Best Magnetic Rowing Machines to Buy Under $500
Indoor rowing machines are without a doubt one of the best exercise machines you can get. They offer a full-body workout and have been proven to increase heart, respiratory, and joint health. For many of us, noise while using an exercise machine is a concern. It may be that we live with others and need to be considerate, it may be that we have neighbors on the floor below and we don’t want to disturb them, or it could be that we simply don’t like noisy machines. Of the three main types of indoor rowing machines, ones that use magnetic resistance tend to be the most quiet rowing machine, being virtually soundless. These also tend to be a small rowing machine, making them great for those with smaller home gyms or those who need to store away their equipment.
If you’ve decided that a magnetic indoor rowing machine is the best option for your needs, you’ll find there is a lot of variety with those as well, and this variety is only growing as magnetic resistance only increase in popularity. Different features and sizing options can make all the difference, and it can be easy to feel lost when searching for the right indoor rowing machine. They can also get pricey, and many people who need to stay on a budget or who don’t yet have a feel for indoor rowing might not want to spend an arm and a leg on a machine just yet. So, if you’re looking for the best magnetic rowing machine under 500 that fits your needs, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.
While there are many home magnetic rowing machines under 500, some are complete misses when it comes to performance and function. We’ve looked at many and chosen the ones on our list with a variety of features and overall design in mind to be sure to appeal to everyone’s taste and fit your specific fitness needs. We’ve listed the good and the bad so that you can make an informed choice. Additionally, our team at FitNosia have gone a little further to narrow down your options to the top 2 magnetic rowing machines under $500 and featured them in the “Editor’s Choice” section. This way you don’t need to spend hours searching and getting frustrated! With no further ado, let’s jump into the comparison table and below that then see Editor’s best magnetic resistance rowing machine choices under 500 US Dollars.
Compare The Best Magnetic Rowing Machines Under $500
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JOROTO Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Women’s Health Men’s Health | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 3 | HouseFit Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 4 | Schwinn Crewmaster | Magnetic | Yes | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 5 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5864 | Magnetic | Yes | No | 265 LBs | High-Rise |
| 6 | Merax Folding Rower | Magnetic | Yes | No | 330 LBs | High-Rise |
| 7 | ShareVgo Smart Rower | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 300 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 8 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 | Magnetic | Yes | No | 250 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 9 | Yosuda Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 350 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 10 | ECHANFIT Rowing Machine | Magnetic | Yes | No | 265 LBs | Low-Rise |
Editor’s Best Magnetic Rower Choice Under $500!
Women and Men’s Health
Editor’s Choice Under- Foldable Frame
- Low-Maintenance
- Bluetooth Monitor
Xterra Fitness ERG 220
Editor’s Choice Under- Aluminium Rails
- Affordable Price
- Foldable Frame
Top 10 Magnetic Rowing Machine:
Table of Contents
JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine
JOROTO is number 1 on our list of the best magnetic resistance rowing machines under 500, and we wouldn’t expect anything less from a company that’s been around for over 30 years. The strokes are smooth and even and the machine is steady.
The monitor stands higher than our other entries, making it easy to see for those who use their indoor rowing machine for different exercises than the standard stroke. What we didn’t like was we found the handles to be rough on our hands. It also has an exposed flywheel which can be dangerous for households with small children and pets. Another big downfall is that the monitor doesn’t display distance. It does show calories burned, time, and stroke count.
Conclusion
There’s no Bluetooth connectivity, but the magnetic resistance has 10 levels to choose from for a personalized workout and the JOROTO can support up to 250 pounds. There’s a year parts replacement warranty and the frame can be folded for easy storage and to save space, only taking 22 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 71 inches tall. When it’s ready for use, it takes up 71 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 36 inches tall.
