If the idea of bringing one of the best rowing machines into your cramped apartment or home gym has you experiencing claustrophobia, rest assured that folding rowers are a thing. The foldable sliding rail on the Echelon Row, for example, lets you hang on to a bit of your precious floor space. Housemates and pets may also appreciate how quiet its magnetic resistance is. It lacks the tech capabilities of its big brother, the Row-s, but you may appreciate the decrease in cost. 

Having tested more than 20 rowing machines, our team of collegiate rowers, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches has the credentials and experience to give you the lowdown on this mid-range model. It’s light on tech, but we think its foldability makes it worth a second glance. If you’re looking to bring home a durable rower that can help you salvage a few square feet, paddle on to see if the Echelon Row is a match for your space, fitness goals, and wallet.

Main Takeaways

The Echelon Row’s foldable design allows for vertical storage, shrinking its footprint from 12.25 square feet down to just 5.83 — a bit less than the average coffee table. (1)

Without a built-in touchscreen, you’ll need to secure your own tablet or phone in the pivoting device holder to stream workouts or entertainment.

At $999.99, this rower is a steal compared to high-end options that can cost over $2,000.

After you fold down the Echelon Row’s sturdy aluminum rail, its padded seat and thick foot straps should help you settle in for a comfortable rowing experience. This mid-range rower combines a handful of the features we tend to see on high-end rowers — like a Bluetooth handlebar controller for its 32 resistance levels — with the practicality and price point of more budget-friendly models. 

[Related: The 8 Best Budget Rowing Machines]

We’ve spent considerable time with the Row’s big brother, the Row-s — one of Echelon’s smart rowers — but they actually have a near-identical construction. Aside from the Row-s’ higher weight capacity — it can support users up to 350 pounds, while the Row can handle just 300 — the main differences are the monstrous 22-inch HD touchscreen and 16-inch soundbar sitting atop the Row-s. 

Our tester riding the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

Both of these Echelon Fitness profiles deliver the kind of low-impact exercise that our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, says can not only get your heart pumping, but build strength as well. “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout. I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.”

While tech-inclined athletes may lean toward the Row-s, the Row includes a pivoting device holder to secure your mobile device. With an Echelon Fit or Premier subscription, you’ll be able to fire up virtual rows, as well as hop off for strength training, yoga, barre, and more. Both models also use aluminum and steel in their frames, though the plastic that houses some of the internal components could affect its longevity.

Our tester unfolding the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

“Once reserved for rowing athletes as a way to train indoors, rowing ergs have made it mainstream, and that’s for a lot of good reasons,” she explains. “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” (2)

Training With the Echelon Row

Being able to fold the Echelon Row more or less in half makes it ideal for athletes looking for a space-saving cardio machine that can also provide a full-body workout. Its 32-level resistance range matches many high-end rowers we’ve tested used and supports the kind of versatility that BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, loves about rowing machines. “Rowers are…versatile pieces of equipment,” she says “You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise. They can also be used for some strength training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.”

[Related: BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology]

We previously rated the Row-s on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including durability, footprint, tech capabilities, and more. Since the designs of the Echelon rowers are nearly identical aside from the Row-s’ touchscreen and soundbar, we feel that many of our Row-s ratings are also applicable to the Row. Once we actually get our hands (and feet) on the Echelon Row, we’ll update this review accordingly.

Compact Design

The horizontal design and long sliding rails of rowing machines can often make them impractical for those in tight spaces. The Echelon Row, however, has a folding rail that allows it to be stored vertically, which can save you some precious square footage when not in use. 

Our tester lifting the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

During use, its 7-foot length is on par with most other rowers. When you fold it up, though, that length is cut down to just 3.33 feet. Its foldable design reduces the amount of floor space it eats up by more than half — from 12.25 square feet down to just 5.83 square feet. Since the Row-s has an identical build and we scored its footprint and portability a 5 out of 5, we feel confident applying the same rating to the Row.

[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Any Small Space]

Adjustability

Both the Row and Row-s have a Bluetooth controller in the handlebar so you can adjust their 32 levels of magnetic resistance mid-stroke. When you grip the handlebar, you’ll notice a small red button on each side near your thumbs. Press the right button to increase the resistance and the left button to decrease it. 

