8 of the best cheap rowing machines

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Home rowing machines provide a compact way to achieve a whole body, cardiovascular, and resistance workout. For people with limited space, a rowing machine may be a good option for a home gym.
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Best for hydraulic resistance: Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060
Best for air resistance: Concept2 RowErg
Concept2 RowErg
Best for magnetic resistance: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Best for automatic, speed-dependent resistance changes: Stamina ATS Air Rower
Stamina ATS Air Rower
Best for a machine with compact storage: Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine
Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine
Best for a free iFIT trial: ProForm Pro 750R Rower
ProForm Pro 750R Rower
Best for more resistance levels: Echelon Smart Rowing Machine
Echelon Smart Rowing Machine
Best for a water rower: Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500
Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500
What is a rowing machine? 
An indoor rowing machine, which people often call a rower, simulates the action required when rowing a small boat or dinghy. Competitive rowers may use these machines to help them train when they are unable to practice on water.
Rowers also provide a full-body cardio workout for other athletes and people who exercise. These machines are low impact and work muscles in the arms, legs, and back.
About the different types of rowers
A rower’s type of resistance determines their classification. The four categories include:
four categories
magnetic
air
hydraulic
water or fluid
water or fluid
These resistance types offer the same basic movement and provide similar rowing workouts for users. However, they may have subtle differences. For example, air, hydraulic, and fluid rowers can replicate the feeling of water when rowing, while magnetic rowers do not offer this sensation.
These machines may also vary in noise level: air resistance models are often louder than other types.
What to look for in a rowing machine
When selecting a rower, a person may wish to consider their:
resistance
size
their fitness goals
price
The size and storage ability of the machine can also play an important role. People with smaller living spaces may consider more compact models that take up less room or fold to store in tighter areas when not in use.
A person’s fitness goals can also factor in their decision. Competitive rowers who want a machine that simulates water should look for water-based resistance models. Others may prefer rowers with built-in programs and displays to help keep them motivated in achieving their fitness goals.
Lastly, rowing machines can range in price based on the company, size, resistance method, and the rower’s additional features. Less expensive models will typically offer fewer functions.
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Price: MNT chooses products available for a range of budgets.
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Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If setup is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a setup or installation service.
Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
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Best cheap rowers
Rowing machines can range in price based on their features and manufacturer. People on a budget may want to consider some of the following models.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060
Price: around $300
Advantage: foldable and easy to store
Disadvantage: some reviewers state the seat is uncomfortable
This product may suit those looking for a simple rower with hydraulic resistance that is easy to set up and is more affordable than some other options.
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060 is an affordable option for many budgets. The rower features hydraulic resistance and a small, foldable frame. Some other functions include:
free access to müüv, a smart audio coaching app
müüv
electronic device holder
steel construction
padded hand grips
a molded seat
The company also offers a 1-year frame warranty and a 90-day parts warranty.
Standard shipping is free, but for an additional fee, a person can choose expedited shipping that takes 1–4 days. Individuals can return the machine within 30 days of delivery.
The rower has the following specifications:
Maximum user weight: 250 pounds (lb)
Machine weight: 35 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 49.25 inches (in)Width: 36 inHeight: 20 in
Length: 49.25 inches (in)
Width: 36 in
Height: 20 in
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Concept2 RowErg
Price: around $990
Advantage: available in standard or tall leg options for different heights
Disadvantage: people must pay for shipping
The Concept2 RowErg is easy to assemble and has ergonomic handles and adjustable footrests. It uses air resistance and comes in either standard or tall leg options. Both models separate into two pieces for easy storage.
It has several technological functions, including connectivity to virtual team training and tracking performance apps. There is also an option to purchase a water simulator.
The company offers a 5-year limited warranty on frame parts and a 2-year limited warranty on all parts. Concept2 also provides a 30-day return period from the time of shipment, minus the costs of shipping. Delivery costs vary based on a person’s chosen method, but they start at $45 for standard shipping.
5-year
Maximum user weight: 500 lb
Machine weight: 57 lb
Shipping weight (standard): 70 lb
Shipping weight (tall): 97 lb
Length: 96 in
Width: 24 in
Seat height (standard): 14 in
Seat height (tall): 20 in
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Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Price: around $400
Advantage: provides a quiet workout
Disadvantage: no app connectivity and not compatible with smart devices
The foldable Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, providing a quiet, full-body workout.
This machine has a steel frame, floor stabilizers, padded grips and footrest, and a large, cushioned seat. The machine also features wheels for easier portability.
While this rower cannot connect to related apps or incorporate a smartphone or tablet holder, it has a large LCD console for viewing workout statistics.
This machine has the following specifications:
Maximum user weight: 250 lb
Machine weight: 60.9 lb
Shipping weight: 70.8 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 78 inWidth: 19.1 inHeight: 23.2 in
Length: 78 in
Width: 19.1 in
Height: 23.2 in
Size when folded: Length: 37.4 inWidth: 19.1 inHeight: 53.5 in
Length: 37.4 in
Width: 19.1 in
Height: 53.5 in
The company offers free standard shipping and a 30-day return policy. Sunny Health also provides a 3-year warranty on the structural frame and a 180-day warranty on all other parts.
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Stamina ATS Air Rower
Price: around $329
Advantage: dynamic resistance that automatically changes as people row
Disadvantage: some reviewers state the fan is loud
The Stamina ATS Air Rower offers air resistance rowing for a more affordable price. It is foldable, while the company claims it is easy to assemble. The rower has dynamic resistance that automatically changes based on rowing speed.
The machine also features an LCD monitor to track workout statistics, along with a padded seat, footrests, and grips.
