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Buying guide

Best rowing machines under £500

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    YOSUDA RM11: wood frame, 32 levels, 180 kg

    Resistance changes from buttons on the handle, so you do not stop rowing to adjust.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Wenoker H300: quiet, folds to 0.28 m²

    The listing states it runs below 30 dB, which suits shared walls and early starts.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    MERACH R15 manual: 130 cm rail, 40 kg resistance

    Up to 40 kg of magnetic resistance over 16 levels, according to the maker.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Below the premium names there are plenty of rowers that do the basics well, and a few that cut corners where it hurts. On a smaller budget, check the rail first: a short rail stops taller users reaching full leg extension. Then look at the max user weight, which tells you how much margin the frame has, and the seat and footplates you will be in contact with every stroke. Resistance can be magnetic, with fixed levels, or water, which follows your effort. Storage and app support are bonuses that many cheaper rowers now include. This guide checks seven rowers at the lower end of the serious range on rail length, resistance, levels, max user weight, storage and apps. All facts come from the listings; prices were used only to choose the models.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · YOSUDA

YOSUDA RM11: wood frame, 32 levels, 180 kg

180 kg · folds

A magnetic rower with an FSC-certified solid wood frame, aluminium rail and resistance buttons on the handle. A good middle ground for anyone who likes the wooden look without a water tank.

In its favour

  • Resistance changes from buttons on the handle, so you do not stop rowing to adjust.
  • The 135 cm rail is stated to suit users from 1.55 m to 2.00 m tall.
  • Certified to EN 20957 with a 180 kg user limit and a two-year warranty, per the listing.

Good to know

  • The listing title mentions 10, 16 and 32 level versions, so check which one you are buying.
  • Stored footprint after folding is not stated in centimetres.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: YOSUDA Rowing Machines for Home Gym, 10/16/32 Levels Quiet Resistance

No. 2 · Wenoker

Wenoker H300: quiet, folds to 0.28 m²

160 kg · folds

A compact magnetic rower that the maker rates below 30 dB and that folds to 0.28 m². It suits a flat where quiet and storage matter more than rail length.

In its favour

  • The listing states it runs below 30 dB, which suits shared walls and early starts.
  • It folds to 0.28 m² and arrives about 70% pre-assembled.
  • Kinomap and Bluetooth support let you row scenic routes on a phone or tablet.

Good to know

  • The stated height limit is 190 cm, so very tall users should look elsewhere.
  • The listing does not say how the levels are changed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Wenoker Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Gym, 16 Resistance Levels

No. 3 · MERACH

MERACH R15 manual: 130 cm rail, 40 kg resistance

158 kg · folds

The manual R15 pairs a 40 kg magnetic system with a 130 cm extended rail and needs no socket. It suits taller rowers who want a simple, battery-run monitor.

In its favour

  • Up to 40 kg of magnetic resistance over 16 levels, according to the maker.
  • The 130 cm rail is designed for full leg extension across different heights.
  • Up to 90% pre-assembled, with a device holder and bottle holder included.

Good to know

  • Resistance is set by hand rather than from the handle or an app.
  • Assembled length of 187 cm needs a long clear space.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: MERACH Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower, 40 kg Resistance, 16 L...

No. 4 · YPOO

YPOO RM912F: folds to about 0.12 m²

160 kg · folds

A dual-rail magnetic rower that folds to about 0.12 m² upright or folds flat. It suits small homes that need the rower out of sight between sessions.

In its favour

  • Folded upright it takes 1.29 sq ft (about 0.12 m²), per the listing.
  • The maker quotes under 30 dB with 16 magnetic levels.
  • Bluetooth sync with Kinomap and the YPOO FIT app.

Good to know

  • Stated user heights run only up to 6 ft 2 in.
  • How resistance is adjusted is not stated in the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: YPOO Rowing Machines, Magnetic Rowing Machines for Home Gym

No. 5 · Dripex

Dripex 14 L: water resistance on a budget

150 kg · folds

A rubberwood and steel water rower with a 14 L tank and a 12-blade impeller. It suits buyers who want the water feel in a frame that folds for storage.

In its favour

  • A 14 L tank with a 12-blade impeller gives water resistance that follows your stroke effort.
  • The rail folds vertically and four wheels help you move it between rooms.
  • Bluetooth and a built-in tablet holder let you follow app workouts.

Good to know

  • The 125 cm rail is shorter than most premium water rowers, so tall users should check the fit.
  • The listing does not name which apps it connects to.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Dripex 14L Water Rowing Machine 12-Blade 150kg Wooden Bluetooth Foldab...

No. 6 · SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS

Sunny full-motion rower: free app, split times

180 kg

A compact rower with rotating handles, 12 levels and the free SunnyFit app. It suits first-time buyers who want guided sessions without fees.

In its favour

  • The SunnyFit app is free with no subscription, per the listing.
  • The LCD shows split time per 500 m and strokes per minute.
  • A 180 kg max user weight is stated in the title.

Good to know

  • Resistance type, rail length and storage are not stated.
  • Rotating handles move differently from a fixed rowing handle.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Full-Motion Rowing Machine, Home ...

No. 7 · BH

BH Aquo R308: branded folding rower

120 kg · folds

A folding magnetic rower from Spanish maker BH with a 5.5 kg flywheel and eight intensities. It suits lighter users who want a simple machine from an established fitness brand.

In its favour

  • BH lists a 5.5 kg flywheel with a magnetic brake system.
  • The aluminium frame folds away for storage between sessions.
  • Eight intensities keep the controls simple.

Good to know

  • The 120 kg load limit is lower than most rivals here.
  • Rail length and app support are not stated.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: BH Fitness Aquo R308 Foldable rowing machine -complete workout - magne...

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Magnetic rowers

Row and Spin chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.