7 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 Review

Best Rowing Machine Under 500 – Introduction

What’s the best rowing machine under 500 on the market today?

Cardio workouts don’t come much more effective than rowing.

Using a rowing machine can help you tone up all your major muscles, burn fat, get fit, and improve your cardiovascular health.

Rowing is also easy on your joints, good for your posture, and provides a very time-efficient full-body workout.

And if you enjoy strength training, Powerbuilding, or powerlifting, rowing is also an excellent accessory exercise for deadlifts.

Not to mention that rowing machines are an excellent deadlift alternative, as they work the same muscles as barbell deadlifts.

Best of all, rowers are ideal for home exercisers, especially when you live in a cold climate.

They’re often a better choice than treadmills or ellipticals, particularly if you have a low-ceiling basement or garage.

However, with so many rowing machines to choose from, it can be hard to pick the best model for your home gym.

In this article, I’ll first give you my top picks for the seven best rowing machines under $500, followed by a handy buying guide.

My Top Picks for the Best Rowing Machines Under $500

Here are seven of the best models on the market today:

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#4. Sunny Obsidian Surge 500 – Best Water Rower

Sunny Health and Fitness makes reliable, well-priced, and feature-packed fitness equipment.

This Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rower provides a realistic rowing workout, and the built-in performance monitor is packed with handy features.

If you are looking for a gym-quality rowing machine at a fraction of the price, the Sunny Model SF-RW5713 Rowing Machine is a great option.

Features include:

• Compact design
• Wide, cushioned seat
• Adjustable, non-slip pedals with straps
• Ergonomic, non-slip handle
• Multi-function LCD monitor
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Maximum user height: 6’8 “
• Built-in transport wheels
• It can be stored upright to save space
• Water-resistance mechanism

#5. XTERRA ERG220 Rower – Best Magnetic Rower

Are you looking for a smooth, quiet rowing workout?

This XTERRA Fitness rowing machine uses magnetic resistance to deliver a smooth and quiet rowing experience.

Made from high-quality components and built to last, this ERG220 Magnetic Rower is a compact rowing machine that should provide many years of reliable workouts for a very affordable price.

Features include:

• 8 levels of magnetic resistance
• Folding frame for easy storage
• Easy-to-read 3.5-inch LCD performance monitor
• Padded, contoured seat and handlebars
• Strong steel frame with dual aluminum rails
• Pivoting foot pedals with adjustable straps
• Transportation wheels
• 300lbs weight limit
• Recommended for users 5’1″ to 6’4″

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#6. Sunny SF-RW5515 – Best Budget Rower

If you’re looking for an intense, full-body workout, look no further than the Sunny Fitness SF-RW5515 Model.

This rower offers all of the necessities for an intense yet enjoyable rowing workout in the comfort of your own home.

It is built with a magnetic resistance system for a smooth, quiet ride, while the large LCD monitor displays all of your essential workout stats.

This Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine also has a comfortable and ergonomic seat design with 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance.

Features include:

• 8 resistance levels
• Easy transport wheels
• Foldable design
• Large LCD console
• Cushioned and contoured seat
• Non-slip foot pedals
• 48-inch extra-long slide rails for tall rowers
• 300lb weight limit

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#7. Goplus Hydraulic – Best Hydraulic Rower

The Goplus Hydraulic Rowing Machine provides a smooth, full-motion workout.

It’s a compact machine that is ideal for home use and smaller spaces.

With adjustable hydraulic resistance and full-motion arms, this machine has features that should appeal to users who want to work their upper and lower body.

This Goplus Folding Rower is also foldable, which is a big bonus if you want to store your rower between workouts.

Features include:

• Adjustable hydraulic resistance
• Full-motion arms with 360-degree rotation
• Sturdy steel frame
• Pivoting footplates with adjustable straps
• Easy-to-read LCD fitness monitor
• Transportation-friendly compact design
• Foldable for easy storage
• Large, ergonomic padded seat
• Non-slip handlebars
• Weight capacity 220lbs

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What to Look for In A Rowing Machine Under $500

To the uninitiated, one rower is much the same as the next.

