If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best folding rowing machine for low impact home workouts is, then I’d recommend the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine as the best one.
A home gym and bulky exercise equipment don’t go hand-in-hand.
That’s why foldable rowing machines can be a welcoming relief to help you get in low impact workouts without taking up too much space.
If you want to find the best folding rowing machine, check out our buyer’s guide and top five reviews.
Here are the top folding rowing machines we’ll be reviewing:
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Display
- Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
- XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower
- Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
Folding Rowing Machines – Buyer’s Guide
There are several foldable rowing machines fighting to get your attention on the market.
To help you wade through them all, it helps to understand some key features and other aspects that make for quality folding rowing machines.
Types of Foldable Rowing Machines
A good rowing machine exercise can target a wide range of muscle groups since it’s a full-body workout.
However, it may be tough settling on the best folding rowing machine without understanding the various types.
Not only do these types explore different resistances, but they’re also capable of being stored in different ways.
The four types of folding rowing machines you may encounter are hydraulic, magnetic, air, and water.
Our later reviews only focus on air and magnetic folding rowing machines, but we’ll take a look at all four types to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Air Rowing Machines
Otherwise known as flywheel rowing machines, air models may gain their popularity because of the level of resistance available.
You can change the resistance during your workout by simply pulling harder.
The pulling motion activates the flywheel that has fan blades attached to it, and the wind produced gives you the resistance.
It can give you a rowing experience similar to that of outdoor rowing.
Generally, it’s more continuous and smoother compared to hydraulic or magnetic rowing machines.
At the same time, these models tend to be more expensive.
They may also not leave as small as a footprint as the previous two when folded.
Magnetic Rowing Machines
Although hydraulic rowing machines are wanted for home gyms because of their size, magnetic rowing machines are sought after because of their low noise level.
These machines use a magnetic brake system, and since there’s a lack of friction produced this way, you may achieve a near silent workout.
As you’re using these machines, they’re generally comfortable as the rowing process is smooth.
Storage isn’t much of a concern as they can fold down well enough to stash in a closet or under the bed.
Hydraulic Rowing Machines
Hydraulic machines may be one of the most common type of rowing machine you’ll find for a home gym.
They’re compact, and they can fold down to a size that’s suitable for smaller spaces.
These can also be a budget-friendly option as they’re usually sold at an affordable price.
The tension on hydraulic rowing machines relies on how much air or fluid gets compressed within a piston or a cylinder.
You typically can adjust the resistance.
However, these machines may not give you a natural rowing feeling since you’re unable to pull in a straight line.
Water Rowing Machines
Water rowing machines are useful if you want to get as close as possible to a real rowing experience right in your home, but they are expensive.
There’s a flywheel attached to a water tank, and this is where you’ll get your resistance.
When you pull, operation is near-silent as all you’ll hear is the water swishing around.
Do note that since there is a water tank attached, it can have some considerable bulk, which may take up room.
Durability and Comfort
Some folding rowing machines are made from steel, others feature wood or aluminum products, and you may even find some made with a mixture of materials.
They all have their own amount of durability to them, so how long your machine may last depends on the actual quality of the various materials.
Steel, of course, can offer good longevity, but there may be some weight added to it. A mixture of aluminum and steel may be a safe bet.
How comfortable a machine is depends on the seat, footrests, and handles. Some seats offer a contoured build that’s cushioned.
You may also find handlebars that feature foam covering for grip security and to fight hand fatigue.
Quality footrests tend to be adjustable and non-slip in design.
Storage Options
As mentioned when discussing the types of rowing machines, these can either fold or collapse for storage.
If you have a wide-open area, then feel free to purchase whatever machine you like best as space isn’t an issue.
For those that need to take additional space-saving measures, the best folding rowing machine for the job is one that can fold down or collapse enough to fit in compact spaces.
This can allow it to fit in a corner, under your bed, in a closet, or just behind your couch.
Best Folding Rowing Machine – Top 5 Reviewed
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is a high-end, air-powered rowing machine.
The resistance responds to you, and if you want to change the air flow, you can control it by the damper that goes from levels 1-10.
It comes in two colors, light gray and black, and it’s made from commercial-grade aluminum with steel legs.
What helps make this the best folding rowing machine for a home gym is how quietly it runs. Also, it can separate into two different pieces for storage.
If you want to keep it together, then you can make use of the wheels to move it.
You can track your progress using the backlit, LCD monitor. There are different workout options and games available, and you can save it all to a USB flash drive.
You can also connect to a fitness app and join online communities and challenges.
The monitor does look out-of-date, however, and the USB interaction might be unresponsive at times.
