The Best Rowing Machines Under $500, Selected by Our Editors
Level up your cardio at home with price-concious picks.
Reviewed by Charles Thorp, NASMFitness and Reviews Editor
ROWING IS ONE of the most effective and efficientcardio workouts, taxing every muscle of the body, from your calves to your traps. But, while you can shell out some serious cash to add a rowing machine to your home, that doesn’t make sense for beginner rowers who are still figuring out whether they’re into this type of workout.
The best rowing machines under $500 allow users to get in a solid workout at a budget-minded price. They’re a great way to learn if you’ll stick with rowing and to learn your needs around this form of exercise before investing in a pricier machine.
Best Rowing Machines Under $500
- Best Overall: Merach Rowing Machine (Manuel Adjustment)
- Best Air Rower: Stamina ATS Rower 35-1403
- Best Water Rower: Merach Water Rowing Machine
- Best Smart Rower: Echelon Row Sport 2
- Best Space Saving: Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine
Some high-tech machines will do everything short of row for you—these machines don’t fall into that camp. But these rowers will help you work up a sweat, get your HR up, and work on your strength training gains, all without breaking the bank.
What to Consider
Price
High-end rowers will typically run you between $1,000 and $4,500, but it’s still possible to get a starter machine for under $500. Some machines are well below that, but machines close to or at the $500 mark are about as sturdy and functional of a rower as you can buy for that price.
Space
For the most part, a rower is a rower. They’re all roughly the same size. You’ll need about 15 square feet of space to use it, which is small enough to work in most apartments, garages, and basements. We opted for picks in line with the standard length; the shortest rower in our guide is 58.5 inches, the longest being 74.5 inches.
Every rower here can also be stored vertically (and some fold up), which drastically reduces the amount of horizontal space it takes up, and has wheels so you can easily move it from A to B. (You just need to ensure you have enough ceiling clearance to store your rower standing upright, which, unless you have five-foot-high ceilings, you should be fine.)
Weight is the third factor in this category. The lightest rower we recommend, which weighs 39 pounds, can easily be moved by a single person, and most folks won’t struggle too much with the 89-pound model below (the wheels make it much easier to move).
Resistance Type
There are four primary resistance profiles for rowers: air, magnetic, water, and hydraulics. When choosing what type of resistance you want, you’ll want to consider the feel and the noise level. Here’s a quick breakdown of each.
Air
You’re probably most familiar with air-resisted rowers, with many commercial gyms housing Concept2’s rower, the gold standard for rowers that utilizes air resistance. Air-resisted rowers are the loudest models with a stroke that feels hardest during the initial pull and easiest at the apex of your stroke.
Magnetic
Whisper quiet, magnets provide quiet resistance throughout your stroke. One downside is that some magnetically-resisted rowers must be plugged into an outlet.
Water
Water-resisted rowers utilize a turbine that pulls against water set in a round tub, usually on top of the rower. Like magnets, you should feel constant resistance during your stroke and little to no noise (other than the swish of the water). Water-resisted rowers require a little maintenance; you’ll need to purify the water occasionally, and there’s always a risk of leakage.
Hydraulics
This isn’t a typical mode of resistance, but we have one hydraulically-resisted rower. The nature of the mechanics will make for a different stroke than you’re used to, but it should be fairly quiet. Also, our pick is the shortest and lightest, so it’s easy to move and store.
How We Chose
Our team of fitness editors is comprised of certified trainers and former athletes, who have all had plenty of experience with rowers of all shapes and sizes. Our own gym has a number of the latest models available, not to mention we make it a mission to try every new model in a training center, equipment showroom, or in our own home gyms.
During the writing and editorial process for this story, a number of rowers were put to the test during lunch breaks or after work, watching sports, which gives you an idea of the cardio convenience that these machines can bring to your at-home life. In addition to the considerations mentioned above, we also judged based on weight, movability, and technology offerings.
