How LOUD Are Rowing Machines? [SOUND TESTS & ANALYSIS] 

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For the Hydrow and the Concept 2 you were in a confined space with a wall to your left. In those cases your measurements include sound that reverberated off the wall. You used the WaterRower in an open area so the reverberation is minimal. I wonder how much of a difference that makes.

I just got the concept2 rowerg last week and I love the workouts I am getting and your videos have helped so much! as for how loud it is I find the sound of the rower to be very soothing and meditative! even when pushing hard it helps me get in a rhythmic pace. loving everything about the works outs and the machine so far!

Awwwww you nerded out on my suggestion! 🤩🤓 You da best, Austin! 👨‍🏫🚣🏻‍♂️⚗️🔊📈

Thanks. Hearing the differences in *how* they sound, not just how loud, was useful!

I picked up a "Stamina InMotion Rower" that was offered for free on the sidewalk a few weeks ago - literally biked off with it in one arm (27 lbs). It as quiet as a cat purr when rowing, but functionally is way out-classed by the machines you tested. I'll probably be on the market for a real rower someday, so thanks for the review!

I'm looking into getting the Concept 2 but obviously wouldn't work for a small space apartment with very thin walls. This video is underrated...Thank you!

Great video. At first I kind of regretted not getting a hydrow, but after hearing it; man regardless of the volume, that's a pretty obnoxious sound. I wish there was more resistance with my WaterRower but I'll gladly take the pleasing water sound over that.

Great review! I love seeing the stats. I personally hate the sound of the hydro, and love the sound of the sloshing water. Concept II is what it is....

Great idea! I recently bought a pro form 750r which I'm really starting to like. I think it's quieter than the concept 2.

Interesting to me was not just the decibel level for each, but the frequency levels. The hydrow and concept 2 had a more penetrating pitch that the water row. The display on your phone actually showed the water row had noticeably flatter pitch than the other two models. I think that would make the water row more family friendly if using it in adjoining rooms of home.

Very useful video. Great job.

I use the concept 2 in an apartment. I can't see the air sound going through the walls unless your walls are super thin(more low end bass and vibration make it through walls) and it doesn't make much vibration, but I do have the contact points with the floor on 1" foam + yoga mat similar to your setup. I've had no complaints and I only use it for about 45 minutes between 6-9pm anyways so even if neighbors do hear it it's for a short time and waking no one up as it's in my living room. Even if neighbors could make out the sound I'd say it's not annoying or offensive and kind of like a white noise machine so I think they'd tolerate it. Having said all that I wouldn't hesitate buying one for an apartment if you have the room for it.

I just got the new Concept 2 RowERG W w/tall legs, and I breath louder than it. Super quiet.

Thanks for this Video!!!!!!

Does the noise level related to the damper setting? The higher damper setting, and the noise is louder? Just wondering, if we set damper to 5, how much decibel it could be? Is that much better?

Thanks for the information! What would you guess a magnetic rowing machine result would be around? For me this type of issue is my nr1 concern and prio.

So useful! Both the "scientific" test and the "neighbor" test as well :)

I did wonder what app you used? Unless you calibrated it, I imagine the comparison is of relative changes in decibel level as opposed to an absolute value - that said, it is still really interesting to see the comparison. I do constantly wonder if my downstairs neighbour can hear me rowing but don't want to ask them as that might just make them try to focus on hearing it and causing an issue where there really isn't one!

I have tinnitus.... water rower it is!!! Thank you for the comparison.

I know I'm a year late viewing this video, but I wanted to leave a comment that might help someone deciding which machine to buy. I'm a professional sound engineer, and a new Concept 2 owner. And I love your channel and 'concepts' and training tips for rowing. The test is very good except for one thing that strongly influences the percieved sound level and that is proximity to walls and closed spaces. It appears two of your machines are in the same space and would seems to exhibit a fair comparison. The water rower being out in a large gym type space would have less proximity loudness even though the DB meter is the same distance. But the real thing that surprised me the most is the actual sound of the C2 in your environment. Mine doesn't sound anything like that and is almost whisper quiet. But I do have it in a larger room with curtains, which will dampen sound as well. Even at Max Effort it's not close to that kind of washy almost watery sound. It's a clean wind sound that is not very loud. I'm not it's better or worse, just pointing out that it is highly reliant on proximity to walls and what they are made of. I am going to do a DB test on my C2 because my curiosity has been peaked. Keep up the great channel!!

It's funny, cranking up the 90s Techno during my sessions, makes my C2 pretty silent ;-)

Cool video thanks. Some notes around those sound profiles - taking the average dB is not what counts since that's not what our ears are going to do. We are especially sensitive to spikey noise - our brains can filter out noise with a consistent pitch and volume but intermittent spikes (like rowing) is hard to filter out.

Hey Austin, Quick question for you. I just bought a brand new Concept 2 Model D rower and I absolutely love it! Upon using it I noticed there are nylon shavings coming from the seat rollers. Is this normal?

