Our Verdict
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities.
Why trust 247Verdict? We don't run a physical test lab — every recommendation is built from verified Amazon owner data (rating, review volume, and recurring themes across owner reviews) checked against manufacturer specifications, and every review says plainly who it's not right for. Every product needs 4.0+ stars from 200+ verified reviews before we'll recommend it. Full detail on our methodology page.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Water resistance is the most natural rowing feel available — self-regulates with effort
- Significantly quieter than air resistance — suitable for shared living
- Handcrafted ash wood is genuinely beautiful — furniture quality
- Stores vertically in 56cm x 56cm footprint
- Self-regulating resistance — no settings to adjust
✗ Cons
- Performance data less precise than Concept2 PM5 monitor
- Handcrafted wood requires periodic maintenance
- Higher price than Concept2 for equivalent fitness benefit
4.7★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners
Key Specifications
| Resistance | Water |
|---|---|
| Construction | Handcrafted ash wood |
| Footprint | 208 x 57cm |
| Stored | 56 x 56cm vertical |
| Weight Limit | 272kg |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
How It Compares to the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
The closest alternative in this category is the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine (9.6/10). Here's how the two stack up on the specs they share:
| WaterRower Natural... | Concept2 Model D... | |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Water | Air (damper 1-10) |
| Footprint | 208 x 57cm | 244 x 61cm |
| Weight Limit | 272kg | 272kg |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts | 5yr frame, 2yr parts |
Performance
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities. On paper the headline numbers are resistance of Water, construction of Handcrafted ash wood, footprint of 208 x 57cm, stored of 56 x 56cm vertical, weight limit of 272kg, warranty of 5yr frame, 3yr parts. Its standout is that water resistance is the most natural rowing feel available — self-regulates with effort. Owners often find an exercise mat a worthwhile addition to this setup.
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Owner Essentials
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Significantly quieter than air resistance — suitable for shared living. Handcrafted ash wood is genuinely beautiful — furniture quality. For those looking to complement it, a gym bag is commonly paired with this product. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up. Between sessions, many home-gym owners also use EMS recovery devices for muscle recovery.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. Performance data less precise than Concept2 PM5 monitor. Handcrafted wood requires periodic maintenance. Higher price than Concept2 for equivalent fitness benefit. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Look elsewhere if you're among
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Final Verdict
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities.
FAQ
Is the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine worth the money?
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities.
Who should NOT buy the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine?
Is the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
What's the biggest drawback of the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine?
Performance data less precise than Concept2 PM5 monitor
What do owners say about the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine?
4.7★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners. Water resistance is the most natural rowing feel available — self-regulates with effort
How does the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine compare to similar fitness gears?
At 9.0/10, it ranks among the strongest options we've reviewed in this category. See our WaterRower Natural Rowing comparisons for direct head-to-head detail against specific alternatives.
Alternatives to Consider
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
9.6/10The world standard for rowing. Used in Olympic facilities, commercial gyms, and living rooms.
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WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
9.1/10Water resistance, steel and hardwood, commercial grade, S4 monitor. Club-quality rowing machine.
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Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
9.0/1016.5" HD touchscreen, live and on-demand rowing classes, electromagnetic resistance, Bluetooth HR. The Peloton of rowing.
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