4.5/5
Water Resistance
Sunny Phantom $ 550
- Foldable Frame
- Natural Sound
- Good Monitor and Tablet Holder
5/5
Best Seller
4.5/5
Magnetic Resistance
Sunny SF-RW5515 $ 250
- Affordable Price
- Quiet Resistance
- Foldable Frame
Best Budget Rowing Machines to Buy in 2022
A rowing machine is easily the only machine you could ever need to keep your whole body fit and toned. What’s more is that rowing is a low-impact exercise, making it the perfect cardiovascular and strength-building workout, safe for people of all ages and sizes. Rowers target your entire body, from your forearms, triceps, biceps, shoulders, legs, and thighs, while building your endurance and improving your heart health. With so many brands on the market developing sleek and compact designs for you to bring this incredible machine out of the gym and into the comfort of your home, is there even any room for debate?
Making the decision to buy a home rower does not have to be a difficult one. With so many different types and sizes, you can find a rower you love, and that fits in your home without maxing out your budget. Whether you are someone who loves the meditative experience of a rower as you connect with your breath or the “whooshing” sound of a water rower, or you are the type of person who prefers to sit on your rower in front of the TV instead of the couch, you will love having the opportunity to hop on your rower any chance you get. We want to help you make it happen at a price you can afford, so below have listed today’s top 12 best budget rowing machines in the U.S.
$249.98
in stock
2 new from $249.98
4 used from $179.90
as of September 5, 2023 11:18 pm
Amazon.com
Last updated on September 5, 2023 11:18 pm
Compare The Best Affordable Rowing Machines
Best Budget Rowing Machines Comparison Table
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5910 | Water | Yes | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Women’s Health Men’s Health Rower | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 3 | Koreyosh Indoor Water Rower | Water | No | No | 330 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 4 | HouseFit Water Rowing Machine | Water | Yes | No | 330 LBs | High-Rise |
| 5 | SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine | Air and Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 6 | HouseFit Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 7 | JOROTO Magnetic Rower | Magnetic | Yes | No | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 8 | MARNUR Water Rowing Machine | Water | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 9 | Stamina ATS Air Rower | Air | Yes | No | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 10 | Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine | Water | No | No | 330 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 11 | MaxKare Water Rowing Machine | Water | No | No | 264 LBs | High-Rise |
| 12 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 | Magnetic | Yes | No | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
Editor's Best Budget Rower Choice!
Top 10 Best Budget Rowing Machine Picks:
Table of Contents
Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Rower
The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine SF-RW5910 features a 60° angled water tank with seven adjustable water levels and a unique 16 hydro blade design for high quality and smooth rowing experience with a natural feel, comparable to what it would feel like rowing across a real body of water.
The SF-RW5910 comes with a two-way adjustable footplate for optimal drive and force. This means you can adjust the straps to prevent slippage and use the sliding heel pads so your heels can stay in place. The cushioned, molded, and oversized seat, along with its non-slip foam grip handlebars, help provide a comfortable workout, no matter how far you go. And speaking of tracking distance, the advanced R2 digital pivoting performance monitor does much more than that. Along with distance, strokes, total strokes, and strokes per minute (SPM), the monitor tracks time, time for a standard 500M session, calories burned, and heart rate (using a chest strap). The monitor comes with 11 pre-installed training programs and features a calendar, temperature, and clock.
In addition to comfort, this rower’s durable design and heavy-duty frame can support up to 300 pounds. Measuring 81.4 x 21.25 x 39.5 inches, the frame consists of a double arm structure for stability and provides added support around the water bell to reduce any chance of leakage, allowing for a worry-free, confident workout.
To ensure optimal health and performance, this rower is equipped with an adjustable drink holder and mobile device holder that swivels. All you need to do is pair it with your smart device to stay engaged with your favorite fitness apps or training videos.
Conclusion
While a bit at the steep end in terms of price, for $582.05, this rower meets all your basic rowing needs and more. While its ability to last in a public gym setting is questionable, it is still a great choice for a home gym. It folds up at the dimensions of 43L x 21.25W x 51H and has transportation wheels and a foldable slide rail for easy storage in small spaces and a great addition to a starter home gym. With its emphasis on comfort, users can focus on important things like building endurance and strength as they strive for longer rowing times.
