If running and cycling bore you to tears, the best rowing machines can help shake your cardio routine up. These machines simulate the motion of rowing a boat, targeting your legs, arms, and back as you drive back, pulling on the handle to complete the stroke. While many rowers can cost up to $3,000 — a price point that I like to call “Oprah money” — we’ve uncovered the best rowers under $1,000 that can still manage to deliver the training capabilities and intensity to get your heart pumping.

While navigating the options for rowers under $1,000, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors. First, you’ll want to choose the type of resistance you want: air, water, hydraulic, or magnetic? Will a rower with streaming capabilities and impressive tech features support the training you’re looking to do? Do you need a rower that can fold up for easy storage, or something sleek and classic-looking that you can keep in your living space? We’ve tried and tested nearly 20 of the most popular options on the market, narrowing our list down to our eight favorites.

The Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000 of 2024

Best Rowing Machine Under $1,000 Overall: Concept2 RowErg 

Best Smart Rowing Machine Under $1,000: ProForm Pro 750R Rower

Best Compact Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Most Durable Rowing Machine Under $1,000: AssaultRower Pro

Best Water Rowing Machine Under $1,000: WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Stamina BodyTrac Glider

Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000

The BarBend team is packed with certified personal trainers, former D1 athletes, and CrossFit coaches, and we’ve personally tested out nearly 20 rowing machines in our search for the best equipment for your home. The BarBend equipment testing methodology is simple — we scored each profile in categories such as durability, tech capabilities, and ergonomics on a scale from 1 (yucky) to 5 (radical). The following are some of the areas we dialed in on when testing and choosing the top machines.

Resistance Type: “There are several types of rowing machines, including water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and each type offers a different experience,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. We made sure to include an option for each resistance type on our list, so no matter what your preference we’d have something to suit your fancy.

Tech Capabilities: While the tech on rowers is fairly limited compared to other cardio equipment, we looked for rowers with app compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity. We also kept our eyes peeled for LCD displays with pre-set programming like intervals, time, and distance-based workouts.

Comfort: The seats on rowers are often made of hard plastic, but we made sure to highlight machines that felt cozy on our tushes, prioritizing models with molded or padded seats.

Price: Obviously, our top picks had to sit beneath the $1,000 mark, but we wanted to include options for all types of budgets. The picks on our list cost anywhere from $149 up to $999.

Rowing Motion: The smoothness of the handlebar pull and seat glide is an important feature on a rowing machine, so we sought to include models that demonstrated no jerk or stickiness during testing. If a machine didn’t quite live up to our high expectations, we made sure to note it.

[Related: The Best Magnetic Rowing Machines]

Best Rowing Machine Under $1,000 Overall: Concept2 RowErg

Our pick for best rowing machine under $1,000 overall is the Concept2 RowErg. I’ve done my fair share of workouts on this high-quality rower and it’s built to last, easy to hop on and get to work, and the LCD screen comes with preset workouts. This rower is also favorite of Olympians and we can see why — despite costing just $990, our testers herald the RowErg as the best rower they’ve ever used. Workout capability, construction, and components scored 4.75 out of 5, and value came in right behind with a 4.5 out of 5.

Concept2 RowErg

Formerly known as the Model D and Model E Rower, the Concept2 RowErg is the king of the castle when it comes to rowing machines, used by professional athletes and in just about every CrossFit gym. “The USA Olympic rowing team trains on the Concept2 because of its ability to mimic the resistance felt while rowing on water,” noted our tester.

[Related: The Best CrossFit Equipment for Home Gyms]

Aluminum front legs and steel rear legs support an aluminum l-beam and stainless steel seat track, providing a sturdy and durable ride for users up to 500 pounds. Plus, at 96 inches long, this machine can support athletes up to 6 feet 6 inches. Construction scored a 4.75 out of 5.

Our tester straps in to the Concept2 RowErg.

While the nickel-plated steel chain drive is built to last through extended use, it may require more maintenance when compared to belt drives. Concept2 recommends oiling this chain every 50 hours of use. Durability scored a 5 out of 5.

When I’ve used this rower, I’ve found this seat to be a real pain in my butt when I spend more than just a few minutes on it. For those with bony butts like myself, a foam seat pad with adhesive backing can be purchased from Concept2 for a mere $3.50. Comfort scored a 4 out of 5.

Controls on the Concept2 RowErg.

While the RowErg lacks a built-in touchscreen for streaming —gotta cut down on costs somewhere — the PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) LCD screen is simple yet effective, providing workout data such as time, distance, calories, strokes per minute, watts, and more. It can store your workout data so you can compare your training from day to day, and can also connect with the free ErgData app, where analysis of your workout is automatically prepared.

