With less than five hundred bucks, you can buy a rowing machine to recall the float on the river offseason. However, finding a perfect rowing machines for your needs isn’t an easy task.
Give your mind a break, the best rowing machines under $500 are right below. Let find out your ultimate rowing mate.
Here are the best rowing machines under $500 you can buy in 2025:
- Magnetic - Best Manual: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515
- Magnetic - Best Programmable: Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
- Air - Best Overall: Stamina ATS Air Rower
- Hydraulic - Best Overall: Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Free Motion Arms
- Water - Best Overall: XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
- Water - Most Compact: Sunny Health & Fitness Water SF-RW5713
| Top 7 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 | ||
|---|---|---|
Magnetic - Best Manual | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515
| Read Our Review |
Magnetic - Best Programmable | Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
| Read Our Review |
Air - Best Overall | Stamina ATS Air Rower
| Read Our Review |
Hydraulic - Best Overall | Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Free Motion Arms
| Read Our Review |
Water - Best Overall | XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
| Read Our Review |
Water - Most Compact | Sunny Health & Fitness Water SF-RW5713
| Read Our Review |
Top 6 Best Rowing Machines Under $500
Magnetic - Best Manual: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515
Handsome price point
Effective 8 levels of intensity
Magnetic tension gives the least noise
The LCD shows clear fitness data
May not fit tall people well
The machine bears an efficient footprint design. The main frame makes use of heavy-duty steel built to withstand abuse from users of all sizes and levels.
It doesn’t require a lot of space making the machine perfect for any home use.
Features the magnetic resistance, the rower makes your workout fun and satisfying. You can vary your practice with 8 adjustable levels of resistance. The twist locates within your hand reach making it accessible.
Above the level knob is the control panel system that scans your performance then displays on the screen. The LCD console will showcase the data help you keep track of your fitness goal.
The advantage of magnetic resistance is it produces less noise than most type. Moreover, it requires minimum maintenance.
For the home use purpose, the capacity of 250 pounds should be adequate for everybody in your family to row.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic SF-RW5515 Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 82” x 19” x 23” |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 37” X 19” X 53.5” |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 250 |
Levels of resistance | 8 |
Slide rail length (inches) | 44 |
The changeable levels of resistance bring lots of benefits for rowers at any level.
Magnetic - Best Programmable: Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
Silent resistance
Hassle-free assemble
Come with heart rate monitor and chest strap
Oversized pedals
Multiple training programs
Sturdy frame
Short warranty
Poor backlit LCD
The heart of this machine is the drum magnetic control resistance. Unlike the flywheel and standalone arms on other machines, the magnetic mechanism promises a whisper quietness.
Besides, it situates an electric tension control and a PU molded saddle large enough to deliver only comfortability.
Not many budget rowing machine with the heart rate monitor includes a free chest strap like this one. Better than all, the belt is compatible with most heart rate monitor providers.
Aiming for home users, the footprint of this model is designed to be foldable. After squeezing it down, you can roll the unit to store snugly where space is available.
The best selling point is the abundance of programs include 12 built-in, manual and 6 pre-set. It functions as a personal trainer to coach you with a one-time payment.
Every of your track will be recorded and screened on the LCD. Following the data, you’re able to build up a fitness plan right under your roof.
Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 80.3” x 20.1” x 25.2” |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 20” x 34” x 54” |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 275 |
Levels of resistance | None |
Slide rail length (inches) | 47 |
The 12 built-in programs will make your home rowing section more challenging than ever.
Air - Best Overall: Stamina ATS Air Rower
Foldable for storage
Super compact
Affordable price
Produce smooth motion
Cooling with air resistance
Zero mess assemble
Confusing metric on monitor
Not adjustable damper
Stamina again brings a top-notch piece of equipment that will work out our cardio, strength and the entire body.
This calorie incinerator utilizes air resistance that gives a smooth and strong rowing motion.
