Finding the quietest rowing machine is all about understanding how it works and what to look for during the research phase.
Before making a large investment, it’s important to look at the top rowing machines for home gyms. This sheds light on which ones are quiet and which ones tend to make a tremendous amount of noise.
Whether you are an apartment tenant or someone with a small living space, it’s important to go with a quiet rowing machine.
This detailed guide is a complete look at the best and quietest rowing machines on the market right now and what to look for during the buying process.
Quietest Rowing Machine for Home Gyms
1. Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower
Key features:
- LED Monitor
- Adjustable Straps
- Dynamic Air Resistance
- Fan-Powered Cage
The Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower is one of the quietest rowing machines on the market right now and is perfect for those wanting an exceptional addition to their home gym. This is power-packed with high-quality features and works like a charm.
If the goal is to go with the best rowing machine for a home gym or apartment then it’s time to look at this leading rower.
It’s easy to use, multi-functional and offers excellent air resistance when used.
With its sleek design, gorgeous LCD Monitor, and adjustable straps, this is not only a quiet rowing machine but a well-designed one too.
2. Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine
Key features:
- Made of High-Grade Aluminum
- Adjustable Straps and Pedals
- Customizable Resistance Levels
- LCD Display Monitor
The Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine delivers a fascinating combination of elegance, professionalism, and durability while remaining quiet at the same time. When it comes to finding a quiet rower for home, this has to be among the best right now.
What makes it a special rowing machine for quiet homes?
It’s a well-designed solution with a wide array of high-quality features including adjustable straps, a gorgeous display, and an aluminum finish.
There aren’t too many options for offering this type of sophistication. Goplus has hit it out of the park with this incredible rower and that’s what makes it an ideal addition to the list. Whether it’s the unique look or the amazing resistance features, the options are endless.
It’s all about adding this to your apartment or home gym and noticing a change in how your cardio sessions work.
This machine is going to settle in and remain a quiet addition in a matter of seconds. It’s that good!
3. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Key features:
- Comes in Light Gray and Black
- Adjustable Seat and Footrests
- Real-Time Data Tracking
- Refined LCD Display Monitor
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is what one would refer to as the “cream of the crop” and for good reason. It’s beautifully designed, durable, graceful, and unique all wrapped into one amazing package.
Working out with a tremendous rowing machine such as this can be fascinating. You are going to fall in love with it for a number of reasons including how quiet it operates. This isn’t going to make more than a buzz when turned on. Yes, it’s that quiet!
Along with being quiet, it’s also tremendously easy to use and works well with all body types.
Place this in a corner of your home gym and enjoy what is now the top rowing machine for modern gyms.
You aren’t going to find too many options that can compete with the package of features this rowing machine has to offer. It’s simply outstanding.
How To Find a Quiet Rowing Machine
1. Assess the Build Quality and Materials
When it’s time to look out for the quietest rowing machine, it’s important to think about the overall build quality.
A rowing machine that’s poorly built is rarely going to be quiet when used at home. It’s going to rattle, shake, and seem off from day one!
You have to be smart and get ahead of this issue by weighing the benefits of each rowing machine. In general, a rower isn’t going to be quiet when it’s build quality is shoddy and it is made of cheap plastic.
If the main material is plastic, the rowing machine isn’t going to hold up nor is it going to be quiet at home. Instead, it’s going to make a boatload of noise and is going to be quite the headache to manage during a cardio session.
If you are living with a baby, you are going to realize how much noise a poorly designed rowing machine can make!
It’s better to look at going with something that’s made of stainless steel and/or aluminum. If these are the main components then it’s okay to have a little bit of ABS plastic alongside. However, plastic should never be the main component.
2. Check for Loose Parts
Are there loose parts with the rowing machine?
There is nothing worse than looking at a variety of details when it comes to your rowing workout only to realize it’s the parts that are rattling around. This happens when a machine hasn’t been designed properly or the parts come loose quickly.
Even when a machine is built well out of the box, this doesn’t mean it’s going to age nicely.
You want to read rowing machine reviews to see what others have to say about a particular product. Do they like how it ages? Do they enjoy how quiet it stays for a year, two years, or longer?
You want to have this information in hand as soon as possible, so you are not left in a situation where the machine is falling apart and making even more noise than you had expected.
