8 Best Affordable Rowing Machines For Cardio On A Budget!

1. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus - Our Top Pick!

Fitness Reality is one of the top brands in the home gym equipment industry and as it turns out, they also make the best budget rowing machine – the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth.

As the name suggests, this magnetic resistance budget rowing machine uses Bluetooth that can be synced with My Cloud Fitness App to track your results online and on your cell phone.

You can also set goal settings (time, calories burned, and distance) via the app. I love tracking my workouts and found this Fitness Reality budget rowing machine allowed me to do this with ease.

It uses extra-wide 21.5-inch foam handlebar to provide a comfortable grip.

It's designed with front stabilizer foot pads so that you can add in additional upper body exercises, like curls or tricep extensions. I found the foot pads on this rowing machine to feel extremely stable, even while rowing at a high intensity. 

One of the best features of the Fitness Reality 1000 is its 14 tension levels of dual-transmission magnetic resistance.

Very few magnetic rowers at this price point come with this many magnetic resistance levels, and I love that this machine gives me so much control over my workout intensity. 

The equipped LCD monitor provides you with all the information you need to gauge your workout, like time, distance, speed, calories burned, total count, stokes per minute, and scan.

Even when I choose not to use the My Fitness App, it was extremely easy to track my workout thanks to the machine's comprehensive monitor. 

Unfortunately, the maximum weight support is just 250 pounds, which is a low capacity compared to most rowers on this list.

That is definitely the main con of choosing the Fitness Reality 1000, so if your current weight is less than 250 pounds, this is easily one of the best budget rowing machines on the market.

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

This model is perfect for anyone who wants a low-impact cardio machine with enough features to keep you challenged and engaged and all for an awesome price. 

2. XTERRA Fitness ERG 220 Fitness - Best Folding Rower

The XTERRA Fitness ERG 220 Fitness Rower is one of the best cheap rowing machines thanks to its smooth magnetic resistance system.

I also love the easy to read LCD monitor, which makes it easy to track every rowing session and keep up with my current fitness goals. 

Some of the best budget rowing machines come with all of the bell and whistles.

The XTERRA Fitness ERG 220 Fitness Rower IS that machine, especially in terms of durability.

It includes a 3.7 inch LCD monitor as well as dual extruded aluminum seat side rails. This rower is equipped with a steel frame, and it has a simple dial magnetic resistance knob that adjusts to 8 levels of tension.

Speaking of resistance, the magnetic resistance system is designed to be quiet and low maintenance, as well as smooth.

As you row, the machine counts your strokes, workout time, calories burned, and gives an overall scan of your fitness level. Like I said before, it's really easy to track your goals with this machine.

Another great feature of the ERG 220 rower is its foldable design. It is built with a space-saving folding frame and transportation wheels for easy moving and storage, which is especially helpful for home-gymers who are short on space.

After my workout, I was able to fold up the machine in a matter of seconds and roll it away to the corner of the room.

Even though the XTERRA Fitness ERG 220 Fitness Rower is one of the best budget-friendly options, it still has some cons.

Similar to the previous model, this one can only hold a maximum of 300 pounds, which is quite low compared to other machines.

However, it is designed to work with users from 5’1" to 6’4”, so it accommodates both short and tall individuals.

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

This model is ideal for folks who don't have a lot of space in their home gym, or maybe they don't have a home gym at all.

You can wheel it out into your living room, workout, and then fold it up and store it away.

3. Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower - Best Value For Money

Some of the rowers on this list of the best cheap rowing machines come with high-tech features for an enhanced workout.

This is exactly what you'll get with the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower. Even with a durable (and quiet!) magnetic flywheel system and easy-to-adjust resistance, the Merax still falls within most home-gymers budgets. 

One of the features I love most about the Merax budget magnetic rowing machine is its comfortable seat. Even with long rowing sessions, the extra padding allows me to push through to the end.

The seat rail is designed with a permanent 15-degree incline so that the seat can slide back and forth on the rail as efficiently and smoothly as possible. 

The magnetic flywheel makes the Merax quite unique, and not many other rowers use this technology.

This is why Merax magnetic rowers are respected as one of the quietest rowers on this list.

Similar to the ERG 220, this machine offers eight levels of resistance, which can easily be adjusted using the dial located on the console. 

This is another great space-saving option since it has the ability to fold up when not in use.

When it's unfolded, the rowing machine measures 76 by 16 by 21 (all in inches), and when folded, it’s a mere 26 by 16 by 49 inches. It can support up to 264 pounds, which is still considered a low weight capacity for home rowers.

Like the others on this list of the best rowing machines, the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has a couple of cons.

I don't love that the rowing arm is made up of a single piece of metal since it doesn't give you the option to work out each arm individually.

Another flaw is the heavy weight of the machine; it's 100 pounds, so it's definitely not the most portable rower on this list. 

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

I chose this model as the best value for money option, which makes it great for people who want a simple rower that can help you lose weight. 

It won't come with all the bells and whistles, but it's durable and will work every time.

4. Progear 750 - Most Compact Rowing Machine

The Progear 750 Rower has made the list of the best cheap rowing machines because it offers a lot of adjustability. With this rower, it's easy for anyone to completely customize each workout.

It includes two different independent hydraulic cylinders, meaning you can adjust the settings specifically for each arm. This is especially helpful for my personal workouts since my right arm is already stronger than my left.

With the Progear, I'm able to make adjustments to target my left arm more than the right.   

Another great feature of this machine is that it offers the option for 10+ additional exercises, including rows, curls, shoulder presses, pull downs, ab workouts, bent over rows, pec flies, and more.

