Top Magnetic Rowing Machines Under $500 You’ll Love
Magnetic rowing machines are undoubtedly one of the finest inventions to grace the fitness world. These technical machines make low-impact workout a piece of cake. With these rowers, you can vigorously exercise your lower and upper body, rev up your cardiovascular system and burn a ton of calories without exerting too much pressure on your joints. And the best part, you don’t have to part with a fortune to access these machines. Yes, you can buy top-grade magnetic rowing machines under $500!! Can you beat that?
In addition to being budget-friendly, this class of top rowers is the most silent. They use electromagnets to control the flywheel thereby creating a friction-free resistance that produces little to no noise. This gives them an edge over the droning sound of air rowers and the splash-like sound of water rowers. Needless to say, magnetic resistance rowers are a dream come true for people who like to work out without the noise factor or for those who don’t savor the thought of contributing to residential noise pollution.
Without a doubt, magnetic air rowers make rowing an effortlessly pleasant experience. They are ideal for home and indoor use, provide smooth rowing strokes, and can be bought at super affordable prices. But here is the thing, if you are not well-informed, selecting and buying the best magnetic resistant rowing machines under $500 can be a bit tricky. And this is why we have carefully reviewed a list of the Best magnetic rowing machines under $500 for your reading and rowing pleasure. With this guide, you are sure to make an informed choice.
Top Magnetic Rowing Machines Under $500
JOROTO Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Joroto magnetic rowing machine promises to keep you in shape, improve your cardiopulmonary function, give you your desired muscle mass, and keep your stress levels to the minimum; with constant use, of course. This impressive workout gear has 10 resistant levels and other awesome features that make rowing a fun experience.
The 10 magnetic resistant levels backed by a sturdy aluminum flywheel and the friction-free resistance design makes rowing with the Joroto air rower, a smooth, quiet and pleasant activity. Also, you can manually adjust the resistance with a knob to suit your preference.
This magnetic rowing machine under $1000 also features an adjustable monitor that keeps you up to date with your work out data. However, it doesn’t track heart rate and has no backlight which might be slightly inconvenient for low-light conditions. The foot pedals are fully non-slip, and the attached straps are adjustable.
The manufacturers also included an iPad holder for digital convenience. The ergonomic design features a padded, upholstered seat and a soft handle for comfort reasons. Although the machine is not foldable, it is quite compact, and you can store it in an upright position to save space. Certainly one of the best rowing machines with magnetic resistance under $500.
Product Features
- 10 magnetic resistant levels
- Solid aluminum slide rail and flywheel
- Adjustable digital monitor and foot pedals
- iPad/smartphone holder
- Compact, ergonomic design
Pros:
- Versatile multi-resistant levels
- Smooth and quiet
- Saves storage space
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to assemble; features an assembly video on Amazon
Cons:
- Display monitor is limited and has no backlight
- Frame is not foldable
Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Rower
One of the best budget rowing machines, this magnetic rower hit the market recently, and so far, so good, it is meeting and exceeding expectations. It is simply and elegantly designed with a zero-lag-time resistance system for easy and smooth strokes. It also comes equipped with a MYCloudFit app and Bluetooth connectivity. One word for this rower is “Ultra-modern.”
The 14 calibrated resistance levels are ideal for both beginners and intermediate rowers. Depending on the pull, it is easy enough for beginners and can give advanced rowers a sweaty challenge. Although the screen is a bit minimal, it is quite smart. It measures resistance levels, pull length, watts, calories, total count, split time, and strokes/min.
While the footplates are not size-adjustable, they are padded and comfortable. The handlebar is also padded and has a nice grip to it. The seat is cushioned and slides well and can support a maximum user weight capacity of 250Ibs. And have we talked about how extremely quiet it is; you might forget you are even rowing.
To make rowing even more pleasant and enjoyable, it includes a MyCloudFitness app that tracks your workout data and motivates you to stay fit and healthy. In all honesty, it is hard not to love this foldable rowing machine that saves you the stress of space consumption. And the generous 3-year warranty with 180-day parts replacement makes this magnetic rower a total charmer.