To check for loose parts, you should focus on potential components that are going to be roughly used during your rowing session.
These parts can include:
- Adjustable Straps
- Adjustable Footrests/Pedals
- Adjustable Seating
- LCD Display Monitor
When these parts are not secure, they are going to start to loosen. This is when you are going to notice the change in noise pollution throughout your home gym.
3. Aim for Compact Designs Only
Compact designing is one of the best ways to determine whether or not a rowing machine is quiet.
If a machine is bulky, cumbersome, and impossible to move around, it’s going to make quite a bit of noise. This happens as more surface area is covered and there are additional parts involved in making the rowing machine work.
This is why the right rowing machine for home has to be compact.
Plus, it saves quite a bit of space as well!
When it comes to finding a high-quality rowing machine, you want to think about how it’s going to look in your home gym. Is it going to fit nicely? Is it going to create noise because it’s settled on a wonky surface?
You want to have these details in hand before making a purchase.
Even a high-grade, compact rowing machine won’t cut it when these details aren’t in order. As a result, you want to start with the basics and work on understanding where the rowing machine is going to go in your home gym.
Once you do this, it becomes a lot easier to find a quiet rower.
4. Check the Weight Capacity
What is the weight capacity for each rowing machine? Is it high enough to make sure you don’t end up creating excessive noise?
Yes, it’s possible for a lower weight capacity to become a major hurdle. This is a concern people deal with when they don’t look at the specifications and assume any rowing machine can handle their body type.
While you will want to focus on other features, it’s important to keep an eye on the weight capacity.
In general, you want to aim for something that is at least settled around 500 lbs. for its weight capacity. By going with a higher number, you are going to reduce the chances of buying a rattling rowing machine because it can’t handle your body!
If you are someone that is bigger, it’s important to focus on this particular piece of advice. It may make or break your ability to purchase a silent rowing machine.
When the weight capacity isn’t high enough, you end up in a situation where the machine is built well but it can’t handle your weight. This means it starts to break down and/or rattles all the time even when you are working at a slower pace. The noise can become unsettling after a while and take away from your workout routine.
5. Focus on the Ergonomics of Each Rowing Machine
The ergonomics of a rowing machine is often an underrated factor when it comes to purchasing a new one.
In most cases, buyers assume the rower is going to work well and is going to be ergonomic. However, this isn’t always the case and sometimes a rowing machine isn’t as easy to use as you assume.
What does this have to do with noise pollution?
Well, when the design isn’t ergonomic, you are going to end up using the wrong technique, which creates quite a bit of noise. This is why it’s important to look at the various features and make sure there’s enough customization for you to play around with. Otherwise, you are not going to like the amount of noise being generated.
What should be adjustable with a quality rowing machine?
You will want to look at the straps, seat, and pedals before everything else. When you can adjust these particular components, it’s a lot easier to find the right positioning on the rower.
If not, you are going to start to produce a lot of noise as soon as you increase the speed. This happens all the time when the design is flawed and doesn’t suit your body.
6. Don’t Look at the Price Only
The one mistake most buyers will make is to look at the rowing machine’s price.
Yes, the price is important and not something to scoff at but that doesn’t mean it’s the deciding factor. You will want to account for other details along the way including how much noise it makes. Otherwise, you are going to end up settling for a loud rowing machine simply because you didn’t want to go past a certain price point.
Go in with a budget, look at the various options, and keep an open mind.
By doing this, you are going to have the opportunity to see what is available on the open market. Sometimes, you end up being surprised as to what works and what doesn’t with your particular budget.
When you become stuck on a price, you forget about other features and often settle for less. Don’t do this and give yourself a chance to see what is out there.
As you assess the market and its rowing machines, you will start to see which ones are worth it. Keep an eye on the other features such as the adjustable components and size. This goes a long way in making your choice simpler.
7. Look at the Warranty
The warranty is a major part of your decision and shouldn’t be ignored over the long haul.
Sometimes, buyers will find a great rowing machine, love its features, and then ignore the warranty coverage because of their interest. Don’t do this and take the time to see what type of protection is on offer with the rower.
When you don’t look at the warranty, it often becomes necessary to settle with a loud, broken rowing machine as time goes on. Instead, you want to have the ability to call the manufacturer and reach out to them as soon as the machine gives you issues.
