Best Folding Rowers

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title: "Best Folding Rowing Machines for Small Apartments – Top Picks for 2025" description: "Discover the best folding rowing machines for small apartments. Our expert-tested top picks include budget-friendly and premium options with compact folded footprints for tight spaces." slug: best-folding-rowers cluster: quiet-cardio page_type: roundup evidence_mode: product_reviews

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Living in a small apartment doesn't mean you have to give up on a full-body cardio workout. A folding rowing machine is one of the smartest investments you can make for a compact home gym. Rowers deliver an unmatched combination of cardiovascular conditioning and strength training in a single, low-impact motion — and when you're done, they tuck away neatly in a closet or slide under a bed.

Unlike bulky treadmills or ellipticals that permanently consume precious floor space, folding rowing machines are purpose-built for apartment living. Most models collapse to less than half their operational length, with some slimming down to under 30 inches in folded form. The best part? You don't have to sacrifice performance for portability. Today's top folding rowers range from budget-friendly magnetic resistance models to premium air and water-resistance machines that rival what you'll find in commercial gyms.

In this guide, we tested and evaluated the five best folding rowing machines available in 2025, specifically with apartment dwellers in mind. We prioritized folded footprint, ease of storage, noise level (your downstairs neighbors will thank you), build quality, and overall workout experience. Whether you're working with a studio apartment or a compact spare bedroom, one of these rowers will fit your space and your fitness goals.

At a glance — quick comparison table

Our top pick: Concept2 Model D (RowErg) — the gold standard

The Concept2 Model D, now rebranded as the RowErg, remains the undisputed champion of home rowing machines — and yes, it folds. While many people picture this machine permanently planted in a CrossFit box, the Model D separates into two pieces for compact storage with no tools required. When split, the longest piece measures roughly 54 inches, allowing it to slide into a closet or lean against a wall with a footprint of about 25" x 33".

What makes the Concept2 our top pick isn't just its storability — it's the performance. The air-resistance flywheel responds directly to your effort: pull harder, and the resistance increases proportionally. This unlimited resistance ceiling means the Model D grows with you from your first workout through years of training. The included PM5 performance monitor is the best in the industry, tracking every metric imaginable — pace, watts, stroke rate, calories, and heart rate (with a compatible strap). It connects seamlessly to the Concept2 ErgData app and platforms like Strava and Apple Health.

For apartment dwellers, the noise level is a key consideration. Air rowers are louder than magnetic models — you'll hear the signature "whoosh" with every stroke — but the sound is low-frequency and doesn't carry through floors the way a treadmill's footfalls would. Most users find it perfectly acceptable for shared-wall living, especially compared to a running machine.

Specs at a glance:

The $1,050–$1,200 price tag isn't cheap, but the Concept2 holds its resale value better than any other rower on the market. Factor in the legendary durability — many units from the early 2000s are still going strong — and the cost-per-workout is remarkably low. If you have the budget and want a rower that folds while delivering a commercial-grade experience, the Model D is the clear winner.

Best budget: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

If the Concept2's price tag makes you wince, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is proof that you can get a solid rowing workout without spending four figures. This magnetic resistance rower has become one of the best-selling home rowers on Amazon for good reason: it's affordable, whisper-quiet, and folds up small enough to disappear into a corner.

The SF-RW5515 uses an 8-level magnetic resistance system that produces virtually zero noise — significantly quieter than air or water rowers. This makes it the ideal choice for apartment dwellers with thin walls or downstairs neighbors who complain about every footstep. You can row at 5 AM without worrying about waking anyone up. The magnetic resistance is also smooth and consistent, though it doesn't scale infinitely like air resistance. For general fitness and conditioning, however, the 8 levels provide plenty of range.

Folding the SF-RW5515 takes just seconds: release a latch, lift the rail, and it locks into a near-vertical position. In folded form, it measures approximately 37" L x 19" W x 53.5" H — compact enough to fit in a closet or behind a door. At just 55 lbs, it's also easy for one person to move using the built-in transportation wheels.

The LCD monitor is basic but functional, displaying time, count, calories, total count, and scan mode. It won't connect to apps or track detailed metrics, but it gets the job done. The molded seat glides on a 48-inch rail, accommodating users up to approximately 6'4" comfortably. With a 250-lb weight capacity and a sturdy steel frame, the build quality punches well above its price point.

Specs at a glance:

At $300–$400, the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 is the best entry point into home rowing. It's not built for competitive rowers or high-intensity interval training fanatics, but for steady-state cardio, warm-ups, and general fitness in a small apartment, it's an outstanding value.

