Concept2 Model D Rower vs Echelon Row-s Connected Rower
Concept2 Model D Rower (#1, best overall) vs Echelon Row-s Connected Rower (#4, best value): in our Rowing Machines scoring the Concept2 Model D Rower totals 9.7/10 and the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower 7.7/10. At $1,209 versus $1,299, the Concept2 Model D Rower costs $90 less.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Concept2 Model D Rower | Echelon Row-s Connected Rower | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1209 | $1299 |
| Resistance | Air (damper 1-10) | Magnetic (32 levels) |
| Monitor | PM5 | Built-in |
| Length | 96" (14" stored) | — |
| Seat Height | 14" | — |
| Max User | 500 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Screen | — | 21.5" HD touchscreen |
| Folded Length | — | 43" |
How they differ in real use
Built from our rowing machines scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Concept2 Model D Rower and the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower made our Top 5 Rowing Machines, at #1 (best overall) and #4 (best value). The undisputed rowing king found in every CrossFit gym and Olympic training center. PM5 monitor excellence with virtually indestructible construction. Connected rowing on a budget—live classes and 21.5" HD screen at roughly half the Hydrow price. Folds compact for storage.
We score rowing machines on Row Feel (35%), Resistance Type (25%), Build Quality (20%), Features (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Concept2 Model D Rower totals 9.7 out of 10 and the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower 7.7. The widest gap is Row Feel, where the Concept2 Model D Rower scores 10 against 7 for the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower — stroke smoothness. Build Quality also separates them: 10 for the Concept2 Model D Rower versus 7 for the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower. The Echelon Row-s Connected Rower claws back ground on Features.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Resistance — Air (damper 1-10) on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus Magnetic (32 levels) on the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower; Monitor — PM5 on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus Built-in on the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower; Max User — 500 lbs on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus 300 lbs on the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower.
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $1,209 for the Concept2 Model D Rower and $1,299 for the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower, a $90 difference in the Concept2 Model D Rower's favor. Owners praise the Concept2 Model D Rower for industry gold standard and PM5 monitor excellence; the most common complaint is air resistance is loud. Owners praise the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower for live and on-demand classes and much cheaper than Hydrow; the most common complaint is $39.99/mo membership.
Concept2 Model D Rower
- Industry gold standard
- PM5 monitor excellence
- Virtually indestructible
- Separates for storage
- Air resistance is loud
- Basic aesthetics
- No built-in streaming
Echelon Row-s Connected Rower
- Live and on-demand classes
- Much cheaper than Hydrow
- 21.5" HD touchscreen
- Magnetic resistance
- $39.99/mo membership
- Less polished than Hydrow
- Resistance feel not as smooth
Which should you buy?
The Concept2 Model D Rower is the better fit for serious rowers and crossFit athletes — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Row Feel and Build Quality. The Echelon Row-s Connected Rower is the better fit for budget connected fitness and streaming workout fans, and the stronger choice if Features matters more to you than the overall score. Since the Concept2 Model D Rower is both the higher scorer and $90 cheaper, the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower only makes sense for budget connected fitness. The Concept2 Model D Rower is a poor fit for quiet environments; the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower is a poor fit for premium experience seekers.
Choose the Concept2 Model D Rower if
- Serious rowers
- CrossFit athletes
- Those wanting the best
Skip it if
- Quiet environments
- Streaming workout fans
Choose the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower if
- Budget connected fitness
- Streaming workout fans
- Space-conscious users
Skip it if
- Premium experience seekers
- Subscription avoiders
Common questions
Is the Concept2 Model D Rower better than the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower?
In our Rowing Machines ranking the Concept2 Model D Rower scores higher overall, 9.7 to 7.7, with the biggest advantage in Row Feel. The Echelon Row-s Connected Rower is stronger on Features, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower cost than the Concept2 Model D Rower?
$90 more as of February 1, 2026: $1,299 for the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower against $1,209 for the Concept2 Model D Rower. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
What is the main difference between the Concept2 Model D Rower and the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower?
The headline spec difference is Resistance: Air (damper 1-10) on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus Magnetic (32 levels) on the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower. In use, the gap that matters most is Row Feel (10 vs 7 in our scoring): stroke smoothness.