The Concept2 RowErg rowing machine has been hailed the gold standard and has been the leader in its industry for the last few decades. The Concept2 RowErg has dominated gyms, fitness clubs and home gyms everywhere and has been the favourite tool for Olympians, CrossFit athletes and your everyday fitness junkie.
In recent times we have seen more and more ‘smart’ home rowing machines like the Hydrow / Ergatta / Echelon and Nordic Track, which feature large displays and subscription programs to keep you motivated and engaged. Now we are seeing some of these companies like Hydrow creating more budget friendly base models of their flagship smart rowing machines to further compete with the likes of the Concept2 RowErg rowing machine.
But can they really compete and what set’s the Concept2 RowErg apart from the rest? In this article Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg, we take a look at the new kid on the block and see how it compares.
Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg Specs
| Hydrow Wave | Concept2 RowErg | |
| Weight | 102 lbs | 57 lbs |
| Portability | Stands | Stands or splits into 2 |
| Size | 80″ L x 19″ W | 96″ L x 24″ W |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Air |
| Resistance Levels | 50 – 300 | 1 – 10 |
| Maximum User Weight | 375 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Monitor | 16″ HD Touch Display | PM5 Digital Monitor |
| Power Requirement | Power Outlet | 2 x D Cell Batteries |
| Subscription Cost | $44/Month | N/A |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 1yr parts | 5yr frame, 2yr parts |
 | Hydrow Wave | View on Amazon |
 | Concept2 RowErg | View on Amazon |
Build Details
The Hydrow Wave features an aesthetic looking slick minimalistic black aluminium and steel frame with a thermoplastic polymer body which actually looks pretty cool. It embodies a stainless steel track and a polyester webbing strap for a smooth and quiet rowing experience. The Hydrow Wave now comes in 5 different colors (orange, yellow, blue, green and the original black version) so you can match your rower to your room/gym decor if you so choose.
The Hydrow Wave is a slimmer lighter rowing machine than their original flagship Hydrow rowing machine (30% smaller footprint) which is great for smaller spaces.
The Concept2 RowErg also looks ready for business in black and the design also looks great (after all it is a rowing machine, not a coffee table). The Concept2 RowErg features a smooth stainless steel track, aluminium front, steel rear legs and fanned flywheel driven by a nickel-plated steel chain.
Both the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 RowErg have comfortable ergonomic seats, handles and adjustable footrests.
Good and bad points of the Hydrow Wave build:
+ Hydrow Wave rail length is also great for taller users like the Concept2 RowErg
+ Great range of resistance levels from 50 to 300 – This gives greater variety than the Concept2
+ Ideal for smaller spaces – (80″ x 19″)
+ Magnetic rowing offers quieter rowing experience than the Concept2 RowErg
+ Comfortable padded ergonomic seat
– Seat rollers are quite noisy on the Hydrow Wave
– An additional anchor is recommended for vertical storage, sold separately
Good and bad points of the Concept2 RowErg build:
+ Works without power or Wi-Fi
+ Guaranteed durability
+ Easy to repair and inexpensive to get replacement parts
+ Portable, compact and easily splits into two pieces for quick storage
+ Easy & quick to assemble
+ Suitable for heavier users (500lbs max)
+ Taller legs available for purchase (great for those that may have hip mobility issues)
+ Slides can be purchased to make the RowErg dynamic
– Being an air rower the Concept2 is louder whilst rowing
– Concept2 takes up a larger footprint (96″ x 24″)
Display
Although the original Hydrow rowing machine has the much larger 22″ screen, the Hydro Waves’ 16″ HD touch display is still large enough and is actually a great size for an immersive on-water rowing experience. Its front facing speakers deliver a crisp engaging sound. It also features Bluetooth for wireless connectivity to your headphones or home theatre system.
The Concept2 features a more traditional digital performance monitor which although looking somewhat basic by today’s standards, gives you all the workout data you desire and more. In addition to that you are able to connect your phone to their free ErgData app in order to further display your workout metrics, history and more. You are also able to sync this data into their free online logbook where you are able to track it against friends and other athletes.
Although the Concept2 does not come with a color display in order to stream workouts or live sessions it does come standard with a tablet / device holder – meaning you can easily reuse your existing tablet/iPad or phone and also download one of the 30+ Concept2 compatible software apps. Having a tablet also means you can also use other apps like streaming YouTube or Netflix or playing your own music.
Another option if you just wanted to use your phone as a screen is getting a silicon phone holder from Amazon which holds your phone nice and securely to the top of the PM5 Monitor. You can also store your workout data using the ErgData app on your phone whilst using the Hydrow app for workouts on a tablet at the same time.
Good and bad points of the Hydrow Wave display
+ 16″ HD display gives a great immersive experience
+ Great front facing speakers
+ All-in-one display for tracking / displaying your workout stats
– Screen is in a fixed location, so you would need to perform Hydrow yoga and mobility sessions behind your rowing machine if using this screen.
