Top 9 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 (2023 Review)

You should investigate adding a rowing machine to your home gym because rowers give you an incredible fitness challenge and total body sculpting.

You will surely meet your fitness goals as well as your body goals by incorporating this, two-for-one, strength and cardio machine.

Furthermore, rowers are a simplistic machine so there is less to worry about as far as part replacement or specific features breaking down.

Get psyched about checking out some of the best rowing machines under 500. You too can experience elite fitness right from home.

My Introduction to Rowing and Rowers

I don’t know about where you went to college but the rowing team at my school was hot, fit, strong.

All words that I would love a stranger to describe me as. Wouldn’t you? 

Additionally, CrossFit has exploded in the last decade — and if there is one thing CrossFit has taught us — it’s that rowing is something the “Fittest On Earth” do.
See: Mat Fraser, Tia-Clair Toomey, and Haley Adams for some killer examples of athletes and stamina.

Of course, they do more than just rowing — but it’s part of their protocols! If it’s good enough for them, I’ll sure give it a go.

Top Picks for the Best Rowing Machine

Editor’s Choice

MaxKare Rowing Machine

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

A very sturdy rowing machine with all the usual features of a water rower. The water resistance simulates a real-life rowing experience.

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

The MaxKare Water Rowing Machine takes the cake for me. I love the water resistance and variability in resistance that that offers.

I also love that it creates a more realistic feel to rowing on the water. 

While it’s not the quietest machine and it’s a bit more expensive than other options, I think it will give the best workout and stand the tests of time best.

Top Pick

MaxKare Rowing Machine

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

A very sturdy rowing machine with all the usual features of a water rower. The water resistance simulates a real-life rowing experience.

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

Still going with the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine.

It meets the criteria for “best rowing machine under $500” and *see my reasoning above* for why it’s the best. 

If you want an awesome, full body, calorie burning workout — not just today but always AND recognize that some days you won’t be able to go as hard but still want to workout — the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine is the best rowing machine under $500. 

Best Value

SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine

A dual resistance rower with air resistance and magnetic rowing tension system that can give you a fantastic total body workout.

SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine

If the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine is a bit out of your price range, I’d look at the SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine. 

Air rowers will be more price friendly in general, but still offer the minimum and maximum resistance with their resistance set up.

That will always win for me — I think the best rowers really let you tailor the workout for YOU. 

Best Rower Under $500 for Full Body Workout

The rower you can afford, fit in your space, and has the features you enjoy is the answer to this one.

All rowers, simply by being rowers, will give you a total body workout.

Best Rower Under $500 for Calorie Burning Workout

Similarly, the best rowing machine under $500 for a calorie burning workout will be whatever rower YOU like. Just put some heart in it and get your sweat on!

Best Rower Under $500 for Low Impact Workout

Third times the charm — any rower is an amazing machine for a low impact workout.

That’s a perk of working out on a rower, no heavy, bone jarring cardio.

Keep your joints safe and still crush your fitness!

The Best Rowing Machines Under $500

The Air Rowers

Best Value

SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine

A dual resistance rower with air resistance and magnetic rowing tension system that can give you a fantastic total body workout.

SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine

One of the best rowers under $500

SereneLife prides themselves on building a durable rower machine.

With the year long warranty, you won’t have to worry about any repairs or returns.

You just have to worry about crushing your workout schedule.

Build

It is a dual resistance rower with an air resistance and magnetic resistance rowing tension system.

So, as you perform the rowing motion, you will get a fantastic total body workout.

The comfortably padded seat means that you won’t be sick of rowing after only a brief period.

The SereneLife rower is a home rower that is very similar to commercial brands — making it one of the best rowing brands on the home equipment market.

It is easy to assemble and comes with clear instructions.

Features

Beyond its quality build, resistance system, and popularity in the market, the SereneLife rowing machine is equipped with an LCD screen to see your workout stats and also connect to the FitShow app.

