Rowing for Less – Top 9 Affordable Rowing Machines in the UK for 2024
Are you looking to buy a rowing machine, but are on a limited budget? If you are then no doubt you are wanting to buy the most affordable rowing machine and get the most for your money. In this guide we will be highlighting the best budget rowing machine in the UK at different price ranges. All of the rowers featured offer the best value for money and are among the best sellers in the UK. In addition they come with excellent customer feedback on Amazon from verified buyers.
What To Expect When Buying A Budget Rowing Machine
When sticking to a budget it is always good to know that you will get the most for your money. When buying a rowing machine there is a big difference between models in terms of features and overall quality, even though they may cost roughly the same price. That is why in this article all of the models featured offer great value as they come with as many features as possible for the price they are.
So lets take a look!
| Product Image | Brand Model | Resistance | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Body Sculpture Rower and Gym | Adjustable | |
 | DOMYOS Essential 120 | Magnetic | |
 | JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine | Magnetic | |
 | Marcy RM413 Henley Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine | Magnetic | |
 | Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine | Magnetic | |
 | York Warrior R400 Rowing Machine | Adjustable | |
 | JOROTO M26 Water Rowing Machine | Water | |
 | JTX Freedom Air Rower | Air | |
 | Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower | Magnetic |
What Are The Best Budget Rowing Machines?
Body Sculpture Rower and Gym
If you are on a budget of £100 then there is a limit to the quality of the rowing machine you will get. The Body Sculpture rower and gym is considered by many to be the best cheap rowing machine under £100.
This is a foldable rower and is very compact when folded up and takes up very little space. The LCD display is very basic and has four readout functions and are as follows calories burned, time, count and scan.
In addition to being a rowing machine this model also has a gym element to it. The gym function allows the user to work their arms, chest, back, shoulders, lats and abs.
To sum up: cheap and cheerful with some quality to it, when compared to other cheap rowing machines this is the best of the bunch.
DOMYOS Rowing Machine Essential 120
Renowned for their exceptional value fitness equipment, the Domyos brand presents the Essential 120 foldable rowing machine—a testament to affordability without compromising on quality.
Sporting a design reminiscent of pricier models, this rowing machine boasts a maximum weight capacity of 130 kg, indicative of its robust build.
While the LCD display may appear basic, offering six readouts including calories burned, number of strokes, distance, stroke rate, workout time, and 500-metre split estimates, it delivers essential metrics for tracking your progress. For those seeking additional features, a higher budget may be required.
To sump up: boasting a commendable four and a half stars on Decathlon UK with 871 reviews, the Essential 120 comes highly recommended for those in search of an affordable yet dependable rowing machine. Its solid design ensures sturdiness during use, making it an excellent choice for home workouts.
View Latest Decathlon UK Prices
JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine
This rower machine by the very popular fitness brand JLL has just been given a massive discount on Amazon and is currently less than half price. With reviews rating this model at four and a half stars and feedback been overall very positive this is easily the best rowing machine under £200 if not more.
In terms of features the JLL R200 has many you would expect to see in more expensive models. With a magnetic resistance system and 10 levels of resistance users can be sure of a smooth, quiet and very hard workout.
The LCD display is more advanced in terms of looks and functions than the previous featured models. In total it gives the user seven readouts and these are total count, calories burned, count/min, count, distance, time and scan mode.
Other features include secure adjustable footplates and spring-loaded knobs for the folding mechanism. The JLL R200 can be easily folded and is very compact when done.
To sum up: due to the massive discount this really is a bargain and it would be hard to find a better deal at the time of writing. With excellent reviews and from a brand that is well-known for its fitness equipment this rowing machine comes highly recommended.
Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine
If the previous model didn’t have such a big discount we would probably be talking about the Viavito Sumi been the best value rowing machine under £200.
However, that does not mean this isn’t a good model. With a four star rating and been listed as Amazon’s choice this is a very good home rowing machine for those on a budget.
First of all this rowing machine is a magnetic resistance based model. One benefit of magnetic rowers is that they are virtually silent which is always a good thing.
The LCD screen gives the following readouts time, distance, calories, count and strokes per minute. These readouts are more than enough to track any progress made in terms of fitness levels.
The overall design is solid enough and there is a maximum user weight of 120 kg.
To sum up: as mentioned this is a very good budget home rower and has good customer feedback. To be honest you would be far better off buying the JLL R200 as it costs less and does a lot more.
Marcy RM413 Henley Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine
Marcy make a lot of high quality fitness equipment and their rowing machines are well-known for their robust yet modern looking design. The Marcy RM413 has some very good customer reviews which confirm the durability and solid build of this rower, we would expect nothing less from a brand that makes the best home multi gyms.
Again, this is a model with magnetic resistance as this is the standard among the best rowing machines.
In total there are eight levels of resistance which can be adjusted by the simple turn of a dial. The resistance offered is quite testing at the top end. More advanced users would probably prefer something with a bit more resistance.
