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Concept2 RowErg Review

The Concept2 RowErg is a premium indoor rowing machine built for low-impact, full-body cardio training at home. It stands out for elite performance scores, strong build quality, and a highly regarded PM5 monitor with app connectivity. Its main drawbacks are the premium price and the long floor space it needs during use.
Expert reviewed
96
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Concept2 RowErg is an air resistance indoor rowing machine designed for full-body cardio training, home gym use, and structured workout tracking. It includes the PM5 Performance Monitor, a device holder, adjustable footrests, ergonomic handle design, and wireless connectivity through Bluetooth and ANT+. The frame combines aluminum, steel, and stainless steel components, and the machine supports users up to 500 pounds. In practical terms, this rower appears aimed at buyers who want a gym-grade cardio machine with strong long-term durability and reliable training data. Reviews consistently mention smooth movement, simple assembly, and quieter-than-expected operation for an air rower. It also separates into two pieces for storage and uses caster wheels for easier transport. The main compromises are its premium price and the amount of space needed for regular use.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Other Special Features of the Product
view your workout intensity in different units of measurement: pace, watts or calories
Resistance Mechanism
Air
Metrics Measured
Odometer
Tension Supported
Resistance is adjusted by changing the damper setting on a Concept2
Power Source
Battery Powered
Number of Batteries
2 D batteries required. (included)
Display
LCD

Measurements

Item Dimensions D x W x H
24"D x 96"W x 14"H
Item Weight
57.32 Pounds

User guide

Maximum Weight Recommendation
500 Pounds

Materials & Care

Frame Material Type
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Material Type
Aluminum

Item details

Brand Name
Concept2
Model Name
RowErg
Global Trade Identification Number
00848688027120
UPC
848688027120
Manufacturer Part Number
2712
Model Number
2712
Manufacturer
Concept2
Item Type Name
Rowing Machine
Included Components
Concept2 Model D RowErg, Performance Monitor 5 computer (PM5), Smartphone Cradle, User Manual, PM5 Quick Start Guide, tools and illustrated assembly instructions.

Additional details

Color
Black

Scores breakdown

62 /100

Recovery support

98 /100

Performance

98 /100

Training support

82 /100

Strength training

99 /100

Cardio training

55 /100

Mobility & flexibility

100 /100

Nutrition quality

100 /100

Ingredient transparency

Strengths

  • Elite cardio training performance with a very high 99/100 cardio training score and smooth air resistance.
  • Excellent build quality, supported by a 99/100 build quality score and consistent review feedback about solid construction.
  • PM5 monitor adds accurate workout data, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and compatibility with many training apps.
  • Easy to assemble and simple to separate into two pieces for storage, with caster wheels for moving it around.
  • Very strong stability and durability scores, making it well suited to regular long-term home use.
  • High user capacity of 500 pounds and adjustable footrests support a broad range of users.

Limitations

  • The machine has a long footprint and the recommended workout area of 9 x 4 feet may be restrictive in smaller rooms.
  • At $990 , it sits in a premium price bracket and may be more than some casual buyers want to spend.
  • It does not fold flat; storage is easier than many rowers, but the split design still takes meaningful space.
  • Comfort is good rather than standout, with some review variation around seat comfort and setup details.
  • The manual appears basic in some areas, particularly around getting the footrest position right for form.
  • As an air rower, it is quiet for the category but not silent, especially at harder efforts.

Ideal user profiles

  • Home gym buyers who want a durable indoor rowing machine for regular full-body cardio sessions.
  • Users who value accurate training data, app connectivity, and heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • People looking for a low-impact conditioning option instead of running or high-impact cardio.
  • Experienced exercisers who prefer gym-grade equipment and are willing to pay more for long-term reliability.

Use cases

  • Steady-state indoor rowing for low-impact cardio training.
  • Interval sessions using PM5 data to track pace, watts, or calories.
  • Home gym conditioning workouts where durability and repeat use matter.
  • Cross-training alongside strength work, walking, running, or cycling.
  • App-connected rowing sessions with a phone or tablet mounted in the device holder.
  • Shared household use thanks to adjustable footrests and high weight capacity.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product is best positioned as cardio equipment for home gyms, with some secondary value for general conditioning and low-impact cross-training. Its main role in a routine is to provide repeatable indoor rowing workouts that can range from easier steady sessions to harder interval work, depending on pace and damper setting. Compared with more basic home cardio machines, it leans toward serious training support through durable construction, accurate monitoring, and broad app compatibility rather than minimal upfront cost or compact design.

Best for

The Concept2 RowErg is best for home users who want a durable rowing machine with strong workout tracking and long-term reliability. It fits well for people doing regular cardio, interval work, or general conditioning, especially if they value PM5 data, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and gym-grade construction. It also suits buyers willing to invest more upfront for a machine with excellent review sentiment and strong durability scores.

Not best for

This rower may be less suitable for buyers with very limited floor space, since it is long in use and still takes noticeable room even when separated for storage. It may also be a weaker fit for shoppers on a tighter budget or those wanting a fully fold-flat machine. Users who are very sensitive to seat comfort or want highly guided setup instructions may need to pay closer attention to fit and adjustment.

Training use

The RowErg is built around repeatable indoor rowing workouts for conditioning, pacing work, and general fitness. Its PM5 monitor supports structured training through measurable output data, while the device holder and wireless connectivity make it easier to use training apps and heart rate accessories. For home gyms, it works well as a primary cardio machine or as a conditioning tool alongside strength training.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

With a 98/100 performance score , the Concept2 RowErg appears to perform its main job extremely well. The air flywheel is described as smooth and relatively quiet, while the PM5 monitor adds accurate, comparable data for each session. Reviews consistently mention stable rowing action, solid glide quality, and dependable feel during use. The machine also supports a wide range of training intensities through rowing pace and damper adjustment. The main performance tradeoff is not quality but practicality: buyers need enough room for its long footprint, and it remains an air rower rather than a silent machine.