Best Deal
Merach Magnetic Rowing Machine
Pros
- Familiar design for folks who regularly
- Comes with a free fitness app for workouts
- High weight capacity of 350 pounds
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Doesn’t display full workout stats
For less than $400, Merach offers a magnetic rower that’s aesthetically pleasing, functions exactly as you expect an erg to, and is light enough for a single person to handle. It comes with Merach’s free app for tons of workout possibilities and offers 16 different levels of resistance.
Merach’s design is simple yet functional. The round LED display shows you the resistance level you’re on and the distance you’ve covered. To increase the difficulty, simply turn the dial that the display sits on to the right. The Q1S comes with a tablet holder, so you can set up the Merach app on your device to stream classes. Other things we like: The rower comes “90 percent assembled,” Merach says, so a single person can build it in about 10 minutes. It stores vertically to save space, and the seat has butt cheek indents for additional comfort.
A couple of potential downsides are a lack of metrics on display. Merach’s app does track calories, distance, workouts, time, and more, but the rower can’t display all of that data in front of you (unless you’re using a tablet). Also, competitive rowers may not like the feel of magnetic resistance compared to air, which is traditionally used in popular rowers like the Erg Concept2.
Read More: 12 Rowing Workouts That Will Incinerate Fat
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Product Weight | 40 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Dimensions | 65"L x 19.3"W x 24.8"H |
Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine 35
Pros
- Traditional rower design
- Padded seat
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight but sturdy
Cons
- Not a quiet machine
An air rower isn’t for everyone—namely, these machines are noisy—and Stamina’s ATS Rower 35 is no exception. But these machines are popular for their variable resistance, which means the harder you row, the tougher the resistance.
The Stamina ATS Rower 35 is a lightweight rower that’s easy to get up and running. It relies on a fan to create a nice breeze around you while you get to work. The machine has a clear display that’s right in your sightline, although it’s admittedly basic. Still, you can check out your speed, distance, time, and calories burned as you go.
There’s no phone tray, so you’ll need to watch shows on an actual TV or stream music while you exercise for entertainment. But there is a nicely padded seat that’s comfortable under your cheeks for longer sessions. Be aware that the machine has a lower weight capacity of 250 pounds, so it’s not ideal for larger rowers. Still, it folds up into an impressively small frame when it’s not in use, making this a solid choice for people who are short on space.
Read More: Best Foldable Rowing Machines
| Resistance type | Air |
| Product weight | 54 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 250 lbs |
| Dimensions | 77"L x 18"W x 22"H |
Merach Water Rowing Machine
Pros
- Water rowers provide resistance during each stroke
- Visually pleasing design
- Large foot pedals
Cons
- The heaviest rower in our guide
Water rowers have gained popularity over the years because they’re far quitters than air rowers, look sleek, and the water provide resistance through each stroke. Merach’s $460 water row has a beautifully crafted wood frame with a 12-blade turbine inside the water tub for, they claim, “double the resistance."
Like the other Merach rower here, The R14 is compatible with its fitness app for workouts and stat tracking. This model doesn’t have a table holder, but its display shows you basic stats (time, distance, calories, etc.) As we teased, the build is aesthetically pleasing, with a dark wood finish, black accents, and a simple design. You can store this rower, the heaviest in this guide, vertically and wheel it out of storage when you’re ready to use it.
This rower is shorter than most we recommend, so your stroke may feel a little off, especially if you’re a taller athlete. Also, it’s worth mentioning that water rowers do require some maintenance. You’ll need to maintain water levels inside the tub and occasionally purify the water (using tablets) to prevent mold. And while Merach advertises rubber sealing to prevent leaks, you always run the risk of spillage from your rower.
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Product Weight | 86 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Dimensions | 68.5"L x 17"W x 30"H |
Echelon
Row Sport 2
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 32 resistance levels
- Resistance adjustment is conveniently on the handle
- Folds up
Cons
- App required for full functionality
The Echelon Row Sport 2 is one of the smartest machines you’ll find at this price point, with features you’d expect to find in a higher-end device. The machine has a large tablet holder where you can stream workouts through the corresponding app. Your workout stats cycle through nine display modes on a dial.
