Best Inexpensive Rowing Machines For Your Fitness Journey

In this pandemic situation, buying the best inexpensive rowing machine for working out at home is a great idea. The number of rowing machine options on the market is huge, and selecting the best one isn’t always easy. If you’re on a budget and looking for inexpensive options, you can always find one as long as you know what to look for.

In this article, Budget Beauty Blog will discuss 17 best inexpensive rowing machines that are most popular and highly rated, and we will provide a comprehensive guide to picking the best rowing machines for your fitness purpose. If you’re still confused, we also include a FAQ section so that your questions will be answered.

Best Inexpensive Rowing Machines Comparison 2020

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine	MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower	Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

Best Inexpensive Magnetic Rowing Machine	Best Inexpensive Water Rowing Machine	Best Inexpensive Air Rowing Machine

** You will find our detailed reviews of the best inexpensive rowing machine below, also, click these following links to view the current prices and customer comments on Amazon.

[amazon bestseller=”Inexpensive Rowing Machine” items=”10″ ]

Top best inexpensive rowing machine Reviews 2020

Let’s dive into these products to find out which one is the best!

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07NJRWTPS” ]

Item Dimensions: 88.5 x 21.5 x 21.5 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 14 levels
Features: foam-padded handlebar, large ergonomic seat, pivot foot pedals, 3.5” LCD display, Bluetooth, transportation wheels

The 1000 Plus from Fitness Reality is a sturdy rower that allows you to adjust 14 levels of resistance. The pending front stabilizer foot pads also allow you to do additional exercises such as curls, upright rows, front raises, shrugs, triceps extensions, and more.

The rowing machine also includes Bluetooth connectivity and workout tracking app on smartphone, which is great for listening to music while working out and tracking your workout time.

This machine is quiet and smooth. However, It has pivot pedals that might not be liked by many people. And the smartphone app is quite inconsistent as it sometimes doesn’t sync. But overall, at this price range, this can really be the best inexpensive rowing machine.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B017HSNIEW” ]

Item Dimensions: 82 x 19 x 23 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Features: LCD display, cushioned seat, foam grip handlebars, large non slip pedals, transportation wheels, 250lb weight capacity

This is one of the most popular rowers on the market. It has 8 levels of resistance. The LCD monitor displays time, count, calories, total count and scan. The long slide rail can accommodate almost any size. The cushioned seat is comfy and supportive for a nice rowing experience.

The non slip pedals ensure that you are safe during your workout. The foam grip handlebars are designed to help prevent calluses and offer you extra comfort while rowing. The wheels are also great for moving the machine around. The cons would be the small monitor that is a bit hard to read and you can’t know how many meters you’ve rowed.

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B000AMUFPS” ]

Item Dimensions: 50 x 12 x 10 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Hydraulic
Resistance Levels: 12 levels
Features: Steel frame, foam padded hand grips, molded seat, textured footplates with straps, foldable arms, LCD screen, transportation wheels, 250lb weight capacity

This is a very affordable rowing machine if you’re on a budget. The full-motion arms on the machine simulates the feel of rowing on real water. The LCD monitor shows your workout time, stroke count, calories burned and total strokes accumulated.

You can change the intensity you want with the hydraulic cylinder via a dial under the seat. The machine is quiet when rowing. The quality is not very durable, especially the foot pedals. The straps aren’t wide enough for some shoes. At such an affordable price, we can’t expect more of this machine.

ShareVgo Smart Rower Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07WPL85TM” ]

Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Features: Bluetooth LCD monitor, smartphone app, media shelf, padded handlebar, weight capacity 300lbs

The ShareVgo SRM1000 has a sturdy build quality. It’s quiet so you can watch movies or listen to music while rowing. The level of resistance is challenging enough for many rowers. It’s also easy to assemble although there’s no manual instruction. It can be folded for storage, but you need to unscrew some stuff.