Read our full Concept2 Rower Review.

Best Smart Rowing Machine Under $1,000: ProForm Pro 740R Rower

We think the ProForm Pro 740R Rower is one of the best magnetic rowing machines under $1,000. It’s also top of its class and graduating with honors because this thing is smart, meaning that it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows users to pair it with their own device to access iFIT tracking, programming, and automatic resistance adjustments. Dynamic programming scored a 5 out of 5, and tech capabilities, adjustability, and ergonomics scored a 4 out of 5.

Our tester pulls all the back on the ProForm 740R Rower.

While there isn’t a built-in touchscreen on this rower, it is iFIT-compatible, providing access to the fitness app’s library of over 17,000 on-demand classes, which can be viewed from your own device. “I love the iFIT’s auto-adjusting resistance feature — it can change up your resistance during classes so you can focus on the work,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. They scored dynamic programming a 5 out of 5. Users get a 30-day iFIT trial with their purchase. After that, a subscription costs $39 a month. 

For just $699, users are getting a machine that provides options you’ll find on machines that are double the cost. Our tester noted, “The Pro 750R has similar features to the ($1,999) NordicTrack RW900 rower, such as iFIT integration, Bluetooth capabilities, and SmartAdjust capabilities.” Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. 

The major difference between the Pro 750R and the RW900 is the former’s lack of an immersive HD touchscreen. If users are comfortable using their own tablet or phone, though, they’ll be set up for success. There’s even a built-in tablet holder on the console. 

Our tester straps in to the ProForm 750R

“It’s a bit heavy to move around, but it does fold up for easy storage,” mentioned our tester. When folded, the footprint of this rower shrinks down to 6.57 square feet. This “heavy” build is also thanks to its sturdy aluminum and steel construction. “There are some plastic parts, but in use, the rower feels very sturdy and stable,” they said, scoring durability a 4 out of 5. However, the 250-pound user weight capacity is on the low end of rowers we’ve tested. 

If you’re looking for a rower with smart capabilities and quiet magnetic resistance, the Pro 750R provides a ton of tech features at an affordable price. Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Read our full ProForm Pro 750R Rower Review.

Best Compact Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower is the best compact rowing machine under $1,000 thanks to its $849.99 price tag, lightweight 90-pound build, footprint of 16.16 square feet, and easy disassembly for quick storage. Setup, delivery, customizations, and customer service scored a 5 out of 5, and footprint and portability came in right behind with a 4.5 out of 5.

If you’ve strolled into a gym for an early morning workout, you may have noticed rowers stowed upright to save on floor space. While the Blitz Air Rower is not meant to be stored upright, the unit is less than 8 feet long and about 2 feet wide and, unlike most other rowers, can easily be split into two pieces to be stowed away when you need the room.

“It’s only 90.4 pounds, so tipping this onto its transport wheels to move around was easy for me,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave footprint and portability a 4.5 out of 5.

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower is a compact and reliable air rower. Unlike magnetic, water, or hydraulic rowers, it’s powered by a fan that uses air to create resistance. There’s also an air damper that dictates how much air can enter the flywheel housing, allowing for 10 levels of adjustable resistance. 

“It’s less expensive than the Concept2 or AssaultRower Pro, though while I liked the ability to adjust resistance, I wish the tech capabilities were better,” said our tester. However, we did appreciate that the LCD screen can tell you the damper’s current level of resistance. Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Budget Rowing Machines]

“There are Bluetooth capabilities, but I had a hard time figuring out how to pair my device,” mentioned our tester who gave tech capabilities a 3 out of 5. There isn’t an HD touchscreen or an integrated app with programming on this rower, and the monitor is unimpressive. “You only get the option to row in manual mode and you can see some of your workout stats. You won’t find any type of workout programming here,” they said. 

Most Durable Rowing Machine Under $1,000: AssaultRower Pro

Buying fitness equipment under $1,000 might raise some concerns about the durability of the tools you bring into your home gym, but the AssaultRower Pro is our pick for the most durable rowing machine under $1,000. Durability scored a 4.5 out of 5, and tech capabilities, customization, setup, footprint, and portability all scored a 4 out of 5.

This rower’s powder-coated steel frame can help resist chipping and scratches over time, and also help to prevent corrosion and rust from sunlight, sweat, and other environmental factors. (1) As such, you can feel free to roll this equipment outside to soak up some vitamin D while you get in your workout, especially since this machine doesn’t require electricity.

Additionally, the 350-pound user weight limit can support a wide range of users and workout intensities. “This thing is super solid,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, “The pull is smooth and consistent, and there wasn’t any shake or wobble even as I pushed it in my workout.” 

