There are almost countless types of gym equipment out there that you can use to get some effective cardiovascular workout. However, if you were to rank them according to the most effective ones, the rowing machine would definitely make the top 10 list for both armature and professional users.
However, like any other highly effective workout equipment, there are almost countless models of the rowing machine from different names out there. With that said, picking one to add to your workout equipment collection can often be quite confusing.
In this piece, we aim to change this as here we review 10 of the best ones currently on the market, and there is something for everyone on our list below.
List of The Best Budget Rowing Machines in 2022
1. Concept2 2712-US Model D Rowing Machine
The Concept2 2712-US is a great all-round rowing machine that has been designed to deliver low impact but a highly effective workout of all the major muscles in the body.
And besides the effective workout, this rowing machine will also come with Performance Monitor 5 that will allow you to track your performance by recording real-time data.
This rowing machine has also been designed to work for most adults as it includes 14-inch adjustable seat height, and it has an ergonomic handle and adjustable footrest.
To make it even more convenient, this rowing machine will also easily separate into two pieces for easy storage, comes with caster wheels for easy mobility and is effortless to assemble.
Highlights:
- Performance Monitor 5 included
- 14-inch seat height
- Caster wheel for easy mobility
- Ergonomic handle and adjustable footrest
- Easy to assemble design
2. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine
Sunny Health and Fitness has been making health and fitness equipment for both home and commercial use for a long time. With that said you can always be confident of getting the best models from them, and their model SF-RW5515 rowing machine is one of them.
This well-built-rowing machine is guaranteed to give you one of the most engaging workout sessions, and it will come with a built-in LCD monitor that makes it easy to control the machine and also monitor your progress. Also, this machine makes it easy to fine-tune your workouts to suit your goals as it has 8 easily adjustable resistance levels. And it also comes with some non-slip pedals, foam grip handlebars, a longer slide rail and some nice transport wheels that will make this rowing machine super easy to move around when not in use, which also allows you to use from almost anywhere.
Highlights:
- Large LCD Monitor
- Adjustable 8-Level resistance
- Non-slip pedals
- Foam grip handlebars
- Longer slide rail
- Handy built-in transport wheels
3. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205
Here is another top-quality rowing machine from Sunny Health and Fitness that will not disappoint, and the best element about it is that it is also highly affordable to ensure that you get a top-quality machine without spending much. This rowing machine also has 12 resistance levels that will allow you to customize your training to suit your specific goals and will also ensure that you get a smooth and quiet workout.
There is also a digital monitor on the rowing machine that makes it easy to monitor your progress. And the pedal straps are also designed to be adjustable to ensure you get a comfortable workout position. To crown it all, this is an ergonomically-designed rowing machine with foam handlebars, pivoting foot pedals, cushioned seat and a compact, space-saving.
Highlights:
- 12-level resistance
- Digital monitor
- Adjustable pedal straps
- Ergonomically designed
- Compact design with a small footprint
4. Stamina ATS Air Rower
Stamina makes its ATS rowing machine with dynamic air resistance to ensure it will always match your pace when working out for more effective training with less train. And you can easily monitor your progress on the easy to read LCD monitor.
This rowing machine also comes with an upholstered and padded seat that has also been designed to be adjustable for a comfortable seating position. Also, the rowing machine has a padded handle and adjustable footplates for comfort.
And with the conveniently folding design, this rowing machine is also super easy to store when not in use as it will take up little space.
Highlights:
- Dynamic air resistance
- Easy-to-read LCD workout monitor
- Upholstered and padded seat
- Convenient folding design
- Oversized and textured footplates
5. Concept2 2716-1BX Model E
Check price on Amazon
With the Performance Monitor 5 built into the console, the Concept2 2716-1BX is made to ensure you can easily track your performance when using this rowing machine.
The rowing machine is built to offer low impact but effective full-body workout and with a unique flywheel design that minimizes noise when working out.
This machine also comes with some ergonomic and comfortable handle and adjustable footrests for maximum comfort when working out. And because it is built from a durable welded steel material, you can be confident it will serve you for many years. Also, moving it around should be effortless with the smooth-rolling caster wheels.
