Many of the best rowing machines on the market today come with a price tag the size of a mortgage payment. Even if you’re sold on the benefits of rowing — including increased joint and muscle strength, better cardiovascular health, and reduced body fat — that’s a lot of dough to fork over for a machine that can do just one thing: row. (1)(2)(3) The good news is that, as long as you’re cool with passing on luxe features, there are plenty of budget rowers out there, including ones that come in under $500. 

That price for a piece of heavy workout machinery may seem too good to be true, but we’ve personally tried and tested many of these rowers and can vouch that they get the job done. We’ve found options that provide everything from a low-impact workout to a full-body workout, and accommodate all fitness levels. So, if you’re looking to add a rowing machine to your home gym without paying an arm and a leg, keep reading to scout our top picks for the best rowing machines for under $500.

The 6 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 of 2024

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine 

Best Water Rowing Machine Under $500: Yosuda Water Rowing Machine

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine Under $500: XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower

Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Under $500: Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $500: Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 for Small Spaces: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines Under $500

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve gotten hands-on with more than 20 of the market’s top rowing machines, using a multi-point methodology to rate each model on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in areas like footprint, portability, tech capabilities, and more. Below are some of the key factors we looked at to come up with our picks for the best rowing machines under $500.

Workout Performance: Even budget exercise equipment should do its job, and allow your rowing experience to safely allow you to break a sweat. In selecting these rowers, we looked for machines that have the necessary specs to perform (i.e. various levels of magnetic resistance, a smooth glide, and ergonomics that lend themselves to good rowing form) and provide a machine that is perfect for home use for years to come.

Footprint and Portability: Unlike other pieces of workout equipment, many rowers can be stored upright and out of the way when not in use. We looked for machines with a small footprint, vertical storage capability, and that aren’t a pain to move.

Adjustability: Rowers aren’t as adjustable as other workout equipment like the best exercise bikes — and budget models are even less so. Still, we sought out the essentials, including a comfortable seat and various levels of magnetic resistance. 

Price and Warranty: No home rowing machine here is over $500, but we judged each one to see if the product is worth what you’re paying. Since these are budget machines, we also looked at the warranties that back up your purchase: Most of our top picks on this list cover the frame for at least one year and parts for several months.

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rower, it’s hard to beat this pick from Sunny Health & Fitness, which landed our top overall spot and comes in well under $500. (It goes for $300 full price, and is often marked down for less.) Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave it a 4 out of 5 for value. “It’s a solid deal for people who just want to row and don’t need bells and whistles,” they said. 

The 16 levels of magnetic resistance match higher-end models like the Echelon Row (nearly $1K). Our tester found the resistance challenging, saying, “Despite the low price tag and small size, I was surprised I could get a pretty good workout on this thing. My legs were burning after just a few minutes on the higher settings.” 

This rower also has a small footprint: It’s 9 inches shorter in length than the Ergatta Rower, for example. It scored a 4.25 out of 5 for footprint and portability with our tester based on its handy transport wheels, lightweight, and the fact that it can be folded up. Unlike other rowers which pivot to be completely vertical, just the slide rail folds, reducing the length from 77” to 36.3”.

The seat is wide and comfortable, and the foot cradles can pivot, but can’t adjust for length, so people with relatively large feet may feel constricted. Plus, our 5’9” tester said they don’t think anyone much taller could be comfortable on the machine. Though the brand advertises it as having a 43” slide rail (accommodating a 43” inseam, which should be plenty for people well over 6’ tall) some reviewers note that the actual usable length is significantly less; one Amazon reviewer with a 34” inseam reports hitting the end of the rail while rowing. These factors scored the rower 3 out of 5 for customizations and 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. 

The LCD monitor shows basic metrics like calories, total strokes, and time, but is missing stats often cued in rowing workouts like stroke rate, 500m/split pace, output, and even distance. Though it doesn’t come with any programmed workouts, there’s a device holder that can support a tablet or smartphone, and a water bottle holder within reach. Finally, it has one of the lengthier warranties on this list: three years on the frame and 180 days on parts and components.

