3 Best Rowing Machines under $300 [2021 Update]
If you walk into the gym and find the usual treadmills, cycling machines, and so on, are already taken, fret not.
There is probably a rowing machine lying around somewhere that could give you an even better workout.
A lot of people don’t know that this equipment cancels out calories and builds muscle at a quicker rate than a lot of the other standard machines.
Now, the ones in the gym probably cost north of $1000. But it is possible to acquire one under $500 or even $300.
Of course you may have to make do with some cheap build quality, refinement, and ugly looking plastic, but still, talk about a bargain.
Save some big bucks with this list of the best rowing machines under $300 currently on the market.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with 8-Level Resistance, Extended Slide Rail &... | 18,745 Reviews | $215.99 | CHECK PRICE |
| 2 |
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Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms - Smart Workout App, No Subscription... | 595 Reviews | CHECK PRICE | |
| 3 |
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Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine with Transport Wheels NS-40503RW,Grey | 345 Reviews | $265.46 | CHECK PRICE |
3 Best Rowing Machines Under $300 – 2024
1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower
The machine has been designed primarily with efficiency and practicality in mind. It features a magnetic tension system with 8 levels of adjustable resistance.
In the interests of comfort it has a fully padded seat with non-slip grip handlebars and sizeable anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps.
It also has integrated transportation wheels for easy shifting and a large LCD console display for time, scan, calories and total count.
It can support a maximum weight of up to 250 pounds.
Feedback from customers is mostly positive. This rowing machine is indeed very practical as advertised. It is easy to assemble and easy to live with.
It also delivers a killer workout.
And while you are working out, the loudest noise in the room is probably going to be your own gasping for air because this machines is very quiet which is always a good thing to have.
In the critics’ section:
Unfortunately you cannot keep track of the distance you have been rowing, the monitor itself is rather tiny so it would be difficult for bespectacled or elderly customers to refer.
There have also been other questions asked regarding comfort as well as durability.
+Pros:
- Practical and easy to live with
- Makes little noise
- Efficient workout
-Cons:
- Tiny display is difficult to read
- Not comfortable for some consumers
2. Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine
The immediate feature that jumps out with this rower is the insurance: an impressive 5 year warranty on the frame and 90 days on the parts.
Overall, it is a fairly compact machine that features a range-of-motion rowing made to feel like you are actually rowing on water.
It also has smooth hydraulic cylinder resistance and adjustable controls on tension. The seat is densely padded for good comfort and there are pivoting plates for your feet.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, the Stamina’s technology and compact size certainly pays dividends.
A lot have ruled it as an absolute beast to work with delivering an extremely fulfilling workout and it seems to have this ability with a wide range of size proportions.
Customers ranging in height from 5 feet to well over 6 feet have found it to be delightful.
However, there are also some criticisms. The lack of a locking mechanism for the seat makes any exercise apart from rowing virtually impossible.
Also there have been reports that it tends to lean to a side slightly when it should be standing up straight. It has also been poorly welded in some areas.
+Pros:
- Fits a dynamic range of customers
- Delivers an intense workout
- Good deal on warranty
-Cons:
- Poor build quality
- Only good for rowing exercises
3. Marcy NS-40503RW Rowing Machine
The Marcy rower is designed not just to take your breath away during a workout but to be practical and easy to live with as well.
The entire structure can be folded and transported easily on two wheels. That takes care of some unnecessary lift shifting.
On the fitness front, it features eight resistance levels.
These can be adjusted with a simple knob and efficiently functioning components all round which all make for a serious calorie busting workout for the upper and lower body.
But what do the consumers think? The Marcy is as sturdy as a rock, able to work and keep on working without much trouble.
It certainly takes some getting used to at first but once you become familiar, it’s a piece of cake.
Criticisms?
It is not the most refined or elegant machine you can find, build quality does feel like what you paid for and the instructions could be clearer.
+Pros:
- Comfortable
- Simple to use
- Consistent performance
- Great workout
-Cons:
- Cheap building materials
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- Instructions for assemble are not very clear
Tips For Buying a Rowing Machine With a $300 Budget
First off, put things into perspective.
You cannot reasonably expect to find the highest quality in terms of design and functionality this far down the price range.
But what you can expect is a machine that is easy to live with and can still deliver a great workout. Also, do not expect a high level of resistance.
A budgeted rowing machine is probably best if you are just starting to work out.
It is important to focus on what your feet are getting from the machine.
The size of the foot pedals needs to be enough because if your feet are not well supported, the exercise itself will be badly compromised.
Decide on which type of budget rowing machine is best for you. You can choose mainly from the magnetic pull rowing or air rowing category.
The more commonly available of the two is the magnetic pull variety. However, the trade-off is these machines are ideal for beginners as the resistance they offer is limited.
And finally, practicality. After exhausting yourself from a workout, it would not be ideal to have a grueling task of putting the machine away.
Look for one that comes with integrated tools for easy storage such as transportation wheels and foldable structure.
And of course, before you begin your work out verify that it is easy to assemble.
With these boxes all checked, you should have one sweet bargain in your possession.