Best Inexpensive Rowing Machine of 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

You get what you pay for” is a phrase many only realize after buying cheap, low-quality products.

The same is very much evident in fitness equipment like rowing machines.

If you want a low-impact, full-body workout but don’t want to spend a fortune, the best inexpensive rowing machine is perfect for you.

With these options, those on a budget won’t have to make do with a cheap machine but get the workout they deserve.

What’s more, getting a budget rowing machine means you will have extra cash to spend on another fitness machine.

Best Inexpensive Rowing Machine Reviews

1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness has been helping its customers reach their fitness goals for nearly two decades.

It distributes premium health and fitness equipment and exercise machines worldwide, ensuring comfort and efficiency for all users.

Moreover, the brand promises to continue producing and innovating various products to help the fitness journey of its clients.

One good example of an excellent Sunny Health & Fitness product is the SF-RW5639 Rowing Machine.

Review

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is a piece of full-motion rowing equipment that boasts a high weight capacity.

This machine lets your arm movement replicate the natural rowing motion, helping you reach your fitness goals effectively.

This arm motion aids in burning more calories while strengthening muscles in the back, core, and shoulders.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the SF-RW5639.

  • Frame Material

The SF-RW5639 has a durable alloy steel frame with a slide rail length of 40 inches and an inseam of 43.3 inches.

Unfortunately, this rail measurement is short for users taller than 5’10”, making it challenging to perform a full stroke.

  • Adjustable Resistance Levels

Sunny Health & Fitness’ SF-RW5639 is a hydraulic rower using fluid for resistance that engages every time you pull back during rowing sessions.

It has one piston, which is a hydraulic fluid-filled cylinder that will pump your heart as you exert energy with each stroke.

Rowing machines using a hydraulic resistance system are more budget-friendly than water rowers and other types of resistance.

  • LCD Monitor

The LCD digital monitor of the SF-RW5639 is a primary display unit showing some of your workout stats and fitness level.

You can track your rowing time, stroke count, and burned calories estimate.

More than just tracking your progress, it also features a scan mode, allowing you to see your stats in sequence every six seconds.

  • Wide Cushioned Seat

The comfortable seat of the rower comes with a functional molded and padded cushion, ensuring correct blood flow during intense and extended workouts.

This padded seat measures 14.4 x 10.3 x 2 inches and has a maximum user weight of 350 pounds.

  • Full Motion Arms

As mentioned, the separate arms of this Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine mimic the pulling back action when using real individual oars.

Plus, this indoor rowing machine allows you to customize your workout programs using one or both wide-range rowing arms.

  • Non-Slip Padded Handles 

While the rowing arms design allows you to simulate actual rowing motions, the padded handles ensure a non-slip grip even during intense workout routines.

  • Adjustable Foot Straps

The wide, non-slip pivotal footrests can support all foot sizes.

In addition to that, the adjustable foot straps ensure they stay in place during rowing workouts.

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Easy to assemble
  • Has minimal noise
  • Comfortable to use
  • Versatile arm movements

Cons:

  • Needs space during exercise
  • Challenging resistance adjustment

2. Stamina 1050 BodyTrac Glider

Stamina Products offers different types of rowers for home use based on the user’s needs and budget.

Since its founding in 1987, it has created affordable and innovative fitness equipment for its customers.

Whether new to the sport or a seasoned rower, there’s no doubt you will find an affordable rowing machine from Stamina Products.

Review

The BodyTrac Glider provides real-world rowing feel with its full-motion arms, similar to the one from Sunny Health & Fitness.

  • Compact and Sturdy Design

This compact rower from Stamina Products uses a ball-bearing roller system for smooth operation.

It also has a comfortable molded seat, non-slip footplates, adjustable Velcro straps, and padded hand grips.

After working out, you can conveniently fold the full-motion arms into the rower’s frame for easy storage.

However, when folded, the rower is a bit challenging to lift and move.

  • Weight and Height Limitations

This rowing machine measures 58.25 inches long, 11.38 inches wide, and 11 inches tall. It can accommodate users up to 250 pounds and up to 6’4″ tall.

  • Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance

You can quickly set the tension by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder resistance of the rower according to your preferred workout intensity level.

Because of this feature, every member of the household can use this machine regardless of their current fitness level.

