NordicTrack Rower vs Concept2 (2024): The Battle of the Best Rowing Erg

If you’re shopping for an indoor rowing machine, you’ve probably come across the Concept2 RowErg (formerly called the Concept2 Model D or Concept2 Model E rower). It’s basically the gold standard of rowing machines and continuously rated as one of the best rowing machines for home gyms and commercial gyms alike. 

However, if you’re someone who is tech-savvy and likes the idea of interactive programming, NordicTrack offers iFIT-enabled rowing machines with personal trainers to guide you through rowing sessions and a vast library of non-rowing workouts, too. 

In this comparison of the NordicTrack Rower vs Concept2, we’re going to look at the differences between each brand’s most popular machine plus the differences between air vs magnetic rowing machines. 

NordicTrack RW900

NordicTrack RW900

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Rotating smart HD touchscreen
• Immersive workouts
• Solidly built
• Smooth ride

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Massive 22” HD touchscreen display
• Pivoting and tilting screen for use off the rower
• Solid build quality
• Comfortable padded seat
• 26 digital resistance levels
• Auto-adjust resistance
• Large foot pedals and adjustable straps
• Quiet ride
• iFIT workouts
• Soft, grippy handles
• Bluetooth-enabled

Cons

• Monthly subscription required for full functionality
• Large footprint
• Doesn’t fold
• Requires an outlet
• Can’t store in a garage (voids warranty)
• Low 250-lb weight capacity
• Heavy at around 160 lbs, but has transport wheels

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a high-end rowing machine with interactive rowing workouts, this is a great pick.

Concept2

Concept2 RowErg

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Priced around $1,000
• Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
• Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
• Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
• Lightweight and easily portable
• Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
• Can also be hung for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Best-selling rowing machine in the world
• Easy assembly
• Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
• Ergonomic seat and handlebar
• Seat is 14”
• 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
• Air-resistance
• Adjustable airflow
• Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
• Nickel-plated steel chain
• Adjustable footrests
• Easy to store
• Limited 5-year warranty

Cons

• Priced around $1,000
• Few built-in workouts

Bottom Line

The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.

NordicTrack vs Concept2 Comparison Spec Chart 

Which Rower is Right for You? NordicTrack Rower vs Concept2

Concept2 offers two different rowing machines. However, the Dynamic Indoor Rower is not available to purchase online. That said, for this comparison we’ll focus on the Concept2 RowErg—it’s the brand’s most popular option and one of GGR’s overall top picks for best home gym equipment.

NordicTrack also offers two rowing machines: the RW900 and RW700. At the time of writing this review the RW700 is on closeout sale, which indicates this model is likely to be discontinued. For that reason, we’re going to focus on just the RW900 for this comparison. 

Whether you’re just learning how to use a rowing machine, or you’re an experienced rower, either rower will provide you with a high-quality home rowing machine. The best choice for you is a matter of what you want from your fitness equipment (and how much you’re willing to spend). 

Who Should Buy The NordicTrack RW900

• People who enjoy immersive on-demand workout programs
• Individuals who are willing to pay monthly fees for an iFIT membership
• Beginners who might want (or need) to row slowly at times
• Anyone who wants a near-silent rowing experience 
• People who have the floor space to accommodate a large piece of cardio equipment

Who Should Buy The Concept2 RowErg

• Experienced and conditioned exercisers
• Anyone who prefers air resistance rowing machines
• Folks who just want the basic workout metrics
• Those looking for a solid, lightweight, no-frills machine
• People who need the option to break a rower into two parts for easy storage 

Key Similarities Between NordicTrack and Concept2

• Low impact, full-body workouts
• Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitors
• Adjustable footrests and straps
• Ergonomic seat
• Transport wheels for easy movement

Important Differences Between Concept2 and NordicTrack

• Concept2 provides a higher user weight limit by 250 pounds
• Concept2 does not require a power outlet
• NordicTrack RW900 has tilt and pivot iFIT-enabled HD touchscreen, while Concept2 features a basic performance monitor to display basic workout metrics
• NordicTrack RW900 is $1,000 more than the Concept2 RowErg
• Concept2 RowErg is not exactly foldable but can be separated into two pieces
• NordicTrack features silent magnetic resistance, while the air resistance on the RowErg will create more noise
• RW900 provides 26 levels of digital resistance, while the RowErg uses a manual damper to provide 10 different levels of resistance 

Technology: NordicTrack Rower vs Concept2 Rower

When it comes to technology features, the NordicTrack comes out on top with a 22-inch touchscreen that pivots and tilts for viewing the screen on and off the rower. That means the RW900 smart rower can serve as the anchor in your home gym for streaming iFIT workouts for rowing interval workouts, dumbbell strength sessions, and even yoga. 

The RW900 has atomic trainer control, which is a feature that adjusts the resistance levels according to the iFIT trainer’s cues—all without you taking your hands off the handlebar.

