If you’re looking for an exercise machine you can use at home that works nearly your entire body, a magnetic rowing machine is a fabulous choice. It primarily works your obliques, biceps, abs, upper back, and chest.
Along with its muscle working and toning capabilities, rowing machines can also be used as a cardiovascular workout with lower resistance and higher reps.
Many people who despise running use the rowing machine for cardio. While they’re one of the most loved exercise machines for home use, many of them are quite expensive.
Fortunately, the innovative marketplace has a small number of below $500 rowing machines that are extremely reliable and provide tough build quality.
After extensive research and reviews, we formulated a list of the 7 best and highest-rated magnetic rowing machines under $500. We believe you’ll find what you’re searching for below!
In Short, Here Are The Best Affordable Magnetic Rowing Machines Under $500: Exercise At Home
- CIRCUIT FITNESS
- JOROTO
- Body Power 3-in-1
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5856
- Merax
- SereneLife
- Sunny Health & Fitness – SF-RW5864
1. CIRCUIT FITNESS
First up, the CIRCUIT FITNESS is an excellent rowing machine for exercise at your home. Currently running under $500, it’s relatively inexpensive. Most people believe it’s worth more than the price.
This unit delivers eight settings of resistance. The lightest setting is great for consistent repetition while the highest setting is common for building muscle and lower reps.
Another beneficial attribute is it’s effortlessly portable due to the foldable construction and integrated wheels. Made with both aluminum and steel, you’ll be impressed by its tough build quality for the cost.
With slip-resistant footrests and built-in straps, your feet are secure while rowing. This machine is very popular and highly rated. We believe it’s in the top three for the best choices on the list.
Users Say: “I just bought this and assembled it with ease, in a short time, with the tools provided. It worked perfectly on the first try and is SO QUIET. I watch TV while I row and I don’t even have to turn it up. It offers a good range of resistance and has a smooth pull. The screen has better options than others at this price point, including distance rowed, which is not on others and so important. The seat and handle are much more comfortable than the concept rowers. I’m only a few miles in, but it feels like a great rower. Very happy customer so far.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 91 x 31.5 x 20.5
- Construction: Aluminum & Steel
- Magnetic
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- Foldable
- 8 Resistance Settings
- Weight: 90 Pounds
2. JOROTO
Running well under $500, the JOROTO is a stunning value. This magnetic exercise rowing machine provides 10 levels of resistance and has built-in wheels for easier mobility. Right off the bat, one of the pleasant things you’ll notice is its operation is quieter than usual.
While it only weighs 53 pounds, you’ll be impressed by its 300-pound weight capacity. The aluminum construction is quite sturdy, as well.
A few other noteworthy qualities worth mentioning are its built-in cup holder, practical phone holder, and LCD display. Overall, it’s a very reliable rower for your home and we believe you’ll be very satisfied with it!
Users Say: “It took me about 45 mins to put this together. The instructions are easy to read. And as a beginner to rowing, I don’t think I could have found a better machine. I am 5’9 and was 259lb when I started using this machine. I use this for 45 min to an hour every night. I’ve had it for about a month and I’m down to 241. Great work out! The machine is strong and durable. Easy to move.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Phone Holder
- Cup Holder
- Construction: Aluminum
- Magnetic
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- Quiet Operation
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- 10 Levels of Resistance
- Weight: 53 Pounds
3. Body Power 3-in-1
Even though the Body Power 3-in-1 isn’t necessarily the most popular on the list, we still believe it’s a mentionable rowing machine under $500. It has a sleek design with a tough quality of construction for the price.
One of the more prominent characteristics making it stand above the rest is its 3-in-1 capabilities. Not only can you row in a traditional manner, but you can also full row, or use the separate resistance cables for bicep curls.
Like the first machine on this list, it too folds in a compact design minimizing space when not in use. You’ll also find the incorporated LCD screen convenient. With built-in wheels for transportation and eight resistance settings, it’s a fabulous option for your home.
Users Say: “Super easy to assemble. I did so by myself in about 30 minutes. The machine is quiet and easy to store. I would highly recommend this rowing machine. I purchased it after knee surgery. Works the whole body.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 66 x 30 x 36
- Construction: Steel & Plastic
- Foldable
- Magnetic
- 8 Different Resistance Settings
- Wheels for Portability
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5856
Not only is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5856 well below $500, but it’s also one of the most inexpensive exercise rowing machines on the market. It provides an acceptable 285-pound weight limit, a robust 5.5-pound flywheel, and a vast 16 levels of adjustable resistance.
