2020 has undoubtedly witnessed a rise in home gym and indoor workouts. If you wish to be regular with cardio from the comfort of your home, a rowing machine is the best addition to your home gym.
According to an article published in the Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, the rowing exercise program proved beneficial for people with visual impairments who frequently experience abnormal body composition.
You must have heard that such equipment is expensive. But here we present you the best rowing machines under $300. After doing thorough research on rowing machines, conducting surveys, we have curated a list of top 5 rowing machines under $300. Read on to find more!
Top 3 Picks
| Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine | Sunny Health Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine | Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Pros | 15 Adjustments Transport Wheels |
16 Levels of Tension Ergonomic Foot Pedals |
Oversized Contoured Seat Non-Slip Foot Pedals |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Cheap Rowing Machines Under $300 For Your Home Gym
Take a look at our top 5 rowing machines under $300. This will give you a fair idea about the features, pros, and cons of every rower.
#1. Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Use
This is one of our favorites on the list. The rowing machine by Dripex is not just precisely engineered, but its ergonomic body also makes it very sleek and sophisticated. This means that you can put it into any room, and it will complement the other elements.
We really liked that users can store this machine upright or fold it for convenience. This is a great feature when comparing a rowing machine with a treadmill. The other thing that we liked is that Dripex rowing machine provides a low-impact workout and is easy on the joints. It fits all ages and fitness levels.
It has 15 magnetic resistance adjustments that allow users to achieve effective training according to their requirements and needs.
What distinguishes the Dripex rowing machine from its competitors is the unique double aluminum railway, making it super smooth and silent when doing a workout at home. Plus, the shock absorber underneath the sliding rail further helps in providing an undisturbed environment for any indoor exerciser.
The rowing machine targets most of your body parts such as the chest, abs, core, glutes, upper body, and lower body. You can build strength while simultaneously burning calories.
Features
Resistance
The rowing machine has a 15 level adjustable resistance. You can customize your workout plan accurately with a simple twist. This feature will make your workout challenging and effective at the same time.
Handlebar
It features a durable textured handlebar that not only provides an anti-slip grip but also offers increased endurance and comfort during every workout.
Shock Absorber
One of the best features of this machine is the shock absorber. It aims to reduce pressure and distribute the impact. The double aluminum slider makes it the quietest rower ever. You can freely use it at home without the fear of disturbing others.
Adaptable Monitor Holder
You get a monitor holder in the rowing machine, which is not fixed. You can adjust it according to your sightline. When you need to store it, fold the screen and slide it away.
Pros
- Adaptable monitor holder
- Unique shock absorber
- Non-slip handlebar
- Adjustable straps and pedals
- 15-level adjustable resistance
Cons
- Some users complain of a poor display
Verdict
All-in-all, this rowing machine provides some of the most advanced features. First, it is very easy to assemble. Secondly, it’s sturdy and doesn’t flex or wobble on the floor. The additional features like the unique shock absorber and adaptable monitor holder set it apart from other rowing machines in this price segment.
Why did we decide to put it on the #1 position?
The major reason to put this rowing machine on the #1 position is its durable and long-lasting build. It features a sturdy frame made with steel metal alloy and can hold up to 265 lbs. Besides, you can increase or decrease fifteen levels of resistance with a simple twist of a button. Lastly, it has a one-year warranty.
#2. Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
The next on our list is the folding rowing machine by Sunny Health & Fitness. It has the Synergy Power Motion that engages almost every body muscle. This synergistic effect leads to a powerful workout to maximize efficiency and calorie burn. The rowing machine comes packed with features for a complete fitness experience.
It has 16 levels of magnetic resistance that ensure a challenging and versatile workout. You can easily increase your workout’s intensity with the tension knob. Another feature that we liked is the presence of a bottle and a device holder.
You can easily place drinks and mobile devices to watch your favorite videos during your workout.
In addition, it has a digital monitor that allows you to track progress. The monitor displays time,
count, total count, and calories.
The rowing machine also has wide non-slip pedals. These large textured pedals come with safety straps that provide users with a non-slip surface. The security of high-quality straps allows your feet to remain in place throughout rowing.
The last exciting thing about this rowing machine is its transportation wheels. There is no more need for heavy lifting or muscle strain.
