Rowing machines are some of the most challenging workout equipment available on the market. For a full body cardio exercise, it is up there with the best, and will definitely help anyone wanting to lose fat, gain fitness and improve health.
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If you’re curious (or in a hurry) :
✅ This Specific Compact Rowing Machine is the most popular.
Its a fantastic rowing machine with the vast majority of reviewers giving the maximum 5 star reviews. It separates and folds up easily for storage and is perfect for home use. Its no wonder we chose it as our No.1 recommended compact rowing machine ( To read more about why it is so popular, read our full review below).
Unfortunately, rowing machines of old were quite large and bulky, and not the most suitable exercise machine for home use. However, thankfully things have changed and now, many sleek and compact rowing machines are available, and are ideal for small homes. Many of these compact rowing machines are foldable (up to half their size), allowing you to easily store them away.
In this article, the Best Compact Rowing Machines For Home Use, we will be reviewing some of our favorite compact, folding and portable rowing machines, that will be an ideal choice of exercise equipment for small spaces.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Home Rowing Machine Reviews
✅ No.1 Recommended Indoor Rowing Machine For Home Use
Amazon Bestseller Folding Rowing Machine by Concept2
This bestseller is the complete package when it comes to rowing machines and is suitable for small spaces. If you are looking for a professional gym style rowing machine, suitable for home use, then read on.
Assembly:
Apparently, the Model D (the Model D is the most popular one) has a lot less assembly than the Model E. It has almost everything assembled already, except for connecting the main parts. A screwdriver is provided, along with clear and easy to follow instructions. It shouldn’t take much more than 10 minutes to assemble. Item weight – 57 lbs.
Space Saver:
The Concept2 will not be the smallest of rowing machines reviewed in this article. It measures 9 feet in length, which may appear quite long, however it is quite narrow at 2 feet in width. Overall, you will need a space of 9 feet by 4 feet, so that you have room for your arms to comfortably go through the rowing motion.
Also, when you are finished your workout you can fold the rower up for easy storage. Folding it up is very easy and takes no effort. When it is folded up, 2 feet by 3 feet of floor space is all that is needed for easy storage.
Usability:
If you are new to rowing then you may need a little while to get used to the rowing motion needed to perform this exercise correctly. However, after a few minutes you will get the hang of it and then really feel the benefits of this great machine.
The seat is purposely hard and you will feel it in the beginning. This is because your glutes are weak and not conditioned. The seat is hard so that it will improve circulation through the legs and glutes. After a few weeks of rowing, your glute muscles will have developed and strengthened and the seat will not feel hard anymore.
The rowing machine is not very noisy and uses airflow as resistance. By adjusting the airflow entering the flywheel, the difficulty of the stroke can be increased or decreased. The rowing motion is smooth and comfortable. The footrests can be adjusted for all shoe sizes and we really like the ergonomic handle that allows you to row with a natural hand angle.
Features:
- Performance monitor 5 tracks data from every row
- Flywheel and damper use inflowing air to allow you to change the feel of the stroke to suit your preference
- Quick release framelock mechanism – no tools required
- Can be separated into two pieces for easy storage
- Front wheels allow easy mobility
- Adjustable footrests for all shoe sizes
- Ergonomic handles make rowing feel a lot more natural on the hands and arms
- Compact storage size makes it ideal for small spaces
- Weight Capacity – 500 lbs
The Concept2 may not be the smallest of rowing machines on the market, however it surely is one of the best. It is a hugely popular rower and although not cheap, it is a lot cheaper than its competitors that provide a similar rowing machine. It is an excellent rower to provide a smooth workout and if used consistently, will definitely improve health and fitness, condition the whole body and burn fat.
The folding feature is a big sell for us because it has such a small footprint for storage. If you are looking for a proven high quality rowing machine that is perfect for easy storage in small spaces, then look no further than the Concept2 (Check out the size of the Concept2 in the video below. It may not be the smallest of rowing machines but remember, it is foldable and can be easily stored upright).
Best Compact Rowing Machine – Portable For Home Use
Portable Magnetic Rower By Sunny Health & Fitness
This magnetic rowing machine by Sunny Health & Fitness is a solid piece of equipment and more budget friendly. It provides a smooth, quiet, no impact workout and is quite compact in size. This rower also has built in wheels, making it easy to move around and can be folded up to half its size for easy storage.
Assembly:
Assembly is very easy and the directions were very straight forward. There are 5 steps involved in assembly and each step is bagged separately. Any tools required are also provided. The step by step guidance of the bags and directions make assembling a breeze and shouldn’t take much more than 15 minutes.