Pros
- Foam grip handlebars help prevent calluses
- Oversized padded seat prevents tailbone pressure
- Easy assembly
- It comes with a funnel and purification tablets
Cons
- Oversized foot pedestal
- Digital display difficult to read with no backlit option
- No warranty information
- Some complaints of cracked water tank upon arrival
Women's Health Men's Health Rower
The Women’s’ Health Men’s Health rowing machine features 14 levels of dual transmission magnetic tension, offering a wide range for beginners and athletes alike. Its Smart Knob Technology tracks your resistance, intensity, and pull length.
This rower comes with a large 3.5-inch SmartPower Tech display that measures time, distance, total count, calories burned, flywheel RPM, resistance level, pull length, strokes, watts, strokes per minute, and split time. One of this rower’s best features, though, is its free lifetime access to the MyCloudFitness app available for both Android and iOS, where you can track your workouts via Bluetooth technology on your mobile phone or another smart device. With a premium monthly subscription, the app comes with hundreds of coaching videos updated monthly, along with personalized programs, so you can learn proper techniques and get optimally fit. The app’s scenic routes feature can really make the time fly while rowing.
This rower ensures a smooth rowing experience and steady resistance with zero lag time. Both the seat and handlebar are comfortable while not being overly padded, and the footpads work with wider feet with straps that are easy to get in and out of.
When fully set up, the dimensions of this rower are 80 x 23 x 28.5 inches and when folded are 41.5 x 23 x 57.5. It can support users up to 250 pounds with a recommended height of no taller than 6’6″.
Conclusion
In terms of price, this rower is in the higher range at $500.49, but with 14 levels of resistance and a display that tracks just about everything, this one is hard to beat. It also supports a wide range of user heights from 4’9″ – 6’6″. Foot placement and comfort are critical to rowing, and with these footplates not being size adjustable, it could present an issue for shoe sizes larger than 10 for men (or 12 for women).
Pros
- Quiet Rower
- Easy Assembly
Cons
- Loud seat slide
- The footplates are not size-adjustable.
Koreyosh Affordable Indoor Water Rower
The Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine with adjustable resistance is designed to feel like you are rowing on the water for a more authentic and challenging rowing experience. To keep up with your data and progress, it uses an LCD monitor to track your time, count, count per minute, calories, distance, and scan.
This indoor rowing machine features an adjustable angle and ergonomic design, including a U-shape seat that is easy to slide and large foot pedals. At 84 x 22 x 20 inches, this rower has a maximum capacity of 330 pounds, making it one of the most suitable and sturdy for most adults.
With a price point of $499.99, this rower provides the essentials in terms of features and comfort; however, you have to upgrade and pay about $10 for a foldable design. With a folded height of 42 x 22 x 20, this is not a high price point to pay, even if you plan on moving it a couple of times.
The rower comes with transport wheels, so all you need to do is lift it on its end and store it against your wall. Although when empty, it weighs almost 75 pounds, making it a tad difficult for some users to maneuver.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a rower with a nice aesthetic and that meets your basic needs, this might be the rower for you. Yet even with just the basics, this rower is an efficient machine that performs steadily. Its solid oak wood frame makes it an attractive addition to any home gym or room with spare space.
Pros
- Sleek and attractive design
- Rows smoothly
Cons
- No warranty
- Problems with Bluetooth connectivity
- Tough assembly and poor instructions
HouseFit Budget Water Rowing Machine
The HouseFit Water Rower is a solidly built machine that features six adjustable levels of water resistance, ideal for both beginners and avid athletes. Its no-touch instant magnetic resistance with a high-quality solid steel covered stainless slide rail provides a smooth rowing experience.
There are 16 fan blades that spin faster during higher resistance workouts and respond dynamically for an optimal indoor rowing experience designed to approach the real stroke on the water. How long you last on this rower is really just a matter of endurance, as the ergonomic seat cushion is designed to support your back and hips, and the non-slip grip handlebars and fully padded seat provide extra comfort.
When it comes to stability and safety, this rower has all the bells and whistles. It has a special stabilizer under the rear so that you can maintain stability even if you are rowing on an uneven surface. All users need to do to ensure their rower is level with their floor is turn the levelers at the bottom to align with the floor. The levelers adjust so that the Obsidian is correctly leveled with your floor so you can keep the machine from wobbling. Storage in a stand-up position is made easy with this rower’s dual caster wheels. This rower measures 80.1″ x 20.4″ x 37.4″, and folds to 37.4″ x 20.4″ x 80.1″.
