9 Best Budget Rowing Machines

The rower is probably one of my favorite pieces of cardio-based equipment. I know that cardio sometimes feels like something we do not want to do (trust me, as a powerlifter, cardio is something I often ignore), but the rower sets itself apart from other pieces of cardio equipment. 

The rower is a much larger bang for your buck, especially when needing equipment for a home gym. Rowing is much more of a full-body workout than other types of cardio, and a rower tends to not take up much space if the model can be disassembled or folded. 

While rowers can be expensive, you can find plenty of options that won’t break the bank. Here is a list of some of the best budget rowing machines that won’t break the bank:

1. Concept 2 Rower – Best Overall
2. Xebex Air Rower 2.0 – Runner Up
3. Niceday Rowing Machine – Best Magnetic Rower
4. Row Warrior Rowing Machine – Best Elite Rower
5. LUBBYGIM Foldable Rower Machine – Best for Light Cardio Workouts
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Value for a Full-Sized Rower
7. YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best for Beginners
8. YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine – Best Budget Water Rower
9. MERACH Rower – Best Smart Rower

If you want to purchase any cardio equipment for your home gym, a rower can be an ideal choice. There is a lot to choose from, so I aim to break down some of the best affordable rowing machines on the market.  

Featured Products 

• Concept 2 Rower – Best Overall
• Xebex Air Rower 2.0 – Runner Up
• YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine – Best Budget Water Rower

What Is Considered a Budget Rowing Machine?

It can be difficult to define what a “budget” rowing machine actually is, as it really depends on how much your budget is. Two things I like to consider when purchasing any equipment are what I will use it for (how often and what kinds of intensity) and the biggest bang for my buck. 

For the purpose of this article, any rowing machine under $1,000 is considered a budget rowing machine. This does not automatically mean rowers over $1,000 are inherently better or cheaper models are inherently worse.

The rowers on this list range in price from just a couple hundred dollars up to around $1,000, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget regardless of how much you are willing to spend. 

All the rowing machines on this list are top-quality, and you could add them to your home gym, and use them for years.

But some are better than others, read on for the details.

9 Best Budget Rowing Machines for 2024

1. Concept 2 Rower – Best Overall 

Rating: 5/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 57 – 68 lbs
• Weight capacity: 500 lbs
• Length: 96”
• Width: 24”
• Height: 14 – 20” (seat height depends on the exact model)
• Resistance: air

Pros

• One of the most used and tested rowers
• Integrated performance monitor
• Can be split into two separate pieces (no tools required) or hung on the wall (though this requires the Rogue Rower Hanger)

Cons

• Most expensive rower on this list (though you can find it for less than $1,000)

I've seen a lot of Concept 2 rowers in the gyms where I train clients, and for a good reason, they work great and won't break the bank. You could even argue that the Concept 2 rower is among the best rowers you can buy.

The Concept 2 rower is a very reliable piece of equipment that will certainly stand the test of time. But you will find more budget-oriented rowers below.

The Concept 2 rower is usually strongly associated with CrossFit, but this does not mean CrossFit is its only purpose. The Concept 2 rower is ideal for just about anyone. It is a great alternative for rowing athletes and can be used for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts or a simple cardio workout at home.

When I go hard, I appreciate the rugged design. It's not breaking anytime soon, like some less-than-top-quality rowers. The Concept 2 rower also has a PM5 performance monitor, so I can track distance traveled, speed, pace, caloric expenditure, and watts. This device is compatible with my wireless heart rate monitor (via Bluetooth) and has an optional ErgData app for tracking workout data. 

Quick Take From a Friend:

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A post shared by Chris Andrew (@chris_hwpo)

I reached out to Chris, who's had great results with the Concept 2, and he says:

The Concept2 rower is a great way to test your all-round fitness and cardiovascular strength and endurance regardless as to whether you are a novice or more competent in rowing.

You can adjust the resistance and parameters under which you exercise by using the PM5 monitor to help make your workouts more bespoke to your needs and fitness level.