Space Saver:
The overall assembled dimensions of this rowing machine are 82″ L x 19″ W x 23″ H, which is almost 7 feet in length. For a rowing machine this size isn’t bad, however it can be folded up to half its size, which is great for storage.
The fold up dimensions are 35” L x 19” W x 50” H. As you can see, most of the storage space needed will be vertical. It is very easy to fold up and because it has transport wheels, storing will be very easy after each workout. Overall, this is a good space saver.
Usability:
The compact rowing machine has 8 levels of resistance and as you progress you can increase the resistance level. Throughout all the levels, the gliding motion is smooth, even and quiet. The seat is quite comfortable and has a lip shape at the back to prevent you from sliding off the back during vigorous workouts. The display unit is rather basic and shows strokes, calories and time.
Features:
- Magnetic tension system with 8 levels of resistance
- LCD unit displays calories burned, strokes and time
- Fully padded seat
- Non-slip handle bars
- Large anti-slip foot pedals and adjustable straps
- Ability to fold up to half its size for easy storage
- Built in transportation wheels for added mobility
- Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
Although this is a decent quality compact rowing machine, you do get what you pay for. It is a lot cheaper than the Concept2 (reviewed above), however it is of lower quality. The Concept2 will probably last for many more years than this one. That being said, this rower will perform well and will provide a good workout.
It is smooth, quiet and its fold up feature makes it a great choice for small homes. We rate this rowing machine as a solid, affordable rowing machine, that will give a good workout and won’t take up too much space.
Best Compact Rowing Machine – Foldable For Easy Storage
Folding Compact Air Rower By Stamina
This compact rower by Stamina is the smallest machine so far, and as it can be folded up for better storage, it is a good choice for small spaces.
It is a decent rowing machine that is pretty popular due to its affordable price and high ratings. It may not have the frills of a more expensive option but if you are looking for a solid rowing machine to get in shape and not looking for a professional style machine, then it is a good option.
Assembly:
Instructions are clear, detailed and easy to follow. Fasteners come in separate bags and are labeled, making it easy to find and use on their appropriate parts. Assembly should take around 30 – 45 minutes.
Space Saver:
The rowing machine weighs 54 lbs and has an assembled measurement of 77” L x 18” W x 22” H. These dimensions are excellent for small spaces and ideal for small home gym rooms and small apartments. It also has a folding feature and can be folded up to only 48” L x 18” W x 28” H. This is a really small size for easy storage and therefore if you don’t mind clearing the workout area after your gym session, you can store it away in a small area.
Usability:
It uses an air transfer system which adapts to your performance. If you row faster, then it will adapt to you and if you slow down, then it will respond again. This works well because it means you don’t have to change resistance levels manually if you want to row harder or easier. The seat is padded and quite comfortable. It is smooth to row on and the resistance level is constant.
One area that might be an issue is the noise level of the machine. It is the fan that generates the resistance and it is the fan that makes the noise. Therefore, the harder you row, the louder the noise. Our advice is that if you plan on working out really vigorously, then you may need to turn the TV up or wear headphones. If you plan on exercising at an average rate, then noise shouldn’t be an issue.
Features:
- Air resistance system provides smooth and efficient rowing stroke
- Monitor displays speed, distance, time and calories burned
- Padded seat for added comfort
- Large footplates accommodate any size user
- Adjustable foot straps
- Angled seat rail for easy seat return
- Sturdy and solid steel construction
- Textured grips for added comfort while rowing
- Foldable frame for easy storage
- Nylon rowing strap for enhanced durability
- Floor protectors to safeguard your workout area and prevent skidding
- Assembled size – 77” L x 18″ W x 22″ H
- Folded size – 48” L x 18″ W x 28″ H
- Weight Capacity – 250lbs
Overall, a solid piece of equipment for performance and structure. It has a good price and is an excellent choice for the average user wanting to improve health, fitness and lose some weight. It is a very compact size and the fold up feature makes it easy to store and ideal for small spaces.
Best Heavy Duty Compact Rowing Machine For Small Homes
Commercial Grade Water Rowing Machine by Water Rower
Although, the most expensive rowing machine we are reviewing, this rower is a serious piece of equipment. This compact rowing machine by Water Rower is handcrafted and uses a ‘water flywheel’ that replicates a real rowing feeling. The flywheel is in a water tank and provides a smooth, even and quiet resistance.
