10 Best Rowing Machine Under 500 Dollars | Updated For 2023

Rower machines have been growing fast day by day in popularity. Undoubtedly, they are one of the best forms of cardiovascular workout that you can do at your home. Buying your own rowing machine is a smart move that is becoming more and more popular. However, finding the best rowing machine under 500 is not an easy task especially when you have not enough idea about this equipment.

In this article, we’ve added a complete list of the best indoor rower under 500 just for you. Here you’ll get almost all the information that you need to find out your required rowing machine. Hopefully, this review article will help you out to make your decision. Let’s began it.

Best Rowing Machines Under $500 – At A Glance

• 1. Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Rower
• 2. Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower 1405 Rowing Machine
• 3. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
• 4. Stamina | X Air Rower
• 5. Kettler Home Exercise/Fitness Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine
• 6. Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
• 7. XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower
• 8. Schwinn Crew Master Rowing Machine
• 9. CIRCUIT FITNESS Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
• 10. Lifespan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machine Under 500 Dollars Reviews

There’re so many types of rowing machine available in the market that makes it difficult to choose your required one. Here you’ll get an ultimate list of the best rower under $500 just below. Let’s check the list to select your own fitness tool.

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Water Rower

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Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine is the first product in our list of the best rower under 500. With this Obsidian SF-RW5713, you will gain an engaging and challenging workout. It can work up to 85% of your body’s muscular system without having any joint impact like the conventional cardio exercises.

Meaning you can acquire maximum results in a shorter period of time. The rower is compatible with ANT+ heart rate technology, like heart rate straps or watches which will allow you to measure an accurate pulse when transmitted to the advanced digital screen.

Water Resistance System

The water-resistance system of the Obsidian SF-RW5713 is made from polycarbonate plastic which is extremely strong and durable. With a flywheel and steel blades in the water tank, rowing machine gives a smooth, steady workout with resistance based completely by the speed and strength of your own stroke. The harder and faster you pull the handle the more drag you will feel with each stroke.

Comfortable Seat

This water rowing machine features a molded, padded seat to ensure comfort on long, hard rowing sessions. It is designed to be easier to get on and off even for less than flexible trainees. The seat is large enough for any user at 10.0″ x 12.5″ and it also sits 17-inches off the floor.

Digital Monitor

The SF-RW5713 comes with the R2 Fitness Meter that is designed to track all essential workout metrics such as:

• Total Time
• 500m Split Time
• Strokes per Minute (SPM)
• Total Strokes
• Distance
• Heart Rate
• Calories
• Ambient Temperature

Easy Storage and Transportation

Another great feature of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 is its easy storage capabilities. Its high-density non-marking rubber wheels make it perfect for easy transport and store upright when not-in-use. It is recommended to be stored against a wall or in the corner of a room.

Highlighted Features Of Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Water Rower

• 16 Hydro blades work great to create resistance during rowing sessions.
• Textured and non-slip footplates keep feet secure while rowing.
• The battery-powered performance monitor is designed to track your workout performance.
• The convenient transport wheels make the transportation of your home into your own personal fitness studio is effortless.

2. Stamina Air Rowing Machine 35-1405 ATS Air Rower 1405

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For this price range, the Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower 1405 is another excellent option at the present time. This rower is widely popular because of its incredible versatility, power and full-body workout providing solution. It helps to improve heart rate, tone muscle and also burn fat. The built quality of the rower is amazing with higher-grade materials.

This air resistance rower machine will surely last and serve you several years without any unexpected issue. The built-in-wheels are included with the machine that makes it easier to move around anywhere, anytime. Generally, the Stamina ATS 1405 air rower is worth buying for the price.

Metal Drive Chain

The drive system of this Stamina ATS 1405 rowing machine includes a metal drive chain. Many other rowers in this price range use fabric or nylon pull that tends to wear out too quickly. This metal drive chain will last much longer than other lesser quality pulls on the market.

LCD Monitor

This Stamina 1405 rowing machine includes a single-button multi-functioning monitor. It displays the usual work out data such as the number of strokes per minute (SPM) and total strokes (COUNT), time, speed, distance, and calorie. This easy-to-operate monitor displays Three functions at a time and can be changed by pressing the mode button.

Air Resistance System

There are so many resistance systems on rowing machines such as hydraulic, water, air, magnetic, etc. As the name implies, the Stamina Air Rower 1405 is an air resistance rower. This kind of resistance is one of the more realistic resistance systems. It’s very simple to operate this rower, simply row harder to increase the resistance and row slowly to decrease.

