Best Rowing Machine Under 500 – Editors Picks, Comparison & Buying Guide 2021

For indoor uses, you should get the best rowing machine under 500. Yes, you can get a cheaper one if you want some variety with minimum investment. Most of the rowing machines are highly refined to offer the best service. Now, a user can perform not only rowing but also other exercises. This piece of equipment opens a way to do more with your fitness. 

Rowing Machine helps to achieve the fitness goal in less time. It is always ready to get your cardio health along with your other body muscle. It can offer you more challenges in a comfortable way. To build muscle, a rowing machine is the safest way.

There are lots of different styles and models available you will find if you are on the hunt for the fitness equipment. I hope this is the right review to pick the best rowing machine with a low price tag. 

Comparison Table of Best Rowing Machine Under 500

 

Editors Picks:

People love to use the high-end rowing machine. But this can’t be your top choice if you have a different type of requirement. Even the fitness level also influences to choose the best rowing machine. Our expert chooses Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing machine as their top choice as a well-balanced unit with the features and people’s fitness goals. 

This extremely effective and well-built rowing machine comes as a unique unit. This comfortable unit can motivate you to face more challenges to achieve a fitness goal. If you are out in space, then this unit of foldable design is for you.

Budget Pick:

Maybe you are thinking about the budget for a rowing machine. Everyone cannot make a huge investment for a rowing machine. It’s hard to get some high-end rowing machines at a low price. If you are ready to sacrifice some advanced features then there are lots of options for you in a low price range.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine is one of these. This wallet-friendly unit of rowing machine offers the most basic features, but extremely effective to fulfill your needs. Even the model looks basic. For a decent workout, there is no better option at a low price for you. 

This standard option can activate the muscles of many groups. 12 levels of resistance can offer more challenge. This highly adjustable unit becomes another name of comfort because of the pedal straps. 

Top Rated Best Rowing Machine Reviews 2021 – Top Picks, Advantages, Disadvantages

People are getting busier day by day. So, they just want to try different workouts or cardiovascular exercises in their homes with the help of different fitness equipment like a rowing machine. The best rowing machine under 500 is the need of every person who wants to enjoy high-level exercise at home. These machines are indeed listed after proper research. So, without any further ado, let’s have a look at them.

1. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing machine – Best For Light Use

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing machine comes as a deal-breaker unit with a low price tag. This unit will guide you to stay in shape. It looks almost retro but functions well more than some advanced model of the rower. This unit comes with a single-piston that is placed underneath the main column. it is ideal for the light user that works in the right way for fast fat burning. 

This unit is designed to motivate the user along with the multi-functional electronic monitor. This console comes as a basic one and it’s very easy to use. This will provide you data about the time that you took to compete for your workout session. The data of burned calories is also available on this console. 

Every stroke of this rowing machine is perfect and smooth because of the hydraulic cylinder resistances. It’s easy to adjust the stroke that makes this rowing machine easier to use. The user can keep their feet strapped in. This textured footrest also prevents accidental slip. This construction makes this unit sturdier. 

What We Liked
  • It’s reasonably quieter than other models of rower machine 
  • It’s compact and easy to store
  • Made of solid steel frame
  • Comes as a cheaper model
  • Perfect for occasional uses
What We Didn’t like
  • Because of the heavy use, the resistance can drops

Final Views

This budget machine is for those who cannot afford an expensive model of high-end technology. It’s an ideal model for a light workout. This unit is perfect for those who are setting fitness goals to achieve them.

2. Stamina ATS Air Rower – Best for Cardiovascular Exercise

This high-quality rowing machine is perfect for both beginners and professionals. This affordable unit comes as a machine for effective cardiovascular exercise. This unit is designed to improve your body strength and heart rate. It helps to burn calories and ensures a smooth workout. This piece of equipment employs dynamic air resistance. 

This feature defines its best service in its class. To make it sturdy, this unit is made of a steel frame. This construction makes it more durable. It is designed to match your workout. It always ensures what you need to match the pace. If you need more resistance, then you just need to row harder. The sliding seat supports your best along with the footpads. 

