Have you tried a rowing machine for your workouts yet?
It is one of the most affordable, yet useful equipments that helps you burn off calories from your body. It can be your perfect fit to lose weight or simply be healthy! No matter what level of expertise, it is used by enthusiasts and fitness freaks alike.
To make things better for you, we have reviewed the best rowing machines under 500 – custom-made to your approach, including budget, ratings, and quality. The very best of the category has been chosen.
To know more, read on!
Our Top 3 Picks:
| Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine | MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine | Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Pros | Adjustable Foot Strap Foldable and Easy to Transport |
Portable and Space Saving Design 16 Levels of Resistance |
Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance LCD Monitor Workout |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Budget Rowing Machines Under $500 Reviewed
#1. Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine
The Marcy Foldable Rowing Machine helps you lose weight by training your upper and lower body simultaneously. 
It is a better choice in comparison to other rowing machines because of some outstanding features that come with it, like easy transportation and adjustable foot straps.
If you wish to avail hearty and fit workout sessions at home, then you might want to try the Marcy Foldable Rowing Machine.
Features
Comfortable Seat:
The rowing machine comes with a comfortable seat with foamed padding, ensuring comfort even during long workouts. The dimensions of the seat are 13.5” x 10” x 9”.
8 Resistance Settings:
The Marcy ME-1018RE Rowing Machine has the option to choose from 8 levels of resistance, depending on your preferred level of difficulty. You can easily switch up your intensity level with the turning knob.
Multi-Angle Monitor:
A user friendly display is included, which tracks your heart rate, distance, speed, and calories. It also has a scan mode which helps you in cycling through the metric data.
Foldable and Easy to transport:
This rowing machine has transport wheels, which make it really convenient to carry from one place to another. Moreover, it can be easily folded, making it a perfect choice for home and office workouts in small spaces.
Adjustable Foot Straps:
With this Marcy Rowing Machine, you can easily ensure safety by the foot strapping pedals. They secure your feet in place with the large textured base, helping you in a comfortable workout.
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Easy to carry
- Foldable
- Device holder
- Adjustable foot straps
- Large pivoting pedals
- Multi-angle monitor
Cons
- Some parts are not replaceable
- May be challenging to self-assemble
Verdict
The Marcy ME-1018RE Rowing Machine is one of the best rowing machines, based on its features and reviews.
Also, this rowing machine has some amazing features like foot straps and foldable options. The transportation wheels feature is unique and is also not usually present in other rowing machines of this range.
You should invest in this rowing machine, no matter if you are a novice or an expert.
Why did we decide this Rowing Machine to be on the 1st Position?
The Marcy ME-1018RE Rowing Machine is at the number one position in our review as it meets all requirements in the best way: outstanding features, inexpensive price tag, excellent reviews, and the like.
Moreover, the reviews by customers have made us trust the Marcy Rowing Machine even more.
Also Read: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines
#2. MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you are looking for a rowing machine that has premium features at an affordable cost, then you may want to look at the MaxKare Rowing Machine. 
It has prominent features like a magnetic control flywheel and a multi-functional LCD, which will be of significant benefit to you. It also helps in knee and back pain.
Features
Multi-Functional LCD:
The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine has a multi-functional LCD screen that allows you to see your real-time speed, distance, calories, and pulse. You can track your data while working out.
16 Level Adjustable Resistance:
You can easily change the intensity of this rowing machine with a knob. There are 16 levels of resistance, depending upon your desired workout level. It is suggested to use it for at least 30 minutes.
Comfortable Cushion Seat:
The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine has a comfortable cushioned seat that allows you to exercise easily, with no hassles.
Magnetic Control Flywheel:
This rowing machine has an Inertia Enhanced flywheel which allows you to pedal smoothly and comfortably, without any issues.
Portable and Space Saving Design:
MaxKare’s Rowing Machine has transport wheels, through which you can carry your machine from one place to another, easily. It also saves space.
Pros
- Portable and Space Saving Design
- 16 levels of resistance
- Have a multi-functional LCD
- Comfortable cushion seat
- Magnetic control flywheel
- Relieves spinal pressure
- Protects knees
- Alleviates shoulder and back pain
Cons
- Difficult to self-assemble
- Bearing slides on seat may come off
- Customer Service can be better
Verdict
If you want outstanding features without paying extra, the MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine is the right fit for you. With so many features such as a portable design, 16 levels of resistance, multi-functional LCD, and positive customer testimonials, you must consider this rowing machine if you wish to invest in one.
#3. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
This rowing machine may be your perfect fit if you are looking at affordability as a factor.
Along with imitating real-life rowing movements, it also has a multi-function electronic monitor to keep you motivated.
To know more about this rowing machine, read on!
Features
Textured Foot Plates and Straps:
This Stamina Body Trac Glider has a textured footplate to ensure your safety. You can keep your feet in place with its adjustable straps that help you keep them in place.
Molded Seat:
The equipment has a molded seat that offers comfort and ease during workouts, no matter what the weight or length.
Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance:
The rowing machine has a special adjustable hydraulic resistance. This allows you to easily change the intensity of your workout session.
LCD Workout Monitor:
This Stamina Body Trac Glider comes with an LCD Workout Monitor. It allows you to see stats like calories, time, speed, distance traveled, and the like.
Folding Arms:
You can now save space with this rowing machine. It has foldable arms that allow you to store it in a compact and small manner.
Pros
- Textured Foot Plates and Straps
- Molded seat
- Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance
- LCD Monitor Workout
- Full range rowing arms
- Sturdy steel frame
Cons
- Not very durable
- May be difficult to self-assemble
Verdict
The Stamina Body Trac Glider is a great rowing machine, considering its unique, full range of motion rowing imitation, being on the water, and the ability to fold.
Moreover, it has a textured footplate, and a foam padded seat that makes it extremely comfortable. If you are on the lookout for rowing machines, you must consider this one.
#4. Stamina ATS Air Rower
Usually, home workout rowing machines are heavy and large, making it difficult to store them. 
However, you can now enjoy the pleasure of running at home, without the usual challenges that are involved. Introducing the Stamina ATS Air Rower, which is extremely compact and is number 4 on our list!
Features
Padded Seat:
No matter what the intensity of the workout, you will be comfortable on this padded seat. It is smooth sliding and upholstered.
Large, Easy-to-Read LCD monitor:
Stamina ATS Air Rower comes with a large, easy-to-read LCD monitor screen. It allows you to read your speed, heart rate, time, calories, and distance covered in real time.
Textured foot Plates and Adjustable Straps:
Unlike other rowing machines, this one has a textured foot plate and adjustable straps, which allow your feet to stay in place. Moreover, this ensures safety as you will not lose the placement of your feet while working out.
Dynamic Air Resistance:
This rowing machine works on the principle of air resistance. It is intuitive and easy to use. You just need to pull the handle, depending on your level of workout intensity.
Folding Frame:
You can easily store this ATS Air Rower as it has a folding frame. No matter where you are, you can easily frame and store it in its compact size.
Pros
- Dynamic air resistance
- Folding frame
- Easy-to-read monitor
- Padded seat
- Textured foot plates and straps
- Free extended warranty
- Easy assembly
- Upgraded features
Cons
- Foot holder may not hold various foot sizes
- Very slow updates of speed on LCD monitor
Verdict
With amazing benefits and prominent features, this Stamina ATS Air Rower captured our full attention. You don’t need a gym membership anymore, as this will give you the best workouts from home. The best feature about this rowing machine is its power level and usage.
#5. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
Do you want to experience high-quality workouts on a budget? Then, the Sunny Rowing Machine Rower is your perfect fit! 
With a comfortable design and non-slip pedals, this is the rowing machine to own.
Let us know more about it.
Features
Digital Monitor Screen:
The Sunny Rowing Machine Rower comes with a digital monitor screen. It is designed for easy reading, and shows you real-time displays of calories, speed, and distance.
12 levels of Adjustable Resistance:
This rowing machine has 12 levels of resistance, which are effective in changing the intensity of your workout. It is easy to turn and ensures you of different intensity level workouts.
Non-Slip Pedal:
The Sunny Rowing Machine Rower comes with large textured pedals to ensure safety. This will ensure safe placement of your feet as you pedal. Moreover, the pedal straps make sure that your feet won’t slip off the pedals during workout rides.
Wide Cushioned Seat:
This rowing machine has a wide cushioned seat, allowing you comfort even in the most intense workouts.
Hydraulic Cylinder:
The hydraulic cylinders support the resistance levels. It is filled with a fluid that engages when the rider pulls back. It makes changing resistance easy.
Pros
- Extended weight support of 350 lb
- Hydraulic cylinder included
- Non-slip pedal
- Adjustable straps
- 12 levels of adjustable resistance
- Digital monitor screen
- Wide cushioned seat
- Full motion arms
- Non-slip grip handlebars
Cons
- Customer service may be a big problem
- Space consuming
Verdict
Who would’ve thought of a rowing machine that is so easy to use? The Sunny Rowing Machine has made it possible with its prominent features like digital monitor and wide cushioned seat. It is a splendid choice for home workouts.
Rowing Machine: Buying Guide
There are several things to be considered before buying a rowing machine. Let us go through the buying guide and consider the factors that need to be incorporated before buying one!
Budget:
It is a good idea to make your purchase within your stipulated budget. Rowing machines come in all price ranges, so it is suggested not to go off track. Moreover, you can look at magnificent machines within the budget. If you have a slightly higher budget, give a read to our article, the best rowing machines under $1000.
Resistance:
Good quality rowing machines usually have resistance levels in their knobs. These are supposed to be adjustable and have various levels of resistance. The ones which are not great mostly have fewer knobs, or even worse, do not work at all.
