8 Best Foldable Rowing Machines to Turn Your Living Room Into a Gym

“If I can’t use a Concept2, this is my go-to,” says MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.

The Hydrow Wave—a more streamlined and slimmed-down version of Hydrow’s original Rower Connected Rowing Machine, (which our editors named 2024’s best rowing machine for small spaces)—is a smart connected rower with a focus on recreating the real-world rowing experience. While it does not actually fold in half, the neck and screen fold down to facilitate simple and compact vertical storing.

“It fits easily in my basement training area, and can stand up for storage. Despite the compact size, the Wave is SUPER-durable: I can go hard on this rower for sprints, or take on longer intervals.”

Take live or on-demand classes, or take an unguided “journey”, to explore the water from the comfort of your own home. The best part is that the virtual classes are immersive and surprisingly lifelike.

“A free mode would be nice, so I could build my own workouts, but this is the best magnetic resistance rowing experience on the market.”

It offers a long list of other high-tech features, including a crisp and responsive touchscreen display. Unique “electromagnetic drag” technology also makes for more realistic and lifelike rowing—more so than any other machine we tested. Plus, it sets up and stows in seconds. In addition to a folding neck, an optional upright storage kit ensures it takes up minimal space, which is especially nice for storing in apartments and other tight spaces.

The Hydrow Wave features the sleekest, most streamlined design of any rowing machine we’ve seen. It’s enough to elevate the look of any home gym, although it comes at a premium—the device is nearly $1,700 delivered and also requires an ongoing monthly subscription fee of $44.

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The RowErg is the updated name for Concept2’s Model D rower, and it’s the first device that comes to mind when we think of training on a rower at home. And while it doesn’t technically fold in half, it does separate into two pieces, which can be stored upright. Our editors have never come across a better rower than this one, point blank.

Echelon’s base model rowing machine has an ergonomic cushioned seat and oversized, adjustable foot pedals for extra comfort. The 32 silent, magnetic resistance levels allow you to customize your workout, whether you’re a rowing newb or an advanced rowing machine.

Best of all, it’s foldable. Plus, built-in wheels help for easy transport to tuck it easily away when it’s not in use.

While it lacks the jumbo high-tech displays of many other machines on this list, it features a device holder that swivels and flips around for use during off-row workouts instead. With an optional Echelon Fit US membership (you can still use the rower without it), you get access to 3,000+ live and on-demand classes including rowing, strength, yoga, and more. Plus, all those scenic rides that high-end rowers twice the price boast. Dual built-in speakers also allow you to hear the trainers in your virtual workout programs loud and clear, too.

Bonus: It’s the second most affordable rowing machine on this list. So, if budget is a concern, the Smart Rowing Machine is definitely worth considering.

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Ok, so technically this rower doesn’t fold in half, but it features a console that folds down and can be stood upright for easy storage. (It takes up less than 2 square feet of floor space when stored vertically.) According to Samuel, aside from the Concept2 RowErg, this is the most potent rower on this list.

This rower was purpose-built for commercial gym usage, and we’ve found that it can hold up to the toughest workouts and years of abuse without wavering. With a solid steel frame and parts meant to take a beating, this thing can take our worst. “It’s one of the few rowers that’s designed to let you truly push your limits and sprint aggressively on it.”

It offers all the essential features that novice and advanced users demand in the best rowing machines. A sweat-proof seat, multi-grip handles, and adjustable footrests help to make for a comfortable user experience. The simple LCD display offers basic onboard training programs, and there’s a built-in heart rate monitor.

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Want group fitness workouts in the comfort of your own home? This rowing machine from NordicTrack has you covered. The RW900 Smart Rower has a crisp, 22-inch touchscreen, which allows you to take classes on-demand and automatically adjusts your resistance level according to the trainers’ preferences. Professional class instructors will even challenge you to go beyond just cardio, with strength training and yoga classes, too. The comprehensive virtual program library ensures you’ll never be bored.

We like the long list of other nice-to-haves like Bluetooth headphone connectivity, quick-adjust pedals, and easy assembly. A few other standout features make it one of Samuel’s go-to’s for a long rowing workout, “the seat’s extra-comfortable, and the magnetic resistance on this is ultra-quiet so it’s easy to watch Netflix or listen to a podcast while training.”

It also sets up, folds, and stores easily, making it easy to get ready and break down at the end of your workouts. Given the long list of smart features and the NordicTrack brand name, it’s priced at a premium at around $2,000.

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With the option to upgrade to an iFIT membership, you can take your exercise to the next level with an Automatic Trainer Control feature that digitally adjusts your resistance. Meaning an at-home workout that keeps you engaged and motivated.

The rowing machine itself is well-designed, with 24 digital resistance levels that catch pretty quickly when adjusting. A multicolor display keeps track of essential stats such as distance, time, and estimated calorie burn, but lacks higher-end tech features or app connectivity (you’ll need to use a phone or tablet for iFit).

An oversized cushioned seat offers solid support, and the rower is built on a solid steel rail, so it feels stable during use. It’s not the most heavy-duty rower on this list, but backed by a 5-year frame warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty, it’s a good piece for beginners to get started on.

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The ERG650W is a great introductory rower for those in the market for a water-powered option. Construction is sturdy, and assembly is a breeze, taking only a few minutes. While adjusting the resistance may not be as effortless as with some other machines, the rower’s performance is impressive for the price.

Plus, a ton of reviewers have remarked about the brand’s exceptional customer service. Some buyers have experienced issue with the foot straps wearing down, which XTERRA’s team has been quick to replace when needed.Although the feet straps could benefit from improvement, the overall quality and performance of this water rower makes it a worthwhile investment for beginners.

High-end home fitness equipment company Peloton launched the simply named Peloton Row in December of 2022. Men’s Health fitness writer and strength coach David Otey, C.S.C.S., took it for a spin (pun intended) and confirmed that it’s set to give every rower on this list—even the best rowing machines—a run for their money. And with a foldable arm feature, it’s a great option for compact storage.

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