Best overall
Concept2 RowErg
FitScore for Rowers Under $1,000
- ResistanceAir
- Max user weight500 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)54-in rail; inseam up to…
- Length × width (in use)96 × 24 in
Choose it if you want the benchmark air stroke, a 500-lb rating and the longest frame warranty.
Best for set levels
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMART
FitScore for Rowers Under $1,000
- ResistanceAir + Magnetic
- Max user weight300 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)52.6-in rail; users up t…
- Length × width (in use)91.3 × 22 in
Choose it if you want 16 set levels on top of air resistance and a frame that folds upright.
Overall winner under $1,000: Concept2 RowErg, by 9.1 points. It leads on performance, durability and comfort: an air flywheel with a damper, a 500-lb rating, a 54-inch rail and a 5-year frame warranty. The Sunny SF-RW5940SMART is the better fit if you want set magnetic levels and a rower that folds upright.
Concept2 RowErg wins 4 rounds- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMART wins 1 round
Product photos from Amazon. FitScore weights are explained below.
Concept2 vs Sunny SF-RW5940SMART: the Concept2 RowErg is an air rower rated for 500 lb with a 5-year frame warranty; the Sunny pairs air blades with 16 magnetic levels and folds to stand upright.
The Concept2 ranks #1 and the Sunny #2 in our best rowing machine under $1,000 guide.
Head-to-Head Specs
Here are the two rowers side by side. A check mark shows the stronger spec on each line. Check both warranties before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty. The CDC physical activity guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, and steady rowing sessions count toward it. In a study of 107 adults aged 20 to 74, rowing on an ergometer used more energy than cycling at the same power output.
| Specification | Concept2 RowErgFitScore 86 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMARTFitScore 76.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Air | Air + Magnetic |
| Resistance levels | No preset levels: the pull gets heavier the harder you row | 16 levels✓ |
| Max user weight | 500 lb✓ | 300 lb |
| Fit (rail / inseam / height) | 54-in rail; inseam up to 38 in✓ | 52.6-in rail; users up to 6 ft 9 in |
| Length × width (in use) | 96 × 24 in | 91.3 × 22 in✓ |
| Storage | Separates in two | Folds and stands upright |
| Product weight | 57.3 lb✓ | 81.6 lb |
| Monitor and metrics | Time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate, 500 m split, watts, heart rate✓ | Time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate, 500 m split, heart rate |
| Bluetooth and apps | Bluetooth; ErgData and 40+ compatible apps✓ | Bluetooth; SunnyFit |
| Subscription | None required | None required |
| Warranty | 5 years frame, 2 years parts✓ | 3 years frame, 6 months parts |
| Specs won | 6 of 11 | 2 of 11 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
FitScore Duel
Both scores use the weights of our best rowing machine under $1,000 guide (how we score): performance and durability 28% each, comfort 17%, practicality and features 11% each, affordability 5%. The Sunny wins practicality and affordability; the Concept2 wins performance, durability and comfort, which carry 73% of the score. The two tie on features.
Key Differences
- The Concept2 uses an air flywheel with a damper; the Sunny adds 16 magnetic levels to its air blades.
- The Concept2 is rated for 500 lb; the Sunny for 300 lb.
- The Concept2 has a 54-inch rail for inseams up to 38 inches; the Sunny has a 52.6-inch rail for users up to 6 ft 9 in.
- The Concept2 separates in two for storage; the Sunny folds and stands upright.
- The Concept2 weighs 57.3 lb; the Sunny 81.6 lb.
- The Concept2 carries 5 years on the frame and 2 on parts; the Sunny 3 years and 180 days.
Round 1 of 5
Concept2 vs Sunny SF-RW5940SMART: Resistance and Rowing Feel
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
The Concept2 uses air: the harder you pull, the more the fan pushes back, and a damper changes how heavy each stroke feels. Owners describe it as a full-body workout that suits beginners and strong rowers alike.
The Sunny combines air blades with 16 magnetic levels, so you can set a base load and still feel the fan respond to your effort.
Round 2 of 5
Fit, Capacity and Build
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
The Concept2 is rated for 500 lb, has a 54-inch rail and a 14-inch seat height, which makes getting on and off easier. Owners point to how solid it feels.
The Sunny is rated for 300 lb and has a 52.6-inch rail for users up to 6 ft 9 in.
Round 3 of 5
Footprint and Storage
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMART wins this round
The Sunny is 91.3 × 22 inches in use and folds to stand upright, so it takes less floor space between sessions.
The Concept2 is 96 × 24 inches and separates in two for storage; at 57.3 lb it is the lighter one to move.
Round 4 of 5
Monitor and Apps
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
The Concept2 PM5 shows split, watts, stroke rate, calories and heart rate and connects by Bluetooth to ErgData and more than 40 apps.
The Sunny monitor shows time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate, split and heart rate and links to the free SunnyFit app. Neither needs a paid plan.
Round 5 of 5
Warranty and Assembly
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
The Concept2 carries 5 years on the frame and 2 years on parts. Owners say it goes together fast, with only eight screws.
The Sunny carries 3 years on the frame and 180 days on parts.
Who Should Buy Each
Benchmark stroke, heavier users
Choose the Concept2 RowErg if you want the air stroke used in gyms and races, a 500-lb rating and a 5-year frame warranty.
Set levels, upright storage
Choose the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMART if you want 16 magnetic levels on top of air resistance and a rower that folds to stand upright.
Consider Instead
Merach R50 Aura
If you want a screen and guided classes in this range, look at the Merach R50 Aura, #3 in our under $1,000 guide. See our air vs magnetic rowing machine guide to choose the resistance type first.
Final Verdict
Under $1,000, the Concept2 RowErg is the better buy. Its air stroke, 500-lb rating and 5-year frame warranty give it a clear lead. If you want set magnetic levels and a rower that folds upright, the Sunny SF-RW5940SMART is the one to choose.
Concept2 RowErg vs Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940SMART FAQ
With the weights of our under $1,000 guide, the Concept2 RowErg scores 86 against 76.9 for the Sunny SF-RW5940SMART.
The Sunny SF-RW5940SMART, with 16 magnetic levels on top of its air blades. The Concept2 uses a damper and your own effort to set the load.
The Sunny SF-RW5940SMART folds and stands upright. The Concept2 separates in two pieces for storage.
The Concept2 RowErg, rated for 500 lb against 300 lb for the Sunny.
No. The Concept2 works with ErgData and more than 40 apps, and the Sunny with the free SunnyFit app.
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