The 11 Best Rowing Machines for Apartments in 2024, Reviewed by Our Experts

For home workouts, the best rowing machines can be great vessels for training. Unfortunately, unlocking the perks of these low-impact machines does require some space, and if you live in a smaller domicile like an apartment, you could be left with too little of a floor plan. The best rowing machines for apartments can cater to athletes training in tighter quarters through shrunken profiles that can still deliver the efficient, enjoyable workout experiences we expect from the units.

A proper apartment-ready rower is more than a smaller silhouette, however. You’ll need to confirm additional specs like weight capacity, streaming capabilities, and more. To help you get the most out of your strokes, we’ve gone hands-on with multiple popular rowing machine profiles and consulted with our in-house team of experts to determine our favorite rowing machines for apartments available today.

The 11 Best Rowing Machines for Apartments in 2024

• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments Overall: Concept2 RowERG
• Best Compact Rowing Machine for Apartments: Hydrow Wave
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW900
• Most Quiet Rowing Machine for Apartments: ProForm Pro 750R
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Upright Storage: Hydrow Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Water Resistance: Ergatta Rower
• Most Durable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Pro
• Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Echelon Row-S
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower
• Best Budget Rowing Machine for Apartments: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Apartments

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best rowing machines for apartments, we got hands-on with 15 different machines from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

• Product Dimensions: We know that apartments are less spacious than a garage gym or traditional home, so to think through sizing, we compared every rowing machine to the size of your typical 3-seat sofa measuring 90 inches. (1) Nearly all of the included rowers in this round-up showcase a length shorter than your traditional couch, while those longer contain storage features for easier housing, such as upright capabilities or foldable frames.
• Available Programming: Like running on a treadmill, the constant nature of rowing can get monotonous. We highlighted rowers offering integration with some of the best fitness apps and streaming services, which can provide a more engaging workout experience either through intra-rowing entertainment or performance-pushing instruction.
• Storage Accommodations: You’ll likely need your rowing machine to share space with your other furniture and living arrangements across your apartment layout. To make this relationship less of a burden, we emphasized rowers featuring some form of storage accommodations, including upright capabilities or foldable framing for smaller footprints outside of training.
• Ergonomics: Regardless of your available space, a rowing machine can be rendered useless if it’s uncomfortable. All the included rowers in this guide were comfortable enough for regular use, as determined through our testing trials and personal experiences with the cardio machines.
• Price: We understand that every budget is different, so we did our best to showcase different rowing machines that hover around, below, and above the average $1,500 price tag. We also made note of the value presented in each silhouette to help you better determine if the cost was worth its weight when it comes to your personal fitness goals.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments Overall: Concept2 RowERG

Sure, the Concept2 RowERG typically finds its place within lists outlining the best CrossFit equipment, but it’s still a worthwhile rower for apartments, too. Thanks to a frame design that breaks down into two pieces for easier storage, and a lightweight profile that makes maneuvering your cardio machine into and out of position a breeze, we feel it’s one of the best workout additions you can make to your apartment layout.

The RowERG features a sitting length of 95 inches, which is longer than your standard 3-seat couch. (1) However, we still think it’s ideal for apartment dwellers given its storage capabilities. Unlike other rowers, the RowERG breaks down into two pieces that can be easily stored in a corner when not in use.

Additionally, this parceled design doesn’t sacrifice durability, as this Concept2 rower is still rated for weights up to 500 pounds. Overall, we rated the construction at 4.75 out of 5.

Having used the RowERG in previous workouts, I also enjoyed how lightweight it is. This can be great for apartment-dwelling athletes as getting set up for a training session can be less of a chore overall — no bulky equipment to rearrange across your space.

As far as ergonomics, our tester, a former collegiate rower, rated the RowERG at 4 out of 5. “I liked the contoured seat, and the handlebar is comfortable enough for regular training. As with any sturdier saddle, though, you can expect some soreness after lengthier workouts,” they added.

The PM5 monitor is also worth mentioning. You can easily track multiple metrics including distance, time, strokes per minute, wattage, and more. However, we rated the monitor at 4.25 out of 5, as there are no options for streaming on-demand workouts or entertainment services mid-workout. If you’re an athlete who prefers this in-training experience, you’ll likely want to choose a different rower.

