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Indoor rowing machines provide everyone from beginners to fitness veterans a fantastic way to get in a full-body workout. While many people are familiar with expensive models like the Ergatta, Aviron, or Hydrow, there are plenty of affordable rowing machines out there for budget-minded people.
I alone have been exercising on indoor rowers since I began doing CrossFit in 2012. Others on our team of product testers, including multiple certified CrossFit Level 1 trainers and personal trainers, have also been using the best rowing machines for years.
To find the best budget rowing machine, we took into account the dozens of rowers have have used. We whittled down the list and applied our in-depth equipment testing methodology, rating rowers on factors that include:
- Value: We looked at rowers at or under $1,000
- Construction: We chose machines that still offered durability and a quality build
- Ergonomics: We took into consideration the overall comfort and adjustability of the machine
We then settled on this list of the best budget rowing machines, highlighting the best inexpensive home rowing machines with different types of resistance.
Best Budget Rowing Machine Video Review
Best Budget Rowing Machines in 2024
- Best Budget Rowing Overall: Rogue Echo Rower
- Best Budget Rowing Machine for Athletes: Concept2 RowErg
- Best Smart Budget Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R Rower
- Best Magnetic Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rower RW5801
Best Budget Rowing Machine Overall: Rogue Echo Rower
Good for: Trainees who want a budget-friendly, competition-grade rowing machine that can be stored easily
Rogue Echo Rower
Rogue Echo Rower
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Folding design
- Comfortable foot straps
- Sturdy latches to secure the rower
- Competition-grade construction
Cons
- Assembly may take a while
- Individual parts may not be easy to order
Bottom Line
The Rogue Echo Rower is a durable, competition-grade rower that’s become the official rower of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games. It’s durable, portable, and easy to transport and store when not in use.
Rogue has come for the King of CrossFit—the Concept2 RowErg—with its latest piece of cardio equipment, the Rogue Echo Rower. In fact, according to Rogue, the Echo is now the official row of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games. Quite the coup if you ask us. It’s very similar to the Concept2 in terms of its functions, layout, and rowing mechanics but differs from its predecessor in a major way—price. At $895, it’s a steal compared to the $1,100 Concept2.
GGR founder Coop Mitchell tested out the Rogue Echo the second he could get his hands on one. He rates the overall value of this rower a 5 out of 5, adding that he doesn’t believe athletes (or CrossFit Boxes) who already own the Concept2 need to run out and replace their rowers—we wholeheartedly believe the Concept2 is still a great investment. That said, if you’re looking to purchase one, he “can’t think of a reason to go with a Concept2 RowErg over the Echo Rower. It’s that good.”
Another perk of the Rogue Echo is its thick “turf tires,” which make adjusting and moving the rower throughout your space nearly effortless. At nearly 8 feet long, you’ll need room to accommodate this machine, but the rower can be folded for easy storage when not in use. For this (and more), Coop gave the Echo another perfect score of 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
The Rogue Echo Rower’s tech capabilities are slightly more rudimentary than other smart cardio machines with HD touchscreens and on-demand programming. The Echo features a 4.7-inch LCD console for tracking your workout stats and metrics; it’s also Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, so you can link with your favorite rowing apps or heart rate monitors. If apps aren’t your thing, the console has 10 pre-programmed workout options, which got a 3 out of 5 from Coop.
Overall, with the Rogue Echo Rower, you’re getting a solid and durable cardio machine. We’ve been recommending Rogue Fitness equipment for many years on this site due to their commitment to quality craftsmanship. For more information, check out our full Rogue Echo Rower review.
| Price | $895 |
| Product Weight | 76.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 99″ L x 26″ W (38” H x 26″ W when folded) |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Air (adjustable) |
| Programming | 10 pre-programmed workouts, Bluetooth connectivity to third-party rowing apps |
| Monitor | 4.7” LCD console |
Best Budget Rowing Machine for Athletes: Concept2 RowErg
Good for: Trainees who are serious about rowing and want the best bang for their buck (and a product they know will last a long time)
Best for Athletes
Concept2 RowErg
Product Highlights
- Priced around $1,000
- Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
- Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
- Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
- Can also be hung for storage
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-selling rowing machine in the world
- Easy assembly
- Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
- Ergonomic seat and handlebar
- Seat is 14”
- 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
- Air-resistance
- Adjustable airflow
- Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
- Nickel-plated steel chain
- Adjustable footrests
- Easy to store
- Limited 5-year warranty
Cons
- Priced around $1,000
- Few built-in workouts
Bottom Line
The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.
