Sidelining the usual cliché that the more you add sugar the sweeter the meat,we have narrowed down the best rowing machines for you without weighing down on your pockets. You will find a gargantuan variety of refined rowing machines to benefit from, as the indoor rowing machines have really seen an upgrade. It is a whole gym workout yet in a more comfortable manner. Check out our complete guide about the best rowing machines under 300.

Rowing machines are a real calorie burner and muscle builder without having any major impact on your joints. It is both safe and efficient. To save you the time of finding the right rowing machine worth of its value and falling in your budget, we have jotted down all the best rowing machine under 500. We have also written a complete guide about the best rowing machines.

How to Handpick the Best Rowing Machine

Irrespective of the price, there are a few things to consider. These consideration factors help you determine which what to look for in the machine when you head to the market to purchase it.

The Control Panel

When we talk about the price range we have set, we can’t expect very modish or state-of-the-art performance monitors that show something extraordinary. However, the basic data should include the rowed distance, the number of rowing strokes, and the workout duration.

A Robust Built

You should pick up a rowing machine with a sturdy build so that it can last for about 3-5 years or more. All the materials utilized must be strong, reliable as well as durable. If you are checking the feedbacks, make sure few complaints canbe fixed.

Comfort Level

Any form of exercise that poses discomfort should be stopped. Make sure whichever rower you go for is comfortable to use. The seat and handle should be secure without hurting your back or hands. You should get a more normal and smooth feel once you hop on it.

The Resistance types and levels

For the rowing machines that fall under 500, there is hydraulic-piston resistance installed. There are only a few exceptions of air and magnetic resistance machines. Each of these three resistance systems has their pros and cons, but you should check out the one you are comfy with and whether you find the resistance levels challenging enough for you. There should be no hitches and the flow should be smooth. The rower should also be a low maintenance one.

User Capacity

Whichever rowing machine you choose it should be able to accommodate a wider range of weights and heights.

Storage Options and Assembly

Rowing machines come with a large base so if you find one that has the option of being folded it will be of added advantage to you. Similar to easy storage you should also go for easy assembling. There is an array of rowing machines taking from 15 minutes to a few hours for the setting and assembly. Go for the one with the minimum amount of time required for the assembly.

Warranty and Dimensions

With warranty, the longer is it the better. Check out the parts on which you can claim warranty before buying. Go through space where you will be placing your machine so that you can buy one with easy placement so that you can use it comfortably.

These were few of the points that you should tick off while buying a rowing machine that fits your budget.

Rowing machines are an excellent addition to your home gym, you get a full body workout depending on your desired intensity of the workout. Let’s not get to the rowers that you can buy in less than 500 and yet get the same result as any of the more expensive ones will get you.

TOP 10 BEST ROWING MACHINES UNDER 500 IN 2022

Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
	1. Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Rower w/ LCD Monitor – Obsidian SF-RW5713	3 Hydro Blades, 500 m Time	$$$	4.8
	2. Stamina ATS Air Rower 1405	Measures 78 x 31.5 x 19.75 inches	$$$	4.8
	3. Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399	Three-year frame warranty	$$$	4.7
	4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5634 Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower	Magnetic tension System	$$$	4.6
	5. Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Rower	ADJUSTABLE FOOT STRAPS	$$$	4.6
	6. Kettler Home Exercise Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine	Displays 6 functions simultaneously	$$$	4.5
	7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine	Max user weight is 300 Lbs	$$$	4.5
	8. JOROTO MR30 Health & Fitness Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine	11 lbs of quiet magnetic flywheel	$$$	4.5
	9. Fitbill Smart Indoor Rowing Machine with Free Workout App	2 hydraulic cylinders	$$$	4.4
	10. XTERRA ERG500 Air Turbine Rower, Silver/Black	8 easy to adjust resistance levels	$$$	4.3

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Rower w/ LCD Monitor – Obsidian SF-RW5713

For the fitness freaks who are searching for a quality product for a fruitful workout, Obsidian SF-RW5713 water rower is the most ideal choice. You will acquire an engaging and challenging workout. 85% of your body muscles will experience stirring workout without having any impact on your joint system like the conventional cardio exercises. This means you can gain maximum result in a very short span.

