The Greatest Compact Rowing Machines for Small Areas in 2025

In the event you’re restricted on area, don’t let the size of a rowing machine deter you. Whereas there are numerous nice rowing machines in the marketplace, 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 one of the best compact rowing machine, we discovered an array of fantastic standalone choices and choices that slot in nicely with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought of the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the opinions to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our listing of one of the best compact residence rowing machines out there.

How We Selected the Greatest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this listing 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 dimension, portability, price, 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 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 dimension is 30 p.c 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. It is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It prices an extra $190, which is a bit on the dear aspect.

The body is fabricated 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 created 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 optimistic, and plenty of point out how quiet the machine is and the way a lot they just like the small footprint. One overview says, “The machine is such nice high quality. It’s quiet and modern wanting.” The essential opinions make up 3 p.c of the general opinions and state points like non-working elements being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every overview 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; appropriate iFIT membership is $39/month
• Storage: Will 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 per 30 days, and also you’ll have entry to dwell and on-demand lessons. Membership to the fitness app shouldn’t be required to make use of the rower; nevertheless, you gained’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 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 modifications. The outsized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with fast launch, which is superb for individuals who need to incorporate actions off the rower into their exercise.

The rail is 87 inches lengthy and created from sturdy metal. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it ought to preserve a clean rotation. When you’ve got a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress in opposition to the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter possibility. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine may be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it could possibly’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; appropriate 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 dimension 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 should 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 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 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
• Sort of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; Echelon Match subscription is $35/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Restrict: 300 kilos

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In the event you like to include different actions into your rowing exercise or prepare 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 dwell 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 snug place allow you to preserve correct posture and alignment. In the event you’re brief 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 seems to be 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 good 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 a fantastic worth. The ten-inch display is a superb possibility for individuals 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 toes safe. The handlebar has a gentle grip, and the molded seat is designed that can assist you really feel comfy. When your exercise is completed, the NordicTrack RW600 may be folded and saved out of the best way.

The best way to Select the Greatest Compact Rowing Machine for You

What elements must you contemplate earlier than you pull the set off on a rower? Right here’s what we’d advocate you bear in mind as you ponder your buy resolution:

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 dimension machine works finest. You’ll need to measure top to see if in case you have sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.

Funds

After measuring, take into consideration how a lot you’re prepared 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 assist 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 desire a extra simplistic show? Different options comparable to a magnetic resistance system could also be necessary should you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability may play a task in your resolution as nicely.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing means that you can 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 strain in your knee and ankle joints.

Getting all 4 varieties 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 supply 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 selections to go well with quite a lot of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you’ve gotten, your value vary and the options you’d like will allow you to select one of the best compact rowing machine for you.

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