Best Rowing Machines Under $1000
This past year has seen a world-altering shift in the way we do many of our everyday tasks, including work, school, and healthcare. But our hobbies and leisure activities are being affected as well, and at the top of that list, comes the new normal way of working out: from home. As gyms and fitness centers close down, either temporarily during the pandemic, or for some permanently, people are discovering new ways to keep up with their active lifestyle.
One of the best ways to get a full-body workout from the comfort of your own home is to purchase an indoor rowing machine. Rowing machines provide ample workout for over 80% of your body’s muscles, as well as building endurance and strengthening your cardiovascular system. But with so many home rowing machines for sale on the market, how do you choose which one is best for your needs? We have compiled a list of the ten best rowing machines under $1000 available for you so that you can narrow down which model fits your workout style the best. This home rowing machine guide also includes a comparison table and “editor’s choice” to help you immediately see the rowers that experts on FitNosia love the most.
Compare The Best Rowing Machines Under $1000
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concept 2 Model D | Air | Yes | Yes | 500 LBs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Mr. Captain Wooden Rowing Machine | Water | No | Yes | 320 LBs | Low-Rise |
| 3 | ProForm PFRW58118 750R | Air Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 4 | Snode Water Rowing Machine | Water | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 5 | Women’s/Men’s Health BT Rower | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 6 | HouseFit Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 7 | SereneLife Home Rowing Machine | Air and Magnetic | No | No | 250 LBs | High-Rise |
| 8 | Marcy Foldable Turbine Rower | Air | Yes | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 9 | Echanfit Indoor Water Rower | Water | No | No | 300 LBs | High-Rise |
| 10 | Merax Rowing Machine | Magnetic | No | No | 340 LBs | High-Rise |
Editor’s Best Indoor Rower Choice Under $1000!
Water Resistance
Mr Captain Rower- Aluminum Frame Railes
- Natural Sound
- Dynamic Resistance
Air Resistance
Concept 2 Model D- Dynamic Resistance
- Low-Maintenance
- Bluetooth Monitor
Air Magnetic Resistance
ProForm 550R- Watt Backlit Monitor
- Quiet Resistance
- Foldable Frame
Top 10 Rowing Machine Picks:
Table of Contents
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
One of the leading models and overall this is one of the best rowing machines under $1000 currently on the market. The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine provides a simple yet powerful frame that is easy to put together and take apart if you need to put it away after use. It has been one of the best-selling rowing machines in the world over the past 40 years and is used by everyone from at-home workouts to Olympic athletes.
The PM5 monitor is one of the highest quality screens you can find on a workout machine and allows you to integrate your performance with a host of workout and healthcare-related apps. The Model D uses bluetooth and ANT+ technology that allows you to connect with up to eight other machines so that you can race or workout with your friends. You can even sign up for online challenges and race against people around the world where you can keep track of your progress on the online leaderboards.
The Concept2 Model D is a fully foldable machine that only uses eight screws to assemble, and comes apart into two easy to store pieces. Despite the Model D being a full sized indoor rowing machine that measures in at 96”x 24” (25”x 24” folded), it only weighs 57 lbs, which is extremely light for this type of equipment. It even comes with wheels and a frame lock quick-release that makes bringing it out and putting it back away a simple task.
Conclusion
Pros
- High weight capacity and very high quality parts and frame as well as technology that allows you to connect with your fitness apps and friends.
Cons
- Can be on the higher side of people’s budgets.
Mr. Captain Wooden Rowing Machine
A true form rower that simulates the look and feel of being in an actual row-boat, the Mr Captain Wooden Rowing Machine is one of the top options for water rowing machines under $1000. Despite its appearance, the Mr. Captain is fully bluetooth compatible and can sync with your smartphone to track your time, miles rowed, count, and calories burned.
The Mr. Captain is easy to take out or put away as the wooden frame weighs only 58 lbs, and the entire piece of equipment measures in at 82” x 22” x 20”. Unlike other aluminum frame rowers, the Mr. Captain is not foldable so you will need to find a space to store it in an upright position.
The weight capacity for the Mr. Captain can handle up to 320 lbs, and the ergonomic seat and glide track reduces the strain on your back and shoulders, as well as the impact on your knees. It is a water-based rower so it is relatively quiet, with the only sound coming from the sloshing of the water in the tank. It really does feel like you are on the water in a row boat!
Conclusion
Mr. Captain provides users with a one-year warranty for the frame of the rowing machine, as well as a 180-day warrant for all other parts. There is a maintenance manual that comes with the Mr. Captain Wooden Rower and it suggests you take the machine apart once a year to lubricate the pieces. The company also offers servicers that can come to your house to perform routine maintenance, but in the world of COVID-19 this service may be limited in the future. This is a great machine for the price point and makes for a great indoor home rowing machine for under $1000. The wooden frame is solid and the ergonomic design helps make sure you do not place extra stress on your joints and back.
