According to fitness experts and health professionals, rowing machines
offer the best workout possible. In a rower, the majority of your muscle groups can be active and trained correctly. But for that, you have to have the best option. A good product will give you excellent service, that’s the reality.
Many people think that rowing machines are costly. Well, it’s not a lie. Yes, they are expensive. But if you are smart enough, then you can have one of the best within your budget. Our mission is to provide you some best options that are inexpensive but works like a true champion.
Here, we have put ten best rower under 500 Dollars. All of them are excellent concerning construction, performance, and price. Let’s start the reviews without wasting your time:
Our Top 3 Picks
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| Product Name | Award & Rating | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Stamina ATS | Best Overall (4.7/5) | – Wind resistance for natural motion – Comfortable seat and footplates – LCD monitor tracks metrics – Durable steel frame – Folds for easy storage |
| Stamina 1205 | Best Budget (4.7/5) | – Affordable price – Smooth rowing motion – Multi-function monitor – Compact and lightweight – Adjustable resistance levels |
| Stamina 35-1405 | Best Value (4.6/5) | – Good Balanced features for price – Wind resistance for natural motion – LCD monitor – Comfortable seat and footplates – Durable steel frame |
Reviews of the Best Rower Under 500 Dollars
Finding the best rower under 500 dollars is tough. Most of the rowing machines are expensive. Also, inexpensive options are not that good. It’s like searching a needle in the haystack. Don’t worry we are here to solve this issue once and for all.
Our team had researched the entire market to find out the best rower under 500 dollars. Guess what? We have put together ten of them. All of them are classic and ideal in quality. Just have a look at the reviews; you will understand whether I am right or wrong.
1. Stamina ATS 35-1403 Air Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Console | Basic, records progress and status |
| Footpads | Comfortable, adjustable straps for better fit |
| Resistance | Air |
| Storage | Easy to store |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Construction | Durable, made with quality materials |
| Seat | Upholstered |
Are you wondering why we have placed the Stamina ATS Air Rower in the first place of this article? Though we don’t maintain any particular order of good and bad still, if something is in the top position, surely it is something special.
Yes, the Stamina ATS Air Rower is unique regarding quality and price. If you are finding the best one at the best price, this is your solution.
The Stamina ATS Air Rower is loaded with lots of quality features. The rower has a basic console that keeps the record of your progress and status. The footpads are comfortable while the straps are adjustable for a better fit.
There is air resistance included to kick up your workout sessions. The best rower under $500 is easy to store anywhere. Though the machine is strong, yet it is lightweight. The price is acceptable too.
| Pros |
| – Durable construction with quality materials – Easy to store – Comfortable and large footpads – Adjustable straps – Upholstered seat |
| Cons |
| – Make noise – The damper is not adjustable |
2. Stamina 1205 Precision Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Hydraulic power |
| Durability | Durable, compact |
| Seat | Comfortable padded seat |
| Footplates | Pivoting |
| Ball-bearing system | Included for smooth rowing and fluid movement |
| LCD | Large, displays time, calories, and other metrics |
| Tension control | Adjustable |
| Maximum capacity | 250 pounds |
| Weight | A bit heavy, difficult to move |
The Stamina 1205 Precision Rower is the second entry on our list. With the hydraulic power resistance, this is another fantastic option for workout enthusiasm.
The Rower is way more durable and compact than most of the present time options. With a comfortable padded seat and pivoting footplates, you will sit and exercise without any additional pain.
The hydraulic system on the Stamina 1205 is updated and improved. Also, there is a specially designed ball-bearing system included for smooth rowing. The ball-bearing system also enhances the fluidity of the movement.
The rower has a large LCD that shows the time, calories, and other essential metrics. You will get more freedom in the workout with adjustable tension control.
The machine offers a maximum capacity of 250 pounds, and it is ideal for everyone. However, the weight of the product is a bit high, and it is a bit hard to move around. So, I cannot declare it perfect but for the money the rower worth the second place.
In Addition – The following article contains information about “Stamina 1205 Precision Rower Review“; you may find it useful.
| Pros |
| – Rower uses hydraulic resistance – Maximum weight 250 pounds – Compact and durable – Comfortable seating position – Specially designed ball-bearing rolling system |
| Cons |
| – The pistons are not very strong – Hard to move |
3. Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | High-quality materials for durability and longevity |
| Wheels | Built-in for easy movement and storage |
| Seat | Comfortable and adjustable |
| Handlebar | Ergonomic and non-slip |
| Footrests | Adjustable and secure |
| LCD Monitor | Multi-function, shows speed, distance, time, calories burned, and pulse rate (if equipped with pulse sensors) |
| Resistance Type | Air resistance, adjustable to user preference |
| Benefits | Provides full-body workout, tones muscle, improves heart rate, burns fat |
Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower is another excellent option for the price. The rower is widely popular due to its incredible versatility, power and full-body workout providing solution.