Pros
- Reliable manufacturer
- Tall monitor
- Foldable frame
- 10 level of resistance
- Year warranty for parts replacement
Cons
- Rough handle
- Exposed flywheel
- The monitor doesn’t display distance
Women’s Health Men’s Health Rower
We chose the Women’s Health Men’s Health Rowing Machines as our next favorite magnetic indoor rowers under 500. While less expensive indoor rowing machines often cut the price in areas like the handles, this best magnetic rowing machine under 500 one has comfortable and soft handles.
This makes those workouts that last a while or involve more resistance far more pleasant. Unfortunately, this is another indoor rowing machine with an open flywheel. We also noticed that this one seemed to catch a little too early for taller users. Unlike the JOROTO, this one does have a Bluetooth connection and with that, free basic tracking with the MyCloudFitness. There’s also a 30 day trial for professional coaching.
Conclusion
The built-in monitor shows stroke count, calories burned, time information, distance, and watts. It uses the quiet magnetic resistance with 14 levels of resistance. It’s 80 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 28.5 tall and the frame can be folded to 41.5 inches long by 57.5 inches tall. It will support users up to 250 pounds.
Pros
- Comfortable handles
- Bluetooth connection
- Foldable frame
- Free MyCloudFitness
- 30-day trial for coaching
Cons
- Exposed flywheel
- Too early Catch
- Doesn’t seem to have a warranty
HouseFit Rowing Machine
Unlike the previous two entries on our list, the HouseFit rowing machine has an enclosed flywheel, making it safe for households with small children and pets. This is a sturdy machine and felt like it’ll last for a while, but putting it together wasn’t the easiest process.
Another perk of this best magnetic rowing machine under 500 is that, while it doesn’t have the greatest number of resistance levels on our list, it does have a lot at 15 allowing you to be really choosy when selecting your level of resistance. The HouseFit rowing machine can support users up to 300 pounds and while it doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, the display will show time, stroke count, and calories burned.
Conclusion
It uses quiet magnetic resistance and has a 1-year warranty for parts. While the frame doesn’t fold, the machine will stand up for storage, taking up 29 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. When ready for use it takes up 65 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 32 inches tall.
Pros
- Enclosed Flywheel
- 15 levels of resistance
- 1-year warranty
- Can support up to 300 pounds
Cons
- The frame doesn’t fold
- Not an easy assembly
- No Bluetooth
Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine
The Schwinn Crewmaster has a comfortable seat and an enclosed flywheel for that added safety. Another feature that I really like is the backlit display for the monitor. This best magnetic rowing machine under 500 is great for those who workout during times when there isn’t as much light for one reason or another.
The assembly wasn’t as easy as some of the others on our list and this best magnetic rowing machine under 500 is really close to the ground making it harder for those with joint issues or mobility issues to use it conveniently, but Schwinn is a reliable company that has been around for a while. The monitor is a good size and shows time, distance, calories burned, and stroke count. There’s no Bluetooth connection. There’s a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 3-year warranty for parts, and 1 year for labor.
Conclusion
The magnetic resistance has 10 levels to choose from. The Crewmaster will support up to 300 pounds. When folded for storing, it takes up 93 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 31.7 inches tall. When ready to use it’s 57.5 inches long and 38 inches tall.
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Backlit monitor
- Comfortable seat
- Enclosed flywheel
Cons
- Not an easy assembly
- Low to the floor
- No Bluetooth
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5864 Rowing Machine
This best magnetic rowing machine under 500 is the tallest rowing machine on our list, making it a great indoor rowing workout machine under 500 for those with mobility limitations or joint issues. It also has uniquely designed handles that emulate real oars for those who want to emulate that outdoor, on-the-water rowing.
Magnetic indoor rowing machines are often considered to feel the least like water rowing so this design will be great for many. The motion feels closer to water rowing than the other machines on our list. Another small but convenient feature is that the monitor will turn itself off after 4 minutes of no rowing activity, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally wasting batteries.
Conclusion
The magnetic resistance has 8 levels and there is a 3-year structural warranty with 180 days for parts. The weight capacity is 265 pounds and the frame is foldable to save space. There is no Bluetooth connection available. The monitor will display stroke count, calories burned, and time. While ready for use, the SF-RW5864 is 24 inches wide, 73 inches long, and 42 inches tall. When folded it’s 38 inches long and 65 inches tall.
