If you’re thinking of buying the Best Rowing Machines Under 500, you will surely have a lot of options. Possibly, you’re confused about which one is the best that would fit with your training objectives.
That’s why we’ve made this important buying guide for the best budget rowing machine so that you can get the perfect purchase.
Believe it or not,
The rowing machine not only provides the advantage to off-season rowers but also benefits anyone who wants to be physically fit.
A sad part is several people who desire physical fitness, don’t use the rowing machine!
A lot of people don’t understand the benefits of the rowing machine.
However, we’ve included a comparison chart. With a glance, you will find the one that suits your training objectives best.
Let’s jump over the guide!
What is a rowing machine?
Is this the question that runs through your mind when walking beside the gym? Simply a rowing machine is one of our best friends. They provide a thorough workout inner and outer of our body.
Rowing is a great sport to get a perfect physical condition. The best part of rowing is that the more you paddle, your body parts will get exercised.
When it comes to a rowing machine, it’s a kind of calculated tool that will help you row as if you were doing in the water boat.
With this machine, you will have the possibility to exercise all your muscles. And you can increase your resistance level little by little while getting experience. This machine provides a great opportunity to burn calories through the legs, arms, and abdomen exercises.
15 Best Rowing Machines Under 500
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you want a no-nonsense machine for around $300, then it fits the bill. It might win no prizes for its features or looks but will shoot you for its quality.
The SF-RW5515 is a kind of magnetic resistance rowing machine. The magnet is used inside the flywheel to make resistance against a spinning metal drum.
The machine also comes with 8 various resistance levels. You can adjust each level by turning the knob. Number 1 level is an easy one and it’s ideal for beginners, but level 8 provides a serious workout.
If you turn the level from 1-8, the magnet in the flywheel will run closer to the drums. The more resistance will be made as the magnet comes closer.
Besides, the magnetic rower is so quiet that allows users to row when their baby or spouse sleeps in the next room. It is also a great one for enjoying movies or TV when having a great workout.
Some experienced rowers said that the resistance was smooth and strong.
This is a perfect option if you want a normal rowing stroke, silent resistance, or adjustable resistance.
However, this machine also comes with a large LCD monitor, but the most advanced monitors will not come until you go up over $500.
The monitor displays and tracks the fitness data such as Time, Count, Calories, and Total counts. The digital monitor could scan through every data within seconds.
This duty steal mainframe constructed machine has a non-slip grip handlebar and padded seat for supreme comfort.
Pros
• Comfortable seat
• Very quiet
• Foam grip handlebars
• Fordable storage
• Large LCD monitor
Cons
• Monitors don’t hold advanced features
• Limited warranty time
2. Stamina ATS Air Rower
This is another good recommendation from our top lists. The rowing machine enjoys a long service life. It is manufactured with a good quality material.
It’s great if you just want the workout without any assistance.
It includes a large and simple LCD monitor to use the data that you need to control your training. The digital LCD monitor tracks the information related to time, strokes, and calories. The monitor is great for scanning through all the data within seconds.
It has a multi-function that you can operate through a single button. The data could be viewed or accessed one at a time by the button mode. The lightweight machine only weighs a maximum of 250 pounds weight capacity.
One of the best features of the machine is that it includes air resistance that will greatly adjust your pace.
This indoor training machine has a great design that offers a sophisticated and elegant look to adjust anywhere at your home. The handle is ergonomic to prevent stress on the arms, wrists, and hands with a good grip for powerful strokes.
The seat of this personal training machine is very comfortable and provides the user with a clean and smooth glide. The seat could be used for users with more than 6 feet. It has a sturdy frame and wide support legs to provide great stability.
Pros
• A large digital LCD monitor
• Coming with air resistance
• 250 lbs maximum weight capacity
• Comfortable seat
• Easy assembly
• Great price
Cons
• Not an advanced feature monitor
• No setting for resistance
3. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
The Magnetic Rower is one of the best mid-range rowers on the market! This magnetic resistance design provides a DMC (drum magnetic control) system to give quiet, adjustable, and smooth resistance.
