Concept2 vs WaterRower: Which Rowing Machine is Right for You?
Are you torn between Concept2 and WaterRower? Chances are you’re looking for a durable rowing machine that measures accurately, rows smoothly, and requires little maintenance. Both brands are highly regarded, but they differ significantly in resistance, feel, monitor functions, noise, and maintenance. In this comparison, you’ll get direct insight into the practical differences and concrete buying advice. You’ll learn when Concept2 excels in performance and standardization, when WaterRower impresses with design and realistic water resistance, which upgrades enhance your training, and what to look for regarding space, ease of use, and budget. This way, you can choose the best option for your goals, whether you train at home or aspire to competition-level performance. If you want to explore beyond these two brands, check out all rowing machines.
Quick Selection: Key Differences at a Glance
- Concept2 uses air resistance and is the standard for performance training, testing, and competitions.
- WaterRower uses water resistance and feels fluid and natural with a quieter sound profile.
- Concept2 PM5 monitor is very accurate and widely compatible; WaterRower becomes highly accurate with the SmartRow upgrade.
- WaterRower looks like a luxury furniture piece and can be stored vertically; Concept2 quickly splits into two parts.
- Concept2 requires basic chain and dust maintenance; WaterRower requires periodic water treatment.
- Noise: air resistance is audibly dynamic; water resistance is quieter, with a distinctive sloshing sound.
- Price: Concept2 is generally more competitively priced; WaterRower is often in a higher segment.
- Training Goal: maximum measurability and benchmarks - choose Concept2; experience and interior-friendly design - choose WaterRower.
Popular and well-reviewed models can be found in the Top 10 best rowing machines.
Specifications Compared
The comparison below summarizes the core differences. Features may vary by model and execution.
| Feature | Concept2 RowErg | WaterRower |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Air resistance with spiral setting | Water resistance with tank and paddle |
| Rowing Feel | Progressive, direct, and athletic | Fluid, natural with water feel |
| Monitor | PM5 - accurate, backlit, ANT+/Bluetooth | S4 basic - becomes very accurate with SmartRow |
| Connectivity | Extensive app support, training data, and exports | SmartRow app with advanced metrics and coaching |
| Noise Level | Audible airflow, dynamic | Quieter tone with water slosh |
| Dimensions & Storage | Long and narrow, quickly separable into 2 parts | Slightly shorter, can be stored upright on the tank |
| Maintenance | Lubricate chain, keep dust-free | Treat/change water, check belt |
| Max. Load Capacity | Very high, suitable for intensive use | High, depending on the model |
| Price Indication | Generally lower | Generally higher |
Design and Rowing Experience
WaterRower is known for its high-quality wood or metal look and furniture-grade finish. If you place the rowing machine in your living space, its luxurious design will stand out positively. The water resistance provides a fluid, natural pull with a distinctive, calm sound that many users find motivating and relaxing.
Concept2 is designed as a performance instrument. Its industrial look and thoughtful ergonomics are geared towards efficiency, durability, and intensive use. The air resistance builds up more aggressively the harder you pull, making sprints, intervals, and test moments feel extra direct. If your heart chooses aesthetics and atmosphere, WaterRower often wins. If you prioritize progress, benchmarks, and comparison with others, Concept2 excels.
Resistance: Air vs. Water Explained
With air resistance, your pulling pace determines how much air flows through the flywheel. The faster you row, the higher the resistance, with the spiral setting influencing the airflow. This reacts quickly and predictably, ideal for intervals and performance training. You can find more background in Differences between air and water resistance explained.
Water resistance works via a paddle in a tank. Here too, pulling harder means more resistance. However, the force curve is smoother and feels more like real rowing. The higher flywheel weight of water provides a fluid recovery, which many users find comfortable during longer sessions.
Noise Level at Home
Air resistance produces an audible whoosh that increases with intensity. In a separate room, this is rarely an issue, but in an open living space, it's clearly audible. Water resistance sounds quieter and more consistent, with a distinctive slosh. If you want to train early in the morning or late at night with minimal noise in your home, WaterRower has a slight advantage here.
