Best Rowing Machine Under $100
Looking for the best rowing machine under $100?
Well look no further because I have the top pick!
Plus, I have two other great alternatives with slightly different features!
I understand when people want to get into rowing but don’t have the funds to buy a high-end rowing machine.
Maybe they just want a simple rowing machine to warm up and cool down for other exercises or just want to test the waters before spending a lot more money.
All these reasons are valid for wanting to find the best rowing machine under $100.
While there aren’t a ton of options in this price range, there are a few that can get the job done and a few that you should definitely avoid.
I’ve done the research and looked at all the rowing machines priced under $100. Luckily, I’ve found a few models that provide the best of all the criteria listed below.
**Full Disclosure** Rowing machines prices are always subject to change and models can move in and out of price ranges. All models listed at the time of this post were under $100.
| Rowing Machine Under $100 | Product Information | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
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Top | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine Rower with 12 Level Adjustable Resistance, Digital Monitor and 220 LB Max Weight | Check Price |
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Top | Stamina Rowing Exercise Machine - Smart Workout App, No Subscription Required - Foldable | Check Price |
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Top | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor | Check Price |
Important Criteria
When looking at the best budget rowing machines, you need to analyze all the different criteria like monitors, build quality, warranties, etc..
Each specific criteria may be more important to you than another user, so just pay attention to what I analyze from each category.
If you weigh 275 lbs., capacity would be an important criteria, but if you have limited space then dimensions or storage may require a closer look.
Below are all the important features I considered when determining the best rowing machine under $100.
Resistance-type
Hydraulic-piston rowing machines rule the under $100 space and there aren’t many other options besides this resistance type.
When looking at resistance, a rowing machine should have adjustable resistance and be suitable for your fitness level. There should be no mechanical issues with the pistons and the rowing stroke should feel smooth and strong.
Monitor/ Control Panel
Monitors in this price range are almost nonexistent and we are just lucky to have some data tracking available.
A good monitor should track time, stroke count, and possibly calories burned. There will be no advance features on a monitor in this price range.
Build Quality
A lower priced rowing machine will be made of lower quality material to keep cost down. However, this doesn’t mean it should break easily.
A rowing machine under $100 should still be made from steel and have very few quality complaints. There should be no complaints of parts breaking after a few months of rowing.
Comfort
Many elderly people like buying rowing machines under $100, so comfort is of high importance. The rowing machine should have a comfortable seat, soft handle grips, and sturdy foot rests.
A user should be able to row comfortably for at least 20 minutes and be able to use the machine everyday. The rowing stroke should be smooth with no clinking or squeaking noises.
Storage Options
Rowing machines under $100 are usually small and compact, so they shouldn’t take up much space. They can store upright to reduce their footprint or store inside a coat closet.
Most will not be able to fit under a bed, but they should be lightweight and easy to move around.
User Capacity
Being inexpensive and compact means the user capacity on these rowing machines is usually lower.
Users who are shorter than 6’2″ and under 225 lbs. should have no problem using these rowing machines. If you are bigger, you may need to look at the next price range higher.
Dimensions
The dimensions on the best affordable rowing machines are usually small and require very little space to operate.
The only concern for some users is having the seat low to the ground may make it hard to get on and off the rower. Just double check the dimensions and make sure everything seems fine.
Assembly
Assembly on basic rowing machines is usually very easy as long as the instructions are followed carefully.
There should be no complaints about pieces not fitting together correctly or parts breaking during the first couple sessions.
Warranty
While good warranties are hard to come by in this price range, your rower should still be able to cover any problems from factory defects. This would mean at least 90-days for parts and 1-year for the frame.
You wouldn’t want a faulty piston to break after a month and have to pay for a replacement.
Price
While the best rowing machine under $100 will obviously be “under $100”, it should still be the best valued rower in this price range.
There isn’t much wiggle room in this category as most rowers are priced right around the $80 mark.
Recommended- Best Rowing Machine Under $100
When I wrote this post back in 2016, there was only one good option. Many people considered it the best inexpensive rowing machine at the time.
However, more models have come out that are great rowing machines under $100. This is my reason for updating the article and expanding the list.
Option #1: Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
Many consider the #1 best rowing machine under $100 to be the Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine.
It has certainly been a top seller on Rowing Machine King for a few years when people are looking for low-cost models.
With 12 levels of adjustable hydraulic-piston resistance, this rowing machine is great for users of all ages and fitness levels.
It is lightweight, compact, and very quiet, which makes it great for putting right in front of the TV to row.
Being small, easy to use, and low cost also makes it a great rowing machine for warming up and cooling down.
Users mentioned it had excellent build quality and provided a smooth comfortable rowing stroke. The warranty was fair for the price and Sunny Health & Fitness provides great customer service.
Sunny Health and Fitness has some of the best affordable rowing machines and knows how to make a good quality, low-cost rower.
If you are looking for a great full-body workout and one of the best budget rowing machines for under $100, then this is the rower for you!
Why The Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine?
When looking for the best budget rowing machine under $100 there aren’t a ton of great options and the Sunny Heath & Fitness Rowing Machine tends to be at the top of the list.
The 12 levels of adjustable resistance make is strong enough for male users but easy enough for others to get in some easy, low-impact movement during the day.
The monitor is able to track time, strokes, total strokes, and calories burned which makes it a very good monitor at this price point.
Users mentioned that the rowing machine felt strong and sturdy even when people as heavy as 290 lbs. used it! The seat, handle, and footrests are comfortable, durable, and can accommodate a wide range of sizes.
For a full breakdown of the criteria I mentioned above check out my full Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine review.
The people who find this rowing machine to be the best value are usually elderly rowers who are just looking to get a good low-impact exercise in everyday. Other people like to use the Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine to warm-up or use in a circuit training regime.
Overall if you are looking for one of the best rowing machine under $100, the Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine is a great choice!
Option #2: Stamina InMotion Rower
The Stamina InMotion Rower is very similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness Rower mentioned above. There are a few areas that are different, such as the resistance adjustment and storage abilities.
You can check out my full Stamina InMotion Rower review here and compare it side-by-side to the the Sunny Health & Fitness review.
This is another great inexpensive rowing machine option for people looking to spend less than $100.
Option #3: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1410 Rower
Another great option under $100 is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1410. This is a fairly new rowing machine and came out after my original post.
This model is great for someone who want the “free-motion” arms to mimic rowing oars in a boat.
Final Thoughts
If you are new to rowing and don’t want to break the bank, then looking at affordable rowing machines under $100 may be your best option.
They are great for seeing if this is an exercise you enjoy and an activity you want to pursue.
If you only have $100 to spend and like hydraulic piston rowers, the Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine and the Stamina InMotion Rower are great options. I would compare the resistance mechanism and storage capabilities to decide between the two.
If you like the “Free-Motion” arm movement, then the Sunny SF-RW1410 is a great choice!
While hydraulic piston rowing machines are your best option for under $100, there are magnetic and air rowing machines offered at the next tier up.
Hydraulic-piston rowers are great for the reasons mentioned above but if you are wanting to row for longer periods of time everyday you will need to spend a little more money. Listed below are two great options for slightly more advanced rowing machines that won’t break the bank.
I ranked a magnetic rowing machine as the best rowing machine under $300. You can view my full article here.
If you are interested in air rowing machines then you can find the best budget air rower in my article about the best rowing machine under $500. You can read that full article by clicking here.
I hope these article are able to give some good guidance as to what is the best rowing machine in each price range!
Do you agree with my choice of the best rowing machine under $100? Leave me a comment below.
Rowing Machine King Founder and Author.