If there could be any other improvements to the machine, it’s the seat. It lacks cushioning, so it may get uncomfortable after awhile.
You may find comfort in the ergonomic handle and adjustable footrests though.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Smooth rowing action
- Separates for storage
Cons
- Lack of comfort in the seat
- Technology seems low-quality
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Display
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is a budget-friendly way to get a quality, low impact workout in at home.
There are foam grip handlebars that may help keep your hands callous-free.
It also provides a non-slip surface so you can maintain your hold. You can find a non-slip texture on the footrests as well.
Assembling this is simple and fast, and it takes up minimal space. The folding mechanism is easy to handle as well.
With the built-in transport wheels, you can move it place-to-place with minimal effort.
With the magnetic tension system, you can choose from eight levels of resistance.
It may feel uneven at times, which can force you to pay more attention to ensure you have controlled movements.
There is an LCD display monitor to keep up with your progress. It displays time, count, scan, and calories.
However, it still seems rather basic, and the calorie count seems to miscalculate.
A factor about this magnetic rowing machine is that it pushes out minimal noise.
This way, you can work hard without disturbing anyone else in the home or nearby neighbors.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Minimal footprint
- Low noise level
Cons
- Magnetic resistance can be uneven
- Not much use in the display
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine seems to keep comfort in mind as it features a cushioned seat that’s oversized so that it’s compatible with various users.
In addition, the machine also features ergonomic foot pedals and a slip-resistant handlebar so you feel secure as well.
The foam grips may come off, however.
There are eight, high-quality magnetic tension levels to provide you with a versatile workout.
It glides smoothly as well, and you may hardly hear it as you exercise. If getting up and down is an issue for you, it may help to be aware that this machine sits low to the ground.
Otherwise, it’s generally simple to use. There’s a performance monitor that keeps up with your fitness stats, and it seems accurate.
You also have a built-in tablet holder if you want to use your tablet or Smartphone instead.
Once you’re done, it folds upright so that you can store it off to the side.
The transportation wheels may assist with that too.
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Quality resistance levels
- Runs smoothly
Cons
- Foam grips might come off
- Seems too low to the ground
XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower
Another budget-friendly option is the XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Rower.
It’s magnetic powered and friction-free, which offers you a quiet experience so you may focus more on the workout itself.
It is simple enough to pull as the rowing mechanism is smooth.
There are even eight levels of resistance to cycle through with the ease of twisting a knob.
However, the resistance seems minimal, even at the highest setting.
When using it, you can keep up with your fitness progress and goals by reading the LCD monitor.
It’s large, and you can still adjust the angle to a more comfortable level. The screen reads out well enough as it displays the like of count, time, etc.
The machine is overall compact in design. As easily as you can set it up, you can fold it up for storage.
How long it will last you is uncertain.
The frame, although made from a mixture of aluminum and steel, feels low in quality.
It may be comfortable to sit on though thanks to the contoured seat and padded row handle.
Pros
- Easy setup and folding system
- Effortless to pull
- Compact design
Cons
- Construction feels a bit low-quality
- Minimal pull resistance
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
If you want a machine that gives a wide range of resistance options, the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower may be a good choice.
It features 14-level magnetic tension so you can move from easy workouts to more challenging ones once you’re ready.
The large LCD display is easy enough to read, and it includes a Smartphone holder so you can get your training in with music, an exercise app, or anything else you want to use the phone for.
There’s a contoured seat cushion meant to suit people of various sizes, and you can adjust it for different heights ranging from 4’9″ to 6’6″.
However, the seat may get too stiff and uncomfortable after just a short amount of time.
This rowing machine does offer near silent operation. The extra-wide grip handlebar is padded and gives you a secure hold as you work.
Even the pedals pivot to allow for a greater range of motion.
You can move it out of the way when finished even though the wheels don’t seem to roll way well.
Still, it folds compact for storage.
Pros
- Functions silently
- Easy-to-read LCD monitor
- Good range of resistance settings
Cons
- Uncomfortable to sit on after a short time
- Wheels don’t roll well
Final Thoughts
Rowing machines can offer a quality low impact workout that doesn’t put as much stress on your body.
If you want one for your home gym, you should consider foldable rowing machines as they can help you save on space.
From our list, we feel that the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is the best folding rowing machine for your home.
It’s one of the higher end models, and much of that expense may be found in its high-quality aluminum and steel construction.
There’s still a good lightweight feel to it, and with its wheels and ability to separate into two pieces, it’s easy to store.
Air-powered, the rowing action is smooth, and you may barely hear it while you exercise.
The handle is ergonomic, and the adjustable footrests seem supportive.