At 330 pounds maximum weight capacity, this rower is one of the sturdiest of the best budget rowing machines, but it works nicely for users of all heights and foot sizes as well. The HouseFit Water Rower includes adjustable, non-slip foot pedals with customized straps, and the angle of the monitor can be adjusted according to your height to read stats more easily and without strain.
Conclusion
Given its top-notch customer service and mid-range cost of $419.99, this rower stands out as one of the top-rated and best budget rowing machines. The LED display on this rower’s digital monitor displays all your basic easy-to-read stats, including time, speed, scan, calories, and distance. But one of its more noteworthy features is that it provides support for tablets of all sizes up to 10.2″, which is more than enough room for most standard tablets on the market today.
Pros
- Sturdy; supports tall and heavy users
- Excellent customer service
- Easy assembly and storage
Cons
- Lack of functionality with monitor
- Cheaply made foot straps
SereneLife Affordable Smart Rowing Machine
The SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine incorporates both air and magnetic resistance along with a fitness monitoring PMS system to help you get in shape the smart way. Its digital LCD display computer panel tracks time, distance, strides, pulse & calories burned. This is pretty minimalistic compared to other rowers, but at the low cost of $329.99, it’s enough to track your progress and keep you motivated. Plus, you can program personalized workouts for easier access every time.
The SereneLife rower comes with a free FitShow app so you can connect to any smart device via Bluetooth to record and review your exercise data. This wireless range for this is up to 16.4 feet; this is nice to know for those who like to use their exercise time as a mini-escape from the world and technology, although there is a smart device holder for those who prefer to keep theirs around.
This rowing machine runs quietly with its 45″ slide rail length and smooth-gliding padded seat. Also, in terms of comfort, the handlebar grip and foot straps are both easy to use and adjustable.
Made from the highest quality steel metal alloy, this rower ensures durability and backs up its promise with a one-year warranty. However, it is only designed to hold a maximum of 250 pounds. It measures 83.5 x 19.3 x 34.8 inches when set up and 34.8″ x19.3″ x83.5 inches when folded for easy storage.
Conclusion
In terms of cost and tension, this rower is great for beginners. Users like the fact that it has high-quality velcro foot straps, so their feet don’t come loose. The smart device holder is a nice feature if you plan to utilize the FitShow app or watch something else, and it’s helpful to have an adjustable monitor arm as well. While users have experienced some issues with damaged parts upon arrival, this is not a huge area for concern with the one-year warranty.
Pros
- Pulse connected via a wireless receiver
- One-Year Warranty
- Free FitShow app
- Price
Cons
- Not user-friendly; Personalized workouts on the monitor are programmable but not intuitive
- No resistance knob - not enough tension
- Difficult assembly - some complaints of broken electric cables upon arrival
HouseFit Low-Cost Home Rowing Machine
With 15 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, the Housefit Rowing Machine has plenty of options for both beginners and pros. The resistance knob makes it easy for rowers to quickly change their resistance while rowing. This rower was built to support 300 pounds, with under the rear stabilizers to keep it stable and safe on different or uneven surfaces.
For a smooth and comfortable workout, the handlebar is foam-covered with an anti-slip grip, and its ergonomically designed wide seat is cushioned to support your hips and back. The adjustable pedals are also slip-resistant for added safety.
With the HouseFit rowing Machine’s easy-to-read digital monitor, users can track time, count, total count, and calories. While this rower is designed to hold a mobile phone, there is no mention of Bluetooth and wireless connectivity.
The solid aluminum slide rail on this rower includes shock absorption features, reducing the impact of reaction force, and distributing pressure evenly. The 12-pound flywheel allows users to increase endurance for an optimal and effective workout. This rower has a sleek design that easily stands up and rolls for storage. While it cannot be folded, it is substantially shorter than other top rowing machines, measuring 64.4″ x 21.3″ x 31.3″. The only issue this could present is with user height, as its max inseam is 43.5 inches.
Conclusion
This rower is reasonably priced at $369.90, given its various levels of resistance, making it a good option for a budget compact rowing machine. It is not ideal for taller users over 6’5″, although it can support heavier users. This rower is subpar when it comes to the digital monitor; the display is minimal and basic, and there are no connectivity options for smart devices. It is built to hold a phone, but with a little manual modification, it can possibly hold a small tablet.
