rowing

The Best Compact Rowing Machines for Small Spaces in 2025 If you’re limited on space, don’t let the length of a rowing machine deter you. While there are many great rowing machines on the market, there are also some awesome compact alternatives that offer all the same tech features you’ll find in other cardio machines.  During our search for the best compact rowing machine, we found an array of excellent standalone options and options that fit in well with other top-rated home gym equipment. We considered the overall footprint and other key features, and scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each product. Below is our list of the best compact home rowing machines available. How We Chose the Best Compact Rowing Machines The rowing machines included in this list were carefully selected based on what most users would want out of a rowing machine, keeping in mind that they needed to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage options. We evaluated each choice based on size, portability, cost, high-tech features, versatility, and durability. We also scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each rowing machine. Our Picks for the Best Compact Rowing Machines in 2025: Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700 Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10 Best Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Training: Echelon Row-s Best Value Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600 Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Hydrow Wave Rower 4.0 Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H Storage: Stores upright Resistance: Magnetic Weight capacity: 375 pounds Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows Check Price Pros: Aluminum and steel frame with a flat anthracite polymer body Can sync to Strava or Apple Health apps Available in five colors Patented electromagnetic drag system Cons: Vertical anchor for upright storage is an additional cost Maximum user height is six feet On the Hydrow website, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 reviews at the time of writing. It’s the brand’s compact, budget-friendly option for those who want to elevate their at-home workout routine. The length is just 80 inches, which is the shortest on this list, and the overall size is 30 percent shorter than the original Hydrow Rower. You cannot fold it, but there is the option to store it upright using The Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor. This is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It costs an additional $190, which is a bit on the pricey side. The frame is made of aluminum and steel. It has a flat anthracite polymer body, which is a durable and lightweight material. The handle has an ergonomic design for a low-stress grip, and the strap is made from water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It also has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the experience of rowing on open water. Overall, the reviews on the Hydrow website are positive, and many mention how quiet the machine is and how much they like the small footprint. One review says, “The machine is such great quality. It’s quiet and sleek looking.” The critical reviews make up 3 percent of the overall reviews and state issues like non-working parts being delivered. However, Hydrow has responded to each review to resolve any issues. Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700 NordicTrack RW700 4.2 Dimension: 87″ L x 22″ W x 47″ H Type of Resistance: Magnetic Subscription: Not required; compatible iFIT membership is $39/month Storage: Can be moved using the front wheels Weight Limit: 250 pounds Check Price Pros: Bluetooth compatible Resistance is automatically adjusted during trainer-led workouts Large foot pedals Oversized steel seat rail Cons: Can’t be folded Weight capacity only 250 pounds The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can tilt and pivot to follow along with an iFIT workout led by your favorite trainer on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per month, and you’ll have access to live and on-demand classes. Membership to the fitness app is not required to use the rower; however, you won’t have access to trainer-led classes without it. A trainer-led rowing workout gives you the option to row on the open water for a more scenic experience, and there are also studio sessions. The resistance is adjusted automatically among 26 resistance levels during each class, so you don’t need to worry about stopping to make changes. The oversized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with quick release, which is excellent for those who want to incorporate movements off the rower into their workout. The rail is 87 inches long and made from durable steel. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it should maintain a smooth rotation. If you have a shared space, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates tension against the flywheel without touching, making it a quieter option. After your workout, this magnetic rowing machine can be moved using the front wheels, but it can’t be folded. Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10 ProForm Pro R10 4.0 Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 45.5″ H Type of Resistance: Magnetic Subscription: Not required; compatible iFIT subscription is $39/month Storage: Folding Weight Limit: 250 pounds Check Price Pros: Multi-position adjustable handlebars Designed to save space Steel rail is extra wide Inertia-enhanced flywheel Cons: Weight limit may be too low for some users The ProForm Pro R10 can collapse into a more compact size by lifting the handle, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it easy to move. It comes equipped with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can use for iFIT workouts if you choose to subscribe, or you can track your watts, calories burned, time, strokes, and distance in the manual mode. There are 24 resistance levels to choose from, and your workout intensity is adjusted using the brand’s trademarked Silent Magnetic Resistance system. This gives the user the option to have a more cardio- or strength-focused workout. The flywheel has been designed to maintain