Concept2 Model D Rower vs Hydrow Rower
Concept2 Model D Rower (#1, best overall) vs Hydrow Rower (#2, best premium): in our Rowing Machines scoring the Concept2 Model D Rower totals 9.7/10 and the Hydrow Rower 9/10, the Concept2 Model D Rower leading on Row Feel and Value and the Hydrow Rower on Features.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Concept2 Model D Rower | Hydrow Rower | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1209 | $1895 |
| Resistance | Air (damper 1-10) | Electromagnetic |
| Monitor | PM5 | — |
| Length | 96" (14" stored) | 86" |
| Seat Height | 14" | — |
| Max User | 500 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Screen | — | 22" HD touchscreen |
| Storage | — | Upright kit available |
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 Hydrow Rower made our Top 5 Rowing Machines, at #1 (best overall) and #2 (best premium). The undisputed rowing king found in every CrossFit gym and Olympic training center. PM5 monitor excellence with virtually indestructible construction. The Peloton of rowing—22" HD screen streams on-water classes with whisper-quiet electromagnetic resistance. Beautiful design for living spaces.
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 Hydrow Rower 9. The widest gap is Row Feel, where the Concept2 Model D Rower scores 10 against 9 for the Hydrow Rower — stroke smoothness. Value also separates them: 9 for the Concept2 Model D Rower versus 6 for the Hydrow Rower. The Hydrow 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 Electromagnetic on the Hydrow Rower; Length — 96" (14" stored) on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus 86" on the Hydrow Rower; Max User — 500 lbs on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus 375 lbs on the Hydrow Rower.
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $1,209 for the Concept2 Model D Rower and $1,895 for the Hydrow Rower, a $686 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 Hydrow Rower for 22" HD touchscreen and on-water filmed classes; the most common complaint is $44/mo membership required.
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
Hydrow Rower
- 22" HD touchscreen
- On-water filmed classes
- Whisper quiet
- Electromagnetic resistance
- $44/mo membership required
- Very expensive
- Heavy (145 lbs)
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 Value. The Hydrow Rower is the better fit for connected fitness enthusiasts and quiet home gyms, 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 $686 cheaper, the Hydrow Rower only makes sense for connected fitness enthusiasts. The Concept2 Model D Rower is a poor fit for quiet environments; the Hydrow Rower is a poor fit for budget shoppers.
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 Hydrow Rower if
- Connected fitness enthusiasts
- Quiet home gyms
- Premium experience seekers
Skip it if
- Budget shoppers
- Subscription avoiders
Common questions
Is the Concept2 Model D Rower better than the Hydrow Rower?
In our Rowing Machines ranking the Concept2 Model D Rower scores higher overall, 9.7 to 9, with the biggest advantage in Row Feel. The Hydrow Rower is stronger on Features, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Hydrow Rower cost than the Concept2 Model D Rower?
$686 more as of February 1, 2026: $1,895 for the Hydrow 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 Hydrow Rower?
The headline spec difference is Resistance: Air (damper 1-10) on the Concept2 Model D Rower versus Electromagnetic on the Hydrow Rower. In use, the gap that matters most is Row Feel (10 vs 9 in our scoring): stroke smoothness.