While smooth and sturdy, it is worth noting that due to the fan’s resistance, this rower can be noisier than magnetic and water rowers, which might be something to consider if you live in an apartment with thin walls or want to work out while the rest of the house is asleep.

[Related: The Best HIIT Rowing Workout]

As is the case with most rowers under $1,000, you won’t find an HD touchscreen or interactive programming. “The monitor is similar to what you’ll find on the Assault AirBike and can pair with a heart rate monitor, but it’s not as functional as the Concept2 RowErg,” mentioned our tester. “But you can set your target heart rate, split time, distance, or do an interval program.” Dynamic programming scored a 3.75 out of 5.

No matter how well the equipment performs, if it’s not comfortable chances are you’ll be less motivated to pop a squat and get to work. The AssaultRower Pro’s seat impressed us with its slight amount of give. “I think it’s more comfortable than the Concept2 RowErg,” mentioned our tester, a certified personal trainer. “While it isn’t super forgiving, there is some cushioning that made my long workouts more comfortable.” Ergonomics scored a 5 out of 5.

Best Water Rowing Machine Under $1,000: WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

The best water rowing machines work to replicate the feeling of being out on a lake rowing a boat. The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine is our choice for the best water rowing machine under $1,000 due to its smooth pull and aesthetically-pleasing oak build that reminds us of Francis Underwood’s late-night workouts in “House of Cards.” (In fact, it’s the same brand of rower, just a less expensive model than he used on the show).

Water wheel on the WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine.

Our team loves water rowers, and the gentle whooooosh that this machine makes as you power through your workout is both calming and satisfying. “While this isn’t loud, it does make some noise,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It’s not as loud as an air rower, and the noise it made was actually really calming.”

Many customer reviews mention how they don’t mind leaving this piece of equipment out in the open because it looks so good. This is thanks to the build’s use of sustainable oak with a honey oak stain. However, should you want to stow this out of the way, it can be tilted upright, taking up about 3.21 square feet of floor space.

There is some minor maintenance with this water rower. WaterRower recommends adding purification tablets to the water tank every three to six months. However, unlike other rowing machines, you won’t have to worry about the messy business of oiling cogs or chains to maintain your equipment.

Handlebars on the WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine.

The tech is limited to a basic LCD display with simple training stats, plus there isn’t a device holder should you want to stream programming. But there are some accessories you can purchase for an added cost to upgrade your rower, including a phone holder, tablet holder, and SmartRow wireless transmitter to share your training data with the SmartRow app.

Customizations scored a 3 out of 5. “You can’t [easily] adjust the amount of resistance on a water rower,” mentioned our tester, a certified personal trainer, “Basically, the resistance is dependent on how hard you push with your legs and pull with your arms.” That said, you can adjust the amount of water in your tank to help finetune the resistance. 

Best Budget Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Stamina BodyTrac Glider

When you’re interested in the benefits of rowing machines, but not in the extraordinary costs often associated with these pieces of equipment, the BodyTrac Glider is a worthwhile consideration. Priced at $149.99, it’s about the cost of what I spent at Target the other day when I thought I was just going in to buy some soap. All told, you’re saving around $850 compared to the average cost of the rowers we’ve tried and tested.

Customer reviews rave about the value of this rower, “We opted for this machine because it had good reviews, seemed to offer a better range of motion… and it had a very nice price,” reads one 5-star customer review. [It’s] one of the best investments we have made [for] our physical fitness.”

For the price, you’re getting 12 hydraulic resistance levels, an electronic monitor, and a steel frame that can support users up to 6 feet 4 inches. Unlike air, water, and magnetic rowing machines, hydraulic resistance uses friction to increase the challenge. As such, users may notice parts of this machine get hot to the touch with extended use. “When in prolonged use, it heats up where [the] hydraulics parts are… so I would recommend keeping workouts to 20-30 minutes total per use,” suggests one customer review.

The biggest complaint we came across focused on the foot pedals. “Due to the fact that there is no support strap or heel cup toward the bottom of your foot, you will slide out if you pull to move forward as the pedals pivot,” reads a review that echoes several others. 

However, if you’re not opposed to doing a little bit of MacGyver-ing, some DIY footrest fixes suggested include adding additional velcro straps or attaching your own heel back stop.

Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine is affordable, compact, and foldable for easy storage — shrinking from 12.30 square feet to just 5.80 square feet — which is why we crowned it the best foldable rowing machine under $1,000. Footprint and portability scored a 4.25 out of 5, and delivery, setup, and value scored a 4 out of 5.

“This thing is really small, and when you need it out of the way, you can fold it up in half,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave footprint and portability a 4.25 out of 5. 