If you have a small workout place, this compact-designed rower can be an excellent option for you.
Plus, it’s easy to fold within seconds and you can roll away to save a lot of extra floor space.
This exercise magnetic rower includes a digital performance monitor to show all types of necessary fitness data. The monitor tracks the fitness data such as Time, Count, Calories, and Total counts.
The digital monitor could scan through every data within seconds. This is the least costly model that comes with functional workouts.
Besides, the magnetic resistance machine is super quiet with adjustable resistance.
The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is a magnetic resistance rowing machine. The magnet is used inside the flywheel to make resistance against a spinning metal drum.
It has non-slip foot pedals that give more balance and ensure you are in an ideal position when working out.
Pros
• Drum Magnetic Control system for quiet resistance
• Space-saving drawer
• Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Heart rate monitor chest strap
• Tension control
• Easy assembly
• Very quiet
Cons
• Not advanced monitor
• Poor instruction
4. Kettler Home Exercise/Fitness Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine
The Kettler Favorit can be an excellent option for one’s cardiovascular and muscular health
It includes a multi-functional digital monitor or pulse rate monitor. It also comes with 2 adjustable resistance rowing arms as well as easy-folding.
If you are looking for a high-quality hydraulic-piston rower, this machine might be ideal for you. This resistance is perfectly controlled by two hydraulic pistons that are attached to each rowing arm.
The digital LCD monitor tracks 6 functions such as time, strokes, energy, and scan.
It provides multiple functions that you’ll be able to operate through a single button. The data could be viewed or accessed one at a time by the button mode.
The best quality material gives it a very elegant look. This rowing machine absorbs noise and vibration perfectly at home, making it very quiet and soft.
These non-slip foot pedals provide a good balance and will keep you in an ideal position when working out.
It is very resistant and has a high durability. It is one of the rowing machines that support a greater weight per user, up to 285 pounds. It does not occupy space since it can be folded and stored vertically.
Pros
• Including LCD digital monitor with 6 functions
• Maximum weight capacity: 285 lbs
• 2 adjustable resistance rowing arms
• Solid, sturdy and smooth
• Easy assembly
Cons
• The adjusting resistance is a difficult one.
5. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
This Stamina has got crazy sales on Amazon because of its quality as well as price.
The Stamina offers a bunch of bang for the buck! This solidly built machine will provide you with an identical workout. The compact size machine weighs almost 40 lbs and comes with easy folding
It can modify the resistance levels with the multi-functional monitor to track your workouts.
For people who are beginners, this Stamina Body Trac 1050 can be ideal for them.
The Stamina1050 provides 12 various resistance levels. If you are a beginner, you can start at level 1 and increase up to 12 level as you get more experienced.
The Stamina1050 machine features a large LCD monitor, but the most advanced monitors will not come until you go up over $500.
The digital monitor tracks the fitness data such as Time, Count, Calories, and Total counts. The digital monitor could scan through every data within seconds.
This duty steal mainframe constructed machine has a non-slip grip handlebar and padded seat for supreme comfort.
The build quality of the frame is excellent for the price. It does provide an aluminum center beam and a steel frame. Also, it has a padded seat that’s constructed with molded plastic.
The handlebars include the standard padded grips which aren’t too hard or soft.
Pros
• Coming with 12 various resistance levels
• Compact design and solid construction
• Lightweight and easy storage
• Adjustable resistance
• Easy assembly
Cons
• Foot-strap/ Foot-pedal design provides difficulty in retaining feet in place when working out
• Hydraulic-piston might leak
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5623 Air Rowing Machine Rower
The SF-RW5623 Air Magnetic Rower is currently the budget-friendly rower on the market. If you are looking for an inexpensive machine, then this is the model for you.
