The Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000: Options For Every Fitness Level

Dimensions: 84 x 21 x 45 inches | Weight: 106.5 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic

What’s notable: The rower’s 32 levels of magnetic resistance offer a smooth, well-rounded workout.

What could be better: A monthly Echelon membership costs as little as $12 per month, but it doesn’t come standard with a purchase of the machine, even if you’d like a free trial.

​​Designed to bring the invigorating benefits of rowing to your home or apartment, the Echelon Row combines quality construction with a $1,000 price tag, making it the undisputed champion of the budget rowing machine market. And while it usually costs exactly $1,000, you can often find it on sale for much less—at the time of writing, it’s 17% off through Amazon.

The Echelon Row relies on quiet magnetic resistance to deliver 32 resistance levels, which are easy to adjust via buttons built into the handlebar. Increase or decrease intensity without breaking your stroke. That magnetic resistance, when paired with a frictionless flywheel, makes for a quiet workout that doesn’t disturb family, roommates or neighbors.

In addition to being budget-friendly, the Row is also space-friendly. Most rowing machines don’t fold (they’re typically designed to be stored upright), but the Echelon Row folds in half to measure just 40 x 21 x 60 inches. And, the rotating device holder is big enough to hold everything from a smartphone to a tablet—use your tablet for entertainment while you row and flip the mount around to follow a stretch routine once you’re done. You can also purchase a monthly Echelon membership, which allows you to participate in daily live and on-demand classes, though a membership isn’t required to use the machine. 

Dimensions: 89 x 18.9 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 61 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic

What’s notable: The rower uses magnetic resistance to reduce unwanted noise, which is perfect for small homes and apartments.

What could be better: The machine’s pivoting foot pedals are a little difficult to control and some reviews suggest they should be stationary.

If you’re looking to get a full-body workout without spending an entire paycheck on a rowing machine (or a year-long gym membership), the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower is a solid choice. 

It features a smooth magnetic-resistance system that delivers a whisper-quiet yet challenging workout. There are eight levels of resistance to choose from, and while that figure doesn’t quite compare to the 30-plus resistance levels found on more premium rowers, it’s easy to modify the degree of difficulty in seconds with the twist of a knob. The digital display shares essential metrics, like time spent rowing, total reps and calories burned, but doesn’t provide access to streaming services or on-demand workouts—your phone or tablet will have to serve as a means of entertainment. The rower is also foldable, so it can be stored in a closet or tucked into a corner when it’s not in use. 

All in all, it’s a great option for anyone looking to add a capable, reliable rower to their home gym, or for anyone who wants to invest in fitness equipment without committing to a big purchase. If you can look beyond its basic features, you’ll still get a full-body workout for a lot less.

Dimensions: 87 x 22 x 47.2 inches | Weight: 120 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic

What’s notable: A 7-inch touch screen display offers access to online classes and training programs.

What could be better: Some reviews suggest the screen wobbles ever-so-slightly at high resistance levels.

There aren’t many options for smart rowing machines under $1,000—most ergometers with touch-screen displays and pre-recorded classes start at over $1,000. However, the NordicTrack RW600 has something of a Goldilocks quality, combining budget-friendly features with others that are more premium all for less than $1,000.

Subscribe to the iFit membership ($39/month) and follow along with instructor-led workouts through the RW600’s integrated s7-inch touch-screen display, which provides access to a vast library of on-demand classes, personalized training programs and scenic rows across iconic waterways around the world. That same screen also delivers in-depth stats, with which you can track your workouts over time to see how you’ve improved (or to better understand where you might be falling short).

With that said, this rower sits at the top end of the price spectrum at nearly $1,000, so it might be a bit more expensive than other budget-minded models in this list. But if you’re looking for a rower that blends premium features—like a large touchscreen display and guided workouts—with a design that doesn’t break the bank, this might be the rower for you. It’s also worth noting that the frame comes with a ten-year warranty, and the parts have a two-year warranty—if anything fails, odds are high that it can be replaced in no time.

Dimensions: 82 x 20 x 22 inches | Weight: 61 pounds (without water); 98 pounds (with water) | Resistance: Water

What’s notable: The experience mimics rowing in water, and the machine stows upright.

What could be better: The rower features a very small LCD screen to display the most basic stats, so don’t invest in this one for the tech.

The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine offers a smooth, realistic rowing experience thanks to its water-resistance system, and it’s built from honey oak stained with Danish oil for a sleek, natural aesthetic that stands out. Priced under $1,000, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a premium rower without breaking the bank—other wood rowers like the Ergatta cost more than two times as much as the A1. 

We appreciate the rower’s sturdy construction, quiet operation and minimal footprint. It even stands upright when it’s not in use to save space. With that said, it lacks advanced features like preset workout programs or a highly interactive monitor, and you can’t easily customize the resistance, which might be a downside for those who want more control over their workouts. Still, if you’re looking for a wood rower that costs less than $1,000, this is a great option that comes with a decent warranty.

Dimensions: 24 x 96 x 14 or 20 inches | Weight: 57 or 68 pounds | Resistance: Air

What’s notable: While it lacks a large screen for on-demand workouts, the rower comes with Bluetooth and ANT+ to connect to your favorite fitness apps.

What could be better: The unpadded seat isn’t very comfortable and the plastic handle could be softer to the touch for added comfort.

It may slide in at just under $1,000, but the Concept2 RowErg is worth every penny. One of its key features is the reliable air-resistance mechanism, which provides a smooth and natural rowing motion that closely mimics the experience of rowing on water. This allows you to create a challenging yet low-impact full-body workout that’s as authentic as can be in a home or apartment. That, coupled with its ease of use, is why rowing coaches prefer this machine over other ergometers.

Concept2 offers a user-friendly design and intuitive interface. With easy-to-read performance metrics displayed on the small monitor, you can track your progress in real time, including distance, time, stroke rate and calories burned. This data not only helps you stay motivated but also allows you to set and achieve goals more effectively.

What’s more, the Concept2 is built to last, with a sturdy frame and high-quality materials that can withstand rigorous use. Its ergonomic seat and adjustable footrests ensure a comfortable and customizable fit for users of all sizes. In recent years, Concept2 has added a phone holder, so you can watch workout videos as you go, or tune into entertainment that distracts you from the workout altogether.

Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 45.5 inches | Weight: 116 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic 

What’s notable: The design folds in half when it’s not in use to save space in a room, or fit into storage.

What could be better: The machine weighs 116 pounds, which makes it difficult to move it from one room to the next.

With resistance delivered via magnet, the ProForm 750R offers a smooth rowing experience, and unlike traditional air-resistance rowers that produce considerable noise, the magnetic mechanism operates quietly, making it a great choice for apartment dwellers or anyone who values a quiet, meditative workout.

The Pro 750R features a user-friendly console that displays essential metrics like time spent rowing, distance, strokes and calories burned. There’s also a built-in tablet holder for those keen on watching workout videos or streaming movies and shows. 

Designed for comfort and convenience, the Pro 750R features a large cushioned seat and pivoting foot pedals with adjustable straps, ensuring ergonomic support for hours at a time. The robust frame can accommodate users up to 250 pounds, making it an inclusive option for households with multiple individuals seeking to increase or maintain their fitness.