We appreciate the resistance controls, which allow you to cycle through 32 levels right from the handlebar. An ergonomic seat cradles your butt, while secure footstraps keep you in place, even during harder rows.
This machine folds up to save on space when it’s not in use, making it a good option for people in tight quarters. The machine feels sturdy as you row, and the ride is smooth and quiet. While you can hop on the machine and just get to work, Echelon gives you the option of investing in a Premier Membership for unlimited live and on-demand classes, along with personalized AI workouts and entertainment streaming. (You can try this for 30 days for free to see if it’s a good fit for you before investing in the membership.)
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Product Weight | 70.5 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Dimensions | 75.8"L x 22"W x 28"H |
Yosuda
Magnetic Rower 01
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Folds up for storage
Cons
- Display is very basic
If you’re in the market for a total bargain, the Yosuda Magnetic rower is an under-$200 pick that still offers plenty of features to help you get a workout in. This magnetic rower offers 16 levels of resistance to give you room to challenge yourself as you build up a rowing routine.
This machine has a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, along with a steel frame for a sturdy feel. The track is a little shorter than some others, which is why Yosuda doesn’t recommend this machine for rowers over 6 feet. The LCD monitor is also small and basic, but still shows stats you care about like distance, time, calories burned, and stroke count.
The Yosuda Magnetic has large pedals and a roomy tablet holder where you can stream workouts or entertainment. It also assembles quickly and folds up for storage. Of course, this is a basic model and you get what you pay for. But Yosuda’s machine is quiet and sturdy, allowing you to get your rowing in and move on with your day. If you’re happy to exercise without bells and whistles, it’s worth considering.
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Product Weight | 43 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.9"L x 17.8"W x 24.8"H |
Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Pros
- Reviewers said this was a durable and sturdy machine
- Folds up to save space
- Costs less than $400
Cons
- The design is basic
This boxy, grey rower may not be the prettiest machine out there, but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in efficiency and its ability to fold up easily for storage. Once you sit down on the Marcy rower, you’ll be met with the handle and a dial that lets you adjust the magnetic resistance through eight different resistance levels.
There’s a basic screen that displays time, speed, calories, and a couple of other metrics. The rower’s case, seat, and pedals are constructed almost entirely from plastic, though that’s about par for the course. When you’re done using it, the rail folds upwards at the pedals, condensing the length from 74.5 inches to 24 inches.
We aren't the only ones who like this rower either, as many costumers gone online to say how much they like this machine. Most positive reviews touch on the price, build quality, and functionality. Again, the Marcy rower delivers function over form. If aesthetics aren’t a major concern, we think this is a good option for most casual rowers.
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Product Weight | 64 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Dimensions | 74.5"L x 20"W x 53.5"H |
More Of Our Favorite Home Gym Equipment
Men’s Health Fitness Awards | Best Home Gym Equpiment| Best Rowing Machines | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Adjustable Dumbbells | Best Massage Guns | Best Weight Benches | Best Foam Rollers | Best Pull Up Bars | Best Resistance Bands | Best Air Bikes | Best Medicine Balls | Best Medicine Balls | Best Adjustable Kettlebells
Andrew Gutman, NASM-CPT is a journalist with a decade of experience covering fitness and nutrition. His work has been published in Men's Health, Men's Journal, Muscle & Fitness, and Gear Patrol. Outside of writing, Andrew trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, helps coach his gym's kickboxing team, and enjoys reading and cooking.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Readers Also Read
The 11 Best Whey Protein Powders for Muscle Mass
Massage Guns We Love for Muscle Recovery
The 4-Week Walking for Weight Loss Plan
Get Fit at Home With The 7 Best Rowing Machines
