When you’re restricted on area, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are numerous nice rowing machines in the marketplace, there are additionally some superior compact options that supply 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 wonderful standalone choices and choices that slot in properly with different top-rated dwelling health club tools. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the opinions to see what customers needed to say about every product. Under is our listing of the perfect compact dwelling rowing machines accessible.
How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this listing had been rigorously chosen primarily based 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 alternative primarily based on measurement, portability, price, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the opinions to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.
Our Picks for the Finest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:
Finest 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
- Obtainable programming: Dwell 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
- Obtainable in 5 colours
- Patented electromagnetic drag system
Cons:
- Vertical anchor for upright storage is an extra price
- Most consumer peak is six toes
On the Hydrow web site, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 opinions 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 listing, and the general measurement is 30 % 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. It is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices an extra $190, which is a bit on the dear facet.
The body is fabricated 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 opinions on the Hydrow web site are optimistic, and plenty of point out how quiet the machine is and the way a lot they just like the small footprint. One evaluate says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and smooth wanting.” The important opinions make up 3 % of the general opinions and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nonetheless, Hydrow has responded to every evaluate to resolve any points.
Finest Compact Rowing Machine With Coach-Led Exercises: NordicTrack RW700
NordicTrack RW700
4.2
- Dimension: 87″ L x 22″ W x 47″ H
- Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Bluetooth suitable
- Resistance is routinely 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 may 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 lessons. Membership to the health app will not be required to make use of the rower; nonetheless, you gained’t have entry to trainer-led lessons with out it.
A trainer-led rowing exercise provides you the choice to row on the open water for a extra scenic expertise, and there are additionally studio classes. The resistance is adjusted routinely amongst 26 resistance ranges throughout every class, so that you don’t want to fret about stopping to make modifications. The outsized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with fast launch, which is great 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 preserve a clean rotation. In case you have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates pressure towards 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 may possibly’t be folded.
Finest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10
ProForm Professional R10
4.0
- Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ H
- Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT subscription is $39/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to avoid wasting area
- Metal rail is further vast
- 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 measurement by lifting the deal with, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it straightforward to maneuver. It comes geared up with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you need to use for iFIT exercises for those who select to subscribe, or you may monitor your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the handbook 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 provides the consumer the choice to have a extra cardio- or strength-focused exercise.
The flywheel has been designed to keep up inertia and rotate easily, and the metal rail is outsized to assist maintain you steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps maintain your toes in place, and the seat is molded with consolation in thoughts.
Finest Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Coaching: Echelon Row-s
Echelon Row-s
4.2
- Dimensions: 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H
- Sort 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 suitable
- Magnetic resistance
- Giant, immersive contact display could be flipped 180 levels
Cons:
- Prolonged guarantee protection is an extra $149 for one yr or $229 for 2 years
When 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 will not be required, the additional $35/month exercise app provides you entry to over 40 reside lessons and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, working, and useful coaching lessons.
The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place show you how to preserve correct posture and alignment. When you’re brief on area, the size goes from 84 inches lengthy to only 41 inches lengthy when folded. On the Echelon web site, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine appears to be like nice, operates very quietly, and provides a nice exercise regardless of your stage,” says reviewer Brett P.
Finest 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 sensible HD touchscreen
Obtainable programming: Dwell 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 value, making it an important worth. The ten-inch display is a superb possibility for individuals who need to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance could be adjusted as much as 26 ranges routinely in an iFIT class or manually as wanted.
The pivoting foot pedals are outsized, and the nylon straps maintain your toes 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 Finest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What components must you take into account earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d advocate 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 peak of your area to find out what measurement machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure peak to see when you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared to spend. Think about any extra prices equivalent to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, equivalent to a lumbar help system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I would like? Am I on the lookout for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I choose a extra simplistic show? Different options equivalent to a magnetic resistance system could also be necessary for those who’re in a shared area and wish a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability might also play a job in your choice as properly.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing means that you can implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll modify the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body exercise that makes use of 86 % of your muscle mass. With every stroke, you’re utilizing your core and legs for the preliminary pull and ending the rowing motion through the use of your higher physique. Because you’re in a seated place, there’s much less strain in your knee and ankle joints.
Getting all 4 forms of train (endurance, power, stability, and suppleness) has advantages, in accordance with The Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH). A rowing machine could be utilized for 2 varieties: endurance and power. Many rowing machines have built-in packages or subscriptions that supply lessons geared towards constructing power and endurance.
Last Ideas
Rowing is a good way to construct power and endurance whereas working numerous muscle teams. There are selections to go well with a wide range of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you might have, your value vary and the options you’d like will show you how to select the perfect compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
The machines on this listing vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. Yow will discover a rower in your value vary, however for those who go for a rower below, say, $200, chances are you’ll be compromising high quality.
Usually, rowing machine size ranges between six to 9 toes with extra compact choices at six or seven toes lengthy.
The extent of resistance that’s greatest for you is determined by your health stage, expertise, and targets. Total, you don’t need your exercise to be too straightforward or so difficult you don’t accomplish the aim of your coaching session.
Compact rowing machines normally have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
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