This is a quick guide to the best compact rowing machines, with our recommendations based around different people’s criteria, so you can choose the compact rowing machine that suits you best.
They’re summed up in this table below. If you want to skip all the other talk and you just want to know which specific compact rowing machine are currently the best to go for, then they’re all right here in one place for you.
| Editor’s Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Compact Rowing Machine | Goplus Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine |
| Alternative Best Compact Rowing Machine | MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine |
| Best Rowing Machine Under 500 | HouseFit Rowing Machine |
| Best Rowing Machine For Apartments | Ativa Fit Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine |
Click to jump straight to each topic.
- Why You Need a Compact Rowing Machine
- What to Look for in a Compact Rowing Machine
- The Best Compact Rowing Machines Reviewed
- Other Worthy Mentions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Need a Compact Rowing Machine
A Compact rowing machine is not just a rowing machine its a key to a better you. We say the same things year in and year out “this is the year I get fit” but another year passes and while it started well its not something you stuck with. A Compact rowing machine can be stored away for easy access and provides a full-body workout and is perfect for losing weight or building muscle.
If you don’t really lack space you might be better going for a water rower or magnetic rower rather than a compact one
What to Look for in a Compact Rowing Machine
If its your first time purchasing a compact rowing machine its likely you dont really know what your looking for. We always think its best to go over a few key features you want to watch out for in order to find the best compact rowing machine for you and get a lifetime purchase rather than something you might regret.
Size
While some people might tell you size doesn’t matter, when it comes to compact workout equipment size is everything. When looking at rowing machines you want to make sure it can fold up away for easy storage.
Type of Rower
So rowers come in 3 different types which are air, magnetic, and water. Air rower’s resistance is generated by air which can be fairly noisy and the downside of this is to increase the resistance you need to pull harder.
Magnetic rowers are the crowd favorite and generate resistance through magnetic as you could probably guess, the benefit of this rower is the action is virtually silent compared to the other rowers. For those of you that love a quiet workout or love watching a show or movie as a distraction then this is the rower for you.
Last but not least we have water rowing machines, while these machines provide resistance by a water tank situated in the drum of the machine. This provides a very realistic rowing experience and feels very similar to rowing on real water. The only downside is the water sloshes and makes the machine fairly noisy which can be an issue for some rowers.
So, putting all of this together, let’s look at our recommendations for the best compact rowing machines out there right now.
The Best Compact Rowing Machines Reviewed
Best Compact Rowing Machine: Goplus Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine
Best Compact Rowing Machine
Goplus Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine
When looking for the best compact rowing machine the Goplus is perfect!
The size of the machine is 70 x 21 x 19 inches and it only weights 49 pounds so it can easily be moved on its rolling wheels to storage.
Made from high quality aluminium and magnetic resistance the Goplus provides a smooth and quiet rowing experience.
Its adjustable resistance, foot straps, and ergonomic seat allow you to have maximum comfort when rowing which makes it a great pick for first-timers or veterans rowers.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Alternative Best Compact Rowing Machine: MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
Alternative Best Compact Rowing Machine
MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
The Maxkare is a great alternative for the Goplus for those who have a little bit more space to play with.
Another magnetic rowing machine like the Goplus the Maxkare is a little heavier at 64 pounds and is made from a durable aluminum frame to keep it lightweight.
The overall dimensions are 76.4″L x 19.7″W x 16.5″ W but it can fold itself to a smaller 37.4″L x 42.3″H which is perfect size for a garage or cuboard.
Providing 16 levels of adjustable resistance the Maxkare is perfect for easy or intense workouts and comes with a handy multi-function LCD screen.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Rowing Machine Under 500: HouseFit Rowing Machine
Best Rowing Machine Under 500
Sometimes it can be hard to find a machine that suitable in the price range you want and the House Fit is a textbook example of a budget buy! All of the features without any additional cost.
The House fit is a sturdy build designed to take up to 300lbs in weight its got 15 levels of fully adjustable magnetic resistance and is incredibly quiet even for a magnetic rower to boot.
Assembled the machine takes up 65*22*32 in and only 29*22*65 in once moved to its compact folded state.
One great thing about the HouseFit is the built in shock absorption in the frame which is a great feature you dont see on most rowers.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Rowing Machine For Apartments: Ativa Fit Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine
Best Rowing Machine For Apartments
Ativa Fit Magnetic Compact Rowing Machine
When purchasing any exercise machine for an apartment you want to make sure you choose something fairly quiet so you can fit in an early morning or late evening workout.
The Ativa is a great choice as its one of the more silent magnetic rowers out there while still being fairly compact for easy storage and coming with similar features as our top pick.
The Ativas are 60.6” long x 21.2” wide x 26” when setup and can be folded down to a more compact size. The LCD screen also allows you to track your training progress and allows you to modify your routines to suit you.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Other Worthy Mentions
Sunny Health & Fitness Resistance Rower
For those’s who are not yet ready to compact to a larger magnetic rower the sunny health and fitness resistance rower can be a great alternative to try first.
- Due to no mechanical parts its the most compact style of rower out their
- Very budget friendly
Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine
The Sunny Phantom Hydro water rowing machine is a great choice for someone who wants the feel of outdoor water rowing, but on a compact machine that they can fit inside their home.
- Water rowing feels incredibly satisfying
- Water rower folds up to a compact size
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best rowing machine for home use?
If you want something that’s closer to outdoor water rowing then a water rower would be best. Something silent? Then magnetic rowing machines might be for you. There is no “best rower” as most of the options are down to personal preference in rowing style.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
A rowing machine can be a better workout then a treadmill due to hitting many more muscles. Rowing is a full body workout while running is not.
Are rowing machines worth it?
Purchasing a rowing machine is one of the best decisions I ever made it can help you take control of your fitness and get yourself in shape. This has huge benefits for your mental health and has helped motivate me in other areas of life.
We hope this list of the best compact rowing machines has been helpful.
If there’s anything good that you think we’ve missed, or if you have any questions about anything, then let us know down in the comments below.
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