Comfort

The Air rower 1405 comes with a foam-padded seat with enough comfort to allow you to extend your workout. Large and adjustable footpads with straps allow a rower’s feet to be held securely in place while rowing. For the user’s compatibility, this rowing machine also folds and includes built-in wheels for easy storage.

Features Of Stamina Air Rowing Machine 35-1405 ATS Air Rower 1405

• Padded handle and sturdy chain designed for a smooth and effective stroke every time.
• The adjustable air resistance system is great for a high-intensity interval training workout.
• Foam-padded, contoured seat is designed for the user’s comfort.
• Folding frame with built-in-wheels can support users up to 250 pounds.

3. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

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If you’re a beginner and looking for the best rowing machine under 500, the Velocity exercise magnetic rower is the absolutely perfect choice for you. It is best known for its smooth magnetic resistance, comfortability and easy to use features. Its smoothness and quietness help to separate it from the lower-priced rowers.

This magnetic rower is packed with features designed to render your daily workout even more enjoyable. It includes no less than 12-preset programs that will add some extra variety to your regular exercise. Additionally, the rower comes with a 5-year warranty on frame, 90-day on the monitor, and 30-day on all other parts.

Drum Magnetic Control System

One nicest feature of the Velocity exercise magnetic rower is its magnetic resistance system. It features a Drum Magnetic Control (DMC) system, which is really a magnetic braking system. With its DMC system and electronic tension control, you can adjust your desired resistance level to build muscle strength and enhance endurance.

Solidity and Quality

The Velocity Exercise Magnetic rower is well known due to its sturdiness and extreme durability. The frame of this rower is made of strong, durable, and lightweight aluminum. The rowing beam of this machine is made from anodized aluminum with rectangular tubing support for added stability. Moreover, it has double-bearings which significantly reduces the wear of the bearings over time.

Effortless Set-Up

This rower machine is extremely easy to set up and it shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to complete. the primary frame of this rower comes partially assembled and there aren’t many loose parts to put together. All you need to follow the manual instruction to set the seat, handle, and monitor perfectly. Moreover, you’ll also receive the tools and accessories required to complete this task.

Built-in Heart-Rate Monitor

This Magnetic rower designed with a heart rate monitor to measure your heart rate during your work out time. If you desire to use this feature, however, you’ll need to buy a chest strap separately. The included monitor also keeps tracking other important workout data such as time, strokes, distance, calories burned and watts.

Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower Features

• Heart-rate monitor chest strap to observe your heart rate for powerful cardiovascular training and sessions.
• Drum Magnetic Control system for variable magnetic resistance.
• Double bearings provide extra stability, preventing it to move during more energetic training sessions.
• The maximum weight capacity for the user is 275-pounds.

4. Stamina | X Air Rower

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The Stamina X Air rower is another best rowing machine under $500 available in the market. The steel frame construction makes this rower one of the strongest options of the present time. The producer used high-quality steel so that you can use this machine for a couple of years without any problem.

The molded seat, padded rowing handle, and textured footplates take comfort level one step ahead from its competitors. This Stamina X air rowing machine is convenient for all cardio workouts. The built-in-wheels and foldable design of the rower make it easy to storage the rower without much trouble.

Air Resistance

Like Stamina 1405 air rower this model also utilizes air resistance. This air rower machine brings the intensity and performance you want. With the air resistance system, users can focus more on results and less on roadblocks. Simply pull harder to raise the resistance level or ease up for less. It will allow you to workout at your desired resistance level.

Sturdy Steel Construction

The Stamina X air rowing machine is designed to be just like you, tough and durable. The strong and durable steel frame of the rower is designed to be last. This solid steel frame will hold strong during your hardest workouts. The rowing chain of the machine keeps the air resistance coming as the fan spins inside the metal housing. The chain will adjust the resistance level automatically to your strength.

Monitor

This air rower includes a large easy-to-read LCD monitor. It displays strokes per minute, distance, stroke count, speed (mph), calories and total time while you’re exercising. In addition, the display will automatically shut off after four minutes of inactivity to save the batteries.

Warranty

Stamina is a well-known company in fitness equipment. They produce quality products that are priced well and also provide good warranties on their equipment. This X Air rower warranty covers the frame for 3-years and other defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, service assembly and operation for 90-days.

Stamina | X Air Rower Highlighted Features

• Strong and durable steel construction is built to last.
• Padded handles keep hand stable and comfortable while rowing.
• Built-in wheels will ensure effortless portability.
• The foldable frame makes storage easier and simpler.