When it comes to rowing machines, it really does not get better than the Concept2 RowErg (also known as the Concept2 Model D Rower). This isn’t just the best rowing machine our product testers have ever tried—it’s one of the best pieces of cardio equipment in general, hands down. The only reason it doesn’t top this list for us is because the price sits right around $1,000, making it the most expensive rower on our list.
Every single one of our product testers has used the Concept2 for years. Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content, has owned hers for about 5 years. “And it still works just as well today as it did on Day One,” she says. “The only thing I’ve ever had to do is change the batteries.”
When you try a Concept2 rowing erg, you’ll quickly realize that Concept2 doesn’t care about flashiness or high-tech specs (although the erg does look good, too). They care about making high-quality hardware with longevity. In truth: Some people in our home gym community are using Concept2 ergs from the 1990s and early 2000s. These things are built to last, which is why it receives a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5 for construction on our rating chart.
The RowErg sports a powerful wind-resistance flywheel with 10 damper settings, so resistance is virtually unlimited. The newer model features the PM5 monitor, which is Bluetooth-enabled and connects to a number of fitness apps. Even without connecting to an app, the PM5 tracks meters rowed, calories, time elapsed, 500-meter split time, intervals, and watts. The PM5 also has five basic built-in workouts you can choose from.
Concept2 RowErgs are known for providing great workouts. I, and many others on our team of product testers, can vouch for this after years of using RowErgs for CrossFit workouts and general conditioning.
I don’t have anything bad to say about this rowing machine, but if I had one callout, it’d be that it has quite a large footprint. With a length of 96 inches, it takes up a good bit of floor space, and it doesn’t fold. However, it has large front-mounted transport wheels that allow you to prop it up vertically. Or, you can disassemble it into two parts.
For more, check out our Concept2 RowErg review.
| Price | $1,100 |
| Product Weight | About 57 lbs |
| Dimensions | 96” L x 24” H x 14” W |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Air |
| Programming | 5 preset programs |
| Monitor | LCD display |
Best Smart Budget Rowing Machine: ProForm 750R Rower
Good for: People who want a smart rowing machine for under $1,000
Best Smart Budget Rowing Machine
ProForm 750R Rowing Machine
Product Highlights
- Magnetic rowing machine
- Powerful but quiet flywheel
- Sturdy aluminum and steel construction
- Device holder so you can stream live and on-demand rowing workouts with iFIT
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easily folds to save space when not in use
- Works with iFIT programming
- Easy assembly
- Costs less than $1,000
Cons
- No integrated display (must use your own device)
- Only a 250-lb weight capacity
- Relatively heavy (116 lbs)
Bottom Line
The ProForm 750R is a mid-tier magnetic rowing machine with a small display and a place to hold a device to stream workouts.
I personally used the ProForm 750R for several workouts. For a mid-tier smart rowing option, this packs a ton of tech features into an under-$1,000 price tag. I gave this a 4 out of 5 for its tech capabilities, which is one of the highest scores a budget rowing machine can get in this area. For example, this machine is under $800. A rowing machine like the Hydrow Rower scores perfectly for tech capabilities, but its price tag is north of $2K.
The 750R doesn’t have a touchscreen display, which is pretty much unheard of on a budget rowing machine. However, it is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can connect your own tablet to stream workouts. ProForm rowing machines work with iFIT, a leading workout programming app that offers hundreds of rowing workouts alone, not to mention strength training, yoga, and other types of exercise.
