WaterRower vs. Concept2
WaterRower vs. Concept2: Which Rowing Machine Is Right for You?
A full breakdown of the WaterRower and Concept2 RowErg — covering resistance feel, design, performance data, price, and who each machine is actually built for. Written by competitive rowers.
Quick Take
The Concept2 RowErg (~$990) is the gold standard for serious rowers, CrossFitters, and anyone who values performance data, durability, and long-term value — it’s the same machine used at the World Indoor Rowing Championships and HYROX competitions worldwide.
The WaterRower (~$1,199) is built for people who prioritize home aesthetics, quiet operation, and a visually beautiful machine — and whose training goals don’t depend on industry-standard performance data. Both are excellent machines; the right choice depends on how you train and what keeps you coming back.
Key Specifications
Everything side by side. For deeper analysis on any criterion, see the relevant sections below.
| Feature | Concept2 RowErg | WaterRower Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$990 | ~$1,199 |
| Resistance | Air (flywheel + damper) | Water (enclosed tank) |
| Dimensions | 96″ × 24″ × 14″ | 82″ × 21″ × 22″ |
| Weight | 57 lbs | 103 lbs (filled) |
| Max User Weight | 500 lbs | 700 lbs |
| Monitor | PM5 — industry standardSplit, watts, HR, pace, app sync | S4/M — basicmph display, not /500m split |
| Rail Design | Single monorailFootplates on either side | Dual rail (standard)Monorail on A1 only |
| Drag Adjustment | Damper lever — instant | Add/remove water |
| Noise Level | Moderate (air whoosh) | Very quiet (water swoosh) |
| Storage | 96″ vertical; splits in two | 82″ vertical; very stable |
| App Ecosystem | Extensive — ErgData, Logbook, Rowing in Motion | Via Ergatta or CityRow (extra cost) |
| Subscription | None required | Optional ($29/mo for Ergatta) |
| Resale Value | Excellent ($700–$850 used) | Good |
| Ownership | Concept2 (Vermont, USA) | WaterRower / Life FitnessAcquired 2023 |
How Do the WaterRower and Concept2 Differ in Design and Build?
Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 RowErg has been the workhorse of the rowing world for decades. Its design is functional rather than flashy: a steel and aluminum frame with a monorail track, an air flywheel with a spiral damper, and the PM5 performance monitor. It weighs just 57 lbs, breaks into two pieces with a quick-release framelock (no tools needed), and can be stored vertically or hung on a wall. At 96 inches fully assembled it has a longer footprint than the WaterRower, but its ability to break down makes it more portable overall.
The air resistance system uses a flywheel and damper that allow you to adjust the drag factor — and here’s a note for non-rowers: the damper setting should typically sit between 3–5. It’s not a weight machine, so cranking it to 10 doesn’t mean a better workout. The resistance is infinite and scales naturally with your effort, which is exactly why competitive rowers and coaches trust it.
The RowErg is available in two seat heights: the standard 14-inch frame and the tall-leg version at 20 inches ($1,155) — the latter useful for athletes with mobility limitations or those who prefer an easier mount and dismount.
The single monorail positions footplates on either side, lower relative to the seat — closely matching how footplates sit in an actual racing shell. This creates a more natural drive mechanic and better leverage that experienced rowers will notice immediately. At 57 lbs it’s also light enough that vertical storage is slightly less stable than the WaterRower, though separating it into two pieces is an easy workaround.
WaterRower
The WaterRower uses a water flywheel system and frames crafted from solid hardwood — ash, cherry, or walnut depending on the model. It’s designed explicitly for the home, and it succeeds. The machine fits naturally into a living room or study in a way that no other rower does. The WaterRower is clearly targeting the in-home workout demographic, with a focus on aesthetics and noise reduction above all else.
The standard WaterRower’s dual-rail design forces the footplate to sit between the rails, restricting its width and positioning the feet higher relative to the seat. For taller or broader rowers this can feel cramped. The A1 model uses a monorail design and is genuinely the superior choice — worth serious consideration if you’re committed to WaterRower.
Your only way to change drag is by adding or removing water from the tank — contrast that with the Concept2’s damper, adjustable in two seconds mid-session. On the positive side, the water tank’s weight (~103 lbs filled) creates an exceptionally stable base when stored vertically, and the sound is genuinely pleasant: a gentle, rhythmic swoosh that’s remarkably quiet. For apartments or shared walls, this difference is significant.
Life Fitness Acquisition (2023): WaterRower was acquired by Life Fitness in 2023. As of early 2026 the product line is unchanged. The practical considerations for buyers are long-term parts availability and any potential shifts in product direction under new ownership.
The Water Resistance Paradox: Which Actually Feels More Like Rowing?
Here’s something counterintuitive I share with every new student: water resistance feels more like real rowing to beginners, but technically it isn’t the more accurate replication. The WaterRower’s resistance stays fairly constant through the stroke, whereas in a real boat the hull’s acceleration causes the handle to feel lighter through the back half of the drive — a dynamic that the Concept2’s air flywheel replicates much more faithfully. That natural acceleration and lightening of the handle through the second half of the drive is what competitive rowers recognize immediately, and why the Concept2 is particularly valuable for training indoors.
The Concept2’s PM5 monitor also displays your actual drag factor — most rowers train in the 105–120 range regardless of fitness level. The WaterRower offers no equivalent precision; you’re adjusting by feel and approximate water volume, which is fine for casual use but limiting for any structured training program.
Monitor, Metrics, and App Ecosystem
The contrast between monitoring systems is perhaps the most significant practical difference between these two machines — and the one most buyers underestimate before purchasing.
Concept2 PM5
The PM5 is the industry standard for indoor rowing. Every official World Rowing competition, every Crash-B record, every online ranking — all measured on Concept2. The monitor tracks split per 500m, watts, stroke rate, heart rate (with strap), calories, and distance, and syncs with ErgData, Rowing in Motion, and the Concept2 online logbook, where you can compare your times against millions of rowers worldwide. No subscription required.
WaterRower Monitor
The WaterRower’s standard monitor is notably basic and carries a significant quirk: it displays speed in mph rather than split per 500m. Its numbers aren’t directly comparable to anything in the wider rowing world — a 1:35 split on a Concept2 might register in the 1:20s on a WaterRower for equivalent exertion. If you want to compare your fitness with other rowers, track accurate progress, or enter any online competition, this is a meaningful limitation.
WaterRower’s partnerships with Ergatta and CityRow add touchscreen displays and gamified workout experiences — genuinely compelling for anyone motivated by immersive content. Both require separate subscriptions on top of the machine cost; Ergatta currently runs approximately $29/month. Concept2 integrates natively with a wide range of third-party apps at no ongoing cost.
Is the WaterRower Worth the Extra Cost Over a Concept2?
Price and Long-Term Value
The Concept2 RowErg starts at approximately $990. The WaterRower Natural starts at approximately $1,199. From a pure value standpoint, the Concept2 is difficult to beat: spare parts are cheap and widely available, maintenance is minimal and DIY-friendly, and because it’s the universal standard, resale value holds exceptionally well — a 10-year-old machine in good condition still sells quickly for $700–$850 on secondary markets.
The WaterRower’s premium reflects materials and craftsmanship rather than performance capability — a fair trade-off if home aesthetics genuinely matter to you, less so if they don’t.
Special Mention: WaterRower A1
If you’re drawn to WaterRower but budget-conscious, the A1 is worth a serious look.
WaterRower A1
Lower price point
The best WaterRower entry point. Uses a monorail rail design (unlike the standard dual-rail), weighs 98 lbs filled, and offers the same quiet water resistance and upright storage as the full WaterRower lineup. Main constraints: 300 lb weight capacity limit and the same basic S4 monitor. If the WaterRower’s aesthetic is the draw but price is a concern, start here.
The Rower’s Perspective
As a rowing site, we’d be remiss not to point this out clearly: the Concept2’s air resistance and drag curve are the closest thing to rowing on the water that you’ll find in a home erg. Every serious rowing program in the world uses the Concept2, and the PM5’s data is universally comparable — a 7:00 2k on a Concept2 in your basement means the same as a 7:00 2k in a national team training center. That comparability doesn’t exist across machines.
Which Rower Is Right for You?
Rather than a simple “this one vs. that one,” here’s how to think about the decision based on who you are:
- Competitive or ex-competitive rower → Concept2. The data comparability, the feel, and the community are unmatched. Every erg test, ranking, and indoor rowing competition uses the Concept2.
- Training for CrossFit or HYROX → Concept2. These competitions use the RowErg. Train on the machine you’ll race on.
- Home aesthetics are a genuine priority → WaterRower. No other rower looks this good in a living space.
- Apartment or noise-sensitive environment → WaterRower. The difference in noise is meaningful and real.