[Related: Hydrow Wave Rower Review]

Best Water Rowing Machine Under $500: Yosuda Water Rowing Machine

Water rowers are pretty glorious pieces of home workout equipment. As you row, the flywheel spins within the water tank, creating resistance and momentum. It sounds a meditative whooshing noise and simulates the feel of rowing a boat in actual water. The downside, however, is that they typically go for upwards of $1,000. Thankfully, we found a couple of the best water rowers at more affordable price points, including this one from Yosuda. 

Reviewers are impressed with the machine, saying it’s easy to set up, sturdy, and that the comfortable seat glides smoothly while you row. “I’ve never owned a rower, but due to a foot injury, I am forced to find something low impact in the interim to replace my workout. This very reasonably priced rower is AWESOME!” one reviewer writes on the Yosuda site. “It has a series of 8 tension settings that allow you to control how hard your row is… I had been looking at the [really] real expensive ones and just wanted to see if I would even like the rowing workout so didn’t want to blow the budget on a spendy one. This fits the bill. Worth every penny!”

One of the complaints is the lack of adjustable foot cradles; you can tighten the straps as needed to hold your feet in, but the cradle length is fixed. As a budget rower, this machine doesn’t come with a built-in touchscreen or workout programming, but the LCD monitor does offer a fair amount of stats and connect via Bluetooth to the Fitlog and Kinomap apps, the latter of which offers scenic rowing workouts. (Try it for free for 14 days, then the app costs $12 per month.) Some customers report issues with the Bluetooth connection, and trouble reaching Yosuda’s customer service. 

Tester on the Yosuda Water Rowing Machine.

That said, while it can be stored upright, some reviewers note that the water tank can leak in that position, dripping water onto the floor. If you lose a lot of water, refilling the tank is easy; however, the leakage is something to keep in mind if you plan to put this on carpet or hardwood, as it may damage your flooring. While the company offers warranties on its stationary bikes, it doesn’t appear to offer coverage for any of its rowers, including this one. 

All budget rowers come with compromises, but this rower has landed the title as one of Amazon’s #1 best-sellers (and a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating). All budget-friendly rowers come with compromises, but this indoor rowing machine is one of Amazon’s #1 best-sellers (and a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating) for a reason. If you don’t care much about the Bluetooth connection, and you like the idea of a water rower, and you intend to leave the rower set up in your home gym, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you get with this price tag. 

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine Under $500: XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower

Unlike air rowing machines or water rowers, which ask you to push a flywheel through water or air, magnetic rowers produce resistance via magnets that interact with a metal flywheel. As you tweak the resistance, it changes the distance between the magnet and flywheel, making it easier or harder to row. Magnetic rowers come with a few distinct perks: They’re quieter than air or water rowers and typically take up less space for easy storage. That said, the slim and affordable model from XTERRA is our top pick for a magnetic rower under $500.

[Related: Best Budget Rowing Machines]

Though the frame is about the same length and width as other models on this list, the Xterra lacks a bulky water tank or air flywheel, making it lighter and easier to move and store. Speaking of which, the ERG180 has transport wheels and can tip onto its side for vertical storage, taking up no more floor space than a doormat.

Besides its smooth, quiet magnetic resistance and lean design, the rower’s next best feature is its Bluetooth FTMS connectivity, which allows you to pair it with heart rate monitors and third-party apps like Kinomap or Zwift. As a result, you can better capture your workout stats and take classes right on the rower. It also has a built-in tablet mount and a basic LCD display. You can’t adjust the food cradle length (a feature you’d be hard-pressed to find on a budget rower), but you can adjust the angle of the display and tighten your feet into place with fabric straps. So, there’s both good and bad. 

Unfortunately, there are hardly any reviews of this rower online, so it’s hard to know how the machine fares in the wild. It does come with a 1-year frame warranty and 90-day coverage of parts. It’s not a lot compared to the 3, 5, or 10 years offered on other rowers (including XTERRA’s fancier machines), but it’s decent for a budget buy.

Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Under $500: Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Unlike rowers that source resistance from water, air, or magnets, hydraulic rowing machines use pistons filled with air or fluid. These cylinders are typically connected to the rower’s handles, two separate arms on either side of the rowing beam that move in a fixed motion. Overall, hydraulic rowers — including this Stamina Body Glider — are generally a more affordable and simpler rowing machine option.

Some people may find the handle movement uncomfortable, while others enjoy it. “It’s really easy to hop on and start, and it mimics rowing in a boat, which seems unique,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. You adjust the 12 levels of available resistance via a dial on the piston, which allows for variation but may not be enough for well-conditioned people. “The highest resistance wasn’t that challenging for me. Fit people will probably find it even easier than I did,” they said.

[Related: Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000]

One notable perk of this rower is that it’s really compact, making it a great option for people with limited space who just want to move. You can fold in the handles and store it upright in a corner or closet. “There are no wheels to move it, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for most — I found it easy to lift,” our tester says, giving the rower a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

However, that lightweight nature gave our tester concerns over durability, which they scored a 2 out of 5. It comes with a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on parts, which isn’t much, but it’s not bad for workout equipment under $200. As for value, our tester scored it 3.5 out of 5. “Despite being basic, it has a ton of good reviews, and a lot of people say their rower lasted years,” they said. “That said, a lot of people also modified theirs in some way, like lengthening the foot cradles or replacing straps.”

The rower accommodates athletes from 4’9” to 6’4” tall and weighing up to 250lbs. It’s not the most inclusive, but is decent for a budget rower. It doesn’t have a shelf for a device like a phone or tablet, which makes taking advantage of the free müüv app — a smart audio coaching app compatible with the machine — more difficult. The app has an assembly video, and workouts for any Stamina equipment you own, and is compatible with iHeartRadio, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $500: Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

This rowing machine from Marcy folds right behind the footrests, going from 71” long to just 24”. This compact footprint makes it easy to store in closets, in a corner, or along a wall to make more room in your home gym for training. 

It’s earned a 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon, where many reviewers are happy with their purchase. They report that it’s easy to store and move, even at 64 pounds, because of the folding feature and transport wheels. They say it’s pretty good for what you’re paying, but is a better choice for beginner rowers or those looking to keep their workouts relatively low-intensity. 

“[The rower] glides easy, feels sturdy even though I’m pushing the weight limit on it,” writes one reviewer. “The only ‘issue’ I have is that the tension isn’t super strong. I have it on the maximum 8 and find it to be like a 3-4 on most gym machines. It’s almost too easy for me […]… Great intro machine though to see if you like rowing enough to buy a Nordic or higher-end rower.”

[Related: NordicTrack RW900 Review]

The small LCD display shows distance, time elapsed, speed, total count, and calories burned, but is missing other important metrics like strokes per minute and 500-meter split, so it may be difficult to follow guided rowing workouts. 

One reviewer also notes that the setup isn’t ideal for optimizing your form: “The feet are in line with the [flywheel], which short changes your stroke by about the length of your forearm. I loved this machine until I tried the machines at the gym,” they wrote. Ideally, when in the catch position (the part of the stroke where your knees are bent and you’re closest to the front of the machine), you want your arms straight, back tall, and shoulders slightly in front of your hips. However, if the handle can’t reach any further back than the foot cradles, you won’t be able to get that deep in your catch.

‎Additionally, some reviewers have concerns over durability and issues with parts arriving broken or missing. Marcy offers a two-year limited manufacturer warranty on the frame only, which is typical for a budget rower but disappointing if you’re spending hundreds of dollars. If you’re looking to try an intro rower with magnetic resistance that doesn’t cost you a ton and takes up even less space, the Marcy could be a fit for your home gym. 

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 for Small Spaces: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine

This Fitness Reality rower is a solid pick if you’re squeezed for cash and space. When not in use, the machine fold up to 53.5″ L x 21.5” W x 39.5” H — about the footprint of a weight bench — and even when you’re rowing, the lack of a bulky water tank or large fan flywheel means the rower is compact.

