We checked live Shopee and Lazada listings for the 6 rowing machines in this guide on 30 September 2026. Our overall pick is the X-Core Semi Commercial Water Rowing Machine XC7116 at RM2,199 on Shopee Malaysia, a good fit for anyone who wants a realistic on-water feel and a frame built for daily use. If you just want to try rowing without spending much, the DFsports Indoor Adjustable Rowing Machine is our budget pick, last listed from RM239.90.
A rowing machine works close to 85% of your body in one motion (legs, back, arms and core), and it is easier on the joints than running. The right machine for you depends mostly on how much space you have and how much resistance you want: water and air rowers feel closest to being on a boat, magnetic rowers are quieter and cheaper, and a foldable frame matters if you live in a condo.
Contents
- Best for a realistic on-water feel: X-Core Semi Commercial Water Rowing Machine XC7116
- Best for tight budgets: DFsports Indoor Adjustable Multi-Purpose Exercise Rowing Machine
- Best for small condos: Yesoul R40S Foldable Water Rowing Machine
- Best for quiet home workouts: OneTwoFit Rowing Machine
- Best for intense cardio: Chia Sports Air Rowing Machine
- Best for tiny apartments: BPS Foldable Rowing Machine TL-RM209
- How we chose these rowing machines
- Gym membership vs a rowing machine at home
- How to choose a rowing machine
- Frequently asked questions
- More home workout equipment in Malaysia
| Rowing machine | Price (RM) | Resistance type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Core Semi Commercial Water Rowing Machine XC7116 | 2,199 | Water | Best for a realistic on-water feel |
| DFsports Indoor Adjustable Multi-Purpose Exercise Rowing Machine | 239.90 | Adjustable | Best for tight budgets |
| Yesoul R40S Foldable Water Rowing Machine | 1,999 | Water | Best for small condos |
| OneTwoFit Rowing Machine | 690 | Magnetic (16-level) | Best for quiet home workouts |
| Chia Sports Air Rowing Machine | 2,002 | Air | Best for intense cardio |
| BPS Foldable Rowing Machine TL-RM209 | 658 | Magnetic (4kg flywheel) | Best for tiny apartments |
X-Core Semi Commercial Water Rowing Machine XC7116RM2,199Lazada
OneTwoFit Rowing MachineRM690Lazada
Chia Sports Air Rowing MachineRM2,002Shopee
DFsports Indoor Adjustable Multi-Purpose Exercise Rowing MachineRM239.90Shopee
Yesoul R40S Foldable Water Rowing MachineRM1,999Lazada
BPS Foldable Rowing Machine TL-RM209RM658Shopee
Best for a realistic on-water feel: X-Core Semi Commercial Water Rowing Machine XC7116
If you are from Malaysia, you may have heard of the annual Dragonboat tournament in Penang. Ever tried your hand at rowing an actual boat? If not, a water rowing machine, otherwise known as water resistance rowing machines, is a good way to start! Though not quite like the real thing, a water rowing machine will produce seamless resistance and train every muscle in your body, just like how it would be if you were to train on the water.
Overview:
This machine offers a 5-level elastic rope resistance control. The pedals are adjustable, so it is suited for everyone. You can glide the machine from spot to spot as it comes with a transport wheel at the bottom and folds it up when you are not using it. Additionally, the machine is fitted with an LCD console to display your workout data, like distance, strokes, and number of calories burned.
Testimonies:
Customers find that it is a very good piece of equipment to lose weight with and is suited for the whole family. It is easy to use and space-conserving, while also very easy to move around when you are cleaning the house.
The XC7116 uses a water tank instead of a magnet or a fan, so the resistance builds and fades the way it does in a real boat, which is why gyms use water rowers for serious training. The semi-commercial frame is sturdier than most home units, which is the trade-off against the folding rowers further down this list: it takes up more floor space and is not meant to be tucked away daily.
Best for tight budgets: DFsports Indoor Adjustable Multi-Purpose Exercise Rowing Machine
If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly rowing machine, then this one's for you. It has all the features that you need, along with an LED display that helps count movement, time and even calories. There are also 12 levels of resistance so you can adjust accordingly to your exercise plan.
Overview:
This no-frills rowing machine isn’t fancy but it comes with all the necessary features. The cushioned seat and handles are comfortable and the footrest is rather large with a non-slip base. It requires a bit of work to assemble but in the end, you’ll get a sturdy machine that you can safely use in the comfort of your home.