Lastly, this rower uses an air resistance system. While we like the feature for its smooth operation, it can be loud. For noisy neighbors, a magnetic or water rower may be a better solution.

Read our full Concept 2 RowERG Review.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Apartments: Hydrow Wave

If space is your main concern when planning your apartment’s home gym, the Hydrow Wave can be an excellent option. Measuring 80 inches long and just 19 inches wide, this magnetic rowing machine takes up less space than your standard 3-seat sofa. (1) Plus, this rower’s available programming allows for on-demand workouts, scenic rowing experiences, and more.

According to our tester, a former collegiate rower, the Hydrow Wave makes for a great compact rowing machine thanks to its smaller dimensions as well as its durability. “Despite its smaller frame, I was really pleased with the sturdiness across the design,” they said about their 4 out of 5 rating for construction. “My dog has even nibbled at some of the base corners, and there are barely any scratches.”

[Related: Best Compact Rowing Machines]

The Hydrow Wave employs an electromagnetic resistance system, which we rated at 4 out of 5. Not only does this keep your rowing workouts quiet — a blessing for apartment dwellers living with thin walls — but the resistance is easy to change, too, according to our tester.

This magnetic rower can also be stored vertically for even more convenience, although the anchoring kit is sold separately. When considering the already hefty $1,695 price, it may be too much of a final cost to unlock this feature.

Workout-wise, we scored the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5. “I really enjoyed the available programming with this cardio machine. The scenic rows are simply beautiful, and there are a ton of instructor-led workouts to choose from,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. Be mindful, though, that access to these immersive training experiences will cost an extra $44 monthly.

Another perk of the Hydrow Wave is its availability in multiple colors outside the traditional black or gray. This can be great for those wanting more vibrancy in their apartment space, especially when trying to maximize tight spaces. 

Read our full Hydrow Wave Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW900

If you’re a fan of instructor-led training classes, the NordicTrack RW900 could be your go-to rower. We’ve previously ranked this as one of our favorite magnetic rowing machines, most notably due to its compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts.

The iFIT integration can be excellent for apartment-dwelling athletes, as the over 16,000 workouts go beyond just indoor rowing. We rated the programming at 5 out of 5 thanks to the abundance of available programs for strength training, yoga, HIIT, and more worthwhile fitness disciplines.

Additionally, our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciated how the 22-inch HD touchscreen display rotates for better off-rower viewing. “I love this rower as a cross-training tool, and the swiveling screen makes following along that much easier,” they added.

[Related: iFIT Review]

The RW900’s iFIT connectivity also gives this rower AutoAdjust technology. Rather than pausing your instructor-led workouts to toggle through the magnetic resistance levels, the machine automatically adjusts your settings. In my experience, this can be great for maintaining focus mid-workout — no need to worry about your adjustments as you’re trying to hone in on performance.

However, all of this tech does come at a price — $39 monthly, to be exact. We’ve also found that the RW900 doesn’t feature a manual mode, meaning a monthly subscription to iFIT is required to use this rower to its full potential.

While the tech featured across the RW900 sets it apart from other rowers (we rated the technology at 5 out of 5, by the way) the construction can be somewhat questionable. The frame has a listed weight capacity of 250 pounds, which is on the lower side of other apartment-friendly machines and could be too low of a metric for larger athletes. 

We also scored the construction at 4.25 out of 5 for the footrests. “The foot pedals are almost too large, and while there are adjustment points for a better platform, I struggled to find the right setting,” adds our tester.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review.

Most Quiet Rowing Machine for Apartments: ProForm Pro 750R

Needing to train around pesky neighbors or fellow apartment dwellers? A quiet magnetic rower will likely be your best bet. For these situations, we recommend the Pro 750R rower from ProForm. In addition to its 24 levels of resistance, this rowing machine also features a foldable frame that can make for easy storage — a true treat when turning your apartment into a bonafide fitness studio.

In testing, we appreciated how quietly the Pro 750R moved throughout the available intensity levels — a major reason why we’ve previously ranked this rower among the best magnetic rowing machines. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, said that each stroke was smooth and barely made a peep as they powered through their full-body workouts. “I’m accustomed to louder air rowers, so switching through the resistance range with this ProForm offering was a big switch,” they added.

