Rowing is one of the most popular cardio exercises because of its simplicity, effectiveness, and can be done almost anywhere. That’s why it’s no surprise that rowing machines have become so popular in recent years.
Apartments don’t usually have much in the way of space for storage, so you need to get a compact rowing machine that still has enough storage capacity to last a few months at least.
That’s why in today’s article we are taking a look at the best rowing machines for apartments based on their features and customer reviews, as well as a list of things to be on the lookout for to help you determine which rower is right for your needs.
Here are our top 7 picks of the best rowing machines for apartments:
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
What Are The Best Rowing Machines For Apartments?

Given here are the seven quiet rowers for apartments giving them the utmost comfort and exercise benefits.
Most of these rowers are foldable and will take up far less space than their non-folding counterparts.
They also tend not to squeak as much as other types of home gym equipment, which makes them perfect for apartments where noise levels can be a concern.
These are the best rowing machines for apartments:
1. Concept2 model D Indoor Indoor Rower
If you are looking for a quiet rowing machine for your apartment, then the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is your best option to go for.
It offers a superior cardio workout that is fun, efficient and challenging.
This rower is absolutely considered to be one of the best rowing machines for bad knees that is going to place less tension on your knees and joints while squeezing the best out of you.
The PM5 Performance Monitor provides the user feedback on stroke rate, pace, distance, and calories burned to keep you motivated and engaged during your workout .
The CONCEPT2 Rower also features an advanced ergonomically designed handle for comfort during use. This helps to stay balanced while working out, plus gives more options when exercising on uneven surfaces or while training at high speeds.
This rower is lightweight, easy to move from places around and comes with a standard 14″ seat height which makes the perfect height for tall dudes with an aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track for a consistent back-and-forth slide.
The CONCEPT2 Rower can be quickly broken down into two segments for easy storage in your small apartment or bedroom without any issues.
You can even use the included caster wheels for easy transportation from one place to the other.
2. Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine
Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine is a heavy duty rower designed primarily for home use.
It is a foldable rowing machine that has been designed to be easy to set up and use.
You can easily split this machine into two segments for easy storage.
Its ergonomic design is designed specifically for working with your feet, knees or hips. This results in less injury and downtime.
This rower features a built-in device holder which has a handlebar that allows you to easily hold your phone, tablet or other electronic devices while you are rowing.
The Echelon Rowing Machine features the patented Echelon technology that allows you to control the resistance and incline of the rower, meaning you can adjust the intensity of your workout without having to manually adjust your system.
Moreover, you get access to 32 electronic resistance levels that can be adjusted to the amount of resistance you need.
The Echelon Row is a rower designed for home use with the Echelon 12-month Limited Parts and Labor Warranty.
3. NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
The NordicTrack RW 900 Rower makes up the best commercial rowing machine with its sturdy, heavy duty construction.
With its ergonomic design, this rower not only offers a more comfortable workout, but also provides one of the most effective workouts for your body.
Rowers have been using NordicTrack rowing machines for over a decade and it has become one of the best known and most popular rowers in the world today.
The Nordictrack RW900 rowing machine features a very simple design that is easy to set up and use.
It features a full sized rowing seat which makes it very comfortable to sit on and use for trainers with over 6th height, the right option for folks looking for the best rowing machine for tall people.

There are two different types of seat that The NordicTrack rower offers, the standard seat and the extra large.
The standard seat is a very comfortable seat for your body that can be adjusted by you as well as all of the other parts of this rower.
When you are using your NordicTrack Rower, there are 26 of Digital Resistance Levels, which means that there will be something for everyone whether they are just starting out or they have been rowing on their for a while.
This rower also features a 30 watt premium sound system in order to provide an excellent experience when you are using this rowing machine .
Means that no one will be able to hear what you are doing when you are working out at home or at the gym at all times during your workout session.
4. The Concept2 Model E Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rower is one of the most popular rowing machines in the market today.
It is made for both home and commercial use, featuring a sturdy steel construction with a durable finish.
The machine is designed to fit different heights because it can be adjusted between 7 feet 6 inches and 8 feet 9 inches tall.
You can easily separate this rower into two pieces for storage, taking up little to no space even if you live in a quite small environment.
The Concept2 Model E has been outfitted with Performance Monitor 5 which provides you with a way to monitor your workout.
This way you keep track of your performance, speed, distance covered, calories burnt and and many other metrics.
All the data is stored by the machine and then downloaded into a computer using the USB cable that comes with the package.
This rowing machine has been designed to give you an intense workout because of its features such as its Air Resistance system that provides smooth resistance at 12 levels.
This rowing machine, however, cannot be used outdoors because of its weight that is over 64 pounds.
You can use it on any hardwood floor or carpeted area.
However, if you find yourself needing to place it in a different location after buying, you can easily move it because of its wheels and handlebars at each end of the machine.
The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rower is durable, this means that it will last for years without becoming damaged by normal wear and tear from usage.
It also offers multiple resistance levels, which makes it the best rowing machine for crossfit and for high intensity workouts such as QuickFit sessions since they demand fast movements like running or jumping while keeping perfect form while rowing in between sets with little space to move around freely within.
5. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine has been made for both home and commercial use. It features a sleek design with attractive mahogany wood finishes.
You will enjoy working out with this rowing machine because it includes top quality materials that are meant to last long.
If you are worried about space issues in your home or gym environment, then this machine is ideal for you because it does not require much space to store or operate.
This rower comes equipped with a Series 4 performance monitor that tracks your performance as well as other important details such as speed, stroke rate, heart rate, calories burned, etc…
The resistance of this rowing machine impacts how fast you row. Means the faster you row, the more resistance you create, and the more challenging your workout gets.
You can select from mutually compatible rowing machine modes to make it easier on yourself or challenging for a few extra calories burned.
Race back and forth between intensities as you challenge your body and get fit using an indoor rowing machine with a monitor to help guide your way.
6. FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS
The FITNESS Reality Rower is a great rowing machine for heavy person due to its heavy duty frame, adjustability, high level of comfort and stability.
It is a very well built rower with a sleek design primarily made with beginners in mind, who don’t have any prior experience competing at any kind of high intensity exercise sessions.
Once you receive this machine, there would be some assembly required but it’s pretty easy to do.
However, when you do assemble it, make sure the bearings you install go on at exactly right angles so that the wheels roll smoothly.
Once it’s together, there’s no assembly required anymore.
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus has many features that make it stand out from other machines.
It has a large screen display of 5″ (1280 x 720) resolution which can be used with both Android and iOS devices, which also makes it very easy to read even on the small screen of your phone or tablet.
This is one of the best features this machine has because you can easily see all your workout data and keep track of your workout without any issues.
The Fitness Reality rower also comes with a free app called MyCloudFitness available on iOS and Android which lets you track your workout results for time, distance and calories burned.

This rower comes with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to check how fast or slow your heart rate is throughout your workout.
All in all, this rowing machine is a great investment for anyone who wants the convenience of an exercise experience whilst not leaving home.
7. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050
If you’re looking for the absolute smallest rower, both in use and in storage, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider may be what you’re looking for.
This rower comes at a much cheaper price than a lot of the other rowers on this list.
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider definitely falls into the category of the best rowing machines under 500$.
The rowing is smooth, but it doesn’t feel as natural as rowing using other types of resistance(Water or Magnetic rowers).
The is also very lightweight which makes it easy to move around from one room to the other with no problem at all.
The BodyTrac Glider frame supports 250 pounds of weight capacity. Obviously not an ideal option for intense use, but still get the job done as a budget-friendly machine for beginners.
How To Choose The Best Rowing Machine For Apartments?
Choosing the right rowing machine for your apartment can be challenging.
There are a lot of factors to consider, including space, budget, and other factors.
To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know about selecting a rowing machine.
So, whether you’re looking for a basic model or something more advanced, you can find the right one for you.
1. Space
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a rowing machine is how much space you have.
Not all models will fit in an apartment or condo, so make sure you take measurements before you buy.
If you have a small space, you may want to look at folding models or ones that can fold up when not in use.
2. Budget
Rowing machines are not just for fitness enthusiasts.
In fact, they’re a great way to stay in shape and boost your metabolism at the same time.
They’re also an affordable way to get in some extra exercise without having to pay for a gym membership.
One thing to consider when looking for a rowing machine is your budget.
Buying an affordable rower will give you more freedom when it comes to choosing accessories like monitors and straps.
3. Dimensions
Rowing machines come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose one that fits your space.
One thing to consider using is to measure the available space you have before making a purchase so you know what rower size will fit in your space.
4. Weight Capacity
Rowers come in all weights, from light to heavy.
The first and most important thing you want to consider when looking for a rowing machine is the user weight limit the machine has
You need to make sure that it has higher weight limits so it can handle intense workouts without any issues.
5. Resistance Levels
Rowing machines come equipped with levels of resistance that adjust how difficult it is to row.
You should choose a rower with multiple levels of resistance so that you have a diverse range of options to easily achieve your fitness level and goals.
6. Type Of Resistance
In today’s market, there are literally a ton of different resistance types to choose from.
The most common feature that can increase or decrease the price range is the resistance type of the machine.
The hydraulic rowers are usually the most affordable. Next comes the magnetic.
Before making your final decision on which rower to buy, make sure you go through the different resistance levels of rowing machines out there to get a better idea on what you are getting.
7. Monitoring screen
These days, most rowing machines are equipped with LCD screens that allow you to adjust the resistance levels and monitor your workout from start to finish.
This means that you can focus on your performance and not on your machine, which is great news.
Final Thoughts
Rowing machines are not just for fitness enthusiasts. In fact, they’re a great way to stay in shape and boost your metabolism at the same time. They’re also an affordable way to get in some extra exercise without having to pay for a gym membership.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing the best rowing machines for apartments is how much space you have.
Not all models will fit in an apartment or condo, so make sure you take measurements before you buy.
If you have a small space, you may want to look at folding models or ones that can fold up when not in use.
FAQ
Can you have a rowing machine in an apartment?
Rowing machines are an excellent way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, which can be important to anyone who wants to lose weight. They are especially good for people who live in small spaces.