The Best Budget Rowing Machines for Your Home Gym

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Has indoor rowing piqued your curiosity? If so, you’re not alone. Reports show that the number of folks who’ve turned to this fitness modality have increased by almost 20 percent over the last few years. And for good reason. Rowing machines provide an efficient, low-impact workout that does double time, shoring up your cardio (even better than cycling) while strengthening your upper and lower body. In fact, it taps into 86 percent of your body’s muscles with each rowing stroke, according to a study in Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise. Not to mention a jaunt on the rower also provides numerous health benefits, including decreasing fat mass, percentage of total body fat and cholesterol, as well as improving posture.

For all the good that comes with indoor rowing, there’s often one negative trait associated with indoor rowers: They can be expensive. But what if we told you that you could reap the benefits of a rowing workout without breaking the bank? Well, we’ve done the leg work for you, taking into consideration everything from the building materials to customer reviews to extra features. These are our top selects for the best budget rowing machines that are well-made, easy to assemble, comfortable and ideally sized for home use.

Our Picks for the Best Budget Rowing Machine:

• Best Smart Budget Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600 Rower
• Best Value Budget Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R Rower
• Best Magnetic Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
• Best Air Budget Rowing Machine: XTERRA Fitness Erg500 Air Rower
• Best Water Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge Water Rowing Machine
• Best High-End Budget Rowing Machine: Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
• Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $500: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine
• Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $200: Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine
• Best Folding Budget Rowing Machine: Stamina ATS Air Rower

Best Smart Budget Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600 Rower

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Magnetic and air; 26 digital resistance levels
• Dimensions: 87.02 inches long x 22.0 inches wide x 47.24 inches tall
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Monitor: 10-inch smart HD touchscreen
• Slide Rail Length: Not available
• Slide Rail Inseam: Not available
• Weight: 117 pounds (in box)
• Price: $999

The NordicTrack RW600’s dual resistance, which is part magnetic and part air, makes users feel like they are gliding through water while also offering them the autonomy to work through 26 preset resistance levels. Add in the easy-to-view 10-inch touchscreen and a studio-like experience (thanks to the ever-expanding library of iFit classes) and you’ve got a quality smart rower that’s more than half the price of top of the line models like the Peloton Row, Ergatta and Hydrow. Extra features—including a wide seat, padded handlebar and pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps—also make this rower feel more premium.

Pros:

• Folds in half for easy storage
• Wheels for easy transport
• 30-day iFIT trial
• Bluetooth headphone connectivity

Cons:

• iFIT subscription costs $39/ per month
• Stationary touchscreen (doesn’t swivel)
• Low weight capacity (250 pounds)

Best Value Budget Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R Rower

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Magnetic
• Dimensions: 86.5 inches long x 22 inches wide x 45.4 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Monitor: Five-inch high contrast multi-color display
• Slide Rail Length: Not available
• Slide Rail Inseam: Not available
• Weight: 116 pounds
• Price: $699

Rowing novice? With 20 built-in workouts, the ProForm 750R rowing machine takes the guesswork out of each exercise session so newbies feel less intimidated getting started. For the more advanced oars-person, upgrade your rowing experience by securing a tablet into the built-in holder with adjustable clip and streaming workouts via the iFIT compatible app. A bonus for those with poor ankle mobility: pivoting foot pedals move with your feet as you row.

Pros:

• Easily folds for storage
• Padded handlebars
• 90-inch pull strap allows for full extension

Cons:

• Heavy
• Not easy to assemble
• Requires own tablet

Best Magnetic Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Magnetic (eight levels of resistance)
• Dimensions: 43.3 inches long x 18.9 inches wide x 52.4 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Monitor: Digital monitor (dimensions not listed)
• Slide Rail Length: 48 inches
• Slide Rail Inseam: 46.5 inches
• Weight: 60.9 pounds
• Price: $290

You won’t have to worry about the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine disturbing your partner, kids or even your pet. Its magnetic tension system is whisper-quiet. Translation: You can row as long and as hard as you want while tracking your progress through multiple metrics (time, count and calories) on the flywheel’s LCD screen. Plus, details like the padded seat and handlebar, as well as the no-slip, adjustable foot pads, make this device feel more upscale.

