Rowing is widely known to aid in improving cardiovascular health and burning calories. A rowing machine, or a rower, is also a popular machine at public gyms that is loved by many users. But not everyone has enough time and budget to subscribe to the membership at gyms. Consequently, home-use rower becomes a necessary item for beginning and intermediate users.
Some people love exercising with fitness equipment at home for privacy and time flexibility but are disturbed by its bulky size and they can not find any space to store it. This might be the result of buying without checking the portability of the product. A compact rower is able to blend into your life easier and help you to start your fitness journey right away.
In this review, we focus on the 7 best portable rowing machines that will suit every space. Let’s go through their features, pros & cons and decide which one suits you the most.
Why Buy a Portable Rowing Machine?
There are plenty of reasons when people decide to buy a home rowing machine. The first reason to think of is that a portable rowing machine is very compact. It does not take up much space in your house. This turns out to be extremely useful especially when you live in small apartment or you share your place with others. Moreover, when you finish working out, you can leave it at small spaces such as under the bed or in a closet. The second advantage of a portable rowing machine reflects right on its name: portable. You can bring it anywhere without making much effort. Also, it is quite light compared to ordinary machines, which makes movement much easier for users. Some designs even go with transportation wheels.
In the end, please think about how you would use this portable rowing machine, where you’re going to put it, etc. Considering all aspects carefully will lower the percentage of having problems when the unit arrives.
Safe Ways to Use Portable Rowing Machines for Beginners
First of all, you must make sure that your posture is right when you begin your workout with rowing machine. Keep your back straight all the time. Otherwise, you may injure your back afterwards. Besides, moving your legs and arms at the same time is really inconvenient, so don’t do that. Adjust the machine so that it goes well with your body condition. In case you get any damage from working out, you should ask for your doctor’s advice before continuing.
Working out is a long journey. Keep in mind that rushing, in this case, may not be a good idea. Your body is not able to bear high intensity training from the get-go, so you should gradually increase the level and time of the workout. Finally, keep the kids away from the machine to make sure no accident can happen.
Top 7 Best Portable Rowing Machines Reviews
| PRODUCTS | MODEL | FEATURES | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine |
| Check Price |
 | Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine |
| Check Price |
 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower |
| Check Price |
 | Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine |
| Check Price |
 | Sunny Health & Fitness Incline Full Motion Rowing Machine |
| Check Price |
 | Stamina Multi-Level Magnetic Resistance Rower |
| Check Price |
 | Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine |
| Check Price |
Below are detailed reviews of these portable rowing machines
1Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance: Hydraulic Cylinder
- Levels of resistance: 12
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Foldable: No
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 54L x 20W x 23H inches
- Machine Weight: 20.5 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 180 days parts
To start, we recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205, an inexpensive but durable and stable rowing machine. This machine is incredibly lightweight and has small dimensions but with the robust built, it’s still solid enough to withstand up to 220 lbs of weight capacity. We know that 220 is not a great number but it is decent in this price range.
This model has a hydraulic resistance system easily adjusted with a turn of a tension knob while rowing to match the users’ training intensity goals. With 12 levels of resistance, it can meet the need of most people mainly beginners and intermediates. On the other hand, some advanced users will find it’s not enough and choose to buy other machines which are in a higher class.
The large and extra cushioned seat can provide support for proper blood flow during long exercises. The thick padding can reduce pressure on your tailbone while sitting for too long. The artificial leather cover makes the seat great finished and more durable. In addition, the handlebars are also fully foam padded enables a wide range of rowing motion, allowing a more rigorous upper body training.
On the handlebars lied an easy-to-read monitor dashboard showing information such as time, calories burned, count and total count. It also allows you to cycle through all the data every few seconds. After some minutes of inactivity, the LCD will automatically shut down to save power.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
- Robust and sturdy operation
- Adjustable anti-slip pedals
- Suitable for tall people (up to 6’4’’ tall)
- Easy assembly
- Long warranty
Cons
- Maximum users weight is only 220 lbs
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance: Hydraulic Cylinder
- Levels of resistance: 12
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Foldable: Foldable arm
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.125 inches
- Machine Weight: 39 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year on the frame, 90-day parts
The Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine from Stamina is another budget pick in our list of best portable rowing machines. This rower uses a hydraulic resistance system which includes a piston beneath the main column to create intensity for the rowing process. To change the level of intensity, you can adjust the hydraulic cylinder for 12 different levels without noise. To be honest, this rower still making a sound when rowing but it is acceptable and not disturbing (definitely quieter than an air-resistant rower).
The unique design allows you to work your full body out effectively for every major muscle group. The full range of motion arms simulates the natural feeling of rowing on water. These arms are foldable for easy storage when not in use – a big plus for users who live in apartments.
The seat was made large enough to fit most people and molded to ensure comfortable sitting during long training sessions. The footplates have textured surfaces and adjustable nylon straps to prevent users from slipping or falling out.
