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.
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
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 |
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
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. 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.
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 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... Look elsewhere if you're among Performance-focused athletes who need standardised metrics — Concept2 PM5 data is the gold standard.
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.
Check Price on Amazon ↗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. 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 ba
Who should NOT buy the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine?
Performance-focused athletes who need standardised metrics — Concept2 PM5 data is the gold standard.
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).
Alternatives to Consider
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
9.6/10The world standard for rowing. Used in Olympic facilities, commercial gyms, and living rooms.
Check Price ↗
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.
Check Price ↗Or see full comparisons: vs Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine, vs Wattbike Atom (Next Gen) Smart Bike, vs Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells