The Finest 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 various nice rowing machines available on the market, there are additionally some superior compact alternate 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 effectively with different top-rated home gym equipment. We thought of the general footprint and different key options, and scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every product. Beneath is our checklist of the very best compact house rowing machines out there.

How We Selected the Finest Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included on this checklist had been rigorously chosen based mostly on what most customers would need out of a rowing machine, retaining in thoughts that they wanted to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage choices. We evaluated every alternative based mostly on measurement, portability, value, high-tech options, versatility, and sturdiness. We additionally scoured the evaluations to see what customers needed to say about every rowing machine.

Our Picks for the Finest Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:

Finest Total Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

On the Hydrow web site, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 evaluations on the time of writing. It’s the model’s compact, budget-friendly choice for many who need 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 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 a further $190, which is a bit on the dear facet.

The body is manufactured 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 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 evaluations 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 wanting.” The crucial evaluations make up 3 p.c of the general evaluations and state points like non-working components being delivered. Nevertheless, Hydrow has responded to every assessment to resolve any points.

Finest 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: Might 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 observe together with an iFIT exercise led by your favourite coach on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 monthly, and also you’ll have entry to reside and on-demand courses. Membership to the fitness app isn’t required to make use of the rower; nevertheless, you received’t have entry to trainer-led courses with out it.

A trainer-led rowing exercise offers 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 adjustments. The outsized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with fast launch, which is great for many who need 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. If in case you have a shared area, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates stress towards the flywheel with out touching, making it a quieter choice. After your exercise, this magnetic rowing machine could be moved utilizing the entrance wheels, however it will possibly’t be folded.

Finest 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 measurement by lifting the deal with, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it simple to maneuver. It comes geared up with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you should utilize for iFIT exercises in case you select to subscribe, or you possibly can monitor your watts, energy burned, time, strokes, and distance within the guide 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 secure. The massive, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps preserve your ft in place, and the seat is molded with consolation in thoughts.

Finest 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 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 isn’t required, the additional $35/month exercise app offers you entry to over 40 reside courses and greater than 1,000 on-demand exercises from its library, together with rowing, biking, operating, and useful coaching courses.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the flexibility to regulate the foot platforms to a snug place aid you keep correct posture and alignment. For those who’re brief 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 appears nice, operates very quietly, and offers a nice exercise regardless of your stage,” says reviewer Brett P.

Finest 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

Obtainable programming: Dwell and on-demand exercises, scenic rows

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances nice tech options and an accessible value, making it an amazing worth. The ten-inch display screen is a superb choice for many who need to take instructor-led courses utilizing an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance could 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 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 could be folded and saved out of the way in which.

Learn how to Select the Finest 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 have in mind as you ponder your buy choice:

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 need to measure top to see when you’ve got sufficient clearance for rowers to be saved upright.

Price range

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

Options

Ask your self: What number of ranges of resistance do I want? Am I in search of an HD touchscreen with trainer-led courses or do I favor a extra simplistic show? Different options akin to a magnetic resistance system could also be necessary in case you’re in a shared area and want a quieter machine. The rower’s most top and/or weight capability might also play a job in your choice as effectively.

Advantages of a Rowing Exercise

Rowing lets you implement low-impact, cardio-based coaching, and you’ll modify 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 sorts of train (endurance, energy, stability, and suppleness) has advantages, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine could be utilized for 2 varieties: endurance and energy. Many rowing machines have built-in applications or subscriptions that supply courses geared towards constructing energy and endurance.

Closing Ideas

Rowing is a good way to construct energy and endurance whereas working numerous muscle teams. There are decisions to swimsuit quite a lot of budgets with completely different storage choices and sizes. Determining how a lot area you’ve, your value vary and the options you’d like will aid you select the very best compact rowing machine for you.

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