Amazon reviewers have given it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, and say it’s a great entry-level rower for the price, well-suited to those who want to fit workout equipment in their living space or small home gym. “This isn’t the best rower, certainly not a Concept2, but for the price, [it’s] a really good option for home gym use. I have a small condo and it fits well and doesn’t make a lot of noise. Assembly was easy,” writes one reviewer. 

Customers’ biggest concerns are the lack of resistance — some say they aren’t challenged even at the highest of the 14 levels — and the durability. Some report that their rower leaks oil or that parts have come apart after months of use. (Note: It comes with a one-year limited warranty, and you have the option to add more protection via Amazon.) “It’s limited in terms of how strong the resistance will get. I have to max it out for HIIT reps, and even then it’s not as heavy a pull as I’d like,” writes a reviewer. “If you’re space-limited and looking for one thing that will get you in better shape, I’d say this might be all you need. It’s good enough at what it does to improve fitness, but at some point, you’ll want a more robust rower or better weight training equipment.”

For a budget rower, it also has decent tech capabilities; the display is basic, but Bluetooth compatible. It connects with the MyCloudFitness app, which allows you to see workout metrics, track progress, and take instructor-led and scenic workouts. (There’s a free version with limited access or a premium subscription for $0.99 per month.) That said, many customers have concerns that the metrics aren’t accurate, saying that the numbers reported by the machine are way off. These discrepancies, combined with the light resistance, make this rower better for beginners or those who just want to move rather than athletes looking for a challenge or to improve their rowing performance.

Benefits of Rowing Machines Under $500

Rowing may not be as popular as other types of cardio workouts, like running or cycling, but it deserves plenty of recognition. “As an exercise professional, I think everyone can benefit from rowing as a form of exercise,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. Research shows that rowing can help improve muscle groups and aerobic capacity, increase bone density, prevent age-related muscle loss, and have brain health benefits. (4) You’ll get all those benefits no matter what type of machine you row on — but choosing a budget rower can have the following specific benefits:

Approachable Price Points: There are a lot of obstacles to working out, from injury and time constraints to a lack of energy or know-how. With budget equipment like these rowers, price isn’t one of them; many indoor rowing machines cost less than you’d likely pay for a year’s gym membership.

Low-Impact Cardio: Since your bodyweight is supported by the rower’s seat and your legs are on an even plane with your hips, rowing puts much less stress on your joints than other cardio workouts. It’s a great alternative for activities like using exercise bikes or doing strength training. This makes rowing especially friendly to beginners, older adults, and those recovering from injury — or people who live in apartments and don’t want to disrupt neighbors. 

Suitable for Small Spaces: Budget cardio machines, including rowers, tend to be smaller than their pricier counterparts, partially because they don’t have bulky displays. It may seem like a downside, but it’s actually a perk for those looking to fit a machine into a small living space or the corner of a home gym.

Types of Rowing Machines

Just like there are different types of exercise bikes or treadmills, there are various rowers. You’ll spot the difference by looking at the flywheel: the wheel at the bulky end of a rower that turns when you pull the handle and creates momentum and resistance as you row. 

Tester on the Aviron Strong Rower.

“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,” explains Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Magnetic

Magnetic rowers pile on resistance using magnets and a metal flywheel. Adjusting the resistance changes the space between the magnet and the flywheel as it spins, making it easier or harder for you to pull the rower’s handle.

Tester on the Aviron Rower.

They’re typically smooth and quiet since the pull of the magnets doesn’t make any noise or create friction, and the lack of a water tank or big air flywheel means they’re generally slimmer than other types of rowers.

Water

Water rowers have a flywheel inside a round tank of water. Pulling the rower handle pushes the flywheel through the water, which acts as resistance and gains momentum as you build up speed; the more powerfully you’re rowing, the harder it gets. This type of rower makes a gratifying whooshing sound as the flywheel spins through the water, and feels the most like rowing an actual boat.

Tester on the WaterRower Original Series.

With water rowers, you generally can’t adjust the resistance, though you can change the feel of the rower by adding or removing water from the tank. The meditative experience comes with more maintenance than other rowers; remember to periodically empty, clean, and refill the tank with purified fresh water.  

