Best apps for your Concept2 RowErg (2026 guide)

If you own a Concept2 RowErg, the right app can make indoor rowing more structured, more motivating and easier to stick with. Some apps focus on accurate workout logging, while others add immersive routes, coaching, multiplayer racing or guided training plans.

In this guide, we'll compare five popular apps for Concept2 users:

• EXR – Best for immersive indoor rowing, structured workouts and long-term motivation
• ErgData – Best for official Concept2 workout tracking
• ErgZone – Best for structured programming and coach-created workouts
• Kinomap – Best for real-world video routes
• asensei – Best for guided coaching and technique-focused training

By the end of this article, you'll know which rowing app best fits your training style.

Quick answer

For most Concept2 owners who want more than basic workout tracking, EXR offers the most complete rowing experience. It combines structured training, realistic rowing mechanics, multiplayer races, challenges and virtual environments while connecting directly to your PM5 monitor.

Why Concept2 owners use rowing apps

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most respected indoor rowing machines in the world. Its PM5 Performance Monitor gives you accurate performance data, but the experience itself depends on how you choose to train.

A good rowing app can help you:

• Follow structured workouts
• Track progress over time
• Stay motivated during longer sessions
• Join races, events or communities
• Explore virtual or real-world rowing routes
• Improve technique with guided sessions

The best choice depends on what you need most: motivation, tracking, coaching, programming or variety.

EXR: Best overall rowing app for Concept2

EXR is built specifically for indoor rowing. Instead of turning your workout into another numbers-only session, it adds virtual rowing environments, structured workouts, multiplayer events, challenges and progression systems.

It's a strong fit for Concept2 owners who want rowing to feel more engaging while still keeping the accurate performance data that makes the RowErg so popular.

What EXR does well

EXR's biggest strength is how complete the experience feels. It combines training tools with motivation features, so you can row with purpose instead of guessing what to do next.

EXR allows you to:

• Connect directly to your Concept2 PM5 via Bluetooth
• Row through immersive virtual environments
• Follow structured workouts and training plans
• Join live multiplayer races and community events
• Complete seasonal challenges
• Unlock achievements and avatar rewards
• Track all key rowing metrics such as power, pace, stroke rate, distance and time

Because EXR is designed around rowing rather than general fitness, the workouts, pacing and virtual boat movement are built specifically for how rowing works.

Where EXR falls short

EXR requires a subscription after the free trial, which may be difficult to justify if you only want to record workouts and track basic performance data. For Concept2 users, a Bluetooth-enabled PM5 monitor also provides the most straightforward connection.

Its virtual environments, multiplayer features and progression systems offer more than some rowers need. If your routine mainly involves logging sessions or completing workouts prescribed by a coach, a simpler app may be a better fit.

ErgData: Best official Concept2 companion app

ErgData is Concept2's official app for connecting your PM5 monitor to your phone or tablet. It focuses on workout recording, live performance data and syncing with the Concept2 Online Logbook.

For many rowers, ErgData is the first app they install.

What ErgData does well

ErgData is excellent for accurate workout tracking. ErgData allows you to:

• Connect directly to your PM5 monitor
• View live rowing metrics during your workout
• Automatically sync sessions to the Concept2 Online Logbook
• Complete Concept2's Workout of the Day
• Update your PM5 firmware
• Review workout history and performance trends

Because it's developed by Concept2, the connection is reliable and deeply tied into the RowErg ecosystem.

Where ErgData falls short

ErgData focuses primarily on workout data and logging, so it may offer less variety for rowers who want a more visually engaging training experience. Its emphasis is on monitoring performance and recording sessions rather than exploring immersive environments or progressing through a game-like experience.

That focus works well if your motivation comes from tracking results. If you rely on scenery, interactive experiences or rewards to stay consistent, however, ErgData alone may not provide the variety you are looking for.

ErgZone: Best for structured workout programming

ErgZone is built around workout programming. It's especially popular with athletes, rowing clubs, coaches and CrossFit communities that follow structured interval sessions.

Instead of creating an immersive world, ErgZone acts as a digital workout prescription. It helps you follow a planned session without constantly checking a printed training plan.

What ErgZone does well

• Build custom interval sessions
• Follow coach-created training plans
• Share workouts easily
• Display programmed workouts on your PM5
• Use structured sessions for rowing, SkiErg and BikeErg
• Follow CrossFit-style training formats

For athletes training under a coach or following a strict programme, ErgZone is a very practical tool.

Where ErgZone falls short

ErgZone is built around delivering structured workouts, so the training experience centres on completing the prescribed intervals and hitting your targets. It offers less emphasis on immersive scenery or game-like progression for rowers who want entertainment alongside their training.

For athletes who enjoy following a clear programme, that focused approach can be a strength. For recreational rowers who rely on visual variety and a sense of exploration to stay engaged, the experience may feel repetitive over time.

Kinomap: Best for real-world video routes

Kinomap is a fitness app built around real-world video routes. Instead of rowing through a virtual game world, you follow recorded outdoor routes from different locations around the world.

For Concept2 users, Kinomap can add a scenic, route-based layer to indoor rowing.

What Kinomap does well

• Follow real-world rowing videos
• Train on scenic routes from different locations
• Connect compatible fitness equipment
• Add variety to longer indoor sessions
• Use video-based pacing to make workouts feel less repetitive

This makes Kinomap a good option for rowers who enjoy scenic training and want something more visual than a standard PM5 screen.

Where Kinomap falls short

Kinomap supports several fitness activities, so its overall experience may feel less tailored to rowing than an app built specifically around the sport. Its main appeal is following real-world video routes, which may not fully meet the needs of rowers looking for technique guidance or a clear progression through rowing-specific training.

The scenic videos can add variety to indoor sessions, but scenery alone may not provide enough direction or motivation for every rower. If your priority is coached development or a structured rowing programme, you may need additional training support.

Asensei: Best for guided coaching

asensei focuses on coaching-led training. It is designed for rowers who want follow-along workouts, technique guidance and a more instructional experience.

For Concept2 users who want help with form, structure and confidence, asensei can be a useful option.

What Asensei does well

• Guided rowing workouts
• Technique-focused instruction
• Follow-along coaching sessions
• Beginner-friendly training support
• More structure for rowers who are unsure what to do next

This makes it especially useful for newer rowers or anyone who wants a more coached experience.

Where Asensei falls short

Asensei centres on guided coaching rather than virtual exploration or game-like progression. Rowers who are mainly motivated by multiplayer competition, scenic routes or avatar rewards may find that its instructional approach does not offer the experience they want.

Its follow-along format may also feel less flexible if you prefer to build your own sessions or train without ongoing guidance. The coaching is valuable when you want direction, but may be less relevant if you already have an established routine and prefer to row independently.

EXR vs ErgData vs ErgZone vs Kinomap vs asensei

*Depending on your setup and integrations.

Conclusion: Which Concept2 app should you choose?

The best Concept2 app depends on what keeps you rowing.

Choose ErgData if you want the official Concept2 companion app for logging workouts and syncing with the Online Logbook.

Choose ErgZone if you follow structured workouts from a coach, club or CrossFit programme.

Choose Kinomap if you want scenic real-world video routes to make longer indoor sessions feel more varied.

Choose asensei if you want guided coaching, technique support and follow-along rowing sessions.

Choose EXR if you want the most complete rowing experience: structured workouts, immersive worlds, multiplayer racing, challenges and long-term progression. For many Concept2 owners, that extra motivation is what turns rowing from an occasional workout into a consistent habit.

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Written by Chalina Michiels, Head of Communication on October 9 2026