The 7 Greatest Rowing Machines Underneath $1,000 of 2024 (Knowledgeable Examined)

If operating and biking bore you to tears, the greatest rowing machines can assist shake your cardio routine up. These machines simulate the movement of rowing a ship, concentrating on your legs, arms, and again as you drive again, pulling on the deal with to finish the stroke. Whereas many rowers can price as much as $3,000 — a value level that I wish to name “Oprah cash” — we’ve uncovered the perfect rowers below $1,000 that may nonetheless handle to ship the coaching capabilities and depth to get your coronary heart pumping.

Whereas navigating the choices for rowers below $1,000, you’ll want to contemplate a wide range of elements. First, you’ll need to select the kind of resistance you need: air, water, hydraulic, or magnetic? Will a rower with streaming capabilities and spectacular tech options help the coaching you’re seeking to do? Do you want a rower that may fold up for simple storage, or one thing modern and classic-looking which you can preserve in your residing house? We’ve tried and examined almost 20 of the preferred choices available on the market, narrowing our checklist right down to our eight favorites.

The Greatest Rowing Machines Underneath $1,000 of 2024

How We Examined and Selected the Greatest Rowing Machines Underneath $1,000

The BarBend group is full of licensed private trainers, former D1 athletes, and CrossFit coaches, and we’ve personally examined out almost 20 rowing machines in our seek for the perfect gear to your house. The BarBend gear testing methodology is easy — we scored every profile in classes akin to sturdiness, tech capabilities, and ergonomics on a scale from 1 (yucky) to five (radical). The next are a number of the areas we dialed in on when testing and selecting the highest machines.

• Resistance Sort: “There are a number of varieties of rowing machines, together with water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and every kind gives a special expertise,” notes BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. We made certain to incorporate an choice for every resistance kind on our checklist, so it doesn’t matter what your desire we’d have one thing to fit your fancy.
• Tech Capabilities: Whereas the tech on rowers is pretty restricted in comparison with different cardio gear, we seemed for rowers with app compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity. We additionally saved our eyes peeled for LCD shows with pre-set programming like intervals, time, and distance-based exercises.
• Consolation: The seats on rowers are sometimes made from exhausting plastic, however we made certain to spotlight machines that felt cozy on our tushes, prioritizing fashions with molded or padded seats.
• Worth: Clearly, our high picks needed to sit beneath the $1,000 mark, however we needed to incorporate choices for every type of budgets. The picks on our checklist price anyplace from $149 as much as $999.
• Rowing Movement: The smoothness of the handlebar pull and seat glide is a crucial function on a rowing machine, so we sought to incorporate fashions that demonstrated no jerk or stickiness throughout testing. If a machine didn’t fairly reside as much as our excessive expectations, we made certain to notice it.

[Related: The Best Magnetic Rowing Machines]

Greatest Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000 Total: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is likely one of the most tried and true rowers available on the market. The “erg” (because it’s generally identified) offers a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is provided with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to trace meters rowed and energy burned. 

Our choose for greatest rowing machine below $1,000 total is the Concept2 RowErg. I’ve performed my justifiable share of exercises on this high-quality rower and it’s constructed to final, straightforward to hop on and get to work, and the LCD display comes with preset exercises. This rower can also be favourite of Olympians and we will see why — regardless of costing simply $990, our testers herald the RowErg as the perfect rower they’ve ever used. Exercise functionality, development, and elements scored 4.75 out of 5, and worth got here in proper behind with a 4.5 out of 5.

Previously often called the Mannequin D and Mannequin E Rower, the Concept2 RowErg is the king of the citadel in terms of rowing machines, utilized by skilled athletes and in nearly each CrossFit gymnasium. “The USA Olympic rowing group trains on the Concept2 due to its means to imitate the resistance felt whereas rowing on water,” famous our tester.

[Related: The Best CrossFit Equipment for Home Gyms]

Aluminum entrance legs and metal rear legs help an aluminum l-beam and chrome steel seat observe, offering a sturdy and sturdy experience for customers as much as 500 kilos. Plus, at 96 inches lengthy, this machine can help athletes as much as 6 ft 6 inches. Building scored a 4.75 out of 5.

Whereas the nickel-plated metal chain drive is constructed to final via prolonged use, it could require extra upkeep when in comparison with belt drives. Concept2 recommends oiling this chain each 50 hours of use. Sturdiness scored a 5 out of 5.

Once I’ve used this rower, I’ve discovered this seat to be an actual ache in my butt after I spend greater than just some minutes on it. For these with bony butts like myself, a foam seat pad with adhesive backing might be bought from Concept2 for a mere $3.50. Consolation scored a 4 out of 5.