- Need motivation to stay consistent → WaterRower + Ergatta. The gamified experience makes a real difference for some people.
- Budget-conscious → Concept2. Lower cost, no subscription, excellent resale value, and virtually indestructible.
- Higher weight capacity required → WaterRower (700 lbs vs. 500 lbs).
- New to rowing, no competitive goals → Either. The WaterRower’s feel is intuitive; the Concept2’s monitor teaches you more over time.
Pros and Cons
Concept2 RowErg
Pros
- ✓Affordable at ~$990 with no required subscription
- ✓Same machine used at World Indoor Rowing Championships and HYROX
- ✓Ultra-durable; machines routinely last 15–20+ years
- ✓Lightweight (57 lbs), breaks into 2 pieces for easy storage
- ✓PM5 provides universally comparable performance data
- ✓Best replication of on-water rowing feel
- ✓Wide third-party app support (ErgData, Asensei, Ergatta Connection Kit)
- ✓Excellent resale value ($700–$850 used)
Cons
- ✗Air resistance is noticeably louder — not apartment-friendly
- ✗Industrial aesthetic; not designed for the living room
- ✗Longer assembled footprint (96″)
- ✗Less stable stored vertically
- ✗Lower max weight capacity (500 lbs)
WaterRower
Pros
- ✓Aesthetically beautiful — best-looking rower for home use
- ✓Remarkably quiet water resistance
- ✓Compact 82″ footprint with very stable vertical storage
- ✓Higher max user weight (700 lbs)
- ✓Intuitive feel for beginners
- ✓Optional Ergatta integration for gamified workouts
- ✓Solid hardwood construction; excellent build quality
Cons
- ✗Monitor not calibrated to industry standard; split times not comparable
- ✗No equivalent to PM5 data without add-on hardware
- ✗Cumbersome drag adjustment (add/remove water)
- ✗Standard model: narrow dual rail, footplate sits high
- ✗Higher purchase price; connected features cost extra
- ✗Life Fitness acquisition creates long-term uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
The WaterRower is significantly quieter. Its water resistance produces a gentle swooshing sound, while the Concept2’s air flywheel generates a noticeable whoosh roughly comparable to a fan on high speed. For apartment dwellers or anyone with noise-sensitive neighbors, this difference is meaningful.
Not directly. The WaterRower’s monitor is not calibrated to the Concept2 standard — a 1:35 split on a Concept2 might read as 1:20 on a WaterRower for equivalent effort. All World Rowing records, online rankings, and competition results use Concept2 as the benchmark.
The Concept2. It is the universal standard for competitive rowing worldwide and has been for decades. Every national team, every collegiate program, every indoor rowing competition relies on the Concept2 RowErg. WaterRower is a popular home machine and the official rower of British Rowing, but the training tool of competitive erging is the Concept2.
The Concept2 holds its value considerably better. Because it’s the universal standard used by athletes, gyms, and CrossFit boxes worldwide, used Concept2s sell quickly and reliably — a 10-year-old machine in good condition can still fetch $700–$850 on the secondary market.
CrossFit transitioned away from Concept2 as its exclusive equipment partner around 2024. However, Concept2 remains by far the most widely used erg in CrossFit gyms worldwide, and most affiliate competitions still default to it. For practical CrossFit training, the Concept2 remains the de facto standard.
The Concept2 needs basic chain lubrication every few months — a 5-minute task. The WaterRower requires periodic water level checks and purification tablets to prevent algae buildup. Neither is burdensome, but the Concept2’s maintenance is simpler and more predictable.
WaterRower was acquired by Life Fitness in 2023. As of early 2026, the product line is unchanged and the brand continues to operate under its own name. Key considerations for buyers are long-term parts availability and any potential shifts in product direction or customer service under new ownership.
Our Verdict
Both the Concept2 RowErg and WaterRower deliver excellent full-body workouts. The Concept2 remains the undisputed choice for pure rowing performance, data accuracy, long-term value, and competitive training — and at ~$990 with no subscription required, it’s also the better financial decision for most buyers.
The WaterRower earns its place for buyers who genuinely prioritize home design fit or quiet operation. If aesthetics matter, if you live in an apartment, or if you’re drawn to the gamified Ergatta experience, it’s a legitimate choice. Just don’t expect to compare your splits with the rowing world at large.
If you’re torn: the Concept2 with an Ergatta Connection Kit (~$990 + $24/month) gives you the best performance hardware with gamified content at roughly half the cost of a WaterRower/Ergatta combination.
-RR