This pad is surprisingly comfortable and accommodates easily with any user’s shoe size. The straps on it can make your feet more secure while rowing. To know the status of speed, calories burned, workout time, covered distance, it has a computer monitor LCD.  

What We Liked
  • Easy to put together
  • Comes at a low price
  • The overall design is comfortable for the user
  • Excellent compact dimension makes this unit easy to store
  • Dynamic air resistant that match with users need
What We Didn’t like
  • This unit is a bit louder

Final Views

This inexpensive and exceptionally designed row machine can make you a winner. For a great workout, you need an excellent rower machine like this one.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best For Home Use

This rower machine is a pretty good unit to offer you a better experience with minimum cost. Rowing position is everything for the best rowing machine. This one is holding a good place for it. It comes with a better seat with a thick foam cushion. This mechanism of heat makes it bearable. To know about some numeric data like count, times, calories, it has a digital monitor. 

This display will help you to know more about your activity. This is a much-needed option for anyone to reach their fitness goal. To get your job done the non-slip foot pedal will support you a lot. It is designed to hold your feet firmly and accurately. While rowing, you need lots of support from your feet. This type of footrest is ideal for that. 

The design of this rowing machine is not going to ruin your workout session. A magnet placed over a flywheel which does not allow this unit to make any noise. It’s smoother enough and easy to row because of the foam grip handlebars. This not slip bar is a better companion for a long ride of rowing.

What We Liked
  • The monitor is easy to use
  • Easy to move because of the transport wheels
  • It is super easy to fold because of the folding design
  • Has 8 resistance levels
  • It’s easy to assemble
What We Didn’t like
  • The seat is quite hard

Final Views

This unit fits the bill if you are looking for a rower machine of the low price tag. As an average user, most people use this unit to make their rowing experience much better.

4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine – Best Low Price Model

There is no doubt about this Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Rowing Machine when it ensures a bang for your bucks. This cheapest rower is not only simple in design but offers sturdy and stable performance. It helps to look after all your major muscle groups. Every stroke is an active muscle that you need for your body.

The more hydraulic resistance of the rowing machine means more options to challenge your fitness. This unit has 12 different levels of hydraulic resistance. According to your current fitness level, you will get the perfect resistance level to adjust. For the beginner and intermediate level performer this unit comes as a blessing.

The ergonomic design and construction of this unit can have up to 220 lbs of weight capacity. This capacity is suitable for the average user. The digital screen that comes with it offers the most basic function. It’s programmed to track your progress all the time.

The adjustable pedal straps can secure your feet while rowing. Even the cushioned seat and foam handlebars can offer you more comfort for the easy move.

What We Liked
  • This inexpensive unit is perfect for beginner and intermediate performer
  • The ergonomic design and sturdy construction make it more durable
  • It easily folds flat that makes easy to store
  • Adjustable 12 levels of resistance
  • Easy to use
What We Didn’t like
  • The console is offering limited information

Final Views

If you want the comfort of your own home with a rowing machine, then this unit helps you. It is capable to deliver excellent results with less time. So, this is the right option to take a test of your fitness.

5. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine – Best Low Budget Magnetic Rower

This great and low-cost magnetic rowing machine can make the user crazy along with its performance and features. This low budget magnetic rower is a great option for everyone. As a magnetic resistance rower machine, it comes with tons of great features. From a metal flywheel, a magnet needs to move closer or farther.

Using this method the resistance can be controlled by this unit. It helps to increase or decrease the resistance for better performance. This unit is equipped with a large 3.5″ LCD. It is programmed to monitor various types of data related to your workout like distance, time, total count (strokes) calories burned, strokes per minute, etc.

With a single button; a user can switch the mood easily to find the exact information. To enjoy smooth performance, this unit of rower machine has all the high-quality parts. The seat is made of high-quality soft material. It is designed to offer you a steady rowing stroke. This unit can be connected with the cloud fitness app on iOS and Android devices through Bluetooth connectivity.

What We Liked
  • The smooth and quiet rowing stroke
  • 14 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
  • Bluetooth capabilities that help to connect with fitness apps
  • Build with quality material that ensures durability
  • Designed to perform additional workouts
What We Didn’t like
  • Transportation wheel is not perfect for some specific types of surfaces

Final Views

This machine is fairly new but has lots of positive sides that ensure better service. That’s why most of the users love to use this unit.

6. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower – Best For DRM System

Velocity Fitness released its recent product and that is Velocity Fitness Magnetic Rower. This unit is designed as a magnetic resistance system. This system must need features for the user to get some exceptions in their rowing session. This rowing system lets you feel the more realistic wrong experience. To offer you electronic tension control, this rower features a DRM system.

This system is a perfect way to build your muscles stronger. Even it can enhance endurance because this system produces optimum friction. To keep your back muscles free from stress, a rower machine should have come with great design and construction. It has a sturdy aluminum frame along with a molded padded seat that is attached perfectly to ensure comfort.

If you want to monitor your heart rate while rowing then this unit is for you. The heart rate monitor that is equipped with this unit is more helpful to show you how much you are getting involved with it. This monitor can measure your heart rate and show you the result. This type of monitor is essential for intense cardiovascular training.

What We Liked
  • A smooth and silent rowing machine
  • Comfortable design
  • Sturdy and durable construction 
  • Easy to monitor heart rate
  • Quick and easy to assemble
What We Didn’t like
  • Some parts are not made of quality material

Final Views

This unit is designed to provide a good workout for everyone. This smooth, quiet, sturdy unit is more than a rower machine that can satisfy you.

7. Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine – Best Design

This unit is attractively designed for the user. It’s compact and made of durable material that makes this rowing machine stronger than other models. This lower-priced option can take a huge load because of the construction. It can take a weight of up to 250 pounds. So, there is no doubt about the durability of this rowing machine.

To challenge the beginners and advanced user this unit offers adjustable hydraulic resistance. It’s going to be more exciting to deal with this machine. This resistance can be controlled by a manual knob. It helps to adjust the tension. According to your needs and fitness goal, you can easily customize it. Even it is designed to support your chest, shoulder and arm muscles to get stronger and toned.

To know the result and track the progress of the workout this unit comes with an LCD. This display is configured to show the result easily. To support your motion the molded seat glides perfectly which makes this unit ergonomic.

What We Liked
  • Quite a cool design
  • Strong and sturdy frame
  • A hydraulic resistance facility that is adjustable
  • LCD console to track some numeric data
  • Comfortable to use
What We Didn’t like
  • Not suitable for the tall user

Final Views

This fairly good machine is perfect for the average-sized trainee. If you love a small design with some perfection then you should plan to buy this rowing machine.

8. Stamina | X Air Rower – Best For Full Body Workout

This tough unit comes as a durable which is also perfectly designed to make some challenge for rowing. It’s for those who love the hardest workout. Air resistance makes this unit better as fast as the fan spins. This fan is installed inside the metal housing. This chain is highly durable which becomes perfect for rowing. This air resistance mechanism is highly adjustable with your intensity.

This unit is designed to serve you for a longer time. The molded seat will support you to do your rowing for a longer time. It’s not going to limit your activity or comfort. Some units of rowing machines come for real-time feedback. This feedback is essential for you to make your progress better. It is equipped with a multi-functional monitor.

It allows you to know the data like distance, calories burned, time, speed, strokes, and strokes per minute. The fully padded rowing handle will ensure more comfort. It can be folded when you are done with your exercise. Your corner or closet is always ready to accept this rower.

What We Liked
  • It is designed as a sturdy one with hard-wearing
  • Affordable model for everyone
  • Easy to use the monitor for tracking numeric data
  • Built-in transport wheels
  • Comfortable unit for the long working session 
What We Didn’t like
  • This air rower is noisy

Final Views

This is a dedicated home gym rower machine. It will give everything that you need from a rower machine.

9. ProGear 750 Rower – Best For Trainee

This is the only rowing machine that you can get from this company. It became a combination of several innovations. The design can make you happy for the solid option. All this option is perfect for the trainee. Even it is offering other exercises along with the rower style workout. A rower machine is a better option when a user can get tension resistance.

