Best Budget Rowing Machines

Best Rowing Machines on a Budget, December 2021

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Budget rowing machine? It might sound too good to be true, but I can assure you that you can find a rowing machine to suit your budget, no matter how tight it is. 

Maybe you are looking to add more cardio training into your fitness routine, maybe you are a CrossFit enthusiast, or maybe you want to change things up with a new kind of exercise regime.

Regardless of the reason, you are in the market for a rowing machine but have one main criteria: it cannot break the bank.

I get that. Starting up a home gym can be expensive, and if you are not careful with counting your pennies, the cost of adding more equipment to your workout space can quickly smash your budget.

The best rowing machines offer a full body workout, and so it is no wonder why more people are turning to rowing machines to get the best of both strength training and aerobic exercise.

If you're in the market for a rowing machine, but you also want to keep it within reason price wise, here are the most affordable and useful budget rowing machines.

Don't Have Time To Read? Here's Our Top Pick

#1

5/5

AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine

AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine gives you the benefit of a water rower without breaking the bank.


An easy-to-read LCD display, upright folding storage, whisper quiet water rowing, and $349.99 price tag make this the best budget rowing machine.

water rower

1. AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine

water rower
  • Price: $349.99 on Amazon

If you want your rowing machines cheap but high quality, do not skip out on the AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine.

The AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine uses water to replicate the same rowing motions you would on a river or lake. 

On top of that, it is whisper quiet, ensuring that if you are working out in an apartment or shared space you do not annoy your neighbors or family. 

  • 350lb weight capacity
  • Whisper quiet rowing noise
  • Easy-to-read LCD display
  • Upright folding for easy storage

I'll say it once, and I'll say it again - choose a water rower above all else!

At $349.99 USD, it might not seem like a budget-option compared to others on this list, but it's a water rower which makes this price insanity.

Normally, a water rower would retail for anything from $1000 to $2000 which is definitely well out of the range of what I'd consider budget.

A well-sized LCD screen to track time and progress, a beautiful aluminum alloy and oak finish, incredibly quiet operational noise, and an easy to fold upright storage position make this my first choice for budget rowing machines.

It won't compromise on functionality at a generous price!


2. Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine

A woman in red working outfit using Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine
  • Price: $349.99 on Amazon

Another great machine to check out if you are looking for rowing machines cheap is the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine. 

What I love most about the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine is its use of Air Fan technology to give athletes a smooth and consistent rowing experience.

While rowing with this air fan, you will find that the stronger and faster you row, the more resistance you will be challenged with. 

  • 8 resistance levels
  • Dimensions: 55" L x 22" H x 18" W
  • Digital monitor
  • Has a belt and air driving fan

For this, I consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine one of the best rowing machines to ensure that you are working hard and getting results with every sweat session.

Another bonus feature of this affordable rowing machine’s air fan design is the cooling fan. As you row, you generate cool air that is blown back at you to keep you comfortable while you push in those final minutes of your workout. 

Speaking of comfort, this rower also has a non-slip handle bar and cushioned seat so that you can push harder for longer sessions without feeling strain from an uncomfortable body position.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine’s digital display will be your best friend during your workouts on this rower; the screen conveniently displays how much time has elapsed during your workout, the calories you burned, your reps per minute, and more.

It is a compact size for even the smallest home gym spaces. Plus, this rower is one of the best rowing machines for home gyms because it is foldable for storage and has front wheels to make moving the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Fan Rowing Machine an easy job. 

Order from the Sunny Health & Fitness online store to get free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee. 


3. Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine

A man working out using Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
  • Price: $599.99 on Amazon

On my list of “rowing machines cheap”, the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine ranks high, and here is why:

The Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine features a turbine wheel as part of this rowers design, which delivers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience.

Your workout can also be kicked up a notch by using the 8 resistance levels the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine is preset with, and even on the highest setting you will be amazed at just how smooth this rower operates. 

  • 8 varying resistance settings
  • Dimensions: 85" L x 20" W x 34.5" H
  • Computer display
  • Durable foam-padded seat

The comfort of the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine is enhanced by its solid steel frame that keeps this rower stable and durable while you are working your hardest.

It also has a comfortable foam handle to prevent your hands from slipping, and adjustable foot pedals to keep you in a safe and prime position to row hard. 

The Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine’s display screen features important information to keep you motivated during your workout.

I personally like being able to watch my time, calories burned, and RPM during my rowing workout to ensure I am pushing myself to pass my personal goals, and the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine does all of this and more.