The Features Chest

Water tank and resistance System

The water resistance system of Obsidian SF-RW5713 is made out of a durable polycarbonate material. There is no capacity specified. You will find 6 markings but do not fill the rower with water up to the 6^th level. The harder you pull the handle the more resistance you will be able to set. It gives you a dynamic response during the rowing motion. The impeller of the water tank is designed from a stainless-steel material and has three blades. To adjust its resistance level, you have to manually increase or reduce the water level. Similar to any other resistance rower you will have to treat the water tank frequently. Add a purification pill to keep the water tank clean instead of cleaning the tank and changing the water frequently.

Steel Frame and parts of Machine

The rower is made from all steel body and is light in weight. There are wheels at the front of the machine to help in moving it around. For the grip there are two rubber pads and two adjustable stabilizers at the rear. The seat is also comfortable with ball bearing beneath to make it smooth and durable. To reduce stress and offer freedom of movement to your feet and ankles, the footrests have a pivoting design.

To protect your hands from blisters and make them comfortable the pulling handle has rubberized grips. An abrasion resistant mesh belt is attached to the handle to reduce tension and stress. The machine is not made for commercial use so that you won’t find any sensors.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The seat is padded and contoured
• Double workout modes
• Noiseless
• Tablets for purification included in the packaging
• You can store it without removing the water tank
• Robust with a 250lb weight capacity
• Consists of batteries for the console
• Portable
• Easy assembly with tools included in the packaging
• A basic console shows necessary statistics

Cons

• No HR chest strap
• No Backlight for the LED

2. Stamina ATS Air Rower 1405

ATS Air Rowe gives you uniform motion along with a fan flywheel. The resistance depends on how hard you work out making it usable for everyone. Stamina ATS Rower has received commendable feedback making it a viable option for machines that are easy on your pockets and effective. It has a steel frame and a seat that moves on metal bearings. It is bigger in size and has a user capacity of 250 pounds. Exercise on this rower is a smooth one with minimum impact and high strengthening of your muscles. Let’s dig into the details.

The Features Chest

Monitor

You can count the number of strokes, distance, speed, time, calories burned, on the single button multi-functioning monitor. It is not a cutting-edge monitor and only displays only the essential information. Many of the users are content with this much information that helps them track their progress. There is no heart rate monitor, so the calorie count may not be accurate.

The Resistance System

It has an air resistance system which operates by pulling the handle that propels the flywheel into motion. For attaining maximum resistance, you have to row faster.

Quality of the Build

The stamina rower comes with a strong built, an oversized chrome seat rail and a chain for extra strength. The flywheel is covered in a metal cage and is made up of durable plastic. Keeping in mind the budget, usage of a steel chain is a plus point of Stamina ATS Air Rower.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It has large footplates
• Can be folded and so saves space
• Easy assembly
• Padded seat
• High profile

Cons

• No pivoting footplates
• The absence of a heart rate monitor
• No exercise programs

3. Stamina ATS Air Rower

A high-quality rower that is not too costly and is one of the best in its league. It has a wind-resistance and has a regular motion. It has got a basic console but one that is enough get the necessary stats for tracking down the progress. The footpads are comfortable and the straps are adjustable. It doesn’t take up much of the space and is designed to give you comfort.

The features Chest

Efficiency and comfort combined

To avoid any pain and discomfort the seat is both padded and upholstered so you can workout effortlessly. With the Stamina ATS rower you get to work on both your upper and lower body. The faster you row the more challenging it gets. The resistance level is also adjustable.

Large Footpads

The footpads are textured and smooth so that you can place your feet without any trouble. There will be no slippage and they will hold your feet without you wobbling around.

Easy to Store

The stamina rower comes in a compact shape which makes it easy to store it anywhere. The build is light and yet durable.

Air Resistance

To kick up your workout sessions, air resistance is the best system to increase the intensity. To give you real quick and effective results with a sweatysession it is the best.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great resistance mechanism
• Durable build
• Easy storage
• Upholstered seat

Cons

• Monitor unit is not in metrics
• The damper cannot be adjusted
• Makes noise

4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5634 Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower

The magnetic rowing machine is your perfect companion for your fitness goals. You get a full body workout with it benefitting both your upper and lower body. It has 8 level magnetic tension incorporated so you can settle on the level that best suits you. It also features a digital monitor that displays all the necessary stats.  It doesn’t take up much of your space with its easily foldable design. There are wheels facilitating movement of the machine.

The features Chest

Resistance

The magnetic rowing machine has a knob to tune down its resistance level. You just have to twist it so that the magnet either moves towards or away from the metal flywheel. The distance between the flywheel and magnet determines the resistance and challenge of your workout. Unlike the other rowers it has a variable resistance.

