Hydrow vs. Concept2: Which Is The King Of The Rowers?

Dimensions/Storability

The size of both the Hydrow and Concept2 rowers is pretty similar. Rowing machines are long pieces of equipment, so you’ll need to factor in a decent amount of floor space to use both rowers. The Hydrow Pro is 86” L x 25” W x 47” H. The Concept2 RowErg is 96” L x 24” W x 14” H (with standard legs) or 20” H (with tall legs).

The Hydrow is a bit taller, but it is a foot shorter.

The Concept2 is lightweight compared to the Hydrow.

The C2 only weighs 57 lbs, while the Hydrow weighs 145 lbs. They’re both movable, but the Concept2 is much easier to move. To move either of them, you lift the back of the rail to engage the front wheels.

The Concept2 rower can be stored upright or separated into two pieces to store it more easily. This is helpful if you don’t have a very high ceiling.

Many people lift and store the Concept2 unfolded with the flywheel on the floor and the track up in the air. Concept2 doesn’t recommend storing the rower this way because it can be knocked over, but due to the weight, it’s easy to lift and roll into a corner, so we often see them stored vertically.

The Hydrow does not fold. It can be stored vertically, but due to the weight, we wouldn’t recommend this unless you purchase the extra $80 upright storage kit to ensure it won’t get knocked over. The Hydrow screen will fold gently so it’s not in the way when lifted vertically.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

As far as their content, this is where these rowers differ pretty greatly. I think the content and the resistance are where they differ the most. Depending on their content and resistance types, you can also decide between the two rowers a little easier.

Hydrow Membership

The Hydrow subscription app offers live classes, preloaded classes, rowing competitions and challenges, a Leaderboard, interactive options between rowing participants, and data collection. It is more of a Peloton-type experience on a rower.

The Hydrow app is designed to provide training, guidance, and instructor-led rowing sessions worldwide.

While the PM5 only offers a handful of training programs, the Hydrow app has over 15,000 workouts that are constantly updated. Like Peloton, users can join a live class, choose programs from their favorite instructors, or select classes depending on length or location. There is also a leaderboard to compete with other members.

The Hydrow offers valuable instruction on proper form, which is very helpful for those who may be unfamiliar with rowing. Hydrow outdoor sessions are filmed with multiple camera angles, so you don’t just look back at the person rowing or down at their feet the whole time. A boat follows both in front and behind the instructor to film different angles; a camera is mounted on the front of the rowing scull for added footage.

The combination of outdoor routes, impressive videography, professional rowing instruction, guided challenges, and interactive options make the Hydrow an excellent training option for both new and experienced rowers. Rowing resistance adjusts while you row to match what the instructor experienced on the water.

All of this works together to create a very real rowing experience. The default for the Hydrow is to select a rowing program. It has limited “Just Row” options since the programming is the main emphasis here.

Concept2 PM5 Programs

The PM5 monitor on the Concept2 has impressive functionality. In addition to the preloaded programs, it will sync with external apps for enhanced training. You can use programs like Regatta, Krew, or Asensei to train on the Concept2. All data can be stored in Concept2’s ErgData app.

The Concept2 has the PM5 monitor with onboard workout programs.

Rowing data can also be uploaded to any number of external sites to compete in rowing competitions or challenges. While the PM5 may look like a simple LCD screen, it has extended functionality.

Preloaded games, settings, and various display screens can be toggled on the main menu. The default for the PM5 is “Just Row” – just climb on, pull the handle, and you’re good to go!

Concept2 RowErg Console

The PM5 monitor on the Concept2 is surprisingly extensive — you get real-time feedback about each rowing stroke; you can sync the Concept2 via Bluetooth or ANT+ with any number of chest straps or compatible devices, and the PM5 will even sync with external apps via a phone or iPad. The PM5 monitor is the most updated monitor offered by Concept2 and is used on their newest machines like the SkiErg and BikeErg.