The appeal is that the air generated from the motion will cool you down while you’re exercising. So, no more worry about getting overheated.
We love the folding concept that can squeeze next to nothing. If you have a small flat, it doesn’t matter. With the portable wheels, you can push it to the corner and let it sit there until your next section.
It features a padded handle to give a pleasant grip. What amazed us was how smooth this air tension is.
It does create the sound, but it’s not intolerant like on most air machine available. In fact, you can still enjoy the TV show and hearing the script while toning up your shape.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 77” x 18.75” x 22” |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 48” x 18.75” x 28” |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 250 |
Levels of resistance | None |
Slide rail length (inches) | 54 |
The Stamina air rower will get you to concentrate on your intensity thus gaining the best shape out of practice.
Hydraulic - Best Overall: Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Free Motion Arms
Orbital motion arm imitates real rowing
Compact and portable
Solidly built quality
Angle of seat rail can be raised to add resistance
Long warranty on the frame
Not suitable for people with knee issues
Requires regular maintenance
This Stamina free motion arm model mimics the smooth motion of rowing on the water.
Your hands will find the foamed grip a good companion to pair for hours of rowing. The rail inclines to focus on your legs and back.
It is equipped with pivoting footplates to maneuver along with your movements. The Velcro straps ensure your feet won’t slide anywhere even on high intensity.
The best feature that sells is the full-range motion arms give you a closer feeling like rowing with real pedals.
Durability comes from the steel frame, and the center beam guarantees years of training while demanding the least maintenance during the time.
You will admire the multifunctional fitness monitor that records your pace.
All of your distance, stroke, calories, and count can be seen to keep up with the goal. That way, you will know how you level every day and get even more motivation.
We can’t find any rowing machine that is more compact than this one.
Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Free Motion Arms Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 48” x 32.5” x 27.75” |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 48” x 32.5” x 10” |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 250 |
Levels of resistance | 5 |
Slide rail length (inches) | 48 |
If you seek for a super smooth tension and free arm motion, this Stamina 35-1215 is the right guy.
Water - Best Overall: XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
Study frame
Raised seat height of 13.5 inches
Adjustable water levels
Larger seat
Imitate the peace of rowing on water
Manually adding water
Heart trap not included
Close your eyes and feel the water waves behind each row. This water resistance rower machine does nothing but gives you that tranquil touch of being on a real boat.
The flexy foot pedals with numbered settings can modify to the size of your foot. That prevents slipping off the pad while you focus on your arms.
You will find up to 6 levels of resistance all configured by your choice. The amount of water will determine the intensity. The guide to fill water is right on the tank.
The handle grips and seat are contoured to maximize comfortability. Especially in the ergonomic raised saddle, you will find getting on and off the machine is much easier.
All of your performance are now shown on the huge LCD screen which appears to be interactive and more than easy-to-read.
More than that, the machine handles users up to 300 lbs. That activates the inner rower of any of your family member to get to know this full-body exercise sport.
Storing this machine won’t eat up the space of your room. It will transform into a neat standing unit in some random corner.
XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 71.9” x 20.7” x 31.5” |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 36.4” x 20.7” x 47.3” |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 300 |
Levels of resistance | 6 |
Slide rail length (inches) | 33 |
The model is just right for anyone who misses the sound of nature.
Water - Most Compact: Sunny Health & Fitness Water SF-RW5713
Worth the money
Lightweight
Easy to move around
Great high-profile seat
Nice display screen
Stiff body
Doesn’t include heart strap
No backlight on monitor
Again, it’s a water resistance babe translates your room into a watery kind of place to float.
It bears the R2 Fitness Meter to go after your pace accurately. There is practical information of your performance to maintain and meet the goal.
The machine is credited for its high-quality material and lightweight. The rubber wheels allow you to push the whole upright folded unit without leaving a mark on the floor.
On top of that, this model comes with the heart rate monitor system that is compatible with any heart rate strap. This additive gives you more options to track your cardiovascular workout.