This rower comes with a smartphone app and Bluetooth connectivity. You can track your progress and goals. There’s also a media shelf for you to put your digital device on. However, the foot pedals have cheap materials and are not very well made. We’re not sure if it can last long-term.

EFITMENT Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower for Home Exercise

[amazon box=”B077NJXG7D” ]

Item Dimensions: 62 x 19.5 x 26.5 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Features: low-profile steel slide rail, digital screen, cushioned seat, pivoting foot pedals, transportation wheels, 250lb weight capacity

The RW025 from EFITMENT is an affordable space saver rowing machine. It’s compact enough to fit small rooms and you can fold it for storage. The screen display will show the count and time of workout.

It is well constructed and functions smoothly. It’s also easy to assemble. The sliding seat may create some noises, but not too loud. It’s not very sturdy as it doesn’t stay in place, and you need a mat to keep them from moving while you row. At a low price, the quality is acceptable.

Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07DHH8YMB” ]

Item Dimensions: 73 x 16 x 21 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Features: Lightweight, extra padded and upholstered seat, LCD monitor, tension knob, transportation wheels, 264lb weight capacity

The rowing machine has a sleek and modern design. The LCD monitor displays your time, live second-by-second rowing count, calories, and total rowing count, so you can track your progress easily.

It is very quiet in use, totally perfect for using while watching movies or listening to music at home. The 15-degree tilt on the seat rail allows for smooth and efficient sliding of your seat during rowing workouts. The extra padded and upholstered seat supports your body and ensures proper blood flow so you can feel comfy for long and hard workouts.

The machine is built on a nice, heavy steel frame. It’s so sturdy for a machine at such an affordable price. It really deserves to be the best inexpensive rowing machine.

Sunny Health & Fitness Incline Full Motion Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07BDQZSYB” ]

Item Dimensions: 55 x 22 x 18 inches
Foldable: No
Resistance Type: Incline
Resistance Levels: 5 levels
Features: cushioned seat, foam-padded handlebars, pivoting anti-slip pedals, transportation wheels, 350lb weight capacity

This machine has a good quality and sturdy build that can provide a good workout. It slides around on the floor so you need a mat. The SF-RW5720 accommodates weights up to 350lbs, which is great for big people. It features a small LCD display for your workout statistics. It can be folded so it can be a hassle if you want to hide it somewhere.

Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07427LLT4″ ]

Item Dimensions: 70 x 21 x 19 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Features: cushioned seat, LCD display, large non slip foot pedals and foot straps, 220lb weight capacity

The Goplus Folding Rower is an excellent magnetic rowing machine designed for indoor exercise. It’s ultra smooth and quiet for a rowing workout. It features pedals with adjustable straps and a monitor which shows total count, calories, count per min, count, scan, and time so you can track your progress.

It’s foldable and small so you can easily fold and store it upright. The magnetic tension system is controlled with a knob. It doesn’t have all the advanced secondary features, but it does its job well.

Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07KCCKDBY” ]

Item Dimensions: 73 x 24 x 42 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Weight Capacity: 265lbs
Features: digital meter, multi-grip rowing arms, adjustable oversized textured non-slip foot plates, molded padded seat, LCD screen, device holder

This model from Sunny Health & Fitness features separate rowing arms instead of the common T-handlebar, making it more versatile. The digital monitor can easily be set to display Time, Count, Calorie or Total Count, and it can turn on and off automatically. There’s a device holder so you can put your phone there while rowing.

You twist the knob to change the resistance level for a more challenging workout experience. The non slip pedals with adjustable straps are great for securing different sizes of feet. The seat is high so it’s easier to get on and off, especially for those with back and knee pain. However, the tension at high levels isn’t very heavy.

JOROTO Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07M5KKZFZ” ]

Product Dimensions: 71 L x 21 W x 36 H inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 10 levels
Features: ergonomic wide seat and soft handlebar, adjustable pivoting non slip foot pedals, LCD monitor, media shelf, water bottle holder, transportation wheels, 250lb weight capacity

The MR35 is a user-friendly rowing machine, as it offers many small and convenient features. It has 10-level magnetic resistance that can be adjusted via a dial, so you can work out with ample challenge. The machine is smooth and quiet.