A few other notable mentions include the built-in wheels for easier maneuverability, the relatively comfy padded seat, and the useful water bottle holder. We primarily recommend it for those looking for the most budget-friendly rowing machine with dependable performance.
Users Say: “I am very impressed with this rowing machine… I was skeptical because of the price, but it is everything I hoped for. It took less than 30 minutes to assemble (by two 20 year only girls so that’s saying something!). This machine is almost silent, and probably one of the smoothest rowing machines I’ve used, including ones at my gym. I will 100% be purchasing another Sunny Heath and Fitness machine again. 10/10 would definitely recommend it!”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 76.8 x 22.8 x 22.8
- Magnetic
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- Weight Capacity: 285 Pounds
- 16 Resistance Levels
- Foldable
5. Merax
For good reasons, the Merax has the highest customer reviews of any exercise rowing machine under $500. There are a plethora of reasons why it’s our favorite choice on this list.
This rower offers an outstanding quality of construction that dramatically outperforms the price. Producing a 400-pound weight capacity, it’s the most robust on this list. Not to forget, it also has a convenient LCD monitor, integrated wheels, a sizable molded seat, easy foldability to save space, and efficient performance.
This rower is made with aluminum and built for longevity. You’ll also find the larger-than-average footrest quite practical. All in all, we fully endorse it for your home!
Users Say: “6′ 378lbs guy who had enough of packing on the pounds year after year and chose rowing as the first step. This rower is strong enough, smooth enough, and feels great. I started with a beginner program on youtube and have been going every night for two weeks already. I won’t be stopping any time soon. Should have bought this years ago.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 81.5” x 20.5” x 20”
- Construction: Aluminum
- Magnetic
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
- LCD Monitor
6. SereneLife
Amazingly, the SereneLife had a hefty price cut of 17% off the original amount. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s, either way, an incredible bang for the buck under $500.
Right off the bat, you’ll find the cushioned seat and handlebar grip rather comfortable. With the built-in LCD computer, it displays the calories burned, distance traveled, strides, and time. Another unique feature is it measures your pulse and displays it on the monitor.
A few other qualities are its aluminum construction, 10 levels of resistance, and decent 250-pound weight capacity. We believe you’ll be very satisfied with it for the low cost.
Users Say: “I’m so happy to have this in my home. It sits next to my stationary bike. I’m able to switch between it and the bike in moments, working out my legs and then my arms and so on. The rowing machine was not too difficult to put together, just follow the instructions closely and you’ll be fine. You get more than a decent workout in your home without an expensive gym membership. I’m able to watch television or take phone calls while still working out. I’m able to work on my abdominals, arms, and overall upper body without too much strain or leaving me exhausted. Can’t wait to see how much weight I can lose using this by the Summer.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Construction: Aluminum
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- Magnetic
- 10 Different resistance levels
7. Sunny Health & Fitness – SF-RW5864
Last but not least, the Sunny Health & Fitness – SF-RW5864 is a trusted rowing machine below $500. It weighs roughly 95 pounds but only produces a 265 weight limit. However, you’ll enjoy its compact design when it’s folded. The incorporated wheels help with the portability, as well.
This rower is a bit different than most. Rather than a single-line resistance cable, it offers two separate rowing devices. Depending on your preference, you can decide if it’s a better choice for what you need.
Users Say: “I’m so happy to have this in my home. It sits next to my stationary bike. I’m able to switch between it and the bike in moments, working out my legs and then my arms and so on. The rowing machine was not too difficult to put together, just follow the instructions closely and you’ll be fine. You get more than a decent workout in your home without an expensive gym membership. I’m able to watch television or take phone calls while still working out. I’m able to work on my abdominals, arms, and overall upper body without too much strain or leaving me exhausted. Can’t wait to see how much weight I can lose using this by the Summer.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 73 x 24 x 42
- Magnetic
- Weight: 95 Pounds
- Wheels for Easy Portability
- LCD Display
- Weight Limit: 265 Pounds
- Foldable
Our Winners
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. As mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their below $500 rowing exercise machine. However, our winner is the Merax due to its outstanding performance and robust build quality. Not only do we believe it’s a fantastic value, but it’s also perfectly rated amongst users.
Quick Recap
Here Are The Highest-Rated Exercise Rowing Machines Below $500
- CIRCUIT FITNESS
- JOROTO
- Body Power 3-in-1
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5856
- Merax
- SereneLife
- Sunny Health & Fitness – SF-RW5864
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