Concept2 Review
Concept2 RowErg Review (2026): Still the Gold Standard for Home Rowing
A full breakdown of the Concept2 RowErg — covering design, performance, value, and how it compares against premium connected rowers. Written by competitive rowers who have been using this machine for decades.
Quick Verdict
The Concept2 RowErg (~$990) remains the gold standard for home rowing machines in 2026. Durable, subscription-free, and used by virtually every serious rower on the planet — it outperforms competitors twice its price on every metric that matters for actual training. The PM5 monitor gives you universally comparable data, the machine lasts decades with minimal maintenance, and it stores vertically without extra hardware.
If you’re a competitive athlete, a CrossFitter, or anyone who values performance over polish, this is still the only machine you need.
Concept2 RowErg Specifications
Everything you need to know before you buy.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$990 (standard frame) / ~$1,155 (tall-leg frame) |
| Dimensions | 96″ × 24″ × 14″ (244 × 61 × 36 cm) |
| Weight | 57 lbs (26 kg) |
| Resistance Type | Air-resistance flywheel with spiral damper |
| Max User Weight | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Monitor | PM5 Performance MonitorSplit, watts, SR, heart rate, calories, distance |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| Power | 2 D-cell batteries (included) — no outlet required |
| Storage | Separates into two pieces; stores vertically without kit |
| Warranty | 2-year limited; parts availability 15+ years |
| Subscription | None required |
Why a Rowing Machine? The Case for Indoor Erging
We here at RR may be biased — but for our time and money, there is no better workout than rowing. The fact that you can do it at home, on a cost-effective and easy-to-maintain machine with a minimal footprint, makes it almost an unfair proposition compared to the alternatives.
I say that as a long-time competitive rower, having rowed with UCLA, the New York Athletic Club, and London Rowing Club. Despite what many athletes feel about the erg, rowing machines offer efficient, low-impact, full-body workouts that build fitness you can apply to virtually any other sport.
“It’s a great art, is rowing. It’s the finest art there is. It’s a symphony of motion. And when you’re doing well, why it’s nearing perfection. And when you reach perfection, you’re touching the divine. It touches the you of you, which is your soul.”
— George Pocock, master boat-builder
6 Reasons the Concept2 Outperforms Premium Competitors
And no, this is not a sponsored post. The Concept2 RowErg is the go-to machine for rowing athletes worldwide for a reason — or, as it turns out, several reasons.
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1
Virtually Indestructible Design
Built largely from steel and heavy-duty plastic, these machines last even if you push them hard for decades. I have one from the 1990s that still runs smoothly. The design philosophy is almost akin to that of a single-speed bicycle — a harmony of form and function, using only the space and components required to facilitate a great workout. There are few things that can break and nothing to plug into the wall.
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2
Unbeatable Value at ~$990
Yes, it doesn’t come with a giant touchscreen — but it does have a built-in holder for your phone or tablet, which you probably already own. This also means fewer failure points. The value compounds further with durability: a 20-year lifespan vs. 5–7 years for most connected machines means the effective annual cost of a Concept2 is substantially lower than it appears. A used machine in good condition still sells for $700–$850.
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3
Lightweight and Portable at 57 lbs
Most competitors weigh 2× as much. The Concept2 has wheels on the front legs for effortless rolling, and it breaks into two main parts — the flywheel and the monorail — that can fit in the back of a hatchback. I’ve done it. The one trade-off: air resistance is noisier than water or electromagnetic. The modern RowErg is significantly quieter than earlier models, but it’s not silent.
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4
Effortless Vertical Storage
Fold down the monitor arm, lift the machine by the light end (the monorail), and tilt until it stands vertically with the flywheel at the bottom. No straps, no kit, no extra hardware. Gravity is reliable. You’re not stuck with the footprint of a Hydrow or Peloton Row — and you don’t pay $80 for a storage accessory that should have been included.
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5
Global Community and Comparable Data
This is the same machine used at the World Indoor Rowing Championships and by virtually every national team athlete on earth. That means your 2k time in your basement is directly comparable to an Olympic rower’s 2k time in a national training center. That comparability doesn’t exist across brands. See where you stand against the world records.
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6
No Subscription or Power Outlet Required
In a world where everything has become a recurring charge, the Concept2 is refreshingly simple. The PM5 runs on two D-cell batteries. ErgData (free, by Concept2) logs workouts and syncs to the Concept2 Online Logbook. If you want guided content, the Hydrow app ($19.99/month) works on any device mounted to the holder, and the Ergatta Connection Kit (~$24/month) transforms the machine into a gamified experience. You choose what you want — nothing is mandatory.
How the Concept2 Compares to Other Popular Rowing Machines
All prices reflect current 2026 retail; subscription costs are monthly.
| Feature | Concept2 RowErg | Hydrow Origin | WaterRower Natural | Peloton Row |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$990 | ~$2,195 | ~$1,199 | ~$2,995 |
| Resistance | Air | Electromagnetic | Water | Electromagnetic |
| Weight | 57 lbs | 145 lbs | 103 lbs | 156 lbs |
| Subscription | None ($0) | $50/mo | Optional ($29/mo) | $44/mo |
| Built-in Screen | No (PM5 + device holder) | 22″ HD pivoting | No (S4/M basic) | 24″ HD rotating |
| Vertical Storage | Yes — no kit needed | Kit (~$80) | Yes — very stable | Yes |
| Separates | Yes (2 pieces) | No | No | No |
| Used by Pros | Yes — universal standard | Some | Some | Rarely |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Very low | Low | Very low |
Who Is the Concept2 Right For?
