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A rowing machine is a great way to get a full-body workout without a lot of impact, but like any big piece of exercise equipment, it can be expensive. While there are plenty of solid options for rowing machines if you’re willing to spend thousands of dollars, what if you don’t want to or just can’t afford it? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out the best rowing machines for under $500.
Best Overall
Sunny Magnetic Rower
Most Compact
Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rower
Best for Guided Workouts
Fitness Reality 3000D
Best Value
Xterra Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rower
Best Water Rower
Sunny Obsidian Surge 500
Best Hydraulic Rower
Sunny SF-RW1205
Best Air Rower
Stamina ATS Air Rower
Best Bluetooth Compatible
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus
Why you should trust us
My background for the past 20 years has been in sports, the military, and fitness. My first-hand experiences and those of fellow fitness junkies have taught me what to look for in good rowers. I’ve taken these experiences and have combined them with reviews from experts and customers to give the best analysis available. This review is an extension of the work and research from my previous article on the best water rowing machines.
Types of rowing machines under $500
To understand the differences in rowers we must talk about the resistance used. This is the heart of any rower and will affect other features and designs.
Air
One of the more common types of rowers is the air rower. This machine uses a fan to create resistance by pushing air. These tend to be noisy, but also offer a neat breeze that can keep you cool during your workout. Unlike other types of rowers, air rowers don’t offer the ability to adjust the resistance. More or less difficulty is achieved by how hard you pull the handle. The rowing movement can be rather smooth and realistic depending on the manufacturer.
Magnetic
This is probably the most common type of rower because of how quiet it is and because it offers several difficulty levels. These rowers will have a dial to change the level of resistance, which is created by magnets within a front housing unit. Magnetic rowers are probably the least realistic rowing workout though as they don’t offer as smooth of a rowing motion.
Water
Offering the most realistic rowing workout, water rowers are a niche type of rower. These use water tanks that have a flywheel and blades to push water around the tank. Resistance is adjusted by the amount of water in the tank. This type of rower tends to be the most expensive, but affordable options can be found.
Hydraulic
As the name implies, hydraulic rowers utilize a cylinder with pressurized liquid to create resistance. This design is rather simple and allows the rowers to be lighter in weight and less bulky in design. The cylinder is normally connected to a shaft and handle for you to row with. Because of the simple design, these tend to be the most affordable rowers.
Dual resistance
None of the names of these rowers should be surprising. Dual resistance rowers utilize at least two different types of resistance to offer a wider range of difficulty. This is found most commonly in the form of air and magnets, but other types are possible.
Key features of rowing machines under $500
Display
The vast majority of rowers will have a digital monitor to display workout metrics. Typically, these are going to be duration, speed, distance, and calories. Premium models will have other metrics or connect to apps for better tracking.
Slide rail
The slide rail is the length of frame that the seat rolls or slides along. Traditionally, it’s a single-piece frame, but a more functional feature is the ability to fold. This is normally done to help you save space when not using your rower.
Footplates and straps
There is nothing worse than crumby footplates during a rowing workout. These flat plates are positioned to keep your feet in place during the workout and often use an adjustable strap. The footplates typically don’t move, however, some rowers have pivoting plates that prevent extra strain on the ankle. Hook-and-loop Velcro is common for strapping in, but it can wear out over time. Another commonly used strap is nylon with a tension loop, but these too can wear out or come loose. Ultimately, you’ll have to find the one that you like best.
Benefits of rowing machines under $500
Cardiovascular health
Rowing is easily recognized as a low-impact form of cardio. This lightweight, high repetition exercise is an excellent alternative to running since it doesn’t require jarring the knees or back. The intensity and duration easily get your heart pumping and can improve heart health when combined with a smart diet.
Strength
This may not be what most people think of when they talk about rowing, but strength is another benefit of rowing workouts. By increasing the resistance, you can step up the intensity of your workouts. This will help build functional strength as well as aesthetically pleasing results.
Mental health
I’m a huge proponent of positive mental health and mental fitness. Physical exercise has been proven to directly impact our mindset and mental health. Even renowned researcher Roy Baumeister wrote in his book Willpower that physical exercise can improve one’s ability to remain disciplined and exert willpower.
Pricing considerations for rowing machines under $500
For this article, we specifically looked for rowers under $500. This targeted range is typically in the budget pricing range for all rowers. Machines here will have fewer features, simpler displays, and be manufactured with cost-saving materials.
How we chose our top picks
Our biggest criteria for rowers in this review was that they had to be priced below $500. To give you the best variety, we looked for water, air, magnetic, hydraulic, and dual resistance rowers with a known history of reliability and performance. We avoided looking at anything priced above $500 that had unrealistic claims or unnecessary features.
FAQs on rowing machines under $500
You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.
Q: Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
A: Yes, along with any other fat you want to see gone, especially when combined with a proper diet.
Q: Does rowing tone your arms?
A: Absolutely. While the proper rowing exercise works the whole body, the arm and back muscles are the heavy lifters and get the most work.
Q: How many minutes should I row at a time?
A: If you’re looking for cardio-based results, you’ll need to row for 30-60 minutes at a time. However, if you’re looking for strength, conditioning, or intense fat burning it is best to do interval training or row for 20 minutes at a time.
Q: What’s the best type of rower?
A: This is purely subjective, but water rowers offer the most realistic rowing workout, while dual resistance rowers offer the most challenging workouts.