Concept2 RowErg vs WaterRower: Which Rowing Machine Is Best?

Quick Verdict

1. Resistance: Air vs Water

The fundamental difference between these two machines is how they create resistance. The Concept2 RowErg uses a flywheel and fan that spins against air. The harder you pull, the more air the fan displaces, and the more resistance you feel. This creates an instant, linear response that competitive rowers describe as "honest" — your effort is reflected immediately in the data.

The WaterRower uses a patented WaterFlywheel — a paddle spinning inside a sealed water tank. Resistance is self-regulating: the harder you pull, the faster the paddle spins, and the more water resistance you encounter. This mimics the physics of rowing a boat on water, which many recreational rowers find more natural and satisfying.

For data-driven athletes, the RowErg's air resistance is superior because the drag factor can be precisely measured and compared across every Concept2 machine in the world. A 2:00/500m split on a RowErg in Germany is identical to a 2:00/500m split on a RowErg in Australia. The WaterRower cannot make this claim — resistance varies based on water level, temperature, and individual tank conditions.

2. The PM5 vs S4 Monitor

This is the single biggest differentiator between the two machines — and it is not close. The Concept2 PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) is widely regarded as the most accurate and feature-rich monitor on any indoor training machine. The WaterRower S4 Performance Monitor is functional but basic.

The PM5's Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity is what makes the Concept2 ecosystem so powerful. It connects directly to apps like ErgUltra and Strava, heart rate monitors, and third-party training platforms. Every stroke, every watt, every split is captured in real time and synced to your training history.

The S4 monitor shows basic metrics — time, distance, stroke rate, and intensity — but lacks Bluetooth connectivity, interval programming, drag factor display, and force curve analysis. For anyone who wants to track their progress, compete in online challenges, or connect to a social fitness platform, the PM5 is in a completely different league.

3. Noise Levels

This is the WaterRower's strongest advantage. The gentle swooshing of water is significantly quieter than the RowErg's air resistance whoosh. In practical terms, the WaterRower operates at approximately 55–60 dB (comparable to a normal conversation), while the RowErg produces 70–75 dB at moderate intensity (comparable to a vacuum cleaner at a distance).

If you live in an apartment with thin walls, row early in the morning while others sleep, or share a home office space, the WaterRower's noise advantage is real and significant. Many WaterRower owners describe the sound as "meditative" — the rhythmic water swoosh becomes part of the workout experience rather than a distraction.

That said, the RowErg is not obnoxiously loud. It is comparable to a fan on medium speed. Most people in a dedicated home gym or garage will not find the noise problematic. And if you are wearing headphones during your workout — as most people do — the difference becomes negligible.

4. Build Quality & Durability

Both machines are built to last, but they take very different approaches. The Concept2 RowErg uses an aluminum and steel frame with a nickel-plated steel chain. It is industrial-grade equipment designed to survive thousands of hours in commercial gyms, CrossFit boxes, and Olympic training centers. Concept2 machines from the 1990s are still in daily use around the world.

The WaterRower is built from solid hardwood — available in oak, cherry, walnut, and ash. It is handcrafted and finished to furniture-grade standards. The wood absorbs sound and vibration, contributing to the quieter operation. The WaterRower supports up to 700 lbs (vs 500 lbs for the RowErg), thanks to the inherent strength of its dual-rail hardwood frame.

In terms of pure longevity, the Concept2 has a slight edge. Aluminum and steel do not warp, crack, or respond to humidity changes. Wood, while beautiful, requires more careful environmental management. However, with proper care, both machines will easily last 15–20+ years.

5. Dimensions & Storage

The Concept2 RowErg is longer at 96 inches (244 cm) compared to the WaterRower's 82 inches (209 cm). That 14-inch difference matters in smaller spaces. However, the RowErg has a clever advantage: it separates into two pieces in seconds without tools, and each piece can stand upright against a wall, reducing the storage footprint to roughly 24" × 33".

The WaterRower stores upright by tilting the entire unit on its end. This looks elegant but requires the water tank to remain filled (draining and refilling is impractical for daily storage). At 103.5 lbs when filled, it is significantly heavier to move than the 57 lb RowErg.

6. Price & Value

The Concept2 RowErg starts at $1,100 for the standard leg version and $1,290 for the tall leg version. The WaterRower Natural (oak) starts at $1,199, with premium wood options (cherry, walnut) reaching $1,400+. Both machines ship with their respective monitors included.

The Concept2 RowErg offers significantly better value over time. Its legendary resale value means you can sell a 5-year-old RowErg for 70–80% of what you paid. The WaterRower depreciates faster, partly because the wood can show wear and the water tank requires more maintenance. When you factor in resale, the effective 5-year cost of owning a RowErg is roughly half that of a WaterRower.

7. App Ecosystem & Connectivity

The Concept2 PM5's Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity opens the door to an entire ecosystem of training apps. ErgUltra connects directly to your PM5 to track every stroke in real time, run Backyard Ultra events, and share your training with a global community. Strava syncs your sessions automatically. ErgData, Asensei, and dozens of other apps all work seamlessly with the PM5.

The WaterRower S4 monitor has no Bluetooth and no ANT+. It connects to the WaterRower's own app (WaterConnect) via a proprietary Bluetooth module that must be purchased separately ($99). Third-party app support is extremely limited compared to the Concept2 ecosystem.

8. Community & Competition

Concept2 has built one of the largest fitness communities in the world. The Concept2 Online Logbook has tracked billions of meters from millions of users. The annual Concept2 Holiday Challenge, Crash-B Sprints (now the World Rowing Indoor Championships), and countless CrossFit competitions all use Concept2 equipment exclusively.

Every Concept2 RowErg produces identical, comparable data. A 6:30 2K time on any RowErg anywhere in the world is a 6:30 2K time. This standardization enables global leaderboards, fair competition, and meaningful benchmarks. It is why every Olympic rowing team, every CrossFit Games event, and every serious indoor rowing competition uses Concept2.

The WaterRower has a much smaller community. Because water resistance varies between individual machines (based on water level and temperature), times and distances are not directly comparable. There are no major competitions, no global leaderboards, and no standardized benchmarks. For competitive athletes, this is a dealbreaker.

9. Maintenance

Both machines are low-maintenance compared to treadmills or ellipticals. The RowErg's maintenance is simpler and harder to forget — a quick chain oil every few weeks is all most people need. The WaterRower requires more attention: neglecting the water treatment can lead to algae growth, cloudy water, and eventually mold, which is both unpleasant and can affect the resistance feel.

10. Who Should Buy Which

Frequently Asked Questions

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