It even features 3 adjustable incline rowing angles. This is without a doubt the most adjustable rowing machine on the list. 

The main flaw of the Progear 750 is its low weight limit. It can hold a maximum of just 220 pounds, but on the plus side, it accommodates people between the heights of 4’9” and 6’1”.

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

This rower is best for folks who have VERY little space in their home gym. This machine is tiny compared to other magnetic resistance models.

Keep in mind, this one uses hydraulic resistance and will not give you exactly the same feel as rowing on the water. 

5. Stamina ATS - Best Air Rowing Machine

The Stamina ATS Air Rower is a rowing machine using air resistance to tone your muscles and improve heart health.

It enables a smooth and efficient rowing stroke because of the air resistance, and it comes with a multi-function model displaying essential statistics. These include time, calories burned, distance, and speed. 

You’ll also gain access to the müüv app for audio coaching, and the seat is padded and upholstered for added comfort. This is a bonus for a budget rowing machine and makes it stand out. 

It’s also made from steel which increases its durability compared to rowing machines made from other materials.  

The Stamina ATS Air Rower also features large footplates to ensure anyone can use it so long as they’re within the weight limit.

The texture of the grip and adjustable nylon straps provide increased stability. The frame also folds up so it can be stored easily.   

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

The Stamina ATS air rower is the best machine for folks who like to row using air resistance.

If you want to increase resistance, you simply row harder. This type of machine is popular with CrossFit and strength training athletes.

Related Article: Stamina ATS Air Rower Vs Concept 2 Model D: Which Is Better?

6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 - Highly Rated Rower

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 rowing machine is a hydraulic rower providing over a dozen resistance levels to finetune your workout.

It has a generous weight capacity, making it practical no matter whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.   

This rower is also very light to maneuver and transport, which makes it practical if you live in a hard-to-reach location.

It provides added comfort for users through a fully padded seat and anti-slip handlebars and foot pedals. The foot pedals also feature straps to secure your position while rowing.  

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 rowing machine comes with a simple but effective digital monitor showing time, distance, and calories. It also has a handy scan mode that cycles through the statistics.

Full-motion arms make the rowing experience more authentic and enable customization too.  

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

I chose this model as the best highly-rated option for people who have very little space to work with. It's compact and can easily fit in the corner of a room.

It also works using hydraulic power, so the rowing experience is a bit different than traditional models. Don't worry though! This thing can build some serious muscle.

7. Marcy Foldable Turbine - Best Rower For Losing Weight

If you’re looking for a great value for money rower, then you need to check out the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine.

It’s a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list, but it has a number of interesting features that make it unique - and worth considering. 

The Marcy Foldable Rower has a computer-like display panel that makes tracking your workouts easy.

It has eight different resistance levels, a solid steel frame, and even an ergonomically-designed seat.

What really makes this the best value for money rowing machine, though, is its turbine wheel.

The unique wheel design makes the rowing process extremely smooth and comfortable, and I personally feel that the smoothness makes the higher price tag worth it. 

To top it all off, the Marcy rower folds up when it’s not in use and it even has wheels for easy portability.

The turbine wheel is quite large, so even when folded up, the rower takes up a decent amount of space.

You'll definitely want to check the dimensions with your available space before buying this rower. 

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

This rowing machine is best-suited for people who want to lose weight and count calories. If you've started a diet and exercise program and need to keep track of workout stats, this is the model for you.

While other rowers have small monitors to track stats, I much preferred the Marcy for tracking workouts.

8. Joroto MR 35 Magnetic - Best Heavy-Duty Rowing Machine

The Joroto Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great choice if you want a rowing machine that stays quiet while in use.

Its no-touch magnetic resistance ensures that workouts are as peaceful as possible.

This makes the rower an ideal choice if you’re in a crowded location like an apartment block or similar.

It also has a space-saving design to enable it to work well in small spaces, which is an added benefit for those in smaller accommodation.  

It also includes a phone holder that you can use to watch movies or follow along to exercise classes while you're working out.

This is a convenient feature not often found on budget rowers, so it's an advantage if this is something you like to do while working out.

It features a water bottle holder, too, ensuring you can stay hydrated while exercising.  

The Joroto Magnetic Rowing Machine also lets you adjust the angle of the monitor, ensuring that your height won’t be an obstacle to the success of your workout.

Dual caster wheels also enable you to move it around easily.  

Who Is This Rowing Machine Best For?

If you want a high-capacity rower, then this model will suit you well. It has a 300-pound weight capacity, which is more than most other budget rowers. 

It also feels stable during an intense rowing session. No matter how hard you row, this thing won't budge.

Bonus: Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine With PM5

I know this list is all about the affordable rowers. Even so, I felt the need to include at least one high-quality commercially-graded rowing machine.

The Model D Rower by Concept2 is possibly the best rated indoor rowing machine in the world.

The machine is made of durable steel rear legs and aluminum front legs – both commercial grade materials.

Thanks to the durable frame, the Concept2 can support a whopping 500 lbs of weight. 

This version includes a PM5 performance monitor, which can be pivoted to different positions to provide the user with stats like pace, speed, distance, watts and calories burned.

You can connect it to wireless heart rate monitors and use Bluetooth to connect to the ErgData app for more detailed fitness tracking.  

Even though the Concept2 Model D rower is very close to perfection, nothing is perfect.

The main con of this rower is that the  included nickel-plated steel chain has to be oiled every 40 hours of use, which isn't ideal if you're looking for a low-maintenance machine.