Highlights:
- Performance Monitor 5 included
- Adjustable footrests
- Ergonomic handles
- Durable welded steel
- Caster wheels for easy mobility
6. Fitness Reality 2636 Rowing Machine
If you want to get real results without ever leaving your home, the Fitness Reality 2636 will be a good buy. It has been designed to offer comprehensive full-body workout and without causing any unnecessary strain to the body.
This rowing machine offers 14 levels of resistance, which are easy to adjust and wide handlebars that will help ensure you have a secure and comfortable grip regardless of the size of your hand. And the handlebars are also sufficiently padded.
The rowing machine is one of the few that will offer Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to pair and monitor your progress using an app. Also, besides Bluetooth, there is a large LCD for easy monitoring. And this rowing machine will also include a contoured and padded seat and some front stabilization footpads.
Highlights:
- 14-level transmission resistance
- Smart Bluetooth connectivity
- Large LCD
- Front stabilization foot pads
- Larger contoured and padded seat
7. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5713 Rowing Machine
Check price on Amazon
For those that are looking for a rowing experience that is as close to what you get when rowing on the water as possible, this machine will be perfect as it has been built to offer water performance for the most effective workouts.
The rowing machine comes with non-slip handlebars that will ensure you get a firm and comfortable grip and that you do not end up with calluses.
To make this an even more comfortable rowing machine, it will also come with a molded padded seat that is also adjustable to allow you to get a comfortable seating position. And with the R2 fitness meter, you can easily track your progress when working out.
Highlights:
- Water performance rowing machine
- Non-slip handlebars
- Molded padded seat
- R2 fitness meter
- Non-marking wheels
8. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5623
Check price on Amazon
With 8 levels of resistance and a magnetic resistance system, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5623 is been designed to give you a comprehensive full-body workout and water like rowing experience.
It is also a highly comfortable rowing machine that will come with a fully padded and adjustable saddle for comfortable seating when rowing and some anti-slip pedals that are also large enough to accommodate any adult for safe and comfortable workouts.
Many users will also love that it has an easy read digital LCD and that it is built on wheels to make it super easy to move around. And when it comes to assembly, this will be a quick and frustration-free machine to setup.
Highlights:
- 8-level resistance
- Magnetic resistance system
- Fully padded saddle
- Anti-slip pedals
- Easy, frustration-free assembly
- Digital LCD
- Built-in wheels
9. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5606
It is almost impossible to go wrong with a rowing machine from Sunny Health and Fitness, and if you prefer something simple but effective, their model SF-RW5606 is a fantastic choice.This rowing machine offers elastic cord resistance with 4 levels of resistance to allow you to customize your workouts. And you can also control the machine easily thanks to the larger LCD console.
Seating is also comfortable thanks to an oversized and angled seat, and the comfort is further enhanced by well-padded handlebars. This rowing machine also comes with anti-slip pedals with adjustable straps that will make it easy to get a comfortable rowing position. And because this is a foldable rowing machine, it will take up relatively less space when not in use.
Highlights:
- 4-level elastic cord resistance
- Large LCD console
- Oversized and angled seat
- Comfortable non-slip handles
- Anti-slip pedals with adjustable straps
- Space-saving foldable design
10. Merax Water Rowing Machine
Merax rowing machine is built to give you maximum resistance for effective workouts. It achieves this using a unique included water tank that can offer up to 330 pounds of resistance. Monitoring your progress when working out is also made easy by the larger LCD monitor and you can also be confident that your rowing machine will last long thanks to the solid steel construction. With the long ergonomic handle, this is also a comfortable machine to use, and it will also come in a more compact design that will take up less space and with wheels for easy movement.
Highlights:
- Stronger resistance adjustment
- Large LCD monitor
- Solid steel construction
- Long ergonomic handle
- Compact footprint with wheels
Conclusion
There is no doubt that a rowing machine will be great to have around as it will ensure you always get a comprehensive workout without having to strain your body as most have been designed to be low-impact. And with our top 10 budget rowing machine reviews in our list above, finding the perfect one for your workouts should be an effortless task.
Although every model on our list above will be a good buy, the Concept2 2712-US Model D Rowing Machine takes the top spot as our best overall as it is a well-built all-round machine with excellent resistance. But, if you are looking for something highly affordable that will still provide a good enough workout, go for Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine.