If you happen to’re restricted on area, 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 effectively 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. Under is our listing of the very best compact dwelling rowing machines obtainable.
How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this listing had been fastidiously chosen based mostly on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, holding in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every selection based mostly 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 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 an extra 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 evaluations 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’s 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 an extra $190, which is a bit on the dear 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 created 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 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 evaluation says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and smooth trying.” The essential evaluations make up 3 p.c of the general evaluations and state points like non-working components 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; suitable iFIT membership is $39/month
- Storage: Could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
- Weight Restrict: 250 kilos
Execs:
- Bluetooth suitable
- Resistance is routinely 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 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 reside and on-demand lessons. Membership to the fitness app just isn’t 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 modifications. The outsized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with fast launch, which is superb for individuals who wish to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.
The rail is 87 inches lengthy and created from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a clean rotation. If in case you have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates rigidity in opposition to 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 could possibly’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
Execs:
- Multi-position adjustable handlebars
- Designed to save lots of area
- Metal rail is further 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 geared up with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should use for iFIT exercises when you 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 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 preserve you secure. The massive, 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
Execs:
- Resistance will be adjusted from the handlebar
- Bluetooth suitable
- 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
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 just isn’t 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, 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 keep correct posture and alignment. If you happen to’re brief 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 seems nice, operates very quietly, and offers a nice exercise irrespective 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
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 incredible 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 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 comfortable grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 will be folded and saved out of the best way.
The right way 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 suggest you consider 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 area to find out what dimension machine works greatest. You’ll wish to measure peak to see when you’ve got sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Price range
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared to spend. Consider any extra prices reminiscent of a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, reminiscent of 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 favor a extra simplistic show? Different options reminiscent of a magnetic resistance system could also be essential when you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability can also play a job in your resolution as effectively.
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 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 kinds of train (endurance, energy, stability, and suppleness) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine will be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and energy. Many rowing machines have built-in packages or subscriptions that supply lessons geared towards constructing energy and endurance.
Closing Ideas
Rowing is a good way to construct energy and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are selections to go well with quite a lot of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you’ve got, 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 will discover a rower in your value vary, however when you 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 greatest for you depends upon your health degree, expertise, and objectives. 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.
