For those who’re restricted on house, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are various nice rowing machines available on the market, 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 very best compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in nicely with different top-rated residence 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. Beneath is our checklist of the very best compact residence rowing machines obtainable.
How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this checklist had been fastidiously chosen primarily based on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, preserving in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every alternative primarily based on dimension, portability, value, 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
- Accessible programming: Stay and on-demand exercises, scenic rows
Execs:
- Aluminum and metal body with a flat anthracite polymer physique
- Can sync to Strava or Apple Well being apps
- Accessible in 5 colours
- Patented electromagnetic drag system
Cons:
- Vertical anchor for upright storage is a further value
- Most person 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 many who wish to elevate their at-home exercise routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this checklist, and the general dimension is 30 % shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can not fold it, however there may be 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 a further $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 produced 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 constructive, and plenty of point out how quiet the machine is and the way a lot they just like the small footprint. One evaluation says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and modern trying.” 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 evaluation 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
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Execs:
- Bluetooth suitable
- Resistance is robotically adjusted throughout trainer-led exercises
- Massive 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 stay and on-demand lessons. Membership to the health app is just not required to make use of the rower; nonetheless, you received’t have entry to trainer-led lessons 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 robotically 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 great for many who wish to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.
The rail is 87 inches lengthy and produced from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a easy rotation. If in case you have a shared house, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress towards the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it may well’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
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT subscription is $39/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Execs:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to avoid wasting house
- Metal rail is additional huge
- 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 outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should utilize for iFIT exercises when you select to subscribe, or you possibly can monitor 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 maintain you steady. The massive, 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
- Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 300 kilos
Execs:
- Resistance might be adjusted from the handlebar
- Bluetooth suitable
- Magnetic resistance
- Massive, immersive contact display screen might be flipped 180 levels
Cons:
- Prolonged guarantee protection is a further $149 for one yr or $229 for 2 years
For those who like to include different actions into your rowing exercise or prepare 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 is just not required, the additional $35/month exercise app offers you entry to over 40 stay lessons and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, working, and purposeful coaching lessons.
The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a cushty place assist you keep correct posture and alignment. For those who’re brief 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.
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
Accessible programming: Stay and on-demand exercises, scenic rows
Execs:
- 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 excellent worth. The ten-inch display screen is a wonderful possibility for many who wish to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance might be adjusted as much as 26 ranges robotically 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 tender grip, and the molded seat is designed that will help you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 might be folded and saved out of the best way.
The right way to Select the Finest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What elements must you think about earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d suggest you have in mind 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 house to find out what dimension machine works finest. You’ll wish to measure peak to see when you’ve got sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared to spend. Take into accounts any further prices reminiscent of a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, reminiscent of a lumbar assist system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I would like? Am I in search of an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I choose a extra simplistic show? Different options reminiscent of a magnetic resistance system could also be vital when you’re in a shared house and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability might also play a job in your choice as nicely.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing means that you can implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you may 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 stress in your knee and ankle joints.
Getting all 4 sorts of train (endurance, power, steadiness, and suppleness) has advantages, based on The Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH). A rowing machine might be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and power. Many rowing machines have built-in applications or subscriptions that supply lessons geared towards constructing power and endurance.
Last Ideas
Rowing is an effective way to construct power and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are selections to go well with a wide range of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot house you’ve gotten, your value vary and the options you’d like will assist you select the very best compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
The machines on this checklist vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You will discover a rower in your value vary, however when you go for a rower below, say, $200, it’s possible 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 finest for you is dependent upon 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 purpose of your coaching session.
Compact rowing machines often have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
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