Rowing Machine NerdHow to Connect Your Concept2 to Apps (ErgData, Kinomap, EXR & More)
One of the quiet superpowers of a Concept2 is its open, free ecosystem. Unlike a connected rower that locks its content behind a mandatory subscription, the PM5 connects to a wide range of apps - the official free ones plus optional paid platforms for scenic routes, games, and coaching - and you choose exactly how much (if anything) to spend.[1]
First, what your monitor can connect with
The PM5 has both Bluetooth and ANT+, so it pairs directly with phones, tablets, and heart-rate straps - this is what you want for apps. The older PM4 has ANT+ only (no Bluetooth), and the PM3 predates wireless app connectivity.[2] If app integration matters to you and you're on an older monitor, that's the case for a PM5 - see our monitor comparison.
The apps worth knowing
| App | What it's for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ErgData | Concept2's official app - records every workout, shows live data, and syncs to your Logbook | Free |
| Concept2 Online Logbook | Your training history, rankings, challenges, and team features on the web | Free |
| Kinomap | Real-world filmed routes and structured video workouts that match your pace | Subscription |
| EXR | Game-style virtual worlds and races - gamified rowing | Subscription |
| Holofit | Immersive scenic and VR environments | Subscription |
| Asensei | Technique coaching with real-time stroke feedback | Subscription |
How to connect (the quick version)
- Start with ErgData. Install it on your phone or tablet, open it, and pair with your PM5 over Bluetooth - it'll find the monitor in a few seconds. Every row you do now records automatically.
- Link your Logbook. In ErgData, sign in to (or create) your free Concept2 Logbook account. Your workouts sync there for history, rankings, and challenges - no subscription, ever.
- Add a paid app only if you want one. For scenic routes or games, install Kinomap, EXR, or Holofit and pair the PM5 the same way (Bluetooth). You can run these instead of, or alongside, ErgData.
The big picture: free by default
This is the structural advantage of a Concept2 over a connected rower. The essentials - accurate data, workout history, rankings, and challenges - are free forever through ErgData and the Logbook. The paid apps are optional extras you can switch on for motivation and off whenever you like, with no machine bricked when a subscription lapses. It's the opposite of the connected-rower model, which is exactly the trade-off we cover in our Hydrow vs Concept2 comparison and the best connected rowers guide.
References
- Apps for use with Concept2 ergs - Concept2
- Which Monitor Do You Have? (PM3, PM4, PM5) - Concept2
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Concept2 ErgData app free?
- Yes. ErgData and the Concept2 Online Logbook are completely free - they record your workouts, show live data, and store your history, rankings, and challenges with no subscription.
- Does the Concept2 work with apps like Kinomap and EXR?
- Yes, via the PM5's Bluetooth. Kinomap (filmed routes), EXR (game worlds), Holofit, and Asensei all connect to the PM5, though these are paid subscriptions, unlike the free ErgData and Logbook.
- Can I connect a PM4 or PM3 to phone apps?
- Only the PM5 has Bluetooth for direct phone/tablet app pairing. The PM4 has ANT+ only (limited), and the PM3 predates wireless app connectivity. For full app support you need a PM5.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.