Best Folding Rowing Machines – Top Picks + Reviews
When building your home gym, it’s imperative that you get the most value out of every piece of equipment you purchase. After all, you can’t possibly buy something to replace everything you’d have access to in a commercial gym. So, doing your research and intentionally buying pieces with the best, most innovative features that keep you excited to workout is a must. The best rowing machines give you a full-body workout – you can choose to work on strength and resistance, or focus on speed and get your heart rate up. Either way, this versatile piece of equipment is a great addition to your home gym.
With so many rowing machines on the market, what makes a good one? This depends on what your needs are. First, you must decide what type of resistance you’re looking for – water, magnetic, or air. A good quality rowing machine gives its users plenty of feedback to track via the monitor. You should consider if the machine has wireless connectivity – BlueTooth, WiFi, or ANT. Some have compatible applications. Also, consider the frame materials, weight capacity, dimensions, machine noise, and how much maintenance will be required. Finally, warranties and adjustability are a nice bonus. Based on years of experience, we’ve chosen the best rowing machines to review.
Best Foldable Rowing Machines – Our Reviews
Concept2 Model D Collapsible Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D is an air folding rowing machine and made of sturdy, commercial-grade aluminum. It gives users a low impact, yet total body workout. When assembled, the machine’s dimensions are 8 ft x 2 ft (244 cm x 61 cm). When stored, its dimensions are 25 in x 33 in x 54 in (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm.)
This rowing machine is designed to fit most users, with 14 inch seat height and 500lb user capacity. It has adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle. For maintenance, you’ll need to oil the nickel-plated chain once per every 40 hours of use. Concept2 includes a limited 2 year and 5 year warranty.
Users can connect to apps or heart rate monitoring via BlueTooth and ANT+ to track stroke count, drive length, average force, drag factor, and drive speed. You can also use the Performance Monitor 5 to track these results. When done, the free ErgData app records and logs workouts on your smartphone.
You can damper the machine’s levels from 1 to 10, controlling your workout intensity. Expect minimal noise and a smooth feel with the air-resistance flywheel. For easy storage, separate it into two pieces: the caster wheels make it easy to move and assemble with just eight screws. The unit in total weighs 70lbs when shipped, and 56lbs once put together.
Conclusion:
The Concept2 Model D is $1,291 – which is pricey for a home foldable rower, although it is the more affordable compared to it’s sister, the Model E. With tons of features including BlueTooth wireless capability, free ErgData app access, commercial grade frame, and a max weight of 500lbs, this machine is made to last a lifetime and make working out fun and exciting.
Pros: Easily stored, high weight capacity, BlueTooth connectivity, strong build
Cons: Simple monitor, pricey, to fold up you need disassembly tools
NordicTrack RW Fold Away Home Rower
The NordicTrack RW is one of the best foldable rower on the market. It includes SpaceSaver Design, which allows you to fold the rower in half for compact storage. Overall dimensions are 50.4” H x 22” W x 86.5” L.
This water folding rowing machine has SMR – Silent Magnetic Resistance – which delivers a smooth, nearly silent workout. It includes 26 digital resistance levels and a 1-year iFit family membership. With the membership, create up to 5 exercise profiles and access live, studio, and global workouts. iFit trainers can auto-adjust your rower’s resistance for a personalized training experience and a realistic water simulation.
The 22” HD interactive touchscreen display allows access to workouts and live workout stats. Track time, calorie burn, distance, and more. Swivel and adjust the screen to follow along with iFit cross training workouts.
The machine has a 250lb weight limit. It includes a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. Its material is listed as “other.”
Conclusion:
At $1,343, this foldable indoor rower is expensive. It includes iFit, which means you’ll have tons of workout options. However, when that subscription runs out, you’ll have an additional monthly expense. The touchscreen is large and advanced. It also has the additional option to add air resistance to up the intensity and an expansive 26 resistance levels, which make this rower stand out.