To use iFIT, you’ll have to mount your own smart device on the integrated tablet holder. Also, because this is a magnetic rowing machine, it’s pretty quiet, so you can actually hear the instructors.
Not only does this Bluetooth-enabled rowing machine support iFIT programming, but it also features AutoAdjust, which allows your iFIT trainers to automatically and remotely change the resistance on your rowing machine during a workout. This means you don’t have to lean forward during a rowing stroke and can focus on the workout.
The 750R is just over 86 inches in length, but it has a space-saving design that folds up for storage when you’re not using it. The one thing I truly don’t like about this piece of gym equipment is the pivoting foot pedals. I prefer fixed pedals, but people with limited ankle mobility may appreciate this feature. All things considered, this is a solid, budget-friendly smart rower option.
Check out our full and in-depth Proform 750R Rower review.
| Price | About $700 |
| Product Weight | 116 lbs |
| Dimensions | 86.5” L x 22” W x 45.5” H |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Programming | iFIT |
| Monitor | 5” LCD screen + device holder |
Best Magnetic Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rower RW5801
Good for: Home gym owners who want a basic magnetic rowing machine they can fit in small spaces
Best Magnetic Budget Rower
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 Magnetic Rower
Product Highlights
- Costs less than $300
- Weighs just 50 lbs
- Easy to store
- Good entry-level purchase to find out if you enjoy rowing for exercise
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Costs less than $300
- Weighs just 50 lbs
- Easy to store
- Good entry-level purchase
- Folds for storage
Cons
- Shorter seat rail
- No preset workouts
- Lots of plastic parts
Bottom Line
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5801 is an inexpensive magnetic rower and a good "starter" rowing machine to find out if you enjoy it for exercise.
Looking for an entry-level rowing machine to find out if you enjoy rowing for exercise? I recommend the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5801, which I evaluated at our Springfield, Missouri, testing center. I tested several magnetic rowing machines under $500 in comparison to this Sunny Health & Fitness one, and found this to be the best option for the price.
This came as no surprise to me, since Sunny Health & Fitness is known for making good budget-friendly fitness equipment. (Our team of product testers has reviewed several Sunny Health and Fitness treadmills and done an in-depth Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical review.)
This rower, though small, is pretty mighty. It features 16 levels of magnetic resistance, and at the higher end, I felt I could get a decent workout despite having pretty good rowing endurance and stamina. For someone who’s just starting out, the resistance on the RW-5801 rower is more than enough.
I rated this rower highest for its footprint and portability, giving it a 4.25 out of 5 on that metric. Though the wide padded seat and angled handles make this rowing machine comfortable enough for long workouts, I do want to point out that the slide rail is a mere 43 inches. This might be a problem for taller people. For reference, a slide rail between 50 and 56 inches is considered full-sized, and that’s what you’ll find on the Concept2 rower (54 inches to be exact). Some high-end smart rowers have even longer slide rails.
For the size and price of this rowing machine, I’m impressed with the 285-pound weight capacity.
Where this machine scores lowest is in its tech capabilities. I had to give it a 1 out of 5 because it has an extremely basic display. Although it doesn’t have pre-programmed workouts, it sports a handy device holder so you can stream your one of the best online workout programs or YouTube workouts.
Check out our full Sunny Health And Fitness SF-RW5801 Rowing Machine review.
| Price | About $200 |
| Product Weight | 50 lbs |
| Dimensions | 77” L x 23” W x 22.5” H |
| Weight Capacity | 285 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Programming | None built-in |
| Monitor | LCD screen + device holder |
Other Budget Rowing Machines We Researched
Here are some other budget-friendly rowing machines that we’ve tried and/or researched.
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machines
Sunny Health & Fitness produces an absurd number of rowing machine models. Aside from the two we included in this guide—the RW-5801 and Obsidian Surge 500—our product testers have also tried some other magnetic rowing machine models from this brand, including the SF-RW5515 and SF-RW5987.
