7 Best Compact Rowing Machines (In 2023)

If you happen to’re after a single piece of cardio equipment for your property, you’ll be able to’t do higher than a rowing machine. Unlike many other options, rowing is a closed-chain exercise, making it easy in your joints. As well as, a rowing session engages 80% of your body’s muscles, so that you get an anaerobic/aerobic workout concurrently.

But what when you haven’t got room for an ordinary rowing machine?

Fortunately, some excellent compact home rowing machines are designed for small spaces. On this best compact rowers review, we review the seven better of them. We’ll also provide a comprehensive compact home rowing machine buyers guide and answer typical small rowing machines for home questions.

Aviron Strong

Sole SR500

Horizon Oxford 3

7 Best compact rowing machines

1. Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Aviron Strong Series Rower
2. Best Compact Rowing Machine For HIIT: Sole SR500
3. Best Portable Compact Rowing Machine: Horizon Oxford 3
4. Best Premium Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW900
5. Best Budget Compact Rowing Machine: Sunny Health SMART Rowing Machine
6. Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: Aviron Impact Series Rower
7. Best Online Classes Compact Rowing Machine: Echelon Row-s

Aviron is one among the leaders within the emerging interactive rower market. They provide two rowers; Impact and Strong. The Aviron Strong Series Rower costs a number of hundred dollars greater than the Impact, has a stronger construct, and has the next weight limit (507 lbs compared with 397 lbs). Also, in contrast to the Impact, the Strong series rower doesn’t fold but might be stored upright.

This rowing machine offers each magnetic and air resistance. In magnetic mode, you’ll be able to work through 16 resistance levels, while the air resistance system features a damper to manage the airflow resistance.

The 22-inch HD screen is the perfect display size for using the premium-level subscription-dependent offers. As well as, it provides 4-way pivoting, allowing you to position the screen for off-the-rower workouts. Which means you should utilize the awesome interactive workouts accessed through the membership, which costs $29 monthly.

Amongst the alternatives available through your membership are the Pros vs. Joe’s challenge, guided programs, competition challenges, power play, and even 80s arcade games in retro style. Virtual and performance workouts are also included.

The Aviron Strong is built to boost user comfort with features like 4-way adjustable footplates, rotating handles, and an ergonomically designed seat.

The Aviron rower is a wonderful option when you’re on the lookout for a rowing machine that may handle difficult interval training sessions while opening up a world of interactive entertainment and allowing you to modify between magnetic and air resistance.

The size of the Aviron Strong are 84″ L x 27″ W x 48″ H in use and 35″ L x 27″ W x 83″ H when stored in an upright position. The entire weight of this rowing machine is 114 lbs.

The mixture of interactivity, solid construction, and excellent functionality make the Aviron Strong rower the very best compact rowing machine for home use on the present market.

2. Best Compact Rowing Machine For HIIT: Sole SR500

HIIT training and rowing machines are an amazing match. But they demand a more robust and gritty quality rower than your standard model. Enter the Sole SR500: the very best compact indoor rower for high-intensity interval training. With its 515 lb maximum user weight, that is one among the strongest home user rowers we have encountered. The Sole SR500 also contains a higher-than-normal seat and rail height, making it easy to get on and off.

The Sole SR500 is a hybrid rower, combining air and magnetic resistance to deliver an impressively smooth and regular rowing motion. There are 16 magnetic resistance levels, allowing you to crank up the intensity for HIIT and infinite resistance when training in air resistance mode. As well as, resistance adjustments are built into the handle for simple control.

There are ten built-in programs on the SR500, and you’ll be able to subscribe to the Sole Fitness Studio for a wide selection of classes and instruction. In case the built-in programs are doing it for you, you should utilize our greatest fat-torching HIIT workouts. Unfortunately, the screen size is just 5.5 inches, so you will not get the immersive viewing experience you’ll on the Aviron Strong. Still, the monitor is functional, providing all vital data evaluation. It is a foldable machine, however the folding mechanism is a bit tricky.

The size of the Sole SR500 are 46″ high x 94″ long x 18″ wide. The burden of the machine is 115 lbs.

