What’s The Best Rowing Machine Under $500? We Have 11 Recommendations

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 At A Glance

These days, achieving your dream body is much easier than you might think as there are numerous tools available to help you reach your fitness goals. Gone are the days when your workout options were limited to going for a run or hitting the weights.

Now, there is a vast array of machines for every workout imaginable, and the best part is that you can use many of these machines at home. One machine, in particular, has become increasingly popular over the last few decades – the rowing machine.

Rowing machines incorporate muscles in the upper back, shoulders, core, and legs making them incredible for full-body training. The only drawback to buying a rowing machine is that many of them exceed $500 which can be a bit difficult for most people to afford outright. Luckily, we’ve found several brands that offer rowing machines under $500 and have everything you need for a challenging workout or even just a relaxing evening stride. 

Here, I’ll provide guidance on what to look for when buying a rowing machine for your home and review the best rowing machines under $500 in-depth. I’ll also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about rowing machines and compare rowing machines to other forms of cardio.

What To Look For When Buying A Rowing Machine

When buying a rowing machine, you should consider the following factors:

• Type Of Resistance: Rowing machines have different resistance methods: hydraulic, air or flywheel, magnetic resistance, and water rowers. Some athletes may prefer water-based resistance models to simulate water rowing, while others prefer hydraulic rowers for their portability.
• Performance Monitor: You’ll want to have an easily visible performance monitor on your rowing machine that displays information like speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
• Weight Capacity: Does the rowing machine you’re considering support a wide range of users? Definitely check to see what your rowing machine’s weight capacity is and whether or not it’s high enough for everyone in your household to use.
• Comfort: How does the seat feel? Are the handles and foot pads comfortable? You definitely don’t want to be stuck training in a rowing machine that’s uncomfortable.
• Size: Rowers are typically long and take up a lot of floor space, so if you live in a smaller area, you may want to consider a more compact model.
• Assembly: How long is it going to take to set up your rowing machine? If you live alone you may want to consider buying a rowing machine that comes partially assembled.
• Durability And Reputation: What do customers say about the product’s performance and durability? Only purchase a rowing machine that has overwhelmingly positive reviews and is made with the most durable materials possible.
• Storage: Does the rowing machine easily fold? You’ll want to find something that’s relatively easy to store when you need more room in your house.
• Warranty: Check to see if your rowing machine has a decent warranty. You never know when something might break or run into issues.
• Price: Last, but not least, ensure that you can afford the rowing machine you’re planning to buy. Is it worth spending a few hundred dollars more for certain features? Or should you go with the cheapest rowing machine you can find as you only need it for basic use?

Our Reviews Of The Best Home Rowing Machines Under $500

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Best Rowing Machines Under $500 Comparison Chart

Product Name	Resistance	Dimensions (L” x W” x H”)	Weight (lbs)	Weight Capacity (lbs)	Storage	Warranty
Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge	Water (difficulty based on water level)	78.90 x 22.30 x 32.67	91.9	300	Foldable	3-year frame, 180 days parts
Fitness Reality 3000WR Bluetooth Water Rower	Water (difficulty based on water level)	77.3 x 20 x 34	71.9	300	Stands	3-year limited
XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rowing Machine	Water (difficulty based on water level)	80.7 x 22 x 33	87	300	Stands	5-year frame, 2-year parts, 90-day in-home labor
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic – 16 levels	80.7 x 22.6 x 22.4	53.4	285	Foldable	3-year frame, 180-day parts
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic – 16 levels	77 x 23 x 22.5	49.6	285	Foldable	3-year frame, 180-day parts
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rowing Rower	Magnetic – 14 levels	‎88.5 x 21.5 x 21.5	63.6	250	Foldable	1-year limited
JOROTO MR35 Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic – 10 levels	71 x 21 x 36	52.9	300	Foldable	1-year
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine	Magnetic – 8 levels	74.8 x 19.3 x 27.55	60	350	Foldable	1-year
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine	Fan – 8 levels	85 x 20.5 x 36.25	77	300	Foldable	2-year
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine	Hydraulic – 12 levels	58.25 x 42.5 x 18.125	38.7	250	Foldable	1-year frame, 90-day parts
Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine	Hydraulic – 12 levels	50 x 36.22 x 20	34	250	Foldable	Not specified

Rowing Machine Benefits

While most cardio machines primarily target the lower body, rowing machines come the closest to providing a full-body workout. According to the American Council on Exercise, rowing is an excellent way to lose weight while conditioning and strengthening your arms, shoulders, legs, back, and cardiovascular system. 

