Hydrow Wave vs Concept 2 RowErg – New Tech or Old Favorite?

Thanks for checking out my Hydrow Wave vs Concept 2 RowErg review.

For decades, the Concept2 RowErg has been the reigning champion in the world of rowing machines.

With its superior build quality and unmatched performance, it has been a fixture in gyms, fitness clubs, and home gyms all over the world.

From Olympic athletes to CrossFit fanatics and everyday fitness enthusiasts, the Concept2 RowErg has been the go-to tool for achieving peak physical fitness.

However, with the rise of “smart” home rowing machines the Concept2 RowErg is facing some tough competition.

These new machines come equipped with large displays and subscription programs to keep users motivated and engaged. And now, with the Hydrow Wave offering a more budget-friendly option, the competition is fiercer than ever before.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the new kid on the block, the Hydrow Wave, and see how it stacks up against the Concept2 RowErg.

So, buckle up and get ready for the Hydrow Wave vs Concept2 RowErg showdown.

Hydrow Wave vs Concept2 RowErg Comparison Table

	Hydrow Wave	Concept 2 RowErg
Weight	102 lbs	57 lbs
Portability	Can stand vertically	Stands or splits into 2
Size	80″ L x 19″ W	96″ L x 24″ W
Resistance Type	Magnetic	Air
Resistance Levels	50 – 300	1 – 10
Maximum User Weight	375 lbs	500 lbs
Monitor	16″ HD Touch Display	PM5 Digital Monitor
Power Requirement	Power Outlet	2 x D Cell Batteries
Subscription Cost	$44/Month	N/A
Warranty	5yr frame, 1yr parts	5yr frame, 2yr parts
Price	Check on Amazon	Check on Amazon

Hydrow Wave vs Concept2 – Appearance

Hydrow Wave

The Hydrow Wave is a rowing machine that not only performs great but also looks stunning.

The sleek aluminum and steel frame, along with the thermoplastic polymer body, is a minimalist’s dream. Not only does it provide an impressive workout, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to any space.

One of the standout features of the Hydrow Wave is its stainless steel track and polyester webbing strap, which delivers an incredibly smooth and quiet rowing experience.

And if you’re someone who likes to add a pop of color to their workout equipment, you’re in luck!

The Hydrow Wave now comes in five different colors, including orange, yellow, blue, green, and the original black version, so you can match your rower to your gym decor or personal style.

But what’s even better is that the Hydrow Wave is not only beautiful but also practical.

With a 30% smaller footprint than the original flagship Hydrow rowing machine, the Hydrow Wave is perfect for those who have limited space but still want to experience the benefits of rowing.

So, whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or looking to upgrade your home gym, the Hydrow Wave has got you covered.

Concept2 RowErg

When it comes to workout equipment, function often takes precedence over form. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have both.

The Concept2 RowErg is a perfect example of a machine that not only performs exceptionally but also looks the part. With its sleek black design, this rowing machine means business.

But don’t worry, the Concept2 RowErg is built to last.

It features a smooth stainless steel track, aluminum front, and steel rear legs. And let’s not forget about the fanned flywheel driven by a nickel-plated steel chain, which provides smooth and consistent resistance throughout your workout.

Of course, comfort is also key, and both the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 RowErg deliver in this aspect.

Both machines feature comfortable ergonomic seats, handles, and adjustable footrests, ensuring that you can row with ease and comfort.

In the end, whether you prefer the sleek and sophisticated look of the Hydrow Wave or the business-like appearance of the Concept2 RowErg, you can be sure that both machines will provide you with a great rowing experience.