The rower helps tone muscle, improve heart rate and burn fat. The construction quality of the rower is fabulous with top grade materials. It will surely last and serve you several years without any issue.
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There are wheels included with the machine. Those built-in wheels make it easier to move around anywhere, anytime. The LCD multi-function monitor is top class and offers high visibility while showing speed, distance, time and calorie burn status.
The Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower is perfect in every possible way. Still, the price of the product is not prohibitive. The rower worth a try!
| Pros |
| – Offers full-body workout – Helps to tone muscle while improving heart health and burn fat – Solid construction – The high-quality multi-function LCD monitor – Built-in wheels for easy transportation |
| Cons |
| – The fan wobbles a bit – The placement of the monitor is not good |
4. Stamina X Air Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | Steel frame for durability and strength |
| Seat | Comfortable molded seat |
| Handlebar | Padded for comfort |
| Footrests | Pivoting for comfort and stability |
| Wheels | Included for easy movement and storage |
| Foldable | Yes, for convenient storage |
| Benefits | Provides full-body workout, improves cardio health |
The Stamina X Air Rower is another excellent option for the price. The steel frame construction makes it one of the strongest options of the present time.
The manufacturer used high-quality steel so that it can serve you a couple of years without any problem. The molded seat of the rower is comfortable.
Also, the padded rowing handle and pivoting foot plate’s takes comfort level one step ahead from its competitors. This best rower under $500 is useful for all cardio workouts.
There are wheels included, and the machine is foldable too. Meaning, storage problem is solved. In general, the Stamina X Air Rower is worth buying for the price.
| Pros |
| – Air resistance – Durable rowing chain – Strong steel frame construction – Comfortable seat – Easy to use the padded handle – Foldable and wheels included for storage purpose |
| Cons |
| – The chain creates noise |
5. Kettler Home Fitness Rowing Machine
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 285 lbs |
| Built Quality | Excellent, made with highest grade materials |
| LCD Display | Shows 6 functions: time, distance, energy consumed, strokes, pulse rate, and frequency |
| Resistance | Provided by 2 industrial strength hydraulic pistons, adjustable by repositioning clamps |
| Seat | Thick and comfortable, with sealed ball bearing glides |
| Operation | Smooth and guaranteed |
With a weight capacity of about 285 lbs, the Kettler Home Exercise Rowing machine is another champion of our time. The Kettler comes with an excellent built quality that enchases its durability.
As the manufacturer made this product with highest grade materials, it will last and serve a couple of years without any problem. The excellent LCD can show six different functions.
You can check out the time, distance, energy consumed, strokes, pulse rate, and frequency. There are two industrial strength hydraulic pistons included that provides resistance, and you can also adjust by repositioning the piston’s clamps to the various knurl marks on each rower oar.
It will never be a problem to get a challenging range of resistance. The padded seat is thick and comfortable with sealed ball bearing glides. Smooth operation is guaranteed. The product is excellent in every aspect; you can give it a try before the stock expires.
| Pros |
| – Displays 6 functions – Comes with Two industrial strength hydraulic pistons – Has a weight capacity of 285 lbs – Adjustable resistance level – Offers a natural pivoting action – Comfortable thick padded seat included |
| Cons |
| – The system to adjust for resistance is difficult |
6. LifeSpan RW1000 Rowing Machine
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | Outstanding quality with high-level materials, built to last |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Drive System | Eddy Fly-wheel |
| Noise Level | Very quiet |
The LifeSpan is another most trusted name in the fitness industry. The company was formed in 2001, and since then they are providing quality products to their customers.
That’s the reason they are one of the top names in the USA. The LifeSpan RW 1000 Indoor Rowing Machine is another example of their exceptional quality.
The product is one of the best under 500 dollars that serve its purpose perfectly. The construction quality of this mid-range best rower under $500 is outstanding with the highest level of materials.
It is built to last. If you maintain the device correctly, you can use the product even for a lifetime. The product has a maximum capacity of 300lbs.