The app doesn’t have a ton of features but it does provide you with some variety and extra awareness in your rowing workouts.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 83.5 x 19.3 x 34.8 inches
  • Frame Style: Steel frame
  • Resistance Mechanism: Air and Magnetic
  • Resistance Levels: 16 levels of resistance
  • Workout Programs: FitShow App connects from your phone to the console
  • Pedal Style: Anti-slip foot rests for comfort and support
  • LCD Screen: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  • Warranty: One year through the manufacturer

Pros

  • Very stable and long-lasting rower.
  • Great set of features with 16 resistance levels, comfy seat, foot straps, and suggested workouts.
  • Nice and bright LCD screen display.

Cons

  • Belt is a little bit clicky and loud.

Stamina ATS Air Rower

Awesome for all fitness levels, It’s an air resistance machine for the just-like-rowing feel, and the resistance will also match your pace as well as your strength and conditioning level.

Stamina ATS Air Rower

This rowing machine is all air resistance which is awesome for the just-like-rowing feel and the resistance will also match your pace as well as your strength and conditioning level.

Features

Awesome for all fitness levels, the Stamina ATS Air Rower comes with a padded seat, padded handlebar (goodbye calluses) adjustable footplates and built-in wheels to make it accessible and storable – it’s only 77 inches tall on end, so it can tuck away in a corner. 

There are no fancy workout programs that come with the ATS air rower, but the LCD monitor will show you your speed, distance, time and calories burned.

Assembly

Super easy assembly and to keep in condition for use — you’ll wonder why you ever thought of buying any other cardio equipment once you have this full-body machine!

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 77 x 18 x 22 inches
  • Frame Style: Folding Frame
  • Resistance Mechanism: Air
  • Resistance Levels: Just air — resistance increases with your intensity
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Adjustable footplates
  • LCD Screen: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  • Warranty: Three year frame warranty and one year parts warranty through the manufacturer

Pros

  • Dynamic workout and resistance with the air resistance.
  • Easy-to-read LCD screen display.
  • Folding frame in case you need to box it for storage.
  • Low price rower.

Cons

  • No workout programs come with this machine.
  • Frame is very bendy and seems unstable.
  • Very loud machine.

Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

A great air rower just like the ATS Rower model above but with an added LCD display to help you keep track of your progress.

Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

Build

Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower has most of the same bells and whistles as the Stamina ATS Air Rower — padded seat, padded handlebars, inclined track for easy return to the starting position, and the air resistance system that intensifies with your abilities and work out pace. 

Features

But you’ll get a little more information on this LCD screen, including: strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, speed, time, and calories burned.

In my opinion, that little extra information is worth it because it acts as a fitness monitor.

You can track your workouts and fitness goals and aim for improving over time. All about those little goals! 

Assembly

It’s a slightly more difficult machine to assemble because of extra hardware and not as great directions.
But you’re a smart cookie — if the air rower and added workout data is right for you — this could be the best rower for you in a fabulous price range.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 73.5 x 18.25 x 22 inches
  • Frame Style: Steel frame that folds for storage
  • Resistance Mechanism: Air resistance
  • Resistance Levels: N/a – depends on your intensity and pace
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Large, anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
  • LCD Display: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  • Warranty: One year through the manufacturer

Pros

  • Strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, speed, time, and calories burned on the LCD monitor.
  • Bigger foot pedals for any foot size.
  • Foldable frame for easy storage.
  • Appropriate for any height.

Cons

  • Clicks a little from the fan.
  • The instruction manual is a bit confusing.

The Water Rowers

Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine

A water rower machine that will meet you where you are fitness-wise and build up total body strength and conditioning.

Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine

Similar to air resistance the water resistance offered by the Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rowing Machine will meet you where you are fitness-wise and build up total body strength and conditioning.
This water rower machine is also known as the SF RW5713.

Features

The nice thing about the SF RW5713 is you can start with less water and increase how full the tank is as you get stronger.

The digital fitness monitor tracks your time, total strokes, distance, heart rate, and calories burned.

Build

This Sunny Health & Fitness SF RW5713 rower has a heavy duty frame, cushy seat, and pivoting pedals to fit you uniquely and keep you feeling safe to do your best through the whole workout.