Pros: 1 year iFit subscription included ($468 value) extensive warranties, 22” HD touchscreen, quiet
Cons: Not BlueTooth capable, unknown materials, must pay for iFit after 1 year, need tools to fold
XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Collapsible Rower
The ERG700 is a magnetic folding rowing machine that also offers the option of air resistance. It has 16 levels of resistance and ten programs to offer a variety of workouts: time, calories, distance, fat burn, cardio, strength, game, manual, 20/10 interval and 10/20 interval.
This magnetic rower is made of steel and includes an ergonomic rowing handle, which is contoured and padded for comfort. Item dimensions are 97 x 18 x 38”. It includes 80.7” of travel length and a 20” frame.
The console display is blue backlit LCD and 5.5” in size, plus it can be adjusted to get the best view. Easy touch buttons allow you to quickly adjust your workout. Track workout feedback on the screen, including time, calories, watts, heart rate, distance, strokes/min, count, level and a program graphic of resistance over time.
This machine is not BlueTooth capable. The maximum weight is 350lbs. It’s also louder than water rowers. It includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on parts, and 1-year warranty on labor.
Conclusion:
At $799.99, this rower is not the best foldable home rower, but it is a good midrange option. The screen, workout programs, and resistance levels will help you get a great workout. It will be a noisy workout, when using the air resistance. The warranties are decent, and its 350lb weight capacity means most people can use it. What it lacks in features like BlueTooth, it makes up for in functionality.
Pros: Built in workouts, resistance options, Flex pedals, display, foldable
Cons: Loud, not BlueTooth capable, no info on maintenance or compatible apps
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Water Rower – SF-RW5910
1 used from $463.31
This rower is powered by water resistance, with a space efficient 60 degree angle tank and 16 hydro blades. Monitor performance on the swivel screen which tracks distance, time, calories, calendar, pulse, strokes, SPM (strokes per min), time/500m, temperature and clock.
The water rowing machine includes a molded seat for comfort and allows for up to 300lbs in user weight. It has extras like a bottle and device holder. It has a unique upright foldable design to save space. The foot pedals are 2-way adjustable – height and width – for comfort.
This rower does not have wireless connectivity or compatible apps – however, you can attach your device and stream your favorite workouts. Water resistance means this rower offers a quieter workout.
This rower is made of alloy steel. Its dimensions are 81.5 x 21.25 x 39.5 inches. It does not come with any warranties or instructions on maintenance.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for the best home folding rowers, but price is a concern, this rower is a great option. At $599, you can expect it to lack some extras – like BlueTooth and compatible apps – but it is solid otherwise. Extras like water bottle holder and device holder, plus foldability makes for a convenient experience. It’s designed for comfort, with the molded seat and adjustable pedals. It does the job without issue.
Pros: Water resistance, made of alloy steel, water resistance
Cons: No warranty, no maintenance guidance, no built in programs
Women’s Health Men’s Health Folding Rowing Machine
If you’re on the market for the best folding rowing machines with app compatibility, this rower is a great option. The MyCloudFitness app allows you to track your workout by connecting via BlueTooth to the app.A free 30 day trial of studio professional coaching is included.
The large LCD display shows calories burned, distance, time, total count, strokes/min, split time, watts, and strokes. Batteries for the display are included. Resistance is smooth and steady, with zero lag time.
The frame is made of steel. Magnetic resistance makes this machine super quiet. You can choose from 14 levels of resistance with this rower.
This machine has a 250lb user weight capacity. Folded Dimensions are 41. 5 L x 23 W x 57. 5” H, and setup dimensions are 80” L x 23” W x 28. 5” H. There’s no warranty included and no maintenance instructions.
Conclusion:
At $499.57, this rower under $500 is one of the best compact rowing machines for its price rance. It has wireless connectivity, a fitness app, and offers a quiet ride. There’s no warranty and some of the extras are missing, like adjustable pedals. Overall, you’re getting good quality for the price tag.