Whereas the RowErg lacks a built-in touchscreen for streaming —gotta lower down on prices someplace — the PM5 (Efficiency Monitor 5) LCD display is easy but efficient, offering exercise knowledge akin to time, distance, energy, strokes per minute, watts, and extra. It could possibly retailer your exercise knowledge so you possibly can evaluate your coaching from daily, and also can join with the free ErgData app, the place evaluation of your exercise is mechanically ready.

Learn our full Concept2 Rower Evaluation.

Greatest Good Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: ProForm Professional 740R Rower

ProForm 750R Rowing Machine

ProForm 750R Rowing Machine

The ProForm 750R is a sturdy 116-pound magnetic resistance rower. It’s virtually silent and gives 24 ranges of resistance to problem your energy and endurance all through your exercise. Plus, you’ll get three free years of iFit with it, so you possibly can stream digital rowing courses throughout the globe.

We expect the ProForm Professional 740R Rower is likely one of the greatest magnetic rowing machines below $1,000. It’s additionally high of its class and graduating with honors as a result of this factor is sensible, that means that it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that permits customers to pair it with their very own machine to entry iFIT monitoring, programming, and automated resistance changes. Dynamic programming scored a 5 out of 5, and tech capabilities, adjustability, and ergonomics scored a 4 out of 5.

Whereas there isn’t a built-in touchscreen on this rower, it’s iFIT-compatible, offering entry to the health app’s library of over 17,000 on-demand courses, which might be considered from your individual machine. “I really like the iFIT’s auto-adjusting resistance function — it may possibly change up your resistance throughout courses so you possibly can give attention to the work,” mentioned our tester, an authorized private coach. They scored dynamic programming a 5 out of 5. Customers get a 30-day iFIT trial with their buy. After that, a subscription prices $39 a month. 

For simply $699, customers are getting a machine that gives choices you’ll discover on machines which are double the fee. Our tester famous, “The Professional 750R has comparable options to the ($1,999) NordicTrack RW900 rower, akin to iFIT integration, Bluetooth capabilities, and SmartAdjust capabilities.” Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. 

The key distinction between the Professional 750R and the RW900 is the previous’s lack of an immersive HD touchscreen. If customers are comfy utilizing their very own pill or telephone, although, they’ll be arrange for fulfillment. There’s even a built-in pill holder on the console. 

“It’s a bit heavy to maneuver round, however it does fold up for straightforward storage,” talked about our tester. When folded, the footprint of this rower shrinks down to six.57 sq. ft. This “heavy” construct can also be due to its sturdy aluminum and metal development. “There are some plastic elements, however in use, the rower feels very sturdy and steady,” they mentioned, scoring sturdiness a 4 out of 5. Nevertheless, the 250-pound person weight capability is on the low finish of rowers we’ve examined. 

Should you’re on the lookout for a rower with good capabilities and quiet magnetic resistance, the Professional 750R offers a ton of tech options at an inexpensive value. Worth scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Learn our full ProForm Professional 750R Rower Evaluation.

Greatest Compact Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower

The Bells of Metal Air Blitz Rower is likely one of the extra inexpensive choices available on the market proper now. This one is mild and simple to roll round your property gymnasium as wanted or retailer away whenever you’re anticipating friends.

The Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower is the perfect compact rowing machine below $1,000 due to its $849.99 price ticket, light-weight 90-pound construct, footprint of 16.16 sq. ft, and simple disassembly for fast storage. Setup, supply, customizations, and customer support scored a 5 out of 5, and footprint and portability got here in proper behind with a 4.5 out of 5.

Should you’ve strolled right into a gymnasium for an early morning exercise, you will have observed rowers stowed upright to save lots of on flooring house. Whereas the Blitz Air Rower isn’t meant to be saved upright, the unit is lower than 8 ft lengthy and about 2 ft huge and, not like most different rowers, can simply be break up into two items to be stowed away whenever you want the room.

“It’s solely 90.4 kilos, so tipping this onto its transport wheels to maneuver round was straightforward for me,” famous our tester, an authorized private coach, who gave footprint and portability a 4.5 out of 5.

The Bells of Metal Blitz Air Rower is a compact and dependable air rower. Not like magnetic, water, or hydraulic rowers, it’s powered by a fan that makes use of air to create resistance. There’s additionally an air damper that dictates how a lot air can enter the flywheel housing, permitting for 10 ranges of adjustable resistance. 