Maximum user weight: 250 lb
Machine weight: 54 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 77 inWidth: 18.75 inHeight: 22 in
Length: 77 in
Width: 18.75 in
Height: 22 in
Size when folded: Length: 48 inWidth: 18.75 inHeight: 28 in
Length: 48 in
Width: 18.75 in
Height: 28 in
The rower comes with a 3-year frame warranty and a 1-year part warranty. Shipping costs vary, but Amazon offers free delivery.
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Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine
Price: around $250
Advantage: folds compactly for easy storage
Disadvantage: some customers state the batteries fall out of the display easily
The Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine offers 14 levels of magnetic resistance in a foldable frame.
Some features include a padded footrest and seat, wheels for portability, and a display that tracks workout progress. The rower also folds for easy storage.
Maximum user weight: 264 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 73 inWidth: 16 inHeight: 21 in
Length: 73 in
Width: 16 in
Height: 21 in
Size when folded: Length: 26 inWidth: 16 inHeight: 49 in
Length: 26 in
Width: 16 in
Height: 49 in
When buying through Amazon, a person can add a 2-year protection plan for $25. The cost of shipping varies.
It also only comes with a 1-year warranty.
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ProForm Pro 750R Rower
Price: around $700
Advantage: comes with a 30-day iFIT trial
Disadvantage: people must pay to continue using iFIT after the trial
The Pro 750R is compatible with iFIT, a training and exercise application. iFIT allows people to synchronize their training metrics, access classes, and exercise in virtual locations around the world.
People can access the application via the device’s display. While the company provides a 30-day free trial, a family subscription can cost more than $39 per month.
This machine has 24 resistance levels, an inertia wheel, and transport wheels for easier storage. It also comes with a 5-year frame warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Maximum user weight: 250 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 86.5 inWidth: 22 inHeight: 45.5 in
Length: 86.5 in
Width: 22 in
Height: 45.5 in
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Echelon Smart Rowing Machine
Price: around $1,000
Advantage: offers 32 levels of magnetic resistance
Disadvantage: more expensive than other options on this list
This rower offers 32 levels of magnetic resistance, ergonomic handlebars, and a foldable design. It also has a device holder that people can swivel and flip for additional exercises.
The machine offers access to a 30-day free trial of Echelon Premier Membership. This subscription provides live and on-demand fitness classes for up to five users, including rowing, kickboxing, yoga, and Pilates.
However, people will need to pay to continue to access this feature after the first 30 days.
Maximum user weight: 300 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 86.45 inWidth: 20.47 inHeight: 43.7 in
Length: 86.45 in
Width: 20.47 in
Height: 43.7 in
Size when folded: Length: 40 inWidth: 21 inHeight: 60 in
Length: 40 in
Width: 21 in
Height: 60 in
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Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500
Price: around $500
Advantage: resistance varies depending on how fast a person rows
Disadvantage: some customers state that the water tank may break
This machine has a flywheel and 16 fan blades that may provide a more realistic water rowing experience. It also has a fitness tracker, non-slip handlebars, and a wider seat.
The company states that the water tank provides adjustable resistance. The faster a person rows, the more resistance they will feel.
People can store this rowing machine upright when it is not in use.
Maximum user weight: 300 lb
Size when assembled:Length: 80 inWidth: 22 inHeight: 34 in
Length: 80 in
Width: 22 in
Height: 34 in
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Comparison chart
The following table provides a comparison of the rowers in this article.
Stamina BodyTrac
Concept2
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic
Stamina ATS
Merax
ProForm
Echelon
Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian
Benefits of rowing
Rowers are a common feature at many gyms and health clubs, though they are often not as popular as treadmills, stationary bikes, or ellipticals. Unlike some other fitness machines, they offer a full-body, low-impact cardiovascular workout, making them accessible to many people.
According to the American Fitness Professionals Association, indoor rowing machines work 25–35% of the upper body and 65–75% of the legs.
American Fitness Professionals Association
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) notes there are three main benefits of a rowing machine workout:
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
they are low-impact and non-weight bearing, which reduces stress on the body and joints
they activate multiple muscle groups
they provide a combination of strength and cardiovascular work in one activity
In a 2014 study, researchers found that using rowing machines helped improve several areas of measured fitness after 8 weeks. These include flexibility, muscle strength, body composition, endurance, explosive power, agility, and muscle reaction.
2014 study
A rowing machine can also help a person achieve the recommended amount of weekly exercise. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that individuals should aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense cardiovascular exercise each week. They also note that people should incorporate strength training into their exercise routine.
American Heart Association (AHA)
Rowers are also accessible to most individuals. In a 2015 study, researchers showed that people living with visual impairment benefited from using these machines. The scientists also noted improvement in body composition and overall fitness levels.
2015 study
Safety of rowers 
Fitness professionals and organizations, such as ACE, generally consider rowers safe. This is chiefly due to their low impact design that does not place a lot of pressure on the joints.
ACE
However, before purchasing a rowing machine, a person may wish to speak with a doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional. They can help assess their fitness levels and make recommendations based on their goals and current ability.
Frequently asked questions about rowing machines
Here we answer some common questions about these machines.
Rowing uses muscles in the upper and lower body and can increase cardio fitness and physical strength.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise and two days of muscle strengthening exercises each week. Rowing can form part of these exercises.
150 minutes
The most common types of rowers are magnetic, air, hydraulic, or water rowers.
People should consider customer reviews and the space they have to store rowers before purchasing.
The AHA recommends exercising at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes per week.
AHA
People can row for as little or often as they would like. However, it is important to stop rowing if they experience pain or injuries.
Summary 
Rowing machines provide a full-body, low impact cardiovascular and strength workout.
Affordable home rowers are available for people interested in rowers with minimal added features.
When purchasing a rower, individuals should keep their goals, space, budget, and resistance type in mind.
Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of the mentioned applications. These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy by Medical News Today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.