Features
Adjustable Resistance
You can easily switch up the intensity of your workout with the tension knob. With a simple twist, you can change resistance to make your workout challenging and effective throughout the fitness journey.
Transportation Wheels
You are no longer required to indulge in heavy lifting, causing muscle strain. Simply tilt and roll out the transportation wheels for use or storage.
Seat
It has an ergonomic seat that provides total comfort during the workout so that you are not distracted. The sizeable padded seating smoothly glides along with the 43.5 inches slide rail.
Monitor
The rowing machine has an SPM monitor that allows checking all your fitness stats, including scan, time, calories, and total count.
Pros
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- It has a multifunctional digital monitor
- Ergonomic seat for complete comfort
- It comes with a device and bottle holder
Cons
- Makes noise
Verdict
All-in-all, this rowing machine is ideal for people who want the most features at a reasonable price. The machine is very easy to assemble and easy to move from one room to another. The range of resistance is sufficient for most users. It has a bottle and device holder along with a display monitor. A great machine at a great price!
#3. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Rower
The next one is another rowing machine by Sunny Health & Fitness. It provides an excellent way to increase fitness by burning calories and building muscles with a low-impact workout.
The machine is made with top-grade steel that ensures durability. In addition, the rower features an elastic cord resistance with four levels of tension.
We really liked the large LCD console that displays count, time, calorie burned, count per minute, and scan. It also has an oversized contoured seat with non-slip handles for optimal comfort.
Sunny Health & Fitness always aims to help users achieve their fitness goals. Even this rower has a capacity of 220 lbs that makes it suitable for people of all sizes.
Features
Display
The rowing machine has an LCD display that presents total count, count, time, calories burned count per minute, and scan.
Floor Stabilizers
The next important feature of the rowing machine is its foot stabilizers. It also has non-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps.
Resistance
You can augment the intensity of your workout with four levels of convenient tension.
Pros
- It has a foldable frame
- Four levels of adjustable resistance
- Digital monitor
Cons
- Not suitable for very tall people
Verdict
It’s a great option to consider if you are looking for a rowing machine at a reasonable price. The machine is very quiet and moves smoothly. Plus, it is easy to assemble and easy to store.
Related: Best Indoor Rowing Machines for Your Home
#4. SereneLife Rowing Machine
With the rowing machine by SereneLife you can do a full-body, low-impact workout. It targets your forearms, triceps, biceps, shoulders, legs, and thighs. The machine is suitable for home and gym use.
You can use it for sports training, cardio fitness, fat-burning, and weight loss. We really like the advanced technology of the machine that allows measuring time, distance, strides, and the calories burned.
The machine is made from high-quality, durable steel-metal alloy that is built to last. It is strong enough to hold weight up to 250 lbs and is suitable for all sizes. The other feature that impresses us is the adjustable resistance. This allows you to tailor your workout according to your needs. Plus, the rowing machine has a one-year warranty.
Features
Display
The rowing machine features a digital LCD display that allows easy monitoring of strides, time, distance, revolutions per minute, calories burned, and more.
Resistance
The compact gym exercise equipment has eight levels of tension resistance, so you can customize the workout’s intensity. It is the ideal equipment for weight loss, cardio fitness, and stamina building.
Handlebar
It has a smooth-gliding slide rail that won’t disturb your family members. In addition, the solid handlebar and padded seat ensure comfort in every pull.
Pros
- Provides full-body workout
- Ideal for fat burning
- Made from durable steel alloy
- Eight levels of resistance
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- The monitor does not give readings sometimes
Verdict
Overall, this is one of the best rowers that you can find in the market. It has advanced features and is backed by a 1-year warranty. This rowing machine is designed in a way that it can fit people of all sizes.
#5. Folding Rowing Machine
This folding rowing machine by the JKANGFIT is the last on our list. It weighs only 61 lbs and has plenty of leg extension room. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and a 6’2 height capacity.
The most exciting feature of the rowing machine is its minimal noise level. The seat movement is smooth and quiet, and you can workout without disturbing your family members.
The machine features 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, which makes it suitable for different people.
You can easily fold this rowing machine for easy storage, and it barely takes up any space. Lastly, it has a wide ergonomic seat, flat and wide webbing, non-slip handlebars, and foot pedals with adjustable straps that provide complete safety during the workout.