5. Kettler Home Exercise/Fitness Equipment: Favorit Rowing Machine

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The Kettler Favorit Rower machine is designed to improve one’s muscular and cardiovascular health. With a weight capacity of about 285 lbs. This rower machine is another top selection for the best home rower under 500. It comes fully equipped with a plethora of features including a wide comfortable seat, durable rails, and an LCD monitor.

The LCD digital monitor can display six different functions simultaneously. It has an optional heart rate monitor that links to the computer in order to track your daily workout progress. Additionally, the rower comes with a lifetime warranty on its frame and 3-years for its parts.

Strong Built and Durability

Kettler is becoming well known for producing strong and durable products. The Favorit Rower is one of their great inventions. The powder-coated carbon steel frame of this rower is nearly indestructible and provides exceptional protection against normal wear and tear. With this quality product, you get strong German engineering that will last a long time.

Hydraulic Pistons

There are two industrial strength hydraulic pistons are included that provide resistance while rowing. Hydraulic resistance is very fluid which delivers for a more natural rowing feel. Users can adjust the resistance by repositioning the piston’s clamps to the various knurl marks on each rower oar.

High-Resolution LCD Screen

A computerized high contrast LCD monitor is included. The monitor allows you to track important data such as time, distance, strokes, energy consumed, pulse rate, and frequency. You can also use this LCD monitor to set your current goals. For example, you can select to reach a certain distance or time as a goal.

User Comfort

The user’s comfortability is the main point of this Favorit rowing machine. The thick padded seat is extremely comfortable with sealed ball bearings glides. Moreover, this seat is slightly raised for added comfort and resistance. The footplates are biometrically designed and pivot for perfect positioning throughout the rowing motions.

Core Of Kettler Home Exercise

• Hydraulic pistons to adjust resistance level 1-50 knurl marks on each oar.
• An infrared earlobe clip sensor is included to measure pulse rate electronically.
• The recovery feature provides a cardio wellness rating indexed 1-6 to track improvement.
• Scan function enabling it to switch workout data to the large readout in the center of the screen.

6. Stamina ATS Air Rower 35-1402

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The Stamina 35-1402 is another great option for the best rower under $500. It is designed to fit your daily workout. It has proven to be an effective full-body, cardiovascular workout. The aluminum seat rails on this high-grade air rower ensure smooth sliding action and a comfortable ride with the padded seat.

The dynamic air resistance system adjusts the resistance continuously to match your rowing speed. As you pull harder, the resistance increases. The resistance decreases when you slow your rowing stroke. Rowing is one of the great exercises for building a strong and conditioned body and the Stamina 1402 ATS Air Rower is your path to results.

Wind Resistance

As the title suggests, the 1402 ATS Air Rower features an air resistance system. This means the rower uses wind resistance to provide a smooth, efficient rowing stroke. Like water rowers, air rowing machines don’t have any knobs to adjust the resistance. The resistance level adjusts constantly to match your rowing speed.

LCD Monitor

The ATS air rower 1402 comes fully equipped with a multi-function electronic performance monitor. The LCD monitor displays three workout windows. You can view strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, speed, time, and calories burned. The control panel is quite easy to use. It features only one button which will allow you to swap between SPM/Distance/Timer and Count/Speed/Calories on the three displays.

Durability

The ATS air rower 1402 is constructed with a sturdy steel frame that makes the rower last longer. It comes equipped with an extruded aluminum seat rail for durable support and a smooth gliding seat. The textured footplates and adjustable straps provide comfort and durability to your daily workout.

Easy-To-Assemble

The Stamina 1402 air rower is quite easy to assemble and should take only 30-minutes to 1-hour with proper directions. It only needs one person to assemble. All the necessary tools for assembly come in the box and the manuals offer clear step-by-step assembly instructions. However, the only things you will need to buy are 2AA batteries for the monitor.

Stamina ATS Air Rower 35-1402 Prime Features

• Angled seat rail allows easy seat return.
• Textured grips-keep hands comfortable and stable during a workout.
• Floor protectors-safeguard will protect your workout area and prevent skidding.
• Built-in-wheels make the transport of the rower easy.

7. XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower

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The XTERRA Fitness ERG600W is another popular option for the best rowing machine under 500 dollars. It is one of the newest rower machines released by XTERRA Fitness in 2018. This stylish rower machine uses water resistance for a natural feel and the authentic sound of rowing through the water. the rower features 6-levels of resistance which depends on how high you fill the tank.