The Concept2 is the right call for most people — but here’s how to think through it:
- Competitive or ex-competitive rower → Concept2. There is no substitute for the data comparability, the feel, and the global community.
- CrossFit or HYROX athlete → Concept2. These competitions use the RowErg. Train on the machine you’ll race on.
- Budget-conscious buyer → Concept2. Lower upfront cost, zero subscription, 20+ year lifespan, and strong resale value.
- New to rowing but serious about progress → Concept2. The PM5’s feedback accelerates learning in a way that basic monitors can’t.
- Need motivation through guided content → Consider a Hydrow or WaterRower + Ergatta. The Concept2 is a tool — it won’t coach you unless you add an app.
- Apartment or noise-sensitive environment → Worth considering a WaterRower or Hydrow. Air resistance carries through walls.
- Home aesthetics are a priority → The WaterRower wins on looks. The Concept2 is industrial, full stop.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓~$990 with no subscription required
- ✓Universal standard — World Championships, CrossFit Games, HYROX
- ✓Ultra-durable; machines routinely last 20+ years
- ✓Lightweight (57 lbs), splits into 2 pieces for easy storage
- ✓PM5 provides universally comparable performance data
- ✓Best replication of on-water rowing feel
- ✓Vertical storage without any extra kit
- ✓Wide app ecosystem — ErgData, Ergatta, Asensei, Hydrow app
- ✓Excellent resale value ($700–$850 used)
- ✓No power outlet required
Cons
- ✗Air resistance is noticeable — not apartment-silent
- ✗Industrial aesthetic; not designed for the living room
- ✗No built-in video screen or guided content
- ✗Longer assembled footprint (96″)
- ✗Requires periodic chain lubrication
- ✗Lower max weight capacity than some competitors (500 lbs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Despite being used by elite athletes, the RowErg is extremely beginner-friendly. The PM5 monitor provides clear real-time metrics, resistance scales naturally with your effort (no settings to fumble with), and there’s no subscription required while you’re learning. Many beginners find the immediate, honest performance feedback actually accelerates their progress.
The Concept2 produces a noticeable air-resistance whoosh — roughly comparable to a fan on high speed, or around 70–75 decibels during normal use. It’s louder than water or magnetic rowers but significantly quieter than older Concept2 models. Most users find it fine for a house; apartment dwellers with thin walls should consider a mat underneath and check with neighbors.
Very little. The main tasks are wiping down the chain and rail after use, oiling the chain every 50 hours of use (a 5-minute job), occasionally checking for dust in the flywheel housing, and replacing the PM5 batteries as needed. That’s essentially it. There are no software updates, no WiFi troubleshooting, no subscription lapses.
Yes — and more easily than most people realize. The PM5 includes preset interval workouts. ErgData (free) logs sessions and syncs to the Concept2 Online Logbook. The Hydrow app ($19.99/month) works on any phone or tablet mounted on the device holder, giving you access to the same scenic rows and instructor-led classes as a Hydrow machine. The Ergatta Connection Kit adds a gamified experience for around $24/month. Apple Fitness+ offers indoor rowing classes from junior world champion Josh Crosby.
The Hydrow Origin runs about $2,195 plus $50/month, compared to ~$990 and no subscription for the Concept2. Over three years, a Hydrow costs roughly 4× more. The Hydrow’s immersive guided content and near-silent electromagnetic resistance are genuine advantages for some buyers. But for performance training, the Concept2’s air resistance more closely replicates on-water rowing, and its PM5 data is the universal benchmark. See our full Hydrow vs. Concept2 comparison.
The standard frame sits at 14 inches; the tall-leg version sits at 20 inches and costs approximately $1,155. The tall-leg is useful for athletes with limited mobility, knee issues, or those who simply prefer a higher seat for easier mounting and dismounting. The rowing mechanics are identical on both.
Exceptionally well. Because the Concept2 is the universal standard across gyms, rowing clubs, and CrossFit boxes worldwide, used machines sell quickly and reliably. A 10-year-old machine in good condition typically sells for $700–$850 — roughly 70–85% of the original purchase price. This is unusual in the fitness equipment market.
Our Verdict
After decades on the water and years testing rowing machines at home, the Concept2 RowErg is still the only machine we’d recommend without qualification. It’s durable, affordable, subscription-free, and the single best tool for understanding your actual fitness as a rower — not just how you rank against other people using the same connected app.
The connected machines from Hydrow and Peloton are genuinely good products for people who need guided motivation to stay consistent. But if you’re serious about rowing — or serious about fitness in general — the Concept2 is where you start, and for most people, where you stay.
Need workout ideas? Try our Rowing Machine Workout Generator.
-RR
