When 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 provide 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 home gym equipment. 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 listing of the very best compact dwelling rowing machines accessible.
How We Selected the Greatest 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, conserving 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, 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 Greatest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:
Greatest 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: 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
- Accessible in 5 colours
- Patented electromagnetic drag system
Cons:
- Vertical anchor for upright storage is an extra price
- Most consumer peak is six ft
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 choice for individuals who wish 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 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 an extra $190, which is a bit on the expensive 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 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.
Total, the opinions on the Hydrow web site are constructive, and lots 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 smooth trying.” The crucial opinions make up 3 p.c of the general opinions and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every evaluation 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; appropriate iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Bluetooth appropriate
- Resistance is mechanically 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’ll be able to 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 monthly, and also you’ll have entry to reside and on-demand lessons. Membership to the fitness app will not 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 mechanically 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 wish 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 have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress towards the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter choice. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine will be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it will 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; appropriate iFIT subscription is $39/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to avoid wasting area
- Metal rail is additional 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 dimension by lifting the deal with, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it simple 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’ll be able to 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 provides the consumer 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 preserve you steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps preserve your ft 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 will be adjusted from the handlebar
- Bluetooth appropriate
- Magnetic resistance
- Giant, immersive contact display will 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 offers 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 cushty place assist you keep correct posture and alignment. When you’re quick 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 nice, operates very quietly, and provides a nice exercise regardless of your stage,” 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
Accessible 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 value, making it a fantastic worth. The ten-inch display is a wonderful choice for individuals who wish to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance will be adjusted as much as 26 ranges mechanically in an iFIT class or manually as wanted.
The pivoting foot pedals are outsized, and the nylon straps preserve your ft safe. The handlebar has a smooth grip, and the molded seat is designed that will help you really feel comfy. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 will be folded and saved out of the best way.
Tips on how to Select the Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What components must you contemplate 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 wish to measure peak to see in case you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Take into accounts any extra prices resembling a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, resembling a lumbar assist system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I would like? Am I searching for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I desire a extra simplistic show? Different options resembling a magnetic resistance system could also be vital for those who’re in a shared area and wish a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability can also 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 alter 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 strain in your knee and ankle joints.
Getting all 4 sorts of train (endurance, power, stability, and adaptability) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine will be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and power. Many rowing machines have built-in packages or subscriptions that provide lessons geared towards constructing power and endurance.
Ultimate Ideas
Rowing is an effective way to construct power and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are selections to swimsuit a wide range of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area 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 listing vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You could find a rower in your value vary, however for those who go for a rower underneath, say, $200, chances are you’ll be compromising high quality.
Sometimes, rowing machine size ranges between six to 9 ft with extra compact choices at six or seven ft lengthy.
The extent of resistance that’s finest for you is determined by 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 objective of your coaching session.
Compact rowing machines normally have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