Pros:

• Quiet rowing experience
• Wheels for transport
• 30-day money back guarantee
• Floor stabilizers create balance on uneven floor

Cons:

• No smart connectivity
• No device holder

Best Air Budget Rowing Machine: XTERRA Fitness Erg500 Air Rower

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Air (eight resistance levels)
• Dimensions: 72 inches long x 19 inches wide x 33 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Monitor: 3.5-inch display
• Slide Rail Length: Not available
• Slide Rail Inseam: Not available
• Weight: 79.3 pounds
• Price: $700

Powered by your effort, the XTERRA Fitness Erg500 Air Rower works as hard as you do, turning the air from the spinning flywheel into higher levels of resistance. While air rowers create more sound, some find the air generated tones soothing—like that of a white noise machine. Also soothing is its wide, contoured seat, which makes rowing sessions more comfortable and enjoyable (read: your butt won’t feel sore), so you can row for the long haul.

Pros:

• Folds up for a more compact shape that also keeps the wheel out of the way
• Small footprint
• Fits users up to six-feet, one-inch tall
• Adjustable monitor

Cons:

• Uses AAA batteries
• Some report a drop in resistance after multiple uses

Best Water Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge Water Rowing Machine

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Water
• Dimensions: 80 inches long x 22.4 inches wide x 80 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Slide Rail Length: 42 inches
• Slide Rail Inseam: 38 inches
• Weight: 91.9 pounds
• Price: $500

The Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge Water Rowing Machine is a standout at just $500. Sleek and sturdy, it houses 16 high-density fan blades inside of its water tank to provide unlimited resistance with a smooth and quiet I’m-rowing-on-a-lake feel. Plus the steel frame and tear-resistance mesh pull belt lend to this water rower’s overall durability as you row your way through even the toughest of workouts. Bonus: Adjustable foot stabilizers help keep the rower level on uneven surfaces.

Pros:

• Sleek-looking
• Durable
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Adjustable floor stabilizers

Cons:

• Feet can slip out of straps
• Water can leak from tank with stowed vertically
• Heart rate monitor not included

Best High-End Budget Rowing Machine: Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Air
• Dimensions: 15 inches x 21.5 inches x 56 inches
• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
• Monitor: PM5
• Slide Rail Length: 54 inches
• Slide Rail Inseam: 38 inches
• Weight: 57 pounds
• Price: $990

From CrossFitters to Olympians to everyday folks, the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine has long been a fan favorite, which numerous Amazon reviews can attest to, despite being on the higher end of the budget. Here’s why: Its robust, commercial grade construction accommodates those weighing up to 500 pounds, and it includes a myriad of tracking abilities and both Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity options. When it’s not in use, the Concept2 separates into two parts and stands up vertically.

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Backlit LCD display to track progress
• High weight capacity (500 pounds)

Cons:

• Seat loses softness over time
• Heavy
• Steel chain requires oil after every 40 hours of use

Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $500: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Magnetic (14 levels of resistance)
• Dimensions: 21.5 inches long x 88.5 inches wide x 21.5 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Monitor: 3.5-inch LCD display
• Slide Rail Length: 48 inches
• Slide Rail Inseam: 39 inches
• Weight: 63.5 pounds
• Price: $296

Surprisingly, at under $300, the Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine is extremely versatile. It tracks numerous stats (distance, time, total count, calories burned, strokes/minute), has 14 magnetic resistance levels and accommodates rowers up to six-feet, four-inches tall. There are even front stabilizing foot pads that help turn this rower into a straight up upper body strength machine, allowing for moves like biceps curls, front raises and shoulder presses. Plus, with a dedicated space for a tablet and My Cloud fitness app compatibility, rowers can enjoy workouts on water masses around the world.

Pros:

• Can be used for more than just rowing
• Extra wide handlebar
• Adjustable foot straps

Cons:

• Uses AA batteries
• Need My Cloud fitness membership
• Low weight capacity (250 pounds)

Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $200: Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Hydraulic
• Dimensions: 13 inches long x 10 inches wide x two inches high
• Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Slide Rail Length: 29 inches
• Slide Rail Inseam: 37 inches
• Weight: 25.1 pounds
• Price: $120

Despite being lightweight, the heavy duty grade steel frame on the Sunny Health & Fitness 12 Adjustable Rowing Machine offers a solid, sturdy feel. You won’t find any bells and whistles here—just the basics, like a digital LCD screen that shows your speed, calories, distance and time—but what you will get is a solid workout, thanks to 12 levels of resistance and the rower’s slight incline, which ups the rowing challenge. The hydraulic resistance system also enables this rower to be more compact and less expensive than its air and magnetic based counterparts.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• 12 levels of resistance
• Wide, adjustable foot straps

Cons:

• Low weight capacity (220 pounds)
• No smart connectivity
• Hydraulics may become squeaky over time

Best Folding Budget Rowing Machine: Stamina ATS Air Rower

Key features:

• Resistance Type: Air
• Dimensions: 77 inches long x 18.75 inches width x 22 inches high
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Slide Rail Length: Not available
• Slide Rail Inseam: Not available
• Weight: 54 pounds
• Price: $299

Short on space? Not only is the Stamina ATS Air Rower compact and unobtrusive when in use, but the carbon steel slide rail also easily folds up, shrinking this rower’s footprint. Casters on the front bottom frame make it easy to roll it out of the way for storage in a closet, corner nook or alcove. Though you can track pertinent stats, like speed, distance, time and calories burned, you won’t find curated workout programs, making this more of a tool for those who just want to row.