Before folding up this machine, users will want to practice a little caution by sliding the seat closer to the fold so it doesn’t come crashing down. You’ll also want to avoid bonking your head on the rear stabilizer as it tilts up towards the sky.

“While the seat rail is steel, this machine isn’t the sort of thing that’s going to last you 10 years,” said our tester, who scored durability a 3 out of 5. “It doesn’t shake while in use, but there are a lot of plastic parts which, from my experience, tend to break on budget-friendly equipment.”

[Related: The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

We also like its wide, padded seat and 16 levels of adjustable resistance, which we found to provide a solid range of intensity. “This seat is really wide and I didn’t expect it to be as comfortable as it is,” mentioned our tester. However, adjustability and ergonomics only scored a 3.5 out of 5. “The seat is so low to the ground, you really have to squat all the way down to the ground to get on.”

The 285-pound user weight capacity is slightly lower than the 300- to 500-pound user weight limits we tend to see on rowers — some machines even go up to 700 pounds! — but this is typical with folding cardio equipment.

Benefits of Rowing Machine Under $1,000

“Rowing is 100-percent effort-based. When you strap in you can get the workout you want by either going all in and pushing off the footplates as hard as you can, or you decrease the power you push off with to move slower up the drive,” says Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach. Regardless of your chosen intensity, the benefits of rowing machines include increased strength and improved cardiovascular fitness, all while reducing impact on your joints when compared to high-impact exercise such as running. (2)(3)

Original Series WaterRower

Full-Body Workout: “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “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.” 

Versatility: “Rowers are also versatile pieces of equipment: 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,” says Capritto.

Low-Impact: “Because a rowing machine is a low-impact workout, not only will it avoid pounding on your joints, but it’s also often recommended by doctors post hip and knee surgery,” mentions Owens.

How Much Do the Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000 Cost?

We’ve set the standard that all of the machines on this list are under $1,000, but the choices we’ve included range from $149.99 up to $999. Check out the chart below to see how each model’s price compares to the next.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine Under $1,000

Bringing cardio equipment into your home is a big commitment and one that should be made after careful consideration — as opposed to at 1 a.m., slightly inebriated and shopping online. Here are some key points to mull over before you crack open your piggy bank.

Rowing vs The Competition

“Rowing is so cool because it is a full-body, low-impact workout,” mentions Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach. “Unlike other cardio machines, rowing will target your glutes, quads, back, lats, and shoulders with every stroke you take.” 

Row House coach Jacqueline Owens on the Concept2 RowErg.

Studies have shown that there’s more muscle activation across the entire body while working at max effort on a rowing machine versus on a treadmill. (4) The most comparable cardio equipment with this kind of total-body functionality is an air bike.

[Related: The Best Air Bikes for Your Home Gym]

Air, Water, Magnetic, or Hydraulic

Allow BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, to break down the different modes of rower resistance. “Firstly, what kind of rowing machine do you want? 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.” 

Our tester folding the ProForm 750R Rowing Machine.

For those looking for the most budget-friendly machine, hydraulic rowers are often the most affordable choices. When it comes to choosing between air, water, and magnetic, it’s often about preference, aesthetics, and noise. Magnetic and water rowers tend to be the quietest options, hydraulic rowers can have some noise due to friction, and air rowers are often the loudest. 

Tech Capabilities

Knowing how much technology you’d like integrated with your rowing experience will help you sift through the options. Rowing machines tend to have basic LCD displays, and if you’d like a smart rower with Bluetooth connectivity or app integration, you can expect to pay more for these features. “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality,” notes Capritto. 

Will It Fit?

“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,” says Capritto. You’ll want to measure your space and compare that with the footprint of the machine you’re considering — the average rower measures somewhere between 11 and 16 square feet. If you’re interested in stowing your equipment after your cardio workout, look for indoor rowing machines with transport wheels, folding features, and the ability to stow vertically.

Back Pain

If you struggle with back pain, you may want to consider low-impact cardio equipment that keeps you in a more upright position or offers support where you need it — think ellipticals and recumbent bikes. 

Touch screen on the ProForm 750R.

Capritto agrees, “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.”

[Related: The Best Recumbent Bikes]

Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000 FAQs

References

KeystoneKoating. (2023, September 26). Benefits of powder coating. Keystone Koating. https://www.keystonekoating.com/blog/powder-coating-benefits/

Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, K. S., & Kwon, T. K. (2014). Comparative analysis of basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. https://doi.org/10.3233/BME-141056

Lane N. E. (1996). Physical activity at leisure and risk of osteoarthritis. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 55(9), 682–684. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.55.9.682

Yoshiga, C. C., & Higuchi, M. (2002). Heart rate is lower during ergometer rowing than during treadmill running. European journal of applied physiology, 87(2), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0599-z

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