Pros
- Handles designed like real oars
- Auto-off feature for monitor
- 3-year warranty
- High off the floor
- Reliable manufacturer
Cons
- Max weight is only 265 pounds
- No Bluetooth
- Only has 8 levels of resistance
Merax Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
This indoor rowing machine is a fairly unique design with a taller seat and bright yellow accents. Another one that’s higher off the floor than many other indoor rowing machines, but not quite as high as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5864. Just like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5864, this rowing machine will be great for those with joint pain like arthritis or those who have a harder time with the models that are closer to the floor.
The Merax can support users up to 330 pounds and uses 8 levels of magnetic resistance for a quiet and great workout. There is no Bluetooth connectivity with this one, but the built-in monitor will show times, distance, stroke count, and calories burned.
Conclusion
Just like the others on this list, this best magnetic rowing machine under 500 can be folded to save space and store away. While ready for use, it stands 17.5 inches tall, 18.7 inches wide, and 80.5 inches long. While folded, it’s 46.9 inches long by 57 inches tall.
Pros
- Can support up to 330 pounds
- High off the floor
- Foldable frame
Cons
- Only 8 levels of resistance
- No Bluetooth
- Unique design may not appeal to some
ShareVgo Smart Rowing Machine
With the ShareVgo Smart rowing machine, you get the ShareVgo Fitness app for free. This app has 6 preset distance goals and 6 challenges for a great workout guide and so push yourself at different levels.
For beginners, you can start at an easier level and work your way up, and for more experienced indoor rowers you can use it as a chance to try different workouts. Unlike many other fitness apps, there’s no subscription you have to pay for. The ShareVgo rowing machine was easy to assemble and despite the obviously cheap pedals, this was best magnetic rowing machine under 500.
The monitor shows stroke count, distance, time, and has a scan option. The other stats like calories burned and the challenges are on the free ShareVgo app for both Android and iOS. ShareVgo can also sync with Apple Health, making it so you can really take full advantage of the Bluetooth capabilities to help you with your workout.
Conclusion
Individuals up to 300 pounds can use the ShareVgo Smart rowing machine, and the magnetic resistance has 8 levels to choose from. I couldn’t find much by way of a warranty. The frame is foldable and takes up 39 inches long, 18.75 inches wide, and 52 inches tall while folded. When ready for use, it’s 82.25 inches long and 32 inches tall.
Pros
- Free ShareVgo app that can sync with Apple Health
- Bluetooth options
- Easy assembly
- Foldable frame
Cons
- No warranty
- Only 8 levels of resistance
- Cheap pedals
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine
9 used from $210.06
The SF-RW5515 is the second Sunny Health & Fitness indoor rowing machine on our list. It features an enclosed flywheel for that added peace of mind and a nice sized seat for comfort, making those longer workouts a little more comfortable and better, especially for those users with wider hips or who are of a heavier build.
Made by the reliable and fairly well-known company Sunny Health & Fitness, while there’s not a lot of extra conveniences that some of the other indoor rowing machines on our list have, the machine itself works well and gives a great and quiet magnetic rowing machine workout.
The built-in monitor shows stroke count, calories burned, has a scan option, and your time. There’s no Bluetooth with this best magnetic rowing machine under 500, but the quiet magnetic resistance has 8 levels for your fitness goals.
Conclusion
The SF-RW5515 is built for those up to 250 pounds and a limited 3-year warranty on the structure with 180 days for parts. While folded, the SF-RW5515 takes up 37 inches by 19 inches and stands 53.5 inches tall. When in use, it’s 82 inches long and 23 inches tall.