It is an option for big guys out there. All the parts of the product are fantastic. The price is also reasonable. I am sure the performance of the LifeSpan RW1000 will never disappoint you!
| Pros |
| – Comes with Eddy Fly-wheel drive system – Very quiet – 300 lbs of maximum weight capacity – Big guy friendly rowing machine – Solid construction |
| Cons |
| – The instruction manual is poorly written – It shows inaccurate data sometimes |
7. XTERRA Fitness Water Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction Quality | Solid frame, plastic seat |
| Adjustability | Leveling feet, fully adjustable resistance |
| Flywheel | Smooth and progressive resistance |
| Comfort | Comfortable seat |
| Operation | Quiet |
Usually, Water rowers are costly. That statement was right before the invention of the XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Rower. Not now! Under $500 you can have one of the best water rowers in the market.
Yes, it is considered one of the best according to a lot of fitness enthusiasts. This best rower under 500 dollars machine is excellent, lightweight and able to perform like an expensive product.
The overall construction quality of the machine including rail and seat, are pretty solid. The frame stays on leveling feet so that you can set up the machine according to your condition.
The seat is solidly made of plastic. Doesn’t mean, it is uncomfortable. You can even use it for long hours without any problem. The flywheel offers smooth and progressive resistance.
You can increase and decrease the load according to your need as it is fully adjustable. Overall, it is by far one of the best in the market today that deserve a try!
| Pros |
| – Easy to assemble – The smooth flywheel that offers progressive resistance – Comfortable seat – Adjustable resistance level – Affordable water rower – Quiet operation |
| Cons |
| – The UX for the feet is not very impressive |
8. Stamina Air Rower Fitness Rowing Machine
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction Quality | Well-constructed |
| Monitor | Multi-functional, displays distance, calories burned, speed, time, total strokes and strokes per minute |
| Seat | Comfortable, padded |
| Arm Motion | Full range of motion with padded grips |
| Resistance | Automatically adjusting |
The Stamina Air Rower Fitness Rowing Machine is the newest addition of the world famous brand Stamina. As we all know, Stamina always provides excellent quality products so that you can give this new product a try.
The Stamina Air Rower Fitness Rowing machine seems well constructed. I am sure it will last several years without any issue. However, this rowing machine is loaded with a lot of features.
The monitor is multifunctional that can show you distance, calories burned, speed, time, total strokes and strokes per minute. The padded seat offers excellent comfort. With padded grip, you will get the full range of arm motion while rowing.
For setting the resistance, you don’t have to take any hassle. It will set the intensity automatically. The price is below $500, and the service it provides is not less than a high priced product.
| Pros |
| – Comes with large pivoting footplates and straps – Multi-functional monitor – Comfortable seat – Offers a full range of motion rowing arms with soft and padded grips – Automatically adjusting resistance system |
| Cons |
| – No resistance setting included |
9. Goplus Water Rowing Machine Indoor Water Rower
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | Heavy duty steel, solid, 220 lbs weight capacity |
| Beam | Aluminum alloy, rust-resistant, smooth and quiet rowing experience |
| Seat | PU seat on rollers, glides smoothly |
| Pedals | Adjustable with safety straps, proper fit for all sizes |
For effective aerobic workout at home, the Goplus Water Rowing Machine is the best choice for you. With the machine, you can exercise for different muscles of your body parts quite effectively.
The construction quality of the product is solid with heavy duty steel. Durability is beyond your expectation. On top of that, the product offers a maximum of 220lbs of weight capacity.
This is the ultimate solution for big guys. The aluminum alloy beam will not rust and also provide you with a smooth and quiet rowing experience.
If you care for the rowing machine, it can even serve you a lifetime. The rowing machine features a PU seat on rollers that glide smoothly. The pedals are adjustable with safety straps. No matter what is your fit size, it will give you a proper fit.
Unlike all the water rowing machine, it is not that pricey. From my perspective, the Goplus Water Rowing machine is one of the best in the market in every possible way. Why are you waiting for? Click the link below and bring the gym in your home!
| Pros |
| – Easy to increase or decrease resistance – Large LCD monitor tracks everything properly – Heavy duty construction with quality materials – Easy to store and move – Offers full body workout – Comfortable seat |
| Cons |
| – The instructions come with the package are unclear and incomplete |
10. Tunturi R30 Cardio Fit Series Rower
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The Tunturi R30 Cardio Fit Series Rower is the second last entry in this list. The rower machine is simple but effective. It can serve all the necessary workout purposes quiet effectively.
The R30 Rower is constructed with a high-grade aluminum frame that sits on leveling feet. The frame is lightweight yet durable. The smart magnetic resistance setting goes from one to eight.
The machine provides smooth operation in all resistance level. The Tunturi R30 offers excellent performance at higher speeds with heavy loads.