The monitor displays the time, count, calories, total count and scan. Adjustable pedals can fit different sizes of feet, and adjustable foot straps allow you to change the size that fit your feet most.

The media holder angle is adjustable, so you can easily row and watch videos at the same time. But if you put your phone in the holder, the LCD screen will be blocked. There’s also a cup/bottle holder which is convenient.

CIRCUIT FITNESS Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07J2LR5C1″ ]

Item Dimensions: 91 x 31.5 x 20.5 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8 levels
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Features: steel and aluminum, injection-molded seat, foam-padded handlebars, adjustable foot pedals, large LCD screen, transportation wheels

The AMZ-986RW from Circuit Fitness is a very solid magnetic rowing machine that would be a great choice for home workout. Made of heavy steel and aluminum, it’s stable, runs smooth and quiet. There are 8 levels of resistance for more challenging workouts.

The injection-molded seat and the foam handlebar make your rowing experience comfy. The LCD monitor tracks speed, distance, time, calories burned, RPM, date, and temperature. Monitor pulse can also be tracked when pairing with a chest strap that is sold separately.

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower

[amazon box=”B07YKXPDMP” ]

Product Details
Foldable: No
Resistance Type: Water
Resistance Levels: Adjustable
Weight Capacity: 264lbs
Features: height-adjustable LCD monitor, steel frame, cushioned seat, foam-padded handles, adjustable footplates, transportation wheels, water bottle holder, 264lbs weight capacity

This is another affordable option in our list of the best inexpensive rowing machines. It has a sturdy frame with a large tank of water that creates resistance. The cushioned seat, foam padded handles and footplates create a comfortable rowing workout.

The LCD screen is adjustable, and it tracks time, strokes per minute, distance, strokes, calories burned. The water bottle holder is also a convenient feature. The small con is that you can’t fold this rower for storage purpose.

Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07YNWWFXC” ]

Dimensions: 50 L x 36.22 W x 20 H Inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Hydraulic
Resistance Levels: Adjustable
Features: Steel frame, molded seat, easy-grip arm bars, adjustable pivoting footplates with safety straps, LCD monitor, 250lbs Weight Capacity

The Lanos rowing machine is a functional hydraulic rower that does its job well. The steel frame is sturdy enough. The resistance level is adjusted via a dial. The easy to read LCD monitor displays time, row count, and calories burned. The machine can be folded up and stowed away when not using. However, the foot straps might not lock your feet well, so you need to be careful.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B06WW5XXJL” ]

Item Dimensions: 57 x 29 x 12 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Hydraulic
Resistance Levels: 12 levels
Features: Full motion arms, fully padded seat, non-slip grip handlebars LCD monitor, large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps, 350lb weight capacity

The SF-RW5639 is an affordable hydraulic rowing machine. It has a sturdy frame that can support a heavy weight. The 12 levels of resistance allow you to have more challenging rowing workouts.

The machine runs smooth and quiet. It features a LCD monitor that displays time, count, calorie, total count and scan feature. The full motion arms allows you to move your shoulders with a larger range. The downside of this machine is the resistance might not be enough for more advanced rowers.

Stamina 1205 Precision Rower

[amazon box=”B000AMRN44″ ]

Item Dimensions: 48 x 32.5 x 27.75 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Hydraulic
Resistance Levels: 5 levels
Features: deluxe ball-bearing rolling system, thick padded seat, pivoting footplates, LCD monitor, 250lb weight capacity

The Stamina 1205 Precision rowing machine is one of the most stable and sturdy hydraulic rowing machines in its price range. It’s lightweight, but it can support up to 250lb weight.

It has a compact design that can be folded up for storage and moving around. The thick padded seat and foam handles offer a pleasant rowing workout. The deluxe ball-bearing rolling system creates a smooth sliding movement.