Features
Handlebars
The rowing machine has soft foam-covered handlebars that allow you to row in comfort and safety.
Monitor
It has a large LCD monitor that tracks meters, time, calories, count, and strokes. This helps in keeping track of your performance and progress and lets you achieve fitness goals easily.
Seat
It has a wide, comfortable seat with a wide seat cushion for extended workouts without getting tired.
Pedals
The machine has large anti-slip pedals that ensure safety. Pedals come with a foot strap that is easy and quick to adjust.
Pros
- Front wheels for easy moving
- Anti-slip pedals
- Large LCD monitor to track performance
- Wide and comfortable seat
Cons
- The resistance won’t be tough to advance users
Verdict
All-in-all, this is an excellent option if you are looking to get fit in a budget. The clear instructions make the assembling easy. Plus, the functioning is super quiet, and the seat is comfortable even for larger people.
Best Budget Cheap Rowing Machines Under $300: Buying Guide
This buying guide mentions exactly what you should know before buying a rowing machine. Experts suggest looking for certain features that will ensure a comfortable workout. Believe us when we say that it’s not the benefits that hold on people, but how to buy fitness equipment that fits requirements.
But don’t worry. Find our detailed guide to know exactly where to start and what to look for.
Maintenance
When buying any piece of equipment, you should consider its maintenance. A piece of equipment with numerous detachable parts is easier to fix, as you only need to repair the broken part. But machines with more complicated parts require professional repair.
Another aspect to remember is that you’ll have to change/clean the water of the rower periodically, which you obviously don’t want to do with a fan-based rowing machine.
Noise
This is an important factor if you’ll use the rower in an open space where there will be other people, or you are living in an apartment. Consider going for a rower that makes less noise so that you don’t disturb others while reaching your fitness goals.
Seat
While using a rowing machine, you have to sit in a similar position for an extended period. This makes it essential to look for a rowing machine with a comfortable seat that fits your body well.
Constantly adjusting yourself for comfort makes you distracted from the workout and makes rowing a less engaging activity. You may also want the seat to be at an appropriate distance from the ground. Otherwise, it may become difficult to get on and off.
Resistance Options
There are a few options that you can choose from. Water or air resistance are the top options to consider for a smooth experience and maximum resistance options. You also get Magnetic Resistance. You should also know that some rowing machines don’t have resistance, and it will change only on how hard you pull. Other machines have specific resistance levels, and you can set or change them throughout the workout.
Screen Positioning
You’ll come across rowing machines with built-in display screens so that you can stream workouts right on the machine. If you opt for such a machine, make sure that the screen is at eye level so that you can watch it comfortably without any strain.
Size and Ease to Store
Usually, rowers take a lot of floor space. So, you need to ensure that it’s easy to store when you aren’t using it. You can either store a rower vertically or go for a foldable rowing machine.
Foot Straps
When using a rowing machine, you will put your feet on two separate pads and then strap them securely. Ensure that the foot straps are adjustable enough to fit your feet perfectly. This factor is especially essential if you have larger or smaller feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I lose Belly Fat with a Rowing Machine?
Rowing is an efficient technique to burn calories along with building strong and defined muscles.
Can I Row Everyday?
Depending on the intensity of rowing, you can row daily. It is similar to cycling or walking. Although you can’t row very hard every day, 30 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace is good to start with.
Are Rowing Machines worth it?
Yes. Rowing machines are worth every penny spent, if you are looking to burn calories and build muscle from the comfort of your home. It prevents regular trips to the gym and allows you to workout at any time of the day as per convenience.
Are Cheap Rowing Machines good?
With the trend of home gyms, fitness equipment has become cheaper than ever. You can find advanced features in most rowing machines. Just make sure to look at specific features such as frame, resistance level, noise, etc., to make a better choice. You can also look at the list we prepared for the best rowing machines under $1000 if you have a higher budget.
Is a Rowing Machine better than a Treadmill?
While a treadmill focuses on your lower body, a rowing machine targets your whole body. So, the rowing machine has the advantage of giving a full-body workout. If you want to burn more calories in an hour, a treadmill is a better option.
