In case you’re restricted on house, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are a lot of nice rowing machines in the marketplace, there are additionally some superior compact options that provide all the identical tech options you’ll discover in different cardio machines.
Throughout our seek for the perfect compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in effectively with different top-rated residence fitness center tools. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Under is our record of the perfect compact residence rowing machines accessible.
How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this record had been fastidiously chosen based mostly on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, holding in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every selection based mostly on dimension, portability, value, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.
Our Picks for the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:
Greatest Total Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave
Hydrow Wave Rower
4.0
- Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
- Storage: Shops upright
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Weight capability: 375 kilos
- Show: 16-inch HD touchscreen
- Out there programming: Stay and on-demand exercises, scenic rows
Professionals:
- Aluminum and metal body with a flat anthracite polymer physique
- Can sync to Strava or Apple Well being apps
- Out there in 5 colours
- Patented electromagnetic drag system
Cons:
- Vertical anchor for upright storage is a further value
- Most person top is six ft
On the Hydrow web site, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 evaluations on the time of writing. It’s the model’s compact, budget-friendly possibility for individuals who need to elevate their at-home exercise routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this record, and the general dimension is 30 p.c shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can’t fold it, however there’s the choice to retailer it upright utilizing The Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor. This can be a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices a further $190, which is a bit on the dear facet.
The body is manufactured from aluminum and metal. It has a flat anthracite polymer physique, which is a sturdy and light-weight materials. The deal with has an ergonomic design for a low-stress grip, and the strap is created from water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It additionally has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the expertise of rowing on open water.
Total, the evaluations on the Hydrow web site are constructive, and lots of point out how quiet the machine is and the way a lot they just like the small footprint. One assessment says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and smooth trying.” The crucial evaluations make up 3 p.c of the general evaluations and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nonetheless, Hydrow has responded to every assessment to resolve any points.
Greatest Compact Rowing Machine With Coach-Led Exercises: NordicTrack RW700
NordicTrack RW700
4.2
- Dimension: 87″ L x 22″ W x 47″ H
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; appropriate iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Bluetooth appropriate
- Resistance is mechanically adjusted throughout trainer-led exercises
- Giant foot pedals
- Outsized metal seat rail
Cons:
- Can’t be folded
- Weight capability solely 250 kilos
The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you possibly can tilt and pivot to comply with together with an iFIT exercise led by your favourite coach on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per thirty days, and also you’ll have entry to reside and on-demand courses. Membership to the health app just isn’t required to make use of the rower; nevertheless, you received’t have entry to trainer-led courses with out it.
A trainer-led rowing exercise offers you the choice to row on the open water for a extra scenic expertise, and there are additionally studio periods. The resistance is adjusted mechanically amongst 26 resistance ranges throughout every class, so that you don’t want to fret about stopping to make adjustments. The outsized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with fast launch, which is superb for individuals who need to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.
The rail is 87 inches lengthy and created from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a clean rotation. When you have a shared house, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates rigidity in opposition to the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it will possibly’t be folded.
Greatest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10
ProForm Professional R10
4.0
- Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ H
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; appropriate iFIT subscription is $39/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to save lots of house
- Metal rail is additional broad
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel
Cons:
- Weight restrict could also be too low for some customers
The ProForm Professional R10 can collapse right into a extra compact dimension by lifting the deal with, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it simple to maneuver. It comes geared up with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should utilize for iFIT exercises in case you select to subscribe, or you possibly can observe your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the guide mode. There are 24 resistance ranges to select from, and your exercise depth is adjusted utilizing the model’s trademarked Silent Magnetic Resistance system. This offers the person the choice to have a extra cardio- or strength-focused exercise.
The flywheel has been designed to take care of inertia and rotate easily, and the metal rail is outsized to assist hold you secure. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps hold your ft in place, and the seat is molded with consolation in thoughts.
Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Coaching: Echelon Row-s
Echelon Row-s
4.2
- Dimensions: 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 300 kilos
Professionals:
- Resistance could be adjusted from the handlebar
- Bluetooth appropriate
- Magnetic resistance
- Giant, immersive contact display screen could be flipped 180 levels
Cons:
- Prolonged guarantee protection is a further $149 for one yr or $229 for 2 years
In case you like to include different actions into your rowing exercise or practice off of the rower, the Echelon Row-s has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that may be flipped 180 levels. Whereas an Echelon Match subscription just isn’t required, the additional $35/month exercise app offers you entry to over 40 reside courses and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, working, and practical coaching courses.
The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place assist you keep correct posture and alignment. In case you’re quick on house, the size goes from 84 inches lengthy to simply 41 inches lengthy when folded. On the Echelon web site, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine appears nice, operates very quietly, and offers a nice exercise regardless of your stage,” says reviewer Brett P.
Greatest Worth Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600
NordicTrack RW600
Dimensions: 87.02″ L x 22.0″ W x 47.24″ H
Storage: Folds in half for vertical storage
Resistance: Air and magnetic
Weight capability: 250 kilos
Show: 10-inch good HD touchscreen
Out there programming: Stay and on-demand exercises, scenic rows
Professionals:
- Air and magnetic resistance
- Entrance-mounted transport wheels make it maneuverable
- Adjustable console
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel
Cons:
- Most weight capability is 250 kilos
The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible worth, making it a fantastic worth. The ten-inch display screen is a wonderful possibility for individuals who need to take instructor-led courses utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance could be adjusted as much as 26 ranges mechanically in an iFIT class or manually as wanted.
The pivoting foot pedals are outsized, and the nylon straps hold your ft safe. The handlebar has a gentle grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 could be folded and saved out of the way in which.
How you can Select the Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What elements do you have to think about earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d suggest you consider as you ponder your buy choice:
Footprint
When you’ve determined in your rower location, it’s a good suggestion to measure the size, width, and top of your house to find out what dimension machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure top to see if in case you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Take into accounts any extra prices resembling a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, resembling a lumbar help system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I in search of an HD touchscreen with trainer-led courses or do I want a extra simplistic show? Different options resembling a magnetic resistance system could also be essential in case you’re in a shared house and wish a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability might also play a job in your choice as effectively.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing means that you can implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll regulate the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body exercise that makes use of 86 p.c of your muscle tissues. With every stroke, you’re utilizing your core and legs for the preliminary pull and ending the rowing motion by utilizing your higher physique. Because you’re in a seated place, there’s much less strain in your knee and ankle joints.
Getting all 4 sorts of train (endurance, power, stability, and adaptability) has advantages, in line with The Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH). A rowing machine could be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and power. Many rowing machines have built-in applications or subscriptions that provide courses geared towards constructing power and endurance.
Closing Ideas
Rowing is a good way to construct power and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are decisions to go well with quite a lot of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot house you will have, your worth vary and the options you’d like will assist you select the perfect compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
The machines on this record vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You will discover a rower in your worth vary, however in case you go for a rower beneath, say, $200, it’s possible you’ll be compromising high quality.
Sometimes, rowing machine size ranges between six to 9 ft with extra compact choices at six or seven ft lengthy.
The extent of resistance that’s greatest for you will depend on your health stage, expertise, and targets. Total, you don’t need your exercise to be too simple or so difficult you don’t accomplish the aim of your coaching session.
Compact rowing machines often have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