“It’s cheaper than the Concept2 or AssaultRower Professional, although whereas I appreciated the flexibility to regulate resistance, I want the tech capabilities have been higher,” mentioned our tester. Nevertheless, we did recognize that the LCD display can let you know the damper’s present stage of resistance. Worth scored a 4.5 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Budget Rowing Machines]

“There are Bluetooth capabilities, however I had a tough time determining how you can pair my machine,” talked about our tester who gave tech capabilities a 3 out of 5. There isn’t an HD touchscreen or an built-in app with programming on this rower, and the monitor is unimpressive. “You solely get the choice to row in guide mode and you’ll see a few of your exercise stats. You gained’t discover any kind of exercise programming right here,” they mentioned. 

Most Sturdy Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: AssaultRower Professional

AssaultRower Professional

The AssaultRower Professional encompasses a powder-coated, metal body that may stand up to the weather and help customers as much as 350 kilos. This air rower can also be human-powered, so you will not must plug something in earlier than you are taking off in your experience.

Shopping for health gear below $1,000 would possibly elevate some issues concerning the sturdiness of the instruments you carry into your property gymnasium, however the AssaultRower Professional is our choose for probably the most sturdy rowing machine below $1,000. Sturdiness scored a 4.5 out of 5, and tech capabilities, customization, setup, footprint, and portability all scored a 4 out of 5.

This rower’s powder-coated metal body can assist resist chipping and scratches over time, and likewise assist to forestall corrosion and rust from daylight, sweat, and different environmental elements. (1) As such, you possibly can be at liberty to roll this gear outdoors to take in some vitamin D whilst you get in your exercise, particularly since this machine doesn’t require electrical energy.

Moreover, the 350-pound person weight restrict can help a variety of customers and exercise intensities. “This factor is tremendous stable,” famous our tester, an authorized private coach, “The pull is clean and constant, and there wasn’t any shake or wobble whilst I pushed it in my exercise.” 

Whereas clean and durable, it’s price noting that as a result of fan’s resistance, this rower might be noisier than magnetic and water rowers, which may be one thing to contemplate should you reside in an condo with skinny partitions or need to work out whereas the remainder of the home is asleep.

[Related: The Best HIIT Rowing Workout]

As is the case with most rowers below $1,000, you gained’t discover an HD touchscreen or interactive programming. “The monitor is just like what you’ll discover on the Assault AirBike and may pair with a coronary heart fee monitor, however it’s not as practical because the Concept2 RowErg,” talked about our tester. “However you possibly can set your goal coronary heart fee, break up time, distance, or do an interval program.” Dynamic programming scored a 3.75 out of 5.

Irrespective of how effectively the gear performs, if it’s not comfy chances are high you’ll be much less motivated to pop a squat and get to work. The AssaultRower Professional’s seat impressed us with its slight quantity of give. “I feel it’s extra comfy than the Concept2 RowErg,” talked about our tester, an authorized private coach. “Whereas it isn’t tremendous forgiving, there’s some cushioning that made my lengthy exercises extra comfy.” Ergonomics scored a 5 out of 5.

Greatest Water Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine makes use of water resistance to gas your experience. This machine gives a quieter expertise when in comparison with air rowers, and the lapping of water towards the jug might be each calming and meditative. Not like typical rowing machines, the A1 encompasses a construct constructed out of oak wooden, offering an aesthetically pleasing focal piece to your house.

The greatest water rowing machines work to copy the sensation of being out on a lake rowing a ship. The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine is our selection for the perfect water rowing machine below $1,000 as a result of its clean pull and aesthetically-pleasing oak construct that reminds us of Francis Underwood’s late-night exercises in “Home of Playing cards.” (The truth is, it’s the identical model of rower, only a cheaper mannequin than he used on the present).

Our group loves water rowers, and the light whooooosh that this machine makes as you energy via your exercise is each calming and satisfying. “Whereas this isn’t loud, it does make some noise,” famous our tester, an authorized private coach. “It’s not as loud as an air rower, and the noise it made was really actually calming.”

Many buyer opinions point out how they don’t thoughts leaving this piece of kit out within the open as a result of it seems to be so good. That is due to the construct’s use of sustainable oak with a honey oak stain. Nevertheless, must you need to stow this out of the way in which, it may be tilted upright, taking over about 3.21 sq. ft of flooring house.

There may be some minor upkeep with this water rower. WaterRower recommends including purification tablets to the water tank each three to 6 months. Nevertheless, not like different rowing machines, you gained’t have to fret concerning the messy enterprise of oiling cogs or chains to take care of your gear.

The tech is proscribed to a primary LCD show with easy coaching stats, plus there isn’t a tool holder must you need to stream programming. However there are some equipment you should buy for an added price to improve your rower, together with a telephone holder, pill holder, and SmartRow wi-fi transmitter to share your coaching knowledge with the SmartRow app.