The only thing that can be said about resistance is more the levels, the better the intensity of the rowing machine. There are different manufacturers of rowing machines, and each varies in its resistance levels. Thus, it is suggested to check your potential rowing machine’s resistance levels before buying it.
Long-Lasting:
While investing in a rowing machine, always check the frame of the rowing machine. It should ideally be sturdy of a steel frame, ensuring long-lasting usage. Moreover, this will be a long-term purchase, as you can use it for a considerable amount of time. You may wish to consider those models which have a guarantee or warranty.
LCD Monitor:
In case you wish to track your regular performance on the rowing machine, you should invest in one that includes an LCD Monitor. This will allow you to keep a track of calories, speed, distance, and the like.
Several rowing machines come with features like Bluetooth speakers and app users.
Storage:
Living in a small space, whether apartment or office, is tough. That is why most people are scared at the thought of keeping a rowing machine at home. However, you can find the perfect sized machines, if you search for them.
You should always check the size of the rowing machine before buying it. Ideally, you should go for a folding rowing machine that can be neatly folded, and stored away when not in use.
If that is not an option, you may want to invest in a small-sized rowing machine that has small dimensions.
Weight Capacity:
Many rowing machines have a certain threshold on the weights they handle. A few machines handle people of different sizes. However, other machines may not be able to hold such varying weights.
Some bikes come with extended weight features. It is advised that you read the description of the rowing machine before investing into it, as it may not suit your weight or height. You should be able to use the caged pedals of the bike efficiently.
Features:
There are several features that come attached to a rowing machine. Some of them include an LCD screen or adjustable foot straps. These will surely influence your buying decisions.
A rowing machine with numerous features like this is definitely the best investment you can make for yourself. However, there may be instances where you might find that the features are not up to the mark. For example, self-assembly may be hard.
Thus, you should not be overwhelmed by such benefits until you check them yourself. These features should actually help you and suit your needs.
Fitness Goals:
If you are a novice in using a rowing machine, you may wish to spend a little to first see how you like exercising in it. Accordingly, the features will also be lesser, allowing you to just get a feel of the exercise.
However, in time, you can splurge a good amount and buy a great rowing machine that can help you with all of your fitness needs.
Easy to Use:
You should invest in an easy-to-use machine, with fewer options if you are not tech-savvy, and easily get irritated by electrical devices. However, you can use a higher, advanced version of the same if you prefer tech devices.
Safety:
You may want to check for the safety of the rowing machine before buying it. You can check for the safety features that these machines have when not in use. Some of these include large textured foot pedals and adjustable straps.
Maintenance:
You should choose a rowing machine with less maintenance. It should ideally be a machine that is long-lasting, and does not regular mending or repair.
Warranty/ Guarantee:
You must make sure of this particular feature before investing in a rowing machine. Once your machine is delivered to you, you may have problems with it, and only if you have exemplary customer service, or a warranty/ guarantee that you can actually contact them. You will be able to use it efficiently, even if problems pop up now and then, since the warranty will take care of it.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How do I pick the Right Rowing Machine?
There are several factors to choose the best water rowing machine. As someone who wishes to cycle on these rowing machines, it all depends upon what your particular wants are. Some of these wants can be the display screen, resistance levels, various features, design, and strap security.
Check the comparison table on the top and find out the best rowing machine that meets your needs!
Is the Heavy Flywheel in the Equipment Good?
If you want a smoother workout, then a heavy flywheel should be your priority. Heavy flywheels generate higher inertia, which determines your workout’s smoothness.
Does the Rowing Machine need Maintenance?
Yes, like all fitness equipment, this rowing machine too needs maintenance in order to function properly. All the cleaning and oiling rules are usually mentioned in the instructions manual that comes along with the machine. You must follow it if you want your machine to last longer.
Can I lose Weight with a Rowing Machine?
Yes, you can lose weight with the help of a rowing machine. However, you may also wish to go into a full-fledged diet plan that helps you achieve the desired body physique that you have been dreaming of.
Can I Reduce Fat with a Rowing Machine?
Rowing machines are wonderful for the workout of the full body, especially imitating the rowing of boats on water, which directly helps in arm and leg weight reduction. With consistency and devotion, you can burn fat off of a rowing machine too.
How do I know I’m Burning Fat on my Rowing Machine?
Most of the rowing machines come with a digital monitor. This can be extremely useful when you are trying to lose weight and want to keep a real-time check on your calories, speed, distance, and heart rate. You will get an accurate report of the amount of calories burned.
Some rowing machines also come with a heart rate grip sensor. These are mostly placed in the handgrip of the rowing machine. These make it extremely convenient to check your heart rate too.
We have mentioned the best rowing machines in the list above, so that you can exercise on them well, and feel healthy.
How can I Choose an Easy Transportation Rowing Machine?
A rowing machine’s size is an important factor for a home exercise. You need a rowing machine with a compact size that suits your home exercises. The dimensions need to be small.
However, a special, important factor is the transportation wheels. This is an essential factor for easy relocation, allowing you to transfer your bike from one place to another.