Pros
- Enclosed flywheel
- Good sized seat
- Reliable manufacturer
- 3-year warranty
- Foldable frame
Cons
- Only supports up to 250 pounds
- Only has 8 levels of resistance
- Not many additional features
Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Yosuda is the least expensive on our list, making them the best budget rowing machines. It has an enclosed flywheel and decently size display, though we do question the accuracy of its readouts. There is no convenient place to put your own device if that’s what you wanted to use to make up for these inaccuracies.
Despite the issues with the accuracy, the price makes up for the inconveniences, and the machine still functions well and makes for a great workout. This quiet, magnetic indoor rowing machine has 16 levels of resistance and supports users up to 350 pounds.
Conclusion
There’s a 1-year warranty for defects and shipping damage, and the machine is 76.4 inches long and 18.9 inches wide. It can fold up to be 18.9 inches wide, 37.4 inches long, and 42.3 inches tall. There’s no Bluetooth option, but the display shows calories burned, time, and stroke count. You can also set it to scan.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Enclosed flywheel
- Large display
- Very low price
Cons
- Questionable accuracy of workout stats
- No Bluetooth
- No device holder
ECHANFIT Rowing Machine
The ECHANFIT has an enclosed flywheel for that added safety and a monitor that tilts so you can adjust it to your preference. It’s not the cheapest on our list, so we were disappointed with the inaccurate monitor. It seems there may be a common issue with the sensor.
However, there is a convenient place to put your own device. The machine itself works well and the 16 levels of resistance made it possible to get a great and personalized workout. When the monitor works, it displays speed, time, distance, RPMs, strokes per minute, and stroke count. It also has a scan option so you can get all your information while staying hands-free. There is no Bluetooth option for this best magnetic rowing machine under 500. The frame is foldable for storing away.
Conclusion
The ECHANFIT takes up 19.29 inches wide, 75.2 inches long, by 33.46 inches tall while in use, and 28.75 inches long by 46 inches tall when folded. The 16 levels of magnetic resistance make for a quiet workout, and it can support users up to 265 pounds. There’s a 1-year limited warranty and the general maintenance is the same with any magnetic rowing machine.
Pros
- Enclosed flywheel
- 16 levels of resistance
- 1-year warranty
- Adjustable monitor
Cons
- A common issue with stroke sensor
- Questionable accuracy of workout stats
- No Bluetooth
A Buyer’s Guide to Magnetic Rowing Machines
Cheaper machines will look for ways to cut costs that don’t compromise the basic performance. It’s important to look at the most common ways they will do this. The pedals, toe straps, and handles are some of the most common places you’ll find that will be unsatisfactory. You can usually see the quality of these areas in the product images.
Flywheel
If you exercise in areas where pets or children may be playing, one thing to watch for is whether the flywheel is enclosed or not. An exposed flywheel spins very fast and can easily result in an injury if small hands or a tail gets caught up in it or grabs onto it.
Bluetooth
Many of us rely heavily on apps and programs for our fitness routines. Having Bluetooth capabilities is something you’ll want to look for prior to purchasing a rowing machine. You’ll want to make sure the machine will fit in with your preferred method of tracking your progress.
Display
Almost every rowing machine out there has a monitor that will display certain information from your workouts. Not only should you be conscious of which stats it will show you, but you should also check to see the placement on the machine itself. If you plan on doing some standing exercises with your machine, you may want one that’s higher on the machine.
The Final Verdict
We chose the JOROTO magnetic rowing machine because of its overall performance and reliability. While it may not have some of the nicer features as some of the other options on our list, we definitely thought that it outperformed in the functions that matter the most. While it was our top pick, the Women’s Health Men’s Health Rowing Machine was a close second for its ability to connect via Bluetooth while still being a great indoor rowing machine. Many people are concerned with exposed flywheels, so we chose our third, the HouseFit Rowing Machine, with those people in mind.
Depending on your specific needs, we know you’ll find what you’re looking for with one of our entries. We chose each one for different reasons, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5864 Rowing Machine unique and natural feeling handle design or the ECHANFIT Rowing Machine adjustable monitor. Thinking about your situation, the space you have to workout in, and the type of routine you use you can easily measure the differences and find the right one for you.