If you happen to’re restricted on house, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are numerous 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 perfect compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in nicely with different top-rated dwelling health club tools. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Under is our record of the perfect compact dwelling rowing machines obtainable.
How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this record have been rigorously chosen based mostly 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 based mostly on measurement, portability, price, 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 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
- 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 a further price
- Most person peak is six ft
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 possibility for many who need to elevate their at-home exercise routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this record, and the general measurement 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. This can be a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices a further $190, which is a bit on the expensive aspect.
The body is manufactured 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 evaluations 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 glossy trying.” The important 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 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; appropriate iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Will be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Bluetooth appropriate
- 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 may 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 thirty days, and also you’ll have entry to dwell and on-demand lessons. Membership to the health app shouldn’t be required to make use of the rower; nonetheless, you gained’t have entry to trainer-led lessons with out it.
A trainer-led rowing exercise provides you the choice to row on the open water for a extra scenic expertise, and there are additionally studio classes. 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 superb for many 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 clean rotation. You probably 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 might’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; appropriate iFIT subscription is $39/month
- Storage: Folding
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Professionals:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to save lots of house
- 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 measurement 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 should utilize for iFIT exercises should you select to subscribe, or you may 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 keep up inertia and rotate easily, and the metal rail is outsized to assist maintain you steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps maintain your ft 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
Professionals:
- Resistance might be adjusted from the handlebar
- Bluetooth appropriate
- Magnetic resistance
- Massive, immersive contact display screen might be flipped 180 levels
Cons:
- Prolonged guarantee protection is a further $149 for one 12 months or $229 for 2 years
If you happen to 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 provides 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 allow you to keep correct posture and alignment. If you happen to’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 irrespective 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 good 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 important worth. The ten-inch display screen is a wonderful possibility for many 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 maintain your ft safe. The handlebar has a delicate grip, and the molded seat is designed that will help you really feel comfy. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 might be folded and saved out of the way in which.
The right way to Select the Finest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What elements do you have to contemplate earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d advocate you take into consideration as you ponder your buy resolution:
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 measurement machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure peak to see you probably have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Consider any extra prices similar to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, similar to a lumbar help system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I searching for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I desire a extra simplistic show? Different options similar to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential should you’re in a shared house and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability may additionally play a job in your resolution as nicely.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing permits you to implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you may regulate the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body exercise that makes use of 86 p.c of your muscle tissue. With every stroke, you’re utilizing your core and legs for the preliminary pull and ending the rowing motion by utilizing your higher physique. Because you’re in a seated place, there’s much less stress in your knee and ankle joints.
Getting all 4 kinds of train (endurance, energy, stability, and suppleness) has advantages, based on The Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH). A rowing machine might be utilized for 2 varieties: endurance and energy. Many rowing machines have built-in packages or subscriptions that provide lessons geared towards constructing energy and endurance.
Last Ideas
Rowing is an effective way to construct energy and endurance whereas working numerous muscle teams. There are decisions to swimsuit quite a lot of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot house you’ve, your worth vary and the options you’d like will allow you to select the perfect compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
The machines on this record vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You’ll find a rower in your worth vary, however should you go for a rower beneath, say, $200, you could 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 greatest 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 purpose of your coaching session.
Compact rowing machines normally have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.
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