Best Concept2 Rowing Machines With Expert Recommendation
When it comes to finding the best exercise equipment, the concept2 rowing machines are definitely at the top of the list. These machines are incredibly versatile, and can be used to target a wide variety of muscle groups. What’s more, they are extremely easy to use, making them an ideal choice for people of all fitness levels.
What Is Concept2 and Why Do Its Machines Stand Out?
Concept2 is a Vermont-based fitness equipment company founded in 1976, originally known for revolutionizing competitive rowing with the world’s first carbon-fiber oars. Today, its product line covers indoor rowing, skiing simulation, and cycling ergometers.
What separates Concept2 from the rest of the home gym market is consistency. Every machine uses the same air-resistance flywheel, the same PM5 monitor, and the same free app. All Concept2 machines feature the same PM5 monitor system, aircraft-grade aluminum frames, and each model connects with Concept2’s free ErgData app, allowing users to track progress across different workout types.
There are no subscriptions. The PM5 runs on two D-cell batteries, and ErgData logs workouts and syncs to the Concept2 Online Logbook at no ongoing cost. If you want guided content, third-party apps like Zwift are optional add-ons.
In 2026, Concept2 celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company is trusted by elite athletes, CrossFit boxes, HYROX events, military units, and everyday users worldwide.
What to Look for Before Buying a Concept2 Machine
Each Concept2 machine targets a different movement pattern. Here’s how they compare across the criteria that matter most:
| Criterion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Muscle groups trained | Determines whether the machine fits your specific fitness gap |
| Standing vs. seated | Affects joint loading and who can use it safely |
| Footprint and storage | Some machines store vertically; others cannot |
| User weight limit | All four machines support up to 500 lbs |
| PM5 monitor included | Essential for accurate, comparable performance data |
| App compatibility | Connects to Zwift, ErgRace, ErgData, and heart rate monitors |
| Warranty | 5-year frame / 2-year parts on all machines |
| Price | Ranges from $850 (SkiErg) to $1,500 (StrengthErg with PM5) |
Best Concept2 Rowing Machines: Comparison Chart
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Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor Black
Highlighted Features:
- The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is a durable piece of equipment that is built to last.
- The PM5 performance monitor is extremely accurate and provides feedback on a wide range of data.
- The machine is extremely easy to use and is perfect for all levels of rowers.
- The Concept2 Model D is extremely quiet, allowing you to row without disturbing others.
- The machine is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of exercises.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor is a top quality machine that is perfect for any home gym. The PM5 monitor is incredibly user-friendly and is a great way to track your progress and performance. The machine is also extremely durable and can withstand even the most intense workouts.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is a great piece of equipment for anyone looking to get a good workout. The machine is durable and easy to use, and the performance monitor helps track your progress.
Concept2 Model E with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rower Rowing Machine Black
Highlighted Features:
- The Model E is a well-crafted and durable machine.
- It is easy to assemble.
- The Performance Monitor is highly accurate.
- It is quiet and comfortable to use.
- It is a great workout machine.
There’s a reason the Model E rowing machine is one of Concept2s bestsellers this indoor rower is incredibly versatile and effective, perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. The PM5 monitor tracks your performance in real time, so you can see your progress and set new goals. Plus, the Model Es design is comfortable and ergonomic, making it a great option for prolonged use. If youre looking for an indoor rower that can help you achieve your fitness goals, the Model E is a great option.
The Concept2 Model E with PM5 performance monitor indoor rower is a top quality machine that is perfect for users at any skill level. It is easy to use and very reliable, providing a smooth and consistent rowing experience every time. The PM5 monitor is extremely accurate and provides real-time feedback on a variety of data points, making it an ideal tool for athletes or fitness enthusiasts who want to track their progress.
The Model E is also very durable and can withstand even the most strenuous workouts. Overall, the Concept2 Model E with PM5 is an outstanding rower and a great investment for anyone looking for an excellent indoor rowing experience.
Impresa Rowing Machine Chain Oil Compatible with Concept 2 4 Oz Premium Custom-Formulation for Exercise Rower Chains Compatible with Model D and Other Major Brands Made in USA
Highlighted Features:
- Impresa chain oil is custom-formulated for rower chains, ensuring optimal performance.
- It is compatible with Concept 2, as well as other major brands.
- It is made in the USA.
- It is available in a convenient 4-oz size.
- It is affordably priced.