For that, this unit has 2 independent hydraulic cylinders. The rowing motion has enough range for a better workout. 180 degrees is the range for it. To adjust the machine to your height, it offers 3 adjustable rowing positions. It is designed with a folding capability.

If you are out of space at home, then this unit is perfect for you. It consumes very little dedicated space. Knowing about the time, rep count, calories burned, total rep count can motivate you to do more and what is the position right now.

What We Liked
  • Allows for 10 additional exercises
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Various level of resistance 
  • Easy to store because of folding feature
  • Comfortable and adjustable according to the user height
What We Didn’t like
  • Additional exercise is not defined in details

Final Views

With the designated price tag, this unit of rower machine comes with great value. This is a suitable unit for multi-uses.

10. Kettler Home Exercise Rowing Machine – Rowing Machine for Beginners

Kettler Home Exercise Rowing Machine is a multi-function appliance used for workouts and exercises at the same time. The cheap rowing machine under 500 has got a durable design and can challenge your fitness at extreme levels as well. There are 6 different functions available on display. 

The main ones are speed, distance, time, calories burnt and energy consumed, etc. The work of hydraulic pistons in this machine makes the rowing process as smooth as possible. You will never get any glitch while working on this machine at a higher rate. 

Well, the feature that amused me a lot in this machine is its different resistance levels. You can set each resistance level according to your will and wish for sure. On the other hand, this rowing machine for beginners has been specially designed ergonomically. You can easily maintain the right body posture in this way.

What We Liked
  • 6 different functions on the monitor.
  • It allows a smooth rowing experience.
  • It comes with a sturdy and unique shape.
  • Affordable price range.
  • Comfortable and padded seat.
What We Didn’t like
  • Not so easy to assemble.

Final Views:

Kettler Rowing machine is an ideal choice for people who are into different workout patterns. The machine can be used for different exercising purposes as well. Better check it out before it runs out of stock.

Features To Look For When Buying A Rowing Machine:

Hey there! If you are tired of buying faulty and non-worthy rowing machines because of the market inflation, then you are just in the right place. To solve this problem, I am here with a compiled list of top 7 best rowing machines under 500. To be very honest, $500 is not enough amounts that every person should be spending on a rowing machine. 

You have to sacrifice some features that are provided by expensive machines. But, you will still wish to have a cheap rowing machine at home right? So, let’s take a look at the basic factors which you should consider in purchasing a rowing machine under 500

Durable Construction

Well, construction matters the most. That’s why I am listing it as a top factor. With a robust and sturdy design, a rowing machine can easily work for you for so many years to come. If you have only a $500 budget, why not spend it on a machine which can at least withstand 2 to 3 years? This is the question you should ask yourself before you get a rowing machine priced at only under 500 bucks.

Resistance Type:

It is the kind of friction that increases as your work rate rises. Now, in only a small budget, most machines have hydraulic-piston resistance but you can also find some of the machines with air or magnetic resistance systems. Just keep in mind that every resistance type has got its advantages and disadvantages.

The thing which matters here is that it can withstand any kind of work rate with a smooth flow. So, if a machine is giving you a proper and smooth resistance even if it’s hydraulic piston based, then you should go for it. So, keep this feature in mind as well before you choose the best rowing machine in 2021.

Control Panel or Monitor

A Control panel or a monitor of a rowing machine is an LCD type screen where you can see the ongoing process of your exercise. That is, you will be able to see the statistics of your heart rate, the number of calories you have burnt and of course your pulse rate as well.

Control panels are not so updated in rowing machines with a low price range; you can still get a machine that can show the statistics that matter the most. Hence, you should look out for this feature and must go for a rowing machine whose monitor can show several different body statistics with ease.

Comfort Level

Well, every person wants to remain as comfortable as possible while doing any kind of workout or exercise. So, you cannot just escape this factor while choosing the best rowing machine under 500. Make sure that the machine has got a comfortable and cushioned seat, a gripped handle and of course, the ergonomic footrests.

All these things should be perfect for you while you are trying out a workout or else, you won’t be able to enjoy your workout as you had expected.