The LCD screen is more advanced looking than previous models. However, with this still been in the lower price though, the readout functions are still fairly basic. The readouts given are speed, time, calories and strokes per minute.
Also check out related guide: Marcy Foldable Rowing Machine Review
To sum up: there is no denying the design of this rower machine is very good as it is solidly built. Unfortunately the basic readouts mean some users will get bored as there are no pre-set fitness programmes to keep you entertained. Still, for a very affordable rowing machine it is a good quality model.
York Warrior R400 Rowing Machine
The York Warrior R400 rower marks a notable advancement in quality compared to its predecessors. With this heightened quality, however, comes a slightly higher price tag and a more functional rowing experience.
Let’s delve into its features!
The standout feature of this model is its 8 levels of magnetic resistance. Offering a broad range, the York Warrior R400 caters to both novices and seasoned users alike. As another magnetic rower, it ensures longevity and minimises wear and tear on the flywheel.
On the monitoring front, the LCD display showcases six key metrics: workout time, scan mode, distance, RPM, stroke count, and calories. With a generously padded seat and footplates, this rowing machine prioritises comfort during use.
Additional reading: York Excel 310 Rowing Machine Review
To sum up: Priced just below the mid-range for rowing machines, the York Warrior R400 boasts commendable quality and is particularly suited for those seeking a comfortable workout. Its array of readouts facilitates effective progress tracking, making it an excellent choice for users at various fitness levels.
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Joroto M26 Water Rowing Machine
Introducing the JOROTO Water Rowing Machine, making its debut in our best budget rowing machine reviews and impressing with its performance. Similar to the JLL R200, this rower has recently received a substantial discount, enhancing its appeal. Boasting a commendable 4.4 rating on Amazon and positive customer feedback, its outlook is promising.
From the outset, it’s evident that this rowing machine exudes quality in both build and design. Crafted from premium materials, it offers unparalleled smoothness in the back-and-forth motion of the seat, operating almost silently. The incorporation of water resistance further contributes to its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for home use.
Featuring 6 levels of resistance, this rower delivers a challenging workout experience, particularly for those familiar with water rowers. The computer display is thoughtfully arranged, showcasing essential metrics such as distance, calorie consumption, stroke count, and time, allowing for comprehensive performance monitoring and evaluation.
To sum up: if your budget permits spending £500, I highly recommend investing in the JOROTO M26 Rower. With its top-notch quality and significant price reduction, it presents exceptional value for money. Trust me when I say, finding a water rower of comparable quality at this price point would be a challenge.
JTX Freedom Air Rower: Foldable Superior Rowing Machine
The JTX Freedom Air Rower is a favourite of many rowing enthusiasts and it comes recommended as a very good mid-priced rower.
First of all when it comes to features this model has all you need in a home rowing machine. To start with there are a whopping 16 levels of resistance. The resistance is a combination of both air and magnetic. Using these resistance systems together is the reason there are so many levels of resistance. In addition at the top end this model gives a very tough workout.
The LCD display is more akin to a commercial model than a budget rowing machine. This model also gives a decent amount of readouts for tracking any progress made. The readouts given are speed and distance, stroke rate, revolutions, heart rate, power and split times. Another positive are the 8 pre-set programmes which are a great training tool. The programs will put the most advanced user through their paces.
Other features include a heart rate monitor chest strap. Using the wireless chest strap provided, you can set a target heart rate and let the rower adjust its resistance in order to keep you at your optimum heart rate.
To sum up: the JTX Freedom Air Rower has a lot of features and is of the best quality. Numerous reviews go on to mention the solid design and functionality of this model. If it’s the best rowing machine for £500 you are after then look no further.
Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor
While the Concept 2 Model D Rower may not be considered a budget option, if your budget allows and you’re in search of the finest rowing machine UK customers can procure, then look no further than the Concept 2 Model D indoor rower.
With a five-star rating on Amazon and holding the title of Amazon’s number one choice model, it’s hard to find fault with this exceptional machine.
If you frequent gyms, chances are you’ve encountered the Concept 2 before, as it’s the preferred model for many commercial fitness establishments. Designed for heavy usage, this rower boasts exceptional durability, backed by a generous five-year warranty.
The standout feature is the PM5 monitor, which meticulously tracks various workout metrics. Moreover, users can connect their phones to record and store workout data seamlessly.
To sum up: favoured by Olympic athletes for training, this rower is undeniably top-tier. Its superb design quality, coupled with overwhelmingly positive reviews, makes it the ultimate choice for those seeking excellence in rowing machines.
Final Words – Best Budget Rowing Machine
There are plenty of affordable rowing machines on the market, unfortunately not all of them are good. In this article we have compiled all of the best models at different price ranges. All of the models featured offer the best value for money in terms of features and quality. Hopefully this should make buying the best rower machine for your needs less of a headache.
For more information on buying a rowing machine under £500 be sure to check out our full guide.
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