Pros
- Sleek design and quiet
- Sturdy
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Minimal seat padding
- Not ideal for taller users
- Issues with footrests - too large and the Velcro straps around the feet close inwards, towards the machine
JOROTO Budget Magnetic Rowing Machine
The JORONTO Magnetic Rowing Machine comes equipped with a high-quality aluminum flywheel and slide rail for a quiet and smooth ride. With ten levels of adjustable no-touch magnetic resistance, there is a workout level for everyone.
The digital monitor on this machine tracks your basics: time, count, total count, and calories. Just beneath it is a holder for your phone that you can adjust to an angle suitable for your height if you want to follow a workout app or merely stay entertained. One thing that stands out about this rower is its double sensor structure for more accurate feedback because you shouldn’t have to question whether your data is correct or struggle to set goals accordingly.
Also adjustable are the non-slip foot pedals, designed for feet of all sizes. The soft inside-bend handlebar and wide ergonomic seat are designed for increased comfort while you row. This rower utilizes a high-quality pull-cord made of nylon that can withstand maximum stress, which means a worry-free and secure workout for you. Also, a plus that you do not always see on other rowers is a convenient water bottle holder.
Measuring 71 x 21 x 36 inches, this rower is relatively lightweight at 53 pounds and easy to fold, roll on its dual caster wheels, and store, at 22 x 21 x 71 inches. The machine supports up to 250 pounds and does not need to be plugged in, so you can use it in any room.
Conclusion
You can’t beat the price tag of $299.99 for the machine, especially given its relatively wide range of tension (10 levels) and other smaller features that you don’t get with all the others, including the adjustable phone holder, foot pedals, and water bottle holder. It’s not ideal for users who weigh in the mid-200’s, but it is lightweight, which is a plus for those who don’t need anything bigger. The monitor is basic, but it tracks all the essentials and comes with a 1-year warranty, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for a home rower.
Pros
- 12-month free part replacement
- Lightweight - easy to store
- Price
Cons
- No connectivity/Bluetooth support
- Basic monitor - not backlit
MARNUR Home Water Rowing Machine
The MARNUR Water Rowing Machine was designed to last, not just in terms of structure but maintenance. With its double-track aluminum design, this water rowing machine is durable, smooth, and quiet. When the water starts to collect buildup, users can put in the tablets provided or conveniently replace the water using its supplementary water pipe. It can support up to 300 pounds, which is in the higher percentile of these best budget rowing machines.
The large 18L completely sealed premium polypropylene water tank puts users at ease and pushes them to new limits. The resistance level is based on water capacity and rowing speed for a personalized experience every time. With its anti-slip foot pedals suitable for sizes 35 to 45 (European sizes), users can get a hassle-free and efficient workout knowing their lower half is stabilized and their feet will not slip off the pedals. The heel pads easily adjust up or down depending on your shoe size.
The MURNUR Water Rowing Machine comes with a 9-inch LCD monitor, which is comparatively large to the other best budget rowing machines, and it can also be adjusted according to your height. The monitor tracks exercise time, calories burned, rowing frequency, stroke count, actual rowed distance, and your distance goal.
At the bottom of the machine, there are portable wheels; while the machine does not fold, it can be stored vertically. The full length of the machine is about 7 feet, so if you plan to store it away regularly, make sure your ceilings are at least that tall. The machine is relatively heavy, weighing 92.6 pounds, but there is an anti-slip bottom to safely support the machine.
Conclusion
If your main priority is a high-quality and lasting machine, this is the rower for you. Current users are satisfied with the zero leakage of this machine’s water tank and how it does not wobble. While there is a big screen that tracks your basic data, there is no tablet or phone holder or mention of Bluetooth connectivity. This rower has some of the best indoor rower reviews, and $359.99 is a great price range for a machine so quiet and sturdy.