Additionally, the RW900 offers Bluetooth headphone connectivity, which will allow you to hear the iFIT instructor (and the music) without disturbing anyone in your home. And if you choose to go without headphones, you’ll be able to hear everything clearly with the powerful 30-watt premium sound system. 

To read more about our hands-on experience with this rower, check out our in-depth NordicTrack RW900 rower review. 

The Concept2 rower is a much more simple machine in the tech department, but it has all the basics covered. The PM5 performance monitor on the RowErg provides metrics like distance, time, pace, stroke per minute, watts, and calories. 

You can also choose from five preset workouts or customize your own interval workout. The preset programs include set distances of 2,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters in addition to one workout with a 30-minute set time and one interval workout featuring 500 meters of rowing followed by one minute of rest. 

The performance monitor can also connect via ANT+ and Bluetooth technology to compatible wireless heart rate monitors in addition to popular rowing apps like Zwift. The monitor can also be used with a USB flash drive storing and tracking your workout data. 

Our Concept2 RowErg review has even more details about our workout experience and the assembly process. 

Workout Feel: Air vs Magnetic Rowing

Air rowing and magnetic rowing flywheels are similar but deliver slightly different experiences. Air rowers are controlled by your own speed and effort, which means the faster you go, more air can be drawn into the intake fan, which creates more drag (aka resistance). 

The Concept2 rower also features a manual damper with 10 levels to help dial in just how much air the fan can intake, but ultimately it’s your efforts that dictate how hard a workout is going to feel. 

On the opposite side of the rowing spectrum, the NordicTrack features digital silent magnetic resistance, which can be adjusted without you even touching a button with atomic trainer control. 

The best magnetic rowing machines offer set levels of resistance, which is more comparable to using an elliptical or treadmill and selecting a certain level of resistance. The RW900 will give you 26 levels of resistance, which can accommodate beginners and experienced rowers alike. 

I personally think that magnetic rowers are great for beginners or anyone returning to exercise because the set levels of resistance (plus the inertia-enhanced flywheel which keeps things running smoothly) can actually allow you to go fairly slow if you get tired or just don’t want to go super hard. It’s a little harder to slow down your pace on an air rower, but certainly not impossible. 

RELATED: Treadmill vs Rowing Machine

Company Policies

Here is a look at the differences in NordicTrack and Concept2 company policies: 

Warranty

The RW900 follows the standard NordicTrack warranty policy with a 10-year frame warranty, two-year parts, and one-year on labor. This warranty for a rowing machine will serve you well, but it’s worth noting that NordicTrack customer service can be hit or miss. In my experience the live chat function on the brand’s website has led to both super timely answers and delayed responses that come to my email days later. 

The Concept2 RowErg has a five-year frame warranty and a two-year policy on moving parts and the performance monitor. The brand explicitly states in the warranty policy that it does not cover damage to the finish of the machine or damage from neglect or abuse. 

Although the warranty period is half the length as the NordicTrack rower, the Concept2 website states that the warranty is fully transferable to each subsequent owner during the term of the warranty should you sell it or give it away (which is pretty uncommon for fitness equipment). 

Return Policies

NordicTrack offers a 30-day window after your delivery date to make any returns. You will have to contact customer service to initiate your return and you can expect some fees with returns including $250 to ship it back and a 10% restocking fee. 

Similarly, Concept2 offers returns within the first 30 days only if you call customer service at 1-800-245-5676 before making a return. You will be on the hook for shipping and handling fees, too. It’s also worth noting the brand’s website states that return offers apply to factory direct sales in the U.S. and Canada only. 

Financing Options

NordicTrack offers financing at checkout through TD Bank. If you qualify, you can receive 0% financing with loan terms between 12 to 39 months. Standard purchases will receive up to 29.99% APR based on your credit history. 

For Concept2 shoppers, it’s worth noting that you won’t have financing options available on the brand’s website. However, the RowErg is sold on other retailer sites like Amazon and Rogue Fitness if you’d prefer to pay over time. 

Final Thoughts on Concept2 vs NordicTrack Rower

The best rowing machine for you is the one you enjoy using. So if that means investing a little more money in a high-tech machine to keep you engaged, then we fully support that! If all you want is the basic metrics on a solid machine, then you’ll never go wrong with the Concept2. 

Here are the main differences between the NordicTrack Rower and the Concept2 RowErg:

• The NordicTrack features a large touchscreen with interactive programing, while the PM5 on the Concept2 has just five built-in workouts and basic metrics. 
• The Concept2 does not require a monthly subscription to use the machine at its full functionality, while you will want to buy an iFIT membership to use the RW900 at full capacity. 
• The RW900 is about $1,000 more expensive than the RowErg. 
• The Concept2 can tolerate a user weight capacity of 500 pounds, while the RW900 is only rated for 250 pounds. 

NordicTrack Rower vs Concept2: FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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