What's the best air rower under $500?

The MERACH R50 and YOSUDA R2 draw the most positive coverage among sub-$500 air rowers. High-trust testing at garagegymreviews.com rated the MERACH favorably for value, and r/Rowing users describe it as close to a Concept2 feel for roughly half the price, with caveats about cheaper foot holders and a weaker screen.