Pros
- Comfortable and easy to grasp the handle
- Foot pedals are fixed in place and do not pivot
- High-quality materials - sturdy
Cons
- No warranty
- Somewhat difficult assembly - confusing instructions
- Seat slightly stiff
Stamina ATS Inexpensive Air Rower
The Stamina ATS incorporates dynamic air and intuitive wind resistance for a smooth rowing stroke every time. All you have to do is pull faster for more resistance and pull slower for less. Its oversized angled seat rail and padded sliding seat offer optimal comfort, with a textured grip that keeps your lower body in place. The large pivoting footplates with adjustable nylon straps provide additional stability and are designed to fit all shoe sizes.
During your rowing workout, the LCD monitor tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned. Once your workout is complete, the rower folds and rolls away for storage, measuring 48″ x 18.75″ x 28″ folded. When fully set up, the Stamina ATS measures 77″ x 18.75″ x 22″ and supports up to 250 pounds. The anti-skid floor protectors help prevent your floor from marks or scratches.
The Stamina ATS is a quality rower that provides a great full-body workout from the comfort of your home. Yet should anything happen to the machine, Stamina offers a three-year frame warranty and one-year parts warranty, which is typically only 90 days.
Conclusion
$329.99 is a good budget-friendly price for a rower that uses air resistance. This machine is basic, so you are paying for quality over frills. With some users experiencing issues after a month or so of use, the multiple warranties in place will have you covered if something happens.
Pros
- Warranties
- Easy set-up and stow away; user-friendly
- Suitable for taller users
Cons
- Small and basic monitor
- Loud fan when rowing quickly
- Complaints about parts breaking within a month of use
Koreyosh Affordable Home Rowing Machine
The Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine is a simple and straightforward design, with a user-friendly backlit LCD monitor that allows you to track your data essentials: count, count per min., time, calories, distance, and scan. Users intuitively adjust the intensity as they row, depending on how fast or slow they go, getting the feel of rowing on an actual lake.
Designed with comfort and consistency in mind, this rower is built out of alloy steel and features a padded U-shape seat with easy-to-operate and adjustable foot pedals.
In terms of space-saving, the Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine has built-in transport wheels for easy storage. While it does not fold, users can lift it on its end and roll it out of the way against a wall. The maximum recommended weight capacity is 330 pounds, making it a viable option for most prospective users, and overall, it measures 70.8″ x 18.1″ x 20″, with a max user inseam of 43.3″.
Conclusion
For a simple machine that looks good and is built to last, the price of $319.99 is not bad. The movement is smooth, so nothing squeaks catches. The bottom line is once you get through the difficult assembly, it is a nice-looking and durable rowing machine. If you are looking for more bells & whistles in terms of a monitor or Bluetooth connectivity, this will not be your best bet, although users do appreciate it in terms of value for their money.
Pros
- Sleek design; aesthetically appealing
- Rows smoothly
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- Difficult assembly
- No warranty; poor customer service
- Basic LCD monitor
MaxKare Water Resistance Rowing Machine
Designed for the real-life rowing experience, the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine allows users to adjust their resistance as the row. Whether rowing fast or slow, the fully foam-padded handles help make even the longest row comfortable and sustainable.
This is an economical rower compared to other high-end options, but its ergonomic design falls short by no means. With a steel main frame and inseam length of 44″ inches, this rower is durable, sturdy, and built for users up to about the height of 6’5″ and 264 pounds. The footplates are adjustable by five levels, the seat is large and cushioned, and users have hassle-free access to their water bottles as they row.
The LCD monitor on this machine is rather large and user-friendly, measuring everything from time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, and calories. One noteworthy feature is its “man-machine competitive mode,” which is a race mode option for a more challenging and engaging workout.
Measuring 86 pounds at 78 x 17.3 x 35.4 inches, this machine is a good mid-size rower. With its built-in transport wheels and pulleys, this machine is easily stowed upright, but it does not fold. When set up, the stabilizers in the back help to keep the machine level.
Conclusion
Reasonably priced at $379.99, this is a great indoor water rower. While the display is somewhat limited, and there is no mention of Bluetooth connectivity, it does have a large, easy-to-read screen. This rower has a sleek and simple yet sturdy design that is just a couple of features away from being a high-end rower. Users seem to appreciate how sturdy, quiet, and life-like the experience is, but should there be any issues, Maxkare offers a full 30-day refund and a two-year warranty, which is the best offer yet compared to the other best budget rowing machines. The company will also replace parts that have defects or are damaged in transportation.