Training support

The 98/100 training support score reflects how well this rower fits into consistent, structured workouts. The PM5 monitor, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and device holder make it easier to track sessions, use compatible apps, and add heart rate monitoring. This supports both beginners looking for simple pacing feedback and more experienced users who want comparable data over time. Reviews also suggest low routine friction because setup is simple and the machine is easy to move on its caster wheels. Its only meaningful drawback here is that the storage footprint is still fairly large for smaller homes.

Strength training

The 82/100 strength training score indicates the RowErg has some value in resistance-based conditioning, but it is not a replacement for dedicated strength equipment. Rowing involves coordinated leg, hip, back, and arm effort, which can support muscular endurance and work capacity. Still, progression is driven more by pace and effort than by discrete loading, so its role is better as a complement to strength work than a primary strength tool.

Cardio training

At 99/100 for cardio training , this is one of the strongest areas of the RowErg. It delivers low-impact conditioning with a smooth rowing feel, broad training intensity range, and useful performance feedback through the PM5. Reviews repeatedly describe the workout quality positively, and the monitor helps make sessions more measurable and repeatable over time.

How it compares

Within the rowing machine category, the Concept2 RowErg appears stronger than many alternatives in the areas that matter most for regular training: performance, monitor quality, durability, stability, and customer satisfaction. It also compares well for ease of use, since reviews consistently describe simple assembly and straightforward operation. Where it is less advantaged is compactness and upfront affordability. Some buyers may find other rowers easier to fit into tight spaces or cheaper to buy, but this product looks better suited to users who prioritize long-term reliability, measurable workout data, and a gym-grade rowing feel.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 96/100 , the Concept2 RowErg ranks as a top-tier indoor rowing machine for home use. Its strongest areas are cardio performance, training support, build quality, durability, stability, and customer satisfaction, all of which score at a very high level. The PM5 monitor, app connectivity, smooth rowing feel, and reliable construction make it especially compelling for buyers who want consistent long-term use. It does not rank quite as perfectly on value or space efficiency, mainly because of its premium price and long footprint. Even so, the scoring profile shows a machine that performs at an elite level in the areas that matter most for rowing.

Buying advice

Consider the Concept2 RowErg if you want a serious home cardio machine and have the budget and floor space to support it. It makes the most sense for buyers who plan to row regularly, value accurate training data, and want a machine that feels durable enough for long-term use. Before buying, check that you can accommodate the recommended 9 x 4 feet of workout space and that the split storage format works for your room. If your priority is the lowest price, the smallest footprint, or a fully fold-flat design, this may not be the best fit despite its strong scores.
96
Overall score

Final verdict

The Concept2 RowErg is a strong option at the premium end of the indoor rowing category. Its main strength is how complete the package feels: elite cardio performance, excellent build quality, highly rated workout tracking, and outstanding customer feedback. The main limitation is practical rather than functional, since the machine is expensive and still takes up a lot of space for home use. If you want a rowing machine for regular, long-term training and can accommodate the footprint, this is one of the clearest high-confidence choices in the category.
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Key topics

Concept2 RowErg review, Concept2 rowing machine, indoor rowing machine review, best home rowing machine, PM5 monitor rower, air resistance rower, low impact cardio machine, home gym rowing machine, Concept2 Model D RowErg, full body cardio equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is the Concept2 RowErg good for home cardio training?
Yes. Based on the provided scores and review data, it is one of the stronger home cardio options in this category. It combines a very high cardio training score, low-impact rowing mechanics, accurate workout tracking through the PM5 monitor, and easy storage separation for home use.
How much space does the Concept2 RowErg need?
The listing recommends a workout space of 9 x 4 feet. The machine itself measures 24 inches deep by 96 inches wide by 14 inches high, so buyers should plan for a long footprint. It separates into two pieces for storage, but it is still not a small machine.
Is the Concept2 RowErg easy to assemble?
Yes. Ease of use is a strong area, and multiple reviews describe assembly as simple and quick. The product includes tools, instructions, and a straightforward setup process, with one customer noting that assembly only required a small number of screws.
Is the Concept2 RowErg quiet?
For an air rower, it appears relatively quiet. The noise score is high at 94/100, and several reviews say it is quieter than expected. That said, it is not silent, since the flywheel uses air resistance and will still produce fan-like sound during harder efforts.
What does the PM5 monitor do?
The PM5 monitor provides workout data and supports different intensity units such as pace, watts, or calories. It also includes Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, allowing wireless connection to compatible apps and heart rate monitors. Reviews repeatedly highlight it as easy to use and useful for tracking sessions.
Can the Concept2 RowErg be moved or stored easily?
It is easier to move and store than many full-length rowers, but it still needs space. The machine separates into two pieces for storage and includes caster wheels for transport. Its portability is good for the category, though its total length still makes it less convenient than compact cardio equipment.
Is the Concept2 RowErg suitable for beginners?
It can suit beginners because it is easy to use, has adjustable footrests, and offers a smooth rowing feel. The PM5 monitor also helps with pacing and consistency. However, beginners should still pay attention to setup and rowing form, especially footrest adjustment, since the manual may be brief in that area.
Does the Concept2 RowErg support app connectivity?
Yes. The included device holder secures a phone or tablet, and the PM5 monitor supports Bluetooth and ANT+. The listing states compatibility with more than 40 apps, and reviews also mention successful use with external training software and heart rate accessories.

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