Although it is not a commercial fitness machine, however, it does have pretty sturdy construction. The height-adjustable 5.5” LCD monitor is also a nice feature, with plenty of workout feedback options. This water rower is excellent in every aspect and undoubtedly it will never disappoint you.

Adjustable LCD Monitor

The XTERRA Fitness water rowing machine comes with a 5.5″ LCD screen that can be adjusted for the perfect viewing. The monitor displays all the usual workout data and has large buttons below to switch modes and reset. Another nicest feature is the recovery button for the end of your session which is good for a budget rowing machine.

Water Tank and Resistance

The XTERRA ERG600W features a water resistance system. The rower is equipped with a polycarbonate tank, blue in color. Its accurate maximum capacity is not specified but considering its size, it should be approx. 11 litters. Like other water rowers, the ERG600W delivers a dynamic response while rowing.

Built Quality

This top-rated water rower combines steel and aluminum parts in its frame construction. The part of the frame that maintains the water tank the base stabilizers of the unit and the core of the seat rail are made of steel. The side sections of the rail are made of aluminum to provide the smoothest motion for the seat.

Easy Assemble

The machine’s resistance system and water tank come already assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. So, you’ll only need to assemble the front stabilizers, the rail with the seat, the rear stabilizer, the console, and then add water in the tank.

XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rower Highlights

• The full-body workout system improves strength and flexibility.
• Takes up less space for storage with only 33″x22″ of floor space.
• Ergonomic contoured and padded rowing handle for maximum comfort.
• A large contoured and padded seat maximizes comfort and performance.

8. Schwinn Crew Master Rowing Machine

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The Schwinn Crew Master Rower is the perfected choice for fitness enthusiasts who work out to enjoy life more. We’ve listed this rower as the best rowing machine under 500 because of some of its great features. It’s a fairly quiet rower machine with a steel frame and nylon strap for a smoothest and even rowing motion.

The Schwinn Crew Master features a large, comfortable seat and similarly large footplates. Straps will allow you to keep your feet in a suitable position during your workout and prevent them from sliding off. In addition, Schwinn provides a 10-years warranty for the frame, 3-years for the other parts and 1-year for labor.

Strong Construction

The Schwinn CrewMaster magnetic rower machine features an all-steel frame. The rail of the seat is also made of steel, not aluminum. Compared to other magnetic rowers, this machine is considerably larger. Moreover, because of the rather larger size and steel construction, this CrewMaster rowing machine weighs quite a bit more than other models.

Large LCD Screen

The rower has a large LCD screen that keeps track of your time, count, distance, calories, stroke, recovery, and pules. The screen can also be adjusted so that it is at the right level for viewing while rowing. It has a scan function that rotates these values showing each one for 6 seconds.

Magnetic Resistance System

The Schwinn CrewMaster utilizes a magnetic resistance system. You can adjust the resistance manually from the knob on top of the front unit. The resistance system is supplied by magnets around a flywheel that means it is much quieter than an air rower. As the resistance system is manual-magnetic, it doesn’t need to be attached to a power circuit.

Large and Comfortable Seat

This CrewMaster Magnetic rower comes with a large seat. The top of the seat is contoured and rubberized in order to provide superior adherence. It’s also cushioned to protect your lower back. The seat is equipped with two large sets of wheels which implement stainless steel ball bearings, delivering a very smooth and quiet seat glide.

Highlights Of Schwinn Crew Master Rowing Machine

• 10-levels of magnetic resistance system with the turn of a dial.
• Large adjustable and stable raw paddles sized with foot straps.
• Durable nylon strap plus a steel rail offers quiet performance.
• The maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs.

9. CIRCUIT FITNESS Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine with 8 Resistance Settings & Transport Wheels AMZ-986RW

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Our next pick for the best rowing machines under 500 is the Circuit Fitness AMZ-986W magnetic rower. Its strong and durable frame engineered to offer reliability for the user for safer and more stable use. This AMZ-986RW is a full magnetic rower designed for home use.

This home fitness equipment is developed with a strong injection-molded set that provides the utmost comfort to the user. The rower is slightly heavy and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. With all the parts assembled, the machine weighs approx. 90 lbs. Moreover, it offers 8-levels of resistance, and also includes a digital monitor with two workout modes, goals and recovery functions.

