9 Best Rowers Under 1000 for Beginners [2023]

4. Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Water Resistance Rower

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You may not have heard about Sunny Health & Fitness rowers, but this company is really on the move! They make high-quality devices but don’t leave out any of the fun stuff! Not only that, Sunny Health Fitness is also one of the most reliable brands to consider if you’re looking for the best rowing machine under $1000.

Water rowing machines are a popular choice because, for indoor rowing, they are as close to real rowing experience as you can get.

The Features of the Obsidian Surge 500 Water Rower

This water rower may be bargain-priced, but it certainly isn’t short of the good stuff. Some of the top features of this model include:

• Smooth, quiet water resistance feels like real rowing
• R2 fitness monitor tracks all the pertinent data
• The flywheel and its 16 fan blades in the water tank provide virtually unlimited resistance
• Easy to assemble
• Excellent build with quality construction that is super sturdy
• Supports user weight up to 300 pounds
• Molded padded seat
• High-density rubber transportation wheels make moving and storing the rower easier
• 17-inch seat height makes it easy for anyone to sit down and stand up
• Foot pads have nylon straps with Velcro for non-slip use
• Levelers keep the device from moving or rocking from side to side
• 1-year frame warranty, all other parts have a 6-month warranty
• Super affordable price tag

Did you imagine that you could get so much from a water rowing machine in this price range?

The Cons of the Obsidian Water Surge 500

I love this water rowing machine, but it could make a few improvements. Some of the drawbacks with this home rower are:

• No heart rate monitor is included, although you can always use your own
• The console isn’t backlit, which may make it difficult for some to see the readout without lighting
• The warranty could be better
• A few users say that the bolt on the foot pedals sometimes comes loose

The Verdict

Sunny Health & Fitness is making a name for itself as a company that makes great quality machines. If you want first-degree fitness and a water rower, then this might be the perfect choice for you.

Want to know more? Click Here to Read Our Full Review!

5. Mr. Captain Water Resistance Wood Rower

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Everyone knows that a water rowing machine is the closest thing to rowing that you can get without getting wet, but how about a water rower made from wood? Close your eyes, and you will think you are sitting in a boat! Have your kids or your partner spray you with the hose for a true 3D experience.

Just kidding.

Let’s check out all the good things that this water rowing machine under 1000 bucks gives you.

The Features of the Mr. Captain Water Rower

• The frame is made from waxed and oiled vintage oak wood for durability
• Anti-skid rubber feet keep this device stable on any surface
• Can be stored upright
• Has transport wheels for easy moving
• Large ergonomic fully cushioned seat
• 1-inch nylon belt drive system
• 45-degree positioned footplates are comfortable and have a large heel stop
• Provides an electric pump to drain or add water
• Has a large digital LCD screen that is split into different sections so you can see all your numbers at the same time
• Has a built-in smartphone or tablet holder
• Offers 3 workout modes
• Has a Bluetooth readout for connecting a 3rd party heart rate
• Comes with a waterproof storage cover or bag to protect the device when not in use
• There is a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 6-month warranty on all other parts

Bet you never thought you could get all that in a water resistance indoor rower for less than 1K!

The Cons of the Mr. Captain Water Rower Machine

While this water rowing machine has lots going for it, there are some drawbacks, such as:

• The monitor has no backlight, which can make it hard to read in low light
• No heart rate monitor is included, although there is an optional chest strap that can be purchased or you can use your own heart rate monitor
• No water bottle holder

The Verdict

This is a very nice piece of equipment as far as exercise machines go, and for indoor rowing, the wood platform and water tank cannot be beaten. You don’t need an expensive WaterRower to enjoy workouts on a wooden water resistance machine. You will love everything about Mr. Captain water rower. It just might be the best water rowing machine under $1000 that you can find.

See All Our Top Water Rowers!

6. The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Rower/Bike

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While this isn’t strictly a rowing machine, I did want to include it here since it does double duty and provides you with a rowing workout as well as a recumbent bike experience.

Let’s face it, some days, you want to change things up a little, and this rowing machine will give you a full-body workout as well as a cardio exercise for one low price.

 

The features on this machine are incredible! Keep reading and check them out!

The Features of the Stamina Conversion II

This is a rowing machine under 1000 bucks, but you would never guess that from all the features, such as :

• Magnetic resistance mechanism is adjustable, with 8 levels of resistance and super-quiet operation
• Large LCD monitor tracks all your workout data, such as time, distance, calories burned, speed, RPM, and pulse
• Does double duty since the device can be used as a rower or recumbent bike
• You can even stand and use the rowing handle as an upper-body workout and strength training
• Pulse monitoring is performed when you grab the handles, what could be easier?
• Steel legs and an aluminum rail
• Molded, padded seat and seat back
• Padded rowing handle
• Footplates pivot, has a textured, non-slip surface, and adjustable straps
• The device folds in half and the transport wheels allow for easy moving and storage
• Supports user weight up to 250 pounds
• 3-year warranty on the frame and 90-days for all other parts

This multi-purpose machine is a great value for anyone who wants a varied workout program for their home gym.

The Cons of the Stamina II

• The heart rate monitor only works when using the recumbent bike, not while rowing
• The seat is not adjustable
• While great for beginners, advanced users will want more resistance
• Doesn’t really mimic a realistic rowing workout
• The 90-day warranty could be improved

The Verdict

If you’re a true beginner who hasn’t worked out much and you’re concerned that you will become bored, this is the right choice for you since the multi-function Stamina Conversion II is very versatile.

See all our Recumbent Bike Rowers – Click Here!

7. Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

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If you’ve been looking at magnetic rowing machines under 1000 bucks, you have probably found that you need to sacrifice something to get what you want, but not with the Sunny Health and Fitness model.