The LCD displays the basic information of your workout like the distance and time that you’ve rowed, the calories you’ve burned, and also total strokes accumulated. It doesn’t show your heart rate like other high-class machines so this can be a minus for some advanced users. The screen is not too big and fits perfectly into the compact size of the rower.
Pros
- Vertically adjustable seat
- Fully padding of seat and handlebars
- Dual rowing bars mimic real rowing motion
- Foldable arms for saving space
- Textured footplates with straps
Cons
- Limited warranty
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower
Specifications:
- Resistance: Hydraulic Cylinder
- Levels of resistance: 12
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Foldable: Foldable arm
- Monitor display: Yes
- Slide Rail Length: 40 inches
- Dimensions: 57L x 29W x 12H inches
- Machine Weight: 33 lbs
- Warranty: 3 Year the frame, 90 Day warranty for parts
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine has some features in common with the Stamina Body Trac Glider above. It is a hydraulic rower with 12 built-in levels of resistance that can be increased or decreased by turning the knob underneath the seat.
You can be impressed by its lightweight, which is considered one of the lightest models in the market. However, the weight capacity is extended up to 350 lbs which is suitable for heavy training or overweight users. The frame is made of sturdy steel for longlasting and solid quality.
The machine is designed with free arm movement delivering a larger range of motions for not only the shoulders but also other muscle groups in different angles and positions.
The non-slip handle with extra grip provides an effortless comfort while the fully padded seat supports your tailbone and back during a long row. The footrests are textured with an anti-slip material and equipped with foot straps to keep your feet saddled in and stable.
In addition, the digital monitor can tell you the time, calories, stroke counts and total count of your workout. You can use the scan mode to keep track of all data every few seconds to check if you reach your goals.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Non-slip grip handlebars
- Free motion rowing arms
- Lightweight but sturdy frame design
- Slide rail length fits tall users well
Cons
- Seat position is quite low to the ground
Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance: Hydraulic Cylinder
- Levels of resistance: 12
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Foldable: Foldable arm
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 50 L x 36.22 W x 20 H Inches
- Machine Weight: 34 lbs
- Warranty: –
The Lanos Hydraulic Rower has a portable design that can easily fit into your daily routine regardless of the space it is placed. This design also supports a full-body low-impact workout for all main muscle groups including shoulders, back, thighs, abs and so on. The armbars are adjustable in angles which helps to stimulate the muscles differently and creates a variety of patterns of workouts.
As you can see from the name of this model, it is a hydraulic-resistant rower that uses a piston to create intensity. You can adjust the tension with a manual control knob from 1 to 12 levels to customize your exercise according to your aims.
The user-friendly LCD shows you the time, row count, total rows and calories burned. It features a scan mode that lets you scroll through all workout data every 6 secs for more effective training progress.
Moreover, the pedals are pivoting and equipped with 2 strap positions to fit in any feet size. An ergonomic molded seat can meet the standard requirement of most people when rowing. Plus, this machine can serve a wide range of user’s height from 4’0″ to 6’4″.
Pros
- Weight capacity is up to 330 lbs
- Can fit very short to quite tall users
- Unique natural rowing stroke
- Foam padded grip handlebars
- Easy to put together
Cons
- Doesn’t fit extremely tall users (above 6’5’’)
Sunny Health & Fitness Incline Full Motion Rowing Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance: Incline
- Levels of resistance: 5 levels of incline
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Foldable: Foldable arm
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 55L x 22W x 18H Inches
- Machine Weight: 39 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year on the frame, 90-day for all other parts
The Sunny Health & Fitness model SF-RW5720, also known as the Incline Full Motion Rowing Machine, brings the same experience when walking on an incline. When rowing, the slide rail is lifted accordingly to the movement of the arms creating intensity to tone up your exercise. The sturdy aluminum rail inclines with your body to deliver a smooth motion for an intense workout. Increase the level to raise the inline and create a dynamic motion, or push down to make the rail declines back down as your body becomes lower. You will have 5 incline levels in total to choose from and the maximum is 29.5 inches.
What makes this model become a part of the best portable rowing machine article is that it has the transportation wheels for easy moving when folded. These convenient wheels make storage and relocation as easy as tilting and rolling the machine somewhere new.
Besides, this trainer shares some features in common with others such as non-slip full-motion arms, LCD and safety footplates. The digital display indicates the workout time and distance, scans through all recorded data to help you keep track of your fitness target. The oversized pedals accommodate even the biggest feet and the grip guarantees a balance and stable workout. These features bring about an authentic, secure and convenient rowing experience.
Pros
- Have a phone/tablet holder
- Have transport wheels
- Dynamic rowing stroke with fluid motion
- Quiet operation
- Suitable for heavy-duty training with 350 lbs of weight capacity
Cons
- Only 5 levels of resistance (incline level)
Stamina Multi-Level Magnetic Resistance Rower
Specifications:
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Levels of resistance: 8
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Foldable: No, can stand up
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 60 x 22 x 27.2 inches
- Machine Weight: 45 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years for the frame, 90 days for all other parts
This rower has a sleek design with a rowing beam made of durable aluminum and ball-bearing rollers for smoother seat sliding. Besides, the magnetic resistant system is considered the quietest on the market which can ensure a silent operation for hours. Twisting the tension control and you will experient from 1 to 8 levels of intensity during your vigorous exercises.