Assembly:
The main portion of the rowing machine is pre-assembled and the rest should take around 30-40 minutes to finish. Instructions are clear and tools needed for assembly are provided.
Space Saver:
The overall measurements of the water rower are 84” L x 21” W x 22” H . It doesn’t fold up for storage however it is portable with wheels attached. What makes it an excellent space saver is that it can be stored upright. When stored upright, it really only needs minimal space.
Usability:
The rowing stroke on this machine is incredibly smooth and fluid. The water tank allows the rowing machine to mimic a real rowing motion in water. Just like when rowing in water, the faster you row, the more resistance, the slower you row, the less resistance.
This self-regulating rowing style occurs on this machine. Unlike magnetic resistance systems where you set a resistance level before you start rowing, this water system changes resistance by how fast or slow you row.
Not only does the water rowing system make a very smooth, non-jerking rowing motion but it is also very quiet to use. The ash wood construction also helps with sound reduction because the wood has the ability to absorb sound and vibrations.
This is a rowing machine that is made for commercial gyms and for heavy duty use, therefore is definitely built to last. Its solid construction has a weight capacity of 1000 lbs.
Features:
- Commercial gym quality compact rowing machine
- Handcrafted with Ash wood (wood construction absorbs sound and vibrations)
- Water flywheel replicates real rowing feel
- Smooth, non-jerking, very quiet rowing motion
- Row faster for added resistance, row slower for less resistance (same as real rowing)
- Monitor tracks rowing intensity, stroke rate, heart rate and more
- Flips upright for easy storage in small areas
- Ideal space saver
- Weight Capacity – 1000 lbs
- Heavy duty construction
- Weighs 117 lbs (water in tank included in weight)
- 3 year warranty on frame, 5 year warranty on components
- Delivery in 2 boxes (55 lbs box and 32 lbs box)
- Assembled measurements – 84” L x 21” W x 22” H
This heavy duty rowing machine by Water Rower is an outstanding piece of exercise equipment. Not only is it built for commercial use, but it is also smooth and silent. We love the water replicating rowing style and the real rowing feel it provides.
It is an expensive rowing machine, however you certainly get what you pay for and this machine will last for years to come. If you are looking for a heavy duty, high quality, quiet and smooth rowing machine that has a small storage footprint, then this compact water rower is a great choice.
Best Compact Rowing Machine With Small Footprint (Budget)
Inexpensive Small Rowing Machine by Stamina
This affordable compact rowing machine by Stamina, will give a solid workout for a bargain price. Using a hydraulic system and 12 resistance levels, the rower will definitely challenge all levels of fitness. It is compact in size and has a small footprint, making it an ideal choice for small spaces.
Assembly:
Assembly is a piece of cake and shouldn’t take much more than 30 minutes. The instructions are in picture form, making them very easy to follow. The tools required for assembly are also provided.
Space Saver:
This compact little rowing machine has a footprint of only 46” L x 23.5” W. However, to perform the rowing action, extra width is necessary. Therefore, 58” L x 43” W of free space is needed for comfortable rowing movement. Also, you can reduce the size of the rower by tucking the arms in, for easier storage. It should fit into an average closet space when folded up.
Usability:
It is a quiet and smooth machine that replicates the real rowing action quite well. There are 12 resistance levels to choose from, however we are not sure how well the machine will be able to withstand the strength of a person at the high levels of resistance.
A number of customers have had an issue keeping their feet in place with the footstraps, however this is a minor issue. We like the compact size and how quiet it is to use. For the average user, this rowing machine will definitely get your heart rate up and provide a solid workout.
Features:
- Adjustable gas shock resistance
- Sturdy steel frame
- Arms tuck in for easy storage
- Compact size footprint
- Monitor displays stroke count, time and calories burned
- Replicates real rowing motion well
- Dimensions – 46” L x 23.5”
- Space needed for rowing – 58” L x 43” W
- Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
Overall, this machine is a popular choice on Amazon for rowing machines and for the average user looking to gain some fitness and lose some pounds, then it is a solid, affordable choice. However, for the more seasoned gym goer, it may be a little basic and may not be able to hold up to vigorous use.
As a space saver, this compact rower is an excellent option. If you are on a budget, why not consider a mini trampoline as an inexpensive way to get fit and healthy.
If you would like to read some reviews on compact elliptical machines or some compact exercise bikes suitable for small spaces, or maybe compact treadmills, then click on the links.
We hope you found the Best Compact Rowing Machines For Home Use reviews helpful and you were able to find a suitable piece of exercise equipment for your small space.