Unlike air rowing machines, the water rowing machine is heavier making it tougher to move around your home or hideaway when necessary.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 80 x 22 x 34 inches
  • Frame Style: Steel frame
  • Resistance Mechanism: Water resistance
  • Resistance Levels: the resistance will change based on the user’s workout intensity
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
  • LCD Display: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

  • Strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, speed, time, and calories burned on the fitness monitor.
  • Water tension system that offers immediate resistance — reflective of your workout intensity and fitness capacity.
  • Clear LCD fitness screen.
  • Not as loud as air resistance machines.

Cons

  • Price is higher than air rowers.
  • Larger and heavier than air rowers.
  • Not as convenient to store due to the water tank.

Top Pick

MaxKare Rowing Machine

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

A very sturdy rowing machine with all the usual features of a water rower. The water resistance simulates a real-life rowing experience.

MaxKare Water Rowing Machine

Build

The MaxKare Water Rowing Machine is notably shorter than most rowers.

That said, it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for your workout, unless you are taller than 7 feet. 

The shortness of the rail might even be seen as a benefit depending on where you’ll be working out.

Otherwise, this is a very sturdy rowing machine with all the usual features of a water rower. The water resistance simulates a real-life rowing experience. 

Features

The large, LCD monitor offers your fitness data like time, strokes per minute, distance, and calories burned which ensures you stay on track with your workout goals. 

The other advantage to the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine is it’s storage capability. The support point on the front allows it to stand up vertically and tuck into a closet or corner. 

For your info, the exercise monitor does run on batteries and those tend to need replacing rather frequently — so stock up on those AAs.

Beside this, I’d argue this is the best water rower for at-home use that there is.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 42.5 x 22.5 x 17 inches
  • Frame Style: Steel frame
  • Resistance Mechanism: Water resistance
  • Resistance Levels: The resistance will change based on the user’s workout intensity
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Non-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
  • LCD Display: Yes, adjustable for your height
  • Weight Capacity: 264 pounds
  • Warranty: 30-day refund and 2 year warranty from the manufacturer

Pros

  • Economical.
  • Solid performance.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Appropriate for any height.
  • LCD monitor with clearly labeled data points.
  • Real-life rowing experience.

Cons

  • Water tank may leak and rust the machine over time if it’s standing too long. So, don’t miss a workout! 😉

ProGear 750 Rower

A water rower with hydraulic cylinders for tension resistance. The experience will be more similar to a machine row on a weight machine than a rowing boat.

ProGear 750 Rower

A variation on the rowers we are accustomed to seeing these days and a different version of the water resistance machines.

Build

The ProGear 750 Rower is a water rower with hydraulic cylinders for tension resistance. There are three levels to the hydraulic system which can be adjusted from right to left handlebars.

The rowing experience will also be different on the ProGear as the handles are separate. The experience will be more similar to a machine row on a weight machine than a rowing boat. 

Features

It is less of a cardio experience and more like a weight training one. With that in mind, one of the differences and, perhaps, advantages to this water rower is it’s multifunctional use. 

On the ProGear rower you can adjust the arms to also do shoulder presses, bent over rows, bicep curls, and lat pull downs. These options make the ProGear a two-in-one machine — a rower and a small compact home gym. Not a bad deal!

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 53 x 26.5 x 36.3 inches.
  • Resistance Mechanism: Water resistance — hydraulic system.
  • Workout Programs: No.
  • Pedal Style: Anti-slip foot pedal.
  • LCD Display: Yes.
  • Weight Capacity: 220 pounds.
  • Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty

Pros

  • Fantastic recreation of weight machines.
  • Versatile with over 10 exercises.
  • Easy to store.

Cons

  • Not a cardio workout like other rowers.

The Magnetic Rowers

Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine

One of the quietest rowing machines available, the Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine is also one of the best and most professional rowers that you could get for your home.

Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine

Moving into the quietest rowing machines available, the Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine is one of the best and most professional rowers that you could get for your home. 

Build

On wheels and light with its aluminum frame, you can trolley the Goplus easily indoors or outdoors.

If the weather is not so good, stay inside.