Best premium: WaterRower A1

There's something undeniably satisfying about the sound of water splashing with every stroke, and the WaterRower A1 delivers that experience in a package that's both beautiful and functional. Handcrafted in the USA from sustainably sourced solid ash wood, the A1 looks more like a piece of furniture than exercise equipment — which is a major selling point when your "gym" doubles as your living room.

The A1 uses WaterRower's patented WaterFlywheel, which sits in a sealed tank at the front of the machine. As you pull the handle, paddles churn through the water, creating resistance that increases naturally with your stroke intensity. The feel is smooth, fluid, and remarkably similar to rowing an actual boat on calm water. Unlike air rowers, there's no fan noise — just the gentle, rhythmic sound of water, which many users find meditative rather than disruptive.

Storage is where the A1 really shines for apartment living. Unlike other rowers that fold, the WaterRower stores vertically by simply lifting the rail and standing it on end. In its upright position, the A1 occupies a mere 20" x 21" of floor space — about the footprint of a small side table. It stands 84" tall, so you'll need adequate ceiling clearance, but the vertical orientation is ideal for sliding into a corner or between furniture. Best of all, the water tank stays sealed and level in the upright position, so there's no risk of spills.

The A1 S4 monitor tracks speed, distance, time, calories, and heart rate. It lacks the advanced connectivity of the Concept2's PM5, but it's intuitive and easy to read. The A1's mono-rail design is slightly less robust than the dual-rail systems on the A1 Home and Natural models, but it still supports users up to 325 lbs and provides a stable, comfortable rowing experience.

Specs at a glance:

At $900–$1,100, the WaterRower A1 sits in the premium tier, but you're paying for genuine craftsmanship and a unique rowing experience. If aesthetics matter in your apartment and you want a rower that enhances your space rather than detracting from it, the A1 is worth every penny.

Best for small spaces: Merach Q1S

When every square foot counts, the Merach Q1S is engineered specifically for the space-constrained apartment dweller. This relatively new entrant to the rowing market has gained a devoted following for its impressively compact folded footprint and surprisingly robust feature set at a mid-range price point.

The Q1S uses a dual-magnetic resistance system that produces 16 levels of smooth, nearly silent resistance. It's quieter than air rowers, on par with the Sunny Health magnetic models, and the expanded resistance range provides more room to progress. The aluminum alloy rail keeps the overall weight to a manageable 42 lbs — the lightest of any rower on this list — while still supporting users up to 350 lbs.

What sets the Merach Q1S apart is its folding mechanism and connectivity. The rail folds vertically with one hand, collapsing to just 28" L x 18" W x 47" H — small enough to fit in a standard coat closet or slide under most beds when laid flat. The built-in Bluetooth connects to Merach's app (iOS and Android), which offers guided workouts, metric tracking, and integration with popular fitness platforms. The basic LCD monitor is mounted on an adjustable arm and displays time, distance, strokes, calories, and heart rate when paired with a chest strap.

Assembly takes about 20 minutes, and the whole machine arrives in a compact box that's easy to maneuver up staircases and through narrow doorways — a genuine consideration for apartment dwellers in walk-up buildings.

Specs at a glance:

At $350–$500, the Merach Q1S occupies a sweet spot between the basic Sunny Health model and the premium tier. If your apartment is truly tiny and you need the smallest possible footprint without giving up app connectivity and a decent resistance range, the Q1S is purpose-built for your situation.

Best for beginners: Echelon Row

If you're new to rowing and want a connected experience that guides you through every workout, the Echelon Row is the best folding rower for beginners. With its built-in 22-inch HD touchscreen and subscription to Echelon's live and on-demand class library, this machine eliminates the learning curve and keeps you motivated with professional coaching.

The Echelon Row uses a smooth, frictionless magnetic resistance system with 32 levels of adjustment — controlled digitally via the touchscreen or automatically by the instructor during classes. The resistance is virtually silent, making it apartment-friendly even during early morning or late-night sessions. The sliding seat rail is long enough to accommodate users up to 6'6", and the 400-lb weight capacity is the highest on this list.

For storage, the Echelon Row folds vertically with a simple lift-and-lock mechanism. In its upright position, it measures approximately 48" L x 24" W x 72" H — not the smallest footprint on our list, but still manageable for most apartments. The machine is heavier at 125 lbs, so you'll want to plan your storage spot rather than moving it daily.

The 22" touchscreen is the star of the show. It displays your form from multiple camera angles during classes, provides real-time metrics (output, stroke rate, distance, calories), and shows a leaderboard that lets you compete against other rowers. Beyond rowing, the Echelon subscription includes yoga, strength, HIIT, and stretching classes — making this a more complete fitness platform than a standalone rower.