Customizations scored a 3 out of 5. “You may’t [easily] regulate the quantity of resistance on a water rower,” talked about our tester, an authorized private coach, “Mainly, the resistance depends on how exhausting you push together with your legs and pull together with your arms.” That mentioned, you can regulate the quantity of water in your tank to assist finetune the resistance. 

Greatest Funds Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: Stamina BodyTrac Glider

Stamina BodyTrac Glider

This budget-friendly rower options 12 ranges of hydraulic resistance, has a metal mono-rail, and foldable arms, that may tuck in whenever you need to retailer this machine vertically.

While you’re within the advantages of rowing machines, however not within the extraordinary prices typically related to these items of kit, the BodyTrac Glider is a worthwhile consideration. Priced at $149.99, it’s about the price of what I spent at Goal the opposite day after I thought I used to be simply moving into to purchase some cleaning soap. All informed, you’re saving round $850 in comparison with the common price of the rowers we’ve tried and examined.

Buyer opinions rave concerning the worth of this rower, “We opted for this machine as a result of it had good opinions, appeared to supply a greater vary of movement… and it had a really good value,” reads one 5-star buyer overview. [It’s] among the best investments now we have made [for] our bodily health.”

For the value, you’re getting 12 hydraulic resistance ranges, an digital monitor, and a metal body that may help customers as much as 6 ft 4 inches. Not like air, water, and magnetic rowing machines, hydraulic resistance makes use of friction to extend the problem. As such, customers could discover elements of this machine get scorching to the contact with prolonged use. “When in extended use, it heats up the place [the] hydraulics elements are… so I might suggest holding exercises to 20-Half-hour complete per use,” suggests one buyer overview.

The largest grievance we got here throughout targeted on the foot pedals. “As a result of the truth that there isn’t a help strap or heel cup towards the underside of your foot, you’ll slide out should you pull to maneuver ahead because the pedals pivot,” reads a overview that echoes a number of others. 

Nevertheless, should you’re not against doing a bit of little bit of MacGyver-ing, some DIY footrest fixes steered embrace including extra velcro straps or attaching your individual heel again cease.

Greatest Folding Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000: Sunny Well being & Health Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Well being & Health Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Well being & Health Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

This rower options 16 ranges of quiet magnetic resistance and a snug, cushioned, and huge seat. When not in use, this machine can fold up for simple storage.

The Sunny Well being & Health Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine is inexpensive, compact, and foldable for simple storage — shrinking from 12.30 sq. ft to only 5.80 sq. ft — which is why we topped it the perfect foldable rowing machine below $1,000. Footprint and portability scored a 4.25 out of 5, and supply, setup, and worth scored a 4 out of 5.

“This factor is absolutely small, and whenever you want it out of the way in which, you possibly can fold it up in half,” famous our tester, an authorized private coach, who gave footprint and portability a 4.25 out of 5. 

Earlier than folding up this machine, customers will need to follow a bit of warning by sliding the seat nearer to the fold so it doesn’t come crashing down. You’ll additionally need to keep away from bonking your head on the rear stabilizer because it tilts up in the direction of the sky.

“Whereas the seat rail is metal, this machine isn’t the type of factor that’s going to final you 10 years,” mentioned our tester, who scored sturdiness a 3 out of 5. “It doesn’t shake whereas in use, however there are a whole lot of plastic elements which, from my expertise, have a tendency to interrupt on budget-friendly gear.”

[Related: The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

We additionally like its huge, padded seat and 16 ranges of adjustable resistance, which we discovered to offer a stable vary of depth. “This seat is absolutely huge and I didn’t count on it to be as comfy as it’s,” talked about our tester. Nevertheless, adjustability and ergonomics solely scored a 3.5 out of 5. “The seat is so low to the bottom, you actually should squat all the way in which right down to the bottom to get on.”

The 285-pound person weight capability is barely decrease than the 300- to 500-pound person weight limits we are likely to see on rowers — some machines even go as much as 700 kilos! — however that is typical with folding cardio gear.

