The 10 Best Foldable Rowing Machines for Small-Space Home Gym Upgrades (2025 Guide)
Compact home gyms are more popular than ever, and for good reason: city living, apartment layouts, and multipurpose spaces all demand fitness equipment that's space-efficient, quiet, and easy to move or stow away. For cardio and total-body conditioning, a foldable rowing machine can deliver maximum results in minimal space. But with so many models promising silent resistance, digital tracking, and smart features, choosing the right rower for a small-space home gym can be overwhelming. Below, we break down the top foldable rowing machines of 2025, including standout newcomers and proven favorites, with a special focus on what truly matters in tight living quarters.
Introduction
Compact home gyms are more popular than ever, and for good reason: city living, apartment layouts, and multipurpose spaces all demand fitness equipment that's space-efficient, quiet, and easy to move or stow away. For cardio and total-body conditioning, a foldable rowing machine can deliver maximum results in minimal space. But with so many models promising silent resistance, digital tracking, and smart features, choosing the right rower for a small-space home gym can be overwhelming. Below, we break down the top foldable rowing machines of 2025, including standout newcomers and proven favorites, with a special focus on what truly matters in tight living quarters.
How We Compared
- Footprint when in use and folded – How well does it fit in limited rooms or storage spaces?
- Ease of portability – Is it light, foldable, and moveable by one person?
- Resistance and performance – Does it offer a smooth, quiet workout with useful resistance levels?
- Build quality and weight limits – Will it hold up for repeated, long-term use?
- Convenience features – Tracking, app integration, and warranties.
- Price and value – Balancing cost with real-world benefit for home users.
Everything we recommend
FED Fitness Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro
Purpose-built for home and apartment use, this ultra-quiet rower offers commercial-grade strength and a highly compact foldable design for tight spaces.
ProForm 750R Rower
A foldable magnetic rower famed for interactive iFIT training with a wide resistance range and easy storage for tech-focused homes.
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
Interactive, compact, and premium, the Hydrow Wave brings immersive coaching and a storable build for high-tech home gyms.
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
The gold standard in durability and smooth action, with upright storage for compact living but gym-level performance.
NordicTrack RW600 Rower
Digital resistance and a folding SpaceSaver frame make this a tech-rich option for small-space gym owners seeking convenience and versatility.
Stamina Body Trac Glider Portable Rowing Rower
Ultra-compact and budget-friendly, the Body Trac Glider suits true beginners or those with the smallest spaces.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
A consistently top pick among budget shoppers, this model is compact, foldable, and ideal for small home gyms.
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Minimalist, foldable, and with smart tracking features, this machine is ideal for tech-savvy home users with little space.
BodyCraft VR200 Rowing Machine
A home-ready compact rower with air/magnetic hybrid resistance and handy extras like a cooling fan.
Echelon Row-s
Blends a foldable compact frame with a connected platform for on-demand workouts, perfect for small apartments and class-focused users.
Merach Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Super affordable and designed for fold-flat stowage, the Merach is perfect for budget-focused, space-limited home gyms.
FED Fitness Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro
Summary: The Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro from FED Fitness is purpose-built for home and apartment use, combining ultra-quiet operation, robust commercial-grade materials, and an impressively compact foldable design. It shines for users who want high-performance workout options without disturbing neighbors or sacrificing valuable living space.
Feature Highlights:
- 16-level magnetic resistance (16 neodymium magnets + 12 lb flywheel)
- Industry-leading quiet operation (~25 dB volume)
- 350 lb weight capacity, robust 4 mm steel frame
- Adjustable monitor (time, SPM, counts, calories), tablet holder
- Easy folding for storage, free shipping
Pros:
- Whisper-quiet and truly discreet in any room
- High resistance range for diverse workouts
- Spacious capacity, strong stability
Cons:
- Lacks smart platform/app integration
- Newer to the US market, fewer user reviews
ProForm 750R Rower
Summary: This foldable magnetic rower is a go-to option for those committed to interactive training. The 750R offers greater resistance adjustability and iFIT smart workout integration, folding easily for home use.
Feature Highlights:
- 24 magnetic resistance levels
- iFIT connectivity
- Foldable rail for compact storage
Pros:
- Advanced smart training options
- Huge resistance range
Cons:
- Requires iFIT subscription for full features
- Slightly larger folded footprint
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
Summary: Hydrow Wave delivers an immersive, interactive rowing experience in a more compact and storable build than the flagship Hydrow. The drag-technology resistance and crisp onboard screen make it a premium pick for high-tech home gyms.
Feature Highlights:
- Interactive screen with coached classes
- Drag-resistance system
- Designed for easy storage
Pros:
- World-class streaming workouts
- Sleek, small-space friendly
Cons:
- High price point
- Subscription required for interactive content
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Summary: The gold standard for durability and smooth action, the Model D is a top choice in both gyms and households. Its upright storage mode makes it suitable for compact homes.
Feature Highlights:
- Air-resistance flywheel
- Durable commercial-grade construction
- Stands upright for storage
Pros:
- Legendary reliability, spare parts widely available
- Excellent resale value
Cons:
- Noisier than magnetic models
- Bulky footprint during use
NordicTrack RW600 Rower
Summary: A feature-rich choice for tech-forward small-space gym owners, the RW600 offers digital resistance and a folding “SpaceSaver” frame, with ergonomic design and iFIT integration.
