Rowing machines are an excellent way to get a full-body workout without leaving your home. They provide an effective cardiovascular exercise that can help you burn calories and build muscle. However, many rowing machines can be quite expensive, making it difficult to find the right one for your budget. That’s where budget rowing machines come in.
When looking for the best budget rowing machine, one critical factor to consider is the type of resistance it provides. There are four types of resistance: air, magnetic, hydraulic, and water. Air resistance is the most common and provides a smooth and consistent workout. Magnetic resistance is quieter but less adjustable. Hydraulic resistance is the most affordable but can be noisy and less durable. Water resistance provides the most realistic rowing experience but can be expensive.
Another important consideration is the size and weight of the machine. If you have limited space, you’ll want to look for a compact rowing machine that can be easily stored. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the machine can accommodate your weight and height for a comfortable and safe workout.
We spent hours researching and testing ten budget rowing machines to identify the ones that provide the best value for your money. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best budget rowing machines and what makes them stand out.
Best Budget Rowing Machines
We understand that fitness equipment can be expensive, which is why we have put together a list of the best budget rowing machines on the market. These machines are perfect for those who want to get a full-body workout without breaking the bank. We have tested and researched various models to bring you the top picks that offer great value for their price. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, these rowing machines will help you achieve your fitness goals without hurting your wallet. Check out our list below and find the perfect machine for your home gym.
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YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine
We highly recommend the YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine for those looking for an affordable and high-quality rowing machine for home use.
Pros
- The 10-lb flywheel and high-quality magnetic control system provide enough resistance for a full-body muscle workout with 16 levels of nicely transitioned resistance.
- The non-contact magnetic resistance system delivers a virtually silent rowing experience, making it ideal for early morning or late-night workouts.
- The YOSUDA rowing machine is well-built with commercial quality, ensuring high durability, and can hold up to 350 lbs.
Cons
- The instruction guide is not very clear, so it may take some time to assemble.
- The monitor is small and basic, so it may not be suitable for those who want more advanced tracking features.
- The seat cushion could be more comfortable for longer workouts.
The YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a full-body workout. The magnetic resistance system is virtually silent, making it perfect for use at any time of day, and the 16 levels of resistance allow for a challenging workout for both beginners and advanced users.
The rowing machine is well-built with commercial quality, ensuring that it will last for years to come. The machine can hold up to 350 lbs, making it suitable for almost every family member. The monitor is small but displays all the necessary information, and the tablet holder is a great addition for those who like to watch videos or listen to music during their workout.
The only downsides are that the instruction guide is not very clear, so it may take some time to assemble, and the seat cushion could be more comfortable for longer workouts. However, these are minor issues that can easily be overlooked for the price and quality of the machine.
Overall, we highly recommend the YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine for those looking for an affordable and high-quality rowing machine for home use.
MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine with smart features, the MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail is a great option.
Pros
- The free MERACH app offers various free courses and programmed exercises for you, taking the courses can bring your rowing experience to the next level.
- The dual slide rail is designed by imitating the wood rowing machine, which is more stable than one rail.
- The customized smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system makes the workout extremely quiet, so you can avoid bothering other family members.
Cons
- The rowing machine may not be suitable for people over 6’7″.
- The resistance levels may not be challenging enough for advanced users.
- The app may have some connectivity issues.
We found the MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail to be easy to assemble within 30 minutes. The dual slide rail design is stable and prevents flip-over when rowing. The magnetic flywheel system is quiet, which is perfect for home use.
The free MERACH app offers various courses and programmed exercises for you, which can improve your rowing experience. It’s also compatible with the KINOMAP app, so you can immerse yourself in nature while rowing at home.
You can conveniently measure and check your workout data, distance, time, calories burned, speed, heart rate, cadence, and other info by the app. Your achievements are worth being recorded!
The rowing machine is easy to move around with the built-in base wheel, and it can be stored in a small space. The maximum weight of 350 pounds allows more exercisers to achieve their fitness goals.
Overall, we think the MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail is a great budget-friendly option for those who want to improve their fitness at home.
Niceday Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that doesn’t compromise on quality, we highly recommend the Niceday Rowing Machine.
Pros
- The magnetic control system offers 16 adjustable resistance options for a customizable workout.
- The innovative two-way external magnetic design provides whisper-quiet operation.
- The slide rail system is newly upgraded for smooth and safe exercise.
Cons
- The control panel has a lip in front of the screen that can be a bit of a nuisance.
- The seat is comfortable, but could be more cushioned.
- The app integration can be hit or miss.
We were pleasantly surprised by the Niceday Rowing Machine’s overall performance. The magnetic control system provides a smooth and precise resistance output, making it easy to adjust the intensity of your workout. The two-way external magnetic design also ensures whisper-quiet operation, so you can row without disturbing others in your household.
The slide rail system is newly upgraded, providing a smooth and safe exercise experience. The 49-inch rail provides an expansive range and amplitude, making it perfect for high-intensity endurance training.
While the control panel is easy to use, there is a lip in front of the screen that can be a bit of a nuisance. The seat is comfortable, but could be more cushioned for longer workouts. The app integration can also be hit or miss, but overall it’s a nice addition to the machine.
Overall, we highly recommend the Niceday Rowing Machine for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers a great workout. It’s easy to set up and use, and the versatile transport wheels make it easy to move around your home. Plus, with Niceday’s lifetime warranty, you can rest assured that you’re making a smart investment in your fitness journey.
UTRYUP Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides an effective full-body workout, the UTRYUP Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great choice.
Pros
- The machine provides a full-body workout, exercising approximately 90% of your muscle groups.
- The Bluetooth-connected app offers access to professional rowing training courses, ranging from HIIT workouts to fat-burning programs.
- With a peak resistance of 66 pounds and 16 levels of resistance options, both beginners and professionals can achieve effective workouts.
Cons
- The assembly instructions can be confusing, and it may take some time to put the machine together.
- The foot pedals can be difficult to adjust, and the foot bar is mislabeled in the instructions.
- The machine is smaller than some users may expect, and the seat can be uncomfortable for longer workouts.
We found the UTRYUP Magnetic Rowing Machine to be a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly, full-body workout. The Bluetooth-connected app provides access to a variety of training courses, and the 16 levels of resistance options allow for effective workouts for both beginners and professionals.
While the assembly instructions can be confusing, the machine is relatively easy to put together, and the front base transport wheels and vertical storage design make it easy to move and store. However, the foot pedals can be difficult to adjust, and the foot bar is mislabeled in the instructions, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we recommend the UTRYUP Magnetic Rowing Machine for those looking for an affordable, effective workout option. With its quiet and smooth operation and high-quality rail, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to improve their fitness.
Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that delivers a full-body workout, the Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine might be the one for you.
Pros
- The rower engages your arms, legs, and core, and improves cardiovascular health.
- You can personalize your rowing workout and track your progress with 10 preset programs and 5 customizable programs, and 3 fitness goal settings.
- The rower provides a full range of rowing motion with dual independent rowing handles.
Cons
- The instructions can be confusing on a few steps, which can make assembly challenging.
- The machine can be noisy during use.
- The seat can be uncomfortable for extended use.
We’ve been using the Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The rower engages our entire body and provides a challenging workout that leaves us feeling energized and accomplished.
We appreciate the rower’s workout programs, which allow us to customize our workouts and track our progress over time. The backlit console is easy to read and provides all the information we need to monitor our performance during our workouts.
The rowing motion is smooth and natural, and we appreciate the rubber-coated hand grips with grip balls that keep our hands in place during use. The rower’s magnetic tensions provide a challenging workout, and we appreciate the 16 level dual transmission magnetic tension resistance for an easy or more difficult workout.
However, the instructions can be confusing on a few steps, which can make assembly challenging. We also noticed that the machine can be noisy during use, which can be distracting. Finally, the seat can be uncomfortable for extended use, which can be a drawback for longer workouts.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that delivers a full-body workout, the Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rowing Machine is a solid choice.