Testimonies:
Most users are satisfied with this rowing machine and its great value. It’s a fairly simple machine but it is sturdier than expected, especially given its low price. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take up much space and it’s an overall good deal for those who want a full-body workout at home.
At RM239.90 on Shopee Malaysia, the DFsports is the cheapest way to try rowing at home, with an adjustable resistance dial and a small LED display for stroke count. It will not last as long under daily heavy use as the pricier picks on this list, but for a household that wants to test whether rowing sticks before spending more, it is the sensible first machine.
Best for small condos: Yesoul R40S Foldable Water Rowing Machine
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Overview
The Yesoul R40S is a water rowing machine which is capable of 18L of water and has a 16-blade double-layer water paddle, both of which are capable of giving you an intense workout. Thanks to the intelligent control system, you’re also able to adjust the resistance strength as you wish and not worry about water leakage as the tank is designed not to leak out so you won’t need to worry about water escaping the machine and making a mess of your house.
Along with that, it comes with a 3D Ergonomic Cushion so you can go through your workout in comfort. The Yesoul R40S is also foldable and comes with a wheel so you can easily store it away after use. Not sure what to do? Download the Yesoul Lite Mobile APP which is a fitness app compatible with iOS and Android, that has a workout routine you can follow.
Details
- 3D Ergonomic Cushion
- Dimension 213.5cm x 52cm x 48.7cm (unfolded) / 115cm x 54cm x 55cm (folded)
- 150 kg Weight Capacity
- 18L huge water tank capacity
- Adjustable footrest
Who is it for?
If you’re looking for a rowing machine but aren’t sure how to work out on one, the Yesoul R40S is one that you should consider getting. Not only is it water resistant (which gives you great resistance while being quiet), but it has an app that you can download on your device to get a routine, and also get details like heart-rate data.
It comes with a device holder which can hold your tablet or smartphone while you’re using the app when working out. It also makes for a good conversation starter, especially with its wooden build and unique look.
This rowing machine has an adjustable footrest, so you can use it even if you have big feet. Yesoul R40S is also easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and for those with more experience in exercising. However, it only has a 150 kg weight capacity so those heavier than that should look for a different product.
The R40S keeps the water-rower feel but folds the frame up and rolls away, which suits a condo or a shared room better than the semi-commercial XC7116 above. The large water tank means a stronger workout than the smaller magnetic machines on this list, though it is not built for very heavy users.
Best for quiet home workouts: OneTwoFit Rowing Machine
Magnetic tension systems tend to be quieter when used on rowing systems and are a great addition to your home – allowing you to work out at all times without disturbing your loved ones. The slide rail made of steel also prevents loud noises during a workout, as users can glide seamlessly through it without a hitch.
Overview:
One of its best qualities is the 16-level magnetic resistance, which means you can be more creative with your workout routine – even jumping on the progressive overload wagon for muscle mass. The flywheel is magnetic, which makes it a smoother pull. You can adjust the pedals for a safer rowing session, and fold up the machine when you are done.
Testimonies:
Users enthuse about the ease of use and silent nature of the machine. The machine was easy to set up and the simple features are a plus for beginners. Some people complained about the manual that came along with the machine – that it was a bit hard to understand, but ultimately, they did not need it anyway.
OneTwoFit's rower uses a 16-level magnetic brake with an LCD monitor for time, distance and calories, and it is rated for users up to 100kg. Magnetic resistance is quieter than air and needs no water to fill or drain, which makes it the easier machine to live with in an apartment.
Best for intense cardio: Chia Sports Air Rowing Machine
Why It's Our Top Pick:
"Air rowers are one of the most traditional types of rowing machines, and the most popular choice in gyms. It works on automatic force and speed, meaning that the harder and faster you pull on the handle and kick-off, the bigger the resistance.
Advanced rowers who are practising for competitions should get one for when they are out of the water, as it replicates that experience most closely.
Similar to Concept2 rowers, this air rowing machine by Chia Sports is a cheaper alternative that our expert recommends."
Overview:
Despite it being an air rower, Chia Sports have made the machine quieter. There are 10 levels of tension resistance on the machine, and its frame is made of metal. For storage purposes, the machine can be separated into two parts. The seat is well-padded, with adjustable pedals and non-slip handles.
Testimonies:
Great for bodyweight and rowing training, the rowing machine also comes with tools for easy assembly. People of all ages can use this machine, as the resistance is adjustable – and it is quiet enough despite its being of air resistance.
