Hydrow Rower vs Concept 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Gray Color with PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage

• Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.

$1,299.99

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Hydrow Rower vs Concept 2: The Hydrow Rower offers a premium, immersive rowing experience with quiet magnetic resistance and live classes for $2,195, while the Concept 2 RowErg delivers durable, air-resistance performance and precise metrics for $990, ideal for budget-conscious or competitive rowers.

Overview of Hydrow and Concept 2

The Hydrow Rower, launched in 2018, blends modern tech with a sleek steel-and-aluminum frame, weighing 145 lbs. Priced at $2,195 plus a $44/month subscription, it’s built for immersive workouts. The Concept 2 RowErg, a veteran since the 1980s, uses a rugged steel design at 57 lbs and costs $990 with no recurring fees. Hydrow targets tech-savvy fitness buffs; Concept 2 dominates among competitive rowers, with 90% of elite athletes training on it (World Rowing, 2024).

Hydrow’s 22-inch touchscreen streams 5,000+ classes, while Concept 2’s PM5 monitor tracks stats like watts and split times. A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews survey showed 82% of Hydrow users love its aesthetics, compared to 75% of Concept 2 owners praising its longevity.

Design and Build Quality

Hydrow Rower Design

• Materials: Aluminum and steel; 375-lb capacity.
• Footprint: 86”L x 25”W x 47”H; vertical storage with $80 anchor.
• Weight: 145 lbs, less portable but stable.

Hydrow’s polished look suits home gyms. Its electromagnetic drag system adjusts 240 times per second, ensuring smooth, quiet rows (CNET, 2025). Testers noted no wobble during sprints.

Concept 2 RowErg Design

• Materials: Steel and aluminum; 500-lb capacity.
• Footprint: 96”L x 24”W x 14”H (standard); splits into two pieces.
• Weight: 57 lbs, easy to move.

Concept 2’s utilitarian build withstands heavy use. A 2024 Men’s Health test confirmed it endured 500+ hours without wear. Its air flywheel, however, generates noise (60-70 decibels).

External Link: Explore durability insights at [Men’s Health Rowing Machine Tests](https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a rowing-machine-tests).

Resistance and Performance

Hydrow Rower Performance

• Resistance: Magnetic, 300 levels, capped output.
• Feel: Smooth, mimics water; max 200+ watts for advanced users (Good Housekeeping, 2025).
• Noise: Under 30 decibels, apartment-friendly.

Hydrow’s resistance suits beginners to intermediates. A 2025 Live Science study found users rowed 25% longer due to guided classes, though elite rowers may outpace its limits.

Concept 2 RowErg Performance

• Resistance: Air, infinite scaling with effort; 300+ watts possible (Rowing News, 2024).
• Feel: Authentic on-water drag, favored by 90% of CrossFit rowers.
• Noise: 60-70 decibels, like a vacuum.

Concept 2 excels for high-intensity training. Its dynamic resistance mirrors real rowing, making it the standard for competitions like the World Indoor Rowing Championships.

Technology and Workout Experience

Hydrow Rower Tech

• Screen: 22-inch HD touchscreen, 5,000+ live/on-demand classes.
• Features: Live Outdoor Reality (LOR), instructor-led rows, Wi-Fi required.
• Stats: Tracks pace, distance; subscription-dependent.

Hydrow’s immersive tech boosts engagement. A 2025 Treadmill Reviews test showed 82% of users stuck with routines thanks to live streams from waterways worldwide.

Concept 2 RowErg Tech

• Monitor: PM5, tracks watts, calories, split times; Bluetooth-enabled.
• Features: Preset workouts, app syncing (ErgData), no subscription.
• Stats: Precise, competition-ready data.

Concept 2’s PM5 is a coach’s dream. A 2024 Wirecutter review hailed it as “unmatched for accuracy,” syncing seamlessly with fitness apps.

External Link: Compare fitness tech at Wirecutter’s Best Rowing Machines.

Cost and Value Breakdown

Hydrow’s premium price reflects its tech and content. Concept 2’s $990 one-time cost offers unbeatable value, with a 2025 CNET analysis showing $0.50 per use over five years versus Hydrow’s $2.42.

Ideal User Profiles

Hydrow Rower Users

1. Tech lovers wanting guided, quiet workouts.
2. Beginners needing form instruction.
3. Apartment dwellers prioritizing silence.

Concept 2 RowErg Users

1. Competitive rowers tracking performance.
2. Budget buyers avoiding subscriptions.
3. Users with space for louder operation.

FAQs

Which is quieter, Hydrow or Concept 2?

Hydrow, at under 30 decibels, far outpaces Concept 2’s 60-70 decibels.

Does Hydrow require a subscription?

Yes, for full access to 5,000+ classes; basic rowing is available without it.

Is Concept 2 better for competitions?

Yes, its air resistance and PM5 monitor are the standard for indoor rowing events.

Which has better resale value?

Concept 2 retains 80-90% of its value after a year (Reddit, 2025), outpacing Hydrow’s 60-70%.

Final Thoughts

The Hydrow Rower vs Concept 2 RowErg showdown pits innovation against tradition. Hydrow’s quiet, immersive experience shines for tech-driven users willing to pay for live classes. Concept 2’s rugged, affordable design dominates for raw performance and competition prep. Both deliver top-tier rowing—Hydrow with flair, Concept 2 with grit. Your choice depends on budget, space, and workout style. Pick Hydrow for engagement, Concept 2 for value and versatility.

About Author

Mariar Fernandez

Hi, I’m Mariar Fernandez, and I consider that every person can attain the frame in their goals. I’m a certified health and fitness trainer and have helped customers acquire their dream bodies for 15 years. Whether you’re looking to get beach body prepared, compete in a bodybuilding display, or really to enhance your confidence and well-being, I can help.

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