If you're looking for a piece of equipment that gives you a home workout on a budget, then look no further than the best budget rowing machines for under £500. If used correctly, a rowing machine will work the muscles in your core, upper and lower body, as well as help you burn some serious calories.
Don't let budget constraints limit your fitness journey; explore the affordable options available, making rowing an accessible and effective choice for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast with a home gym or a beginner, incorporating a rowing machine into your routine provides an opportunity for a well-rounded workout that contributes to overall health and fitness goals.
Best budget rowing machines for under £500 at a glance:
• Best compact rowing machine: Sunny Health + Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best rowing machine for tall users: Pro Fitness Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine – Buy now on Ebay
• Best rowing machine for comfort: GymboPro Water Resistance Rowing Machine – Buy now on Sport and Leisure
Our senior writer, Becky Fuller, specialises in fitness for people over 50. She says she often uses a rowing machine with clients to increase their fitness: "Rowing machines are a perfect option for a cardio workout - when you exercise your heart and lungs. It's a low-impact form of exercise, meaning it won't put pressure on the joints, but it will exercise them, so knees and hips will get a good workout. Sitting upright using a rower also helps strengthen the core muscles and pulling on the handle builds upper body strength, so it's a great full-body option."
So, if you're looking to expand your garage gym setup or want to invest in one piece of equipment to elevate your at-home workouts, invest in one of our picks of the best rowing machines in the UK for less than £500.
The best rowing machines for under £500
Best compact rowing machine
AmazonA user-friendly rower at its most basic. It's great for beginners who want an affordable machine, as it has features such as an LCD to track progress. Unlike most rowing machines, this Sunny Health + Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine uses a hydraulic cylinder to generate resistance. With ergonomic foot pedals and large padded seating, it's amazing value for the budget-friendly price!
You don't need to have a home gym to use this machine; at just 50.8 x 137.16 x 58.42 cm, it's very compact and is ideal for small spaces. Customers have said that it's easy to set up (as it doesn't require a screwdriver) and simple to use. They are impressed with the amount of resistance levels you get for the price.
Pros
- Functions well with 12 levels of resistance
- Pivoting foot pedals for comfort
- Compact size, making it perfect for small spaces
Cons
- Small size means it's not ideal for people who are 6ft+
| Dimensions | 50.8 x 137.16 x 58.42 cm |
| Max User Weight | 100 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 12 |
Best foldable rowing machine
The sleek, durable design makes this folding rowing machine a stylish addition to your home gym. Now, we know that the JTX Freedom Air is at the top end of the budget, but don't let you put that off of its fantastic features, including dual air and magnetic resistance to help you achieve a powerful, even stroke.
Customers like how it puts you to the test with races against the computer and how the difficulty increases over time. They have commented on its sturdiness too, which is probably down to the robust frame and monorail.... Not forgetting the cushioned seat which uses a gym-style roller mechanism for quality and performance.
Let's not forget that it offers great flexibility because it's foldable and portable (as it's self-powered), so you can workout from anywhere - no electricity required!
Pros
- No plug required (as it's powered by your movement)
- Pedals have 7 adjustable positions, including wide foot positioning
- Includes a tablet holder
Cons
- Programmable console isn't customisable for individual use
| Dimensions | 230 x 55 cm |
| Max User Weight | 135 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 8 |
Best rowing machine for tall users
This Pro Fitness Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine gives you eight levels of resistance to choose from by adjusting the air outlet. Though it's not as quiet as a purely magnetic machine, it isn’t too loud.
It’s almost two metres long which is noticeably more than some of the other options, but it does allow for users up to about 6ft 4 and can be folded away when not in use. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Users like that it's easy to assemble and has a durable build with a good amount of resistance. One said, "Great for greater flexibility and a good all over work out. It really helps having it at home as there's no excuse to get moving, whatever the weather!"
Pros
- Wheels to manoeuvre it around
- Quick and easy to assemble, with straightforward instructions
- Oversized saddle, which is padded for comfort
Cons
- Console is quite basic, and the rope may obstruct it from view at times
| Dimensions | 196 x 45 cm |
| Max User Weight | 100 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 8 |
Best rowing machine for beginners
A highly-rated magnetic rowing machine for under £200; this is arguably the best value of the lot. It's basic but sturdy, and that is exactly what you want. The frame is alloy steel and is suitable for taller users thanks to the generous slide rail inseam.
It has been designed with comfort in mind and has a cushioned seat and non-slip handlebars to grip onto. A lot of customer reviews suggest that the Sunny Health + Fitness Elastic Cord Rowing Machine is more suited to beginners, as if you're a regular rower you may find the resistance levels to be lacking.
