The rowing machine is one of the most complete fitness equipment you can find on the market to developing aerobic fitness and building a healthy heart.
On top of this, it’s important to mention that the rower offers an impact-free exercise as opposed to other equipment like treadmills for example. That’s great news for your knees if you suffer from knee joints pain.
Like cross trainers, home rowers have now been very popular over the last few years.
We have carefully reviewed those home rowers, here is are the best machines under the £500 mark:
Our SELECTION
JTX Freedom Air Rowing Machine
This rowing machine from JTX is packed full of features for a great cardio and fat burning workout.
The JTX Freedom Air Folding Rowing Machine DualTorque™ resistance system combines air flow and 16 levels (it could do with more programs though..) of electro-magnetic resistance. The folding air rowing machine experience is enhanced with fitness programs to maximise the potential cardio and muscular benefits of rowing.
This indoor rowing machine can be easily folded away, wheeled and stored away at a reduced space saving length of just 112cm. Not bad at all.
Fairly easy to assemble, this rowing machine from JTX is really well made (we like the stunning black matte finish) and is well worth considering for less than £500.
Key Specs
The JLL Ventus 3 is packed with outstanding features and Kinomap Compatibility which allows you to train like a pro in the comfort of your own home.
This machine is equipped with both air and electro-magnetic resistance, meaning the faster you row the more air is sucked into the flywheel and the harder the resistance will be. If that still isn’t enough the sixteen levels of magnetic resistance on top of this will push your fitness levels even higher. Use this machine for a whole-body workout to sculpt and define each muscle.
The Ventus 3 folds upright to make storage easy. Folding and unfolding is easy.
What a great buy for less than £500!
Key Specs
NordicTrack RX800 Rower
The RX800 has been on the market for a while now, showing pretty good reviews.
The perfect view of the display is available for every user in your household with the innovative adjustable console angle. No matter how tall you are, you’ll clearly see your workout stats.
Also, the pedals that pivot is oversized to fit every foot, so the pedals will pivot to your movement as you workout which makes the job a lot easier.
Comfort is key for a rowing machine and on this aspect, the ergonomic seating of the RX800 is spot on. It is oversized and padded to offer great comfort.
You’ll be pleased to know that this rower can be folded. Sometimes, rowers under £500 don’t necessary offer this feature.
Overall, this is by far our favourite and for that price, you are getting a lot for your money.
Key Specs
ROWX Premium Rowing Machine
For less than £200, this rowing machine provide the best total-body workout of any cardio machine.
Rowing machines allow you to perform a range of upper body exercises such as bicep curls, shoulder shrugs and upright rows whilst having a cardio workout.
The ROWX rower provides an efficient, effective, low-impact workout that utilises all the major muscle groups, including the back, legs, arms, abdominals and buttocks.
Fairly easy to assemble, this rowing machine from Amazon is really well made and is well worth considering at this price!
Key Specs
Proform R600 Rower
R600 is a great indoor rowing machine that was designed to last long rowing sessions.
This rower is very similar to the NordicTrack RX800 we talked about above and that’s great news, because the RX800 is a very good rower.
A few minor differences though, the console of the Proform R600 is lower than the RX800. That’s something they should improve, but it remains a very small issue.
The R600 has a great feature that determines the amount of resistance based on your pace. Priced below the RX800 from Nordictrack, that makes it a very good buy. This machine will tick the box of plenty of users!
Key Specs
Our Verdict
Our Pick
JLL Ventus 3 Air Resistance Rower
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- AIR RESISTANCCE
- FOLDABLE + TRANSPORT WHEELS
- GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
GREAT ALTERNATIVE
JTX Freedom Air Rowing Machine
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- INERTIA-ENHANCED FLYWHEEL
- EASY FOLDING SYSTEM
- MAX USER WEIGHT: 130KG
Proform R600 Rower
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- INERTIA-ENHANCED FLYWHEEL
- FOLDABLE + TRANSPORT WHEELS
- MAX USER WEIGHT: 130KG
How to choose a rowing machine