The SF-RW5623 Magnetic Rower brings classic response air resistance and 8 magnetic adjustable resistance levels
If you want to adjust the resistance, you need to turn the tension knob. Level 1 would be almost 20% magnetic and 80% air resistance but level 8 would be 80% magnetic and 20% air resistance.
This air machine has a multi-functional monitor that shows time, current strokes, strokes of all times, burning calories, and scans. This quiet raw machine is made of a steel frame and the handle has a lasting rubber coating. The rowing motion is strong and smooth without any clinking noise.
When it comes to padded seats, it’s completely comfortable and soft. So, you can give a hard workout for a longer period holding a non-slip handlebar.
Its non-slip pedal will adjust all types of shoes’ shape and the adjustable foot strap will safely hold your feet in place when working out.
Another good thing about this rower is it has a foldable seat rail that you can use for storage purposes. It just takes 20 minutes to finish. Besides, the maximum weight capacity of this product is 300 pounds.
Pros
• 8 magnetic adjustable resistance levels
• Highest weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Solid quality building
• Folding for storage
• Easy assembly
• Great price
Cons
• Can’t record distance or heart rate
• Basic monitor
7. Stamina Products BodyTrac Glider 1060
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1060 gives an effective and efficient workout to develop cardiovascular fitness or to strengthen the legs, arms, back, buttocks, and abs.
This fitness machine provides 12 levels of adjustable resistance that you choose from levels 1- 12. Level 1 is the easiest one that is ideal for beginners but level 12 is the hardest one, suitable for experienced users.
The resistance is great for beginners who want to get the daily routine movement.
It has a fantastic digital LCD monitor that tracks all the fitness information such as time, count, calories, and total counts. The digital monitor could scan through each data within seconds.
This rowing machine comes with an aluminum steel rail, a steel frame, and large footplates to provide a smooth and stable workout. This is affordable prices, so it can be an excellent option for you.
The complete-motion rowing arms include padded grips to confirm a comfortable, fluid rowing stroke.
This machine also adds a tablet holder where you can browse and enjoy music or movies in time of your workout. This lightweight row is easy to assemble and it takes only 15 minutes to finish it. If you’re a beginner, this raw machine can be ideal for you.
Pros
• A large LCD monitor to track your workout
• 12 levels of adjustable resistance
• Affordable price
• Easy assembly
• Free-motion rowing arms
• Tablet holder
• Comfortable seat
Cons
• Basic monitor
• Short warranty
8. Goplus Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine
This rowing machine is a piece of equipment that will adapt to the most advanced. Goplus Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine is designed specially to provide you with intense training at your home.
It can be folded in half to save space and it is also made of very durable materials such as steel and aluminum.
It has 10 levels of adjustable resistance that you can start from level 1 to 10 when getting experienced. To adjust the resistance, all you have to do is to turn a knob in the machine.
It is made of durable materials, so it will last longer in heavy use.
This fitness machine provides a digital performance monitor to track all kinds of necessary fitness data. The LCD will show your fitness information just as Time, Count, Calories, and Total counts. The digital monitor can also scan through every data within seconds. This is multi-functional if you just want to give a hard workout.
As an added benefit, the seat is padded and soft to provide comfort.
It has an incredible design and can even be placed with some of the high-end models to compare. It uses a magnetic resistance that makes it very quiet and also has very little maintenance.
Pros
• Great quality building
• 10-level adjustable resistance
• Clear LCD monitor to track your workout
• Easy transportable
• Non-slip foot pedals
• Maximum weight capacity: 220 lbs
Cons
• Not an advanced feature monitor
• Can’t record distance
9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
This is another recommendation from our top lists. The great rowing machine is beautifully designed for people who are beginning their training routine at home.
With this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Rower, you can perform different types of muscular training such as abdominals, dorsal, arms, chest, shoulders, and back.
It has 12 levels of resistance and strength, which you can adjust according to your needs and according to your progress in training.
