The Finest Compact Rowing Machines for Small Areas in 2025

When you’re restricted on house, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are a lot 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 the most effective compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of wonderful standalone choices and choices that slot in nicely with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the critiques to see what customers needed to say about every product. Under is our checklist of the most effective compact house rowing machines out there.

How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this checklist had been rigorously chosen based mostly on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, preserving in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every selection based mostly on measurement, portability, value, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the critiques to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.

Our Picks for the Finest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:

Finest Total Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

On the Hydrow web site, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 critiques on the time of writing. It’s the model’s compact, budget-friendly possibility for individuals 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 measurement 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. It is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices an extra $190, which is a bit on the expensive facet.

The body is fabricated 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 critiques on the Hydrow web site are constructive, and plenty 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 wanting.” The vital critiques make up 3 p.c of the general critiques and state points like non-working components being delivered. Nonetheless, Hydrow has responded to every evaluate to resolve any points.

Finest Compact Rowing Machine With Coach-Led Exercises: NordicTrack RW700

NordicTrack RW700

4.2

• Dimension: 87″ L x 22″ W x 47″ H
• Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; suitable 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 comply with together with an iFIT exercise led by your favourite coach on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per thirty days, and also you’ll have entry to reside and on-demand courses. Membership to the fitness app will not be required to make use of the rower; nonetheless, you gained’t have entry to trainer-led courses 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 classes. 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 superb for individuals 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 keep a easy rotation. If in case you have a shared house, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates pressure in opposition to the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it may possibly’t be folded.

Finest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10

ProForm Pro R10

4.0

• Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ H
• Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; suitable 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 measurement by lifting the deal with, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it simple to maneuver. It comes geared up with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should utilize for iFIT exercises in the event you select to subscribe, or you possibly can monitor your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the guide 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 provides the consumer 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 secure. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps maintain your toes in place, and the seat is molded with consolation in thoughts.

Finest Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Coaching: Echelon Row-s

Echelon Row-s

4.2

• Dimensions: 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H
• Sort 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 prepare 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 will not be required, the additional $35/month exercise app provides you entry to over 40 reside courses and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, operating, and purposeful coaching courses.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a cushty place assist you keep correct posture and alignment. When you’re brief on house, the size goes from 84 inches lengthy to simply 41 inches lengthy when folded. On the Echelon web site, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine appears to be like nice, operates very quietly, and offers a nice exercise irrespective of your stage,” says reviewer Brett P.

Finest 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 sensible HD touchscreen

Obtainable programming: Reside and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible worth, making it an ideal worth. The ten-inch display is a wonderful possibility for individuals who need to take instructor-led courses utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance could 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 will help you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 could be folded and saved out of the way in which.

Find out how to Select the Finest Compact Rowing Machine for You

What elements do you have to think about earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d suggest you take into consideration as you ponder your buy resolution:

Footprint

When you’ve determined in your rower location, it’s a good suggestion to measure the size, width, and top of your house to find out what measurement machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure top to see in case you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.

Price range

After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Take into accounts any extra prices similar to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, similar to a lumbar help 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 courses or do I desire a extra simplistic show? Different options similar to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential in the event you’re in a shared house and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability may additionally play a job in your resolution as nicely.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing lets you implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you may regulate 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 by utilizing your higher physique. Because you’re in a seated place, there’s much less stress in your knee and ankle joints.

Getting all 4 sorts of train (endurance, energy, steadiness, and adaptability) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine could be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and energy. Many rowing machines have built-in packages or subscriptions that provide courses geared towards constructing energy and endurance.

Ultimate Ideas

Rowing is a good way to construct energy and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are decisions to go well with quite a lot of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot house you’ve got, your worth vary and the options you’d like will assist you select the most effective compact rowing machine for you.

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