Are there differences in noise levels of the water rowers? I've seen a video of the Sunny Obsedian Surge and it seems quieter than the Water Rower so more apartment friendly.

Great video

Great content! I’d love a water rower but am on the second floor of an apartment building. Because of how the apartment is setup, I don’t have neighbors touching on the sides (yay!). I’m more worried about the noise generated for my downstairs neighbors. Would the rolling sound like a bowling alley is above them?

Decibel is one thing, but the quality or frequencies also makes a difference. The hydrow generates lower frequencies while the water rower generates more higher frequencies.

Water Rower for the win, which is why I have one. I live in an apartment building and work out in the early am. Loud machines are not appreciated when most people are still sleeping. Also, the sound of the water is just soothing.

Is there a quiet magnetic machine that you recommend? Which water machine do you recommend? Thank you

Is there really no way to muffle the sound of the C2? Like maybe a box around it or something? I really want to buy it but the sound could be a problem.

Concept 2 is like a jet engine. If you live in an apartment, it's a no-go. I bought a magnetic rower and I'm very satisfied. 🥳

C2 is love, C2 is life

Does the Hydrow actually make that high-pitched squeal like in the video or is it some type of audio recording effect? Isn’t magnetic supposed to be quieter than water, as also claimed by Hydrow itself? Your test suggests that Hydrow is actually slightly worse than water.

Would you be able to show the sounds for a nordic track 900 please?

It is important to remember that an increase of 10 decibel is perceived as a doubling of sound level. So a Concept 2 is essentially over twice as loud as a WaterRower.

What app did you use ? I have a magnetic rower and I have the impression that mine is a LOT quieter than the hydrow. I’d like to measure (I am not a huge fan of the magnetic but I thought my neighbors would not love a concept). Actually when I row I can listen to podcasts on my desk loudspeakers, no need to blast the volume or to wear headphones.

Thank you Austin for another great video with practical information. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to normalize the decibels per wattage. Can you divulge what was your wattage (as reported by each machine) for each one of these efforts?

Frequency is important. The Hydrow creates most of its noise in the 1-3khz range where the ear is more sensitive. The water rower is very low frequency and lowest dB, making a very unobtrusive "noise" combination. But the ergonomics of the Water rower don't look right with the seat in the same plane as the foot pedals.

I actually chose the Concept 2 because of the loudness. It just feels so motivating to generate that much sound with each stroke. It means you're really rowing with power.

Thanks for your afford - I wanted to get a c2 but the water sound was too amazing to stay on the first thought go to..

Waterrower + Kinomap = total zen :)

Great vid. Thank you sir! I just can’t get over the sound of the hydrow. It’s just unnatural to me and kind of annoying. I’ll keep my spot on the C2 waiting list.

Great test. dB is one way to measure sound power. Also something should be considered is the type of sound. A mosquito flying around you and a electric car driving pass you may have the same dB, but the quality of sound are different.

I hate my downstairs neighbor and want to get the loudest rowing machine possible. This will motivate me to get into awesome shape. This one seems loud, but I need recommendations for the loudest one on the market. Thanks!

I've used the Concept 2 in the gym where the ambient noise level was such that it was hard to get a handle on how 'loud' it was. I live in a flat (what Americans call an apartment) and its pretty clear that my neighbour below me will not be happy should I buy one for home use, not least since my preferred workout time is first thing 6 am. Bit of a bummer but on the upside my bank account will thank me for not doing so!

Interesting! The water rower sounds nice and smooth. Unfortunately I've never like the rowing feel of these . The C2 is loud, no surprise here. But the in between Hydrow sounds like a UFO. It is very annoying to my ears. Thanks for the experience. In the end, the music in my earbuds while training will always be louder than any of the sound these rowers could produce 🎵😉💪!

The c2 makes a high pitch sound... maybe some sound deadening room treatments would help?

Hydro: fire engine Concept2: hornets nest Water: water

You forgot Matrix Rower? Do you think the waterrower is better than Matrix? I wanted to get a Matrix but there are WR clones available for around 500€. I don't like it loud but the C2 has the best sound and a really nice feeling. This is the only rower I know at the moment. They had it at my studio.

Where was the microphone placed? On your body or near the body of the machine?

Useful video. To me the Concept 2 sounds the most like brown noise frequency-wise and has the most even sound amplitude and is therefore the least offensive qualitatively, but quantitatively... it's friggin' loud isn't it.

any opinion on the BodyCraft VR500 Rower?

I appreciate that you did this video. I was actually curious now how noisy indoor rowers can be in an apartment. I have an extra bedroom that I want to convert into a workout room and I have room for a rower. I used the concept 2 in my gym, and my biggest concern is the difference between air resistance and magnetic. I have the impression that magnetic resistance does not feel natural, or whatever that means. What is your opinion between air resistance and magnetic resistance?