It has a large LCD monitor that will track your workouts including Time, Count, Calories, Total counts, and scan. This quiet raw is constructed with a steel frame and the handle has a lasting rubber coating. The rowing motion is quite strong and smooth, so there is no clinking noise.
Another good part of the machine is that it adds a completely padded seat and anti-slip grip handlebars that provide great support and comfort.
Besides, its non-slip foot pedals will keep you in the right position with adjustable straps.
The Rower machine is the perfect ally to help you with your training task. It is an ideal model for beginners, and it’s very easy to use. And you can store it comfortably in any corner of the house, thanks to its total folding system.
Pros
• Anti-slip handlebars
• A large LCD monitor to track the workout
• 12 levels of resistance
• Comfortable seat
• Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs
Cons
• Awkward foot pedals
• A bit wobbly seat
10. Stamina | X Air Rower
If you want to take your fitness to the next level, it’s high time to invest in the Stamina|X Air.
The Stamina|X Air Rower is the best rowing machine for home use that’s very practical and affordable for most people. This rowing machine is great for enhancing cardiovascular fitness or strengthening your entire body.
This machine will allow you to develop body muscle, develop your resistance, and help your weight loss.
It has an incredible design and can even be placed with some of the high-end models to compare. It uses a magnetic resistance that makes it very quiet. Also, it has very little maintenance. To adjust the resistance, all you have to do is turn a knob in front of the machine.
It comes with an LCD digital monitor that will track your progress including your distance, speed, calories burned, time, total strokes, or strokes per minute.
This machine has a wind resistance level that you can increase harder and faster while rowing. The maximum weight supported by the user is 250 lbs.
The Stamina|X Air Rower comes from the magnets, so don’t worry about the noise, as this machine is as quiet as whispering even when paddling hard.
The machine has a padded rowing handle that makes it easier to grip in time for a longer workout.
Pros
• Durable rowing chain
• Air resistance
• Comfortable seat
• Easy storage
• Easy assembly
Cons
• No changing for the resistance
• Basic monitor
11. Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine
This Schwinn brand is one of the best recommendations from our top lists. If you’re a beginner or want a good row machine, this is the ideal model for you.
This Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine is a super rowing machine for your hard workout. Besides, it’s affordable and will take your body to the limit. It carries everything that a professional machine would have!
One of the main characteristics of This Schwinn Rowing Machine is its construction and design.
This row is made of quality materials that give a modern look. And when you don’t need to train more, you can put it away because the product is folded. You can fold it in half to save your space.
The machine is very comfortable and provides very pleasant padding on the seat.
It has a large LCD monitor that’s ready to track your exercises. With it, you can count the number of calories burned, distance traveled, time, strokes, pulse, and recovery.
However, it also includes 12 levels of resistance and strength that you can adjust according to your needs and progress in training. No 1 level is ideal for beginners and you can increase up to 12 levels while getting experience.
Pros
• 12 levels of resistance
• A large LCD digital monitor to track your workout
• Adjustable console
• Comfortable grip handle
• A longer period of parts warranty
• Easy assembly
Cons
• A bit pricey compared to others
• Basic LCD monitor
12. Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine
The Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a versatile product with which you can easily perform all types of training on the body.
One of the biggest advantages of this model is that it has adjustable hydraulic resistance so that you can adapt it to your tastes regarding resistance and strength when carrying out your exercises.
As you progress, you can increase the level of it.
With this Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine Rower, you’ll be able to perform various kinds of muscular training including abdominals, dorsal, arms, chest, shoulders, and back.
This rowing machine provides a large LCD monitor that is perfect for counting your workout.
The LCD digital monitor will track your workouts including Time, Count, Calories, Total counts, and scan. This quiet raw is constructed with a steel frame and the handle has a lasting rubber coating. The rowing motion is quite strong and smooth, so there is no clinking noise.
Another best part of the Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine is that it includes a padded seat which is suitable to provide enough comfort. Also, it has an anti-slip handlebar, so you can go for a longer period of a hard workout.
