The Best Compact Rowing Machines for Small Spaces 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 available on the market, 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 perfect compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in effectively with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought of the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Under is our checklist of the perfect compact dwelling rowing machines obtainable.

How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this checklist have been rigorously chosen based mostly 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 based mostly on measurement, portability, price, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.

Our Picks for the Finest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:

Finest General Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

On the Hydrow web site, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 evaluations on the time of writing. It’s the model’s compact, budget-friendly choice for many 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 dear facet.

The body is product of 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 evaluations 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 assessment says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and glossy trying.” The vital evaluations make up 3 p.c of the general evaluations and state points like non-working components being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every assessment 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: Could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels
• Weight Restrict: 250 kilos

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The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you’ll be able to 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 fitness app shouldn’t 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 mechanically 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 need 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 preserve a clean rotation. If in case you have a shared house, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates pressure towards the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter choice. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine may be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it might probably’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 use for iFIT exercises should you select to subscribe, or you’ll be able to observe your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the handbook 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 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 preserve you secure. The massive, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps preserve your ft 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 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 shouldn’t 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 practical coaching lessons.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the flexibility to regulate the foot platforms to a cushty place show you how to preserve correct posture and alignment. When you’re brief on house, 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 seems nice, operates very quietly, and provides 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

Out there programming: Reside and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible value, making it an ideal worth. The ten-inch display screen is a superb choice for many who need to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance may be adjusted as much as 26 ranges mechanically in an iFIT class or manually as wanted.

The pivoting foot pedals are outsized, and the nylon straps preserve your ft safe. The handlebar has a comfortable grip, and the molded seat is designed that will help you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 may be folded and saved out of the best way.

Tips on how to Select the Finest Compact Rowing Machine for You

What components do you have to take into account earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d advocate you keep in mind as you ponder your buy choice:

Footprint

When you’ve determined in your rower location, it’s a good suggestion to measure the size, width, and peak of your house to find out what measurement machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure peak to see when you’ve got 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 further prices comparable to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, comparable to a lumbar help system or seat improve.

Options

Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I would like? Am I searching for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I desire a extra simplistic show? Different options comparable to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential should you’re in a shared house and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most peak and/or weight capability might also play a task in your choice as effectively.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing means that you can implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll modify 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 strain in your knee and ankle joints.

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

Ultimate Ideas

Rowing is a good way to construct power and endurance whereas working numerous muscle teams. There are decisions to go well with quite a lot of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot house you’ve, your value vary and the options you’d like will show you how to select the perfect compact rowing machine for you.

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