3. Best Portable Compact Rowing Machine: Horizon Oxford 3

The Horizon Oxford 3 has some of the compact footprints of any machine we analyzed, with dimensions of 80.7 long x 24.5″ wide x 43″ high. The max user weight is a decent 350 lbs, which speaks to the frame’s durability. The premium aluminum rail suits an inseam length of 36 inches, so it’s going to be a bit limiting for people over 6 feet tall.

The Oxford 3 is a silent magnetic resistance rower with ten resistance levels. As well as, this machine has five onboard workouts, adjustable cushioned footrests, an ergonomic seat, and a lifetime frame warranty (with three years on electronics and 12 months on parts and labor).

Two integrated transportation wheels make this a comparatively easy machine to maneuver around. Nevertheless, at 121 lbs. It’s among the many heaviest compact rowers for home use that we checked out. The monitor has a 5.4 backlit LCD screen and readouts of your basic workout metrics. You furthermore may get Polar Wireless heartrate connectivity and ViaFit connectivity, which lets you connect with the web and robotically share your workout data with various fitness apps and tracking tools.

4. Best Premium Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW900

The NordicTrack RW900 is a silent magnetic resistance rower with a 22 HD” tilting touchscreen. This folding rowing machine is about as much as work with the iFit app. Your purchase of the RW900 comes with a 30-day subscription to iFit.

The RW900 rowing machine is designed for portability and movement. It measures 82″ L x 22″ W x 54″ H. Wheels mounted on the machine’s front make it easy to maneuver around. The machine can even fold to permit you to store it in a cabinet or under a bed.

Your purchase of the RW900 comes with a 30-day family iFit membership. This offers you access to interactive workouts from all around the world in addition to personal workout plans. Which means you’ll be able to row on a few of the world’s most famous and scenic lakes without leaving home. 

There are 26 resistance levels on this machine. The 22-inch touchscreen pivots in all directions so you’ll be able to follow together with off-the-rower iFit workouts.

The RW900 can support a max user weight of 250 lbs. That’s pretty low for a rower on this price range. Throw within the undeniable fact that the RW900 is a folding rower, and the sturdiness becomes questionable, as folding rowers are less durable across the hinge point. 

The Sunny Health RW5941 SMART Rowing Machine is a budget machine that you may pick up for lower than $500. It is a magnetic rower with 16 resistance levels to cater to all fitness levels and permit for progressive resistance as you get fitter. That’s pretty impressive for a budget rowing machine. Floor plates also permit you to do resistance training exercises corresponding to upright rows.

The RW5941 features Sunny’s unique Volute spring system to boost the sleek, fluid rowing motion that it provides. With dimensions of 76.8″ x 22.8″ x 22.8″, this is a wonderful option when you’ve got a tiny workout space. Despite these compact numbers, the rail length inseam is 41.3″, long enough for a 6’5″ person to get a full extension with each row.

It only weighs 52 lbs, lower than half of most of the other rowers on this list. That makes it easy to maneuver around but additionally means it shouldn’t be as stable as heavier machines. Nevertheless, it does have adjustable levelers to assist you get a level surface.

The seat of this rower is constructed of high-density foam but shouldn’t be ergonomically designed for a contoured fit. As expected on a budget rower, the RW5941 has a basic but functional monitor. It keeps track of your time, calories, and total count, but not distance.

The Sunny Smart Rower folds for storage in order that it’s about half of the usable length. It also contains a belt drive system, making it quieter than the chain drive system. The max user weight on this rowing machine is 285 lbs.

conscious rowing machines, try our list of the very best rowers under $500.

The Aviron Impact Series Rower is the counterpart to Aviron’s Strong Rower, which we have rated as the very best compact rowing machine overall. The critical difference between the 2 versions is that the Impact is a foldable rowing machine, which the Strong shouldn’t be. It will probably then be stored under a bed or against the wall without having a wall mounting unit.

The Impact rower is a lighter, less solid unit than the Strong model. That’s reflected within the lower max user weight of 397 lbs, which remains to be higher than the industry average. This model has a powerful 22″ HD touchscreen and a 30-day subscription to iFit. The screen might be adjusted up and down but not sideways, so you’ve limited viewing options when doing off-the-rower workouts.