For durability, we rated the Pro 750R at 4 out of 5. While our trials didn’t showcase any weak points across the build, we did notice that the weight capacity is lower at just 250 pounds. This can potentially be a sign of less durable materials across the sliding rail and base, so larger athletes may want to opt for a different profile. That said, the SpaceSaver technology does mean this cardio machine folds up for easier storage, so it can still be worthwhile for those training in smaller spaces.

The ProForm Pro 750R is also compatible with iFIT, which unlocks over 16,000 live and on-demand classes across various training disciplines. We rated the available programming at 5 out of 5, as there are plenty of sessions to choose from regardless of whether you’re looking to stretch, stroke, or lift your way through a day’s workout.

However, unlike other iFIT-compatible devices, the Pro 750R does not come with an included display. You’ll need to bring your own device if you want to tune in, and the embedded media holder can only support devices up to 7.5 inches in width.

Read our full ProForm Pro 750R Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Air rowers can be a great addition to your home gym as they’re fairly simple yet uniquely challenging — the harder your strokes, the greater the resistance. For apartments, we recommend the Air Blitz Rower from Bells of Steel. Not only does this impressive rowing machine showcase a durable frame and beginner-friendly design, but the roughly $850 price tag also makes it more approachable than other air-powered rowing machines on the market.

One of the easiest comparisons to this Air Blitz Rower is the Concept 2 RowERG. While both air rowing machines feature an air-powered flywheel and similar 95-inch long frames, the Bells of Steel offering is nearly $150 cheaper. Overall, we rated the value at 4.5 out of 5.

In trials, our tester, a certified personal trainer, also appreciated the air-powered flywheel and its 10 varying dampener settings for higher or lower intensity. “I particularly like how the included monitor shows you your dampener setting during training. This is a unique feature that’s quite the convenience — I’ve used other air rowers before, and getting out of the saddle to check your settings can be a pain at times,” they added.

Speaking of the monitor, we scored the available tech at 3 out of 5. Yes, this Bells of Steel rower can provide worthwhile metrics for more informed training, but there are no preset programs to choose from across the interface, meaning we were stuck in manual mode for all of our trials. There is a media shelf at the base of the monitor for DIY streaming, although a setup of this nature completely covers the existing screen.

While the Air Blitz rower is lengthier than other rowers we’ve tested, we still rated the footprint at 4.5 out of 5 given its impressive portability. Our tester could easily move this into and out of their dedicated training space thanks to the front transport wheels. Be mindful that you’ll need to store this rower in its horizontal positioning — the Air Blitz rower cannot be stored vertically for more convenience. 

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Upright Storage: Hydrow Rower

If your apartment lacks a dedicated fitness space, an indoor rowing machine with vertical storage capabilities can help you regain some of your floor plan post-workout. The original Hydrow Rower is capable of such conveniences, along with being one of our favorite high-quality rowers, period.

When you’re done with a workout, you can shrink this rower’s footprint from 14.93 square feet to 5.73 square feet through upright storage — a difference that can make navigating through your abode much easier. As such, we rated the footprint at 4 out of 5.

Be mindful, though, that to achieve vertical storage capabilities, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate vertical storage kit for an extra $80. When you’re already shelling out nearly $2,500 for a rowing machine, we doubt that an extra $80 will have you turning your nose at such a high-quality piece of fitness equipment.

Like the Hydrow Wave — the original Hydrow’s smaller cousin — this workout machine uses the brand’s electromagnetic resistance system creating a stroke experience that’s very close to the real-world sensation of rowing on water. Additionally, the Hydrow app is loaded with over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts along with scenic rowing modules that can take you to over 100 stunning waterways from around the globe.

Our tester, who rated the programming at 5 out of 5, also appreciated the layout of the trainer-led courses. “Your instructor is rowing in tandem with you, but they’re actually on the water rather than in a studio like you’d see with, say, a Peloton class,” they added. “Plus, there’s a leaderboard to the side of your display, which I enjoyed. Healthy competition is always a go-to motivator for me.”

We understand, though, that all these perks may be too rich for some budgets. We scored the value at 3.5 out of 5 as a $2,495 price tag is, well, pricey, in addition to the $44 monthly subscription to the Hydrow app. If it’s financially sound for your situation, we think the Hydrow Rower is worth every penny.