Impresa Rowing Machine Chain Oil is a premium, custom-formulated oil designed specifically for exercise rower chains. It is compatible with Concept 2 and other major brands and is made in the USA. Impresa Chain Oil helps keep your rowing machine running smoothly and protects your equipment from wear and tear. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable.
“This chain oil is simply fantastic! I row religiously and my chain was starting to show some wear and tear. I applied this oil and the difference was night and day! My chain is now as smooth as ever and it’s honestly made my rowing experience so much better.
5 Buying Mistakes to Avoid with Concept2 Equipment
- Buying based on price alone: The SkiErg costs less than the RowErg, but that does not make it the better starter machine. Choose based on the movement pattern that matches your goals, not the lower sticker price.
- Skipping the PM5: The StrengthErg is available without the PM5 to save $150. Without it, you lose the data that makes Concept2 machines worth the price. Budget for the PM5 version.
- Ignoring floor space: The RowErg stores vertically in a 25″ x 33″ footprint. The BikeErg and StrengthErg cannot be stored on end. Measure your available floor space before ordering.
- Choosing the BikeErg over an air bike for calorie-focused workouts: The BikeErg is built for precision cycling data, not maximum calorie output. If burning the most calories per session is the goal, a traditional air bike delivers higher intensity per unit of effort (Garage Gym Reviews, 2025).
- Assuming the StrengthErg replaces a barbell: It does not. The StrengthErg trains concentric movement patterns only. Eccentric loading – the controlled lowering phase that drives much of muscle growth – still requires free weights or a weight machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concept2 Exercise Equipment
What is the best Concept2 machine for beginners?
The RowErg is the best starting point for most people. It trains more muscle groups than any other Concept2 machine in a single movement, and the PM5 monitor provides instant feedback that helps beginners learn pacing and technique faster. The BikeErg is a close second for anyone with prior cycling experience.
How does Concept2’s air resistance differ from magnetic resistance?
Air resistance scales automatically with your effort – the harder you pull or pedal, the more resistance you feel. Magnetic resistance is set at a fixed level and does not change based on effort intensity. This makes air resistance better for interval training, where intensity changes from stroke to stroke, and more accurate for comparing performance data over time.
Do Concept2 machines require a subscription?
No. All four Concept2 machines work fully with no subscription. The free ErgData app logs workouts and syncs to the Concept2 Online Logbook. Optional paid platforms like Zwift (~$19.99/month) or Hydrow (~$19.99/month) can be added, but nothing is required to get accurate performance data.
What is the difference between the RowErg standard and tall legs?
The standard RowErg and tall-leg RowErg perform identically. The tall legs raise the seat height, making it easier to get on and off the machine – a practical consideration for taller athletes or users with hip or knee mobility limitations. The tall-leg version costs approximately $170 more.
Who should buy the StrengthErg instead of free weights?
The StrengthErg suits athletes who want strength training without the setup, space, or safety concerns of a barbell. Because it uses a guided movement path, there is no risk of failing to complete a repetition or being stuck under the bar. It is particularly well suited for older athletes, rehab settings, and home gym users training without a spotter. Serious strength athletes building toward powerlifting or Olympic lifting still need a barbell.
Are Concept2 machines worth the price compared to cheaper alternatives?
For anyone who will train regularly, yes. A 15-year-old Concept2 takes the same replacement parts as a new machine. No other rower or ergometer on the market can claim that level of parts compatibility across generations. The resale value stays high, the repair costs stay low, and the PM5 data remains comparable across every Concept2 machine ever made.
How much space does a Concept2 RowErg need?
The RowErg requires approximately 9 ft x 4 ft of floor space during use. When stored vertically, it shrinks to a 25″ x 33″ footprint. The BikeErg and StrengthErg cannot be stored vertically and require permanent floor space of roughly 4 ft x 2 ft each.
Final Verdict
The RowErg is the right choice for most buyers. It trains more muscle groups than any other Concept2 machine, stores vertically, and is the standard used in professional sport, competitive fitness, and gyms worldwide.
If your knees limit you, or you specifically want upper-body conditioning without sitting, buy the SkiErg – it costs less, takes up less space when wall-mounted, and delivers an intense workout that rows cannot replicate.
The BikeErg is the right call for dedicated cyclists who want precise watt data and platform compatibility. The StrengthErg is worth it for anyone who wants measured, barbell-free strength training at home – but go in knowing it does concentric work only and works best alongside other training, not as a standalone strength program.