Several studies have substantiated the above benefits:

• A 2015 study examined the effects of indoor rowing on the body composition and degree of scoliosis of visually impaired people. 20 subjects completed 6 weeks of rowing machine training involving 5 days per week. It was found that fat mass and total body fat percent decreased significantly, back strength and trunk flexion scores increased significantly, and there were significant increases in serum protein and albumin along with decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• A 2018 pilot study examined the effects of indoor rowing on body composition, blood glucose, and lipid profiles among 11 obese subjects. 6 of the participants were assigned to the rowing machine exercise group and were required to train three times per week over the course of 12 weeks. The results showed significant changes in BMI within the experimental group.
• A 2014 study examined basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. 24 subjects participated in this study in which they used 3 different rowing machines and performed rowing exercises twenty-five times a set, four sets a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. The results showed that all aspects of basic fitness increased significantly, and the most improvement was observed in muscle strength from the joint torque results. In fact, there were improvements as high as 30% in the joint torques of the elbow, shoulder, lumbar, and knee.

Potential Compromises For Spending Less Than $500 On A Rowing Machine

While you can certainly purchase a high-quality rowing machine for under $500, there are a few potential drawbacks to not purchasing a higher-end machine.

Less Sophisticated Performance Monitoring

One potential drawback to purchasing a less expensive rowing machine is that you may have a less advanced performance monitor that tracks fewer features and is smaller. Intermediate to advanced athletes typically want more than just the basics when it comes to tracking performance metrics and it’s much easier to know when you need to step up your training intensity when your performance monitor is larger and comes with a back-lit screen.

Fewer Bells And Whistles

Another potential drawback to purchasing a rowing machine under $500 is that it may lack special features like Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth capability can be extremely helpful when your rowing machine pairs with its respective app to track your performance so that you can keep track of your progress.

Fewer Resistance Levels

Finally, rowing machines under $500 typically have fewer resistance levels available which can be an issue if you need more of a challenge. Some higher-end models may include 25+ resistance levels along with smart technology that is able to auto-adjust your resistance for an optimized workout.

In short, while the general population wouldn’t be affected too heavily by the above comprises, athletes who are more serious about their training might be.

What To Avoid When Purchasing A Rowing Machine Under $500

Perhaps as important as factors to consider when purchasing a rowing machine under $500 are factors to avoid.

Don’t Buy A Rowing Machine That’s Too Big For Your Space

For starters, most people who plan to purchase a rowing machine in this price range generally do so not just to save money but also to save space. As such, it’s important to choose a rowing machine that’s relatively compact and doesn’t weigh a lot so that you can transport it more easily. We recommend avoiding most rowing machines that weigh over 90 lbs and that have a length that extends 90″ in most cases.

Make Sure To Get A Rowing Machine With Performance Monitor You Can Actually See

Another thing to keep an eye out for is small performance monitors. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, the more you train your rowing machine, the more important your performance monitor will become to you. So, you’ll definitely want to avoid performance monitors that are too small to view performance metrics easily on and that aren’t positioned optimally.

Get A Rowing Machine With A Warranty

Finally, you’ll want to avoid rowing machines under $500 that don’t come with a warranty. You never know when something might break and it can be helpful to have a warranty for worst-case scenarios even if they’re limited.

FAQs About Rowing Machines

How Long Should You Use A Rowing Machine?

Everyone has different fitness goals and time frames for achieving their target. However, the most important aspect of losing weight is consistency.

Most people who are trying to lose weight should aim for at least 30 minutes per day on a rower at a frequency of four to six times per week, or more. Some people do high-intensity workouts for 15 minutes every day instead which can be just as or even more effective for weight loss.

What Is A Magnetic Rowing Machine?