Our tester using the Bluetooth resistance controls on the Echelon Row

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, scored the adjustability of the Row-s a 4 out of 5, as they were able to quickly make adjustments without missing a beat. “I do tend to prefer rowers with magnetic resistance, just because they are so much quieter. It makes them a bit more practical for shared spaces,” they said. “Plus, all you have to do is tap a button to adjust it.” 

This method may be more approachable for some, as water rowers require users to adjust their stroke to change resistance. 

Comfort

The Echelon Row has the same adjustable, padded seat and thick foot straps for secure foot placement as the Echelon Row-s. These features were a highlight for our tester when they used the Row-s, though they did note a bit of movement in the foot plates. “I was pleasantly surprised by the seat cushioning that kept me cozy throughout my trials,” they said, rating its overall comfort a 4 out of 5.

[Related: The Best HIIT Rowing Workout, Customized to Your Experience Level]

“Additionally, I appreciated the thicker foot straps that helped in keeping my position during strokes,” they added. “The foot plates do move up and down during workouts, but I’ve found this to be a common issue with rowing machines of similar stature.”

Our tester strapping in their feet on the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

A comfortable experience is important to ensure proper rowing form and, as Capritto points out, the rowing position in general may be an issue for some athletes. “Rowing may exacerbate pain in people who struggle with low back pain. The seated exercising position combined with the hip hinging involved in the rowing stroke is not ideal for individuals with lower back pain.”

Technology

You won’t find a flashy HD touchscreen or many other noteworthy tech features on the Row. It does, however, utilize the same Bluetooth resistance controller in the handlebar as the Row-s, which was a highlight for our tester. “Switching up the resistance was pretty easy with the Bluetooth controller,” they said. 

Our tester on the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

Because you’ll be supplying the device, you’re free to fire up virtual workouts or entertainment using whatever app you like, from Netflix to Peloton. Echelon, though, does have its own app — Echelon Fit — that offers some quality on-demand classes and scenic rows. 

There are two levels of membership with a few key differences you’ll want to keep in mind. The FitPass tier ($11.99 per month) only offers access to off-machine workouts, so for rowing classes you’ll want the Echelon Premier membership ($39.99 a month). With a Premier membership, you’ll have access to all of Echelon Fit’s workouts, stat tracking, and Echelon Worlds, a gamified workout platform with races and leaderboards. 

[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]

Our tester also liked how Echelon Fit allows for multiple profiles. “Other apps, like iFIT, require ‘family plans’ to get multiple profiles, but with Echelon Premier you have five profiles to share,” they said.

Another huge benefit outside of the programming — which earned a 3.75 from our tester — is the extended warranty that comes with an active Premier membership. This rower comes with an unimpressive one-year warranty, but when you join as a Premier member, that turns into a five-year warranty.

What to Consider Before Buying the Echelon Row

The Echelon Row isn’t as expensive as high-end rowing machines, but $999.99 is still a significant investment, and there’s plenty to consider before taking the plunge. Here are some factors you’ll want to take into account before committing to the Echelon Row.

Footprint and Portability

The amount of floor space the Echelon Row occupies during use is in line with most rowing machines we’ve tested. What sets it apart is its foldable sliding rail, which cuts its footprint of 12.25 square feet down to just 5.83  — about the size of a typical coffee table. (1) Rowers are generally big machines, and how much floor space they gobble up is one of the top considerations of BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. 

[Related: The 12 Best Rowing Machine Workouts for Every Experience Level]

“Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” Capritto explains. “Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion. It’s common for budget rowers to be shorter, which makes them less ideal for tall individuals.”

Durability

Before dropping significant cash on the Echelon Row or any rower, take a look at the materials used in its build to get an idea of how durable it will be. The identical build of the Row-s earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, who noticed some plastic around the internal components. “The aluminum rail is sturdy, but it uses plastic to house the internals. Plastic doesn’t typically do as well as steel or aluminum in home gyms.”

Resistance Type

Instead of air, water, or hydraulic resistance, the Echelon Row uses magnetic resistance to regulate the intensity of each stroke. Compared to air and water rowers, magnetic systems are typically quieter. While experienced rowers tend to prefer the more natural feel of air or water resistance, magnetic resistance can be easier to manage for beginners. As Capritto explains, it’s important to understand the difference when you are considering investing in a rower.

