BEST FOLDABLE ROWING MACHINES 2021

#1. Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine 

The SHF Phantom Hydro Water Rowing Machine doesn’t just have a nice name, it’s a very efficient machine too.

Its frame is made of steel and can accommodate users that weigh 300 lb and below, which indicates that the frame is solid. I mean if it isn’t solid, there’s no way it’ll support 300 pounds of weight.

With a size of 81.5” L x 21.25” W x 39.5”, this unit is also compact. Add to the fact that you can fold it and it’s a no-brainer that SHF Phantom is made for tiny apartments.

As its name implies, this best foldable rowing machine generates resistance using water.

Whenever you pull the handle, the fans in the water tank spin the water thereby generating resistance.

So the faster you pull the handle, the higher the resistance created. You can also fill the tank up to 7 different water levels, letting you choose the resistance level that works best for you.

Using the SHF Phantom is also comfortable. It comes with a large padded seat designed to reduce tailbone pressure. So no worries rowing for a long time!

Its foot pedals are also large and have Velcro straps to prevent your feet from slipping out during rowing sessions. There's also a water bottle holder so you can keep yourself hydrated.

To monitor your workout parameters, there’s a large LCD screen that displays time per 500m, distance, calories burned, total strokes, workout time, and pulse read. You can also set targets for yourself using any of the 11 preset programs.

Assembling the SHF Phantom is easy. Simply follow the instructions for each step and you should be done in one hour or less.

#2. Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine

Merax is one of the well-known names in fitness equipment, so its not a surprise this machine meets their high standards.

The Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine has a very compact build made of solid steel coated with an anti-corrosion finish.

It's very sturdy, and users who weigh 264 pounds and below would row comfortably.

With adjustable end-caps and a center support mechanism, this machine doesn't wobble when in use. It is also foldable and suits people with little space.

It uses magnetic resistance and comes with 8 levels of resistance, which makes workouts challenging. 

It is suitable for users, especially beginners, and can also be used by intermediate users. Professionals might find the resistance very easy.

The Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine comes with a large monitor that displays time, count, calories, and total count. However, the monitor is pretty basic. So don't expect anything fancy.

The seat is fully padded for comfort, and users can row comfortably for long hours without sacrificing comfort.

According to some users, the pivoting foot pedals are very comfortable. However, some users have complained about their feet moving around in the foot pedal.

Storing this device is very easy as it is easily foldable. So this machine is a great option for users with a small apartment.

Also, there are two front wheels with which you can move this machine quite quickly. 

Assembling this machine is also very straightforward. All the necessary tools are provided and should take about 30 minutes to set up.

#3. ECHANFIT Rowing Machine Foldable Indoor Rower 

The ECHANFIT Rowing Machine Foldable Indoor Rower is another solid space-saving machine.

The frame is made of solid steel that's coated with anti-corrosion paint finish and durable ABS material.

Measuring 75.20" L x 19.29" W x 33.46'H, this unit is smaller compared to some others on the market. It is also very foldable, which makes it suitable for small spaces.

It comes with a comfortable heart-shaped seat with durable upholstery material. The seat is designed to support a weight capacity of 265 lb.

While this is lower than some others on this list, it is not bad for a foldable home machine and would support many users.

The large footrests swivels thanks to its pivoting feature, enabling you to change your feet' position while working out.

Weighing about 55 lb, this rowing machine can be moved around quite easily. In addition, the front base has transport wheels that aid its movement to and from the workout area.

The resistance system is magnetic with 16 levels of resistance, which you can adjust with the tension control knob.

As it is a magnetic system, the resistance does not depend on how hard you pull but the selected level.

Tracking workout data is easy as the LCD shows time, calories burned, RPM, count, distance, and RPM. The console features the Set, Mode, and Scan buttons.

With the Mode button, you can scroll through the workout data and select the data you want to see, while the Set button enables you to set a workout goal.

Choosing the Scan mode makes the workout metric rotate on the screen for some time. The console also features a tablet holder, so you can watch videos while working out.

Assembly instructions are included in the manual, and the package also comes with tools for assembly. So setting the machine up shouldn't take more than an hour.  

#4. Merax Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine  

Made of heavy-duty steel construction, the Merax Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine is durable and can accommodate users with a weight of 330 lb and below. Padded, the seat is comfortable for use and glides smoothly along the 46" slide rail.

Merax Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine offers users a smooth and quiet rowing experience.

It uses a quiet magnetic flywheel that offers steady resistance throughout the workout. There's 8 levels of magnetic resistance you can choose from the tension knob located in the center.

It comes with an anti-slip handle with padded foam, ensuring you don't develop hand blisters from rowing.

Measuring 12.2 x 4.3 inches each, the footplates are large and comfortable. Adjustable straps also keep your feet in place while you're working out.

The LCD is backlit and displays information such as calories burned, distance, total count, stroke, and time so you can see your parameters as you workout.

Since it folds to almost half its original size, storing this rowing machine won't be a problem even if you stay in a compact apartment. Furthermore, assembling it is very easy. All you need is to follow the instruction laid out in the manual.

#5. Maxkare Magnetic Rowing Machine  

The Maxkare Magnetic Rowing Machine is a full-body rower that targets the biceps, calf, triceps, butts, calf, and other parts of the body.

It is made of quality steel with support beams ending in 4 caps for stability on the ground.

The end caps are adjustable and enable you to balance the rowing machine on uneven surfaces, thereby preventing the machine from wobbling. A center beam also keeps the rowing machine steady. This rowing machine can support 264 lb of user weight.