Pros
- High-quality
- Non-pivoting foot pedals with sturdy straps
- Smooth pull and seat motion
- Competition mode
Cons
- Loud seat
- Basic display
- Questionable resistance even when the tank is full
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
in stock
2 new from $249.98
4 used from $179.90
4 used from $179.90
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of September 5, 2023 11:18 pm
Equipped with an adjustable magnetic system, this rower is perfect for users of all levels. It has eight levels of resistance that can be adjusted with a simple turn of the tension knob.
The simple digital monitor tracks the user’s time, count, calories, total count, and scan. The non-slip pivoting foot pedals and handlebars are designed to keep your lower body in place as you row, allowing you to solely focus on rowing and improving your stats.
This machine has a longer slide rail than most other machines, measuring 48 inches and 44 inches in inseam length. While this makes it one of the longest rowers, at 82 x 19 x 23, it is a great option for taller users. When folded, it measures 37″ x 19″ x 53.5″.
This rower is also relatively light given how tall it is, and at just 59 pounds, it is fairly easy to tilt and roll out of the way for storage. The heavy-duty steel frame is built to last and support users of all sizes. While the fine print notes that only malfunctions are covered under the company’s warranty, there is no additional information available on it. There is, however, an optional 2-year protection plan available at about $25.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a decent rower without the frills, this rower has an excellent price point of $287.14. This is one of the best rowing machine options for taller users and also one of the lightest if you plan to stow it away regularly after use. Users remark that it is vibration-free and stable and that even just at mid-range for tension, they work up a sweat.
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to assemble and user-friendly
- Price
Cons
- Non-adjustable foot pedals
- Minimalistic display
- Poor quality foot straps
- Questions regarding long-term durability
A Buyer’s Guide to Budget Rowing Machines
A rowing machine is a pretty big investment in terms of price and size. While this list of best budget rowing machines will ensure you don’t break the bank finding the ideal rower for you, you want to try to get it right the first time around. It will take a good bit of time and energy once your machine is all set up and ready to go, so if you were to realize after the fact that it lacks a feature you really wanted or has one that you don’t, it would be a pain for you to break it all back down or, worse, decide to keep something that doesn’t suit you for convenience sake. This buyer’s guide is a quick overview of a few things to look out for when buying a rowing machine so you can ensure that the one that you buy is one that you will use.
Type of resistance
If you are investing in a rower, chances are you have a pretty good idea of which kind you want: magnetic, air, or water. In either case, it is important to understand the difference between the three, so you can pick what is best for you.
An air rowing machine creates resistance from the air that flows over an internal flywheel. You determine your resistance by how fast you row, which will dictate how fast the flywheel spins. Air rowers typically have a wide range of resistance but can be a bit noisy inside.
Water rowers involve paddles that revolve in a tank of water that is connected to your handles. Just like an air rower, you increase the resistance, the faster you row. Water rowers are typically pretty quiet and smooth but tend to be a bit heavier and larger and require some maintenance with the water tank.
Unlike air and water machines, the resistance level of a magnetic rower is adjusted by a tension knob or mechanical slider; some may not have as many options for tension as others. Magnetic rowers tend to be quieter and smaller than all other rowers but do not mimic the feel of rowing on water as well.
Size and Foldability
Before purchasing a rower, have an idea or two of where you will put it, and be 100% certain that you have the space for the one you buy. Write down the dimensions you have available and ensure that the rower will fit. Also, consider if you will need the rower to fold for storage and what the folded dimensions are so it can fit against your wall or in your storage space or closet. If it does fold or can be put away vertically, make sure that the length of it folded or flipped on its side is not too high for your ceiling.
Digital Monitor
Understand what feedback you will want your rowing machine to track. This information is easy to find within our list and under each product page. Some of these rowers lack wireless or Bluetooth connectivity or a space for a larger smart device, so look out for these features as well if you want to be able to use apps or watch other entertainment when rowing. Some rowers also have pre-programmed workouts, while others do not. If you know that exercise for you is about more than a good workout, but tracking goals and progress, then you may want to look out for a higher-end monitor.
The Final Verdict
There you have it. Our list of the best affordable rowing machines. As always, do some of your own research so that you can really get what rower best fits your situation. Our list is comprehensive because we did days of research to find and review the top low-cost home use indoor rowers. But if you find another rower just out of this list that fits all your needs, then by all means go for that one. Now get out there and get rowing!