[Related: The Best Water Rowing Machines]

“Firstly, what kind of rowing machine do you want?” she asks. “The flywheel mechanism dictates the rower type: Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance.”

Tech Capabilities

Between Echelon’s two models, the Row offers fewer tech capabilities, but that is mostly due to its lack of the 22-inch HD touchscreen and soundbar you’ll find on the Row-s. 

It does, however, feature the same Bluetooth resistance controller on the handlebar and includes a pivoting device holder so you can follow along to classes on your own device. If you prefer immersion during rowing classes, though, you may prefer the large touchscreen and soundbar of the Row-s. You’ll have to pay for it, though — the Row-s costs nearly $1,000 more than the Row.

The identical Bluetooth handlebar controller on the Echelon Row-s.

“You can choose between a smart rowing machine and a “not smart” one, meaning one that has a fancy screen that streams stuff or one that has a simple LCD screen that reads out basic metrics,” says Capritto. “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”

Echelon Row Vs. The Competition

Wading through the measurements, features, and specifications of rowing machines can start to feel overwhelming after a while. To assist you in your quest for the best rower, we gathered the stats on a few other models. Use the chart below to quickly gain an understanding of what else is out there.

When stacked up side by side, the Row and Row-s have two minor differences and two major ones. The Row weighs 8 pounds less than the Row-s and has a 300-pound weight capacity, which is 50 pounds less than the Row-s. Both are on the low end of the user weight capacity we like to see on rowers: 350 to 400 pounds. 

Where they truly diverge is the display and the price. On the Row, it’s up to you to slot your own smartphone or iPad in the device holder, but the Row-s takes care of that with its eye-catching 22-inch HD touchscreen. From our perspective, the choice boils down to whether the inclusion of that display is worth the difference in price to you.

Our tester on the near-identical Echelon Row-s.

If you look across the chart, you’ll see that the Concept2 RowErg costs just $10 less than the Echelon Row, but its air resistance system gives it a different feel than the magnetic system employed by the Row. More experienced rowers may prefer the natural feel that air or water resistance affords, while beginning rowers might benefit from the simplicity of its mechanical resistance, which is similar to what you’ll find on most treadmills and exercise bikes. 

If all of those models are too rich for your blood, there are high-quality options available for less. The Sunny Health & Fitness Rower falls short in levels of resistance and weight capacity, but it’s a solid, well-made piece of fitness equipment for beginning rowers and those looking for a low-impact way to get in a total-body workout.

Places to Buy the Echelon Row

You can buy the Echelon Row through their website, on Amazon, or via third-party retailers like Best Buy or Target.

Customer Experience

Echelon only offers a one-year warranty on the Echelon Row, but with an active Echelon Premier membership you’ll get a five-year warranty. Our tester rated Echelon’s customer service a 4.5 out of 5 and you can reach their customer care team at 833-937-2453 or by email at cs@echelonfit.com. Echelon offers returns within 30 days of purchase and free shipping if you purchase an Echelon Fit membership with your rower.

Company Information

Echelon Fitness makes digitally-connected exercise bikes, treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, and more. Echelon’s machines are enhanced by the Echelon Fit app, which provides access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts spanning cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga, and more.

Final Word

Whether this is the first time you’ve considered adding rowing to your fitness regimen or you’ve competed in more regattas than you can count, we think the Echelon Row is a solid mid-range option. We love how quiet its magnetic resistance is in operation, especially when compared to air and water rowers, and making adjustments is easy via the Bluetooth controller in the handlebar. Being able to fold and store it vertically may also make total-body rowing workouts more accessible for those short on floor space.

If you’re interested in virtual classes and prefer the immersion of a big touchscreen and powerful soundbar, the Row-s may be for you. If moths are flying out of your wallet, however, the streamlined design (and lower price) of the Row may be more your speed. Regardless, both models fold, making them ideal for athletes in small apartments or crowded home gyms. 

FAQs

References

The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889

Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. (2022, January 14). https://thesportjournal.org/article/relationships-among-muscle-characteristics-and-rowing-performance-in-collegiate-crew-members/ 

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