Compact Size/ Folding Feature

Rowing machines tend to acquire more space as compared to other fitness machines. So, if you are okay with the large size of the machine, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you have got a small size for a rowing machine, then, in this case, you should look out for one which has got a folding ability and has a compact shape as well. 

Simply folding the machine after you are done with your workout will keep the machine safe from dust and it won’t require further area as well. So, must consider the size of a rowing machine before you tend to purchase one. Now that all things have been made clear, I will like to review each machine on the above-mentioned list one by one.

Ease of Assembly

Most of the time a rower machine needs to assemble for once. Maybe you need to assumable your rower machine one time. But the fact is you have to know how to do it. According to the model, assembling varies a lot.

Some are super easy to assemble and some are not. But you have to get that one which is easy to assemble and don’t need an extra hand for it. If you can’t do that easily, then it can be turned into a nightmare. So, don’t make your rowing machine a crazy puzzle to assemble.

Budget Considerations

You have to deal with a rower with the help of a realistic budget. According to the model, the price varies a lot. There are lots of differences in features and models. For better performance, you have to pay more. But it’s not hard to get a better rower machine at the lowest price. Buy that unit that can fulfill your purpose and helps to achieve fitness goals in less time.

The FAQs about Best Rowing Machine Under 500

What should be the duration of exercise on a rowing machine?

Before you set the time, set your fitness goal. The time of rowing depends on what you want from it. This goal will make a time frame for you to complete the exercise. So, there are different time schedules for a rowing machine. If you want to lose weight, then you can use this machine for 15 minutes a day. 

But using this machine 30 minutes a day will help you to lose at least 1 lb. in a week. If you are after to lose weight massively, then you should use this machine at least 90 minutes a day.

Is rowing bad for your knee or joint?

High impact workouts are dangerous for them who are suffering from overweight or joint problems. If you are not able to perform the weight-bearing exercise, then you can use a rowing machine. It’s a great alternative for them. A rowing machine is designed to offer a natural and low impact.

So, it can put minimal stress on the joints. It’s not bad for your keen or joint. It’s a great machine for injury prevention and helps to strengthen the knees after surgery. 

Which group of muscles works best on a rowing machine?

If you can buy a perfect rowing machine, then this unit can help you with a full-body workout. This machine is designed to engage many muscles when the user starts rowing. For this, a user needs to apply the correct technique. It can make an effect on your leg muscles (mainly your quadriceps) gluteus Maximus, hamstrings. It will make your front and back thigh stronger.

Which ones among the rowing machines are considered as the best?

Picking the best rowing machine from the market is not an easy job. There are various types of models of a rowing machine available. But all these models come with a different price range. You will find water rowers, budget rowers, air rowers, hydraulic rowers, flywheel rowers, and magnetic rowers.

According to performance, price, features, durably and other specifications you should select what you need. The features you desire will help you to get the perfect type of rowing machine. It also depends on the terms of your fitness. If you are out of budget, then it’s hard to buy high-end rowing machines.

Which rowing machine is the quietest?

Most of the rowing machine makes a sound because of the seat sliding along the rail. This is the main reason that makes a rowing machine noisy. Another thing is the speed and intensity. When you start to row this makes noise because of the intensity and noise. But proper lubricating can reduce noise. If you complete your stroke more perfectly than this action also helps to reduce the noise.

Final Words:

Rowing machines are meant for keeping the body fit and agile for a long period. They are now a need in almost every home. Realizing the necessity most of the fitness equipment manufacturing companies are offering the best rowing machine under 500. That’s why I suggest you consider purchasing a perfect one for yourself so that your body can remain healthy.

Rowing machines designed to assist you to improve your fitness, especially upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness. If you have some space in your home and are trying to tone your body, then get one of these rowing machines.

Hello there! This is Harry, a gym trainer, and gym enthusiast. I've been working on my bodybuilding, and I've been successfully done it over the years. So, I've thought of training my friends and some closed ones. And they were all successful in their bodybuilding and weight-reducing goal. So, in 2019 I thought to start my blog site to help people around the world with my choices for gym training. If you have been searching for some ultimate collections of the treadmill, elliptical, rowing machines, and all other workout gears, GymFeature is made for helping to let you choose the best one.

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