Xebex Folding Air Rower 2.0: Worth a Second Look?

There’s a reason Concept2 dominates conversations about rowing machines. Walk into almost any serious gym, CrossFit box, or training facility, and there’s a good chance you’ll find a Concept2 RowErg. It’s reliable, well supported, and has become something of a standard for rowing performance.

So when I started looking for a rower for my home gym, Concept2 was naturally the first thing I considered.

But I wasn’t particularly interested in spending nearly $1,000 on another piece of cardio equipment. I wanted something sturdy, comfortable, and versatile enough for longer rowing sessions and short, demanding intervals. Ideally, it would also fold out of the way.

In August 2026, I found a used Xebex Folding Air Rower 2.0 on Facebook Marketplace for $175.

Nearly two months later, I think it’s a genuinely good rowing machine. But I also have a few complaints.

First impressions: This thing is substantial

The first thing I noticed about the Xebex was its construction.

It’s heavy. At approximately 95 pounds, it’s considerably heavier than a standard Concept2 RowErg, and it feels every bit of that weight.

But once it’s in place, that’s largely a good thing.

The frame feels stable, even during harder rowing efforts. There’s very little movement, and nothing about it feels flimsy or particularly delicate.

I also appreciate the predominantly black powder-coated finish. It has a commercial gym aesthetic that fits naturally alongside racks, weights, and other training equipment.

It’s not especially sleek, but it looks and feels like a serious piece of equipment.

And honestly, that’s exactly what I wanted.

The rowing experience is where it shines

The rowing motion is smooth, and the air resistance feels responsive and predictable.

Like Concept2, the Xebex uses a fan-based resistance system. The harder you pull, the more resistance you generate.

That makes it particularly useful for the way I train.

Sometimes I want to row for 20 or 30 minutes at a relatively consistent pace. Other times I’m doing short intervals, Tabata workouts, or incorporating rowing into a circuit with other equipment.

The Xebex handles both exceptionally well.

For intense intervals, I can increase the effort immediately without touching the damper or navigating a screen. When it’s time to recover, I simply back off.

There’s also a ten-position damper that changes how much air enters the flywheel, allowing you to adjust the feel of each stroke.

I’ve been impressed with how versatile the resistance feels.

For someone interested in hybrid training rather than competitive rowing, that’s a significant advantage.

Can we talk about the seat?

I didn’t expect the seat to be one of my favorite features, but here we are.

The Xebex has a large, molded, padded seat positioned approximately 20 inches above the ground.

That’s noticeably higher than the standard Concept2 RowErg, which has a 14-inch seat height. Concept2 does offer a tall-leg model with a comparable elevated position.

The height makes getting on and off easier, but it’s the comfort that really stands out.

I’ve done 20- and 30-minute sessions without feeling like I need to shift around or readjust constantly.

The molded design provides more support than the relatively flat seats I’ve encountered on some other rowers.

It’s not the kind of feature that necessarily jumps off a product page, but it makes a difference once you’re actually using the machine regularly.

Folding: Great in theory, a little awkward in practice

One of the main reasons I was interested in the Xebex was its folding design. My home gym needs to accommodate different types of training, and I don’t want a rowing machine permanently occupying a substantial amount of floor space.

The rear rail folds upward, reducing the footprint to approximately 36 by 20 inches. Once folded, four small wheels make it possible to roll the machine into a corner. I really appreciate getting that space back.

The execution, however, isn’t perfect.

The release lever isn’t particularly intuitive, and the rear section can drop if you’re not supporting it. The weight concentrated around the fan housing also makes the folded rower feel a little tippy when moving it.

It’s manageable once you get used to it, but not quite the effortless folding experience I’d imagined.

Still, I’d absolutely rather have the folding mechanism than not. The space savings are real.

It’s loud. Really loud.

This might be my biggest complaint.

Air rowers aren’t quiet, but the Xebex produces substantial fan noise, especially during higher-intensity efforts.

In an apartment or shared living space, the noise level should be considered.

The rowing experience is excellent. The soundtrack is considerably less refined.