Durable Frame Construction

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-986RW magnetic rower combines heavy-duty steel and aluminum parts in its construction. The front section of the rower, the other drive elements, and the base bars, are made of strong, durable steel. The core of the sliding rail is also made of heavy-duty steel. The side sections that support the wheels of the seat are made of aluminum alloy.

Adjustable Resistance Settings

The AMZ-986RW rowing machine is designed with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t have to connect this rower to a power circuit. However, you can adjust the resistance of your workout with the lever so your workout can remain challenging and effective.

Digital Exercise Meter

The Circuit Fitness magnetic rower comes with a mid-range exercise meter. To begin with, the machine features an LCD monitor which is divided into multiple windows. It can show multiple workouts at once so you don’t have to use a scan function to switch them.

Convenient Seat and Footrests

This AMZ-986RW magnetic rower designed with a comfort seat. The top of the seat is made of solid mold-injected high-density foam material. The seat is contoured and designed to protect you from slipping backward during the pushing stage of the rowing motion. The rower is equipped with two pivoting footrests. This design permits each footrest to slightly change its angle during each stroke, allowing a natural positioning for the user’s feet.

CIRCUIT FITNESS Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine Core Options

• The foldable design allows storing the rower conveniently when not in use.
• LCD digital monitor tracks speed, time, distance, calories burned, RPM, date, and temperature.
• The durable and comfort foam-covered handle allows users to stay consistent and focus throughout their workouts.
• An 11-pound flywheel that coupled with the magnetic resistance system will help you to increase your cardiovascular endurance.

10. Lifespan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine

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Lifespan is one of the most reliable names in the fitness industry. The company was founded in 2001, since then they’re providing high-grade products to their consumers. That’s why they are one of the trusted names in the USA. The Lifespan RW1000 Indoor rower machine is another great example of their exceptional quality.

This RW1000 is one of the best rowing machines under 500 that serve its purpose perfectly. The built quality of this fitness tool under $500 is outstanding with the highest level of materials. However, the rower is built to last. If you can maintain the device properly you can use it even for a lifetime. Additionally, the device has a maximum capacity of 300lbs.

Foldable Design

This RW1000 is perfect for when floor space is limited, it compactly folds to space-saving sizes with no tools required. Simply take out the locking pin, fold the machine, and replace the pin to lock the frame in the folded, compact position. When folded, the portable machine rolls on the transport wheels placed underneath the footpads for easy storage.

Smooth and Comfortable

The lifespan RW1000 indoor magnetic rowing machine delivers 5 levels of adjustable resistance. This amazing feature makes the device ideal for home use. Compared to an air resistance rower, a magnetic rower is virtually silent and can still provide a physically demanding workout. Moreover, the belt retrieval is slack-free even during the most penetrating of workouts, allowing you to exercise with comfortability.

Easy-to-Use Console Unit

The Lifespan RW1000 rower machine is equipped with an easy-to-use and read fitness meter. The top panel of the unit shows strokes per minute and total strokes, the 2nd panel displays speed and distance traveled while the 3rd panel shows time and calories burned. The console unit has only one button which has two main functions. By pressing it constantly, the user can scroll between the values on each one of the displays.

Effortless Assembling

Though the drive and resistance system elements of the rower come ready-assembled, still some assembly is required. Essentially you’ll have to join the middle base tube to the front part of the frame. After that, assemble and connect the seat to the monorail, attach the rail to the front part, and connect the footrests. To finish the task, add a battery to the console. This process shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes.

Lifespan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine Core Features

• It features a noiseless and smooth eddy current drive system with a 16.5-pound flywheel Solid steel frame.
• No tools need to fold and store this rowing machine.
• Padded hand grips ensure the user’s comfort.
• 5-years warranty on the frame, 2-years warranty on the other parts, and one-year labor warranty.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, rowing machines are definitely an excellent addition to your home gym. You can get a full-body exercise depending on your desired strength of the workout. Finding the right rowing device for your own self can be an exhausting and time-consuming process. However, all of the models we’ve put together in this above list of the best rowing machine under 500 come with so many amazing features.

If you want to get a quality rowing machine at your limited budget you can choose your favorite one from this above list. These items are solid pieces of fitness gear that’ll provide a great rowing experience and will last for a long. While choosing a rowing machine, you’ll need to consider some important things like resistance types, weight capacity, warranty, and construction.

However, if you don’t like to compromise with a little noise, you can choose a hydraulic-piston kind like Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine. If you’re still confused to select a rowing machine for your home gym you can check the user’s reviews. By doing so, you can get so many useful information that will help you to find out your favorite rowing machine.