  • LCD Monitor

The multi-functional LCD console lets you track your fitness progress, displaying stats like calories burned, stroke count, total accumulated stroke count, and workout time.

You can also use the scan mode to see all your metrics in a real-time sequence.

  • Full Motion Rowing Arms

Experience real-world rowing feels with the full-motion arms of the Stamina BodyTrac Glider.

This movement helps burn calories, improves cardiovascular health, and strengthens various muscle groups.

With this machine, you can enjoy an effective full-body workout that targets your arms, abs, back, glutes, and legs.

  • Fitness App

The free Smart fitness app müüv supports this BodyTrac Glider.

It is an additional feature that offers custom workouts, follow-along assembly videos, and personalized training.

You can also listen to music from iHeartRadio while working out.

Pros:

  • No fitness app subscription needed
  • Clear assembly instructions
  • Sturdy construction
  • Effective workout machine
  • Clear display

Cons:

  • No transportation wheels
  • Uncomfortable seat

3. Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine

This Lanos hydraulic rower will suit your needs if you are looking for a compact but affordable rowing machine.

It is an ergonomic and foldable hydraulic rowing machine that provides a full-body workout and a reliable operation.

Review

The Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine helps users burn calories and improve cardiovascular functions.

It does this with the help of the following features:

  • Sturdy Frame Construction

This rowing machine boasts a sturdy solid steel frame that can support a maximum weight of 250 pounds.

Like the frame, the arms and bases are made of durable steel, so you can be sure it will last for years.

The machine has assembled dimensions of 50 inches long, 36.22 inches wide, and 20 inches tall.

  • Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance

Using the control knob, you can adjust the tension level manually to customize your workout according to your fitness needs.

It uses a fluid-filled single hydraulic piston placed under the wide molded seat of the rowing machine.

Hydraulic rowers produce less noise than air, water, and magnetic rowing machines.

  • Rower Seat, Footplates, Arm Bars, Handles

The extra-large molded seat with contoured padding glides smoothly on the rower’s sturdy slide rail while keeping you firmly in place.

In addition, the textured pivoting footplates fit all sizes. Also, they have two-position safety straps to ensure your feet stay in place during your workouts.

Get a comfortable and natural feel movement with the rower’s arm bars that smoothly bend and pivot.

Lastly, the padded and right-sized handles help reduce wrist strain, providing an easy and comfortable grip as you row.

  • LCD Monitor

Track your fitness progress with the easy-to-read LCD screen built into the machine, displaying burned calories, stroke count, and workout time.

This simple monitor does not have special features typically found in expensive models but is standard for machines with an affordable price range.

The large number display is prominent, allowing you to see the workout metrics at a glance. Plus, it features a scan function where each metric appears at six-second intervals.

You will need one AA battery to use the LCD monitor.

  • Storage

Hydraulic rowing machines do not use bulky mechanisms, making them compact and easy to store when not in use.

You can fold the arms into the frame and keep it upright in one corner or inside a closet.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Smooth and quiet motion
  • Easy to use
  • Solid construction
  • Versatile and flexible arm bars

Cons:

  • No caster wheels
  • Not for extended workout sessions

4. Doufit RM-01 Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Doufit brand was established in 2019, providing high-quality fitness equipment for the whole family.

Even as a relatively new company, it has gained popularity for its incredible exercise machines.

Review

Doufit wants to introduce its customers to an active lifestyle using its exercise equipment, including this magnetic rower.

Here’s how the Doufit RM-01 Magnetic Rowing Machine can help you achieve your fitness goals:

  • Premium Steel Frame With Floor Stabilizers

The Doufit RM-01 is a sturdy magnetic rowing machine ideal for body sculpting, rehabilitation, strength training, and weight loss.

It is constructed from high-quality steel that is powder-coated with durable paint. As such, you can trust that it can withstand the test of time.

What’s more, there are five pieces of floor stabilizers with adjusting knobs to keep the rowing machine balanced and stable on different surfaces.

  • Aluminum Rail

While the frame is steel, the Doufit rower’s track is made of aluminum. This creates a smooth, stable, and quiet movement you won’t find in other models.

With 48 inches of slide rail and a 42-inch inseam, this rowing machine can effectively support rowers up to 265 pounds.

