The Greatest Compact Rowing Machines for...

When you’re restricted on area, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are lots of nice rowing machines in the marketplace, there are additionally some superior compact options that provide all the identical tech options you’ll discover in different cardio machines. 

Throughout our seek for one of the best compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in properly with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought of the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our checklist of one of the best compact dwelling rowing machines out there.

How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this checklist have been fastidiously chosen primarily based on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, protecting 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 Total Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

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 workout routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this checklist, 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. 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 produced 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 constructive, 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 trying.” The essential evaluations make up 3 p.c of the general evaluations and state points like non-working components 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
• 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

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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 provides you the choice to row on the open water for a extra scenic expertise, and there are additionally studio periods. The resistance is adjusted robotically 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 many who need to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.

The rail is 87 inches lengthy and produced from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to preserve a easy rotation. When you’ve got a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates rigidity towards the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine may be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it could actually’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
• Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; appropriate iFIT subscription is $39/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Restrict: 250 kilos

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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 straightforward to maneuver. It comes outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should use for iFIT exercises when you select to subscribe, or you possibly can monitor your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the handbook 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 maintain you steady. The massive, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps maintain 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
• Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Restrict: 300 kilos

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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 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, working, and purposeful coaching lessons.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the flexibility to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place provide help to preserve correct posture and alignment. When you’re brief 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 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 good HD touchscreen

Out there programming: Stay and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible value, making it an important worth. The ten-inch display is a wonderful possibility for many who need to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance may be adjusted as much as 26 ranges robotically in an iFIT class or manually as wanted.

The pivoting foot pedals are outsized, and the nylon straps maintain your toes safe. The handlebar has a gentle grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 may be folded and saved out of the best way.

The 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 bear in mind as you ponder your buy determination:

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 need to measure peak to see when you have 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 similar to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, similar to a lumbar assist system or seat improve.

Options

Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I would like? Am I on the lookout 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 when you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability might also play a task in your determination as properly.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing permits you to implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll 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 forms of train (endurance, energy, steadiness, and suppleness) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine may 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.

Remaining Ideas

Rowing is a good way to construct energy and endurance whereas working numerous muscle teams. There are decisions to go well with a wide range of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you may have, your value vary and the options you’d like will provide help to select one of the best compact rowing machine for you.

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