Rowing Machine NerdErgatta vs Concept2: Gamified Water or the Benchmark Erg?
This pits two very different philosophies against each other at very different prices: the Ergatta, a furniture-grade water rower with a gamified 21-inch touchscreen at around $2,199, against the Concept2 Model D, the no-frills benchmark erg at around $990. One sells engagement and looks; the other sells performance and value.
If you're cross-shopping these, you're really asking whether gamified motivation and a beautiful frame are worth more than double the price.
Verdict: Far better value and a better workout - unless gamified motivation is what you need.
Ergatta Rower vs Concept2 Model D: at a glance
| Ergatta Rower | Concept2 Model D | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Price | ~$2,199 | ~$990 |
| Resistance | Water (self-adjusting, no preset levels) | Air (spiral damper, 10 settings) |
| Monitor / screen | 21" HD touchscreen (Luxe); 17.3" on earlier model | PM5 (backlit; Bluetooth & ANT+; USB) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (headphones / heart-rate strap); Apple Watch compatible on Luxe | ErgData + 40+ compatible apps |
| Max user weight | 500 lbs | 500 lb (227 kg) |
| Footprint / size | 86" L x 23" W x 40" H | 96" × 24" (244 × 61 cm) |
| Storage | Stands upright; folded footprint ~23" x 22.5" | Separates into two parts; front casters |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year tablet | 5-yr frame / 2-yr parts & monitor |
Full Ergatta Rower review Full Concept2 Model D review
Motivation and feel
Ergatta's whole pitch is its game-based platform - races, intervals, and challenges that make training compulsive for people who'd never stick with a plain erg. Add genuine, self-adjusting water resistance and a cherry-wood frame that looks like furniture, and it's a lovely machine to own and use.
The Concept2 offers none of that gamification, but it offers a better training tool: air resistance that scales infinitely and responds instantly, generally regarded as a more honest feel than even good water resistance for hard efforts. If you're self-motivated, the Concept2's purity is a strength; if you need a game to show up, Ergatta's software is the point.
Data, durability and capacity
On data it's not close: the Concept2's PM5 is the global standard with free, open apps, while Ergatta's data is proprietary and locked to its platform. The Concept2 is also famously durable and holds 75-85% of its resale value, where Ergatta's one-year tablet warranty is a weak point on an expensive machine.
Ergatta's edges are capacity and looks - a 500 lb limit and room for rowers up to 6'8", versus the Concept2's 500 lb capacity but more utilitarian appearance. Both accommodate big and tall rowers well; only one looks good doing it in a living room.
Cost of ownership
The Concept2 costs less than half as much up front and has no required subscription. Ergatta is more than double the price and gets the most from a recommended membership of around $29-39/month. Factor in the Concept2's strong resale and the lifetime cost gap is large.
The honest framing: if you'll genuinely use Ergatta's gamified platform to stay consistent, the premium buys real adherence and a beautiful machine. If you wouldn't, you'd be paying roughly $1,200 plus fees for a screen and a wood frame over a better-performing erg.
Choose the Ergatta Rower if…
- Gamified, competitive motivation will genuinely keep you rowing
- You want real water feel and a furniture-grade wooden frame
- You're very tall (up to 6'8") and want a screen-led machine
- You're happy to pay a membership for the platform
Choose the Concept2 Model D if…
- You want the best feel, data, and value in rowing
- You're self-directed and don't need on-screen games
- You want zero subscription and class-leading resale value
- You see this as a buy-for-life purchase
Our verdict
For most buyers the Concept2 Model D wins comfortably: a better workout, the best data, legendary durability, and less than half the all-in cost. It's our overall top pick, and against a machine costing more than double, the value case is overwhelming.
The Ergatta is justified for one buyer - someone who needs gamified competition to train and wants a beautiful water rower that doubles as furniture. If that's you and the budget is comfortable, it's a genuinely engaging machine. For everyone else, the Concept2 delivers more rowing for far less money.
References
- Understanding Splits - Concept2
- What Damper Setting and Drag Factor to Use on the Concept2 RowErg - Concept2
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ergatta or Concept2 better?
- The Concept2 Model D is better for feel, data, durability, and value, at less than half the all-in cost and with no subscription. The Ergatta is better if you need gamified, competitive motivation and want a furniture-grade water rower with a built-in touchscreen.
- Does the Concept2 have games like the Ergatta?
- Not built in. The PM5 is data-focused, but you can connect third-party apps like Kinomap, EXR, or Zwift via Bluetooth for scenic or gamified rowing. There's no Ergatta-style native game platform on the machine itself.
- Is the Ergatta worth more than double the Concept2's price?
- Only if you'll use its gamified platform to stay motivated and you want a wood-framed water rower as furniture. The Concept2 rows better and costs less than half as much, so for a self-directed buyer it's the far better value.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.