Product Review · Rowing Machines & Indoor Bikes · #1 Ranked
Concept2 RowErg
Air-resistance erg with PM5 · Reviewed by Drew · amazon.com live, Sept 28 2026
Why it scored a 90
At $990.00 the Concept2 RowErg is the benchmark air-resistance rower used by competitive rowers and CrossFit gyms worldwide, with the PM5 monitor delivering the most accurate, comparable data of any consumer rower. Satisfaction leads at 98 across more than 13,000 reviews, Quality sits at 97, and Reliability at 96. Features lands at 72 because there is no screen or class content, and the air flywheel is louder than water or magnetic rowers, so it appeals to self-directed athletes rather than class-follower buyers. No subscription is needed and resale value stays high. It is for anyone serious about rowing who wants proven hardware over streaming content.
What you're getting
- Air flywheel resistance with a 1-10 damper setting
- PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+; pace, watts, splits
- 500 lb user capacity; 57 lb aluminum and steel frame
- 96" L x 24" W; 9 x 4 ft of floor space recommended
- Separates into two pieces in seconds for storage
- Works with 40+ apps; free ErgData, no subscription
- 5-year frame, 2-year parts and monitor warranty
- Air resistance is louder than water or magnetic rowers
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- Air resistance, 1-10 damper; PM5 with Bluetooth + ANT+
- 500 lb capacity; 96" L x 24" W; splits in two
- 5-yr frame, 2-yr parts/monitor warranty; no subscription
- Price$990.00
- TierAir-resistance erg with PM5
- Category rank#1 of 10
Should you buy the Concept2 RowErg?
The Concept2 RowErg is the rower for anyone who wants the machine that competitive rowers, CrossFit boxes and college teams already use, and who is happy to run their own workouts. There is no screen and no class library, just a PM5 monitor that reports pace, watts and splits with a precision every other rower here is measured against. If you need someone on a screen telling you what to do, the Hydrow Wave is the connected alternative. If you want a machine that will still be accurate in 15 years, this is it.
Where it earns its score
- Satisfaction is the top factor at 98. The highest single factor score in the category, earned by decades of the same design being used hard in gyms and homes.
- Data you can trust. The PM5 tracks pace, watts and splits, connects over Bluetooth and ANT+, and works with 40-plus apps. The free ErgData app means no subscription, ever.
- Built to a 500 lb capacity. The 57 lb aluminum and steel frame scores 97 on Quality and 96 on Reliability.
- Splits in two for storage. The frame separates in seconds, which matters when the assembled machine is 96 inches long.
What to know first
- Air resistance is loud. The flywheel makes a rushing sound on every stroke that water and magnetic rowers do not.
- Features is the lowest factor at 72. No screen, no classes, no auto-adjusting resistance. The 1 to 10 damper sets airflow, and the rest is up to you.
- It needs room. Concept2 recommends 9 by 4 feet of floor space in use.
- Warranty is split. Five years on the frame, but only two on parts and the monitor.
Our verdict
At a ViperScore of 90, the Concept2 RowErg is our only Viper Pick in rowing machines and indoor bikes, and the only rower here above 95 on Quality, Reliability and Satisfaction. Buy it if you want a serious cardio tool for $990. Buy the Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower (80, $399.98) instead if noise or budget decides it.
Sunny Smart Magnetic Rower
Questions buyers ask
Is the Concept2 RowErg worth $990?
For regular training, yes. It scores 90, well ahead of every other rower in the category, with a five-year frame warranty and 500 lb capacity.
Does the Concept2 RowErg require a subscription?
No. The PM5 monitor works on its own, Concept2's ErgData app is free, and it connects to 40-plus third-party apps over Bluetooth and ANT+.
How loud is the Concept2 RowErg?
Louder than a magnetic or water rower. The air flywheel produces a whooshing sound on every stroke, a poor fit for shared walls.
Ready to check it out?
Concept2 RowErg · ViperScore 90 · Viper Pick · $990.00
How the other 9 rowing machines & indoor bikes scored
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