It has a gray backlit background with large black digital numbers. Users can select different display screens for data readout. The screen automatically turns on when you pull the handle to row. The PM5 uses AA batteries but gets supplemental power from each rowing stroke, so the batteries last forever. Concept2 includes a phone mount that clips onto the top of the PM5. An adjustable angle arm allows the PM5 to be lifted or lowered slightly for good visibility.

The PM5 also has a small clip to hold your phone on top of the screen.

Hydrow Pro Console

The Hydrow Pro has a 22” touchscreen. The touchscreen is bright and easy to see. It automatically loads to a main menu page with a highlighted workout of the day.

The touchscreen controls are sensitive and easy to navigate, and the screen’s position is reachable when strapped in. The screen rotates and angles up and down for the right view. The screen has front-facing speakers and is Bluetooth compatible, so that you can use wireless headphones on the Hydrow.

The Hydrow’s touchscreen displays Hydrow’s subscription content clearly.

The speakers are front-facing to project at you. They offer plenty of volume. However, there isn’t a place to put your phone or tablet to stream content. This is to keep you locked into the subscription content on the screen. The screen is also where you adjust the drag factor for the resistance. I’ll get into this more below.

Build Quality

Both the Hydrow and Concept2 are sturdy, well-built rowers. On their website, the Concept2 is rated to support up to 500 pounds of user weight. The Hydrow will support 375 pounds of weight. Both handle people of most sizes.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Frame

We’ve had great experiences with both rowers so far. Obviously, with how popular the Concept2 is and its use in competitions, it’s proven to be durable. We’ve had our Hydrow Pro for a few years now, and it performs just as when it came out of the box.

They’re both durable and well-built. The Hydrow sits firmly on the ground and doesn’t rock or lean when used.

The C2 is made out of aluminum and has a stainless steel monorail.

Although they vary in weight, they both feel very stable to row. They also both support tall and short users alike. Our team ranges from 5’0” up to 6’5” (pictured above), and we all fit well on both.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Footboards

The footboards and foot stretchers on both rowers are nearly identical. They both have 12” high by 5” wide sturdy footboards and 12” long textured, adjustable foot stretchers with nylon straps for support.

The Concept2 is easy to adjust and holds your feet securely.

The Hydrow holds your feet still and is easy to strap in and out of, too.

Either rower will support shoes of any size. The foot stretchers on both rowers have a ridge to support your heel, and you can adjust the sizing up or down so the strap fits securely over the top of your foot. The footplates are designed to lift and move a bit while you row, allowing for necessary ankle flexion, while the footboard provides a solid feel underneath.

I like the spacing between the foot stretchers. It makes rowing comfortable for taller and shorter users. It’s also comfortable for beginners.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Seat

The seat on the Hydrow is more cushioned and shaped more circular along the backend, while the Concept2 seat is square and not quite as soft. We were pleasantly surprised at the comfort of the Hydrow’s seat.

Since the Hydrow is designed for new users who may not be used to rowing (or sitting on a rower) for 30+ minutes at a time, it makes sense that they put in extra effort to make sure the seat is comfortable and adequately padded to its users. The Concept2 seat isn’t uncomfortable but a bit more utilitarian.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Handles

The handles are relatively similar as well. Handles on both machines are 18” wide and roughly 4 inches in circumference. The Hydrow handle is slightly more spongy, but they feel really similar.

The main difference is that the Concept2 has a vented center area through which you can lace your fingers for one-armed pulls.

The Hydrow handle is solid through the center.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Flywheel

Much of the weight difference in these rowers is due to the nature of the resistance.

The Concept2 uses air resistance, so it has a flywheel with fan blades inside to move air — a relatively lightweight system.

The Hydrow uses magnetic resistance, with an internal magnetic system that creates and measures resistance levels. This system is a little more intricate and weighs more.

The Concept2 uses a nickel-plated chain to connect the handle to the flywheel, while the Hydrow uses a nylon strap. A chain is durable and reliable, although it is noisier and requires occasional lubrication.