Besides, its anti-slip pedal will adjust all kinds of shoes’ shape and its foot strap will securely retain your feet in the right position.
Pros
• Made of good quality
• Maximum weight capacity: 265 lbs
• A large LCD monitor to track your workout
• Comfortable seat
• Adjustable hydraulic resistance
• Easy assembly
Cons
• Not advanced LCD
13. Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower
If you want a rower for your fitness exercise, this can be an excellent option for you.
This is one of the most complete models and, therefore, it deserves to be mentioned by users.
The machine has 8 adjustable resistances that you can start with low resistance and slowly increase your strength to the maximum. You can adjust the positioning of the machine, which allows you to choose between vertical and seated exercises.
With a simple twist, just increase or decrease resistance where your exercise will remain effective and challenging throughout your fitness journey.
One of the main features is the rower has a padded and contoured seat for supplying great comfort. The footplates are designed to pivot for natural movement. Also, it features a two-position frame with comfortable foot strap legs.
However, another benefit of the model is that it comes with a multi-functional LCD monitor that’s capable of tracking your complete exercise including time, calories, total rowing counts, or second rowing counts.
Pros
• 8 levels of resistance
• Comfortable seat
• A large LCD monitor to track workout
• Noise-free rower
• Portable and durable
• Easy assembly
Cons
• Not good as like as water resistance
• Lots of plastic parts
14. Conquer Magnetic Resistance Home Rowing Machine Rower
The manufacturer Conquer puts this machine in the market that will allow you to combine muscle work with cardiovascular.
This machine is specially designed for house use. It is great if you have a medium level of physical preparation in rowing discipline.
It is a perfect tool for you to train for 7 hours a week.
The machine includes 5 levels of motorized resistance that will help strengthen the upper and lower parts of the body. It has an LCD multifunctional monitor that you can control distance, time, calories, per second counts, and total counts.
It’s super easy to transport and store. It comes with front transport wheels so that you can move it from one place to another inside the house. Besides, the rower provides a compact folding system that will save you space.
One of the good qualities is that it’s very resistant, it can support up to 265 lbs.
Pros
• 5 levels of resistance
• Compact design
• Easy folding for storage
• LCD monitor
• Maximum 265 lbs weight capacity
• Comfortable seat and anti-slip handlebar
Cons
• Basic monitor
15. EFITMENT Total Motion Rowing Machine
We’ve just reached our final recommendation. If you’re looking for a high-performance or completely automated machine that will help you in your rowing training, you have reached the right apparatus.
This is ideal for high-performance athletes. It strengthens the legs, belly, or back and improves posture. The machine provides the full exercises with varying difficulty levels.
One of the best advantages of this rower is that the complete workout is controlled through the LCD monitor.
Another good feature of this machine is that it has 12 levels of resistance that you can increase and decrease according to your convenience. This high-quality building material comes with low-noise rowing systems.
It has transport wheels, so you can move anywhere at your house. Besides, the rower is large, heavy, and based on heart rate training.
It is capable of supporting up to 350 pounds of weight. Although it is not a cheap one, it can be a great investment.
Pros
• A large LCD monitor
• Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs
• 8-level resistance
• Solid steel frame
• Complete motion rowing
Cons
• Basic monitor
What is the best rowing machine for home?
This confusion brings tons of personal details that you should evaluate for yourself. However, I’m going to provide the basic aspects that facilitate any choice.
The first and foremost thing you need to think is about the size, storage capacity, noise, and ease of use.
Hydraulic and magnetic resistance styles are very silent and modern. The oars of water are thinner, and it requires almost no maintenance and sounds with a small whistle.
Finally, the air shirts have a smoother and smoother activity for easier use.
What kinds of muscles are trained in a rowing machine?
With the rowing machine, we will work both the upper train and the lower train which will activate most of the muscles of our body, more than 82%.
When you begin the training, the back muscles will be in complete calm to be able to facilitate that the trunk gets a correct flex.