The Concept2 global community is incredibly helpful and supportive with platforms such as the Concept2 logbook where each of your workouts are logged so that you can track progress. You can also connect with other users, participate in regular Concept2 sponsored physical and virtual events, compete on line in ‘real time’ through the new ErgData app and also connect with some great FB groups, and other social media platforms, for support, encouragement, guidance and engagement.

Chris Andrew, Dad and Concept 2 enthusiast

I agree with Chris about the community too. You can share your successes on their Facebook or in their forums. Or if you run into an issue, you don't just have to rely on customer support. Other users will probably answer your questions. You won't see anything like this on the super-budget models you might find online.

In my opinion, you won’t find a better rower out there. Though you can find it for less than $1,000, it is still an investment. However, it is one of the pieces of equipment you will only need to buy once (my preferred method of buying gym equipment).

Learn more about the Concept 2 rower in our full Concept 2 rowing machine review. 

2. Xebex Air Rower 2.0 – Runner Up 

Rating: 5/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 93 lbs
• Weight capacity: n/a 
• Length: 99”
• Width: 20”
• Height: 45”
• Resistance: air

Pros

• Usually hundreds of dollars cheaper than the Concept 2 rower
• Can be folded up and rolled out of the way for storage
• Integrated performance tracker
• Higher seat height makes it easier to get in and out of

Cons

• Still on the pricey side when it comes to other budget rowers

Next to the Concept 2 rower, the Xebex Air Rower 2.0 is my favorite affordable rowing machine. It shares pretty much all of the same qualities as the Concept 2 rower but for a smaller price tag — what’s not to like? 

I love that Xebex rower is so durable. It uses more steel in its construction, the base is nearly 100 lbs for added stability and support, and it comes with a stainless steel chain for minimal maintenance. It also features an extra-padded, high-density foam seat for comfort.

Like the Concept 2 rowing machine, the Xebex also features an integrated performance tracker. This device helps track workout data like time, distance, calories, watts, and heart rate (when connected to a heart rate monitor). 

My research indicates that it is a highly versatile and reliable gym equipment perfect for any home gym. It is also sold for commercial use, meaning the durability and quality are much higher than other inexpensive rowing machines.

The Xebex rower can also be folded into less than 50% of its original length, which makes storage and organization in smaller places much easier and more convenient. 

Most new rowers will want to skip this one and choose a cheaper model, but if you want to spend years rowing at home, this will be one of your best options.

3. Niceday Rowing Machine – Best Magnetic Rower 

Rating: 3/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 77 lbs
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs
• Length: 77.56”
• Width: 21.85”
• Height: 30.12”
• Resistance: magnetic 

Pros

• Great price (under $500)
• Unique rail construction, making the rower much smoother and quieter when in use 
• Integrated performance tracker
• 16 levels of resistance 

Cons

• It is not a commercial piece of equipment, so the quality might not be comparable to other rowers on this list

I recommend this one to clients who are just getting started rowing and want to row at home, but aren't is the first of the “home gym” rowers on this list, meaning the rower was not developed commercially. Despite that, this is a fantastic magnetic rower, ideal for beginners or people who want different methods of training cardio at home. 

Magnetic rowers are becoming far more common, especially in the home gym environment. Instead of using air as resistance, magnetic rowers use a system of magnets to resist the rower's flywheel.

The Niceday rower has a total of 16 magnets, which allows for 16 different levels of resistance (up to 80 lbs).

A major benefit of magnetic rowers is the sound. They can be practically silent. The Niceday rower operates at around only 10 decibels, which is the equivalent of the sound of breathing. This feature makes it ideal for a home gym because you don’t have to worry about disturbing other people in your home.

I would recommend this as a starter rower for anyone looking to exercise from the comfort of their own home. This rower will certainly get the job done for a fraction of the cost, and it is super quiet compared to other rowers. 

Furthermore, the price is hard to beat when compared to other magnetic rowers on the market. This is one of the best affordable rowing machines under $500 you can find. 

