Concept2 RowErg Review: Why It’s Still the Home Rowing Machine to Beat in 2026

Disclosure: fitnesscy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Product image: Concept2 RowErg, via its Amazon.com listing.

The Concept2 RowErg (formerly known as the Model D/E) has been the default rowing machine in CrossFit gyms, rowing clubs and physio clinics for over a decade, and it’s still the machine most reviewers point to first in 2026 — not because it’s flashy, but because the air-resistance flywheel and PM5 monitor have barely needed to change.

Who this is actually for

This is for someone who wants a genuinely low-impact, full-body cardio machine that will still feel identical in ten years, and who doesn’t need a subscription-based screen experience. If you specifically want a streaming-class experience with a large touchscreen, that’s a different (and pricier) category of rower.

Key specs

Spec Detail
Resistance Air, adjustable via damper setting
Monitor Performance Monitor 5 (PM5)
Frame Aluminum front legs, steel rear legs
Dimensions 24"D x 96"W x 14"H (assembled)
Weight capacity 500 lb user capacity
Storage Separates into two pieces; caster wheels for moving
Connectivity Bluetooth and ANT+ to apps and heart-rate monitors

What we like

  • Air resistance scales with your own effort — row harder and the resistance increases, so it never feels “too easy” or “too hard” for your fitness level
  • 500 lb combined weight rating and a 5-year frame warranty reflect genuinely commercial-grade construction
  • Splits into two pieces and rolls on casters, which matters far more than it sounds like until you’ve tried to store a 96"-long machine in a small room

What to watch for

  • The PM5 monitor is functional but basic-looking compared to a large touchscreen — it shows metrics clearly but isn’t a media device
  • You need roughly 9 x 4 ft of clear space to row properly, even though it stores smaller
  • Concept2 sells largely through third-party marketplace listings on Amazon rather than a single Amazon-fulfilled listing, so double-check seller and shipping estimates before ordering

How it fits into a broader home gym

Because it stores compactly, this is one of the easiest high-ticket pieces to add alongside a power rack and dumbbell system without needing a dedicated gym room. We walk through sequencing a rack, rower and adjustable dumbbells into one build in our complete home gym buying guide.

Check current price on Amazon →

Prices and stock on Amazon change frequently — the link above will always show the current price rather than what’s quoted here.