Control Panel

The control panel though is not state-of-the-art, yet it shows all the basic information that you will need to plan your workout and monitor your progress. Strat it by pressing the button or simply by beginning to row. It will switch off on its own after 4 minutes of inactivity. There is also a scan mode that goes through all your data as you row.

Sturdy Built

You will get a smooth and steady workout with the robust frame of the machine. The seat, rollers, rowing handle, and all the parts are made of quality products to give you a secure workout.

Storage and Assembly

The portable wheels make it super easy to move the rowing machine from place to place. The compact design doesn’t take up much of your room space during a workout or even when stored. You can fold and secure the seat from inserting pins, so it doesn’t slide away. It will take you 20-30 minutes to assemble the machine. There are only 4 steps to it assembly and all are mentioned with parts for each step packed in a different packing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 8 resistance levels
• No quality issues so far
• Quiet, steady, and smooth workout
• Easy to fold and store

Cons

• 220lb weight capacity
• Monitor needs improvement
• Warranty period is short

5. Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine Rower

Marcy Foldable is the newest addition to the rowing machines with an amazing hybrid resistance system. Which means it offers both air and magnetic system to give you a natural motion as well as a challenging one. It is great for an intense session for all the fitness maniacs and a good addition to the home gym. Let’s proceed with the inspection of the features.

The Features Chest

The construction of parts and Frame

As with the other rowers, Marcy has a steel frame that is able to bear the weight of up to 300lbs. The main beam of the rower is made of aluminum with the base of the frame designed of steel tubing. There are stabilizers and small wheels to make transportation easy. The seat is wider, padded, and ergonomic so that you do not experience any back pain.

Resistance mechanism

There is a small lever placed in the middle of the frame to adjust the resistance. There are 8 resistance levels. For professional athletes this one isn’t intense enough for their exercise sessions. However, the rower is a good choice for a cardio workout that hits on multiple muscles.

Maintenance and Assembly

The machine comes well assembled and sealed. You just have to put together few of the parts with the instructions clear enough to get the job done in a while. There is only minimum maintenance required that involves wiping the parts with dry cloth regularly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• A comfortable and spacious seat
• Multiple resistance levels
• Hybrid resistance system
• Robust built
• Little to no maintenance

Cons

• No backlight on LED
• The footpads are not angle adjustable

6. Kettler Home Exercise Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine

Looking for rowing machine that gives you an all body workout while not breaking the bank? If yes, then the Kettler Favorit Rower is designed for you. It is built you tone your thighs, arms and hips muscles. The machine comes with a whole bunch of exciting features that includes a wide and comfortable seat, a digital LCD and durable rails. The Kettlerfavorit also features a heart rate monitor which measures your pulse and tracks all your progress during the workout session. The machine is built not just to last for a season but for years to come!

The features chest

Comfortable and Lightweight

When we talk about comfort, then you will find TheFavorit Rower at the first spot because it provides various comfort features that you simply can’t find in other rowing machines. The most noticeable is definitely the thick padded seat. The seat is designed in such a manner that it provides maximum comfort even in those prolonged workouts. The seat is also slightly lifted and pivoted to get that perfect angle. Secondly, both the foot plates are designed ergonomically and pivoted for having the perfect position during your workouts. To keep the movement quiet and smooth the machine has inbuilt ball bearings. And lastly the machine only weighs at 44lbs which makes it very easy to store and minimum effort.

Durability

Kettler is well known for its durability and strong built. Therefore the Favorit Rower is no exception. Among several reviews, there isn’t even a single complaint contrary to the frame of the product. The steel which is used on the machine is powder coated carbon, hence making a nearly indestructible frame with exceptional protection against everyday wear and tear. Do you normally see a manufacturer that provides a lifetime warranty on the central part of the exercise machine? We thought the same. But Kettler does have that kind of claim and warranty.

Monitor

The Kettler Favorit also features a multi-functional monitor that is much superior compared to other monitors that you’ll find on different hydraulic piston rowing machines. The fitness monitor tracks all the important readings such as a number of strokes, workout time, distance, the speed of strokes pulse rate and energy consumption.

The fitness is also the situation in an easily viewable place that is near the user’s feet. The monitor automatically turns on when you start rowing on the machine and it turns off after a couple of minutes of inactivity. Although the monitor has no backlit, which means that you will require some light to see the numbers on the screen. It is powered by 2 AA batteries that you will along with the rower.