Hydraulic

Hydraulic rowing machines are typically the smallest, cheapest, and most foldable of the bunch. They offer resistance using pistons filled with air or fluid. They’re connected to the rower’s handles, which move in a fixed motion (unlike other rowers which use a freely moving handle attached to a strap or cable). The rowing motion typically doesn’t feel as smooth as other rowers, but they’re often more budget-friendly.

Air

The best air rowers work similarly to air bikes; they get resistance from a fan flywheel that spins through the air as you row. Like with water rowers, the harder you row, the more resistance you’ll feel. They tend to be loud, producing a fan-like sound as you push air out of the way with the flywheel. 

Tester on the Concept2 Rower

Air rowers typically have adjustable dampers, changing the amount of air that can flow into the flywheel cage. Most have about 10 settings, with lower settings allowing less air in, and higher settings doing the opposite. More air generally gives you more resistance, but it also depends on how hard you’re rowing.

How Much Do The Best Rowing Machines Under $500 Cost?

Premium rowing machines can go for around $1,000 up to several thousand — but all these budget models here fall well below $500 and still get the job done. You’ll generally need to pay at least $300 for a rower with any type of flywheel; anything below that will likely be hydraulic.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine

Exercise equipment purchases are highly personal. All of Reddit might swear that a certain rower is the absolute best, but if that’s not feasible for your budget, the recommendation won’t help much. Here are some things to consider as you determine which rower might be best for you.

Type of Rower: Water rowers require more maintenance but offer a soothing experience, while air can be loud but allow you to easily up the intensity. Magnetic is quiet but less dynamic, and hydraulic is affordable but not as ergonomic. 

Features: Do you need a rower with adjustable resistance? How about one with a digital monitor? What about logistics — do you need a smart rowing machine over a basic version? Or what about handlebars? Do you need an adjustable handlebar? This can all help determine which rower is best for you. 

Your Ergonomic Needs: Consider whether or not a machine can comfortably accommodate your height, foot size, and weight.“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,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. “It’s common for budget rowers to be shorter, which makes them unideal for tall individuals.” 

Contraindications: Despite being low-impact, rowing isn’t an accessible workout modality for everyone, and that’s OK — but you should know if that’s you before you spend your money on a rower. Those with back pain, limited mobility, existing injuries, or who’ve never rowed before may want to check with their doctor or an exercise professional first to see if rowing is suitable for them. For example, “the seated exercising position combined with the hip hinging involved in the rowing stroke is not ideal for individuals with lower back pain,” Capritto says. In this case, a recumbent bike or elliptical may be a better fit.

Available Space: Do you have room for a rower? In addition to the length of the machine, you’ll need space to stretch out your elbows and lean back at the end of your stroke. Take extra care to measure the area and check the dimensions you’re considering. “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.

Best Rowing Machines Under $500 FAQs

References

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. 

Kawano, H., Iemitsu, M., Gando, Y., Ishijima, T., Asaka, M., Aoyama, T., Ando, T., Tokizawa, K., Miyachi, M., Sakamoto, S., & Higuchi, M. (2012). Habitual rowing exercise is associated with high physical fitness without affecting arterial stiffness in older men. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(3), 241–246.

Shin, K. Y., Choi, E. H., Lim, J. Y., Cho, A. R., & Lim, Y. H. (2015). Effects of Indoor Rowing Exercise on the Body Composition and the Scoliosis of Visually Impaired People: A Preliminary Study. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(4), 592–598.

Araujo, R. C., Rodrigues, G. D., Ferreira, L. F., & Soares, P. P. D. S. (2023). The Time Course of Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to Rowing Indoor Training in Post-Menopausal Women. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(4), 3238. 

Arumugam, S., Ayyadurai, P., Perumal, S., Janani, G., Dhillon, S., & Thiagarajan, K. A. (2020). Rowing Injuries in Elite Athletes: A Review of Incidence with Risk Factors and the Role of Biomechanics in Its Management. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 54(3),246–255. 

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