Stamina Magnetic Rower
We highly recommend the Stamina Magnetic Rower for anyone looking for an affordable yet effective rowing machine.
Pros
- Provides a total body workout
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging
- Seat may be uncomfortable for some users
- Limited weight capacity
If you’re on a budget but still want a quality rowing machine, the Stamina Magnetic Rower is a great option. This machine provides a full-body workout, allowing you to build strength and improve muscle tone. The adjustable resistance levels make it easy to customize your workout to your fitness level, and the smooth magnetic rowing mechanism ensures a quiet and comfortable experience.
One of the best features of the Stamina Magnetic Rower is its space-saving design. The machine can be easily stored upright to save floor space, and the built-in wheels make it easy to move around. It also comes with the müüv app, which provides guided coaching, exercise demo videos, personalized workouts, assembly videos, and more.
While assembly can be challenging, it’s worth the effort to have such an effective and affordable rowing machine in your home gym. Some users may find the seat uncomfortable, but this can be easily remedied with a cushion. Additionally, the weight capacity is limited to 250 pounds, so it may not be suitable for all users.
Overall, the Stamina Magnetic Rower is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a full-body workout and has a space-saving design.
Quicker Land Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine, the Quicker Land Magnetic Rowing Machine is a solid choice. We’ve found this rowing machine to be easy to assemble and very strong. It has been tested by many kinds of machines, and its use life is over 200 thousand times. The dual handle cycle design is a nice feature that releases your wrist, allowing you to exercise your muscles better than a normal bar.
Pros
- Designed by a professional engineer with over 20 years of design experience
- Dual handle cycle design for a better workout
- LCD monitor to track workout time, count, and distance
Cons
- Maximum weight recommendation of 360 pounds may not be enough for some users
- Magnetic resistance may not be as challenging as other types of resistance
- Some users have reported issues with the LCD monitor not working properly
Overall, we think the Quicker Land Magnetic Rowing Machine is a good value for the price. It offers a full-body workout with over 20 kinds of postures, and its foldable design makes it easy to store when not in use. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine with solid features, this could be the one for you.
XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower
We recommend the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower for those seeking a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a smooth and quiet workout experience.
Pros
- The 8 levels of magnetic resistance allow for easy control of the intensity of your workout while providing a quiet and smooth rowing feel.
- The ergonomically molded cushion and raised seat height of 16″ make rowing more accessible and comfortable than ever before.
- The space-saving folding frame design and transportation wheels maximize mobility for easy moving and storage.
Cons
- The pedals may not securely hold larger feet during rowing.
- The legs could use more resistance for those seeking a more challenging workout.
- The LCD display could be larger and more detailed.
The XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower provides a comfortable and effective workout experience. The padded handles and pivoting pedals make for a comfortable rowing experience, while the full-length dual aluminum rails provide stability for users up to 6’4″.
The machine’s compact design and transportation wheels make it easy to move and store, making it a great option for those with limited space. The LCD display shows heart rate, calories burned, stroke count, and distance, but could be improved with a larger and more detailed display.
Overall, the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower is a great budget-friendly option for those seeking a quiet and smooth rowing experience.
XTERRA Fitness Water Rowing Machine ERG600W
We highly recommend the XTERRA Fitness Water Rowing Machine ERG600W for those looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a realistic rowing experience.
Pros
- The impellers create a peaceful sound that mimics rowing on the water, giving users an immersive experience.
- The 7 workout programs keep users motivated and provide a variety of exercises.
- The 6 resistance levels, determined by the amount of water used in the tank, make it easy to adjust the machine to fit your fitness level.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around.
- The LCD console could be larger and more advanced.
- The footplates are not as adjustable as some users would like.
The XTERRA Fitness Water Rowing Machine ERG600W is easy to assemble and provides a smooth, comfortable rowing experience. The impellers create a realistic sound that makes it feel like you’re rowing on the water, and the 7 workout programs provide a variety of exercises to keep you motivated. The 6 resistance levels are easy to adjust, and the machine can accommodate users up to 300 pounds.
The machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 82.7 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the LCD console could be larger and more advanced, and some users have found the footplates to be less adjustable than they would like. However, overall, the XTERRA Fitness Water Rowing Machine ERG600W is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a realistic rowing experience.
XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower
We highly recommend the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower for anyone looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine that provides a smooth and quiet workout experience.
Pros
- Magnetic flywheel resistance ensures a smooth and quiet rowing experience
- Up to 8 levels of manual resistance allows you to adjust the workout intensity to your liking
- LED Console with high-contrast display provides essential workout information
Cons
- The tension levels may not be sufficient for experienced rowers
- The nylon strap may fray after extended use
- The built-in accessory tray is not very large
The XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is easy to assemble and has a sleek design that looks great in any home gym. The magnetic flywheel resistance provides a smooth and quiet workout experience, making it perfect for early morning or late night workouts without disturbing others in the house. With up to 8 levels of manual resistance, you can easily adjust the workout intensity to your liking.
The LED Console with high-contrast display provides essential workout information such as time, calories burned, stroke count, and distance. The built-in accessory tray is perfect for holding a phone, tablet, or book, while the built-in water bottle holder is perfect for holding your beverage or other important items.
While the tension levels may not be sufficient for experienced rowers, the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is perfect for beginners or those looking for a low-impact workout. The nylon strap may fray after extended use, but it is easy to reinforce. The built-in accessory tray is not very large, but it is still a great addition to the machine.
Overall, the XTERRA Fitness ERG160 Rower is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a smooth and quiet rowing machine. It is easy to assemble, provides essential workout information, and has a sleek design that looks great in any home gym.
Buying Guide
When looking for a budget rowing machine, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for when choosing a budget rowing machine:
Resistance Type
There are different types of resistance used in rowing machines, including air, magnetic, hydraulic, and water. Each type of resistance has its own advantages and disadvantages. Air resistance provides a smooth and natural feel, while magnetic resistance is quiet and customizable. Hydraulic resistance is often the most affordable option, while water resistance provides a realistic rowing experience. Consider which type of resistance best suits your needs and preferences.
Comfort and Adjustability
Comfort and adjustability are crucial when it comes to rowing machines. Look for a machine with a comfortable seat and footrests that can be adjusted to fit your body. Some rowing machines also have adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. Additionally, consider the size and weight capacity of the machine to ensure it can accommodate your body type.
Display and Tracking
Many rowing machines come with displays that track important workout metrics, such as distance, time, and calories burned. Look for a machine with a clear and easy-to-read display that provides accurate information. Some machines also come with pre-programmed workouts or the ability to connect to fitness apps for additional tracking and motivation.
Size and Storage
Consider the size and storage options of the rowing machine. If you have limited space, look for a machine that can be easily folded and stored away when not in use. Additionally, consider the weight of the machine and whether it can be easily moved or transported if necessary.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best budget rowing machine for your needs and achieve an effective and enjoyable workout from the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget-friendly rowing machine for beginners?
If you’re a beginner looking for a budget-friendly rowing machine, we recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205. It’s compact, easy to use, and provides a smooth and quiet rowing experience. Plus, it won’t break the bank!
Which rowing machines are the most affordable and still provide a good workout?
If you’re looking for an affordable rowing machine that still provides a good workout, we recommend the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515. Both machines are under $250 and offer a full-body workout.
What are the top-rated rowing machines under $500?
If you have a budget of $500 or less, we recommend the Concept2 Model D and the Stamina ATS Air Rower. These machines are both highly rated and provide a great workout.
What are the best foldable rowing machines for small spaces?
If you have limited space, we recommend the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205. Both machines are compact and can be easily folded up for storage.
Which is better: Sunny rowing machines or other budget options?
Sunny Health & Fitness offers a variety of budget-friendly rowing machines that are highly rated and provide a great workout. However, there are other budget options available as well. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget.
How long should I row on a budget rowing machine to see weight loss results?
To see weight loss results, we recommend rowing for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week. However, it’s important to also incorporate a healthy diet and other forms of exercise for optimal results.
