What is a good alternative to a WaterRower?

For the same water feel with a screen and structured training, Ergatta is the natural step up. For better data at a similar price, the Concept2; for the water feel on a budget, a value water rower like the Merax.

Is there a connected WaterRower alternative?

Ergatta is the closest - a handcrafted water rower with a built-in screen for games and races. WaterRower also offers connected models, but Ergatta is the purpose-built connected water-rower experience.

WaterRower Alternatives: Water Feel, Connected & Budget Picks

The best WaterRower alternatives - a connected water rower, a budget water option, and the data-first benchmark - and which to choose instead of a WaterRower.

The WaterRower nails the smooth water feel and living-room looks, but a stock model gives you only basic data, and the hardwood frames aren't cheap. Depending on what drew you to it, one of these alternatives may fit better.

Here are the rowers we'd put in front of a WaterRower shopper, and what each does differently.

Connected water rower#1

Ergatta Rower

Water rower · ~$2,199

3.8/5

Love the water feel and wooden looks but want a screen and structured training? Ergatta is essentially a connected water rower, adding games and races to the same kind of frame - for a subscription.

Read our full Ergatta Rower review

Adjustable water resistance#2

First Degree Monaco Challenge AR

Water rower · ~$1,299

3.7/5

A serious water-rower alternative with adjustable resistance, the First Degree Monaco gives you more control over the feel than a fixed-tank WaterRower, with similarly solid build quality.

Read our full First Degree Monaco Challenge AR review

Budget water feel#3

Merax Water

Water rower · ~$450

3.1/5

If it's the water feel you want but not the WaterRower price, a budget water rower like the Merax gets you the soothing paddle-through-water pull for much less, accepting lower build quality and finish.

Read our full Merax Water review

Better data, lower cost#4

Concept2 Model D

Air rower · ~$990

4.8/5

If accurate, standardised training data matters more than looks and feel, the Concept2 out-measures any stock WaterRower for a similar or lower price - it just won't look as good in the living room.

Read our full Concept2 Model D review

Frequently asked questions

What is a good alternative to a WaterRower?: For the same water feel with a screen and structured training, Ergatta is the natural step up. For better data at a similar price, the Concept2; for the water feel on a budget, a value water rower like the Merax.
Is there a connected WaterRower alternative?: Ergatta is the closest - a handcrafted water rower with a built-in screen for games and races. WaterRower also offers connected models, but Ergatta is the purpose-built connected water-rower experience.

References

What Damper Setting and Drag Factor to Use on the Concept2 RowErg - Concept2

Set on the WaterRower? See the full the WaterRower range. Otherwise, browse all best rowing machine guides, head-to-head comparisons, and other alternatives.