Dimensions, Storage, and Portability
Concept2 takes up a relatively long space during use, but you can quickly split the frame into two parts in a few seconds. This makes it easy to store behind a cabinet or against a wall, and transport in a car is possible. The transport wheels help with moving it around.
WaterRower is slightly more compact in length and can be stored upright on its tank. This means its upright footprint takes up little floor space, which is handy in a living room. Its weight is higher due to the tank, but the wheels make it easy to roll over short distances. Consider where you will place the rowing machine, how often you will move it, and whether upright storage is an advantage for you.
Performance Monitor and Training Data
The Concept2 PM5 is the gold standard for rowing data. You get reliable measurements of distance, power, pace, and stroke rate, with backlight, interval programs, and ANT+/Bluetooth connectivity. Results are comparable to countless workouts and benchmarks worldwide, making it ideal for testing, clubs, and competitions.
WaterRower offers the standard S4 monitor with basic data. In combination with the SmartRow upgrade, you elevate the accuracy to a similarly high level. SmartRow measures force via a sensor mechanism in the pulley and calculates power very precisely, including metrics such as peak force, force curve, and efficiency. This enables advanced interval training, technique feedback, and progress measurement for demanding athletes who want to retain WaterRower's experience.
Connectivity and Apps
Concept2 connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ with heart rate monitors and popular training apps. With the official app, you can log workouts, set goals, and share performance. The open data approach and large community create challenges, rankings, and plans that make it enjoyable to train consistently.
WaterRower is strongest with SmartRow. The app displays detailed power and technique data, time and distance goals, and training programs. You can see your force curve and efficiency live, allowing you to adjust your technique immediately. Additionally, there are gamified training options and coaching functions that combine the experience of rowing on water with modern training impulses. If you train primarily for motivation and variety, SmartRow is a valuable upgrade.
Maintenance and Durability
Concept2 is known for its robustness and low maintenance requirements. Keep the chain lightly lubricated, remove dust around the flywheel, and periodically check chain tension. Spare parts are widely available, and assembly is straightforward.
WaterRower requires water maintenance: a periodic maintenance tablet and occasional water changes. Check the drive belt and rolling mechanisms and keep the wood or metal dust-free. Here too, parts are readily available. If you train daily, plan semi-annual checks to keep it running smoothly and quietly.
Price and Availability at Fitwinkel
In general, Concept2 is more competitively priced than WaterRower. WaterRower distinguishes itself with premium materials and design, which is reflected in its price segment. Currently, Concept2 rowing machines (all models) are available on fitwinkel.be, including the Concept2 RowErg and the RowErg Tall. WaterRower rowing machines are not currently available, but the WaterRower SmartRow upgrade is. View the complete overview via WaterRower rowing machines (all models) for future availability and specifications.Who is Concept2 the best choice for?
- You train specifically for power, pace, and benchmarks.
- You want data that is comparable to clubs, events, and official tests.
- You do many intervals, sprints, and progress tests.
- You value low maintenance and proven durability.
- You share the rowing machine with multiple users at home or in the gym.
- You are looking for the best price-performance in the performance segment.
Who is WaterRower the best choice for?
- You want the most natural, fluid rowing experience.
- You appreciate a quiet, calm sound and often train in the living room.
- Design and material aesthetics are important in your interior.
- You want to be able to store it upright with a small footprint.
- You train by feel and technique, supplemented with SmartRow for accurate data.
- You consciously choose premium finish and experience.
Our advice for your situation
Still orienting on criteria and considerations? Read Choosing a Rowing Machine: What to Look For?. If you're looking for standardized performance, comparable data, and an excellent price-performance ratio, choose the Concept2 RowErg. If you want quieter sound, natural resistance, and a rowing machine that fits your interior, then WaterRower is a beautiful choice, especially with SmartRow for top-tier data. Still undecided? Visit one of our physical stores for personal advice, try out the machines, and choose the solution that will keep you training consistently. Home assembly and extended warranty are available, so you can start worry-free.