We also did thorough research on other Sunny Health & Fitness models and ultimately decided that the RW-5801 and Obsidian Surge 500 were the best fits for our guide to the best budget rowing machines.
Sunny Health & Fitness also makes rowers with hydraulic resistance, which are typically even less expensive than rowers with magnetic, air, or water resistance, but in testing, we’ve found they don’t provide as good of a workout.
Stamina Rowing Machines
Stamina Fitness is another brand with a ton of cardio equipment. We tried the Stamina ATS Air Rower and didn’t find it to perform well enough to justify the price point of about $340. Additionally, our testers researched the Stamina Body Trac Glider, Stamina DT Rowing Machine, Stamina Wave Water Rower, and more. But, because we haven’t tested them and didn’t have a great experience with the ATS Air Rower, we don’t recommend them.
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus is a popular budget rowing machine on Amazon. We haven’t tried it, but based on the product specs and price point, it seems to be a good value. We also have plenty of other Fitness Reality rowing machine reviews you can browse.
Merax Water Rowing Machine
The Merax water rower has good reviews on Amazon (4.6 out of 5 stars at the time of writing), but our product testers haven’t tried it and don’t have any experience with other products from this brand, so we’ll refrain from recommending it until we know more about the brand and the product.
XTERRA Fitness ERG220
A magnetic rowing machine, the XTERRA Fitness ERG220 simply doesn’t match up to our pick for the best budget magnetic rowing machine. For instance, the ERG220 has just eight resistance levels, while the Sunny Health & Fitness RW-5801 has 16.
How We Chose The Best Budget Rowing Machines
Our product testing team has spent hundreds of hours on rowing machines, from the fanciest options to the downright most basic ones available. Our experience with rowing machines spans several years—collective decades—and includes many different forms of rowing workouts.
To bring you this guide to the best budget rowing machines, we ordered and tested several rowing machines and rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 on a set of criteria, including:
Price and Value
Our goal was to find rowers that were less than or right around $1,000. We also looked into factors like if financing were available and if shipping is free.
Construction
Collectively, we know what to look for on a quality rower in terms of construction. We want a metal slide rail, a well-constructed chain or belt, and a solid resistance system.
Durability
To earn at least a 3, the rower must demonstrate little to no uncomfortable shifting or shaking during the workout and a weight capacity of at least 250 pounds.
Footprint and Portability
For a machine to receive at least a 3 in this category, it must be easily stored in smaller spaces, and one person should be able to move the machine around with ease. Bonus points for folding rowers and rowers that can be stored vertically.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Here, we evaluate factors such as the rower’s ability to accommodate users between 5’2” and 6’4” and having adjustability on the feet holders. We rate rowing machines highest when they can accommodate most users.
Workout Programming
To get a 3 on our rating system, we look for at least some built-in workouts, like standard 500-meter row or 2,000-meter row. Rowers that offer more dynamic programming, such as interactive workouts displayed on a touchscreen, score higher.
Tech Capabilities
In order to score at least a 3 here, we look for a small console that displays metrics such as time, distance, calories, and splits. We rate machines higher when they have Bluetooth capabilities, large touchscreens, and heart rate monitoring.
Delivery and Setup
For a 3 in this area, we look for curbside delivery and an assembly process of an hour or less.
Customer Reviews
We pull this number directly from the brand’s website, or if they don’t have ratings there, we check third-party retailers for reviews. We think it’s important to give our opinion of a product but know that other people may have important experiences to call out.
Warranty and Returns
A good warranty on a rower would be about 5 years on the frame and a few years on parts.
Benefits Of Budget Rowing Machines
There is no shortage of benefits to rowing for exercise: They’re a great tool to help you reach your fitness goals. Some of the benefits of rowing include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better endurance
- Increased musculoskeletal health
A rowing machine works your lower body and upper body, and can contribute to sustainable weight loss over time if you’re consistent with it. Plus, rowers are versatile, efficient, and relatively accessible to all fitness levels.