Hydrow Wave vs Concept 2 – Overview

• Both the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 RowErg are suitable for taller users, thanks to their longer rail length.
• The Hydrow Wave offers a greater range of resistance levels than the Concept2 RowErg, with options ranging from 50 to 300. This means you can customize your workout to your fitness level and goals.
• If you have limited space in your home gym, the Hydrow Wave is a great option, with a compact size of 80″ x 19″. Concept 2 is a bit bigger but it can be split in two for easy storage.
• The Hydrow Wave’s magnetic rowing system delivers a quieter rowing experience compared to the Concept2 RowErg.
• Concept2 Row Erg has a higher user weight limit of 500 pounds compared to 375 for the Hydrow Wave.
• Hydrow Wave requires a monthly subscription to get the most out of it.

Concept2 RowErg vs Hydrow Wave – Display

Even though the 16″ screen on the Hydrow Wave is smaller than the original Hydrow rowing machine’s 22″ screen, it’s still big enough to give you an engaging experience.

The front-facing speakers deliver crisp sound and the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your headphones or home theatre system for a more personalized experience.

The Concept2 may have a more traditional digital performance monitor, but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with all the workout data you need and more.

Plus, you can connect your phone to the free ErgData app to display your workout metrics, history, and more.

And if you’re looking to stream workouts or live sessions, don’t worry – the Concept2 comes with a tablet/device holder, so you can easily use your existing tablet or phone and download one of the 30+ Concept2 compatible software apps.

Of course, if you prefer you can always use your tablet to watch Netflix, YouTube or whatever you fancy whilst you workout.

But what if you just want to use your phone as a screen? No problem! You can get a secure silicone phone holder from Amazon that attaches to the top of the PM5 Monitor.

Hydrow Wave vs Concept2 RowErg – User Experience

When it comes to indoor rowing machines, both the Concept2 RowErg and Hydrow Wave are fantastic options for beginners and experienced rowers alike.

You’ll get a smooth and realistic rowing experience that’s perfect for off-water training.

But when it comes to on-water content, Hydrow is in a league of its own.

They’re like the Peloton of rowing, offering exceptional trainers who are athletes themselves, and their immersive on-water classes are shot in stunning locations around the world.

Plus, with a variety of personalities and workout formats to choose from, you can tailor your experience to your preferences and needs.

The Hydrow app also includes strength, stretching, and mobility videos, so you can craft your warmups, workouts, and cooldowns however you want.

What’s more, Hydrow is constantly updating and adding new content to keep you engaged and motivated.

The Hydrow membership even allows you to compete with other rowers through live workouts and weekly races.

They do an incredible job of making rowing fun and addictive.

The Hydrow Wave uses electromagnetic resistance that adjusts using computer wizardry so that the harder you work the greater the resistance, just like if you were rowing for real.

On the other hand, the Concept2 RowErg delivers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience that’s incredibly easy to use.

You can quickly adjust the damper setting and program a time, distance, or interval workout to get started right away. And with features like pace boat, biathlon training, and games, you can mix up your workouts and keep things interesting.

The Concept2 RowErg uses air resistance. This creates a great workout but it is noisier than the Hydrow Wave.

One unique feature of the Concept2 RowErg is the ability to purchase slides that turn your stationary rower into a dynamic one.

This creates a feeling closer to real on-water rowing and can be a valuable training tool.

Ultimately, whether you choose the Hydrow Wave or Concept2, you’ll have a fantastic rowing machine that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Hydrow Wave vs Concept 2 Row Erg – Price Comparison

As of now, the Concept2 RowErg costs around $990*, whereas the Hydrow Wave comes in at $1895*.

So, the Hydrow Wave is about twice the cost and it’s worth noting that the Hydrow Wave requires a membership, which comes at an additional cost of $44 per month*.

Obviously, the Hydrow Wave is a more expensive option. For many people, the sleek styling combined with the awesome streamed workouts will be worth th extra.

Others, who just like to row and maybe don’t need as much extra motivation will be just as happy on the Concept2 RowErg.

Choosing Between Hydrow Wave and Concept2 RowErg

Finding the perfect rowing machine is all about figuring out what works best for you and your goals.

Are you someone who thrives on community and wants to be part of the Hydrow virtual experience, complete with immersive on-water rowing classes?

