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Comparison Rowing machines

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs vs Merach Magnetic Rower: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs if you have knee or back issues getting low. Buy the Merach Magnetic Rower instead if you want quiet rowing for apartments on a budget.

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Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs
Buy

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs

Best for Easy on/off

Typically $1,090–$1,199

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Merach Magnetic Rower
Buy

Merach Magnetic Rower

Best for Budget magnetic

Typically $299–$399

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureConcept2 RowErg Tall LegsMerach Magnetic Rower
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$1,090–$1,199$299–$399
Best forEasy on/offBudget magnetic
Key featureTaller RowErg that is easier to get on and offQuiet, cheap magnetic rower
ResistanceAirMagnetic
MonitorPM5LCD + app
StorageSeparatesFolds
Max user500 lb350 lb
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Resistance

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: Air; Merach Magnetic Rower: Magnetic.

Monitor

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: PM5; Merach Magnetic Rower: LCD + app.

Storage

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: Separates; Merach Magnetic Rower: Folds.

Max user

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: 500 lb; Merach Magnetic Rower: 350 lb.

Why buy it

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: taller RowErg that is easier to get on and off; Merach Magnetic Rower: quiet, cheap magnetic rower.

Made for

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: easy on/off; Merach Magnetic Rower: budget magnetic.

Usual price

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs: $1,090–$1,199; Merach Magnetic Rower: $299–$399.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs if you

  • you have knee or back issues getting low
  • value easier to mount
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Merach Magnetic Rower if you

  • you want quiet rowing for apartments on a budget
  • value quiet
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every model we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best rowing machines.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 · Rowing machines

Concept2 RowErg

Buy it if you want the most proven, durable rower.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Best rower
Typical price
$990–$1,099

Pros

  • Gym standard
  • Accurate PM5

Cons

  • Fan noise
WaterRower Natural

WaterRower · Rowing machines

WaterRower Natural

Buy it if you want a beautiful rower that sounds like water.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Beautiful and quiet
Typical price
$999–$1,299

Pros

  • Beautiful wood
  • Quiet water sound

Cons

  • Basic monitor

Frequently asked questions

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs or Merach Magnetic Rower: which should I buy?

Buy the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs if you have knee or back issues getting low. Buy the Merach Magnetic Rower instead if you want quiet rowing for apartments on a budget.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs usually costs $1,090–$1,199 and the Merach Magnetic Rower $299–$399. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs or Merach Magnetic Rower: the full reasoning

Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs or Merach Magnetic Rower? Both are strong rowing machines, which is exactly why the choice is hard. Here is the short version first: buy the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs if you have knee or back issues getting low, and buy the Merach Magnetic Rower if you want quiet rowing for apartments on a budget. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs wins on taller RowErg that is easier to get on and off. The Merach Magnetic Rower answers with quiet, cheap magnetic rower. Resistance: Air on the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs, Magnetic on the Merach Magnetic Rower. Monitor: PM5 on the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs, LCD + app on the Merach Magnetic Rower. Storage: Separates on the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs, Folds on the Merach Magnetic Rower. Max user: 500 lb on the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs, 350 lb on the Merach Magnetic Rower.

Reasons to buy the Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs

Easier to mount, Same accuracy, Durable. What to accept: pricier, taller. Usual price: $1,090–$1,199. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Concept2 RowErg Tall Legs review.

Reasons to buy the Merach Magnetic Rower

Quiet, Cheap, Foldable. What to accept: lighter build, less smooth. Usual price: $299–$399. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Merach Magnetic Rower review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best rowing machines has every other model with its own call. Resistance: air rowers feel like real rowing and are the club standard; magnetic rowers are quietest for apartments.

Also consider the Concept2 RowErg ($990–$1,099): the gym-standard air rower with an accurate monitor. Buy it if you want the most proven, durable rower.

Also consider the WaterRower Natural ($999–$1,299): wooden water rower with a calming swoosh. Buy it if you want a beautiful rower that sounds like water.

US buyer tip

Concept2 rarely discounts, but its rowers hold value well; magnetic and water rowers see deeper cuts on Prime Day and Black Friday.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.