You can adjust the resistance setting with resistance selection knob which is simple and clear. The display module features a nice media shelf to entertain you while working out.
The price is reasonable. And the machine is acceptable in every possible way. I am sure you will love to have it on your home. Don’t waste much time. The stock is limited, remember that!
| Pros |
| – Affordable, reliable and compact – Strong construction quality – Ideal for a good workout at home – Lightweight but strong aluminum frame – Sits on leveling feet – Works like a champ in higher speed and heavy loads – Comfortable seat |
| Cons |
| – Needs time to assemble if you are a novice in this field |
Think Before Buying A Rower Under $500
If you want to have a rowing machine that’s better than average, you should have a concrete idea about what features you shouldn’t miss out on your machine.
Precisely because a rowing machine is a significant investment, it’s important not to rush your decision and invest in a rowing machine that is worthy and suits you best. Here are several features to consider for evaluating a rowing machine’s effectiveness and performance.
Size
When selecting a rowing machine, you should take into account the amount of room you have available. There are rowers with different lengths, starting from 50″ and going up to 82″. So, before investing in a rowing machine, double-check your measurements. Again, one of the best features of some compact rowing machines is that you can fold them to save space.
Resistance
Some rowing machines allow you to adjust between higher and lower resistance, which is beneficial for people who want to adjust the intensity of their workout. Afterward, having different levels of resistance is what makes rowing machines such a beneficial workout.
Console
One of the essential aspects of a rowing machine is the console. It allows you to track performance and gives you information about speed, distance, time, calories burned, and strokes per minute. Moreover, rowing machines come in various styles, and the console is where they actually differ.
Again, each variety of consoles is also outfitted with its own set of capabilities and controls. So when you’re choosing a rowing machine, make sure your rowing machine can track and deliver data that you really care for
Noise
Having a quiet rowing machine is perfect for people who like working out in their apartments or other small areas. It’s not disruptive to your neighbors, making it a great choice if you have a shared living space.
Therefore, many companies and manufacturers produce whisper-quiet rowing machines for user convenience. Hence, these quiet rowing machine is an excellent choice if you don’t want to work out with the annoying noise of rowing machine.
Rowing Machine Under $500 FAQs
Will Rowing Help You Get Ripped?
Rowing machines target more muscle groups than other fitness devices. If you have a high-quality rowing machine and you row regularly, you can attest that rowing will get you ripped. It will help you develop muscles and make you stronger.
How Long Should I Row Using a Rowing Machine?
It depends on your current health condition. If you are pretty heavier and want to burn extra calories, you need to row for 30 minutes per day at a comfortable pace. After getting used to that pace, you need to increase the levels on the rower.
Which is Better Magnetic or Air Rower?
Before deciding on which is better, first, you need to know how both machines work. The magnetic rower allows silent pulling; it uses a magnetic brake to generate resistance.
So, if noise is an issue, you can go with a magnetic rowing machine. The drawback of these rowers is that they don’t increase the resistance when you pull harder or faster.
On the contrary, water rowers offer this facility, not only that, but they also provide users a great experience of natural pulling. But they are known to make noise. So, it entirely depends on you which rower seems better to you.
What Should I Check Before Purchasing a Rowing Machine Under $500?
First, you should check the resistance. Best rower under $500 come in four types: air rower, water rower, hydraulic piston rower, and magnetic rower. You need to choose one type as per your needs.
Then, you need to think about your space. If you have a huge space or personal home gym, then the rower’s size won’t be an issue.
After that, you need to take into account other essential features. In this way, you can easily select your desires rowing machine.
Is 10-minutes of Pulling Rower Enough?
If you want to stay fit and active, you should use a rowing machine for 30 minutes at moderate intensity each day. But if you want to lose weight, you should put more effort.
The following article may be of interest to you: “How to Stay Active and Exercise During the Holidays“.
Final Words
On the above list, we have put together some of the best rower under $500. As you can see we didn’t categorize the type of rowing machine on our reviews. There are air rowing machines, water rowing machines, magnetic or hydraulic-piston rowing machines in our list.
You have to determine which types suits your need perfectly. However, a hydraulic-piston rowing machine offers less sound than air or water rowing machines. If you cannot compromise with a little noise, you can have the hydraulic-piston kind. Anyway, still, it depends on your preference.
I am signing out right now. If you have any queries regarding the best rower under 500 dollars, feel free to comment below. We will try to get back to you with the best solution. Please, share your thoughts and advice about our blog. We want to grow with our readers.
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