WI
“The Concept2 RowErg is the undisputed best rowing machine for serious training — it's what Olympic athletes use, it costs half as much as connected alternatives, and it will outlast every subscription-based competitor.”
Is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine worth it?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine ($990.00) is a top pick with a 9/10 consensus score across 14 expert reviews. Experts highlight no subscription required — zero ongoing costs after purchase and pm5 performance monitor is the gold standard for accurate rowing data. Wirecutter says: "The Concept2 RowErg is the undisputed best rowing machine for serious training —..." Best for: Serious competitive rowers and athletes, Buyers prioritizing long-term value and zero subscription cost, Performance-data-driven fitness users, Home gyms where audio level is not a constraint.
Must Buy14 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$990.00
Verified 22d ago
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Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Rowing Machines
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.7/10
14 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease6/10
Reliability8.3/10
Value Rating9/10
Future-Proofing5/10
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine earns a SHE Score of 6.7/10, driven by strong value (9/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 14 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 9/10 across 14 sources
Updated:“The Concept2 RowErg is the undisputed best rowing machine for serious training — it's what Olympic athletes use, it costs half as much as connected alternatives, and it will outlast every subscription-based competitor.”
Key Features
- ✓ PM5 performance monitor
- ✓ Air resistance (no subscription)
- ✓ Splits into 2 pieces for storage
- ✓ Third-party app integration
- ✓ Olympic-grade build quality
Best For
Serious competitive rowers and athletesBuyers prioritizing long-term value and zero subscription costPerformance-data-driven fitness usersHome gyms where audio level is not a constraint
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine vs. the alternatives
How the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine stacks up against other Fitness options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.
| Product | Price | Consensus | SHE Score | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing MachineThis page | $990.00 | 9/10 | 6.7/10 | major smart home platforms | Must Buy |
| Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine | $1,695.00 | 8.6/10 | 6.6/10 | major smart home platforms | Must Buy |
| Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine | $1,995.00 | 8.3/10 | 6.4/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| Aviron Strong Series Rowing Machine | $1,999.00 | 8.4/10 | 6.6/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine ($990.00) earns a 9/10 expert consensus and a 6.7/10 SHE Score across 14 sources, versus the Peloton Bike+ (2nd Gen) at $2,495-$2,695 (9.2/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ No subscription required — zero ongoing costs after purchase
- ✓ PM5 performance monitor is the gold standard for accurate rowing data
- ✓ Used in Olympic training facilities and competitive rowing worldwide
- ✓ Stores vertically or separates into two pieces for compact storage
- ✓ Connects to all third-party fitness apps (Concept2 Logbook, Strava, Apple Health, Garmin)
- ✓ Industry-leading warranty and repairability — parts available for decades
Common Criticisms
- ✗ No integrated touchscreen or built-in streaming content
- ✗ Air resistance is louder than electromagnetic or magnetic alternatives
- ✗ Utilitarian design lacks the premium aesthetic of connected competitors
- ✗ Solo rowing without coaching or gamification requires self-motivation
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What The Experts Say
BA
“After testing 30+ rowing machines, the Concept2 RowErg remains the benchmark — no connected machine matches its data accuracy, reliability, or long-term value.”
CO
“The Concept2 RowErg earns its reputation as the best rowing machine you can buy — the PM5 monitor delivers actionable performance data that connected competitors still haven't matched.”
GA
“Zero subscription cost, unmatched durability, and the most accurate performance data available — the Concept2 RowErg is the rational choice for any serious home gym.”
Ready to buy the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine?
Check Price on Amazon$990.00 · 14 expert sources · 9/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine worth it?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine earns a 9/10 consensus score across 14 expert sources and is rated "Must Buy". At $990.00, it is best for Serious competitive rowers and athletes. Wirecutter notes: "The Concept2 RowErg is the undisputed best rowing machine for serious training — it's what Olympic athletes use, it costs half as ..."
How much does the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine cost?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine is priced at $990.00. With a 9/10 score from 14 expert reviews and a "Must Buy" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Fitness products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine best for?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine is best for Serious competitive rowers and athletes, Buyers prioritizing long-term value and zero subscription cost, Performance-data-driven fitness users, Home gyms where audio level is not a constraint. Experts rate it "Must Buy" with a 9/10 consensus across 14 sources.
How does the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine compare to other Fitness options?
Among the Fitness products we have aggregated, the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine ranks above average with a 9/10 score. BarBend adds: "After testing 30+ rowing machines, the Concept2 RowErg remains the benchmark — no connected machine matches its data accuracy, rel..."
What smart home systems does the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine work with?
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
Does the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine need a hub or a subscription?
No mandatory subscription — the core features work without a monthly fee.
What are the best alternatives to the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine?
If the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine ($990.00, 9/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Fitness are Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine, Ergatta Rower, NordicTrack RW900 Rower. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine?
The main strengths of the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine are no subscription required — zero ongoing costs after purchase and pm5 performance monitor is the gold standard for accurate rowing data. The most-cited downside is no integrated touchscreen or built-in streaming content. Overall, 14 expert sources rate it "Must Buy" with a 9/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 14 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- Wirecutter
- BarBend
- Consumer Reports
- GarageGymReviews
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 14 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.