You already know that rowing is the best workout, and while air rowers offer terrific resistance, most people prefer magnetic rowers.

You will want to know all about this indoor rower, so keep reading.

The Features of the Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

You don’t have to give up a single thing with this up-and-coming brand. Just take a look at all these features!

• Magnetic resistance offers a super quiet workout experience with 8 resistance levels
• The large LCD monitor is easy to read
• A sturdy steel frame means years of durability
• The seat is large and padded for extra comfort
• Adjustable foot pads have Velcro straps
• The device folds for storage and the transport wheels make this easy to move and store
• Non-slip, padded handlebar
• The maximum user weight is 250 lbs
• Floor stabilizers prevent the device from moving or rocking
• 1-year frame warranty and 90-day warranty for all other parts

I bet you didn’t know you could get so much for such a small price!

The Cons of the Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine

You will find that even though this device offers a lot, it could add a few more items that would make this an outstanding rowing machine under $1000. It can improve in the following areas:

• The monitor is very basic and not very interesting
• The warranty period could be better
• No tablet or cell phone shelf
• No water bottle holder

The Verdict

Everyone who buys a Sunny Health and Fitness product has only great things to say about the machine and the customer service. Beginners will love this comfortable and simple rowing machine.

Click Here to See All Our Machines Under $500!

8. Mr. Rudolf Wood Water Rowing Machine

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Most rowers love a product made from wood because it makes them feel like they are in a boat. The same is true with the water rowers (read more), most people who want an indoor rowing machine love the gentle whoosh-whoosh sound of the water tank. The only thing missing is a view of the lake!

Most wood water rowing machines cost several thousand dollars, so I’m not sure how Mr. Rudolf manages to make a rowing machine under 1000 bucks, but you are in for a real treat. Check out all these features!

The Features of the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine

Get ready to row and rumble! There’s a lot to list here:

• Made from oak, this rower has a real “boat” feel to it
• The see-through grey water tank is attractive
• Electric water pump adds and removes water from the tank
• Dampening pads on the bottom of the rower prevent damage to floors and prevent the device from slipping
• The ergonomic seat is comfortable
• The handlebar is covered with foam and is ergonomically designed for comfort
• There are large, adjustable footplates with a large heel stop
• The large, LCD monitor is battery operated and reads time, distance, 500M split time, calories per hour, watts, and strokes per minute
•  The monitor is also Bluetooth-enabled
• The maximum user weight is 320 pounds
• You can remove the Mr. Rudolf sticker in case it reminds you of that Santa Claus reindeer
• The frame has a one-year warranty, all other parts have a 6-month warranty

Besides being beautiful, this water rowing machine has so much going for it!

The Cons of the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine

I love this indoor rowing machine, but it’s not perfect. Mr. Rudolf could improve on this water rower by addressing the following:

• No heart rate monitor is included, but the Bluetooth function allows you to use your own
• No online connectivity
• No tablet or cell phone shelf
• No water bottle holder

The Verdict

Generally speaking, the cons of this device are minor when compared to what you get for your money. If you want to get as close to a real rowing experience that delivers first-degree fitness and puts treadmills to shame, you want Mr. Rudolf. The rowing machine, I mean! This is one of the best rowing machines under 1K that I’ve ever seen.

9. Joroto Magnetic MR35 Rower

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This is another up-and-coming home gym equipment brand that makes a really awesome magnetic rowing machine for home.

You might wonder how a device that is priced like this can hold up to some real rowing, but don’t let the price fool you.

 

Let’s look at all the features this magnetic rowing machine under 1000 bucks gets you before you judge.

The Features of the Joroto Rowing Machine

This sleek-looking indoor rower has a whole lot of features you won’t want to miss, such as:

• The steel and aluminum frame is very lightweight and won’t rust
• The solid aluminum flywheel means virtually no noise while in use
• While it does not fold, this rowing machine does have transportation wheels, and it can be stored vertically against a wall
• High-density foam seat is very comfortable
• The adjustable resistance system offers 10 resistance levels
• The LCD console is basic, but it tracks time elapsed, strokes per minute (count), total strokes, and number of calories burned
• Foot pedals are large and adjustable, with a non-slip surface
• The handlebar is padded for comfort
• The console includes a water bottle holder and a tablet or smartphone holder
• Maximum user weight capacity is 220 pounds
• A full 1-year part replacement warranty is included

Wow! This is an impressive list of features for a device that costs so little!

The Cons of the Joroto Rowing Machine

Nothing is perfect, but this machine nearly is! There are a few drawbacks, however, including:

• No heart rate monitor
• The monitor has no backlight
• Parts are warrantied for one year, but you need to replace the part yourself or pay someone to install the part
• Only 220 pounds user weight capacity means heavier persons cannot use this machine

The Verdict

The final verdict here is that you will love this Joroto rowing machine! OK, so the LCD monitor is a bit old-school, you can put your tablet in front of you and find pretty scenery or free workout programs. This is one of the best bargains you are going to find, hands down.

What Is the Best Rower Under $1000 for Home Use?

This is so hard to choose. Each of these rowing machines has the qualities that make it the best rower under $1000 since it possesses features that matter to some people but not to others.

If I had to choose one for myself or a family member, I would go with the Teeter Power10 because it offers such an incredible body workout that helps you lose weight and build muscles like mad! Its bidirectional resistance is incomparable to other cardio equipment in its category.

Of course, if you want a real rowing experience, as close as you can get without stepping foot outside your home, you should choose Mr. Rudolf.

There is something great about all of the above rowers. I think that if you consider what is important to you in a rowing machine – how much space you have, how much you weigh, and what you want in an indoor rower – any of the above rowing machines under 1000 dollars will work perfectly for you and your budget.