Or, maybe you’re on the hunt for a versatile and affordable machine that offers the most bang for your buck?

And let’s not forget the athletes out there – are you searching for a machine that can take your training to the next level and help you achieve your goals?

Whatever your needs may be, choosing the right rowing machine is all about finding the perfect match for you.

Hydrow Wave

Are you someone who thrives in a community environment, and needs that extra motivation to stay consistent with your workouts?

If so, the Hydrow virtual community and its streaming video classes could be the perfect fit for you. With access to race participation, leaderboards, and historical workout data within the app, you can stay engaged and track your progress over time.

But let’s talk specifically about the Hydrow Wave rowing machine.

While it does offer a high-quality, immersive on-water experience with coaching from experienced athletes, it’s important to note that you’re investing in an experience as much as an actual rowing machine.

If you’re not interested in being part of the Hydrow community or utilizing their connected-fitness elements, the Hydrow Wave might not be the best option for you.

In fact, Hydrow themselves caution against purchasing the machine if you’re not interested in the streaming video or connected-fitness features.

So, if you’re someone who wants the flexibility to use different apps or stream services like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify while rowing, the Hydrow Wave might not meet your needs.

You also need to factor in the ongoing costs as the Hydrow Wave rowing machine is pretty limited in its functionality without the subscription.

If you don’t want to be tied to a subscription, you might be better off investing in a Concept2 RowErg.

Concept2 RowErg

Looking for a rowing machine that offers the best value for your money, durability, versatility, and portability?

Then the Concept2 RowErg may just be the perfect choice for you! With its lower subscription cost compared to Hydrow, the ability to use multiple apps and streaming services, and its high resale value, it’s hard to pass up this great option.

The PM5 monitor of the Concept2 RowErg provides you with a range of workout stats, including a few fun games like darts and the fish game. Plus, you can enjoy the monitor without having to constantly stare at a screen, giving your eyes a break.

Although you may not have access to the Hydrow virtual community, you can still experience their engaging rowing workouts by subscribing to their app for $19.99 p/m* and rowing along on your Concept2 RowErg.

This way, you can easily switch to other apps or try something new without being locked into one particular system. Just remember to track your workout data manually and use Ergdata to keep track of your progress.

Not only that, but there are also other fantastic apps available for the Concept2 RowErg, such as Asensei, Club Row, RowForge, and EXR.

And if you’re looking for free row-along content, check out the YouTube channels of Dark Horse Rowing, Training Tall, and Row Along.

With the Concept2 RowErg, you have the flexibility to use a variety of apps and services, and with more options continually becoming available, it’s a great long-term investment for your fitness routine.

Concept 2 Row Erg vs Hydrow Wave – Final Thoughts

The Hydrow Wave is a game-changer, plain and simple. It’s like Hydrow took all the feedback they received from their flagship product and made it better.

This new model is more portable, lighter, and budget-friendly, without compromising on the immersive rowing experience that made their original model so successful.

The Hydrow Wave bridges the gap between a budget-friendly Concept2 RowErg and its premium flagship product, offering a similar experience at a lower price point.

If you’re looking to stay motivated and engaged with your workout routine, the Hydrow Wave might be exactly what you need.

However, committing to a membership and being locked into the Hydrow ecosystem might not be for everyone.

The Concept2 RowErg is an incredibly good value rowing machine. They are built to last hold their value and have easy-to-replace parts.

If you’re a serious athlete or cross fitter, the Concept2 RowErg might be the better choice.

Regardless of which rowing machine you choose, the most important thing is to use it consistently and enjoy the experience.

With the Hydrow app or other apps like Asensei, Club Row, RowForge, and EXR, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your workouts fresh and exciting.

And if you’re not quite ready to commit to the full Hydrow membership experience, you can still row along on your Concept2 RowErg with a tablet and track your stats using Ergdata.

The possibilities are endless, so get rowing and enjoy the ride!