The monitor is fine. Just fine.

The Xebex 2.0 provides the basics: time, distance, pace, watts, stroke rate, and calories.

The Bluetooth-equipped Smart Connect version also supports compatible rowing apps for additional tracking and interactive workouts. That’s a useful feature, even if the onboard display itself is fairly basic.

For my purposes, the monitor does what I need. But the display is small, the text isn’t particularly easy to read, and there’s no backlight.

Concept2’s PM5 has a more established performance-tracking ecosystem, but Bluetooth connectivity isn’t exclusive to Concept2.

For my workouts, the Xebex monitor is adequate. I just wouldn’t buy the machine because of it.

What about maintenance?

The Xebex uses a chain-driven mechanism, which means there’s some basic maintenance to consider.

That’s particularly relevant if you’re buying used, as I did.

I’d want to inspect the chain, make sure the mechanism runs smoothly, and check for excessive wear before purchasing a secondhand machine.

So far, mine has performed well.

That said, two months isn’t long enough to make definitive claims about durability. It feels exceptionally well built, but I’ll reserve judgment on long-term reliability until I’ve owned it considerably longer.

Is it really a Concept2 alternative?

I think so, depending on what matters most to you.

Concept2 has the advantage in its established training ecosystem and standardized performance tracking. If competitive rowing or comparing results across machines were my priorities, I’d probably choose it.

But I use a rower primarily for conditioning, endurance, and high-intensity intervals. For that, the Xebex has impressed me. It’s smooth, stable, comfortable, and folds away when I’m done.

It’s not necessarily a better Concept2. It’s a genuinely good rower in its own right, with a different combination of strengths and compromises.

Would I buy it again?

At $175? Without hesitation.

I got a substantial, commercial-feeling air rower with smooth resistance, a comfortable seat, and genuinely useful folding storage.

It’s been a great addition to my gym.

But would I feel the same way if I’d paid full retail?

That’s a harder question.

When you’re spending close to what a Concept2 costs, the Concept2’s monitor, performance ecosystem, established support, and resale value become difficult to ignore.

The Xebex has some advantages I genuinely appreciate, especially the seat and folding design. But it also has a few annoyances that are worth factoring into the decision.

At full price, I’d compare both machines carefully.

On the secondhand market, though, the Xebex becomes considerably more compelling.

A good used machine at the right price can offer an enormous amount of value, especially when you’re less concerned with brand recognition and more interested in how the equipment actually performs.

And in this case, I think I got a lot more than $175 worth of rower.

The RESEVVOR Verdict

What I love

• Smooth, responsive air resistance that works for endurance and intervals
• Heavy, stable construction that feels like commercial gym equipment
• An elevated, padded seat that’s genuinely comfortable
• Folding storage that frees up valuable floor space
• Excellent potential value on the secondhand market

What I’d change

• The fan is very loud, particularly during hard efforts
• The monitor is small and isn’t backlit
• The folding release mechanism could be more intuitive
• The rear section needs to be supported carefully when folding
• The weight distribution makes the folded machine less stable to maneuver than expected

Who I’d recommend it to: Someone building a home gym who wants a comfortable, substantial air rower for conditioning, endurance, and interval training, particularly if storage space matters.

Who might prefer Concept2: Competitive rowers, people who prioritize detailed performance data, and anyone who wants the strongest established ecosystem for training, service, and resale.

Would I recommend the Xebex?

Absolutely, with some qualifications.

I wouldn’t suggest paying close to Concept2 pricing without comparing them carefully. And I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who needs quiet exercise equipment.

But for someone looking for a versatile air rower, especially on the secondhand market, I think the Xebex Folding Air Rower 2.0 deserves considerably more attention than it gets.

RESEVVOR Tested verdict: Worth a second look.

RESEVVOR Tested is a firsthand look at fitness, recovery, and recreation equipment used in real-world settings. This Xebex Folding Air Rower 2.0 was purchased independently for $175 in August 2026. It was not provided by the manufacturer, and this review is not sponsored.