12 Foldable Bluetooth Rowers Worth Buying In 2025, Ranked

If you live in a small apartment or train in a multi‑use room, foldable Bluetooth rowers are the most “gym per square foot” you can buy. Most compact models store vertically to reclaim floor space, then roll back out in seconds for a quiet, low‑impact, full‑body workout—ideal for early mornings and shared walls (see this folding-rower overview). A Bluetooth rowing machine connects wirelessly to apps, heart‑rate monitors, or headphones to stream classes, track metrics, and sync progress. Many include built‑in touchscreens or use tablets/phones for guided workouts. The goal is feedback, variety, and accountability without bulky consoles.

• Resistance types and noise:
  • Magnetic/electromagnetic: typically the quietest and smoothest—best for neighbors and late‑night sessions (see Self’s rowing machine guide).
  • Air: fan flywheel gets louder as you row faster; great for sprints and power.
  • Water: smooth, natural stroke with a pleasant “slosh”; not the quietest.

Below, we rank 12 foldable Bluetooth rowers that best balance space, budget, and training goals in 2025.

FitnessJudge

What we prioritize for small-space home gyms:

• Compact footprint and true storage: vertical or mid‑frame folding that actually saves floor space.
• Quiet operation: preference for quiet magnetic resistance when possible.
• Durability and capacity: solid frames and transparent weight limits.
• App ecosystem and Bluetooth: headphones, HR monitors, and straightforward syncing to Bluetooth fitness apps.
• Ease of setup and daily use: quick unfold, stable base, low maintenance.
• Value: price, warranty, and the total cost of ownership when subscriptions are involved.

Who this guide serves: beginners through intermediate home users who want a compact rower that’s easy to live with, supports consistent training, and won’t dominate a small apartment. We favor gear that works in real apartments, not just on spec sheets.

Hydrow Wave

Rank #1 for immersive training in tight spaces. The Wave is about 30% smaller and lighter than the original Hydrow, yet still delivers live/on‑demand river workouts with crisp coaching and polished hardware. It folds its neck/screen down for upright, space‑saving storage (not a mid‑frame fold), supports Bluetooth headphones and HR straps, and uses a smooth, quiet drag system that feels close to on‑water without fan noise. The published weight capacity is 500 lb, price lands around $1,550 delivered, and the membership runs $44/month for the full content library (see Men’s Health foldable rowers roundup).

Best for: apartment users who want immersive classes and premium build without a giant footprint.

Echelon Smart Rower

Rank #2 for budget-minded, foldable Bluetooth training. This compact rower folds and stores to about 43 inches long, relies on your phone/tablet (no built‑in screen), and ties into Echelon’s app for classes and metrics. Expect 24 levels of magnetic resistance, a handy Bluetooth handlebar controller, and a 250 lb capacity that’s a bit below average—fine for many users but worth noting. Street price hovers around $699, making it an approachable entry to app‑guided rowing for small apartments (see BarBend’s foldable rowers guide).

Best for: space savers who value quiet magnetic resistance and basic app classes over a premium screen.

Aviron Strong Go

Rank #3 for game‑forward motivation in a compact footprint. The Strong Go uses your iPad and Bluetooth to unlock games, guided programs, and head‑to‑head challenges that turn intervals into missions. It shares the comfortable geometry of Aviron’s flagship (low monorail, higher seat) and emphasizes engaging “play” over studio classes. Plan a safe upright storage spot and keep your tablet charged—setup is quick if your iPad lives on the mount (see PCMag’s best rowing machines).

Best for: anyone who rows harder when there’s a score, a boss level, or a leaderboard.

Concept2 Model D

Rank #4 for bulletproof performance and long‑term value. Concept2 is the gold standard for durability, mechanics, and resale value—what you’ll find in most commercial gyms and boathouses. Tech is simpler out of the box; pair a phone/tablet for richer app metrics if you want, and prioritize the rower’s superb longevity instead of an integrated screen. It separates into two pieces in seconds for closet or wall storage. Tip: if you plan to store it upright, measure ceiling height and rail length to avoid surprises (see Live Science’s best rowing machines).

Best for: buy‑once‑cry‑once shoppers who want reliable performance for a decade.

ProForm 750R

Rank #5 for value iFIT training in a folding package. The 750R folds compactly, weighs roughly 116 lb, and delivers 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance—ideal for apartment workouts. It’s Bluetooth‑ready and iFIT‑compatible for structured programs and progressive goals, including live/on‑demand classes and periodized series. Garage Gym Reviews rates it highly (4.5/5) for its price-to-features balance and small‑space readiness.

Best for: iFIT fans who want a quiet, foldable rower without paying premium‑screen prices.

Ergatta Rower

Rank #6 for gamified goals and a natural, on‑water feel. Ergatta blends a 17‑inch Bluetooth touchscreen with water resistance and a stunning hardwood frame. Instead of studio classes, it pushes game‑style targets, time trials, and adaptive challenges that keep you chasing PRs. Note the narrower footplate fit; try before you buy if you have wider feet. Men’s Health’s roundup highlights Ergatta as a premium option for engaging, non‑class content.

Quick definition: Water resistance rowers use a flywheel immersed in water to create drag. The stroke feels smooth and responsive, with noise similar to gentle water slosh—pleasant but not the quietest option.

Best for: design‑minded users who want gamified training and the sound of water.

Hydrow Pro Rower

Rank #7 for the most polished “all‑in” experience. Hydrow Pro brings a larger screen, more mass for stability, and the deepest library of scenic rows and coached sessions. It’s the premium answer for long, immersive workouts; just factor the ongoing membership cost. For small apartments, compare its footprint and vertical‑storage feasibility to the Wave before you commit.