Full-Body Workout
The Sport Journal1 conducted a study that shows that rowing actually recruits nearly 85% of all muscles in the body. If we break that down, the quads, glutes, calves, and hamstrings push during the first part of the rowing stroke. Then, upper-body muscles in your back, arms, and shoulders pull the cable during the second part of the stroke. Throughout the exercise, the muscles in your core like your abdominal muscles are responsible for stabilization.
Value
Rowing machines typically cost less than a treadmill or a very high-quality exercise bike, and because they target so many muscles you’re getting much more bang for your buck.
RELATED: Rowing for Weight Loss
How To Use A Rowing Machine
If you’re going to start rowing, it’s important to understand the proper technique. A rowing stroke involves four steps: legs, lean, pull, reverse. Some people call these steps the catch, drive, finish, and recovery. To learn more about how to use a rowing machine, check out our in-depth guide to rowing machine technique with a video demonstration and free sample workout.
What To Look For In A Budget Rowing Machine
Consider these factors before hitting “add to cart.”
Price
If you’re reading a guide to the best budget rowing machines, you’re careful with your dough and want to make sure you’re getting a good value. Price is an obvious factor when deciding on a budget-friendly rowing machine: Set your limit first, and then set out on your search.
Construction and Durability
Just because something is comparably inexpensive doesn’t mean it should crumble under pressure. Look for rowing machines with aluminum and steel construction where it matters—the slide rail and main frame—and durable plastic for other parts, like flywheel housing and caster covers. Particularly when looking at low-cost rowing machines, check the maximum user weight capacity. Often, cheaper rowers don’t have a fully steel frame.
Resistance Type
There are three main types of rowing machines: air, water, and magnetic. They’re all good and provide similar workouts, but it’s important to choose the best type for you. Magnetic rowers have defined resistance levels and are usually very quiet; air rowers have unlimited resistance but are louder; and water rowers also have unlimited, user-dependent resistance but require more maintenance.
Monitor and Programming
Every rowing machine should at least have a basic LCD monitor that tracks basic metrics, such as time elapsed and meters rowed. In the budget-friendly category, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a perfectly accurate monitor, but I want to stress that it doesn’t matter if you’re just looking for a machine to get some moderate exercise on.
Space and Dimensions
Measure, measure, measure! I can’t stress enough the importance of checking product dimensions and accurately measuring your space before buying something. This is especially pertinent for small home gyms. Check the folded dimensions, too, if you plan on storing your rower differently when not in use.
Adjustability and Ergonomics
The slide rail length, handle angle, seat contour, foot cradle adjustments, and monitor angle all make a difference in your overall rowing workout experience. Most people will want a slide rail of at least 42 inches; taller people will want something around 50 inches or more. Foot cradles should have multiple adjustment options to accommodate different-sized feet and shoes.
Best Budget Rowing Machine: FAQs
How much should I pay for a rowing machine?
Many of the budget rowing machines we’ve tested and reviewed fall between $500 to $1,000. In this price range, we think most people can find a rowing machine they enjoy using. One of our top-rated and most durable machines we’ve used is the Concept2 RowErg, which costs between $990 and $1,150 depending on the leg height you choose.
Is 20 mins a day on a rowing machine enough?
According to the CDC2 adults need 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous cardiovascular exercise every week. Spending 20 minutes on a rowing machine every day equals about 140 minutes each week, just shy of the CDC recommendation.
Does rowing flatten your stomach?
Using a rowing machine on a consistent basis can stimulate muscle growth, core activation, and potentially help you achieve your body recomposition goals. However, cardio exercise alone doesn’t guarantee fat loss or a flat stomach. A mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and a nutritious diet is a winning combination to reaching your fitness goals.
Can you get fit just using a rowing machine?
A rowing machine is an excellent way for home gym owners to reach their fitness goals with limited equipment. Rowers provide a full-body cardio workout that also stimulates muscle growth as you pull against the resistance strap (or chain) of the machine.
References
- Academy USS. Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. 2022 [cited 2023 Feb 10].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much physical activity do adults need? 2023.
Further reading
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