The catch is the subscription cost: Echelon requires a monthly membership ($39/month) to access the full class library. Without it, the touchscreen functionality is limited. Factor this into your total cost of ownership.

Specs at a glance:

At $1,300–$1,600 (plus the ongoing subscription), the Echelon Row is a significant investment. But if you're a beginner who thrives on guided instruction and community competition, it delivers an experience that makes you actually want to work out — which is the most important feature of all.

Buyer's guide — what to look for in a folding rowing machine

Choosing the right folding rower for your apartment comes down to balancing several key factors. Here's what to prioritize:

Folded footprint and storage method. Not all "folding" rowers fold the same way. Some separate into pieces (Concept2), some fold vertically (Sunny Health, Echelon, Merach), and some stand upright on end (WaterRower). Measure your intended storage space — closet depth, ceiling height, under-bed clearance — and compare it to each model's folded dimensions before buying.

Resistance type. Air rowers (Concept2) offer unlimited resistance scaling but are louder. Magnetic rowers (Sunny Health, Merach, Echelon) are whisper-quiet but have a fixed resistance ceiling. Water rowers (WaterRower) offer natural, variable resistance with pleasant low noise. For shared-wall apartments, magnetic or water resistance is usually the better choice.

Weight capacity and rail length. Check the maximum user weight and the inseam limit (often listed as max user height). A rower's rail needs to accommodate your full leg extension. Most quality rowers support at least 250 lbs and users up to 6'4".

Noise level. Your relationship with your neighbors matters. Air rowers produce a continuous fan noise; magnetic rowers are nearly silent; water rowers make a gentle splashing sound. Test noise levels in your space if possible, or read user reviews specifically mentioning apartment use.

Monitor and connectivity. Basic LCD monitors track time, distance, and calories. Advanced monitors (PM5, Echelon touchscreen) connect to apps for data logging, structured workouts, and community features. Decide whether you need connectivity or just the basics.

Build quality and warranty. Rowers are mechanical devices that endure thousands of repetitive cycles. Look for steel or solid wood construction, a smooth-gliding seat, and warranties of at least 1 year on parts and 3 years on the frame.

Price and total cost of ownership. Factor in any required subscriptions (Echelon), potential maintenance, and resale value. A $1,000 Concept2 that lasts 15 years and sells for $700 used is cheaper than a $300 rower that breaks in two years.

Frequently asked questions

How much floor space do I need for a folding rowing machine?

In use, most rowing machines require a footprint of approximately 6–8 feet in length and 2 feet in width. When folded or stored vertically, the best models reduce this to roughly 2' x 3' of floor space. The WaterRower A1 has the smallest stored footprint at about 20" x 21", while the Concept2 stores in two pieces that each take up about 25" x 33". Always check folded dimensions against your available storage space before purchasing.

Are rowing machines too loud for apartments?

It depends on the resistance type. Magnetic rowers like the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 and Merach Q1S are nearly silent and ideal for apartments. Water rowers produce a gentle splashing sound that's usually not disruptive. Air rowers like the Concept2 are the loudest due to the spinning flywheel fan, but the noise is low-frequency and generally doesn't carry through floors as much as a treadmill. Most apartment dwellers find rowing machines more neighbor-friendly than running on a treadmill.

What's the difference between air, magnetic, and water resistance?

Air resistance uses a spinning flywheel fan — the harder you pull, the more resistance you create, with no upper limit. It's the preferred system for competitive rowers but produces the most noise. Magnetic resistance uses adjustable magnets around a metal flywheel to create frictionless, silent resistance. It's quiet and smooth but has a fixed maximum resistance level. Water resistance uses a flywheel in a water tank — the harder you pull, the more water resistance you generate. It offers a natural, boat-like feel with pleasant low noise.

Can I get a good workout on a budget folding rower?

Absolutely. While premium rowers offer better monitors, smoother mechanisms, and longer durability, budget models like the Sunny Health SF-RW5515 deliver an effective cardiovascular workout at a fraction of the cost. The key factors for a good workout are proper rowing form, consistent effort, and progressive challenge — all achievable on a $300 rower. Upgrade when your fitness level outpaces your equipment or when you want better data tracking and app connectivity.

How often should I use my rowing machine to see results?

For general fitness, aim for 20–30 minutes of rowing, 3–4 times per week. For weight loss, combine rowing with dietary changes and gradually increase to 30–45 minutes per session. For performance improvement, incorporate interval training (short bursts of high intensity followed by recovery periods) twice per week. Consistency matters more than duration — 20 minutes four times a week beats 60 minutes once a week. Rowing is a full-body exercise, so allow rest days for recovery, especially when starting out.