Rowing Machine NerdConcept2 vs Hydrow Wave: Erg or Compact Connected Rower?
The Hydrow Wave is the more affordable, compact Hydrow, which makes this a closer fight than the Concept2 against the full-size Hydrow. You're weighing the gold-standard erg at around $990 with no subscription against a quiet, screen-led rower at around $1,695 plus a membership. As always with erg-versus-connected, it comes down to whether you need a coach on a screen.
Here's how the benchmark stacks up against the most sensible Hydrow.
Verdict: The better machine and value for most - unless you need instructor-led classes.
Concept2 Model D vs Hydrow Wave: at a glance
| Concept2 Model D | Hydrow Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Price | ~$990 | ~$1,695 |
| Resistance | Air (spiral damper, 10 settings) | Computer-controlled electromagnetic (magnetic), strap drive |
| Monitor / screen | PM5 (backlit; Bluetooth & ANT+; USB) | 16" HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080), non-tilting, front-facing speakers |
| Connectivity | ErgData + 40+ compatible apps | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (headphones, heart rate monitors, Apple Watch) |
| Max user weight | 500 lb (227 kg) | 375 lbs |
| Footprint / size | 96" × 24" (244 × 61 cm) | 80" L x 19" W x 43" H |
| Storage | Separates into two parts; front casters | Monitor folds flat; frame does not fold; vertical storage kit ~$190 (sold separately) |
| Warranty | 5-yr frame / 2-yr parts & monitor | 5 years frame; 1 year components, electronics and labor |
Full Concept2 Model D review Full Hydrow Wave review
Experience and feel
The Hydrow Wave's draw is its instructor-led content on a sharp 16-inch touchscreen, over near-silent electromagnetic resistance that's unusually smooth for a magnetic-type machine. If a class and a coach are what get you training, it delivers that in a compact, apartment-friendly body.
The Concept2 gives you the better feel - air resistance that responds instantly and scales infinitely - and the best data in rowing via the PM5, but no built-in classes. You can add scenic or gamified apps over Bluetooth later, but there's no live instructor out of the box. Self-directed rowers won't miss it; class-dependent ones will.
Noise, size and data
The Wave wins clearly on two fronts: it's near-silent (versus the Concept2's fan whoosh), and it's more compact at 80" x 19". For a small, shared-wall apartment, that combination is a real advantage. The Concept2 needs its 8-foot lane and makes more noise under load.
The Concept2 wins decisively on data and resistance. The PM5 is the worldwide standard, so your splits compare to any erg anywhere; the Wave's numbers are proprietary, and its electromagnetic resistance, while smooth, can feel flatter than a live flywheel to a strong rower.
Cost of ownership
The Concept2 is cheaper up front and has no recurring cost - the app and logbook are free forever - and it holds 75-85% of its resale value. The Wave costs more to buy and then bills roughly $44/month for the content that justifies the screen, plus a separate vertical-storage kit if you want it.
Over a couple of years, the gap widens substantially in the Concept2's favour. The Wave's lower-than-full-Hydrow price is real, but the subscription is the ongoing cost that decides it.
Choose the Concept2 Model D if…
- You want the best feel, data, and infinite air resistance
- You want zero subscription and the lowest cost of ownership
- You value durability and class-leading resale value
- You're self-directed and don't need on-screen classes
Choose the Hydrow Wave if…
- Instructor-led classes are what keep you training
- Near-silent resistance for an apartment is a top priority
- You want a more compact footprint than a full-size erg
- You're comfortable paying ~$44/month for content
Our verdict
For most buyers the Concept2 Model D is the better and smarter buy even against the cheaper Wave: a better workout, better data, no subscription, and resale value that shrinks the price gap further. It's our overall top pick.
The Hydrow Wave makes sense if you genuinely need instructor-led classes to stay consistent, and especially if near-silent operation in a small apartment is essential. In that specific case its compact size and quiet motor justify the price and the fee - but for everyone else, the Concept2 wins.
References
- Understanding Splits - Concept2
- What Damper Setting and Drag Factor to Use on the Concept2 RowErg - Concept2
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Concept2 or Hydrow Wave better?
- The Concept2 Model D is better for feel, data, durability, and value, with no subscription. The Hydrow Wave is better if you need instructor-led classes, want near-silent resistance for an apartment, or prefer a more compact footprint - and you'll pay its ~$44/month membership.
- Is the Hydrow Wave quieter than a Concept2?
- Yes, considerably. The Wave's electromagnetic resistance is near-silent, while the Concept2's air fan produces a whoosh that grows louder as you push. For shared walls and apartments, the Wave has a clear noise advantage.
- Does the Concept2 need a subscription like the Hydrow Wave?
- No. The Concept2's PM5 monitor, ErgData app, and online logbook are free forever. The Hydrow Wave relies on a roughly $44/month membership to unlock most of its classes and content.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.