The Greatest Compact Rowing Machines for Small Areas in 2025

For those who’re restricted on house, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are lots of nice rowing machines available on the market, there are additionally some superior compact options that supply all the identical tech options you’ll discover in different cardio machines. 

Throughout our seek for the very best compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in properly with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought of the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the critiques to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our listing of the very best compact dwelling rowing machines obtainable.

How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this listing had been fastidiously chosen primarily based on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, maintaining 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, price, 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 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 choice for individuals who need to elevate their at-home workout routine. The size is simply 80 inches, which is the shortest on this listing, and the general measurement is 30 p.c shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can’t fold it, however there’s 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 a further $190, which is a bit on the dear 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 constructed 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 assessment says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and smooth trying.” The important critiques make up 3 p.c of the general critiques and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every assessment 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″ H
• Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; suitable iFIT membership is $39/month
• Storage: Might 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 monthly, and also you’ll have entry to stay and on-demand courses. Membership to the fitness app will not be required to make use of the rower; nevertheless, 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 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 individuals who need to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.

The rail is 87 inches lengthy and constructed from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to keep a easy rotation. You probably have a shared house, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress in opposition to 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’t be folded.

Greatest Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Professional R10

ProForm Pro R10

4.0

• Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ H
• Kind 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 outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should use for iFIT exercises when you select to subscribe, or you possibly can 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 provides 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 hold you steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps hold 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″ H
• Kind of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Restrict: 300 kilos

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For those who 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 provides you entry to over 40 stay courses and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, working, and useful coaching courses.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the flexibility to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place make it easier to keep correct posture and alignment. For those who’re quick 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 appears nice, operates very quietly, and offers a nice exercise irrespective 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″ 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 worth, making it a terrific worth. The ten-inch display is a wonderful choice for individuals who need to take instructor-led courses 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 hold your toes safe. The handlebar has a mushy grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel snug. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 may be folded and saved out of the way in which.

The best way to Select the Greatest 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 take into consideration 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 top of your house to find out what measurement machine works greatest. You’ll need to measure top to see you probably have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.

Funds

After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re keen to spend. Take into accounts any extra prices corresponding to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, corresponding to a lumbar assist 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 corresponding to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential when you’re in a shared house and wish a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability may play a task in your choice as properly.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing means that you can implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll 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 through the use of 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, stability, 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 supply courses geared towards constructing power and endurance.

Closing Ideas

Rowing is an effective way to construct power and endurance whereas working numerous 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 could have, your worth vary and the options you’d like will make it easier to select the very best compact rowing machine for you.

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