plan flat. If you're exercising in a bedroom or spare room, closing the door contains noise.

The Best Machines for Flats and Terraced Houses

If noise is a primary concern, magnetic resistance machines are your most reliable bet. They're inherently quiet, require minimal soundproofing measures, and remain affordable. Brands producing solid magnetic rowers in the UK market offer models around £300–600 that perform well for home fitness without upsetting the neighbours.

Water rowers are a premium option. Yes, they cost more (typically £1,000–2,500), but many users find the sound less objectionable—it's almost meditative. The build quality is generally excellent, making them a long-term investment.

Avoid air resistance machines in flats unless you have very forgiving neighbours or are willing to invest significantly in soundproofing (which becomes impractical for most home users).

Size and Space Constraints

Noise concerns often go hand-in-hand with limited space. If you're working with a small flat, combining a quiet rowing machine with a compact footprint is ideal. Many magnetic models fold or are designed with minimal storage footprints, which allows you to place them in optimal locations and store them away when not in use.

Final Thoughts

Rowing machines aren't inherently unsuitable for flats or terraced houses—it depends on the type you choose and the steps you take to manage sound. A magnetic machine with a rubber mat, used at reasonable hours, will integrate into flat living without creating neighbour disputes. An air machine without any sound management will do the opposite.

If you're considering foldable options to maximise space, or looking for models specifically designed for smaller properties, we've covered those in separate guides. The investment in a quieter machine now avoids months of awkward conversations with neighbours later.