Product Features:
- 14 calibrated resistance levels
- Fold-up design
- MyCloudFitness app
- Smart screen display
- 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Sleek, compact design
- Extremely quiet
- Bluetooth and MyCloudFitness app compatibility
- Can be easily stored
- Very good warranty
Cons:
- Foot pedals are not adjustable
- Minimal screen display
- Limited range of motion
HouseFit Rowing Machine For Home Use
The Housefit rowing machine is a solid piece of equipment by all standards. The high-quality aluminum slide rail and the special rear stabilizer that keeps the machine stable ensures a safe and hitch-free rowing sensation. And don’t we love the 15 adjustable magnetic tension levels? This is one home magnetic rowing machine under $500 that you can’t help but adore.
Whether you want to break a sweat or simply warm-up, the Housefit rower will be your willing guest. All credit to its 15 adjustable magnetic resistance levels. With a simple twist, you can determine how hard or how easy you want to row. And it makes sure that you are comfortable while at it too, the non-slip adjustable foot pedals secure your foot firmly and the ergonomic seat cushion ensures that your back and hips do not become sore. For extra comfort in your workout session, consider buying a good pair of rowing shoes.
The LCD monitor is also adjustable, and you can maneuver it to desired angles while it displays your time, count, speed, scan, and calorie data. It doesn’t just stop there; the monitor has a phone holder in case you want to watch videos or listen to music while you work out.
You don’t have much space? Not a problem. The special stand-up design allows you to store this rower in a vertical position, thereby saving you some good storage space. The dual caster wheels make movement pretty easy. And to prove that it is really rock-solid, it supports a staggering 300Ibs user weight capacity. All these features are what make this one of the best rowing machines under $500 on the market.
Product Features:
- 15 Adjustable magnetic resistance levels
- Slip-resistant adjustable pedals
- Ergonomic seat cushion
- Digital LCD monitor with phone holder
- Stand-up storage design
- 300 Ibs user weight capacity
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Monitor and foot pedals are adjustable
- Easy to move
- Does not consume storage space
- Awesome user weight capacity
Cons:
- Resistance level may be insufficient for professional rowers
- Foot straps may be too long for small foot sizes
Schwinn Crewmaster Rowing Machine
Brace yourself because the features on this rower will blow your mind. It is very solidly built, so much that it may be hard to move. But despite its huge build, it is very comfortable to use. And you wouldn’t believe the warranty; 10 generous years! Without a doubt, the Schwinn magnetic rower bridges the gap between comfort and durability.
The rower offers adjustable resistance up to 10 levels, and you can switch between resistance levels by turning the dial located at the middle of the console. The resistance levels cater to both novice and advanced users. Magnetic rowers are loved for their quiet nature, and the Schwinn rower is not an exception, in fact, it enhances this attribute by including a nylon strap that works very smoothly, hence reducing noise to the barest minimal. So, if you want a quiet rowing machine that is affordable; this is it.
The LCD display monitor is large enough for good readability and has a backup light to boot. It is also adjustable, and it displays all the standard workout data, however, it is not all that sophisticated. It is HR – chest strap compatible, but you have to purchase the chest device separately. A little bit of a letdown there.
The manufacturers did not compromise on comfort and went all out to make sure that the seat is well padded, contoured, and large enough to fit. The foot pedals are equally oversized and adjustable. The combined ergonomic design translates to a very comfortable rowing workout. And there is that 10-year warranty that makes this rower an absolute must-have.
Product Features:
- 10 magnetic resistance levels
- Nylon Strap
- Large adjustable LCD monitor
- Large oversized seat
- Large foot pedals with adjustable straps
- 10-year warranty with 3-year parts replacement
Pros:
- Solid and durable
- Near-silent during use
- Full ergonomic design for added comfort
- Easy to assemble; instruction manual has large illustrations
- Monitor is adjustable for ease of use
- Chest strap compatible
- Generous warranty
Cons:
- Seat is lower to the ground
- HR chest strap not included
- No preset programs
Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rower
Sunny has written its name in gold as a top manufacturer of fitness equipment, and this full-motion rower is one of their many high-quality machines. For this sunny rower, the rowing arms are the stars of the show as they mimic a real rowing experience. This along with its other fantastic features makes this rower one of the top rowing machines under $500.