The Stamina Multi-Level Magnetic Resistance Rower also has a monitor, just like any other rower in this list, that tracks workout time, calories burned, strokes per minute and total strokes then scan through these stats every few seconds for a more motivating training.
If you want to carry something with you when exercising then this model has already prepared a holder right between the two pedals. We recommend you can put a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated or a mobile device to stay in touch with the world while still focusing on your workout.
To make this model more enjoyable, Stamina designed pivoting footrests and a comfortable padded seat for larger range of motion. Foot straps and foam rowing arms are added for security and anti-slip experience. Floor protectors are also upgraded for easy storage, just roll it on the transport wheels to move and then let it stand on its end.
Pros
- Nearly silent operation
- Solid & thick rowing beam
- Have phone/ water bottle holder
- Have built-in wheels for portability
- Upgraded floor protectors
- Only takes about 15 mins to assemble
Cons
- Arms can not be extended full motion
Harvil Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance: Hydraulic Cylinder
- Levels of resistance: 12
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Foldable: Foldable arms
- Monitor display: Yes
- Dimensions: 50L x 36.22W x 20H inches
- Machine Weight: 34 lbs
- Warranty: 180 days limited warranty
This rower has well-designed arms that enable a full range of rowing motion. The wider angles allow you to row with a circular pattern that helps exercise your chest, shoulder, and arm muscles. This full-motion design mimics a real experience like you are actually rowing on a canoe.
When not in use, the arms can be folded towards the frame and tucked under your desk or placed vertically in your wardrobe. It only weighs around 34 lbs so moving is quite simple.
The steel frame construction delivers a sturdy feel and solid look to the machine. Because it is still a compact and lightweight piece of equipment, some heavy-duty users may not feel stable when using it. According to Harvil, users who are under 250 lbs can take comfort in exercising with this Hydraulic Rowing Machine.
All of the rowers mentioned in this list have a sliding seat and so does this Harvil hydraulic rowing machine. This is one of the reasons why they are our top pick because not all rowers on the market have seats that can slide. Using a sliding seat will make your rowing more ‘real’, more comfortable and flexible.
The machine comes with an LCD monitor showing basic data consisting of time, metrics, row count, and calories. The screen isn’t large, but it is big enough to see clearly to focus on workout goals.
Pros
- Providing solid rowing workout
- Low cost
- Lightweight
- Sliding seat & full-motion arms mimic real rowing motion
- Smooth operation
Cons
- Low weight capacity
Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Rowing Machine
You may get lost in a large amount of information so we’re here to help you. Below are almost all features that you need to take a look before purchasing a rowing machine. Some are vital whereas some are not that important, but it’s necessary to look through all of them to make sure you can choose the right rowing machine.
Type of Resistance
The mechanism of rowing machines is resistance. There are now many types of them on the market, including:
- Air resistance
- Water resistance
- Magnetic resistance
- Hydraulic resistance
Each type has different pros and cons. But generally, they can all work well. It depends on you to pick out your suitable one.
Size
Size is very vital to choose because only when the size is right will you feel comfortable. Notice your arms length first, then carefully check if any dimension has extra spaces for your arms length. In case you still do not find the one with enough space for you, move on to a folding machine.
Console
Usually, every manufacture encloses a console with their rowing machines. An LCD monitor will display many features of your workout such as calories burned, speed, heart rate or workout time. In the long term, you will find it very helpful.
Folding
When space is a concern, a folding machine would be your alternative. Usually, magnetic, hydraulic and some air rowers can all offer foldable designs so that you can save up space. Wheels are also attached to the machine, resulting the ease of moving.
Durability
Look for designs that you think they are solid. At least this will help assure that they are long-lasting and you will not have to pay again for the same equipment. Also note if it weight capacity is big and the maximum inseam it can provide.
Warranty
A common warranty usually lasts for one year. Sometimes, high-quality rowing machines come with longer warranty, even up to two years or three years. Warranty acts as an assurance that makes you feel secure during the time using the machine.
Conclusion
These best portable rowing machines are convenient solutions to get in a total-body cardiovascular workout when you are not in the gym. You can fold them and tilt to move to other destinations but some are really compact that you don’t need to store them elsewhere.
Besides portability, you should look for key factors that are important to you such as design, material, resistant system type, LCD monitoring and so on. In this article, we have chosen feature-rich body trainers that don’t break the bank. Because they are all affordable options, they might not meet the restrict requirements of advanced users about some high-class features like heart rate pulse. But for beginners and intermediates who just want to keep themselves healthy in their free time, these 7 rowers are on the top of the market.