Pros
- Textured handlebar and ergonomically-shaped seat for easy grip and comfort
- Durable and sturdy built with stabilisers to keep it flat on the floor
- Silent when in use and saves space
Cons
- Only 4 levels of resistance, which may not be challenging enough for regular rowers
| Dimensions | 35.56 x 172.72 x 53.34 cm |
| Max User Weight | 99.7 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 4 |
Best rowing machine for comfort
www.sportandleisureuk.com
Magnetic machines are smooth, but rowers that use water resistance give the most realistic rowing simulation. Like air machines, they're also very reliable. On this GymboPro Water Resistance Rowing Machine, the screen is adjustable to suit your height, and the wide seat is very comfortable.
With padded handlebars and non-slip footplates with straps, this machine doesn't compromise on your comfort or safety. Just be aware that this is also a larger unit thanks to the water barrel, but it does have wheels at the end to make it easier to move.
Pros
- Best for realistic rowing simulation
- Height of the computer can be adjusted
- Comes with two batteries (for the screen)
Cons
- Not as compact as some other models
| Dimensions | 205cm x 40cm |
| Max User Weight | 135 kg |
| Resistance Levels | Adjusted by water volume (between 12 and 18 litres); the harder you row, the more resistance you have |
Best for a magnetic rowing machine
This magnetic JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine is one of Amazon's top sellers and is ideal for beginners who don't want to spend too much on a rowing machine but equally want a decent workout.
It has 10 levels of resistance for a light cardiovascular workout, and the 3” LCD screen clearly displays your count, calories, time and distance. If you're short on space, then you'll also be pleased to know this rower folds up, so it won't take up too much room.
Customers have praised the affordability of the machine and say that it "operates smoothly and almost silently", but a few have said that it may need a little maintenance (such as tightening the seat) every now and again to keep it in tiptop condition.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Screen shows lots of information: total count, calorie count/min, count, distance and time
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance
Cons
- Maximum weight is not as heavy as some competitors
| Dimensions | 52 x 180 x 49 cm |
| Max User Weight | 100 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 10 |
The best rowing machines for under £500: FAQs
Rowing machine for beginners: Five tips to get started
Form is super important when using a rowing machine to ensure a successful full-body workout. To understand how to use and get the most out of your new rowing machine, watch this super handy Beginner’s Guide to Rowing video, which includes five top tips to get you started.
Benefits of using a rowing machine
Becky lists the following benefits to inspire you to get rowing:
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Easy to use - "Some home gym equipment takes a lot of getting used to, but we all know the motion of rowing. Simply push against the foot pads to slide back and fully extend the legs, taking the cable back with you."
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Full-body workout – "Rowing is a full-body workout, that uses around 86 per cent of your body’s muscles, from your upper back to your calves so it's a fantastic time-efficient form of exercise.
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Non-weight bearing – "Regardless of your fitness level, it's not a good idea to be stressing the joints as we age due to degenerative wear and tear. It's still there, even if you don't feel it. Rowing doesn't require the joints to take any strain so it's perfect for over 50s, especially if you have anything like osteoarthritis."
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Improves posture – "Rowing forces us to sit upright, keep our shoulders back and down, and use our core. It's great for making us more aware of how we carry ourselves and how we sit."
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Reduces stress and lifts mood - "The repetitive, rhythmic nature of rowing is a great stress reliever which in turn will make you feel happier. Body changes, such as weight loss or being able to move more easily will also boost confidence and leave a smile on your face."
What area of the body does a rowing machine primarily target?
Becky says: "It's probably easier to list the areas a rowing machine doesn't target. Primarily, your legs do most of the work as they have the biggest, most powerful muscles and you're driving back with your feet all the time. However, your core muscles are required to hold you with good posture, and your back and shoulders work to pull the cable. This also extends into your arms. Overall, it's a great full-body workout."
How many calories do you burn while rowing?
Just ten minutes of rowing at a steady speed can burn upwards of 200 calories, which is pretty fantastic for burning fat and getting your blood pumping, but Becky points out that calorie burn isn't the main objective: "When it comes to any form of exercise my advice is always do what you enjoy. It doesn't matter how many calories you burn, since calories burned in an exercise session are negligible compared to the rest of the day. It's important not to eat those calories back, though! Exercise isn't a punishment, it's something you get to do, so make sure you enjoy it and then you're more likely to stick to it."
What's better? Water rowing vs magnetic rowing
Water rowing machines are generally considered to be better by athletes as they're more difficult to use, more durable and will give you a more accurate sensation of rowing. Magnetic rowers, however, are more affordable, quieter, and lighter than water rowers, so that might just win you over.
Becky Fuller is a senior digital writer for Yours.co.uk. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and strength coach, specialising in fitness and wellbeing for over 50s. Prior to joining Yours, Becky was a fitness writer for Saga, and a freelance entertainment and theatre journalist. Becky is passionate about helping people to move well and discover the many benefits of strength training.
Angelica Daujotas has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Yours, heat, Closer, Grazia and What’s The Best as a Commercial Content Writer since 2020. Angelica has a BA in Fashion Communication and Promotion from Norwich University of the Arts. She is now the Commerce Editor at Footballco.