The separate ergonomic rowing arms are equipped with a non-slip handlebar that enhances the rowing motion. It also allows you to switch hands. This mode of rowing targets the muscles in the arm, abs, back, and glutes. This means you get a full-body workout while savoring a wide range of motion with a real rowing sensation. The 8 level adjustable resistance levels allow you to either minimize or maximize the magnetic tension levels.
The moment you get rowing, the digital monitor automatically switches on and displays the standard workout metrics which you can choose to keep on repeat. However, the monitor switches off once there is no sign of activity for 4 minutes. And there is a device holder for your smartphone or tablet for when you want to work out with “digital company.”
The Sunny full-motion rower is every inch the comfort rower. The seat is not only molded and padded, but it is also elevated (22 inches from the ground) to enable users to get on and off without stress. It is also well padded to prevent you from getting drowsy or falling asleep while you row. And to wrap it all, it is foldable and has front wheels that make it easy to move and store.
Product Features:
- Ergonomic rowing arms
- 8 adjustable resistance levels
- Digital monitor with device holder
- Extra padded elevated seat
- Folding design with transportation wheels
Pros:
- High-profile and comfortable seat design
- Easy movement and storage
- Replicates a real rowing experience
- Has a wide range of motion
Cons:
- A few complaints about broken components
- Inconsistent magnetic resistance
Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine For Home
This is one compact rowing machine with magnetic resistance under $500 that is bound to mesmerize you at first try. No kidding, the Merax magnetic rowing machine may not be high-end, but it gets the job done pretty well. Users have tagged this magnetic machine as a great affordable rower that provides a full-body workout.
Aerobic and endurance exercises are made easy with the 8 adjustable tension levels. You can alternate between these resistance levels while you work out by turning the resistance selection knob. Pretty easy yeah? Resistant options can also be personalized for different members of the family. Isn’t that sweet?
It has a solid aluminum rail complete with a grade – plastic mount that makes you slide with ease as you row. The rail together with the mirror flywheel ensures you carry out your rowing workouts in whisper-quiet silence without disturbing a soul. And rest assured, you and your family members can row in comfort because this rower does not joke with user-comfort.
The angled seat is specially designed to suit your body curves, so you don’t have to worry about straining the same muscles you are trying to exercise. It is also contoured and large enough to fit your frame. It is made to suit people up to 6’11. The LED display monitor gives you a record of your performance as you row, and it features a device rack as well.
It is a little sad that it doesn’t fold, but it saves space regardless. It has sizeable dimensions and can be stored upright against the wall; this reduces its full length from 80.3 inches to 32. 7 inches (that’s such a spacious margin). The built-in transportation wheels make for easy transportation. Hold on, there’s more! The Merax rower is an “eye candy” with its elegant blend of black, gold, and silver colors.
Product Features:
- 8-level adjustable resistance
- Aluminum rail
- Ergonomic construction
- Built-in transportation wheels
- LED display monitor with device rack
Pros:
- Suitable for family workouts
- Takes very little storage space
- Quiet and comfortable to use
- Good pulling and pushing distance
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Easy to transport
- Easy to assemble and operate
Cons:
- Fixed rower; does not fold
- Limited and basic console
ShareVgo SRM1000 Smart Rowing Machine
Like the name suggests, the ShareVgo smart rower is smart in all ramifications. This rower was borne out of the desire to provide fitness enthusiasts with an affordable yet efficient and smart, home-gym rowing machine that can rival higher-end rowing machines. From hardware to software, the ShareVgo manufacturers made good on their desire.
The long 48-inch slide rail is an absolute joy to sit on and extend the legs, no matter your height. It also accommodates people that weigh up to 300Ibs. And because this is a smart rail, it has a QR code for easy registration. The foam grip handlebar is a refreshing change of design from what we are used to as it features a built-in row-to-count stroke sensor that measures genuine strokes. And attached is a large tablet holder for your entertainment while rowing.
There is no shortage of smart features with this rower. The LCD monitor displays key workout metrics (including 500-meter split time and stroke per minute) as expected, but it also features Bluetooth connectivity that pairs effortlessly with the ShareVgo fitness app.
