We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Rowing machines are an excellent way to build endurance while exercising your upper and lower body. If you’re looking to add equipment like this to your home gym, the Echelon Rowing Machine and the Concept 2 are both popular options.
While both of these machines offer quality design and an array of features, these products aren’t identical. It’s best to take a closer look at both machines so that you can find the option that’s best suited to your needs.
Echelon Smart Rower vs. Concept 2: Features Comparison
While these are both rowing machines, it’s important to remember that they aren’t identical. You’ll want to closely evaluate the features of both machines so that you can get a better sense of what they have to offer. You’ll find a brief features overview below:
Echelon Smart Rower Features
- 32 levels of magnetic resistance
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Resistance can be adjusted from handlebars
- Adjustable foot pedals
- Swiveling tablet holder
- Near-silent workouts
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Easy assembly
- Vertical storage
- Bluetooth connectivity
See all Echelon Rower features at their website.
Concept 2 Features
- Easy assembly
- Air resistance
- Wireless heart rate monitor
- Unlimited resistance
- Backlit performance monitor
- 500 pound weight capacity
- Online leaderboards
- Optional slides for water simulation
- Adjustable footrests
- Transport wheels
See all Concept 2 Features at Amazon.
If you’re interested in live, on-demand workouts, it’s likely that you’ll find the Echelon Smart Rower is the right choice for you. You can find out more about Echelon’s workouts below. While the Concept 2 does offer online leaderboards, it isn’t a tech-focused rower, and you’ll be working out without guidance from instructions.
It’s likely that you’ll also find the Echelon to be a better option if your storage space is limited. These rowers are fairly similar in size, but only the Echelon can easily be folded up and stored. It even allows for vertical storage, allowing it to be stored in closets and other cramped spaces. With that said, the Concept 2 has transport wheels, making it a highly portable piece of home gym equipment.
Both rowers are designed to be resilient and are backed by strong warranties. With that said, the Concept 2 will require more maintenance than an Echelon rower. Because the Concept 2 has a partially exposed nickel chain, it will occasionally need to be oiled.
Workout Comparison: Which One Offers Live Rowing Workouts?
Live workouts can be incredibly motivating. They’re a way to bring the gym experience into your own home. As mentioned above, the Concept 2 is a bare-bones rower, and it doesn’t offer live or on-demand workouts.
Echelon Workouts: On Demand and Live Rowing Options
With the Echelon Smart Rower, however, live workouts are a key part of the experience. Every day, you can participate in new classes taught by world-class instructors. You can get in an intense workout on your rowing machine, or you can adjust the swiveling tablet holder and take classes on the mat.
There’s a huge selection of classes available, including:
- Endurance rows
- Scenic rows
- Core workouts
- Cardio workouts
- Strength training
- Boot camp
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Boxing
Since live classes are taught daily, the on-demand class library is constantly expanding. There are currently thousands of workouts available, and the library is only going to grow in the future. While the Concept 2 is a solid choice for users that aren’t interested in classes, the Echelon provides users with everything they need to get into shape.
In order to access Echelon’s library of classes, you’ll need to connect your rower to a tablet, smart TV, or smartphone. Since the rower is equipped with an adjustable tablet holder, a tablet is the best option. You’ll also need an Echelon subscription. The rower doesn’t provide access to any pre-set classes.
Both the Echelon and the Concept 2 give users access to an online leaderboard, allowing you to compete against other people that are trying to get into shape. When you combine leaderboards with online classes, you’ll be more motivated than ever to focus on fitness.
Price Comparison: Which Rower is More Affordable?
Pricing for the Echelon Smart Rower starts at $1,039. Subscription fees are not included, which means you’ll have to cover those costs as well. The monthly rate is $19.99, but alternatively, you can pay $79.99 for a one-year subscription. A 30-day free trial is available.
Alternatively, you can pay more for a rower that comes bundled with a subscription. For $1,399.98, you’ll receive a rower, a one-year subscription, and free premium home delivery. For a rower, a two-year description, and free delivery, you’ll pay $1,599.98.
Financing options are available, but only if you purchase a rower/subscription bundle. Echelon offers no-money-down financing through Affirm, with monthly costs starting at $46 a month. If approved, you’ll be able to make monthly payments for 12, 18, or 36 months.
Currently, Concept 2 offers three different rower models. The 2714 Dynamic Indoor rower is priced at $1,250. The Model E rower is $1,100, and the most affordable option, the Model D rower, is priced at just $900. While these rowers are sold through Concept 2, they are also offered by other retailers, which means you may see some variance in pricing.
Because Concept 2 does not provide access to an online class library, there is no subscription fee required. However, because this rower requires regular maintenance, there are still some ongoing costs that you will have to cover. Furthermore, Concept 2 does not provide the Affirm financing options that Echelon offers, which means your initial costs could be higher.
In addition, the Concept 2 does not offer bundles that include free shipping, which could increase your out-of-pocket costs even more. Concept 2’s rowers are shipped via flat rate shipping, and costs may vary based on your location.
It’s important to make sure you have the complete picture when you’re calculating the cost of a rower. What will you be spending on shipping? Do you plan on financing your rower, or are you going to cover the full purchase price upfront? Make sure you answer these questions before you place your order.
Summary: How to Pick the Best Rower for You
When you’re purchasing home exercise equipment, it’s important to think carefully about what you’re looking for. This is a major investment, which is why you’ll want to make sure you’re getting everything you want for your money.
If you’re looking for a bare-bones rower, and you don’t care about live and on-demand classes, you may find that the Concept 2 is the right rower for you. This rower is also a solid choice for people that want a rower with a high weight capacity. This machine is capable of supporting weights of up to 500 pounds.
For most users, however, the Echelon Rowing machine is the better deal. This rower offers an amazing value for the price. You get a high-quality rower and access to an impressive library of classes at a cost that’s similar to the Concept 2. Furthermore, because Echelon offers shipping bundles and financing, you may find that it’s a more affordable option that the Echelon 2.
Although you will have to cover subscription costs, you’ll get a lot for your money. The library of classes is incredible, and new classes are added every day. Furthermore, you won’t be limited to rowing classes. You’ll be able to enjoy yoga, boxing, pilates, and so much more.
The Echelon is one of the most complete rowers available. From the amazing class library to the impressive financing options, there’s a lot to love about this rower. Best of all, Echelon’s products are satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not happy with your rower, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days.
