Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Concept2 RowErg
Best OverallHydrow Arc
Best Smart RowerPrice
$900-$1,100
$2,195-$2,495
Summary
The undisputed gold standard for rowing machines, used by competitive athletes worldwide. Unmatched durability, resale value, and workout quality make it the top pick across every serious rowing community.
The best connected rowing experience money can buy, with a 24-inch immersive display and world-class live and on-demand workouts. PCMag's Editors' Choice for smart rowing.
Pros
- Industry standard for competitive and recreational rowers alike
- Exceptional durability with minimal maintenance required
- Holds resale value better than any other rowing machine
- Air-resistance flywheel delivers the most authentic rowing feel
- 24-inch rotating display with immersive scenic and instructor-led workouts
- Refined rowing-first experience with upgraded performance analytics
- Screen rotates for yoga and off-rower workout classes
- PCMag Editors' Choice for best smart rowing experience
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to budget options
- No built-in screen or subscription workout content
- Louder than magnetic or water resistance machines
- Requires ongoing subscription for full content library
- Significantly more expensive than non-connected rowers
- Less ideal for competitive training compared to Concept2
Our take
If you only read one thing: buy the Concept2. Reddit's rowing community is unanimous, Wirecutter agrees, and it's the only machine that holds its value for resale. Everything else is a compromise.
For people who need the motivation of a class-based experience to actually use their rower, the Hydrow Arc is worth every penny — the content quality is genuinely in a different league than competitors.
Buy