Pros
- Very good price point
- Solidly built wooden frame
Cons
- Not foldable so it may be difficult to store
- The warrant could also be better
ProForm PFRW58118 750R Indoor Rower
The ProForm PFRW58118 750R is definitely a high class rower that will run you a pretty penny. But the added features make this one of the most tech-savvy models on the indoor rowing machine market and provides users with a 5” high-contrast color display but also offers a tablet or phone holder where you can use the integrated iFit software application. The 750R comes with full bluetooth and WiFi capabilities as well and even has an audio auxiliary port so you can listen to your favorite songs while rowing.
The 750R is an inertia-enhanced flywheel that provides up to 24 different digitally programmed resistance levels for rowers of all levels of fitness and athleticism. It provides excellent stability and a solid frame that measures at 22” x 86.5” x 45.5” when in use but the SpaceSaver design that is incorporated allows you to fold it up for easy storage. One thing that does stand out about this home rowing machine is that it is on the heavier side, weighing in at 116.6 lbs, which means it may not be the easiest piece of equipment to move around the house.
The weight capacity of the 750R is 250 lbs and the product is backed by an excellent 10-year warranty for the frame and 1-year for the parts and labor. The inertia-enhanced flywheel means there is minimal noise, except of course, for any audio that may be coming from the screen.
Conclusion
Like with most rowing machines, it is recommended that the parts are lubricated regularly, although ProForm does offer several subscription service packages that have one of their technicians attending for regular maintenance. It remains to be seen how this service will be affected by COVID-19 moving forward. A very high quality machine that provides all of the bells and whistles. The iFit and maintenance subscriptions can add costs on to an already expensive machine, but you do get what you pay for.
Pros
- The 5” high-contrast screen is very high quality and allows you to watch personal trainers.
Cons
- It will cost you, and so will the iFit subscription and maintenance if you choose to get them.
- The 750R is also a heavy machine that makes it difficult to move around the house.
Snode Water Resistance Rowing Machine
The Snode water rowing machine is an excellent entry into the water rowing machines under $1000 category that you can have at your home or office. The appearance is sleek and high-end with a double track design for stability and structure. The water tank can hold up to 18 litres of water which can be customized for different resistance levels as well as anti-slip pedals to allow rigorous yet safe rowing.
It can be a hefty machine though as it weighs in at 92 lbs and measures about seven feet in length. The Snode is also not foldable so unless you have a very tall place that you can store it in an upright position, you may have some trouble finding room for it. The ergonomic seat and design can hold up to 300 lbs and allows for rowers of all shapes and sizes to use the machine.
The tech side of the Snode Water Rowing Machine is somewhat limited as there is no bluetooth or WiFi capabilities. There is a 9” LCD screen where you can monitor your workout progress, calories burned, stroke count, distance travelled, and your pulse. The MARNUR makes very little noise as well aside from the whooshing of the water inside of the tank.
Conclusion
There is no mention of product warranty with any Snode products so you may need to consult with the company upon purchase. The maintenance is minimal with lubrication every so often, as well as tablets to avoid the water tank collecting build up and sediment. An excellent option for those who wish to exercise on a budget. There are no extra frills, but for those who do not need a technology component to their workout equipment, this home rowing machine may be the best choice for you!
Pros
- Excellent price point makes it one of the most affordable water rowing machines under $1000 for indoor usage.
Cons
- It does not fold or store easily, and a lack of technology means it is very basic in its functionality.
Women and Men’s Health Rower Rowing Machine
From the fitness magazine Women’s Health and Men’s Health comes this entry into the magnetic rowing machine market that gives you a high quality, zero lag time resistance through your entire pull. There are 14 levels of calibrated resistance for rowers of all skill levels, and is fitted with a padded seat and rowing handle, as well as textured footplates for the best comfort and leverage while rowing.
While in use, the Magnetic Rower measures 80” x 23” x 28.5” and with an easy cotter pin and easy twist handle, the machine flips upwards which makes it easier to store away. It weighs only 64 lbs, making it one of the lighter magnetic rowing machines, and allows you to easily move it around the house or office. The suggested weight capacity for the Magnetic Rower is 250 lbs.
The Magnetic Rower is fully bluetooth compatible and allows for direct connection to the MyCloudFitness App which keeps track of your workouts and provides activity and fitness reports through your smartphone, although a paid subscription is required. The magnetic flywheel offers a quiet workout session with no extraneous noise like the splashing of water in a water-resistance machine.
Conclusion
The Magnetic Rower comes with a nice 3-year warranty for the frame and the part but only 180-days for the electronic parts. With the magnetic flywheel, maintenance is minimal and keeping the equipment clean is the most important part of maintaining working order. The parts do not need the lubrication that other styles of rowing machines require, making this home rowing machine a very easy piece of equipment to own. A nice, solid piece of equipment with a good warranty and nice technological connectivity.