Sunny Health & Fitness Water SF-RW5713 Specifications | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 79 x 22 x 34 |
Stored dimensions (L x W x H) | 33.46 x 22.05 x 78.74 |
Maximum user weight (lbs) | 250 |
Levels of resistance | None |
Slide rail length (inches) | 49 |
This is the cheapest and lightest water resistance rowing machine with quality on the market.
How To Choose The Best Rowing Machines Under 500?
Now you have a list in hand. There is only one more step ahead. Throw these criteria into your bucket and mark the machine that meets all of them. You will be able to pick the best rowing machine of them all.
Types of Resistance
Hydraulic piston leaves you tons of budget choices while providing all the necessary features to shape your figure. These machines also offer compact sizes and storing convenience.
If you’re prone to silence, magnetic is always the top option in line. Going with this type, you don’t need to worry about breaking your bank.
The flywheel of the air resistance can emit too much noise, but most of them are tolerable. Plus, they are light in weight and can be stored in any nook.
The water powered machines promote the feel of water. In the off-season, you can recall the memory on the river while enjoying a live baseball match.
Size & Foldability
This matters to your size of living space. You don’t want the machine to consume the room for your sofa.
Choose the equipment that can squeeze down to a standalone unit unless you have a garage to house the whole spread out machine.
Weight Capacity
Most machines can handle at least 250 pounds. You should be aware of this if you are an overweight person.
There are machines that allow the maximum weight up to 600 lbs. They usually come with a commercial grade but qualify for home use.
Which Brands Make The Best Rowing Machines Under 500?
Sunny Health and Fitness
The brand has made themselves phenomenal with unique models and outstanding quality in each.
They ensure every piece of equipment on the market meets with users’ least criteria, at the same times, adds motivation to boost the final goal.
Stamina
Taking the upper hand in the budget market, Stamina commits in only quality even in the least costly product.
With a rowing machine from this brand, you can establish your home gym without breaking your wallet.
XTERRA Fitness
Not being a newcomer in the fitness show but a younger rowing machine supplier, XTERRA Fitness guarantees their equipment are ones of a kind.
They invest in getting to know your expectation and produce from there to the best. At all levels, you should find the machines give nothing but comfort and positive outcome.
FAQs
Which is better? Treadmill or rowing machine?
A treadmill tends to burn more calories while running on an incline than that of rowing. But somehow, rowing is a better option to have an equivalent cardio workout and build more muscle.
If you want to attack more cores and glutes, a rowing machine will do a great job.
How long should you row on a rowing machine?
30 minutes a day should be the least practice time. As you advance your endurance, you can boost the exercise up to 4 – 5 hours like a skilled rower.
Can you lose weight with just a rowing machine?
Rowing motion puts impacts on large groups of muscles in the glutes, back, and buttock. So, yes! You can shed some fat and gain a better figure with a rowing machine.
How many calories do you burn in 5 minutes of rowing?
Not sure about that, but according to Harvard Health Publications, in 30 minutes rowing with moderate intensity, you can burn 210 to 311 calories.
What parts of the body does a rowing machine tone?
Rowing is an all-body exercise. It provides a workout to your legs muscles, hamstring and quads. For the upper body, it tones up the shoulders, arms, and tummy.
Are air rowers better than magnetic?
Your preference will determine. Only to consider the noise level of an air rower because it’s marked to produce the highest sound. In return, it gives a smoother rowing motion than the others.
Can a rowing machine damage your back?
Improper practice puts a strain on your lower back. Also, individuals with vulnerable back will feel the ache when rowing.
But that doesn’t make rowing terrible at all, not to mention it’s able to improve your weak abdominal muscles.
Summary
Ending up with an under $500 rowing machine won’t get you poor but additionally promote a healthy lifestyle.
We did our best to pick the best of each type available. We believe with any of the selection; you can never go wrong.
