Dripex Rowing Machines for Home, Upgraded Rowing Machine Magnetic Rower, Max 360 LBS, 16 Levels of Workout Resistance, Dual Slide Rail, App Compatible, LCD Monitor, Row Machine for Gym Exercise

Why it's worth it

The Dripex magnetic rower costs a small fraction of the premium machines and still gives you a full-body cardio session. Sixteen resistance levels, near-silent operation, and a folding design that fits in a closet — with build quality that reflects the price.

Rowing has a real learning curve, and not everyone sticks with it. That's the case for starting here. The Dripex lets you find out whether you actually like rowing before you commit to a machine that costs many times as much, and it does the cardiovascular job perfectly well in the meantime. If you row three times a week for general fitness, this is enough machine.

It's the quietest option here, and by a good margin. Magnetic resistance means no fan and no water — owners who switched from air rowers describe the difference as startling. One recurring theme in owner feedback is people in small apartments who bought it specifically because they were worried about noise and stopped worrying. It's genuinely usable while someone sleeps in the next room.

From our review of 5 rowing machines for home gyms, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +Rowing has a real learning curve, and not everyone sticks with it
• +It's the quietest option here, and by a good margin
• +At 63 inches long and 46 pounds, it's also by far the smallest and lightest machine here

What to know

• –The short rail is the flaw to check before you buy
• –Build quality is where the price shows
• –The console is basic