Pros
- A nice price point and minimal maintenance makes owning this machine a breeze.
Cons
- To use the MyCloudFitness app that accompanies the machine, you will need to pay for a monthly subscription.
HouseFit Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine
This sturdy aluminum-framed machine is an excellent entry into the low-price point magnetic rowing machine market for at-home use. It is one of the best rowing machines under $1000 and provides you with everything you need to workout in the comfort of your own home. The machine is solid and provides up to 300 lbs of weight capacity, meaning rowers of all shapes and sizes can take advantage of this workout.
The no-touch magnetic resistance flywheel means you get a silent workout with no added noises from the equipment to disturb your neighbors while you row. It offers 15 levels of magnetic resistance which is excellent for all rowers, no matter what skill level or athletic ability you possess.
At its low-price point, the machine does not come with bluetooth or WiFi connectivity though, so it is a basic, no frills magnetic home rowing machine. There is a digital monitor that can keep track of time, count, total count, and calories burned, and there is also a phone or tablet holder that the rower can take advantage of as well.
Conclusion
The HouseFit Rowing Machine measures in at 68” x 22” x 32”, but be warned that this home rowing machine does not fold up, so you will need to find a place to store it upright. The HouseFit Rowing Machine comes with a 1-year product warranty and requires very minimal maintenance for the magnetic flywheel and other parts. A nice, basic machine for its minimal price point as it is one of the most affordable magnetic home rowing machines under $1000.
Pros
- Cheap price tag and minimal maintenance, as well as high quality build and quiet workout.
Cons
- No bluetooth connectivity and not being able to fold it up to store are some options that would have been nice.
SereneLife Air-Mag Home Rowing Machine
1 used from $585.99
This hybrid rowing machine from SereneLife uses magnetic and air resistance for users to get their workouts in. The durable steel-alloy frame makes you feel stable while you row and has a suggested weight capacity of 250 lbs. The rowing machine offers 10 levels of resistance for beginners to experts, allowing you to get a full spectrum of exercise and cardiovascular workout.
When it is fully assembled, the SereneLife Home Rowing Machine is fairly large as far as home rowing machines go. It measures at 34.8” x 19.3” x 83.5” and weighs in at a considerable 81 lbs. The machine does not fold up, so storing it can be a chore, especially considering how big it is.
The SereneLife Home Rowing Machine is an excellent entry into the lower-priced magnetic/air home rowing machine market and offers a great price point for bargain hunters. Given its price, we can assume then that the machine does not come equipped with bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, although it does come with an LCD display that monitors things like time, distance, pulse, calories burnt, and total strokes.
Conclusion
SereneLife does offer a limited 1 year warranty on its products and with the magnetic flywheel, little maintenance should be needed besides keeping it clean. The fan for the air resistance may require some vacuuming from time to time if dust or other sediment begins to accumulate inside. For its price point, you get what you pay for. No frills and a very basic home rowing machine under $1000.
Pros
- Very cheap price tag
- A solidly built machine
Cons
- It is quite big and difficult to store
- No bluetooth or WiFI connectivity either
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
Here is a nice mid-price level air resistance rowing machine from Marcy that is right in the market for affordable best rowing machines under $1000. The Marcy Turbine Rowing Machine is made with a solid steel frame and can support up to 300 lbs of weight capacity on its durable, injection molded seat.
The dimensions of the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine measure in at 55” x 12” x 24” and weigh in at a fairly hefty 87 lbs. As its name suggests, the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine is in fact a foldable, which makes it extremely easy to store this equipment when it is not in use, or if space is limited.
The air turbine can cause some excess sound when working out and is not as quiet as its magnetic counterpart. The Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine does not come with bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, and only comes with a very basic digital display that allows you to monitor things like time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
Conclusion
The Marcy Rowing Machine comes with a 2-year warranty for its parts and maintenance is fairly minimal, although with air turbines it is always a good idea to vacuum out any dust or particles every so often. The Marcy is a nice machine, but not the best product for its price. The machine itself is solid, but the air turbine can cause noise and the tech aspect of the machine is outdated.
Pros
- Good functionality from a trusted brand in exercise equipment.
- A solid warranty and minimal maintenance as well as being foldable for storage will make this a popular model.
Cons
- The display is old-fashioned and the air turbine can be a bit loud.
Echanfit Home Water Rowing Machine
The Echanfit Water Rowing Machine is a great entry into the home water rowing machine under $1000 market and provides an excellent workout at a very affordable price tag. The steel frame is sturdy and makes you feel stable as you row, and has a suggested weight capacity of 300 lbs. The Echanfit Water Rowing Machine is also equipped with ergonomic foot holders, ensuring that rowers are safe and secure as they row.