This ShareVgo app is filled with lots of fitness “goodies.” For starters, it is subscription-free, talk about affordability at its best. Moving on, it provides in-depth workout metrics when paired with the Bluetooth feature. And to keep you engaged and motivated, it offers several workout challenges and fitness goals for your rowing pleasure. To crown it all, this rower is not just smart, but it is also a space saver; many thanks to its compact, foldable design.
Product Features:
- Long, solid slide rail
- Foam grip handlebar with large tablet holder
- Bluetooth compatible LCD monitor
- ShareVgo fitness app for IOS and Android
- Compact foldable construction
Pros:
- Loaded with smart features
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity with ShareVgo fitness app
- Free subscription on the ShareVgo app
- Gives authentic stroke count
- Fun and relatively easy to use
- It is not space-consuming.
Cons:
- Complaints that foot straps are not comfortable
- Screen is small and poorly designed
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower
Sunny is here again with another quality and affordable. The SF-RW5515 is a portable rowing machine under $500. It is a popular choice among rowers with about 1000 mostly satisfactory reviews on amazon. This goes to say a lot about its features. Let’s explore the reasons why this workout gear is a popular “fave” for most fitness enthusiasts.
The SF-RW5515 consists of an 8-level manually adjustable resistance and a silent belt-drive system for a wide range of smooth, quiet, and convenient workouts. Comfort is also assured with the fully padded seat, non-slip handlebars, and large anti-skid foot pedals. The foot pedals are textured and have safety straps that secure your feet in place while you work out.
The slip-resistant handlebar is not coated in aluminum; neither is it ergonomically curved, but it is webbed and has a smooth pulling action. For more comfort and balance, the floor stabilizers ensure that the gear is evenly stable – all you need to do is turn the gear until it is level. One of the top-selling features of this machine is the impressive user height accommodation; it supports up to 42 inches inseam length.
The LCD display mirrors that of other rowers within this price range; It displays time, count, calories, and total count. However, it has no backlight and does not measure distance. You can conveniently store the SF-RW5515 after use by folding the steel rail vertically. It also has front wheels and for easy movement and storage. Perfectly Ideal for small spaces.
Product Features:
- 8-levels of adjustable magnetic tension
- Non-slip handlebars and anti-skid foot pedals
- Floor stabilizers
- LCD Display screen
- Foldable design
- Transportation wheels
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of user height
- Reasonably priced
- Very quiet
- Reduces footprint when folded
Cons:
- Console is basic
- Limited warranty (1 year)
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you want an affordable rowing machine that offers great value for money, then you should totally consider the Maxkare magnetic rowing machine. While it is not high-end, the functionality is top-notch and will give you a good run for your money. It is compact, well-constructed, and provides a low-impact, full-body workout. If you are looking for the best home magnetic rowing machine under $500, you should definitely check this out.
This rower features a high resistant level that makes for great intense workouts and different strength exercises. You can adjust the resistance to suit your taste by turning a knob. And that takes us to the practical storage basket under this knob, which comes in handy for storing your water bottles and phones during workouts.
You don’t have to worry about your height as the slide rail is a whopping 49 inches (45 inches inseam length) and can comfortably support up to 6’5 height range. The handlebar is non-slip and foam padded for a strong grip. For more comfort, you can invest in a good pair of rowing gloves. The seat is large and cushioned as well. The foot pedals are textured, non-slip, and have high-quality safety straps that keep your feet from sliding off as you row. All of these points to its awesome comfortability.
The display monitor is quite basic and does not track distance, but it measures other important metrics as calories burned and time spent. It is quite sturdy but surprisingly lightweight (64 Ibs in weight) and can be easily moved around; the pulley with roller wheels makes this even easier. This machine conveniently folds to reduce storage space.
Product Features:
- 16 adjustable resistance levels
- Lengthy slide rail
- Slip-resistant handle & cushioned seat
- Anti-skid foot platforms
- LCD display panel
- Fold-up design with pulley
Pros:
- Well-constructed and stable
- Varied resistance levels
- Slide rail is long and convenient
- Easy to set up and easy to move
- Conserves storage space
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Console is basic
ECHANFIT Foldable Rowing Machine
The Echanfit model also offers 16 resistance levels for maximum workouts. It has a sturdy but compact build. It is a fairly small rowing machine; quite smaller than most rowers on the market, which makes it a great option for people with space constraints. It is also lightweight and weighs just about 55 Ibs, making it relatively light to handle.