The Aviron Impact is a dual magnetic and air resistance rowing machine. In magnetic resistance mode, you get a whisper-quiet rowing motion and 16 resistance levels, while air resistance provides unlimited resistance potential. As well as, the very best drive system means the air resistance won’t produce as much noise as a cable drive air rower.

The Aviron Impact is an interactive rowing machine that gives an unlimited array of games, workouts, and challenges to stop boring workouts. It’s also possible to connect with YouTube, Netflix, or anything streaming platform that can help keep you engaged. Plus, you get front-facing speakers and a camera to get great shots of yourself in motion. All of it adds as much as the very best foldable compact rower on today’s market.

7. Best Online Classes Compact Rowing Machine: Echelon Row-s

The Echelon Row-s is a foldable magnetic resistance rower with 32 resistance levels. By signing as much as the Echelon app, you will have access to live and on-demand classes 24/7. There are, the truth is, 40 day by day live classes, so you will be catered to no what a part of the world you reside in. On top of that, there is a library of greater than 15,000 on-demand classes. Echelon has a stable of 30 world-class instructors to guide these workouts.

Access to the Echelon App costs $39.99 per thirty days.

An immersive 22″ HD touchscreen brings the workouts to life. Higher yet, the screen might be flipped 180 degrees for off-the-rower workouts. The magnetic resistance system is near silent and operates very fluidly, with no discernible catching or stuttering in the course of the drive. Handlebar-based controls permit you to adjust the resistance without letting go of the handles.

The Echelon-S provides a cushty ride with an ergonomic seat, long, barely angled handles, and further large footpads with a strap-locing system. The utmost user weight on this machine is 300 lbs.

What to search for when buying a compact rowing machine:

Even essentially the most compact indoor rowing machine must do greater than fit into your confined space; it must even be functional, comfortable, and sturdy. Listed below are eight things you should consider whenever you’re out there for the very best small-space rowing machine for home use.

1. Construct Quality

Longer lifespans are related to high-quality materials. Search for a compact home rowing machine with steel or aluminum frames for increased longevity. Confirm the rowing machine’s weight capability. The burden limit is an excellent indicator of the general construct quality.

A cushty, preferably padded seat that slides easily along the rail is vital. Handlebars must have an excellent grip and be ergonomic. Footrests foot pedals must be secure, adjustable, and equipped with straps to maintain your feet secure during exercise.

Even though it is steadily disregarded, the noise level also needs to be considered. Some rowing machines, particularly those based on air resistance, might be reasonably noisy. Consider a quieter model, corresponding to a magnetic or water-resistance rower, when you live in an apartment or if noise is an issue.

2. Footprint

The footprint or physical dimensions are essential to think about whenever you’ve got limited space in your compact row machine. This factor impacts how comfortable you’re feeling, how effective your workouts are, and the way well the machine suits into your personal home gym.

The rail length dictates how far back the seat could also be pulled. Subsequently, a rowing machine with a more prolonged rail can be vital when you are over 6 feet tall. Although compact rowing machines are sometimes smaller than regular ones, the range of motion should not be compromised, especially for taller users. Before purchasing, at all times review the specifications and, if practical, try the equipment to make sure it suits your height.

A high quality compact rower machine should permit a full range of motion, enabling you to increase your legs and pull your arms back entirely. This guarantees a more efficient and cozy workout. The rail length and machine design play a major role in determining the range of motion.

If possible, check the utmost inseam length of the compact rowing machine for home use you are considering. Inseam length refers back to the distance out of your crotch to the ground when standing in inches. An inseam length of 38 inches can be sufficient for most individuals.

Measure the space you could have in your property before making a purchase order. Remember to account for the space you’ll have across the machine and its length when in use. Even the smaller models of some machines might be reasonably long (typically over 7 feet). Ensure you could have appropriate space for storing by considering the machine’s dimensions when folded (whether it is foldable).