Pros: BlueTooth capable, MyCloudFitness app basic data included, steel frame, quiet
Cons: No warranty, pedals no adjustable
Koreyosh Foldable Home Rower With Water Resistance
Looking for the best water rowing machine in Canada? This is a great option. It’s made of Oak wood with a water tank to provide a real water experience. Track count per minute, time, calories, count, distance, and scan on the LCD digital monitor.
You can use the rowing cable to work the whole body. Row as normal for cardio, or use the cable to work back, biceps, abs, shoulders, and legs.
This rower is foldable and comes equipped with wheels – lift and store on end, out of the way. Its total dimensions are 84 x 22 x 20 inches. Adjustable foot pedals and ergonomic seat allow you to have a comfortable workout.
The weight capacity of this rower is 330lbs. It’s a simple machine, with no wireless connectivity or compatible applications. It doesn’t come with any warranties or maintenance guides.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a foldable exercise rowing machine that is more of an authentic, outdoors feel – this is your machine. Its wood frame and water resistance give an authentic boat rowing experience. It lacks many of the bells and whistles – no ability to adjust resistance, no workout programs, no wireless connectivity or apps. It’s an option for a water rowing machine in Canada. At $549.99, it’s a decent water rowing machine under $1000, but there are more feature-rich options in this price range.
Pros: Oak wood frame, water resistance, LCD digital monitor
Cons: No resistance adjustment, no warranty, no BlueTooth, no compatible apps
Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine NS-6050RE
This air powered rower offers 8 resistance settings for workout customization. The computer display panel showcases your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and RPM.
Comfort is built into this rower with its durable, ergonomically designed molded seat and adjustable foot straps. It has wheels included and is in the group of home rowers that fold away, for easy storage and transport.
The frame is made of solid alloy steel. The maximum user weight is set at 300lbs. Overall dimensions are 85″ x 20.5″ x 36.25″.
This rower does not offer wireless connectivity or any compatible applications. It does not come with a warranty. The air resistance is also quite loud.
Conclusion:
This is one of the best foldable rowing machines for its price. At $379, it delivers a solid, though noisy, full body workout on a sturdy frame. It’s lacking warranties, BlueTooth capability, and app compatibility. If you’re on a budget, this is a solid, basic option.
Pros: Foldable, alloy steel frame, 8 resistance settings
Cons: Minimal features, no workout programs, loud, no wireless connectivity or apps
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Compact Home Rower
6 used from $201.95
This folding exercise rowing machine has a large LCD console on which you can monitor time, calories, count, total count, and scan. It includes 8 levels of magnetic resistance for a low impact aerobic and cardiovascular workout. Easily adjust resistance via a twistable knob.
Fully assembled, this alloy steel rower is 78L x 19.1W x 23.2H”; when folded, it measures 37.4L X 19.1W X 53.5H”. It features an extra long slide rail which is 48” in rail length and 44” in inseam length, so most rowers are able to use this machine. It holds up to 250lbs.
Transportation wheels allow you to simply tilt and roll this rower into storage, so it’s in the group of exercise rowers than can be stored folding. Textured pedals create a non-slip platform for a safe workout. Foot straps keep you feeling balanced. Grip handlebars and cushioned seat provide ultimate comfort.
This rower does not include any wireless connectivity or compatible applications. It doesn’t come with any warranties.
Conclusion:
This magnetic folding rowing machine comes in at just $399 – making it a good value and one of the favorite magnetic rowing machines under $500. With 8 levels of resistance that you can easily adjust at the twist of a knob, you can certainly get a solid, quiet workout in. Easily monitor your progress on the LCD console and stay comfortable for your entire workout with built-in comfort features. As long as you’re not expecting tons of features, this is a good option on a budget.