The water-resistance flywheel provides customizable resistance for rowers of all different levels and is easily adjustable by how much water you put into the tank. The MaxKare is limited in its technology though, with no bluetooth or WiFi connectivity options. A large LCD monitor is included to track things like time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned, but there is no external connectivity for any apps on your smartphone or tablet.
The dimensions for the Echanfit Water Rowing Machine measure in at 79” x 22” x 34” and have a weight of 80 lbs. Unfortunately for people who live in apartments or are limited with space, the Echanfit does not fold up and needs to be stored upright if put away, although a nice thing is that you do not need to empty the tank to store upright.
Conclusion
The warranty is limited which is definitely a complaint, especially for a machine with so many moving parts. At only three months, the warranty is one of the shortest in the home rowing machine market. The maintenance is minimal, just toss in a cleaning tablet from time to time and replace the water inside the tank so that nothing collects or builds up. A fine home water rowing machine, but not the greatest for the limited features you get. The warranty is terrible and the water model is the only rowing machine that cannot be folded up, most likely due to the size of the water tank.
Pros
- A good price tag and great stable build make it worthwhile for people who do not need technology to workout.
Cons
- No bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, and a very limited three-month warranty is not consumer-friendly.
Merax Home Magnetic Resistance Rower
The Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine makes for another nice entry to the magnetic rowing machine under $1000 market and is one of the most affordable home rowing machines available. The aluminum frame provides solid support to rowers and can hold a suggested weight capacity of up to 340 lbs. The magnetic resistance flywheel gives rowers a silent and smooth rowing action with up to eight levels of adjustable tension resistance.
The dimensions measure in at 80.3” x 18.9” x 31.5” and the machine is surprisingly light, weighing only 59 lbs, which makes moving the Merax Magnetic Home Rowing Machine around the house very manageable. Unfortunately for people who live in smaller spaces, the Merax Rowing Machine does not fold and if you need to put it away, needs to be stored in an upright position.
In terms of technology the Merax Rowing Machine is limited as it does not come with any bluetooth or WiFi connections. The machine does come with a large LCD screen that rowers can use to keep track of their time, stroke, distance, and calories burned, but other than that, the Merax Rowing Machine is quite bare bones.
Conclusion
The warranty for the Merax Rowing Machine is quite good, with a 3-year warranty on the frame and a 180-day warranty on the parts. As with most magnetic rowing machines, the maintenance is quite minimal and apart from keeping the machine clean, there is very little you need to do to sustain its performance. A nice quality home rowing machine under $1000 that is sure to satisfy people who just need to work out and do not need technology.
Pros
- A good price tag and a good warranty, as well as a nice silent workout on a stable frame.
Cons
- No technology and awkward storage may deter some rowers from this model, despite the lower price.
A Buyer’s Guide to Rowing Machines Under 1000
Choosing the right rowing machine may not be as easy as you thought! There are so many different types of machine and the terminology is not exactly straightforward either. Here are a few important things to know before choosing which at-home rowing machine is right for you!
Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic rowing machines use magnets to create friction in the flywheel, rather than water or air. The benefits of magnetic resistance is that the workout is virtually silent and there is a lot of less maintenance for the machine. Magnetic rowing machines tend to be heavier
Air Resistance
Air rowing machines generally use fans or turbines to build resistance while rowing. At-home air rowing machines tend to be louder than magnetic rowing machines and the fans have to be kept clean by regular vacuuming or dusting. Air resistance is the preferred method of rowing machine chosen by Olympic rowing athletes as it most
Water Resistance
Water rowing machines use a series of paddles in the water tank to generate resistance for the rower. This technology is actually relatively new to the at-home rowing machine market, and is generally priced a little higher. The machines are also bigger given the water tank and usually cannot be folded. The water tank does require
Technology
Many of the higher-end rowing machines will have bluetooth and WiFi connectivity so that rowers can sync their smartphones or tablets with the machine. You will notice that many of these have subscription app services that accompany the machine, so serious athletes can monitor their training and improvement. Generally, most machines will come with a digital screen of some sort so you can keep track of your vitals, speed, distance, and
Pricing
Another factor to consider when looking at rowing machines, depending on the features you need for your workouts, rowing machines can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. For example, if you know you do not need the technology aspect, then
The Final Verdict
Our top pick taking everything into consideration is the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine. The price point is excellent for the quality of product you get, and as long as you are okay without bluetooth connectivity and a bare bones digital screen, the rest of the package is top-notch. A great warranty gives you peace of mind and minimal maintenance should ensure you can use this product for years to come! It can be a little heavy, but most air turbine machines are, but the added ability to fold the machine away is a tremendous benefit for those who do not have ample space for workout equipment.