Best Budget Rowing Machines to Fit Every Home and Budget in 2024

Introduction

Rowing machines are ideal for home gyms. They offer a full-body workout, targeting muscles in the legs, core, and arms while being gentle on the joints. Best Budget Rowing Machines remain popular because they provide effective cardiovascular workouts for all fitness levels.

A key benefit of using a rowing machine is that the exercises are low-impact. Unlike running, rowing doesn’t strain your joints but still provides a full-body workout.

As you move from your legs to arms, trunk, and shoulders, each stroke on the rowing machine targets specific areas, making it one of the best full-body workouts for home. This makes it easy to find the best rowing machine, whether you’re looking for the best budget home rowing machine or the best value for your money.

The Best Budget Rowing Machines of 2024

Our Top Picks for Best Budget Rowing Machines

#1 ProForm 750R

4.9

Shop Now At Amazon Website

Product Highlights:

• 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
• Product Dimensions: ‎22″D x 86.5″W x 45.5″H
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Package Weight: ‎52.62 Kilograms
• Warranty Description: ‎1 Year manufacturer

What we love:

• Folds up for easy storage.
• Includes 24 magnetic resistance levels.
• Quiet operation during workouts.
• Integrated tablet holder for streaming.
• Sturdy design yet lightweight.

What to consider:

• The seat is positioned lower.
• Lacks a built-in touchscreen.
• Weight capacity is limited to 250 pounds.
• A Monthly iFit subscription may be needed.

Why We Choose ProForm 750R

ProForm 750R is the best budget rowing machine for home use given that it is packed with quite impressive features at an affordable price. It’s very silent, one can adjust the resistance and it can be easily folded for storage and it is suitable for small spaces. This makes it one of the best budget-friendly rowing machines you can buy especially when looking at the pricing factor.

Overview

The ProForm 750R is the best budget home rowing machine for an ideal session at a lower cost. It features a magnetic resistance system with 24 levels, accommodating all fitness levels. It’s also portable, folding up when not in use for easy storage.

Customers value the ease of rowing, space, and ProForm 750R’s features. Many appreciate the 24 resistance levels, ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The lack of an integrated touch screen isn’t an issue, as there’s a tablet mount for watching workout videos.

The configuration supports up to 250 pounds, which suits most people but may not be enough for some. Its strong yet portable build allows easy lifting, transport, and storage. This makes the ProForm 750R highly recommended for anyone seeking the best budget indoor rowing machine.

#2 Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

4.8

Shop Now At Amazon Website

Product Highlights:

• Durable frame with a 5-year warranty
• Product Dimensions: 95″D x 24.25″W x 37.5″H
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 320 Pounds
• Metrics Measured: Heart Rate, Calories Burned, Time, Distance
• Frame Material: Alloy Steel
• Material: Aluminum

What we love:

• Compact design ideal for small spaces
• Easy to disassemble and store
• Smooth air resistance for all users
• Adjustable footrests for stability
• Lightweight, easy to move around

What to consider:

• No advanced tech or streaming features
• Can’t be stored vertically
• Limited display screen options
• Requires some assembly after purchase

Why We Choose Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower is one of the best budget-friendly rowing machines perfect for home use and especially for people with limited space. This type of treadmill is indeed small in size and due to its easy disassembly and assembly, it is simple to move from one point to another therefore suitable for those people who require a good workout machine but has limited space. This model offers a straightforward, unbeatable workout without any extra frills.

Overview

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower is a budget-friendly rowing machine perfect for home gyms, especially where space is limited. This portable model is easy to dismantle, making it perfect for small homes or flats. It uses air resistance to provide a solid rowing workout for all user levels.

Its advantage lies in its compactness and ease of use, familiar to many customers. The compact design makes it mobile and portable, and the foot pedals can be inclined for a great rowing experience. However, some users noted the lack of features like a tablet holder or streaming, which may be important for those interested in guided workouts.

It has customer-friendly features, especially in versatility, making it easy to store and transport. While it lacks high-tech features, it performs well for its quality and cost, making it ideal for those with a tight budget.

