Whoop 5.0 Makes Fitness Bands Cool Again

The Whoop 5.0 is redefining what fitness wearables can do. Unlike traditional smartwatches, it lacks a display and doesn't share data from your phone, allowing for a completely distraction-free experience. While smart rings have gained popularity for tracking fitness metrics, Whoop believes that wrist-worn trackers still hold significant potential. With updated hardware, added capabilities, and a new subscription model, there's much to explore regarding the Whoop 5.0.

Whoop 5.0 Hardware

The Whoop 5.0 comes in two variants: the standard Whoop 5.0 and the medical-grade Whoop MG, which features FDA-approved ECG capabilities. While the design is seven percent smaller than its predecessor, it retains the unique strap mechanism that secures the device to your wrist.

Inside the device, you'll find advanced sensors, a next-gen haptic engine, an improved accelerometer, and a new processor that operates ten times more efficiently than the earlier model. This advancement allows for a remarkable battery life of 14 days, extendable by an additional 14 days when using the Wireless PowerPack, a quirky trait carried over from the previous version.

Although the Whoop 5.0 is designed for the wrist, various sports apparel options now feature specialized pockets for it, including compression shirts and bike shorts. Other accessories allow alternative ways to wear the tracker, enhancing its versatility.

During hands-on testing with the Whoop MG, I noticed its lighter weight and reduced bulk on the wrist. However, adjusting the strap can be frustrating, as it often feels either too tight or too loose. Despite these minor issues, the sleek design—especially in the premium fabric option—adds a modern touch.

Whoop 5.0 New Features

With the Whoop 5.0, users can track over 145 activities, monitor daily steps, and evaluate specific metrics like V02 Max and muscle strain during workouts. The revamped Sleep Score algorithm analyzes overnight performance and provides insights into sleep quality. Additionally, cycle tracking offers insights into hormonal fluctuations and their impacts on sleep and recovery.

A key addition is the Healthspan metric, which assesses various indicators to provide insights into long-term health, calculating your Whoop Age and Pace of Aging. Whoop claims this provides a more comprehensive evaluation than mere cardiovascular age assessments.

Employing new technology, the Whoop 5.0 can estimate blood pressure after calibration with a conventional monitor. The ECG function will alert users to any irregular heart rhythms discovered. Future updates may include options for users to book blood tests and integrate results directly into the app.

Whoop Price Tiers

While the features are impressive, confusion may arise due to Whoop's new subscription model, which varies based on selected features. There are three pricing tiers—Whoop One, Whoop Peak, and Whoop Life—each providing different feature sets, all of which include the band and come with a lifetime warranty.

For those seeking the complete range of features, including ECG and blood pressure monitoring alongside Advanced Health Sensing, the premium plan is necessary. Also, keep in mind that although blood testing features will incur additional costs, they are available across all subscription levels. The Whoop 5.0 can be purchased directly from Whoop’s website, as well as Amazon and select retailers like Best Buy.