Head to head · Rowing Machines
Concept2 RowErg vs WaterRower Oak S4
These are the two rowers most people end up choosing between, and they solve different problems. The Concept2 RowErg uses an air flywheel and is the machine clubs, gyms and indoor-rowing races use. The WaterRower uses a tank of water and a wooden frame designed to live in a living room.
Specifications come from the Amazon listings; owner feedback is summarised from Amazon customer reviews, checked October 2026. We have not tested either machine ourselves.
Concept2
Choose the Concept2 if you train by the numbers
Concept2 RowErg · 9.1/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- The PM5 monitor reports pace, watts and calories, and because it is the standard machine in clubs and races your numbers compare directly with other rowers’.
- An adjustable damper changes the feel between strokes, it is rated to 500 lb and it splits in two for storage; the listing gives a 5-year frame and 2-year parts warranty.
- Trade-offs: the fan whooshes at hard efforts, it needs about 9 × 4 ft of space, and there are no built-in classes.
WaterRower
Choose the WaterRower for a quiet room and good looks
WaterRower Oak S4 · 8.4/10 LiftEvidence editorial score
- Owners consistently describe it as quiet, with a soothing water sound, and the solid oak frame stands upright when not in use.
- The water flywheel’s resistance rises with your effort, and the listing rates it to 700 lb.
- Trade-offs: resistance is set by the water level, not a dial; the S4 data is less standardised than the PM5; and the listing shows only a 1-year warranty.
Resistance and stroke feel
Both machines get our highest rating for stroke feel, for different reasons. The Concept2’s air flywheel responds to how hard you pull, and its damper lever changes how heavy each stroke feels — useful when you switch between steady rowing and intervals. The WaterRower’s resistance also rises with effort, but its overall heaviness is set by how much water is in the tank, so you change it occasionally, not mid-session.
Noise, space and storage
This is where the WaterRower earns its place. We rate it excellent for quietness against moderate for the Concept2, whose fan noise is its most common practical drawback. The WaterRower stands upright when you are done; the Concept2 separates into two pieces and rolls on casters but still needs a long footprint — about 96 in, with 9 × 4 ft recommended around it.
The WaterRower’s own listing gives conflicting lengths (87.75 in in the table, about 82 in in the text), so measure for the longer figure.
Training data
If you follow a programme, race virtually or compare times with others, the Concept2 is the clear choice: we score its data 10/10 against 7.5 for the WaterRower’s S4. The PM5 connects to heart-rate straps and many apps over Bluetooth and ANT+ without a subscription. The WaterRower connects to its own apps and an optional CITYROW subscription.
Rowing is one of the low-impact options that is easiest to combine with heavy leg training; our guide to cardio for lifters explains how to combine the two without hurting strength gains.
Build, warranty and value
Both sit in our premium price band and both are rated exceptional for build and durability. On the listings, the Concept2 carries the longer warranty (5-year frame, 2-year parts versus 1 year). Overall we score the Concept2 9.1 and the WaterRower 8.4 — a difference driven by data and practicality, not quality.
Specifications side by side
From the manufacturers’ listings. A dash means the figure was not published or could not be confirmed.
| 2 products | Check price on Amazon → | Check price on Amazon → |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial summary (LiftEvidence) | ||
| LiftEvidence editorial score | 9.1 / 10 (highest) | 8.4 / 10 |
| Recommendation | Best Overall | Best Water Rower |
| Best suited to | Serious Training, Conditioning, Tall Users, Beginner | Quiet Homes, Small Spaces, Serious Training |
| Stroke feel | Excellent | Excellent |
| Specifications (manufacturer) | ||
| Resistance | Air | Water |
| Resistance detail | Air flywheel with adjustable damper | WaterFlywheel; load set by water level and stroke effort |
| Rail | Aluminium monorail; 14 in seat height | Hardwood twin rail |
| Maximum inseam / user height | Not reliably published | Not reliably published |
| User capacity | 500 lb | 700 lb |
| Monitor & connectivity | PM5: pace, watts, calories; Bluetooth and ANT+ | S4 BLE; WaterRower Connect and CITYROW |
| Storage | Separates into two pieces; caster wheels | Stores upright |
| Dimensions | 96 × 24 in footprint (listing); 9 × 4 ft recommended space | 87.75 × 22.25 × 20 in (listing table; the listing text says about 82 in long) |
| Subscription | None required (works with 40+ apps) | Optional (CITYROW) |
| Warranty | 5-year frame and 2-year parts limited warranty (listing). | Listing states a 1-year warranty. |
| Price & customer ratings (Amazon) | ||
| Price band | Premium | Premium |
| Amazon customer rating | See current rating on Amazon | See current rating on Amazon |
| Editorial assessment (LiftEvidence) | ||
| Less suitable for | Very noise-sensitive homes, or anyone who wants instructor-led classes on a built-in screen. | Anyone who wants fine resistance adjustment between sets or data directly comparable with club ergs. |
| Strengths |
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| Drawbacks |
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| Stroke quality score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 |
| Build & durability score | 9.5 / 10 (highest) | 9.0 / 10 |
| Monitor & data score | 10.0 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 |
| Ergonomics & fit score | 9.0 / 10 (highest) | 8.5 / 10 |
| Home practicality score | 7.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 (highest) |
| Value score | 8.5 / 10 (highest) | 7.5 / 10 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Concept2 better than the WaterRower?
For training data, adjustability and warranty, yes. For a quiet home, upright storage and a machine that looks like furniture, the WaterRower is the better fit. Both are built to last for years.
Which rower is quieter?
The WaterRower. Owners describe its water sound as soothing, while the Concept2’s fan is noticeably louder at hard efforts.
Which other rowers should I consider?
Our rowing machine buying guide compares magnetic, water and budget options as well, on the same criteria.
Compare the other rowing machines
Our buying guide covers every set we track, with options by use case; the comparison tool lets you put any four side by side.