If it’s beautiful out, take this transportable cardio machine outside to row in the sunshine and REALLY pretend like you’re out on the water. 

Features

The Goplus is a super affordable and long lasting rowing machine that allows you to select your resistance level to tailor your workout.

However, it will keep that consistent resistance the whole time you are on the rower. 

That is the downfall for magnetic rowers — magnetic resistance does adjust with your body. Fitness, and fatigue as you keep going along.

It’s also less of a real-feel to rowing on a lake, ocean, or other body of water. 

If you value less noise from the air or water tension systems, or just need a quieter machine — perhaps you are in an apartment complex like me — the Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine could be the best rowing machine for you. 

Specs

  • Price: Under $300
  • Product Dimensions: 70 x 21 x 19 inches
  • Frame Style: Aluminum
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic resistance
  • Resistance Levels: 8 levels of resistance
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Non slip textured food pads with adjustable strap
  • LCD Display: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 220 pounds

Pros

  • Super quiet while in use.
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
  • Light-weight for easy transport.
  • Professional rower at an approachable price.
  • Appropriate for any height.

Cons

  • 8 levels of resistance decreases the amount of strength work.

Joroto Magnetic Rower

The Joroto Magnetic Rowing Machine is a quiet, steady rowing machine that promises to last with its quality build.

Joroto Magnetic Rower

Build

The Joroto Magnetic Rowing Machine is a quiet, steady rowing machine that promises to last with its quality build.

Additionally, Joroto boasts a luxurious experience in how it is crafted — all the way down to a water bottle holder, at an arm’s reach for you to hydrate mid-workout. 

Features

The Joroto Magnetic Rower features an LCD display screen that tracks your calories, time, strokes, and strokes per minute so that you get feedback on your workout right away. 

The 10 resistance levels will definitely keep you challenged through the entire workout and you can adjust the resistance based on your needs. 

A very quiet rowing machine, that does the job and holds up to the tests of time.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 71 L x 21 W x 36 H inches
  • Frame Style: Steel frame
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
  • Resistance Levels: 10 levels of resistance
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Anti-slip foot pedals with foot straps
  • LCD Display: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
  • Warranty: 12month parts exchange

Pros

  • Appropriate for any height.
  • Quality at a low price.

Cons

  • Does not measure distance, only strokes.
  • Tricky to assemble.

Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rower SF-RW5864

A great piece of rowing equipment. Get a great cardio and strength workout for your whole body with the 8 flywheel resistance levels to control the workout intensity.

Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rower SF-RW5864

Sunny Health & Fitness does it again with a great piece of rowing equipment — the Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine.

Very different from other rowers with its separate handles to simulate an authentic rowing experience.

Build

This Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine sits up higher as well which makes it super easy to access and comfortable to be on for any age, fitness level, or height.

That said, it’s slightly larger than other rowing machines which might make it a bit more difficult to store.

Function

You will still get a great cardio and strength workout for your whole body because the flywheel has 8 resistance levels to control the workout intensity. You will definitely burn some calories!

The Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine could be the best mix up from the rowers you would usually see at the gym.

There’s not a lot of comparison beyond the chrome seat rail that you’ll slide along.

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 73 x 24 x 42 inches
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
  • Resistance Levels: 8 levels of resistance
  • Workout Programs: No
  • Pedal Style: Oversized, anti-slip foot pedals
  • LCD Display: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Warranty: 180 manufacturer warranty

Pros

  • Sits higher than traditional rowing machines.
  • Separate and wide reaching arms that replicate an actual rowing motion.
  • Can vary the muscle groups used in the arms and range of motion.

Cons

  • Large in size for a rowing machine.
  • Not as easy to assemble.
  • Sunny Health & Fitness is not known for their customer service.
  • Could use more tension and resistance.

What is a rowing machine?

The indoor rowing machine copies the rowing stroke that you would perform in a boat.

It’s a streamlined, steel frame with a resistance system to mimic the wind resistance and water resistance that you’d encounter in real life…

Overall, the machine rower is a great piece of fitness equipment.