A simple-to-store rowing machine with a vertical configuration and standing upright when not in use takes up less space on the ground. Consider these models if space is a major limitation.

3. Style of resistance

Lower-priced low-profile rowing machines will are inclined to be powered by hydraulic or magnetic resistance. While these each have the advantage of providing a set resistance and allowing the user to regulate that resistance, they aren’t as smooth, natural, or intense as water and air resistance. Hydraulic resistance is the quietest method, however the pistons are susceptible to overheating and sometimes produce a jerky, interrupted rowing stroke.

A magnetic resistance lightweight rowing machine for small spaces is smoother than a hydraulic one but relies on the resistance potential of the scale of the flywheel. Budget rowers often have a comparatively light flywheel, limiting the utmost resistance. As a substitute, search for a perimeter-weighted flywheel that’s heavier on the outer edges of the flywheel to maximise the resistance potential.

Air and water resistance provide essentially the most significant intensity potential because the speed of your row controls your resistance. Search for an air rower with a damper control that lets you control the airflow into the fan.

4. Use

How steadily do you propose to make use of your rowing machine for small spaces? If you happen to row day by day, you will need a tool that may handle heavy use to make sure durability and longevity.

Do you propose to perform high-intensity interval training workouts in your tiny rowing machine? Then you definately’ll need a machine with a solid frame that will not jump around at high intensity. It should also need a high enough max resistance to permit you to sprint at max intensity.

5. Features

Listed below are some key features to look out for when purchasing for the very best compact home rowing machine :

Performance Monitor/Display: The monitor helps you track your workout data, including calories burned, time, distance rowed, and strokes per minute. Some cutting-edge monitors can even show heart rate, power output in watts, and pre-set workout programs. Interactive rowers require a high-quality display that provides you a top quality viewing experience when following together with the onscreen workout.

Pulse Monitor: Some rowers can link to heart rate monitors, providing real-time details about your heart rate while exercising. This is particularly helpful when you’re going to be training in accordance with heart rate zones.

Bluetooth: Some rowing machines have Bluetooth connectivity and app compatibility, enabling you to observe progress, compete in virtual competitions, or row in simulated settings. This could add interest and delight to your training.

Ergonomic Design: Search for a rower with adjustable footrests, a well-padded seat, and ergonomic grips. These elements may appear insignificant, yet they significantly impact your comfort and performance when figuring out.

Transportation Wheels: This feature can be helpful if you wish to move your rower around commonly. This is particularly essential for tiny rowers which can be made to be portable and pack conveniently.

Foldability: If you happen to’re short on room, foldability is crucial for a tiny rower. A foldable rowing machine can be considerably simpler to store when not in use.

6. Weight Capability

A compact rower’s max weight limit or capability largely determines how protected the machine is. A machine that may’t hold your weight can malfunction, leading to injury. The upper the max user weight, the more durable a rower is, and it performs higher when used at high intensity.

Remember to account not only in your weight but additionally that of other potential users. As a general rule of thumb, the utmost user weight must be 50 lbs greater than the heaviest.

The everyday max user weight on compact rowers ranges between 220 and 300 lbs (10- to 136 kg). Some costlier machines go as much as 500 lbs.

7. Price

Set your budget before you begin on the lookout for a latest rowing machine. To get a small rowing machine that’s durable, reliable, performs easily, and provides rower comfort, it’s best to expect to pay between $800-$1500. Interactive rowers will range from around $1800 to $3000.

8. Reviews

Verified user reviews are a priceless research tool for potential buyers of compact rowing machines. Look first at the typical rating. A product average of 4 out of 5 stars or more is an excellent sign. Nevertheless, a rower with a high rating but only a small variety of reviews might not be as trustworthy as a product with a high rating and a whole lot or 1000’s of reviews.

Seek for reviews that provide specific, each positive and negative, input. These can assist you learn more in regards to the product’s benefits and downsides. It is a warning sign if several customers express the identical problems (corresponding to parts breaking, pain while using, lousy customer support, etc.).