– Leg Muscles
These are some of our biggest muscles. The important thing is that they hold our weight when we stand or walk. The rowing machine keeps them active and provides strength.
From this area, the hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteus Maximus are activated. Usually, Muscles are attached in the front and back of the thighs.
– Muscles of the middle section
While making an impulse with the legs, all the strength is transformed into the muscles of the back, arms, and torso. So, the rower provides strength to the muscles of the middle section.
– The back Muscles
With the rower, we not only get training in the lower part but also some areas of the upper back part get exercised. But many times we don’t even know that works on the rowing.
So you will be surprised to know that the upper trapezius, rhomboids, and the shoulder muscles blades help to pull the arms
– Arm muscles
When it comes to arm muscles, you will get exercise. Most people don’t know that they get arm muscle fitness while working.
Type rowing machines
There are 3 types of resistance rowing machines. Each one features different characteristics. So, look below and get the idea.
1. Magnetic resistance
Magnetic braking gives a smooth movement. It has an adjustable resistance but it’s less than water and air. This type of magnetic is very resistant. Practically it doesn’t need maintenance.
If you have a smaller space, this could be a good option. But the disadvantage of this machine is that it makes noise or sound.
2. Air Resistance
You can find this kind of resistance machine in gyms. The more you will exercise the more resistance you can put. The good thing about this resistance is that it gives movement very smoothly though it makes a lot of noise depending on the models.
This system will give you much more natural, smooth, and continuous movement than the magnetic resistance machines.
3. Water Resistance
It is a realistic rowing movement that is similar to the air. The machine is determined by the intensity with which we exercise. It can produce some noise and it’s expensive because it is better than others.
Buying tips for the best rowing machine under
If you want to choose the Best Rowing Machine Under 500, there are some sorts of criteria that you should keep in mind.
Resistance Level
There are some kinds of single resistance levels in the market. Once you progress with your tanning, you can’t change it. They are the ideal to begin the rowing but they don’t give the advanced option.
Besides, other rowing machines hold multiple resistance levels. With this, you can gradually overcome your goals, and thus you can develop your physical condition.
If you want to increase your fitness level in the future, the rowing machine that comes with multiple resistances would be an excellent option for you.
Folding
If you have the lacking of space at home, this is a good idea that the machine you’re going to buy is foldable. You can move it anywhere in your house if you want. For example, you can hide it under the bed. On the other hand, you won’t move the rowing machine if it’s a heavy one.
Supporting Weight
This is another important feature of the machine. You need to see the maximum weight capacity of the product. This is very important because you’re going to use it with your family members.
Type of exercise
Usually, there are different types of exercises to choose from. In the market, you will find some types of machines that you can use both ways such as sitting and standing. Don’t work only with your arms’ muscles but work with the legs, back, etc.
You will get a comprehensive and complete workout but with other machines, you won’t work for the whole body.
Best Brand
Always choose the best brands in the market because it will provide extra safety and confidence. The best brands compete with each other and drag new features each year.
The advantage of the best cheap rowing machine
-Loss of weight
It will burn a lot of calories. You’ll be able to burn more than 120 calories within 15- minutes. In an hour, you can remove 500 calories on average.
-Cardiovascular increase
This exercise is very crucial to develop your heart, lungs, or common circulation process. If you use the rowing machine, you would be able to enhance the carbohydrate’s use. It’s one of the best advantages of the rowing machine.
-The full-body exercise
As you mentioned before, during the rowing, you’re using a lot of body muscles such as hips, legs, and glutes. Besides, as you progress, your back, shoulder, and arm will gradually get strengthened.
-Reduce stress
By practicing every day with the rowing machine, you will get rid of stress. Enjoying TV programs, and listening to music you can go for a tension-free workout.
Conclusion
Now we’re in the ending line. We’ve explained our 15 best rowing machines under 500 that have got most of the positive reviews from Amazon. Once you’ve decided to purchase one, you could go for our top list that suits your criteria and needs.
And tell me which one you like most and why.
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