Tracking your Concept2 erg workouts has come a long way from pen-and-paper logbooks. Today there are several apps designed for indoor rowers - but they vary significantly in features, approach, and price. This guide breaks down the main options so you can pick the right one.
What to Look For in an Erg Tracker
Before comparing apps, here's what actually matters for rowing improvement:
- Ease of logging: How quickly can you get a workout into the app?
- Data completeness: Does it capture splits, stroke rate, intervals, heart rate?
- Analytics: Can you see trends over time, grouped by workout type?
- Training plans: Does it help you structure your training, or just log it?
- Coaching feedback: Does it tell you what to do differently?
The Main Options
ErgManiac
Best for: Rowers who want AI-powered coaching alongside tracking.
ErgManiac combines three things most other apps treat separately: workout logging, training plans, and coaching advice.
Key features:
- Screen photo scan - take a photo of your C2 monitor and AI extracts all data
- Concept2 Logbook auto-sync
- AI training plan generator (1K to half marathon, 5 zones + gym)
- Post-workout AI analysis with pacing and zone feedback
- 24/7 AI rowing coach trained on FISA methodology
- Personal best auto-detection across all distances
- Split trend analytics grouped by workout type
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro plan with 7-day free trial (no credit card).
Platform: Progressive web app (works on any device).
Concept2 Logbook / ErgData
Best for: Rowers who want the official Concept2 ecosystem.
The Concept2 Logbook is the official tracking platform. ErgData is the companion app that connects to PM5 monitors via Bluetooth.
Key features:
- Bluetooth connection to PM5 for live tracking
- Official Concept2 rankings and challenges
- Lifetime meter tracking
- Online logbook with workout history
Limitations:
- No training plans or coaching
- No post-workout analysis
- Limited analytics (no split trends by workout type)
- No photo scanning for older monitors
- Requires PM5 for Bluetooth features
Pricing: Free.
For a detailed breakdown, see our ErgManiac vs ErgData comparison.
ErgZone
Best for: Rowers focused on structured interval training.
ErgZone focuses on workout creation and interval timers.
Key features:
- Custom workout builder with intervals
- Timer-based session tracking
- Community-shared workouts
- Bluetooth PM5 connection
Limitations:
- No AI coaching or analysis
- No training plan generation
- No photo scanning
- Limited long-term analytics
Pricing: Free with premium tier.
Strava
Best for: Multi-sport athletes who want all activities in one place.
Strava isn't rowing-specific but many rowers use it for its social features.
Key features:
- Activity feed with social features
- Segment leaderboards
- Integration with many fitness devices
- Basic analytics and trends
Limitations:
- Not designed for rowing - no split-specific analytics
- No training zones (UT2/UT1/AT/TR/AN)
- No rowing-specific coaching
- No photo scanning
- No Concept2-specific features
Pricing: Free with premium subscription.
Feature Comparison
Photo scan logging: ErgManiac only.
C2 Logbook sync: ErgManiac (auto-import) and C2 Logbook (native).
AI training plans: ErgManiac only.
AI coaching: ErgManiac only.
Post-workout analysis: ErgManiac only.
Split trend analytics: ErgManiac (full), C2 Logbook (basic), ErgZone (basic).
Auto PB detection: ErgManiac (full), C2 Logbook (partial).
Training zones: ErgManiac (5 zones), ErgZone (partial).
Free tier: All four apps offer free access.
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose ErgManiac if you want a complete system - tracking, training plans, and coaching in one app. It's the only option with AI-powered features like photo scanning, personalized training plans, and post-workout analysis.
Choose C2 Logbook/ErgData if you primarily want official Concept2 rankings, challenges, and a simple workout log. You can also sync your C2 Logbook data into ErgManiac to get the best of both worlds.
Choose ErgZone if you're mainly interested in structured interval workouts with timers.
Choose Strava if you do multiple sports and want everything in one social feed. But consider pairing it with a rowing-specific tracker for better erg analytics.
The Bottom Line
Most serious rowers end up using multiple tools. The Concept2 Logbook serves as the official record, but it doesn't help you train smarter. Adding an analytics and coaching layer on top - like ErgManiac - gives you the insights and structure that actually drive improvement.
Curious how workout logging works? Read our photo scan vs manual entry comparison. For detailed head-to-head breakdowns, see ErgManiac vs ErgData and ErgManiac vs ErgZone. Check pricing to see what's free and what's Pro.