Reviews steadily include details about how easy it’s to assemble, how well the shopper service is, how quiet it’s, how comfortable it’s, and other aspects. Reviews can even assist you determine whether the rower suits your requirements. As an example, when you are taller, reviews from other tall users can offer insightful information.

Reviewers on web sites like Amazon are marked as verified purchasers after they have purchased the product straight from the web site. Subsequently, these reviews are steadily considered more reliable. Although user reviews might offer insightful information, be mindful that they’re subjective and liable to the experiences and preferences of the reviewer.

Compact Rowing Machine FAQs

Is half-hour of rowing enough?

Whether or not half-hour of rowing is enough is determined by your fitness level, the activity’s intensity, and overall goals. Rowing for half-hour can improve your cardio fitness and assist you reduce weight. So, a half-hour rowing workout might be helpful in case your goal is to enhance your overall cardiovascular fitness, especially when you keep your intensity between moderate and high.

Thirty minutes won’t be enough in case your goal is to extend your strength or endurance. It might be essential to a more extensive fitness program that features extra cardio workouts and weight training. We recommend combining interval training, where you alternate between higher intensity and rest times, to get essentially the most out of a 30-minute rowing session.

What’s the very best at-home rowing machine?

The perfect at-home rowing machine is determined by several things, corresponding to your budget, resistance type, available space, desired features, and preferences. Listed below are three popular and well-rated rowing machines for home use.

1. The Concept2 RowErg (formerly the Model D) is taken into account to be among the finest rowing machines due to its dependability, comfortable rowing motion, and performance-tracking capabilities. It contains a cozy seat, adjustable resistance, and a dependable performance monitor that records crucial stats.
2. The WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine offers a natural rowing experience because of its revolutionary water resistance mechanism. It has a classy wood frame, easy operation, and silent operation. 
3. The Stamina ATS Air Rower provides dynamic air resistance for a smooth, fluid rowing experience. It’s well-built, has adjustable resistance, and has a supportive seat. An LCD monitor can also be included with the rowing machine to trace your calories burned, time, and strokes.

How much are rowing machines?

Entry-level rowing machines typically range in price from $300 to $800. These machines have a maximum limited speed, few incline options, and comparatively few built-in programs,

Mid-priced rowing machines cost between $800 and $1,500. They steadily provide extra features like adjustable resistance, ergonomic seating, and performance tracking. These machines often have a smoother rowing motion and higher construction than entry-level standard rowing machines.

High-end rowing machines can cost as much as $1,500 or more. Nevertheless, advanced features like water or air resistance systems, increased weight capabilities, interactive displays, and further workout programs are steadily included. As well as, these devices steadily include prolonged warranties, provide a more realistic rowing experience, and are built to last.

Are compact rowing machines nearly as good as regular rowing machines?

Depending in your unique requirements and circumstances, compact rowing machines may or might not be as effective as standard ones. Compact rowers are made smaller and more space-efficient, making them appropriate for people needing portability or compact training space.

Despite their small size, many compact rowing machines offer a comparable range of motion, functionality, and resistance to straightforward rowing machines. Nevertheless, it’s essential to think about the utmost weight capability as they might be lower than an ordinary machine.

The steadiness and sturdiness of some compact rowing machines could also be inferior to regular rowing machines. Remember to read reading reviews, evaluate the construct quality, and choose a compact rowing machine from a respected company that gives stability, longevity, and a guaranty.

Summary

A compact rowing machine represents a superb fitness investment for small spaces. Rowing is some of the joint-friendly, muscle-activating, calorie-burning, and heart-health-friendly workouts you’ll be able to do. The perfect rowing machine for small spaces overall on the present market is the Aviron Strong Series Rower, with its 22-inch rotating HD screen, interactive programs, and hybrid magnetic/ air resistance system.

If you wish to perform HIIT workouts, the very best compact indoor rower is the Sole SR500, which contains a massive 515 lb max user weight, a higher-than-standard seat, and durable construction for high-intensity rowing workouts.

Finally, when you’re after the very best rowing machine for small spaces that’s portable and compact, look no further than the Horizon Oxford 3, featuring ten magnetic resistance levels, a smooth, quiet motion, and five pre-loaded programs.