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Concept2 RowErg vs Hydrow Rower
Quick verdict
Winner on Gym Score: Hydrow Rower (76)
If you want measurement and longevity, Concept2. If you want classes that genuinely change how you train, Hydrow. The Concept2 RowErg is the rowing world's reference standard — the PM5 monitor is what every coach, CrossFit gym, and Olympic team uses. The Hydrow is a premium class-delivery system with filmed-on-water workouts that justify a $44/mo subscription if you'll actually use them. They serve different buyers.
Choose the Concept2 RowErg if you'll train for performance, want competition-grade measurement, or want a tool that'll outlast you. You'll provide your own programming or workout content.
Read the full review →Choose the Hydrow if you'll commit to the subscription, want the content to be the workout (not just an accessory), and value the smoother magnetic resistance over air resistance feel.
Read the full review →
- · Anyone training for indoor rowing benchmarks or CrossFit-style metcon work
- · Buyers who want a single piece of cardio equipment they will own for 20 years
- · Households tracking watts and split times with global standardized data
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Concept2 RowErg | Hydrow Rower |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Air | Magnetic |
| Monitor | PM5 | — |
| Max User Weight | 500 lb | — |
| Damper | 1-10 setting | — |
| Display | — | 22" HD touchscreen |
| Membership | — | $44/mo |
Concept2 RowErg
- +PM5 monitor is the gold standard
- +Air resistance feels natural
- +20+ year service life
- +Globally standardized watts metric
- −Loud (air rowers always are)
- −Not on Amazon (direct from Concept2)
- −No built-in classes
Hydrow Rower
- +Live Classes
- +Smooth Stroke
- +Display Quality
- −Subscription Required
- −Price Point
The real tradeoff
Resistance philosophy splits them. Concept2's air resistance scales infinitely with effort — pull harder, get more resistance, the way real rowing works. Hydrow's magnetic resistance has a cap, which feels more controlled but less natural to experienced rowers. Subscription is the other big gap: Hydrow's $44/mo is essentially mandatory; cancellation strips most of the screen functionality. Concept2 needs no subscription, has no screen to fail, and lasts 20+ years.
Skip both if you want iFIT-ecosystem classes. The NordicTrack RW900 at /product/nordictrack-rw900 uses iFIT, which you might already pay for if you own other NordicTrack equipment.
Buyer questions
Are Hydrow's classes worth the subscription?
If you'll do 3+ classes a week, yes — the on-water filming and instructor quality are genuinely premium. If you'll do one a week, the cost-per-class becomes painful. Calculate honest use, not aspirational use.
Can the Hydrow be used without the subscription?
Technically yes — there's a basic free row mode. Practically no, because the screen and full software experience are subscription-gated. Buying the hardware without intending to subscribe makes no financial sense.
Does the Concept2 fit in a small apartment?
It separates into two pieces for storage (front and back of the rail decouple) and can stand vertically against a wall in about 4 sq ft. The Hydrow doesn't separate; it stands vertically when stored but takes a larger floor footprint when in use.