When you are done with your rowing workout, simply fold up the Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine and wheel it aside using its transport wheels so that it does not take up any more additional space in your living space. 


4. XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower

A woman working out using XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower
  • Price: $599.99 on Amazon

Another one of my top affordable rowing machines, the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower uses magnetic flywheel resistance that keeps this rower running smooth and quietly. 

The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower really is the full package for folks who want their rowing machines cheap and to give them effective, low impact workouts.

Switch between the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower’s 8 resistance levels to challenge yourself as your cardio endurance and muscles get stronger from this high quality machine. 

  • 8 resistance levels
  • Dimensions: 80.3" L x 19.1" W x 29" H
  • Cordless design
  • Built-in HR receiver

If you are ready to commit to your fitness journey, the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower will be right there with you. This rower is made from stable dual aluminum and uses a cordless design to ensure that it is durable and built to last for a long time. 

To keep track of your workout, you can easily watch the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower’s 3.5 inch digital LCD display. The display runs on 2 AA batteries, so you have the freedom to place this rower anywhere you want to, without worrying about a power outlet. 

Finally, the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Rower is one of the best rowing machines on this budget friendly list because it is accessible.

This rower comfortably accommodates users up to 6 feet 4 inches tall, and is easy to get on and off of because of its raised seat height. 


5. RUNOW Water Rowing Machine

water rowing machine
  • Price: $466.65 on Amazon

In the world of affordable rowing machines, you're not going to find much of a better deal than the RUNOW Water Rowing Machine.

Water rowers are considered the top of the top, so the price might seem on the higher end of budget, but it's actually a steal for a water rower just like the AURUMBIRD Water Rower.

Beyond the cheap cost for one of the best types of rowing machines, it's a very amazing machine in its own right too with a 350lb weight capacity.

  • Orange oak wood finish
  • Dimensions: 76" L x 22" W x 19" H
  • Lightweight (108lbs) for a water rower
  • Affordable water rower

Possibly the first thing you'll notice about the RUNOW Water Rowing Machine, besides the beautiful oak finish, is how insanely quiet it is. If you live in an apartment, need quiet, or have young children, this won't disturb anyone.

It has a decent, albeit small LCD screen, but it also features a nice phone holder if you want to use that to track your progress, watch a workout, or whatever it is you want it for.

RUNOW Water Rowing Machine is also space conscious as it allows for upright storage, further reducing it's already generous footprint so it can fit in just about any room of your home.

I'll always recommend a water rower over any kind, but even I know that they're not the easiest to fit into your budget, but the RUNOW is among the best bang for your buck in terms of value at its current price and it's a veritable beast in terms of rowing machines as a whole.


6. ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower

magnetic rowing machine
  • Price: $259.99 on Amazon

The ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower is an both very fairly priced and highly effective rowing machine that can fit easily into any home gym set up.

The ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower’s design is pretty standard for a magnetic rower, so it's not going to reinvent the wheel (or rower) in that regard.

That's okay though as it's a budget friendly and effective cardio machine.

An easy to read, unobtrusive screen allows you to track all of your progress without confusing you with too many features.

  • 300lb total weight capacity
  • Dimensions: 86.5" L x 22" W x 50.4" H
  • Aerobic and strength workouts
  • Lightweight (45lbs)

The ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower uses a magnetic rowing system. This makes the ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower an excellent choice for people who want to fit in a high intensity and effective exercise that's also silent.

Similar to all the best rowing machines, the ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower features a digital display to help you keep count of the time of your workout, the calories you burn, your RPM and more to keep you pushing hard up to the very last seconds of your training interval.  

Finally, the ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower is very lightweight so it's a perfect addition to a smaller space. If you're in an apartment, this rowing machine is only 45lbs so you can move it around your home gym with ease.

Final Thoughts

The best rowing machines on the market deliver highly effective fitness results, and the even better news is that you do not have to shell out an arm and a leg to own one of these quality machines for yourself. 

All of the affordable rowers in this article will help you get a rowing machine cheap, with all the added features and comforts that will motivate you to challenge your endurance and strength workout after workout. 

AURUMBIRD Water Folding Rowing Machine

  • 350 lbs. weight capacity
  • Upright folding storage
  • Whisper quiet rowing
  • Water rower
  • Get the BEST price now
Denver Matheson
 

I spend a lot of time at the gym and even more time in the kitchen giving my body what it needs to repair itself and grow stronger. The third most important place for any athlete is their research zone. That's exactly why this site exists, to help me share all of the information I've learned throughout the years just like people did for me in the first place!

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