– Unable to connect to third party apps (apart from Strava)
– Unable to play your own music
Good and bad points of Concept2 PM5 and using your own device as a display
+ Device/tablet can be removed and used for other purposes or workouts
+ Compatible with 30+ rowing apps like Asensei / EXR etc.
+ The Hydrow App can also be installed and used on your own device and membership is cheaper for streaming classes than a Hydrow membership on the Hydrow Wave ($19.99/m vs $44/m*)
+ You are able to store/play your own music or use music streaming platforms like Spotify
+ More and more apps are being created all the time that are compatible with the Concept2 RowErg
The Experience
Both the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 RowErg are great indoor rowing machines for the beginner right through to the experienced rower. Both indoor rowing machines offer a realistic smooth rowing experience which is great for training off-water. When comparing the Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg, the experience that each machine and platform it offers may be an important factor for you to consider.
Hydrow are considered the ‘Peloton’ of rowing. They have exceptional on-water rowing content. The Hydrow trainers are great and athletes themselves and being on-water creates a truly immersive experience. Classes are shot from different locations across the globe and include great scenery.
With a bunch of variety of personalities, workout formats, and intensities, you can tailor the app to your preferences and needs. This also includes strength, stretching and mobility videos. The app is built so you can craft together warmups, workouts, cooldowns, and stretching or mobility sessions as you want.
Hydrow are constantly updating and improving their app and are always adding new content and new classes to try. The Hydrow membership makes it fun to compete with other rowers. There are live workouts which you can join and weekly races you can participate in. Hydrow do a great job of gamifying rowing and keeping you engaged and motivated.
Being a connected experience device, you will always need power and an internet connection in order to row on the Hydrow Wave even in “Just Row” mode without a membership.
The Concept2 delivers a smooth comfortable enjoyable rowing experience. It is the machine you get on and row. It is quick and easy to adjust the damper setting, program yourself a time, distance or interval workout and get started rowing. Different data points are easy to toggle between. It has been made as simple as possible so you can spend time focusing on your rowing. Great features include pace boat, biathlon training as well as games such as darts, target training and the fish game.
Another great thing about the Concept2 RowErg is being able to purchase slides to turn your stationary RowErg into a dynamic RowErg, this gives the closest feeling to real on-water rowing and can be a great training tool.
Good and bad points of the Hydrow Wave Experience:
+ Smooth, realistic rowing experience
+ 4000+ Great live and on-demand “fitness class” style workout videos incl. rowing, strength and conditioning, stretching, Pilates, yoga and mobility
+ On-water immersive experience with professional athletes
+ Exclusive milestone rewards
+ Unlimited workout profiles for household members to also track their workouts
+ Live in-workout leader board and weekly racing challenges
+ Automatically recommends your next workout based on your workout history
– Power and internet are always required in order to be able to use the Hydrow Wave, even without a membership.
– Hydrow Wave has very limited functionality without membership
– Just row function is very limited / unable to program a simple time or distance rowing workout
Good and bad points of the Concept2 Experience:
+ Smooth, realistic rowing experience
+ 30+ compatible software apps
+ Free access to ErgData and the Concept2 LogBook for tracking your workouts
+ Concept2 RowErg data is the benchmark for athletes across the globe, which is great for competitive rowers
+ Slides can be purchased for the Concept2 RowErg, making it a dynamic rowing machine
+ Official indoor rowing championships use Concept2 RowErg’s (although Hydrow have their own challenges you can participate in)
+ Quick and easy to self-program a time or distance rowing workout
Pricing
At the time of writing this article the Concept2 RowErg was roughly $990* and the Hydrow Wave $1595*.
You will need to factor in the Hydrow Wave membership cost which is currently $44 p/m*.
The Hydrow app is currently $19.99 p/m* and is available on the Apple app store and Google Play store.
As to why Hydro charge $44 p/m* membership fee for users to have the Hydrow experience on their Hydrow Wave rowing machine is unknown. As you would expect that Hydrow Wave owners should be paying the same for the $19.99 p/m* app and have the added benefit of the stats, weekly races, leader board access and workout data as a benefit of having invested in a Hydrow rowing machine rather than having to pay more for their membership.
So when comparing the Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg you are paying quite a bit more for your rowing machine and rowing experience.
*prices stated current January 2024 | Check Hydrow.com for latest pricing
Choosing Your Indoor Rower
Which one is best for you?
When you are looking at purchasing a rowing machine in this price range it is going to be heavily important to pick a rowing machine that is specific to your own needs and goals. Would you enjoy being part of the Hydrow virtual community and could you benefit from having engaging and encouraging streamed rowing workouts? Or are you looking for a great value rowing machine with maximum versatility? Perhaps you are an athlete looking to buy a machine that you will be able to train with to help you reach your goals?
Hydrow Wave
If considering the Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg and being part of the Hydrow virtual community and utilising their streaming video classes and connected-fitness elements will motivate you to get on your rowing machine and workout and your goal is to get healthy and stay fit then it will be a great fit for you. You will be able to see your workout stats within the app, participate in races, have access to the leader board and have all your historical workout data within Hydrow.
When Choosing the Hydrow Wave you are getting a great high quality immersive on-water experience as well as great coaching from experienced athletes. However, you are choosing more of an experience rather than an actual rowing machine. Unless you are looking to have an immersive connected rowing experience and be engaged in the Hydro community then the Hydro Wave might not be the best fit for you.
In Hydro’s own words:
“We do not suggest purchasing Hydrow with the intent of using it in “Just Row” mode. If you are not interested in the streaming video or connected-fitness elements, you may want to consider carefully whether or not Hydrow is the right rower for you.”
Considerations for choosing the Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg:
– You are locked into their eco system and are unable to use other apps (apart from connecting to Strava) or stream any other services like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify etc.
– If you end your subscription the rowing machine is pretty limited and you would be much better off with purchasing a Concept2 RowErg
– How much are replacement parts for the Hydrow Wave and are they likely to be expensive or difficult to replace
Concept2 RowErg
If you’re looking for best value for money, most versatility, durability and portability then the Concept2 RowErg may well be the best rowing machine for you.
The subscription cost difference between the Hydrow membership and app, re-sale value of the Concept2 as well as not being locked into just using one particular app are all great benefits of choosing the Concept2 RowErg.
Having your own tablet gives you a lot more options as you can use different apps and streaming services. You can also have the tablet off and have a break from the screen and enjoy the simple but detailed stats of the PM5 monitor which also includes a few games of its own such as darts and the fish game.
You can still experience Hydrow by purchasing the Hydrow app subscription for $19.99 p/m* and row along on your Concept2 RowErg rowing machine. This way, if you later change your mind or want something new you can stop paying for their app and try a different app without compromising your rowing machine’s abilities.
You will need to track your own workout data as it will not be recorded within the Hydrow app. You will also not be able to be part of the leader board or able to participate in the weekly races. You can still see and follow along with your stats on the PM5 and use Ergdata to record and keep track of your workouts.
Other great apps for the Concept2 RowErg include Asensei, Club Row, RowForge and EXR. There is also great free row-along content on YouTube such as Dark Horse Rowing, Training Tall and Row Along YouTube channels.
More and more apps and options are coming out for the Concept2 RowErg all the time. There will be more tablet apps coming in the future that are Concept 2 compatible so it seems to be the more flexible option.
Conclusion
The Hydrow wave is basically an improved version of their flagship product. It’s as if Hydrow took user feedback on what could be improved with their existing Hydrow rower and released a smaller, lighter, more portable, less expensive, home friendly rowing machine.
This makes it more accessible and enticing to more people in the market for a premium rowing machine with a premium connected immersive rowing experience. The Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg rowing machine fills a gap between a Concept2 RowErg rowing machine and their premium flag ship Hydrow rowing machine.
For those that are really interested in getting on-board with the full Hydrow experience, the Hydrow Wave is not a step down from their flagship product but rather offers a similar experience of the premium Hydrow at a lower price point so if you’re interested in having immersive rowing sessions as a way to stay fit that keep you motivated and engaged this may be a great tool for you. Just make sure that you will be committed in the long term and if you do go for this option make sure you get the most of your membership by rowing frequently.
Having worked out in 30+ gyms over the last couple of decades, more than 90% of gyms have had Concept2 rowing machines. Why? Because they are cost effective and designed to last. I have seen some Concept2 Rowing Machines still going strong with more than 37+ million metres on them – that’s the equivalent of Rowing over 5000m every day on it for over 20 years! They are hands down the best value rowing machine you can buy. Concept2 RowErg’s hold their value, I am not sure whether this will be the same for the Hydrow Wave, time will tell. This will also heavily depend on the durability of the machine and how easy it is to service. However, from reviews of their flagship Hydrow product it looks like the Hydrow Wave may be a great durable rower.
The Concept2 is the more budget friendly option and unless you are happy going all in and being locked into the Hydrow eco system and membership then it may be the better option and better investment for you.
If you’re a serious athlete or cross fitter it may be more beneficial to stick with the Concept2 RowErg as you know they can take some serious wear and tear and it is cheap and easy to replace parts. By choosing a Concept2 RowErg rowing machine you are gaining more flexibility as well as the ability to compete and compare times with others that have Concept2’s as the gold standard.
Whether you decide to commit to the full Hydrow membership experience or give their app a try on a Concept2 RowErg with a tablet, you will find an enjoyable immersive, entertaining and engaging experience.
We hope you enjoyed our article Hydrow Wave VS Concept2 RowErg. Whichever rowing machine you decide on, the most important thing is getting good use out of it. It’s not what you have but what you do, so make the most of your rowing machine and enjoy!