#3 Echelon Row

4.8

Shop Now At Amazon Website

Product Highlights:

• 16 levels of magnetic resistance.
• Product Dimension: 20.47″D x 84.65″W x 43.7″H
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Item Weight: 120 Pounds
• Tension Level: 32 Levels of Resistance
• Warranty Description: 1 Year manufacturer

What we love:

• Pivoting device holder for streaming.
• 16 levels of magnetic resistance.
• Bluetooth resistance controller on handlebars.
• Compact and foldable for easy storage.
• Suitable for interactive workout experiences.

What to consider:

• Lacks built-in touchscreen display.
• Weight capacity is limited to 300 pounds.
• Has some plastic parts that reduce durability.
• May feel less sturdy for larger users.

Why We Choose Echelon Row

We chose the Echelon Row as the best budget rowing machine for streaming because it offers interactive features at an affordable price. Its compact design, magnetic resistance, and tablet holder make it perfect for those who want to follow streaming workouts without needing a built-in screen. The Bluetooth-enabled resistance control further enhances the ease of use, creating a seamless rowing experience at home.

Overview

Echelon Row is perfect for users who want the benefits of rowing fitness without streaming interactive classes. With a foldable rail and fixed device holder, you can use your own tablet or phone for streaming. Its low cost and compact size fit small rooms, making it an affordable option for enjoyable workouts.

From the customer’s perspective, the machine has been praised for its flexibility and easy storage. Its quiet operation, due to magnetic resistance, makes it ideal for home use. However, some may complain about the lack of a touch screen, which could be addressed as the firm introduces more advanced models.

It features 16 power magnetic levels, easily operated through Bluetooth buttons on the bike’s grip. The BW1000 supports users up to 300 pounds and has a foldable design for space-conscious consumers. Unfolded, it measures 84 inches long and 21 inches wide.

#4 Concept2 RowErg

4.8

Read Full ReviewShop Now At Amazon Website

Product Highlights:

• Product Dimensions: 24″D x 96″W x 14″H
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 500 Pounds
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
• Item Weight: 57.32 Pounds
• Material: Aluminum

What we love:

• Smooth, adjustable air resistance levels.
• Durable, high-quality construction materials.
• Bluetooth connectivity for tracking stats.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Easy to store with foldable design.

What to consider:

• No touchscreen display included.
• Can be noisy with air resistance.
• Seat may feel uncomfortable during long sessions.
• Requires regular chain maintenance.

Why We Choose Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg is a best-quality rowing machine that offers performance, sturdiness, and reasonable pricing. Its smooth air resistance makes it one of the best entry-level air rowing machines for home gyms. With solid construction, it ensures long durability, and Bluetooth connectivity helps users track their achievements.

Overview

The Concept2 RowErg is renowned as the best-value air rowing machine for dedicated fitness users. Its air resistance adjusts to the force applied, offering a unique workout. Suitable for novices and professionals, it provides a full-body training system at home.

Concept2 RowErg is well-received for its sturdiness and simplicity. Customers appreciate features like the adjustable damper for regulating resistance. While it lacks a touchscreen, the LCD provides clear performance metrics. It’s also compact enough to store in small spaces when not in use.

Additionally, its 500-pound weight capacity and long rail make it suitable for users of all sizes. Despite a few concerns about seat comfort over long sessions, most users agree the rower is excellent for its price and performance. The machine’s ability to split into two for easy storage is another plus for those with limited space.

#5 Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine

4.8

Shop Now At Amazon Website

Product Highlights:

• Product Dimensions: 78.9″D x 22.3″W x 35.4″H
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds
• Frame Material: Alloy Steel
• Item Weight: 91.9 Pounds
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Warranty Description: ‎3-year structural frame / 180 days for other parts and components

What we love:

• Affordable price for water resistance rower
• Smooth and quiet rowing experience
• Compact design for easy storage
• LCD monitor for tracking performance
• Great for beginner and intermediate users

What to consider:

• No screen or tablet holder
• Water sloshing can be noisy
• Doesn’t fold like other models
• Basic tracking without advanced features

Why We Choose Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 is rated the best budget water rowing machine for home use. It offers reliable water resistance without needing fancy additions. It’s well-built to handle this and is ideal for those who want to improve their fitness without expensive gadgets.

Overview

Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine is more affordable than other water resistance rowers. It offers the realistic feel of rowing on the water and suits both beginners and intermediate users.