However, differences in features and specifications mean that some rowers are better than others, so it makes sense to pick the machine that best suits your wants, needs, and budget.   

These are the features to look for in a good indoor rowing machine.

Types of resistance

Rowing machines use one of four types of resistance.

Each one has a slightly different feel, and the best one is primarily a question of personal preference.

Your options are:

Fan

Fans are one of the most popular types of resistance.

The harder you pull, the greater the resistance, making this type of machine ideal for more advanced exercisers.

However, by adjusting the airflow, you can lower the resistance, making fans suitable for less experienced exercisers, too.

On the downside, fans can be noisy.

Water Resistance

Some rowers have large sealed water drums with internal paddles.

This provides a very realistic rowing sensation.

Water rowers are usually quieter to use than fan rowers, but they’re also heavier and less portable.

You’ll also need to fill the drum with water and change it periodically as the water will turn green over time.

There is also a small risk of leakage.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic rowers are low-tech, but that’s what makes them so affordable.

Light and all but silent in use, hydraulic rowers are compact and usually very portable.

However, hydraulic pistons tend to weaken over time and need to be replaced every couple of years.

Otherwise, your workout will gradually become easier.

Electromagnetic resistance

Electromagnetic resistance provides a smooth, almost silent workout, making this type of rower ideal for home use.

However, these rowers are often big and heavy and need an external power source to work.

They don’t usually provide as much resistance as fan or water rowers, so they may not be the best choice for fitter users.

However, the resistance is often more variable.

Performance Monitor

Most rowing machines have a built-in computer that measures your workout performance.

Depending on the model, the display will show a range of metrics, including:

• Speed
• Distance
• Time
• Cadence (strokes per minute)
• Power
• Calories
• Heart rate

Some performance monitors also have built-in workouts to follow and can be programmed for interval training workouts.

The functions and features depend on the model you choose, so make sure the computer on your rower provides you with the information you need.

Seat

Comfort matters during rowing workouts.

The best rowing seats are cushioned and contoured so you can concentrate 100% on your workout and not on how much your butt hurts!

Comfort is a very personal thing, and what works for one person may not work for another.

However, if a lot of reviews mention an uncomfortable seat, you should probably look at an alternative model.

You can make your rowing seat even more comfortable by adding an after-market foam or gel seat pad.

Size and storage

Most rowers are pretty long, so make sure you have space in your home gym to use one.

While most home rowing machines are portable to an extent, their length can mean they’re not all that easy to move and store.

You may just have to leave it wherever you install it.

However, some rowers are foldable or are easily dismantled between workouts.

Long story short, make sure you take length and ease of storage into account before buying your rower.

Reliability

Unreliable workout equipment is nothing but a waste of money and space!

Look for products with extended warranties and backed with high levels of customer service.

Also, check out the long-term reviews for information on reliability.

Light commercial rowers are generally more durable than rowing machines made exclusively for home use.

The Best Rowers Under $500 – Wrapping Up

Rowing delivers a great, full-body workout that’s also low-impact and easy on your joints.

You can use a rower to get fit, lose weight, or train for a sport.

They also have an excellent muscle-toning effect.

Most gyms have rowers, and they’re a great choice for home exercisers, too.

Commercial rowing machines can cost as much as $2000 or more.

That’s a hefty chunk of change!

However, for $500 or less, you can get a very serviceable rower that’s ideal for home use.

Most home rowers are light, compact, and easy to store.

However, they still have many of the features found on more expensive models.

There are several different types of rowing machines to choose from, including air rowers, water rowers, and hydraulic rowers.

They all have pros and cons, and each one can help you reach your fitness goals.

Use this guide to help you choose the best rower for your home gym.

Once you’ve installed your rower, you’ll have the perfect home workout machine at your fingertips!

What’s Next

When you want an option to improve your aerobic conditioning and build your muscles, a rowing machine is an excellent piece of equipment for your home gym.

Rowing is a full-body exercise and is another method you can use to change your body dramatically from fat to fit.

Deadlifts are not the only path to body transformation.

See the 13 Remarkable Ways Rowing Changes Your Body for more details on this fantastic exercise.

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