Best for: users prioritizing big‑screen immersion, coaching depth, and day‑to‑day comfort over absolute compactness.

Rogue Echo Rower

Rank #8 for rugged intervals and an air‑resistance feel. Built for punishment, this air rower rewards power with higher drag as you accelerate. It’s fantastic for sprints and pacing, but air systems are louder than magnetic—consider your walls and roommates. The footprint is bulkier than many compact magnetic models, so plan your storage before delivery.

Best for: HIIT enthusiasts who want a tougher, fan‑driven stroke and have room to spare.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF‑RW5801

Rank #9 for under‑$300 starters who want a foldable, quiet row. This budget magnetic rower folds, rolls easily, and stays stable for basic home use. Expect modest features and a lower weight capacity than premium models—pair it with a phone/tablet fitness app for metrics and guidance until you outgrow it. Garage Gym Reviews consistently flags Sunny’s budget line as a solid test‑the‑waters pick.

First‑time buyer checklist:

• Confirm inseam/rail length fit.
• Decide your storage plan (upright, closet, or behind a sofa).
• Accept the trade‑off: quiet magnetic resistance, but lighter build and fewer bells/whistles.

NordicTrack RW900

Rank #10 for iFIT with a premium touchscreen and auto‑adjusting resistance. The RW900’s 22‑inch display, Bluetooth HR support, and automatic resistance changes keep you focused on form while the coach controls intensity. iFIT also adds off‑rower strength and mobility classes for all‑around programming. Verify its folding/storage method and ceiling clearance for your room (see Treadmill Reviews’ best rowing machines).

Best for: class‑driven apartment users who want cross‑training from one platform.

WaterRower A1 CityRow Connect

Rank #11 for connected water rowing in a stylish frame. CityRow Connect layers instructor‑led classes onto a sleek water rower that looks at home in a living room. The stroke is smooth and organic, with the trademark water “slosh” that some love and others find audible in thin‑walled apartments. For tight spaces, investigate vertical storage stands or wall racks designed for water rowers.

Best for: aesthetics and authentic water feel with modern metrics.

Aviron Strong Series

Rank #12 for heavy‑duty, social competition at home. The Strong Series supports Bluetooth HR monitoring, competitive racing, and a suite of games that make intervals fly. With a 500 lb capacity and robust frame, it suits larger/taller athletes or busy households. Compare its footprint and storage plan to the Strong Go if you’re short on space. Men’s Health’s best‑rowers guide frequently highlights high‑capacity builds for serious daily use.

Best for: households sharing a rower and anyone driven by social competition.

How we ranked foldable Bluetooth rowers

Our weighted criteria:

• Small‑space readiness (highest weight): true foldability or vertical storage, compact footprint, and easy transport wheels—key for apartment living (see this folding-rower overview).
• Quiet operation: preference for magnetic/electromagnetic systems that keep peace with neighbors (see Self’s rowing machine guide).
• Connectivity and content: reliable Bluetooth for headphones/HR and strong app ecosystems (iFIT, immersive classes, gamified platforms).
• Value: upfront price plus subscription TCO, durability, warranty, and weight‑capacity benchmarks.

Methods: We reviewed published specs, verified dimensions and storage formats, cross‑checked expert roundups and hands‑on impressions, and prioritized models we’ve tested or seen consistently recommended by independent reviewers. When two models are close, we favor smaller footprints, quieter drives, and cleaner Bluetooth execution.

Key buying factors for small-space rowers

• Storage format:
  • Vertical storage or folding‑in‑half. Most “folding” machines actually store vertically—ideal in apartments with limited floor space (see this folding-rower overview).
  • Some models fold only the neck/screen (e.g., compact uprights) vs. true mid‑frame hinges.
• Resistance and noise:
  • Magnetic/electromagnetic: typically the quietest and smoothest for neighbors.
  • Air: responsive but louder as pace increases.
  • Water: smooth with a slosh; pleasant but audible.
• Connectivity essentials:
  • Bluetooth for HR monitors/headphones and app syncing; look for iFIT, immersive scenic classes, or gamified training.
• Capacity and fit:
  • Weight limits span ~250–500 lb; check inseam/rail length. Note below‑average capacities like 250 lb on some budget units.
• Budget and total cost:
  • Weigh device price plus subscriptions (some platforms are about $44/month) over 1–2 years.

Comparison snapshot:

Frequently asked questions

What features matter most in a foldable Bluetooth rower for apartments?

Prioritize compact or vertical storage, quiet magnetic resistance, Bluetooth for headphones/HR monitors, and a stable frame with adequate capacity. FitnessJudge highlights models with simple, reliable app connections so you actually use them.

Do I need a subscription to use Bluetooth features and classes?

Basic Bluetooth often works without a subscription, but premium classes and advanced metrics usually require one. FitnessJudge calls out when memberships are optional and what you get for free.

Are foldable rowers stable and durable enough for daily training?

Yes—quality models have sturdy frames and strong capacities. Check the weight limit and build; many support 300–500 lb with routine maintenance.

Which resistance type is best for quiet operation and smooth feel?

Magnetic or electromagnetic systems are typically quietest for apartments. Air is louder and responsive; water offers a natural feel with a gentle slosh.

How much space do these rowers save when folded or stored upright?

Many fold or store vertically to roughly halve their footprint. Some only fold the neck/screen, so verify stored dimensions against your space.