Read our full Hydrow Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Water Resistance: Ergatta Rower

For those looking for a unique rowing experience close to the real thing (you know, actually rowing on water) the best water rowing machines could be perfect additions to your apartment-based home gym. The flywheels in these pull against water housed in a front tank, creating a consistent challenge in each stroke without the noisy spin of other rowers. We think the Ergatta Rower is the best in this rowing machine category thanks to its appealing aesthetics and unique training modules.

Unlike other rowers that use a metal slide rail and base, the Ergatta Rower features a cherry wood design that gives this cardio machine a refreshing sense of style. We rated the construction at 4 out of 5, too, because this profile backs up its looks with functionality capable of supporting up to 500 pounds.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also enjoyed the programming available across this rower, which focuses more on gamified workouts rather than trainer-led sessions. “It feels like you’re back in your hometown arcade, and I feel this can be a more approachable workout style for a variety of fitness levels,” they added.

However, we did score the programming at 3.75 out of 5 since there are no instructor-led courses that may be more appealing to different athletes. Additionally, our tester noted that the “Race” workouts aren’t real-time events. “Rather than competing against other users, you’re simply racing against their previous times. It sort of took the fun out of it, in my opinion.”

As with other water-powered rowing machines, you cannot adjust the resistance with this Ergatta Rower, making this less ideal for HIIT training where you’ll want to change your intensity for certain circuits. Plus, we recommend planning a maintenance schedule for your machine — the water needs to be replaced in the water tank every few months to maintain a sense of cleanliness. We doubt you’ll want to row through a session if you can’t even see the flywheel through all of the built-up algae and gunk.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Pro

Let’s face it — laying out your apartment for gym equipment is a task you’ll likely only want to do once. As such, having a rower that fits your space but can last you throughout your fitness journey is essential. With a commercial-grade, powder-coated steel frame and simplified operation requiring little maintenance, we recommend the AssaultRower Pro from Assault Fitness for athletes prioritizing durability in their cardio equipment.

In testing, we found the slide rail and base of this air-powered rowing machine to be sturdy with no shakes or wobbles as we powered through our strokes leading to our 4.5 out of 5 rating for the category. We also appreciate that there are no electrical requirements for operation — the basic LCD monitor is battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about electrical issues down the road. 

[Related: The Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000]

The manual operation can also be great for your floor plan since there’s no need to station the AssaultRower Pro near an outlet. However, our tester, a certified personal trainer, did score the portability at 4 out of 5 given the front transport wheels and their tendency to catch when rolled over carpet. “It’s not a major concern, but it could be somewhat frustrating when you’re just trying to set up for a quick rowing session,” they added.

The LCD monitor at the front of the AssaultRower Pro is pretty simple. There are no preset programs to choose from, so you’ll basically be in a manual training mode each time you hop in the saddle. However, we rated the tech at 4 out of 5 thanks to its clear readouts that kept us well-informed of our performance. The performance monitor can track your time, distance, pace, stroke rate, and even your heart rate provided that you’ve connected a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth to the display.

As a final note, we want to call out the noise factor of this rowing machine. The large fan-driven flywheel can make a ruckus during revolutions, which may not be the best for those with pesky neighbors or roommates.

Read our full AssaultRower Pro Review.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Echelon Row-S

If you’re looking to train in a really small space, a foldable rowing machine can be an excellent pick to maximize your floor plan for training and living. With a hinging slide rail that shrinks the footprint to 5.83 square feet — less than your standard coffee table — the Echelon Row-S can be a convenient training tool when available space is scarce. (2)

In addition to its foldable frame, we also like this rowing machine for its built-in tech capabilities. The companion Fit app features a high-quality library of on-demand workouts, including sessions for non-rowing activities like strength training, HIIT, yoga, and more. “The 22-inch pivoting display can also swivel up to 180 degrees for easier viewing when taking on off-rower workouts,” adds our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rated the tech capabilities at 4.5 out of 5.

In addition to the display, the Echelon Row-S also features a unique resistance adjustment system. Rather than pausing your workouts to operate the touchscreen to your desired intensity, the resistance controls are housed directly on the handlebars. This can be great for making adjustments on the fly rather than starting and stopping your progress. Our tester did state, though, that viewing your chosen resistance on-screen is only possible if you subscribe to the app, which will cost you an extra $39.99 monthly.