From the customer perspective, many users love that the product is easy to use and carry. Although it doesn’t fold, it is portable and can be stored upright to save space. It is also favored for its natural sculling, offering effective exercise without much pressure on the joints.

This rower features a molded seat for comfort during extended use and is built with 16 hydro blades for a realistic rowing experience. It includes an LCD monitor to track time, distance, and calories burned.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Budget Rowing Machine

When reviewing the best budget rowing machines, we considered several factors. Here’s how we selected the top cheap rowing machines for your home gym.

Price and Value

When choosing rowing machines for this list, we made sure they were affordable, under $1000. The goal was to find the best budget-friendly rowing machine with features justifying the price.

Build Quality

Durability is key when choosing a budget home rowing machine. We looked for rowers built with materials like steel and aluminum, which make them last longer. A best-budget rowing machine should feel stable and strong during every workout.

Resistance Types

We tested different types of resistance: air, magnetic, and water. Each type offers a unique rowing experience, so we picked machines that provide the best workout for various needs. Whether you prefer the quiet operation of a magnetic rower or the more natural feel of a budget water rower, we covered it all.

Space Efficiency

Home gyms often have limited space, so we prioritized the best budget rowing machines that are easy to store. Many options on our list fold up or can be stored vertically, making them the best compact rowing machines on a budget.

User Experience

The overall experience is essential, so we evaluated how easy each machine was to use. We looked at the controls, displays, and comfort features. We wanted rowers with clear controls, comfortable seating, and extra features like Bluetooth or app integration that help improve the workout. The best budget rowing machine for home should be easy to set up and use.

Benefits of the Best Budget Rowing Machines

Full-Body Workout

Rowing machines are great because they offer full-body workouts. Each stroke engages your legs, arms, and core muscles, helping burn calories and tone your muscles.

Low-Impact Exercise

Cycling is easier on your joints than running and lacks the jerky movements that cause muscle strains, making it ideal for those needing low-impact exercise to boost cardiovascular fitness.

Versatility

Rowing machines are of varied types depending on the kind of exercise you wish to undertake. If it is a HIIT workout for strength, cardio and weightloss, or a simple cardio session, a budget rower will serve the purpose best enough.

Space-Saving Options

There are a lot of low-cost rowing machines that are designed to be folded such as the ProForm 750R. Rowing machines can be small and some are foldable and therefore can be kept even in small places when not in use.

Types of Rowing Machines

It’s important to know the available types when looking for the best budget rowing machine. Each works differently and suits specific workout needs. Here’s a quick look at the main types:

Air Rowers

Wind in air rowers acts as resistance, increasing with faster strokes, making it ideal for general exercise and workouts. A great example is the Concept2 RowErg, often regarded as the best budget air rowing machine, making it a top choice for athletes on a budget.

Magnetic Rowers

If you’re looking for a quiet and steady workout, magnetic rowers are ideal. Unlike traditional equipment with mechanical resistance adjustment, these machines use quiet magnetic resistance. The ProForm 750R is a great buy, often cited as one of the best-value magnetic rowing machines. It’s also perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly, space-saving rowing machine for home use.

Water Rowers

If you want a rowing experience, a water rowing machine offers a realistic feel. Using a water tank for resistance provides a natural and soothing sound. The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge 500 is highly regarded as the best water rowing machine, ideal for anyone seeking a close indoor rowing experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rowing Machine

Price Range

If you’re on a budget, many good rowing machines are available. These machines offer effective workouts at a low cost. If you’re looking for an affordable rowing machine for home use, you’ll have plenty of options.

Resistance Type

Rowing machines come in different resistance types: air, magnetic, or water. Weight equipment differs from cardio equipment, offering different workouts. Budget air rowing machines provide smooth sessions with adjustable tension. Magnetic rowing machines, ideal for home use, are quiet with consistent tension. Water rowers mimic rowing on water, perfect for those seeking that experience.

Space and Storage

When space is limited, consider a budget folding rowing machine like ProForm 750R. It’s easy to fold and doesn’t take up much space when not in use, ideal for those in compact homes or apartments. This feature is useful if you lack a home gym and need to store the machine often.

Tech Features

Most affordable rowing machines come with display screens, pulse rate sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. These features help manage workouts, track results, and broadcast fitness classes. If you’re looking for a budget rowing machine for weight loss or high-intensity training, these tech features make exercise enjoyable.