Home Gym · Head-to-head
Concept2 RowERG vs WaterRower Original Series
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Rowing Machines: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Concept2 RowERG is the safest buy for almost everyone: the most accurate data, legendary durability, and no subscription. The WaterRower Original Series is the pick if you want the same no-strings ownership in a quieter, better-looking package.
Concept2 RowERG
Buy itThe indestructible gym-standard erg with the most accurate monitor and zero subscription strings.
- Air resistance that scales naturally with effort and a damper to fine-tune the feel
- PM5 monitor is the reference standard for pace, watts and split accuracy, with app connectivity
- Separates into two pieces without tools and rolls on caster wheels for storage; famously durable
- No membership required, ever
- Louder whooshing air noise than water or magnetic rowers
- Utilitarian aluminum-and-steel looks that won't win a living-room beauty contest
WaterRower Original Series
Buy itA handcrafted solid-wood water rower with a soothing stroke that doubles as furniture.
- Water-tank resistance delivers a smooth, self-scaling stroke reviewers consistently praise as natural
- Solid hardwood frame is quiet, stable and genuinely handsome; stores upright in a small footprint
- No subscription needed to just row; optional connected monitor available
- Long-standing reputation for durability
- Base monitor is basic compared with the PM5; richest metrics need an upgrade or app
- Costs more than a comparable erg and the tank adds setup and occasional maintenance
Side by side
The 6 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Concept2 RowERG Our pick | WaterRower Original Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Anyone who wants serious, repeatable training and long-term value without a subscription. | Buyers who want a quiet, beautiful rower and a low-key stroke feel over hardcore data. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
| Resistance type | Air (variable, damper-adjustable) | Water tank |
| Noise level | Moderate air whoosh | Quiet water swoosh |
| Data & monitor | PM5 - reference-grade accuracy | Basic (optional connected upgrade) |
| Subscription | None | None (optional app) |
| Build & storage | Aluminum frame; splits in two | Solid hardwood; stands vertical |
| Best use case | Serious metric-driven training | Quiet daily rowing with style |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Concept2 RowERG if
anyone who wants serious, repeatable training and long-term value without a subscription.
Know before buying: louder whooshing air noise than water or magnetic rowers.
Pick the WaterRower Original Series if
buyers who want a quiet, beautiful rower and a low-key stroke feel over hardcore data.
Know before buying: base monitor is basic compared with the PM5; richest metrics need an upgrade or app.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Concept2 RowERG - The indestructible gym-standard erg with the most accurate monitor and zero subscription strings. Choose the WaterRower Original Series instead if buyers who want a quiet, beautiful rower and a low-key stroke feel over hardcore data.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Rowing Machines: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).