[Related: How to Use a Rowing Machine]

While the tech was a clear standout during trials, we did notice that some of the onscreen instructors showcased improper rowing forms. “This was a big concern of mine, especially for beginner athletes that may not know the true ins and outs of rowing from the start,” noted our tester to their 3.75 out of 5 rating for the available dynamic programming.

Thankfully, the monitor offers other intra-workouts, including entertainment platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. I’ve turned to these services when getting my strokes in was the only goal rather than a specific time or wattage. However, just note that access to these services will require additional subscriptions alongside the Fit app (and the rower’s cost).

[Related: Echelon Row Review]

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower

Okay, so manual workouts and trainer-led courses aren’t always worthwhile endeavors with your apartment-friendly rower. Sometimes, it helps to zone out and take in a circuit while catching up on your favorite TV show or series. The Aviron Strong Series Rower is compatible with several entertainment platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, Disney+, and more, making it a perfect solution for these less-intense workout sessions.

The Aviron Strong Series Rower is my personal go-to for indoor rowing, and I love the features this smart rowing machine offers. . The app integration is great for keeping my workouts fresh and enticing. Plus, the interface is compatible with Spotify, meaning my workout playlists can be controlled directly on-screen rather than through a separate device like my smartphone. In total, I rated the available tech at 5 out of 5.

This smart rower features gamified and trainer-led workouts, furthering the available programming for days when you want a little instruction. The games are intuitive yet efficient, and you can easily achieve some hard-earned sweat while trying to beat your high score. Given the variety of training modules available across the app — which costs $24 monthly for the family plan of unlimited profiles — I rated the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5.

The construction of this indoor rowing machine is also quite impressive thanks to its sturdy frame and dual air and magnetic resistance system. Granted, this flywheel silhouette can be loud at times through the rush of air, but I’ve yet to encounter any mechanical issues across my months of training.

The Aviron Strong Series Rower can also be stored vertically for added convenience, and I like how this can be accomplished without extra anchors or hardware. However, I rated the assembly at 4 out of 5, due to the tight fitment on certain parts.For me, it took some doing to get the slide rail to the front flywheel, but the overall process was still achievable alone.

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Apartments: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Rowing machines for apartments don’t need to break the bank. Case in point: the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 features a magnetic resistance system, foldable slide rail, and ergonomic saddle for the low price of $399.99. For reference, that’s nearly one-quarter of the price of the average $1,500 rowing machine.

I’ve used this budget-friendly rower before and feel it’s a good solution for those looking to keep their finances in check. I rated the value at 4 out of 5, too, given the rower’s integration with Sunny Health and Fitness’s free training app which features a worthwhile library of on-demand workouts.

While there is an app integration with this rowing machine, I recommend streaming said services through a television or nearby monitor, since there is no device holder across the frame. Additionally, the basic LCD monitor is limited in its readouts, capable of only tracking time, stroke count, total stroke count, and calories burned. As such, I scored the available tech at 3.5 out of 5.

[Related: Best Budget Rowing Machines]

The SF-RW5515 may not be a proper pick for more tech-enthused athletes, but I’m willing to look past the more utilitarian build quality to save hundreds of dollars. Plus, the footprint is prime for apartment dwellers thanks to the folding slide rail. When placed in its storage setting, the SF-RW5515 takes up just 5.68 square feet of space, which is less than your typical coffee table. (2)

I also like the lightweight 60.9-pound frame of this indoor rowing machine, which can be great when trying to maneuver your fitness equipment in and around your existing furniture for a workout. However, to achieve this portability (which we rated at 4 out of 5), Sunny Health and Fitness did have to make cuts to the durability of this machine. According to the brand, the SF-RW5515 is rated for weights up to 250 pounds, which may be too low for larger athletes.

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Apartments

Rowing machines can be a versatile piece of fitness equipment, whether you’re looking to spruce up your smaller apartment or add another layer to your powerlifting home gym. Below are some benefits that stand out when searching for high-quality, apartment-friendly rowers.

