Concept2 RowErg vs Hydrow Origin

The Hydrow’s listing is clear that the touchscreen, stats and workout library need the $50/month membership after the trial; without it you can still row, but without the connected features that justify its price. The Concept2 needs no subscription at all and works with third-party apps.

That is why our value scores differ so much: 8.5/10 for the Concept2 against 5.5 for the Hydrow. If you already know you will pay for classes for years, the Hydrow’s experience is the point; if not, most of what you pay for sits behind a paywall.

We rate both excellent for stroke feel. The Concept2’s air flywheel responds to how hard you pull and its damper changes the feel; the Hydrow’s electromagnetic drag is computer-controlled. For data, the Concept2 scores 10/10 against 7 for the Hydrow: PM5 numbers are the standard that clubs, races and training plans use.

Rowing combines well with heavy leg training; our guide to cardio for lifters explains how to fit it in without hurting strength gains.

The Hydrow is the quiet one — we rate it excellent for quietness against moderate for the Concept2, whose fan noise is its most common drawback. Both store away: the Hydrow stows upright (86 × 25 × 47 in listed, 145 lb); the Concept2 separates into two pieces on casters but needs a long footprint, about 96 in, with 9 × 4 ft recommended around it.

We rate the Concept2 exceptional for build and durability and the Hydrow good. The Concept2’s listing warranty is longer (5-year frame, 2-year parts against 1 year), and its owner feedback is far stronger; the Hydrow’s Amazon record is smaller and mixed on price and value. Overall we score the Concept2 9.1 and the Hydrow 7.5.