The LCD monitor is very basic and standard at this price range, showing your speed, distance and time. There are only 5 levels of resistance, so it might not be enough for avid rowers. And the machine has a small design, which won’t be suitable for people taller than 6ft.

Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

[amazon box=”B00TLV5HVQ” ]

Item Dimensions: 73.5 x 18.25 x 22 inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Air
Resistance Levels: None
Features: aluminum slide rails, padded and upholstered seat, pivoting foot plates with adjustable nylon foot straps, textured grips three LCD screens, transportation wheels, 250lb weight capacity

The 1402 ATS Air Rower is another product that makes good use of air resistance to provide challenging rowing experience for users. The machine has a smooth slide rails that help gliding smoothly. The padded and upholstered seat is comfortable for long rowing.

The foot plates with adjustable straps are sturdy and can be adjusted for different feet sizes. The machine is foldable and there are built-in transportation wheels, so you can easily store it or move it to another room.

There are 3 small LCD screens that display strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, speed, time and calories burned. The downside of this machine is the stroke per minute feature doesn’t work half the time.

Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine

[amazon box=”B07SXNDTQ7″ ]

Item Dimensions: 74.5 x 32 x 20-inches
Foldable: Yes
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8
Features: multi-angle monitor, large textured pivoting pedals adjustable foot straps, transportation wheels, LCD computer display and pulse monitor, device holder, foam padded seat

This rowing machine from Marcy is a great option for those looking for magnetic resistance. The foam padded seat and foam handles are designed to offer you a pleasant workout. It’s foldable, so it can be stored and moved around easily. The LCD monitor tracks count, total count, calories, and time, but it can be a bit confusing at first to figure out.

How To Choose The Best Inexpensive Rowing Machine

As you can see on the list of rowing machines above, you don’t need very expensive options to practice rowing. There’s a great number of inexpensive choices that can serve your rowing needs very well. But how do you choose the best inexpensive rowing machine? Let’s take a look at some criteria below.

Design

Although coming in various price ranges and different features, most rowers share a similar design.

There’s a seat that can slide back and forth on a rail. There are pedals for your feet and a handlebar/rowing arms for your hands to hold onto. The resistance mechanism will be at the front of the machine. The resistance can be a flywheel, fan wheel or a tank of water.

Most rowers have steel frames. More expensive ones have aluminum frames or wooden frames. Most budget options have steel frames and steel/aluminium slide rails.

Some rowing machines can be folded up, which is extremely convenient and compact for small spaces. Some can be turned upright to save space. But you still need space for an unfolded machine.

One of the most important things you should keep in mind is the space for the rower. If you don’t have much space, owning a long and bulky rowing machine can be a problem. You need to have enough space for the machine itself, space for you to use it and to get on/off comfortably, and space to assemble it.

You should prepare a space for your new machine first, measure it and check the dimensions of the machine to see if it fits your space.

Resistance

Resistance is what makes the machine worthwhile. Let’s talk about the kinds of resistance you may see when choosing rowing machines.

Incline Resistance

This kind uses your weight as the resistance. These rowers are rare, simple, cheap and don’t give much of a smooth rowing workout. But they do their job and are suitable for those who are on a budget.

Hydraulic Resistance

Hydraulic resistance uses 1 or 2 hydraulic cylinders, oil and the air to create pressure when you row. These machines are often quiet, affordable, but are not as smooth as more advanced options. They may lose some resistance at the end of your workout.

Air Resistance

This is one of the most popular and favorable kinds of resistance in the rowing world, from amateurs to professionals. The resistance mechanism includes a fan wheel which spins when you row. The resistance level would be adjusted by the intensity of your rowing. The harder you row, the harder the rowing feels. So air resistance is perfect for HIIT sessions. These machines can be noisy and expensive.

Magnetic Resistance

These are the most common machines in the entry level and mid level price range. They have a flywheel at the front of the machine, and the magnets slow the wheel, creating resistance. They are quiet, smooth and you can change the level of resistance based on your needs. They are not as smooth as water and air resistance. They are great for steady rowing sessions, not for HIIT ones.