The multi-resistant levels can be controlled with a knob to meet user preference. The console is angled and adjustable but has no preset programs. In addition to being compact, the frame is also foldable, so no space issues here.
The seat is quite large and padded for comfort. The foot pedals have a unique pivoting design that offers flexibility. They are also equipped with adjustable foot straps for optimal feet comfort. It also features a water bottle holder for user-convenience.
The slide rail is solid and made of extruded steel. This ensures that workouts are safe, smooth, quiet, and convenient. The steel and slide rail feature also offers a solid surface for a stable rowing activity. Since the rail is slightly inclined, the recovery motion is near-perfect.
Product Features:
- 16 magnetic tension levels
- Adjustable console
- Compact foldable design
- Water bottle holder
- Molded ergonomic seat
- Pivotal foot pedals
Pros:
- Smooth and quiet to use
- Seat is large and comfortable
- Foot pedals are pivotal and flexible
- Folds to save space
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
Cons:
- Basic monitor technology
- Does not take pulse readings; which is a little disappointing for a cardio workout machine
BUYING GUIDE: How to Shop for the Best Magnetic Rowing Machines Under $500
Yes, you can purchase an efficient magnetic rower for a budget of under $500, but don’t run off with these glad tidings yet; there are some key features you need to take into consideration before you hit the purchase button. This will save you from making a regrettable or subpar choice. Here are some features you should note when buying an affordable magnetic rower;
Build/Design
One important question you need to ask yourself is, “do I have space for this rower”? Because these magnetic rowers come in different build and designs. You absolutely do not want to end up with one that is space consuming. If you don’t have enough space in your home or studio, it is best to buy a compact rower like the Echanfit magnetic rower.
Seat and Rail
This is especially important if you are tall. What’s the point of buying a rower that makes your height an inconvenience? You can’t sit properly nor extend your legs fully. To prevent this avoidable rowing “annoyance,” you should settle for rowers with elevated seats and lengthy rails. For instance, the Maxkare magnetic rower has a long rail and the Sunny models; SF-RW5515 and the full motion magnetic rowers have good high profile seats.
Resistance
Most of the models we reviewed have good resistance levels that you can adjust to suit your workout needs. But if you are a fan of intense workouts with very high resistance, magnetic rowers with high resistance levels are your best bet. The Maxkare and Echanfit rowers fit this bill.
Foldability
This has a lot to do with storage space. Some of the models have foldable designs that allow you to fold and store after use. Some others are not actually foldable, but they provide vertical storage options. While some models may not be foldable at all. If you are particular about storage space, the foldable options are your best friends.
Comfort
You can’t afford to overlook this. The fact is, a great rowing experience is a comfortable one. In this vein, comfort should be one of your top priorities when shopping for magnetic rowers. Are the seats well cushioned or padded, is the handlebar soft and slip-resistant, are the foot pedals and straps the best fit for your feet, will you slip or skid off while using this rower? These are things you should take into consideration before buying a magnetic rower under $500.
FINAL VERDICT
The magnetic rowing machines we reviewed are all remarkable in their own unique ways, but a couple are more outstanding. Overall, the Maxkare Magnetic Rower ticks all the important boxes in terms of resistance, construction, storage, value for money, and usability for top-rated magnetic rowing machines under $500. Perhaps, this is why it has so many favorable customer reviews on amazon.
The Sunny SF-RW5515 deserves to be rated the most popular budget-friendly magnetic rower. It is even Amazon’s choice for rowing machines and has been on the market for a long time. It is perhaps the best-rated magnetic rower. However, it has its fair share of disadvantages, and quite a number of users are not satisfied with its warranty and durability.
For smart technology, the ShareVgo rower is a force to be reckoned with. The smart features are impressive for such a mid-range price. While it has its own lapses, it is a great choice for tech-loving fitness enthusiasts.
In all, everyone deserves a good and quality magnetic rower, and the price factor shouldn’t be a hindrance. And the good thing is, you can easily make an excellent choice by following this detailed guide.