It will give you a full body workout that gets your heart rate up and helps you meet your fitness goals.

Arguably, the rowing machine is one of the best machines in the gym, which makes it a solid, comprehensive machine for your home. 

How Do You Use a Rowing Machine? 

It’s a common misunderstanding that rowing is mainly an upper body workout…

In fact, that is almost completely opposite the truth…

  • Instead, to row, you will want to first and foremost use your legs, then core, and then your arms.
  • As you get started on the rowing machine, you will set the resistance level you’d like, place your feet into the non-slip foot pedals, and take a hold of the handle(s).
  • From there, you will press backward using the strength of your legs.
    Keeping your core nice and tight, lean back slightly to get a full extension of the body.
  • Then pull your shoulder blades together, draw your elbows back, and pull the handlebar(s) toward your chest.
    Then reverse it — extend your arms long in front of you, hinge from your hips forward slightly, and bend the knees to get back to the starting position.

Can You Use a Rowing Machine Every Day?

Whether you are using your rowing machine as a warm up, full workout, or intervals in your workout, it’s totally a machine that could be used daily. 

How long should you row?

Use the rower as a 5 to 10 minute warm up for your lifting routine, mix it in with other cardio and exercises, or make it a full workout.

For a full workout, the maximum minutes can be determined by you.

RECOMMENDATION

I’d recommend a minimum of 10 minutes if you are doing a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout.
Depending on the intensity of your rowing session, the average calories used (or burned) per 10 minutes rowing is about 100.

Personal Preference

Based on these figures, you can decide what is an appropriate rowing workout length for you.

For myself, I like to max out at about 15 minutes and mix the rower in with other training sets (i.e. a mile run or between a quick leg workout and then upper body work).
The rowing workout and rower machine itself shouldn’t be underestimated — it’s a tough workout and it’ll take some time to get your endurance up. 

Can I Get Fit by Just Rowing?

Woman In Blue Tanktop Rowing
Woman In Blue Tanktop Rowing

I will say one can get super fit using rowing as a cardio and strength building workout.

It can definitely be your go-to workout regime because it is unique in its ability to train your heart, lungs, upper body and lower body. 

That said, I would also recommend cross training with other fitness equipment like weights, walking or running, plyometrics (body weight exercises), and more. 

Keeping variety in your workouts is essential for optimal fitness levels. Like they say in CrossFit, functional athleticism and fitness is the goal. 

RECOMMENDATION

Be the best version of you with well rounded training. Your body will thank you too as you work in a full range of motion. You won’t be over doing it in one plane of motion. 

Is a Rowing Machine Better Than Other Home Gym Equipment?

Up to you to decide the answer to this question. 

Depends if you’ll use it. Depends if there are other workouts you simply love more. The best workout equipment is the equipment you will use.

Objectively though, I’d say if your home and budget are particularly limited, the rower isn’t a bad way to go. 

Why Buy a Rowing Machine?

If you could only purchase ONE piece of fitness equipment, the rower is a good bet for all levels of fitness and fitness goals. 

Because rowing machines boast a total body workout, strength, AND cardio conditioning, it is a contender for the best of home fitness equipment. 

As an added bonus, great rowing machines can be found in a very reasonable price range (like under $500) and super compact so they’re not sucking space in your home. 

Who Should Buy a Rowing Machine?

Rowing is an awesome, low-impact, cardio exercise. For this reason, rowing machines are great for anyone.

Rowers won’t create any extra stress on joints and can even help you rehab injuries in your extremities and back.

Benefits

Woman Working Out on a Garage

Some of the other benefits include: building better posture, training your core, accessibility to all fitness levels, a big amount of calories burned, and lower body conditioning.

If those sound good to you — a rowing machine might be your cardio match made in heaven! 

Whether you want to get those calories burned, strength train, increase cardio, or heal an injury while staying active, the rower is a perfect fitness machine for it all! 

Can You Lose Belly Fat Rowing Machines?

the rowing machine is an excellent way to burn calories…

100% — absolutely!

Like most cardio exercise, the rowing machine is an excellent way to burn calories and, therefore, body fat.