Water Resistance

These are the most expensive rower options. They use a fan wheel in a water tank to create resistance. They are smooth and create the water splash sound, offering the closest experience to rowing a boat in a real lake. The only downside is their high price.

Console

Most rowing machines have a display screen that offers the information about your workout. They may track your session time, rowing distance, speed and calories burned. Higher price options also include preset programs and feedback for your workout. Some machines can connect to your smart watch or chest trap via Bluetooth. There might be a slider or dial on certain machines for you to change the level of resistance.

Secondary Features

Secondary features on the rowing machine are the small and convenient features that make you feel comfortable and enhance your pleasant experience while using the machine.

Padded seat is more comfortable and durable. Some budget options might not have this. The pedals should have straps to secure your feet. The handlebar of rowing arms should feature non-slip grips for your hands to stay secure while working out.

Rowers don’t often have touch screens or built-in media players, but there’s often a shelf for you to put your phone or tablet on so that you can listen to music or watch movies while rowing. Some rowers have a water bottle holder which is convenient.

Wheels are also handy if you have to move the machine a lot. You can easily roll it to the corner or another room without too much hassle.

Fit Your Body

The rowing machine should fit you and not give your cramps. You should look for height range or inseam length in the product description and see if your height matches those dimensions. You can also read other users’ reviews to see if there’s anyone with the same height range as yours. You also need to check the weight capacity of the machine and weigh yourself to see if your weight matches the machine capacity. These are the things that will ensure you have the smoothest and steadiest rowing sessions.

FAQs

Is It Worth Buying a Rowing Machine?

The answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. Rowing machines require you to use the whole body, so they’re great for total body workout. If you’re having problems with your knees, or you’re recovering after an injury, rowers would be a perfect choice for low-impact exercise. But you have to use your back a lot, so those with back problems may need to consider carefully before buying a rower.

If you just temporarily love the idea of a rowing machine and don’t see yourself using it long-term, you might need to reconsider your decision. You can go to the gym to try the rower out and if you really like it and want to have it, then go buy it. The best inexpensive rowing machine is still available out there for you.

What is the Best Rowing Machine for Home Workout?

According to the criteria mentioned earlier in the post, you need to consider the budget, space and workout purpose to choose the best inexpensive rowing machine for yourself. How much can you pay for it? Will it fit in your house? Can you fold it? What are your fitness goals? Any particular feature that you’re looking for in a rower? Each type of rowing machine has its pros and cons, so it’s best to choose those that suit you.

Can Rowing Machines Help Losing Weight?

Losing weight requires a healthy diet and good workout. Rowing machines are one of the best cardio machines, which is great for losing weight. They require you to move the whole body, therefore different muscles are being used and affected, which means you burn more calories.

But it doesn’t mean that the rowing machine itself will take some pounds off of you. You need a good diet to balance the calories intake and outake and get the best results.

Rowing won’t affect your joints as much as running or jogging because it’s a low impact, full body activity. This will be great for people with joint conditions, recovering after injury or senior people.

Before choosing the best inexpensive rowing machine, you can watch this video for more information:

Conclusion Best Inexpensive Rowing Machine Top Pick For The Best

Buying the best inexpensive rowing machine is not that hard. Of course, it can’t have the most advanced features, but it does its job well and you don’t have to break the bank.

We’ve compiled a top 3 picks of the best inexpensive rowing machine as final suggestions:

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine	MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower	Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

Best Inexpensive Magnetic Rowing Machine	Best Inexpensive Water Rowing Machine	Best Inexpensive Air Rowing Machine

We hope this guide has helped you select the best inexpensive rowing machine that suits your needs. Do you like any of the options above? Or do you have better suggestions? Either way, don’t forget to tell us in the comment section below.

Tell me in the comment section best inexpensive rowing machine you choose and don’t forget to like and share!