Feature Highlights:
- Digital magnetic resistance
- SpaceSaver folding
- iFIT-enabled smart workouts
Pros:
- Smart training variety
- Simple, upright storage
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Dependent on a subscription for full experience
Stamina Body Trac Glider Portable Rowing Rower
Summary: Ultra-compact and budget-friendly, the Body Trac Glider is perfect for beginners or those with the tightest spaces.
Feature Highlights:
- Compact foldable design
- Hydraulic resistance arms
- Lightweight frame
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Tiny stowed size
Cons:
- Limited resistance
- Less robust build quality
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
Summary: A consistent favorite among budget-conscious shoppers, this Sunny Health model is compact, foldable, and offers adjustable magnetic tension suited for small home gyms.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance
- Compact folding design
- Built-in wheels for portability
Pros:
- Value price
- Easy to store and move
Cons:
- Basic monitor
- Lighter frame, moderate resistance
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Summary: Upgraded for app compatibility and smart tracking, this Sunny Health model caters to tech-minded home users in need of a minimalist, fold-up design.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance with smart features
- Compact size and foldable for storage
- Easy to maneuver
Pros:
- Smart tracking support
- Convenient for tight apartments
Cons:
- Fewer resistance levels
- App features can be limited
BodyCraft VR200 Rowing Machine
Summary: A hybrid rower combining air and magnetic resistance, the VR200 is built compact for home set-ups and adds creature comforts like a cooling fan.
Feature Highlights:
- Air/magnetic hybrid resistance
- Compact, sturdy build
- Adjustable footrests
Pros:
- Smooth hybrid resistance
- Well-built for homes
Cons:
- Less “foldable” than ultracompact models
- Basic display
Echelon Row-s
Summary: Blending a compact, foldable frame with an interactive platform, Echelon’s Row-s is a smart, connected choice for users with limited space seeking on-demand class features.
Feature Highlights:
- Foldable for storage
- Smart connectivity with live and on-demand workouts
- Compact footprint
Pros:
- Interactive training options
- Easy stowage
Cons:
- Subscription required
- Not as sturdy as some competitors
Merach Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
Summary: A strong choice for those prioritizing value and portability above all else, Merach’s model serves up efficient home workouts at a wallet-friendly price, and is designed specifically for fold-flat stowage.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance
- Foldable, lightweight
- Designed for small home spaces
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Space-saving build
Cons:
- Limited feature set
- Basic monitor
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Ideal For | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FED Fitness Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro | 16-level magnetic resistance, ultra-quiet, 350 lb capacity, foldable | $288–$360 (sale varies) | All-around small-space home gyms | Super-quiet, robust, generous features |
| ProForm 750R Rower | 24 resistance levels, iFIT integration, foldable rail | $700–$900 | Smart-home setups, tech fans | iFIT premium training and variety |
| Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine | Interactive display, drag-resistance, compact | $1,400–$1,700 | High-tech, immersive workouts | Premium coaching, smallest Hydrow footprint |
| Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine | Air-resistance, commercial durability, upright storage | $1,000–$1,200 | Durability seekers, performance users | Best-in-class reliability |
| NordicTrack RW600 Rower | Digital resistance, foldable SpaceSaver frame, iFIT | $900–$1,100 | Smart home gyms, interactive training | Advanced tech plus space savings |
| Stamina Body Trac Glider Portable Rowing Rower | Hydraulic arms, ultra-compact, budget | $120–$180 | Beginners, ultra-tiny spaces | Smallest folding footprint |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 | Magnetic resistance, compact folding, portable wheels | $200–$300 | Budget, renters/apartment dwellers | Best bang for buck |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine | App compatibility, smart tracking, foldable | $250–$350 | Small spaces, tech basics | Smartest entry-level |
| BodyCraft VR200 Rowing Machine | Air/mag hybrid, compact, cooling fan | $800–$1,100 | Hybrid resistance fans | Smoother, hybrid feel |
| Echelon Row-s | Foldable, live/on-demand workouts, compact | $1,000–$1,300 | Connected home, class lovers | Live training platform |
| Merach Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic, foldable, value-friendly | $200–$300 | Tight budgets, easy stowage | Pocket-friendly, simple |
Buying Tips
- Measure before you buy. Not all rowers fold to the same dimensions; verify both open and closed footprints.
- Consider weight capacity and frame material. Commercial steel and higher weight limits equal better stability and durability.
- Look for easy folding and transport wheels. If you’ll move the machine frequently, this is a must.
- Quiet operation is essential for apartments. Magnetic resistance is generally quieter than air or water models.
- Decide on tech features (or not). Fit-guided training is great, but if you prefer no subscriptions, choose a machine with a good built-in monitor.
- Warranty and support. Choose brands that offer accessible tech support and clear return policies.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foldable rowing machine for small-space home gyms is about more than just saving square footage: it’s about maximizing your fitness potential in whatever room you have. The FED Fitness Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro leads this year’s list for its combination of whisper-quiet performance, rugged design, generous capacity, and true portability—all at a mid-tier price point. Whether your focus is high-tech interactivity, budget essentials, or pure silent power, our top picks above ensure there’s a perfect fit for every small-space gym upgrade.
Check current prices and consider what features matter most before upgrading your home setup.
Overview
Design & Features
Performance
Comparisons with Other Brands
Verdict
References
- FED Fitness Yosuda RM4 Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Pro
- ProForm 750R Rower
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
- NordicTrack RW600 Rower
- Stamina Body Trac Glider Portable Rowing Rower
- Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
- BodyCraft VR200 Rowing Machine
- Echelon Row-s
- Merach Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine