Should you’re restricted on area, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are numerous nice rowing machines available on the market, there are additionally some superior compact alternate options that supply all the identical tech options you’ll discover in different cardio machines. 
Throughout our seek for one of the best compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in effectively with different top-rated house gymnasium tools. We thought-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the critiques to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our checklist of one of the best compact house rowing machines out there.
How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines
The rowing machines included on this checklist had been fastidiously chosen primarily based on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, conserving in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every alternative primarily based 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 Greatest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:

Greatest General Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave Rower

4.0

Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ HStorage: Shops uprightResistance: MagneticWeight capability: 375 poundsDisplay: 16-inch HD touchscreenAvailable programming: Dwell and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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Execs:

Aluminum and metal body with a flat anthracite polymer physique
Can sync to Strava or Apple Well being apps
Out there in 5 colours
Patented electromagnetic drag system

Cons:

Vertical anchor for upright storage is a further value
Most person peak is six toes

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 many who wish to elevate their at-home exercise routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this checklist, and the general measurement is 30 % shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can not fold it, however there’s the choice to retailer it upright utilizing The Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor. This can be a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices a further $190, which is a bit on the expensive aspect.
The body is manufactured 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 made out of water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It additionally has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the expertise of rowing on open water.
General, the critiques on the Hydrow web site are optimistic, and lots 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 glossy trying.” The important critiques make up 3 % of the general critiques and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every evaluate to resolve any points.
Greatest Compact Rowing Machine With Coach-Led Exercises: NordicTrack RW700

NordicTrack RW700

4.2

Dimension: 87″ L x 22″ W x 47″ HType of Resistance: MagneticSubscription: Not required; appropriate iFIT membership is $39/monthStorage: Will be moved utilizing the entrance wheelsWeight Restrict: 250 kilos

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Execs:

Bluetooth appropriate
Resistance is routinely adjusted throughout trainer-led exercises
Giant foot pedals
Outsized metal seat rail

Cons:

Can’t be folded
Weight capability solely 250 kilos

The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you may 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 monthly, and also you’ll have entry to reside and on-demand lessons. Membership to the health app will not be required to make use of the rower; nonetheless, you received’t have entry to trainer-led lessons with out it.
A trainer-led rowing exercise offers you the choice to row on the open water for a extra scenic expertise, and there are additionally studio periods. The resistance is adjusted routinely 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 great for many who wish to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.
The rail is 87 inches lengthy and made out of sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a clean rotation. You probably have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates rigidity towards 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 will probably’t be folded.
Greatest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10

ProForm Professional R10

4.0

Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ HType of Resistance: MagneticSubscription: Not required; appropriate iFIT subscription is $39/monthStorage: FoldingWeight Restrict: 250 kilos

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Execs:

Multi-position adjustable handlebars
Designed to avoid wasting area
Metal rail is additional extensive
Inertia-enhanced flywheel

Cons:

Weight restrict could also be too low for some customers

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 straightforward to maneuver. It comes outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should utilize for iFIT exercises in the event you select to subscribe, or you may 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 offers the person 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 steady. The massive, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps maintain your toes in place, and the seat is molded with consolation in thoughts.
Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Coaching: Echelon Row-s

Echelon Row-s

4.2

Dimensions: 84″ L x 21″ W x 47″ HType of Resistance: MagneticSubscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/monthStorage: FoldingWeight Restrict: 300 kilos

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Execs:

Resistance could be adjusted from the handlebar
Bluetooth appropriate
Magnetic resistance
Giant, immersive contact display screen could be flipped 180 levels

Cons:

Prolonged guarantee protection is a further $149 for one yr or $229 for 2 years

Should you like to include different actions into your rowing exercise or practice 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 offers you entry to over 40 reside lessons and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, working, and useful coaching lessons.
The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place aid you keep correct posture and alignment. Should you’re quick on area, the size goes from 84 inches lengthy to only 41 inches lengthy when folded. On the Echelon web site, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine appears nice, operates very quietly, and provides a nice exercise regardless of your degree,” says reviewer Brett P.
Greatest Worth Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600

NordicTrack RW600

Dimensions: 87.02″ L x 22.0″ W x 47.24″ HStorage: Folds in half for vertical storageResistance: Air and magneticWeight capability: 250 poundsDisplay: 10-inch good HD touchscreenAvailable programming: Dwell and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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Execs:

Air and magnetic resistance
Entrance-mounted transport wheels make it maneuverable
Adjustable console
Inertia-enhanced flywheel

Cons:

Most weight capability is 250 kilos

The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible worth, making it an ideal worth. The ten-inch display screen is a superb possibility for many who wish to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance could be adjusted as much as 26 ranges routinely 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 smooth grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 could be folded and saved out of the best way.
How one can Select the Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for You
What components must you take into account earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d advocate you take note of as you ponder your buy determination:
Footprint
When you’ve determined in your rower location, it’s a good suggestion to measure the size, width, and peak of your area to find out what measurement machine works greatest. You’ll wish to measure peak to see when you’ve got sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.
Funds
After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Consider any extra prices reminiscent of a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, reminiscent of a lumbar help system or seat improve.
Options
Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I searching for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I choose a extra simplistic show? Different options reminiscent of a magnetic resistance system could also be necessary in the event you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability may play a job in your determination as effectively.
Advantages of a Rowing Exercise
Rowing lets you implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll alter the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body exercise that makes use of 86 % of your muscle groups. 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 forms of train (endurance, power, steadiness, and adaptability) has advantages, based on The Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH). A rowing machine could be utilized for 2 sorts: endurance and power. Many rowing machines have built-in applications or subscriptions that supply lessons geared towards constructing power and endurance.
Remaining Ideas
Rowing is a good way to construct power and endurance whereas working varied muscle teams. There are selections to go well with quite a lot of budgets with totally different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you might have, your worth vary and the options you’d like will aid you select one of the best compact rowing machine for you.
FAQs
How a lot does a compact rowing machine value? The machines on this checklist vary from simply over $700 to round $2,000. You’ll find a rower in your worth vary, however in the event you go for a rower underneath, say, $200, chances are you’ll be compromising high quality. How lengthy are compact rowing machines in comparison with common rowing machines? Sometimes, rowing machine size ranges between six to 9 toes with extra compact choices at six or seven toes lengthy. What’s the greatest degree of resistance for an excellent rowing exercise? The extent of resistance that’s greatest for you relies on your health degree, expertise, and objectives. General, you don’t need your exercise to be too straightforward or so difficult you don’t accomplish the purpose of your coaching session. What are the several types of resistance on a compact rowing machine? Compact rowing machines often have air or magnetic resistance, and a few choices implement each.



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