Hey Austin, have you ever used a Concept2 Model B machines? I know they're older but I wonder how they compare to the modern ones. There's one available on craigslist near me asking for $300 and I'm considering making an offer. I feel like it would still be a better machine than that Sunny rower for instance, which is about the same price

Hate to say it, but you have to eliminate the water rower because it was tested with significantly different acoustics given you tested it in a considerably more open space without those three close walls to bounce and reflect more sound into the phone. The walls are so close in your room that acoustically it could be compared to a symphony hall resonating sound all the sound towards the audience. Think of it kind of like holding your phone closer and closer to your ear.

Austin you looking so amazing and caaaancept 2 ohhhh myyy lord 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭

Quiet, Serene, peaceful rowing is where it's at for me. Bought a FIRST DEGREE FITNESS AUTHENTIC WATER ROWER MONACO CHALLENGE AR about 5 years ago. Smooth. Quiet. Stable. Been on many rowers in many gyms, hotels, etc. This is the best one for me.

That C2 sounded like a get enjine. I tried it in store and its not that loud. Probably because of the small room.

I would like to add... the water sound is allot more pleasant... then that turbine concept 2.

Aside from sound level, the quality of noise matters. Water rower sounds to me like someone is having a hard time flushing. Hydrow is a surprising whirling noise like a baby air raid siren. The concept 2 just sounds like every gym in the world. Whooshhhhh!

I cant see this comparable for the water, as the wall changes the level your gonna pick up with that mic...

Do you cover actually rowing a boat......on the water??😁

what about magnetic rowers?

To me it's more about tone. The Hydro would would be a definite no. The Ergatta would make me have to go to the bathroom.

A lot of slack in the hydro at the start of the stroke. Don't like the sound of either of the first two. Never ever bothered me at the gym (which I quit because the "muscle heads" wouldn't wear masks, or wash their hands after using the bathroom). Will keep my Nov spot on the list thank you very much.

Separating out the specific parts and tools for each of the seven step assembly process steps was brilliant on the part of the manufacturer. For the price, I am impressed at how sturdy this ru-vid.comUgkxvObaTzoHoHQLL4lHbJQmExHqsrZQm-f7 unit is and it does go together easily. Well, I was puzzled at first at Step 5 and maybe the instructions should mention that rail #62 needs to be tilted upwards a little to get the rail to fit into the main part #44. I like it that the rower can be stored vertically in a really small amount of space, but be forewarned that this rower is top heavy and for safety you'll need at least two bungee cords to keep the unit upright, attaching them to something; in my case to a third garage door. I have had this unit only a short time, and I will post an update once I've had it for a year. As for working your legs, I have to admit that I'm mainly rowing for upper body strength and I use other forms of exercise for leg strength (like walking fast, biking, or using a trampoline. But if you pull as far forward as possible, then you can give preference to your legs for the first 4 feet or so of travel. I also admit to not taking the two electronic connectors apart at Step 7. I simply inserted the two batteries while the other parts remained connected. By the way, there is plenty of resistance here, even in the lowest resistance settings. Kudos to Sunny Health & Fitness !

3:07

Good video, but I still feel the Concept2 feels a hell of a lot louder than the waterrower, not just twice as loud. Maybe it's the type of place I used it the waterrower is used in a larger room. Now I can can hear the TV 😄

For someone who likes to watch netflix/youtube contents during sessions, I chose the hydrow.

Boy, there's the numerical comparison, and then there's the qualitative comparison of the sound. The Hydrow may be quieter than a C2 but is to my ears just super unpleasant as a sound.

I keep my concept 2 noise down by rowing slow.

Thank you for not talking during the demonstration ❤

Water rower 💯 winner.

I would love to see this made with a proper sound meter. :) Not an app. :)

Is the Concept2 RowErg so loud that you can't comfortably listen to earbuds or a headset? Thanks to all, especially if you do use them.

Come on Austin. When are you going to slip into some speedos for us?

I'd take the louder C2 sound over the whining Hydrow any day... but still the WR over the C2. Whatever the C2's strengths vs the WR the noise is a dealbreaker.

I am 176 cm and 72 kilograms...and i can go with 22 strokes and 1:38....

ace ventura rrowerman

I REALLY want to get a Concept 2, but I guess that isn't going to happen. 😟

Looks like a younger Jim Carrey and I was so tickled!

Concept 2 is a clear winner, followed by the water rower. The Hydrow just sounds terrible. Reminds me of a vacuum cleaner.

7:10 WW = Water Wrower? heh

...plot twist...Dyson Rower 2023..... 🤫

Too bad they can't put a muffler on these things.

80dB are 10x 70dB not 2x.

So I'll need sound dampenning in either way. And no water rowers. Yeesh. My neighbors will drown me in a nearest puddle.

We're not gonna talk about how his underwear matches his headband? Really?

hii first

concept 2 loud

Hydrow sounds like dying robot, what an awful sound, I mean it looks like a damn Tesla but sounds rough

All very noisy...

Your method of testing is wrong!

Too much talk.

Very poorly executed comparison. Recording a sound source beside a wall in a confined space vs recording a sound source in a very open space. Test is null and void.