The nylon strap is nearly silent as it moves in and out of the rower; it doesn’t require lubrication and shouldn’t break. The strap is akin to seatbelt material that would be very difficult to cut or shred.

On the Hydrow, the point at which the strap emerges from the rower is 26” high from the floor. The Concept2 Model D chain emerges at a height of 25” from the floor. The Hydrow strap is 20” long from the handle to the machine, and the C2 chain is 22” long.

Both rowers have good ergonomics, so the person rowing can sit upright, face the monitor, and not have to lean forward unnaturally when in the catch position.

Hydrow Pro vs. Concept2 RowErg Resistance

The resistance is where these two machines differ significantly. The Concept2 RowErg uses air resistance. The flywheel is a fan with fan blades and vents. When you row, the fan blades move against the air that gets sucked into the fan. The harder you row, the more resistance you feel. This rower offers unlimited resistance to row against. So, you can’t out-work it.

This is why the Concept2 is loud. The fan generates noise from the air.

The Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance. Magnetic resistance is known for being quiet. You don’t get unlimited resistance. The resistance is adjustable via a drag factor on the touchscreen, and it has a maximum resistance. While you can feel more tension when you row faster and harder, strong rowers can technically out-row the Hydrow.

If this concerns you, you might want to consider the Concept2. But, if noise is a concern, the Hydrow is a good option. It’s not silent, but the low whirring sound isn’t disruptive.

Hydrow vs. Concept2 Warranty

Neither brand offers a great warranty. Hydrow offers a 5-year frame and 12-month components, screen, and other electronics warranty, and Concept2 offers a 5-year frame, 2-year moving parts, and PM5 monitor warranty. We would like to see at least ten years for the frame for each rower.

Hydrow Wave vs. Concept2 RowErg

If you’re not quite sure about either rower, maybe the Hydrow Pro is out of your price range, and the Concept2 is too loud for your home; the Hydrow Wave could be a good alternative.

It has many of the same features as the Hydrow Pro but is more affordable. At the time of writing this, it is $1495. We have found it to be quiet and just as sturdy as the Pro, but it’s more compact and lightweight at just 102 lbs. It’s easier to move around while still handling up to 375 lbs of user weight.

The touchscreen is 16” with good visibility and it offers the same subscription training content as the Hydrow Pro.

If you want guided workouts and a quiet rower that’s a little more affordable, I would check out the Hydrow Wave.

The Hydrow Wave is available in other colors to complement your home decor, in addition to the Pirate Black shown here.

Should You Buy The Hydrow Pro Or The Concept2 RowErg?

The Hydrow Pro Rower is an excellent choice if you want a quiet and interactive rowing machine. We recommend all of Hydrow’s lineup, but if you want to save in price without sacrificing quality, the Hydrow Wave is a good choice.

The Concept2 RowErg is popular and beloved for good reason. This lightweight, well-priced, and extremely durable rower is proven. I see it all the time in public gyms. If you’re a serious rower or want something that can handle the toughest of workouts, this one is it.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with a Hydrow or Concept2, but one will work better for you, your goals, and your home than the other.

Hydrow vs. Concept2 Rowers Q&A / FAQ

Does Concept2 require a subscription?

The Concept2 RowErg doesn’t require a subscription or electricity to use. The PM5 Monitor comes with onboard workout programs and good connectivity. However, trainer-led workout videos aren’t available, so keep this in mind.

Can Hydrow be used without a subscription?

The Hydrow Pro can be used without a subscription, but the touchscreen features are very limited. The training content is one of the biggest appeals to this rower, so we recommend subscribing to it.

What is the best rower for beginners?

Both the Hydrow and the Concept2 are good rowers for beginners. The Hydrow offers guided workouts with instruction, so it is great for beginners who need pointers on their form. The Concept2 doesn’t offer instruction, but its price point is good for those new to rowing and who don’t want to spend thousands on a rower.