Advantages of Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000

“Rowing is 100-percent effort-based. While you strap in you will get the exercise you need by both going all in and pushing off the footplates as exhausting as you possibly can, otherwise you lower the ability you push off with to maneuver slower up the drive,” says Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and present Row Home coach. No matter your chosen depth, the advantages of rowing machines embrace elevated energy and improved cardiovascular health, all whereas lowering impression in your joints when in comparison with high-impact train akin to operating. (2)(3)

• Full-Physique Exercise: “Rowing is a improbable full-body exercise,” says BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “I notably like rowing as a result of it engages the vast majority of the physique’s muscular tissues and may develop energy and explosiveness within the glutes and hamstrings along with enhancing cardiovascular endurance.” 
• Versatility: “Rowers are additionally versatile items of kit: You should use them for high-intensity interval coaching and steady-state cardio train. They may also be used for some energy coaching workouts, like pikes, for added versatility,” says Capritto.
• Low-Affect: “As a result of a rowing machine is a low-impact exercise, not solely will it keep away from pounding in your joints, however it’s additionally typically advisable by docs publish hip and knee surgical procedure,” mentions Owens.

How A lot Do the Greatest Rowing Machines Underneath $1,000 Value?

We’ve set the usual that the entire machines on this checklist are below $1,000, however the selections we’ve included vary from $149.99 as much as $999. Try the chart beneath to see how every mannequin’s value compares to the subsequent.

What to Think about Earlier than Shopping for a Rowing Machine Underneath $1,000

Bringing cardio gear into your property is a giant dedication and one which must be made after cautious consideration — versus at 1 a.m., barely inebriated and buying on-line. Listed below are some key factors to mull over earlier than you crack open your piggy financial institution.

Rowing vs The Competitors

“Rowing is so cool as a result of it’s a full-body, low-impact exercise,” mentions Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and present Row Home coach. “Not like different cardio machines, rowing will goal your glutes, quads, again, lats, and shoulders with each stroke you are taking.” 

Research have proven that there’s extra muscle activation throughout all the physique whereas working at max effort on a rowing machine versus on a treadmill. (4) Essentially the most comparable cardio gear with this type of total-body performance is an air bike.

[Related: The Best Air Bikes for Your Home Gym]

Air, Water, Magnetic, or Hydraulic

Enable BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, to interrupt down the totally different modes of rower resistance. “Firstly, what sort of rowing machine would you like? The flywheel mechanism dictates the rower kind: Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels towards the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, that are cheaper however functionally restricted in comparison with the opposite three sorts, use hydraulic cylinders within the handles to create resistance.” 

For these on the lookout for probably the most budget-friendly machine, hydraulic rowers are sometimes probably the most inexpensive selections. In the case of selecting between air, water, and magnetic, it’s typically about desire, aesthetics, and noise. Magnetic and water rowers are typically the quietest choices, hydraulic rowers can have some noise as a result of friction, and air rowers are sometimes the loudest. 

Tech Capabilities

Figuring out how a lot know-how you’d like built-in together with your rowing expertise will show you how to sift via the choices. Rowing machines are likely to have primary LCD shows, and should you’d like a sensible rower with Bluetooth connectivity or app integration, you possibly can count on to pay extra for these options. “Good rowing machines are costlier and often require a month-to-month subscription to entry full performance,” notes Capritto. 

Will It Match?

“Dimension, weight and portability are essential, as you’ll want to make sure the machine will slot in your house and it’s comparatively straightforward to maneuver should you gained’t be capable to depart it stationary,” says Capritto. You’ll need to measure your house and evaluate that with the footprint of the machine you’re contemplating — the common rower measures someplace between 11 and 16 sq. ft. Should you’re interested by stowing your gear after your cardio exercise, search for indoor rowing machines with transport wheels, folding options, and the flexibility to stow vertically.

Again Ache

Should you battle with again ache, chances are you’ll need to think about low-impact cardio gear that retains you in a extra upright place or gives help the place you want it — suppose ellipticals and recumbent bikes. 

Capritto agrees, “Rowing could exacerbate ache in individuals who battle with low again ache. The seated exercising place mixed with the hip hinging concerned within the rowing stroke isn’t superb for people with decrease again ache.”

[Related: The Best Recumbent Bikes]

Greatest Rowing Machines Underneath $1,000 FAQs

References

1. KeystoneKoating. (2023, September 26). Advantages of powder coating. Keystone Koating. https://www.keystonekoating.com/weblog/powder-coating-benefits/
2. Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, Okay. S., & Kwon, T. Okay. (2014). Comparative evaluation of basal bodily health and muscle perform in relation to muscle stability sample utilizing rowing machines. Bio-medical supplies and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. https://doi.org/10.3233/BME-141056
3. Lane N. E. (1996). Bodily exercise at leisure and threat of osteoarthritis. Annals of the rheumatic ailments, 55(9), 682–684. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.55.9.682
4. Yoshiga, C. C., & Higuchi, M. (2002). Coronary heart fee is decrease throughout ergometer rowing than throughout treadmill operating. European journal of utilized physiology, 87(2), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0599-z