Resistance

There are two industrial strong hydraulic pistons which provideresistance that you can easilyadjust just by re-positioning the piston’s main clamps to the many knurl marks located on each rower oar. There are a total of 50 resistance levels that can be set on each part to provide a challenging and wide range of resistance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 50 levels of adjustable resistance
• Lifetime warranty on frame
• Quiet operation
• Solid build quality
• Compact design & lightweight

Cons

• No wheels for transporting
• Might be difficult to assemble for some people
• Unit of measurement for fitness monitor is in the metric system

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness is a known name in the world of fitness and one their best machines which keeps you in perfect shape is the Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rower. This machine offers all of the necessities that are essential for an amazing workout, is like a dream of a fitness enthusiast come true. Thecommendablething about this rowing machine is that it is affordable and despite being less expensive than high-end machines, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machineis made of high-quality aluminum and steel along with a super quiet and adjustable magnetic resistance system. The machine features an LCD screen which shows calories burned, time, strokes per minute, strokes, pulse and distance. The chest strap will be purchased individually, which will allow you to measure your heartbeat. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 is designed for ultimate comfort as the machine has a comfortable seat which is fully padded along with huge anti-slip footplates and non-slip handles. This rowing machine is all you need to kick start that fitness regime of yours.

The Features chest

Tension Knob

You can switch up or down the intensity of your workout on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine Rower because of a handy tension knob.  It only needs a simple twist, you can decrease or increase resistance so the rowing machine so that the workout can remain effective and challenging throughout your entire fitness journey.

LCD screen

The screen tracks your improvement and statistics on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine Rower. When you exercise with your rowing machine then the screen will display the time and the count which will keep you motivated during your workout. It also allows you to achieve the fitness goals that you’ve set. It also has a convenient scan mode so that you can choose any of these features repeatedly to keep up with all calculations!

Rigid frame

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine Rower has a strong aluminum and steel frame for light commercial use, it can support up to 300 lbs. it also has predesigned transportation wheels that will help you to move the machine with ease.

Huge Foot Pedals

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine has enormous foot pedals that are slip-proof. Because of their huge size, they can fit into all shapes and sizes of feet, it also comes along with customizable foot straps!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High build quality
• Strong resistance
• Comfortable features
• Large capacity
• Great monitor for the price range
• Smooth, quiet rowing stroke
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Large footprint
• Can’t fold for storage
• A bit difficult to move & store
• Short warranty period

8. JOROTO MR30 Health & Fitness Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine

If you are thinking to design your very own fitness studio then the JOROTO MR30 is a necessary addition. Why? Because ofit being one of the best mid-range rowing machines you could get. It has everything that a high-endmachine has. It features an 8 level magnetic resistance, 16 preset programs and a console that displays all the important data. The frame can be foldedeasily, it has an aluminum rail for a smooth workout and a padded seat for extra comfort. The machine can support up to 265lbs. The machine is perfect for light as well as intense cardio work out, weight loss, muscle toning and stamina development. It’s a machine that has value for money.

The features chest

Frame

Let’s start with the frame of the JOROTO MR30.Itis made of aluminum steel and durable ABS parts. The flywheel is held by the front part of the machineand it is also made of steel along with the rearstabilizer. To have a smooth glide the unit’s rail is made of aluminum, whereas the ABS parts mostly serve as a cosmetic purpose and for covering such as they cover the side shrouds of the wheel and the rear base. The ABS parts add to the look of the machine without affecting its overall sturdiness.

Console

The console incorporated in theJOROTO MR30 covers all the relevant workout metrics that includes time, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, pulse and calories burned. It can also read your pulse through an HR chest strap transmitter but,this accessory has to be purchased separately.

There are a total of 16 preset workouts accessible on the console. The first 5 programs for light workouts, which includes quick and smooth cardio training. The workouts from 6-11 are a bit difficult as they increase the level of training and the last 12-16 are professional fitness freaks as it called explosive training.

Resistance system

TheJOROTO MR30 Health & Fitness Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine is a magnetic resistance rower. It means that the unit consists of a small magnetic brake that is connectedtoa solidsteel wire right to the dial which is on top of the flywheel casing. The resistance is adjusted manually just by turning the dial, while the unit doesn’t need a power source connection. Additionally, the console does not play any kind of role in the machine’s resistance adjustment.

The resistance system provides a total of 8 distinctive tension settings, theyare marked on the resistance dial. The first 3 settings that is from 1-3 are ideal for light workouts, while thelatersettings that are from 7-8 stimulate high-burn workouts.

Assembly

This machine comes partially assembled. The console and the drive system are already attached to the frontmost part of the frame. So, youjust need to fix the front base stabilizer, the seat, the rail, and lastly the rear stabilizer. Doesn’t sound that difficult, right?  This should take less than 30 min.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Folding, space-saving design
• 16 workout programs on the console
• LED backlight on the console display for superior readability
• 8 levels of resistance

Cons

• No adjustable stabilizers
• The included manual isn’t perfect

9. Fitbill Smart Indoor Rowing Machine with Free Workout App

The fitbill FB607 isn’t your every day rowing machine, as it is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It has a compact folding design and an extended aluminum rail which enables it to accommodate users of all shapes and sizes. It also comes with a Bluetooth scale and a Bluetooth sensor, the Bluetooth scale can sync with the fitbill free app. Therefore you can monitor all your progress right on your phone. It’s the ideal rower for learners and intermediate fitness enthusiasts which offers the possibility to start light to extreme workouts. It’s great for complete body cardio, weight loss, stamina development and of course muscle toning. All in all it is a well-built trainer, with a value for money.

The features chest

Frame

The trainer features a metallic frame that combines aluminum and steel elements. The primary rail of the rower is made of high-quality aluminum, while the seat frame and the bases are made of steel. The rail has its very own natural silver finish while all the basesare coated with rust-resistant black paint.

Assembly

The assembly of theFitbill Smart Indoor Rowing Machine isn’t difficult at all. The resistance elements and the driveare already assembled when you get the machineandthey are also sealed by the covers. So, you just have to connect the primary rail to the frontmost part of the main frame and then you have to attach the machine’s bases and the main seat. This should take less than 30-45 min. Instructions are provided in the included manual.

Resistance system

This trainer features a manual magnetic resistance system which means that you don’t have to connect the machine to a power source to benefit from the resistance. The resistance system of the Fitbill Smart Indoor Rowing Machine consists of a magnetic element that is connected to the turn knob which is located on top of the rower through a solid steel wire. When you turn the knob clockwise then the magnetic element comes closer to the flywheel, hence generating more resistance. The first 3 levels that are 1-3 is forcardio training & smooth rowing, then the later levels from 4-6 are for stamina training and loaded training and the ending levels from 7-10 is for explosive training and backwash rowing.

Free workout app/Bluetooth connection

Fitbill Smart Indoor Rowing Machine comes along with a gift, as it provides you with a 6 months of progressive trainer programs that will guide you to a productive and effective session of the workout. It also has a Bluetooth 4.0 does not require manual pairing. You just enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and open the app, from here you then select the specific training row and plan.  The app will automatically connect to the Bluetooth.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Folding, space saving design
• 10 levels of resistance
• Phone holder included
• Anti-slip footrests, with adjustable straps
• Easy to assemble
• Padded and large seat

Cons

• The pulling strap will lose its grip over time and might require replacement
• The machine does not have its own fitness meter. Therefore if you want to see your stats then you must use your phone and the app.

10. XTERRA ERG500 Air Turbine Rower, Silver/Black

It about time you start sailing towards your fitness and wellness goals with this extraordinary XTERRA rower. What’s so extraordinary you ask? Well, it converts all the wind power into extra resistance all thanks to a built-in air turbine and because of that, you get a much more challenging yet rewarding whole body workout. The console displays all helpful data as you row like distance traveled, time, calories burned, and everything else that keeps you motivated and informed. Andfinally when it’s time to put the trainer away, you can do that as it easily folds.

The features chest

Design

The design of theXTERRA ERG500 is justawesome as it can be folded when not in use. It has fully adjustable foot pedals that are flexed and pivoted to maintain the proper form. It also has aluminum Slide Rail whichprovides exceptionally smooth motion and enhanced rowing efficiency. The seat is padded and large to provide maximum comfort over long workout sessions. The row handles are also padded so that you main a comfortable grip even in explosive training sessions.

Performance monitor

The Performance monitor on theXTERRA ERG500 features a changeable angle for a better view and displays all the important information like distance, time, calories, strokes/min, pulse, count, and a visual stroke graphics display.

Air turbine resistance

TheXTERRA ERG500 has an enhanced design which pulls in air to simulate the real feel of rowing. This feature makes it better than most rowing machines.

Resistance

The XTERRA ERG500 has a total of8 Resistance Levels which are easy to adjust, just move the resistance lever to regulate the extent of airflow out of the main air turbine so that you can have a diverse workout.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Design
• Console displays
• Smooth Ride

Cons

• The Flywheel can be noisy