If they can manage rowing machine repairs, you are going to be well on your way to buying a high-quality machine that’s quiet year-round.
What type of warranty coverage is good for a new-age rowing machine?
In general, you are going to be okay with something that offers at least 2 years in protection (parts and labor). However, you will also want to look out for larger warranty options where the protection goes up to 5-10 years depending on the rower.
8. Compare Options
While finding the quietest rowing machine, you will want to look at different options.
The one thing many buyers do is settle for the first rowing machine they see. While this may seem like a wonderful idea at the time, it often leads to the wrong decision. The first machine you see is rarely going to be the right one for your home gym.
This is why it’s best to settle in and compare options. There’s nothing with going through extensive research before making a choice.
What should you look to focus on while comparing rowing machines?
Since you are after the quietest rowing machine for home gyms, it’s best to think about how they’re built, different features, and whether or not they work well with your setup. Sometimes, a great rowing machine isn’t going to cut it for your particular layout.
When you take the opportunity to compare options, you gain a better understanding of what the market has to yield.
This makes it simpler to find a machine that’s sleek, quiet, and in line with your requirements.
9. Consider the Machine’s Mobility
The mobility is one of those things buyers have to keep in mind.
Imagine having a loud rowing machine and not having the ability to move it to a different location in your apartment or basement?
This happens all the time when you are fixated on its features and don’t look at whether or not it’s easy to move around from point A to point B. A great rowing machine is not only fun to use when it comes to a cardio session but it’s also extremely mobile.
This mobility is going to come in handy when you are hoping to enjoy quiet sessions without having to worry about a loud moving process. If you are going to store the machine away, it needs to be quiet during the move.
Otherwise, even a quiet rowing machine becomes a problem!
The leading rowing machine brands spend years working on the right design and it’s important to go with one of those products. It saves time and ensures you don’t end up in a situation where the machine makes far too much noise.
If the machine is mobile, you’re going to have a far better time enjoying it. It’s a detail you don’t have to worry about.
10. Measure the Area
Measurements are essential before buying a rowing machine or for that matter any piece of gym equipment.
You want to determine where the machine will go, how it’s going to be used, and how much space is needed for it to remain accessible. Without this information, you’re never going to end up with the right fit and it becomes more of a guessing game.
When you measure the area, it becomes easier to pinpoint where the machine will go to ensure noise pollution doesn’t become an issue at home. Whether it’s your neighbors or your family, finding the quietest rowing machine is important and it starts with a measuring tape.
Take out the measuring tape and figure out how much space is available in your home gym.
You never want the machine to settle right up against another piece of equipment.
By positioning the rowing machine beside a treadmill or a dumbbell rack, you will end up creating more noise because of the banging. Remember, these machines will shake and when they’re close together, they tend to make quite a bit of noise.
Be smart and ensure there’s enough distance to separate them.
This should happen well before you start looking at different rowing machines.
11. Don’t Ignore the Other Features
It’s easy to ignore features when it comes to a rowing machine and become fixated on finding a quiet solution for your home gym.
Indeed, finding the quietest rowing machine is welcomed but it’s not the only factor that makes a difference. Sometimes, a quiet machine is only going to bother you after a while because it’s far too generic in every other aspect.
You want a well-rounded machine that’s easy to use, safe, and offers a multitude of features to play around with during a cardio session.
To learn more, look at our detailed guide on how rowing machines work.
Benefits of Using Quietest Rowing Machine
1. Ideal for Apartments and Basements
Using the quietest rowing machine at home is essential for apartment tenants and basement gyms.
Imagine setting up a rowing machine in the middle of an apartment and turning it on. The amount of noise the wrong machine could generate would lead to several noise complaints from your neighbors.
Since most people like using their rowing machine at odd hours of the day, it’s important to think about your family too. If you have young kids at home, it makes sense to keep the workout as quiet as possible with the help of a good rowing machine.
This is why finding the quietest rowing machine for home is a must. It’s the only way to make sure each workout session is rewarding without waking up the entire neighborhood. Remember, you often underestimate how much noise is generated during the session. The wrong type of machine will make a significant amount of noise.
2. Last Longer
To the surprise of many buyers, the right rower is going to last longer when it’s quiet. This has to do with how the machine is built and the components used to produce it.