• Full-Body Workout: According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout. I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.”
• Space-Saving Dimensions: Apartment-friendly rowing machines can also be beneficial for athletes given their smaller dimensions, which typically fall shorter than your average 3-seat sofa. (1) This can help you create a high-quality workout environment without suffocating your entire living space — living in a bonafide training center will likely get old after just a few weeks.
• More Convenient Storage: In addition to the smaller dimensions, you can find apartment-friendly rowers with added storage features for more compact footprints outside of training. This can be especially beneficial for athletes looking to make the most of their floor plan, as your workout equipment doesn’t consume your living room, home office, or bedroom, more than necessary while in the throes of training.

How Much Do Rowing Machines for Apartments Cost?

Rowing machines can vary in price greatly, especially when comparing a budget-minded silhouette to a tech-riddled profile. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,500 for a worthwhile rower, with (natural) fluctuations below and above this median price. Read below to compare the price points of every apartment-friendly rowing machine featured in this guide.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments Overall	Concept2 RowERG	$990
Best Compact Rowing Machine for Apartments	Hydrow Wave	$1,695
Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Trainer-Led Workouts	NordicTrack RW900	$1,999
Most Quiet Rowing Machine for Apartments	ProForm Pro 750R	$699
Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Air Resistance	Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower	$849.99
Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Upright Storage	Hydrow Rower	$2,495
Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Water Resistance	Ergatta Rower	$2,499
Most Durable Rowing Machine for Apartments	Assault Fitness AssaultRower Pro	$999
Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Apartments	Echelon Row-S	$1,899.99
Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Streaming	Aviron Strong Series Rower	$2,199
Best Budget Rowing Machine for Apartments	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515	$399.99

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine for Your Apartment

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” However, not every rowing machine will meet your needs, especially when trying to make the most of your smaller floor plan within your apartment. Below are some of the factors we recommend in your search for that ideal apartment-friendly rowing machine.

Available Space

One of the first things worth considering when deciding whether a rowing machine is right for your apartment is whether your living space has the room needed to house this equipment. A good way to determine whether your floor plan is ready for a rowing machine is by seeing if you could fit a normal 3-seat couch into your available area.

Your standard 3-seat sofa measures 90 inches in length and 38 inches in depth. (1) Apartment-friendly rowing machines are (oftentimes) shorter in width and length, so if you can afford to add another couch to your training space, you can house a rowing machine.

[Related: The Best Treadmills for Apartments, Chosen by Experts]

Noise

Every best cardio machine makes some noise during operation, but for apartment dwellers, it could be a deciding factor between one rowing machine and the next. If you need to keep your training setup as quiet as possible, it can be smart to invest in a magnetic or water-powered rower, instead of one with air resistance. Air resistance rowing machines essentially feature a large fan at the front end, which can spin noisily through those hard-nosed strokes.

Dynamic Programming

Like any piece of cardio equipment, you can quickly get into a rut with training if there isn’t an engaging factor available, either in the form of entertainment or interactive workout instruction. If you’d rather take part in a livelier rowing workout, it can be beneficial to seek out a machine that’s compatible with an online training platform. These digital fitness tools can vary in style — from trainer-led sessions to scenic rowing routes, gamified workouts, and more — so be sure to look for a rower that matches your preferences from the start.

We also want to point out that access to these digital training libraries often requires a subscription to the service, so be sure to look at the pricing (often structured in a monthly billing cycle) and confirm that your budget can afford the extra cost on top of the rowing machine itself.

Storage Capabilities

​​Capritto states that, in addition to the working dimensions of your apartment-ready rower, “You’ll also need to ensure that the machine is relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary.” If your space cannot house a rowing machine in conjunction with your present furniture or floor plan, be sure to opt for a silhouette featuring some transport feature, which means wheels along the front base for easier portability.

In these circumstances, it’s wise, to opt for a rowing machine with some added storage benefits including a foldable or upright-capable frame. This can help you maintain a walkable layout across your apartment while keeping your workout setup just a few steps away.

Price

Like other rowing machines on the market, you can expect to pay over $1,000 for a well-equipped machine — roughly $1,500, to be exact. That said, though, we know that every athlete’s budget is subject to their financial standing. In the end, think about how much you can afford to spend, and look for a rowing machine that fits this metric, but your available space.

Best Rowing Machines for Apartments FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889