4. Row Warrior Air Rowing Machine – Best Elite Rower

Rating: 5/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 76 lbs
• Weight capacity: 550 lbs
• Length: 27”
• Width: 14”
• Height: 12”
• Resistance: magnetic/air

Pros

• Reliable and high quality
• Can be folded and separated for easy moving and storage
• Comes with five-year coverage for parts
• Integrated performance tracker
• Comes with a phone holder

Cons:

• Like the Concept and the Xebex rowers, this one is one of the more pricey rowers on this list 

The Row Warrior rowing machine is another fantastic choice if you want a rower to last you forever. It is not as well-known as Concept 2 but is every bit as reliable and functional. It is constructed out of stainless steel and other alloy materials, making it capable of sustaining high use levels.

Like most modern rowers, the Row Warrior also has an LED performance tracker that monitors workout and performance data. It is also compatible with heart rate monitors via Bluetooth.  

The rower is very easy to assemble and can be folded for storage. This is ideal for any home gym or commercial facility that needs to store multiple rowers. The rower is only 33” long, 30” wide, and 54” tall when folded. 

The price tag can be much for individuals looking for something under $1,000. The Row Warrior sits at about $1,000 even, so if this is too much, you will probably want to look over some of the other rowers on this list. 

5. LUBBYGIM Foldable Rower Machine – Best for Light Cardio Workouts

Rating: 2/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 27 lbs
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Length: 53.5”
• Width: 16.5”
• Height: 27.6”
• Resistance: resistance bands

Pros

• Very cheap, usually just over $100
• Easy to assemble, move around, and store 
• Very quiet
• Perfect for beginners and people with very limited space

Cons

• Not as versatile as the other air, magnetic, and water rowers
• Only has three levels for resistance
• Basic performance tracker

The LUBBYGIM rower is the best budget rowing machine for a home gym if you are simply looking for a piece of cardio equipment to help you move around a bit more. This is a solid choice for beginners or people who have not exercised in some time.

This rower features a smaller LCD screen for performance tracking. It is not as detailed as some of the other rowers on the market, but you can track data like repetitions, time, and calories. 

This rower is also much quieter than other rowers since it uses resistance bands instead of air or water. Since it does not require a flywheel or other additional equipment for resistance, the LUBBYGIM rower is by far the smallest and lightest rower on this list. 

I personally prefer something built with commercial use in mind so that it can stand up to the wear and tear of daily and/or weekly use. This does not mean the Lubbygim rower is a bad rower — it really comes to you and your training preferences.

You cannot really beat the price here, though. At just over $100, you could buy multiple of these in comparison to some of the other rowers I have listed. 

Not sure whether a rower or treadmill is better for you? We break down the differences between the two in Rowing Machine vs Treadmill: Which is Better? 

6. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine – Best Value for a Full-Sized Rower

Rating: 3/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 50 lbs
• Weight capacity: 285 lbs
• Length: 77”
• Width: 23”
• Height: 22.5”
• Resistance: magnetic

Pros

• Very lightweight for its size (only around 50lbs) 
• A great bargain
• Easy to move around and store if space is limited

Cons

• Pretty basic in design
• Simple performance tracker
• Starter rower, may not last as long as others on this list 

This rower is one of the best value rowing machines for budget-conscious shoppers because the price tag is pretty hard to beat compared to other full-sized rowers. 

It is another example of the “home gym” rower, and like the Niceday rowing machine, I would highly recommend this rower for beginners. When getting started on your fitness journey, sometimes it is easier when the price tag of your desired piece of equipment isn’t super high.

The Sunny Health & Fitness rower offers a simple digital monitor, 12 levels of resistance, and floor stabilizers for added stability when in use. The rower also includes a holder for both a water bottle and a mobile device. 

This rower can be folded for easy storage. It is only 36.3” long, 23” wide, and 47” tall when folded. This is ideal in a home gym environment.

This rower is ideal for beginners or those who plan on only doing low-intensity rowing workouts. However, if you are serious about your training, I recommend looking at something with commercial use in mind (whether now or in the future if you want to upgrade). Even if you’re buying a rower for a home gym, a commercial-quality machine will last longer.

7. YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best for Beginners

Rating: 3/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 48 lbs
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs
• Length: 58”
• Width: 18.1”
• Height: 8”
• Resistance: magnetic

Pros

• Very quiet
• Easy to assemble (comes 85% pre-assembled)
• Easy to store, does not take up much space

Cons

• Not built for commercial use

This inexpensive rowing machine offers many of the same qualities as the other rowers on this list and is still pretty cheap, all things considered (sits at just over $200 currently). The magnetic system offers up to 16 levels of resistance. The rower also features an LCD screen that can track different workout data like time, distance, and calories. 

Unlike cheaper workout equipment, this rower is constructed of quality steel and aluminum. This helps make it far more reliable than other rowers. Despite its construction, the rower is still very light (only around 48 lbs) and easy to move and store.

This is still a rower for at-home use, so it’s more of a starter rower for most people. If you don’t know where to get started and don’t want to break the bank, the YOSUDA Magnetic Rower is an ideal jumping-off point. 

Still looking for more equipment like squat racks, dumbbells, and barbells to round out your home gym? Check out our favorite home fitness brands to find out which companies you can trust.

8. YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine – Best Budget Water Rower

Rating: 3/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 67 lbs
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs
• Length: 35.4”
• Width: 18.1”
• Height: 17.7”
• Resistance: water/magnetic

Pros

• No leakage water tank (this is a common problem with some water resistance rowers)
• Integrated performance tracker and options for holding mobile devices
• Quiet and smooth movement (sounds like you are on the water)
• Lifelong service from YOSUDA 

Cons

• May suffer from wear and tear with extensive use 
• Lengthier assembly 
• Harder to modify resistance

Water-based rowers (at least in my opinion) are the least common. I imagine this is because people do not want water to leak all over their homes if something should go wrong. 

But the YOSUDA Water Rower is the best budget water rowing machine because it offers a leakproof case made of high-quality polycarbonate and stainless steel bearings to help prevent rust. These features help boost the machine’s longevity and give you peace of mind that the tank won’t leak.

The water acts as the resistance, and the container has multiple levels marked on the side so you can adjust as needed with the funnel that comes with the machine. However, this is a bit of a downside since you cannot easily adjust the resistance level on the go. 

Still, if you prefer the sounds of rowing on water or want to recreate the experience of being on open water, this is a great choice. The rower also features a double smooth aluminum track that reduces noise (less than 25 decibels). 

Like any modern rower, it also features an integrated performance tracker. This shows you distance, time, calories, and much more. You can also connect with the FitShow and Kinomap apps to join different classes. 

9. Merach Rowing Machine – Best Smart Rower

Rating: 3/5

Specifications

• Product weight: 45 lbs
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs
• Length: 37.8”
• Width: 23.62”
• Height: 7.87”
• Resistance: magnetic

Pros

• Free app included with the rower
• Integrated performance tracker
• Titanium alloy dual sliders, very quiet and smooth when in use

Cons:

• When it comes to “budget” home gym rowers, this is starting to get more on the expensive side

When it comes to magnetic rowers, provide access to a free app (which includes workouts and more immersive training) for any home gym enthusiast.

This rower comes with access to the free Merach app. It is also compatible with the Kinomap app. These offer free classes and different pre-programmed workouts. Access to these apps allows you to track and measure your workout data. This includes things like distance, time, calories, speed, and heart rate. 

The magnetic resistance offers up to 16 levels of resistance. The track is a dual slide rail constructed out of titanium alloy. This allows it to be quiet, smooth, and stable when used. Overall, the rower is constructed out of steel and aluminum (still only weighs around 45 lbs), so it should last longer than something cheaper. 

The price tag does start to jump for this rower. At over $300 dollars, this might not be the first choice for everyone. I would still highly recommend this piece of equipment for beginners, but if you intend to upgrade in the future, you might want to put this money toward a higher-quality rower. 

Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique

Our team comprises powerlifting athletes and coaches, CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, and other fitness experts with decades of collective experience in the industry. Everyone here at PowerliftingTechniques understands the importance of investing in the right equipment, and our recommendations are based on our experiences with what works.

