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The Best Foldable Rowing Machines for Home Use (2026)
By Jacob Chambers, Founder & Lead Reviewer · Updated 26 June 2026
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The best foldable rowing machines give you a full-body, low-impact cardio workout at home, then fold away into a corner when you're finished, with no spare room required. If a sedentary, screen-bound routine is leaving you stiff and sluggish, a compact rower is one of the most space-efficient ways to build cardio fitness, strengthen your core and burn fat from home.
The trouble is choosing one. With dozens of brands and models all claiming to be the best folding rowing machine, it's hard to know which suits your space, your goals and your budget. To save you the legwork, we researched and compared the leading options to find the rowers that genuinely deliver on performance, durability and storage. Here are our picks.
How we chose
We prioritised genuinely foldable designs, smooth and quiet resistance, build quality and weight capacity, and value for money. Each pick below is suited to a slightly different buyer, so there's something here for most homes and budgets.
JLL Ventus 2 Air Rowing Machine: Top Choice Overall
The JLL Ventus 2 Air is our top pick overall, combining air resistance with 8 levels of magnetic resistance for a smooth, satisfying workout that's easy to dial in. The ergonomically designed handle gives a comfortable, stress-free grip, and the aluminium-and-steel frame keeps the action quiet enough to row early in the morning or late at night without disturbing the house.
It's also genuinely easy to live with. The frame folds away and is light enough to move between sessions, and it assembles straight out of the box with no screws or tools required. The 8-level magnetic resistance lets you ramp from a gentle warm-up to a tough cardio session, so it grows with your fitness rather than getting boring.
Pros
- Super-smooth slideway
- 8-level adjustable magnetic-and-air resistance
- Lightweight and durable
- Folds away when not in use and easy to move
- Assembles out of the box, no screws or tools required
Cons
- No major drawbacks at this price
BTM Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine: Best for Heavier Users
The BTM Magnetic Rowing Machine pairs a heavy-duty steel frame with a generous 150kg maximum user weight, making it a reassuring choice for taller or heavier rowers. The magnetic resistance system delivers a smooth, near-silent stroke even at higher levels, so it stays quiet during intense sessions.
It's built for convenience too. The 8 adjustable resistance levels let you target different muscle groups and intensities, while built-in transport wheels make it easy to move and store. An anti-slip pedal adds security, and the LCD screen tracks time, calories burned and stroke count so you can follow your progress at a glance.
Pros
- Folds up for easy storage and transport
- Smooth, low-impact magnetic resistance
- 8 adjustable resistance levels
- Anti-slip pedals for comfort and security
- Transport wheels for easy mobility
- LCD shows time, calories and stroke count
Cons
- Fairly basic LCD display
- No built-in training programmes
SportPlus Magnetic Rowing Machine: Best Ready-Assembled
If you'd rather skip the build entirely, the SportPlus Magnetic Rowing Machine arrives fully assembled and ready to use. With 8 levels of magnetic resistance and a 150kg weight capacity, it offers a quiet, low-impact workout suitable for users of most ages and fitness levels, backed by a 12-month warranty.
A raised 4-inch safety bar with a safety-lock mechanism adds peace of mind, while the lightweight, foldable design and front transport wheels make it simple to move and store. Practical touches like water-bottle holders, foam grips and a sturdy carry handle round out a well-rounded home rower. The LCD monitor tracks stroke count, distance and time.
Pros
- Arrives fully assembled, no tools required
- LCD tracks stroke count, distance and time
- Water-bottle holders, metal handle and foam grips
- Folds up and rolls on front wheels for easy storage
- Low-impact action that's kind on the joints
Cons
- No built-in training programmes
- No pulse measurement
Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine: Best Budget Pick
The Viavito Sumi is our pick for value, offering up to 10 levels of silent, friction-free magnetic resistance at an affordable price. It works your arms, back, shoulders, quads and legs, with a contoured, ergonomically designed seat that keeps the rowing motion smooth and comfortable.
Despite the price, the build feels solid: a rustproof stainless-steel frame, an aluminium seat frame and metal ball bearings should keep it going for years, with a 120kg maximum user weight. Its quick-folding design and removable ergonomic handgrips make it easy to lift and store away when space is tight.
Pros
- Affordable, beginner-friendly pricing
- 10 levels of silent magnetic resistance
- Rustproof, durable frame for longevity
- Ergonomic handgrips make lifting and moving easy
- Comfortable contoured seat
- Low-impact, suitable for seniors and those recovering from injury
Cons
- No pulse measurement
- No training programmes
- Relatively thin 88cm roller rail
NordicTrack RW700 Rowing Machine: Best High-End Rower
For those who want a premium, feature-rich machine, the NordicTrack RW700 steps things up with 26 levels of quiet magnetic resistance and a 7kg flywheel for a smooth, friction-free stroke. The adjustable seat lets you target different muscle groups, while pivoting footplates keep the motion smooth even in socks.
It's the most fully featured option here, with a user-friendly LCD display, a comfortable padded seat and a sturdy, durable frame. NordicTrack backs it with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.
Pros
- Sturdy, durable, user-friendly design
- 26 levels of smooth magnetic resistance
- Comfortable padded seat and pivoting footplates
- Easy-to-read LCD display
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Suits beginners and serious athletes alike
Cons
- The priciest option on this list
Final thoughts
Rowing machines are some of the best equipment for staying in shape without dedicating a whole room to a home gym, and foldable models make that even easier. Any of the rowers above will give you an effective full-body workout while saving space and money. If you want one recommendation, the JLL Ventus 2 Air is our top choice for most people, while the Viavito Sumi is the smartest pick on a tighter budget.
Recommended reads
- Best Rowing Machine Under £100
- Best Budget Rowing Machine
- What Type of Rowing Machine is Best?
Frequently asked questions
Are foldable rowing machines any good?
Yes. Foldable rowers give you the same full-body, low-impact workout as a fixed machine, then tuck away into a corner or cupboard when you're done. For the best results, choose one with an adjustable resistance system and comfortable foam handles.
What is the best compact rowing machine?
The JLL Ventus 2 Air is our top pick for a lightweight, collapsible rower that's easy to live with at home. The Viavito Sumi is the best value if you're on a tighter budget.
Do rowing machines fold up?
Many do. Foldable rowers typically pivot or hinge so the rail folds up against the frame, and most have transport wheels so you can roll them out of sight. They're ideal if you don't have space for a permanent setup.
What muscles does a rower work?
Rowing is a true full-body movement. It works your legs, glutes and core on the drive, and your back, shoulders and arms on the pull, which is why it burns calories quickly compared with upper-body-only equipment.
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