  • Adjustable Magnetic Resistance Levels

The Doufit rowing machine offers eight levels of adjustable magnetic resistance.

You can easily change the intensity of your workout by twisting the knob accordingly.

Also, you’d be able to enjoy smooth and steady strokes with its inertia-enhanced flywheel, ensuring your fitness equipment performs well.

  • Cushioned Seat and Non-Slip Pedals

Rowers can have a comfortable rowing experience as they sit on the supportive cushioned seat of the Doufit rowing machine.

This comprehensive and stable contoured seat provides a better rowing machine workout experience.

Aside from the cushioned seat, this magnetic resistance rower features largely textured and non-slip pedals with adjustable foot straps.

  • LCD Monitor

You can track your workout metrics conveniently because they are displayed on the multi-functional LCD monitor.

You’d be able to know your burned calories, reps/minute, stroke count, total accumulated count, and workout time.

  • Foldable Design

If you live in a small apartment like most of us, you probably lack floor space for a full-on home gym.

Therefore, exercise machines that fold when not in use will benefit you.

Doufit’s RM-01 has a folding frame and transport wheels that allow you to move the machine from one spot to the next.

  • Warranty and Customer Service

The Doufit RM-01 magnetic rowing machine is protected with a one-year quality warranty.

For any product issues and concerns, Doufit has a professional technical team to assist you at the soonest possible time.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Well built
  • Easy to use
  • Folds easily
  • Compact build

Cons:

  • The monitor has no backlight
  • Does not glide smoothly

5. XtremePower US Ultra Quiet Magnetic Rowing Machine

XtremePower US offers a variety of products, including home appliances, outdoor gadgets, and sporting goods.

The company aims to provide the best solutions in the fitness industry.

Review

XtremePower US focuses on long-lasting transformation by providing premium equipment for your health goals.

Among these is the Ultra Quiet Magnetic Rowing Machine.

This rowing machine is effective for muscle reinforcement, exercising your back, chest, legs, upper limbs, and waist.

It is easy to assemble and comes complete with the hardware and instruction manual.

  • Durable Construction

The XtremePower US Ultra Quiet Magnetic Rowing Machine is made with heavy-duty and sturdy alloy steel, providing a solid performance.

It is a sturdy rowing machine that can support a user weighing up to 220 pounds.

  • Magnetic Resistance

This rowing machine is ideal for new and experienced rowers because of its numerous resistance options.

Condition and exercise your back and shoulder muscles by adjusting the intensity of the machine using its 10 magnetic resistance levels.

You can adjust the resistance level with a simple turn of the knob found on the rowing machine’s flywheel.

  • Ergonomic Seat and Textured Pedals

There is a comfortable ergonomic seat placed on top of rollers that glides smoothly along the track.

It also features oversized textured pedals that can fit most foot sizes.

At the same time, the adjustable straps keep your feet secured during your regular rowing session.

Also, the non-slip padded handles provide a better grip with every stroke.

  • LCD Monitor

Seeing your progress helps you reach your fitness goals more efficiently.

Fortunately, right above the adjustment knob is a large LCD screen displaying some of your workout metrics.

The monitor will display your estimated burned calories, exercise time, stroke count per minute, and total accumulated count.

You may also activate the auto-scan mode to see your stats in intervals as you work out.

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Quiet operation
  • Sturdy construction
  • Compact size
  • Easy to store upright

Cons:

  • Clicking sound with every stroke
  • The resistance level won’t stay at the highest

Which Is the Best Budget-Friendly Rower?

Rowing is an excellent exercise that can alleviate shoulder and back pains, prevent lumbar muscle strain, protect the knees, and relieve spinal pressure.

You don’t have to buy an expensive rowing machine if you want to use one for your home gym as additional exercise equipment.

There are plenty of affordable options you can find to help you with your cardio workouts.

Of the five models here, we consider the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 as the best inexpensive rowing machine.

Its high weight capacity makes it a suitable choice for many users.

Our second recommendation is the Stamina BodyTrac Glider for its free fitness app.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer for our visitors

Get your Free Strength Training Guide

We will never send you spam. By signing up for this you agree with our privacy policy and to receive regular updates via email in regards to industry news and promotions