Should you’re restricted on area, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are a lot of nice rowing machines available on the market, there are additionally some superior compact alternate 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 wonderful standalone choices and choices that slot in nicely with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our listing of the very best compact house rowing machines out there.
How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this listing have been fastidiously chosen primarily based on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, retaining 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 evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.
Our Picks for the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:
Greatest General 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: Reside 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 value
- Most consumer peak is six toes
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 choice for individuals who need to elevate their at-home workout routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this listing, and the general dimension is 30 p.c shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can’t 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 an extra $190, which is a bit on the expensive aspect.
The body is made 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 constituted of water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It additionally has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the expertise of rowing on open water.
General, the evaluations on the Hydrow web site are optimistic, and lots 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 modern wanting.” The vital 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 evaluate 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
- Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: May be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Bluetooth suitable
- Resistance is routinely 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 observe together with an iFIT exercise led by your favourite coach on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per 30 days, and also you’ll have entry to dwell and on-demand lessons. Membership to the fitness app shouldn’t be 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 routinely 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 individuals who need to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.
The rail is 87 inches lengthy and constituted of sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a easy rotation. When you’ve got a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress in opposition to the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter choice. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it might probably’t be folded.
Greatest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10
ProForm Pro 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 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 outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should use for iFIT exercises if you happen to 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 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 preserve you steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps preserve your toes 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
- Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
- Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 300 kilos
Professionals:
- 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 an extra $149 for one yr or $229 for 2 years
Should 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 shouldn’t be required, the additional $35/month exercise app offers you entry to over 40 dwell lessons and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, operating, and purposeful coaching lessons.
The ergonomic design of the seat and the flexibility to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place assist you to keep correct posture and alignment. Should you’re quick on area, 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 degree,” 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 sensible HD touchscreen
Obtainable programming: Reside 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 an awesome worth. The ten-inch display screen is a wonderful choice for individuals who need to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance might 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 preserve your toes safe. The handlebar has a delicate grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 might be folded and saved out of the way in which.
Methods to Select the Greatest 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 keep 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 area to find out what dimension machine works finest. You’ll need to measure peak to see when you’ve got sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Finances
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared to spend. Take into accounts any further prices corresponding to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, corresponding to a lumbar assist system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I on the lookout for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I desire a extra simplistic show? Different options corresponding to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential if you happen to’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability may additionally play a task in your choice as nicely.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing lets you 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 percent of your muscles. 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 varieties of train (endurance, power, stability, and suppleness) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (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 numerous muscle teams. There are selections to go well with quite a lot of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you may have, your worth vary and the options you’d like will assist you to select the very best compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
The machines on this listing vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You’ll find a rower in your worth vary, however if you happen to go for a rower underneath, 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 degree, expertise, and targets. General, 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 normally have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