Pros:

• Folds up
• Slide-floor protectors
• Multi-function monitor
• Free access to müüv audio coaching app

Cons:

• Those six feet and over may not reach full extension when rowing
• Low weight capacity (250 pounds)
• Air resistance can be noisy

How to Choose the Best Budget Rowing Machine for You

Resistance type

There are several different types of resistance—water, air, magnetic and hydraulic—and they differ based on the rower you choose. Of these, magnetic rowers are often the quietest, while air is one of the loudest. Rowers with hydraulic resistance (think oil-filled pistons) are typically more compact and affordable; however, with time and wear and tear, some devices may develop a squeaking sound. For some rowers, you can manually adjust the resistance, while others change based on the force you exert (AKA how hard you pull). The more resistance settings a rower has, the more challenging you can make your workouts.

Budget

Indoor rowers are having a moment, especially with the release of the highly anticipated Peloton Row late last year. With pricey rowers (think upwards of $1,500) like this one making the news, it can be easy for budget friendly buys to be overshadowed. Many of these less expensive versions are under $1,000 and are not only chock-full of great features, but offer quality workouts and are great for beginners, too.

Connectivity

Look for a connected experience that offers more than just the ability to use Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity options to pair smart watches and heart rate monitors. The ability to connect to and stream live or on-demand classes is a big must-have for many home exercisers, as it adds a premium element to even the cheapest rowing machine.

Extra features

Ultimately, a rower should, well, afford you the ability to row and feel good (and safe!) while doing it. Anything above that is “extra” and will likely make the rower more appealing. Elements like padded seats, smart features, dashboard stats, adjustable foot straps and extra wide handlebars can help elevate your rowing experience.

Storage

Rowers tend to be on the larger size and can take up a lot of floor space. Opting for one that can fold or be stored upright to lower its footprint is key. Ones with wheels also make it easy to roll it to another location out of sight.

Customer reviews

Consumers can offer first-hand experience on rowers they have purchased and used. Their guidance can provide valuable insight into what they liked, what fell short and overall product quality. Plus, balancing good and bad reviews can allow you to make a more informed decision.

How We Chose the Best Budget Rowing Machines

Looks can be deceiving, so we take into account six key areas when accessing each rower: quality of materials and build, customer reviews, brand reputation, price, warranty and additional features.

Benefits of Budget Rowing Machines

• Affordable: You don’t need to spend over $1,000 (or even over $500) to get a well-constructed, durable rower that offers the basics.
• Space-savers: Many budget rowing machines are compact in size or fold up for a smaller storage footprint.
• Full-body workout: Rowing combines the benefits of aerobic exercise and strength-training, and it simultaneously works your legs, arms, back, core and cardio.

Budget Rowing Machine FAQs

Is a budget rowing machine worth it?

In general, if you want a piece of fitness equipment that offers a challenging and efficient full-body workout, then yes, a budget rowing machine can offer that, which makes it worth it. Considering even budget price points vary, what really makes a budget buy worth it is if it fits into your particular price range and if it offers the features that you consider important.

Related Post: The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Which type of budget rowing machine is best?

Ultimately, the best budget rower is the one that works best for you and delivers on all of the features you find important, whether that be recording stats while you row or the ability to stream live or on-demand classes.

Can I find high tech features on a budget rowing machine?

Budget doesn’t always mean basic. There are plenty of lower price rowing machine options that have considerable tech options, including Bluetooth and ANT+ capabilities, internet connectivity, streaming options and built-in workouts.

Do budget rowers fold?

The simple answer: yes. But, not all do. (Some sit up vertically, though). Those that do, however, are a great option for those short on space or who prefer to wheel their fitness equipment out of sight.

Final Thoughts

Budget rowing machines are not only a great addition to any home gym, since they help strengthen your muscles and boost your cardio, but they also prove you don’t have to spend big bucks to get a quality cardio machine. Several budget models have some of the same features as their pricier counterparts, yet often are foldable to help save space. This guide can help you navigate the current budget rowers on the market and find one that fits your price range and exercise needs.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.