A wonky, ill-designed machine is simply going to fall apart as soon as you use it. Plus, it’s not going to last as long as you want it to. This is why more and more rowing machine owners are starting to look at solutions that are well-built.
It saves time and ensures you end up with an efficient solution at the end of the day.
When a rowing machine doesn’t last long enough, it’s simply going to be a waste of money. You want the right combination of quiet and longevity, which is what the top options on the market have to offer.
3. Encourage Longer Workout Sessions
Do you like to spend a lot of time on the machine? Do you want to workout in the middle of the night?
If so, it might be time to look at finding a silent rowing machine for your home gym. This is the only way to make sure you don’t lose heart as soon as you start up a new cardio session. When you make too much noise, it’s easy to want to give up and leave it for another day.
However, the right rower is going to ensure you can workout during those odd hours of the day. Even if you want to work out at 2 AM, you can do so with one of the machines listed above. This is what makes them an amazing buy.
It’s all about taking advantage of the best rowers and ensuring you enjoy your workout sessions without having to worry about excess noise.
4. Don’t Lead to Breakdown in Form
As you look for the quietest rowing machine, you will realize a loud model is going to create issues with your technique.
Yes, when the machine is making a lot of noise, it starts to impede your concentration. This is why some of the world’s finest rowing professionals take their time to invest in the right rowing machines. They don’t want to end up with something that ruins their technique even for a moment and leads to injury.
If you want to keep things simple, only go with a high-grade rower.
This is going to make sure your workouts are a breeze and you don’t have to worry about losing your technique due to a loud machine.
While you will want to focus on learning the right technique on your own, sometimes it’s out of your control. The wrong machine is only going to get in your way and make it twice as hard to put in a meaningful cardio session.
5. Demonstrates Brand’s Attention to Detail
Think about any product on the open market.
Whether it is a car, TV, computer, or smartphone, there’s nothing more important than a brand’s ability to focus on the details. The same applies to a new rowing machine.
You shouldn’t go with a brand that doesn’t care about real-world details such as noise pollution. What is the purpose of designing a machine that makes too much noise and isn’t worth adding to your home gym? Is that a brand you want to rely on moving forward? This can often become a sign of trouble to come such as failing parts.
You should only go with a machine that’s designed to last and has these little details implemented into the final product.
When you find a quiet machine, you will realize how well it works. This has a lot to do with the brand’s attention to detail.
They care about what they’re putting out on the open market.
6. Easy to Use
When you bring in a new machine, you will want something that’s easy to use and isn’t going to get in your way during a workout session.
With a quiet version, you will feel confident in how well it’s going to run. This has to do with knowing the machine is easy-going and isn’t going to become a hurdle as you up the resistance levels.
A machine that has been designed with a purpose is often going to be easy to use. This is what makes certain brands better than the rest.
If you are going to be spending hard-earned money on a new rowing machine, it’s best to focus on one that’s quiet. The advantages are going to be noteworthy immediately and one of them has to do with easiness.
7. Safer
Your safety is essential and this has to be a top priority while buying a new machine. You don’t want to end up with a cardio machine that’s too loud or isn’t going to match up to modern safety standards among fitness brands.
A quiet cardio machine is going to do wonders for your home gym and is going to remain safe at the same time.
This is what you have to aim for as a buyer.
Don’t go with a machine that will become impossible to use because it’s a real safety hazard at home. You will only have yourself to blame in a situation such as this!
Keep things simple and check what others have to say about the rowing machine. Is it safe to use at home? Does it work well for their situation? The best machines are going to pass this test with flying colors.
You also want to look at the brand’s testing standards. The leading rowing machine brands take these details seriously and put their machines through rigorous testing standards. Those are the companies you want to stick to.
By going with a safe cardio machine, you are cutting down the chances of injury. This is essential for your peace of mind over the long-run.
Final Thoughts
These are the qualities to look for in your bid to find the quietest rowing machine for home.
The rowing machines mentioned in this guide offer a wonderful selection of features and work well in a wide array of situations. Whether you are placing it in an apartment or in the basement, one of the machines listed here will do the trick.
If you want to look at other options, it’s recommended to take the tips mentioned here into consideration as soon as possible.
These tips will make your life easier and ensure the new rowing machine is a good fit both now and in the long-term.