The resistance is magnetic, with the magnet located close to the metal flywheel. It offers 16 levels of resistance that can be adjusted using the knob.

For example, when you turn the knob to a higher resistance, the magnet moves closer to the flywheel, creating more resistance.

The pretty basic monitor displays workout parameters, including time, calories burned, reps/minute, stroke count, and total count.

Some users have complained that the workout data displayed isn't accurate. This issue isn't limited to this machine as most budget rowing machines have basic monitors.

The seat is padded and is comfortable for users. The handle is also padded and is about 18" long to give users wide and narrow grip options.

The footrest is pivoting and comes with a strap to hold the feet in place during workouts.

Assembling this machine is very straightforward and takes about one hour if you're assembling it all by yourself.

Some users say some parts were missing when they got their packages, but these complaints are far and between. Missing parts get replaced quickly by the manufacturer.

Storing this unit is also foldable, making it a great option for users with small apartments.

#6. XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower

If you're looking for a mid-priced, effective rowing machine, this is it. The XTERRA ERG200 is the most affordable in the XTERRA's range of rowers.

It comes with a large contoured seat that keeps users comfortable while they're working out. The foot pedals are also made for comfort.

XTERRA makes them adjustable for users to position their feet at an angle suitable for them. Velcro straps are also available to hold your feet in place during workouts. Users with a weight of 250 lb and below can comfortably use the XTERRA ERG200.

The XTERRA ERG200 rowing machine uses a magnetic resistance with 8 levels to choose from. Users can select from levels 1 to 8 using the knob.

The console features an LCD that displays distance covered, time elapsed, stroke count, calories, and scan.

The Scan mode rotates between each workout metric for about 6 seconds before moving on to the next. The monitor is also adjustable, so you can angle it at a position for easy viewing.

Weighing 55 lb and with transport wheels, this best foldable rowing machine is easy to lift and move around. It is also foldable, making it easy to store after use.

Putting the parts of the XTERRA ERG200 is very straightforward. The package comes with an instruction manual and tools.

So assembling it should take between 30 mins and 1 hour, depending on your DIY skills.

#7. ShareVgo Smart Rower

While ShareVgo isn't one of the well-known brands in the fitness industry, this rowing machine is up there among the best folding rowing machines around.

Its frame is made of steel coated with a light grey anti-corrosion paint finish that makes it highly durable. The frame is designed to support a user weight of 300 lb and below, which is great enough for many users.

Measuring 82.5″L x 18.3″W x 32″H, the ShareVgo Smart Rower is a fairly large machine with a long inseam, making it suitable for users as tall as 6'5" to extend their legs fully without any inhibition.

For stability, it comes with an adjustable rear stabilizer for balance on uneven floors.

The ShareVgo's seat is wide with a contoured surface for comfort to users. It also has a pivoting footrest, enabling users to adjust their position during workouts.

Large, the footrests can accommodate varying footwear sizes. There are also adjustable straps that keep your feet in place.

With a magnetic system, the ShareVgo offers 8 levels of resistance. However, like other magnetic systems, the resistance isn't dynamic, which means that it doesn't increase when you pull faster.

Instead, the resistance depends solely on the level you choose. However, that doesn't mean you won't get a challenging workout.

With its basic monitor, you get to see count, total count,  time, and distance. One exciting thing is that it is Bluetooth enabled, letting you to connect it with your mobile devices using the ShareVgo Fitness App.

It comes with a detailed instruction manual and basic tools, making assembling the machine easy. Depending on your skills, it shouldn't take more than an hour to assemble.

#8. Fitness Reality Dual Transmission Fan Rower

Manufactured by Fitness Reality, the FR Dual Transmission Rower is a sleek and modern rower with features that make working out exciting and challenging.

Its robust and durable frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant finish for durability. The frame is rated to support a max user weight capacity of 250 lb comfortably.

Weighing about 49 lb, the rowing machine is light and can easily be carried to and from the workout area.

This machine is unique because it uses air and magnetic resistance, with the significant resistance generated by the large fan.

This means that resistance is dynamic – the faster the row, the higher the resistance generated.

In addition, the magnetic part enables you to choose between 1 to 14 levels of resistance, giving you a wide of options.

With its high-density foam, the seat is comfortable. It also has large footrests that can take most footwear, no matter their sizes. However, the footrests are fixed and cannot be adjusted.

The LCD monitor displays distance, strokes, Watts, calories burned, and strokes per minute. While there are no workout goals, you can set goals yourself.

It also has Bluetooth connectivity that enables you to sync with MyCloudFitness App.

Assembling this rowing machine is also straightforward. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and it shouldn't take more than one hour to assembly it.

#9. Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine

The Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine offers a full-body workout, exercising about 85% of the body muscle groups.

Made of Oak Wood, this rowing machine is designed to look like a boat. The frame is designed to support a maximum weight capacity of 330 lb, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

Resistance is created in the large water tank as you row. The resistance is dynamic, meaning that as you pull the handle, more resistance is generated.

You can adjust the intensity of your workout by decreasing or increasing the level of water in the tank.

Its ergonomic seat makes rowing comfortable. You can row for a long time without any discomfort. Footplates are also large and adjustable for a suitable angle.

The machine features an LCD screen that displays count per minute, calories, distance, time, and scan, helping you keep track of your workout progress.

The Koreyosh Rowing Machine comes with the tools for assembly but users say the the instructions are vague. So you might spend more time than necessary setting this up. 

It is easy to store as it comes with transport wheels to move around from place to place. It also folds up, and you can stand it against the wall if you have small storage space.