Because this epic machine is a total body workout — you’ll see fat loss all over your body, not just your tummy.

If you ask me, that’s WIN – WIN.However, remember that abs are made in the kitchen. If you are committed to flat or six-pack abs, check your nutrition too.

Can You Lose Weight On A Rowing Machine?

Totally. This is the classic question about calories in versus calories out.

To lose weight consume fewer calories than you burn while at rest OR burn some extra calories (energy) with a workout.

Rowing machines definitely qualify as a calorie burning workout. Add consistent rowing to your routine and I can almost guarantee you will see weight loss.

Here’s an informative video that can help you jumpstart your rowing…

Can you REALLY Lose Weight with Rowing?

Can A Pregnant Woman Use A Rowing Machine?

As per usual, if you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise program.

Usually, yes, a mother-to-be can definitely row, at least as long as it is comfortable for mother and baby.

That said, due to the design of the rowing machine, at some point it will probably be more difficult to return to the starting position — balled up, towards your thighs.

But until that baby bump impedes your movement, you are good to go! 

NOTE
Again, check in with your doctor regularly to discuss proper exercise protocols for YOUR pregnancy.

How to Select a Rowing Machine

Purpose

We have already covered that the rower is an all-around awesome exercise machine.

It also doubles as a resistance machine for more of a strength training workout.

Rowing machines will get your heart rate up as well as build muscle and cardiovascular strength.

The purpose of getting a rower could depend on your fitness goals or the space you have for cardio and strength training equipment.

Multi-Workout

Woman Rowing on a Gym
Woman Rowing on a Gym

Mostly, I think that the purpose of choosing a rower for your home exercise routine is knocking out a couple birds with one stone.

Rowers are so beneficial because they’re multipurpose.

They also add some variety to your usual standing cardio training.

While cycling is awesome, the rower’s advantage is definitely that it gets both upper and lower body action into your workout.

In case you prefer indoor cycling, this Best Upright Exercise Bike review can help you find the ideal unit.

Cost

Stick to a price range that works for your budget.

There are budget rowing machines on the market ranging from $120 to $500, but if you are a serious CrossFit athlete you could go up to $1200 or more (those high-end rowing machines will not be covered here though). 

Resistance

Resistance systems for rowing machines tend to come from air resistance, magnetic resistance, or water resistances.

Sometimes air rowers will also have a magnetic resistance component to them as well in order to increase the number of resistance levels available and the amount of challenge.

Air Rowers for the Most Realistic Experience

Air Rowing Machine
Air Rowing Machine

While it might seem intuitive that water rowers would be most similar to actual rowing on the water, it’s actually the air resistance rowers that create that real-rowing feel.

The air rower and water rower resistance will increase the harder and faster that you row.

Consistent Resistance

The magnetic rower is different in that sense — resistance will stay consistent through the rowing session because it is created by the magnetic pull on a flywheel resistance system.

Another main benefit to a magnetic resistance rowing machine is that it will be very silent compared to the other two options.

Rowing Out

If you’re still wondering which is the best rowing machine under 500 to get, here’s my thoughts summarized:

Editor’s Choice

The best value, full body, calorie burning, low impact, AND editor’s choice and top pick rower is the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine.

It easily checks every single box as far as needs, desires, price range, and goals with a rower.

The choice (seems) clear to me.

Best Value

If you were looking for an affordable rower option, the SereneLife Smart Rowing Machine is WIN-WIN-WIN-…-WIN…for infinity. 🙂 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you’d like to chat more about the best rowing machines, other fitness equipment, and workouts.

Hit me up at our Instagram account

I’d love to hear what cardio equipment and home workout setups you enjoy.

If you’re looking for alternatives. We also have other workout equipment review below:

Best Home Gym Under 500 Dollars

Best Vertical Climber Machine

Keep In Touch

Tag me if you want to share workouts, recipes, or other health and fitness ideas! 

Happy to repost!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more workout clothing or equipment recommendations, feel free to read my other articles on the site, such as this review of the best CrossFit shorts for women or this best plus size yoga pants for women.

0 Shares:
You May Also Like