Air rowers respond to how hard you pull: row harder and the fan pushes back harder, which is the same feel competitive rowers train on. That responsiveness comes with more fan noise than a magnetic or water rower, so it suits a spare room more than a shared living space.
Best for tiny apartments: BPS Foldable Rowing Machine TL-RM209
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Overview
The TL-RM209 rowing machine comes with an LCD Screen display which shows basic yet important functions like the total amount of strokes, calories burnt, and the time taken for your workout. With 8 levels of resistance which you can pull with the magnetic cable, the TL-RM209 makes for a great tool to improve your cardiovascular health while being in the comfort of your home.
Its ergonomically designed seat makes this rowing machine better to use, especially with its non-slip tread on the pedals which also has loops so you can strap your feet in when rowing. To work out, you can use its quick-start function, use one of the four manual programs, or you can even set a timer on the screen and row until it goes out.
Details
- 8-Level resistance
- Dimensions: 172 x 55 x 47 cm
- Machine Weight: 19 Kg
- LCD Screen Display
- Foldable
Who is it for?
BPS Foldable Rowing Machine 4kg Fly Wheel Resistance TL-RM209’s functions are simple enough to use, making it a good option for those who are just starting out with their fitness journey. Its ergonomic seat and the non-slip pedal are also something you will appreciate when using the rowing machine.
Other than that, the 8 Level of Resistance also allows for an intense enough session. However, those with more exercise experience might find this level still too easy. But, we highly recommend the BPS Foldable Rowing Machine 4kg Fly Wheel Resistance TL-RM209 for those who don’t have a lot of room in their homes.
With its small and foldable design, the TL-RM209 rowing machine will fit well in the corner of your room. It’s also lightweight at 19 kg so you can easily lift it to keep it away whenever you’re not using it.
At RM658 on Shopee Malaysia, the TL-RM209 uses a small 4kg flywheel and folds down to almost nothing, making it the lightest machine on this list to move and store. The resistance ceiling is lower than the water and air rowers above, so it suits light daily cardio rather than heavy strength training.
How we chose these rowing machines
We started from the 6 rowing machines already linked from this guide, followed every buy button through to its Shopee or Lazada listing to confirm it still resolves, and re-checked prices where a live quote was available. We picked one machine per resistance type and budget tier (water, air, magnetic, and a folding option under RM700) rather than listing six versions of the same machine, so each pick has a genuinely different reason to choose it.
Gym membership vs a rowing machine at home
A basic gym membership in Malaysia runs from around RM99 to RM150 a month at the budget chains, before counting petrol and time to get there. The DFsports pick on this list pays for itself against a gym membership in under two months, and even the RM2,199 X-Core breaks even against a year and a half of gym fees while staying usable every day after that.
How to choose a rowing machine
Pick the resistance type first
Water and air rowers feel closest to rowing on a boat and respond to how hard you pull. Magnetic rowers are quieter, cheaper to maintain and easier to live with in a shared home.
Check the folded size against your space
A rowing machine is long when in use. If you do not have a dedicated space, pick one of the foldable machines on this list and measure the folded footprint against where you plan to store it.
Match the weight capacity to the heaviest user
Budget rowers are usually rated for lighter users than the semi-commercial and water-tank machines. Check the stated capacity before buying if more than one person in the household will use it.
Decide on your budget before the brand
The machines on this list range from under RM250 to over RM2,000. A cheaper machine that actually gets used beats an expensive one that becomes a clothes rack.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 minutes of rowing a day enough?
Yes. Twenty minutes of steady rowing works most of the major muscle groups and raises your heart rate enough to count as a full cardio session. Most beginners on this list of machines get a solid workout well inside that time.
What are the disadvantages of using a rowing machine?
A rowing machine takes up floor space even when folded, and poor form (rounding the back instead of driving with the legs) can strain the lower back. Water rowers also need the tank topped up occasionally, and air rowers can be noisy in a shared space.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
Rowing works more of the body in one motion and is lower impact on the knees and ankles than running on a treadmill. A treadmill is usually better if your main goal is running fitness specifically; for a full-body low-impact workout, rowing has the edge.
How long should a beginner use a rowing machine?
Start with 10 to 15 minutes at an easy pace to get the stroke technique right, then build up to 20 to 30 minutes as your form and stamina improve. Consistency across the week matters more than a long single session early on.
We checked prices and buy links for this guide on 30 September 2026. Prices shown reflect the retailer's listing at the time of writing and can change without notice.
