The Greatest Compact Rowing Machines for Small Areas in 2025

For those who’re restricted on area, 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-about the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the opinions to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our checklist of the very best compact house rowing machines accessible.

How We Selected the Greatest 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, maintaining in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every selection based mostly on measurement, portability, value, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the opinions 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 opinions on the time of writing. It’s the model’s compact, budget-friendly possibility for many who wish 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 % shorter than the unique Hydrow Rower. You can’t 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 a further $190, which is a bit on the expensive 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 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 opinions 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 essential opinions make up 3 % of the general opinions and state points like non-working components being delivered. Nonetheless, 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
• 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 observe together with an iFIT exercise led by your favourite coach on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per 30 days, and also you’ll have entry to stay 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 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 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 superb for many who wish 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. When you have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates pressure in opposition to the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine might be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it will probably’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
• 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 outfitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you need to use for iFIT exercises in the event you select to subscribe, or you’ll be able to monitor 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 steady. The big, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps preserve your ft 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
• Sort 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 shouldn’t be required, the additional $35/month exercise app provides you entry to over 40 stay lessons and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, operating, and useful coaching lessons.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the power to regulate the foot platforms to a cushty place enable you to keep correct posture and alignment. For those who’re quick on area, the size goes from 84 inches lengthy to simply 41 inches lengthy when folded. On the Echelon web site, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine seems to be 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″ H

Storage: Folds in half for vertical storage

Resistance: Air and magnetic

Weight capability: 250 kilos

Show: 10-inch good HD touchscreen

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

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible worth, making it a fantastic worth. The ten-inch display screen is a wonderful possibility for many who wish to take instructor-led lessons utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance might 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 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 might be folded and saved out of the way in which.

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

What elements do you have to think about earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d suggest 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 top of your area to find out what measurement machine works finest. You’ll wish to measure top to see when you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.

Price range

After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared to spend. Think about any extra prices corresponding to a month-to-month subscription. Some rowers even have add-ons for buy, corresponding to a lumbar help system or seat improve.

Options

Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I on the lookout for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led lessons or do I want a extra simplistic show? Different options corresponding to a magnetic resistance system could also be essential in the event you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability can also play a job in your determination as properly.

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 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 stress in your knee and ankle joints.

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

Remaining Ideas

Rowing is a good way to construct energy 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 area you will have, your worth vary and the options you’d like will enable you to select the very best compact rowing machine for you.

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