Pros: Easily adjust resistance, quiet, LCD display, comfort features
Cons: No warranties, BlueTooth, or compatible apps
Stamina ATS Air Folding Rowing Machine For Home
This compact folding rowing machine is powered by air resistance. Monitor your work on the large LCD monitor – track distance, time, speed, and calories. If you’ve been searching folding rowing machine reviews looking for a solid rower on a budget, this is a good option.
Workout comfortably with the padded seats and adjustable footplates. The rowing handle is padded and floor protectors ensure you don’t scratch your floor.
The air rower has built-in wheels and is foldable, for easy storage. It does not come with wireless connectivity or any app compatibility.
This machine is 77” long x 18.75” wide x 22” tall. When folded, its dimensions are 48” long x 18.75” wide x 28” tall. It can hold up to 250 lbs. Take advantage of the 3 year frame warranty and 1 year parts warranty.
Conclusion:
This air folding rowing machine is only $329. It’s missing a lot of the extras that more expensive rowing machines will get you, but it’s also a third of the price. The comfort features allow you to get a great workout in, although it will be noisy as this machine is powered by air resistance.
Pros: LCD screen, warranties, floor protectors, comfort features
Cons: Low maximum weight, no BlueTooth capability or app compatibility
Merax Folding Magnetic Home Rowing Machine
This foldable rowing machine for him is made of alloy steel and can hold up to 264lbs. Increase or decrease your magnetic resistance with a simple twist of a knob. Noise is kept a minimum on this machine.
The machine’s dimensions are 73 x 16 x 21”. When folded, it’s 26 L x 16 W x 49 H”. The slide rail length is 43.3”. Enjoy built-in wheels and foldable frame for easy transport and storage.
It’s designed with extra padding in the seat for back support. The seat rail is angled at 15 degrees, for a smooth and comfortable experience. The large footplates include straps for a safe workout.
The LCD monitor allows you to track time, count, calories, and total count. It does not come with wireless connectivity, compatible apps, or warranties.
Conclusion:
At just $279.99, this budget rowing machine is a steal. It’s basic, and at this price, you cannot expect extras. It’s a comfortable, and quiet rowing machine that will allow you to get the workout you need at a low cost.
Pros: Quiet, easily adjust resistance, easily store and fold
Cons: No wireless connectivity, compatible apps, or warranties
Buyer’s Guide To The Best Collapsible Rowing Machine
Before you buy, it’s important to understand the key elements of rowing machines. Here are a few chief things to look out for in your search for the best collapsible rowing machines.
Resistance type: When looking at a rowing machine, you’ll find that the resistance is powered by air, water, or magnetically. With air, you can expect a noisy workout. Water is also not a quiet workout, but not quite as loud as an air workout is. Magnetic resistance is the quietest, and also usually comes with the ability to easily adjust resistance with the turn of a knob.
Design: The quality of a rowing machine is often shown in its design. Collapsible indoor rowers often have wheels for easy space-saving. Be sure to check folding rowing machine reviews before purchasing, to make sure it folds easily. Additionally, be on the lookout for added comfort features, like cushioned seats and handles, and foot pedals with non-slip grips and straps. Bonus add-ons like wireless connectivity, compatible apps, and built-in programs will make your experience even better, but also raise the price tag.
Price: If you’re on a budget, you can’t expect to get a rowing machine with robust features. Depending on the amount you want to spend, you’ll need to decide what the most important features are for your needs, and what features you can leave behind.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re looking for folding home rowing in Canada or the US, there’s plenty of options out there. If you have the budget, we recommend the NordicTrack RW Rower. It is on the expensive end, but it includes most features you could want. What it lacks in wireless connectivity and ease of storage, it makes up for in the workout experience – iFit workouts, quiet, magnetic resistance and 26 digital resistance levels. If you’re on a budget, the Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Rower Rowing Machine has an impressive list of features for under $500. When it comes down to it, there’s a variety of rowing machines on the market at all price points and with varying levels of features. Decide what your priorities are, read as many folding rowing machine reviews as needed, and you’re sure to find one that suits you best.