Magnetic rowing machines are one of the most popular types of rowing machines due to their relatively compact size, ease of use, and low noise level. In order to change the resistance level for training, you must adjust the distance between the magnets and spinning flywheel, rather than add more water to the machine or rely on airflow. They’re a great option for those who want to use a rowing machine for general workout purposes and aren’t concerned about simulating rowing on water for race preparation.

How Much Does A Rowing Machine Weigh?

Rowing machines vary in weight, but they typically weigh anywhere from as low as 35 lbs up to 90 lbs. Hydraulic rowing machines typically weigh the least (usually less than 40 lbs) whereas water rowing machines are generally the heaviest (70 lbs+).

Which Is Better: An Elliptical Or A Rowing Machine?

The elliptical machine outperforms the rowing machine when it comes to ease of use. The elliptical is your best bet if you have osteoporosis because it is a light, weight-bearing activity. 

Learning how to use a rowing machine correctly requires some instruction from a certified trainer for you to complete exercises correctly. This is because the bar you pull is not fixed in place and can move up, down, and side to side, so you need to use proper technique in order to avoid injury.

However, once you’ve mastered the proper technique, the amount of calories burned in an hour-long session is greater than that of an elliptical.

Both of these machines can burn calories, but they train different parts of the body. If you need a good arm and back workout that also trains your lower body, the rowing machine is the best option. On the other hand, if you need a more gentle form of exercise, an elliptical trainer might be a better option.

Which Is Better: A Treadmill Or Rowing Machine?

Rowing machines provide a full-body workout, whereas treadmills are designed to strengthen lower-body muscles, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and calves, but do not work upper-body muscles directly. 

Although rowing machines can be used for highly intense workouts, they are low-impact in nature, making them ideal for overweight people who may experience joint strain from weight-bearing activities, such as walking or running on a treadmill. 

Some treadmills fold up for easy storage but given their weight, you won’t be able to move them around the house as easily. Rowing machines are the same length as treadmills but tend to be narrower and some can even be folded up when not in use, making them much easier to move around and reassemble.

Which Is Better: A Rowing Machine Or Bike?

Rowing machines and stationary bikes have one thing in common: they’re both excellent aerobic fitness machines. They offer non-weight-bearing, low-impact cardiovascular workouts that burn calories and aid in muscle building. 

However, according to one study, using concentric-only hydraulic-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise for 30 minutes increased caloric expenditure, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to running, biking, or lifting weights. 

With that said, rowing machines are the overall best choice. However, if you have back problems, a smart bike is a better option because rowing machine workouts, while low-impact, can still be taxing on your joints.

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Rowing Machine Training Resources

Need some ideas on how to train with your new rowing machine? Here are several resources we found on YouTube to help get you started.

10 Min Rowing Machine Drills For Beginners From Sunny Health & Fitness

The following rowing machine drills can be used as a part of your warm-up prior to training or can be thrown in at any point of your workout to mix things up. Drills are crucial for rowers of all levels as they help you perfect your form and reduce the risk of injuries.

20 Min Beginner Full Motion Rowing Machine Workout From Sunny Health & Fitness

Once you’ve completed your drills, you can try out this 20-minute rowing machine workout. Although it’s designed for beginners, this training session can be enjoyed by athletes of all levels.

30 Minute Advanced Rowing Machine Workout For Weight Loss From Dark Horse Rowing

If you’re feeling more comfortable with your training and want to take it up another level, then this 30-minute advanced rowing machine workout is worth a try. This training session is interval-based and is great if you’re using your rowing machine for weight loss purposes.

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Studies And Research Related To Rowing Machine Training And Its Caloric Expenditure

• Effect of Indoor Rowing Exercise on Body Composition, Blood Glucose, and Lipid Profile Among Obesity: A Pilot Study (Regional Conference on Science, Technology and Social Sciences, 2016)

• Clinical Benefits and System Design of FES-Rowing Exercise for Rehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2021)
• Caloric Expenditure of Aerobic, Resistance, or Combined High-Intensity Interval Training Using a Hydraulic Resistance System in Healthy Men (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2015)

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Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.

Photo by Andres Ayrton from Pexels