We also have extensive experience with rowing machines, whether at home or in our commercial gyms and know what separates the best rowers from the inferior ones.

How We Chose the Best Budget Rowing Machines

I always look for the same things when it comes to purchasing any piece of workout equipment. What is the practicality of the piece of equipment, what is the quality, and what is the price? In the best-case scenario, all three of these characteristics line up perfectly. 

It is not always this easy, and sometimes sacrifices have to be made. If the absolute best affordable rowing machine can’t be found, you have to identify the characteristics that are most important to you, whether it’s a space-saving design or the ability to track your rowing workouts in a mobile app. 

For the best budget rowers, my goal was to find the ones best suited for a home gym environment that offers levels of convenience and practicality. 

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Budget Rowing Machine

When it comes to a buying guide, the most important thing to consider is the practicality of the equipment. I suggest looking at four different categories:

• Intended use
• Price
• Quality
• Resistance type

Intended Use

When shopping for the best rowing machine on a budget, you must first ask yourself what your training will look like. For example, are you looking for something to be more active, or are you putting together a fully equipped home gym where you will train at higher intensities? This will help separate the different rowers on the market.

If you train frequently and at higher intensities, I always recommend something with commercial use in mind. These rowers are built to sustain heavy use and higher levels of wear and tear.

If you just want to be more active from the comfort of your home, your options might be a bit different and less strict.

Price

Once you understand the intended use, identifying an appropriate price range becomes much easier. If you are just looking for something simple to train with, the cheaper rowers are usually a better choice. If you intend to train hard, the more expensive commercial models might be a better option.

Always consider your budget. Buying the most expensive piece of equipment is not always the right answer. A high price tag might be a barrier for some people to be more active, so a cheaper model is ideal in this case.

I do recommend considering the future, though. If you want to invest in this, spending more money now on something you know will last is always better. For example, the Concept 2 rower might require a large upfront investment, but you will likely never have to replace the machine. 

Quality

For me, I prefer the highest quality, even when shopping for affordable rowing machines. I’d rather spend more money and buy something once than have to replace something of lesser quality. This is why commercial pieces of equipment (like the Concept 2 and Xebex rowers) are my preferred choice. 

If you prefer to look for a bargain, check the reviews from customers who have had the rower for long periods. I also recommend looking at the materials used in the rower’s construction. Steel, aluminum, and titanium are solid choices.

Resistance Type

The major resistance types you’ll find in a rower are air, water, and magnets. Some rowers use resistance bands, but these aren’t as common. There is no right choice here — it comes down to individual preference and cost.

Air rowers are traditionally the most common (at least in my experience). These are usually built to last since they are fairly simple in design. Air rowers are what you typically see in most gyms and competitions. 

Magnetic rowers are far more common for home gyms since they are typically smaller and quiet when used. They have a similar system to air rowers, but as their name implies, they use magnets to create resistance. 

Water rowers are a bit rare (in my experience). They are very unique and add a different quality to your workout since it can sound like you are actually rowing on water. However, they come with added maintenance and work since you must modify the water levels. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Verdict

If you are looking for the gold standard of rowers and are willing to invest in your training, I feel obligated to recommend the Concept 2 Rower as the best budget rowing machine of 2024. It is, without a doubt, the highest-quality rower out there. 

Regarding the best rowers under $1000, my top two choices are the Xebex Rower 2.0 and the YOSUDA Magnetic Rower. I’ve used and loved the Xebex rower, but since it is still a bit pricey, the YOSUDA rower is a cheaper alternative. 

About The Author

Jace Fuchs has his MS in kinesiology and sports performance and is currently in the process of getting his Ph.D. in exercise and sports science. Jace has worked within the fitness industry for the better part of a decade now, and before his time in fitness, served in the US Army Infantry. When not writing for Powerlifting Techniques, Jace works as a content developer for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and as a part-time exercise science professor. Outside of work, Jace is an avid powerlifter and strength-training enthusiast.