Whoop has carved a niche in the health and fitness industry, gaining popularity among professional athletes. Now, with the introduction of the Whoop MG—MG standing for Medical Grade—the brand is pushing the boundaries of fitness tracking. This premium version of the Whoop 5.0 series is available exclusively with Whoop’s top-tier membership, priced at $359 annually. This package includes advanced features such as ECG measurements, on-demand irregular heart rhythm screening, and blood pressure insights, currently in beta testing.
The Whoop MG boasts an impressive 15-day battery life, addressing the heart rate tracking inaccuracies found in its predecessor, the Whoop 4.0. However, despite its advanced features, it competes with more affordable options like the $159.95 Fitbit Charge 6, which remains a top choice for fitness trackers. For those seeking a more discreet design, the $349 Oura Ring 4 is recommended as a leading smart ring.
Plans and Pricing: A Unique Subscription Model
Whoop’s pricing strategy deviates from traditional models. Instead of purchasing the device outright, users subscribe to a service plan that includes the tracker. The Whoop 5.0 and MG introduced a new pricing structure, ranging from $199 to $359 annually, depending on the features included.
The entry-level One tier, at $199 per year, offers a Whoop 5.0 with a CoreKnit band and access to wellness assessments, personalized coaching, and VO2 Max measurements. The Peak tier, at $239 per year, adds a wireless power pack and a rugged SuperKnit band, along with a Health Monitor and Stress Monitor. The top-tier Life plan, at $359 per year, includes the Whoop MG with superior sensors, a SuperKnit Luxe band, and additional health monitoring features.
Whoop faced criticism for requiring existing members to extend their subscriptions by 12 months or pay a $79 upgrade fee for the 5.0 model, despite previous promises of free hardware upgrades. In response to the backlash, the company now honors the free upgrade promise for members with more than a year left on their subscription.
Design and Sensors: Emphasis on Discretion
The Whoop MG and 5.0 models are screenless, featuring a fabric band and a sensor capsule secured by a metal clasp. The sensor measures 1.37 by 0.94 by 0.42 inches and includes an accelerometer, PPG sensor, and skin temperature sensor. Both the sensor and wireless power pack have an IP68 rating, allowing for use during swimming or showering.
Whoop offers flexibility in wearing options, with apparel available that allows the sensor to be worn in a custom pouch, freeing up the wrist. In testing, the Whoop MG proved comfortable, with the SuperKnit Luxe band drying quickly after workouts or showers.
Battery Life: Extended Performance
The Whoop MG and 5.0 offer a substantial 14-day battery life, a notable improvement over the Whoop 4.0’s five-day duration. The power pack can extend this to a month. In testing, the Whoop MG exceeded expectations, lasting approximately 15.5 days on a single charge.
For comparison, the Fitbit Charge 6 and Oura Ring 4 both lasted about a week on a charge. The Whoop MG’s extended battery life and portable power pack provide unmatched convenience in the fitness tracker market.
The Whoop App: A Comprehensive Wellness Companion
The Whoop MG relies on its app for interaction and data analysis. The app requires setup, including account creation and device pairing. It offers a customizable journal for tracking habits and provides prescriptive insights, acting as a virtual wellness coach.
The app’s interface, though crowded, offers detailed metrics such as sleep scores, strain scores, and recovery scores. It also features a Health tab for monitoring heart rate and other health stats, and a Community tab for sharing data with friends.
Health Tracking: Advanced Features with Limitations
The Whoop MG’s Heart Screener functionality allows users to take ECGs, though initial testing showed mixed results. The blood pressure screening feature is still in beta and requires a baseline reading from a blood pressure cuff, presenting a challenge for some users.
The Healthspan feature, which tracks physiological age and pace of aging, requires three weeks of use to populate data. This long-term tracking is similar to the Oura Ring 4’s cardiovascular age measurement.
Activity and Sleep Monitoring: Detailed but Prescriptive
The Whoop MG offers broad activity monitoring with refined tracking capabilities. It supports a wide range of activities and provides accurate post-workout stats. However, it lacks the detailed fitness tracking of devices with screens.
In sleep tracking, the Whoop MG provides prescriptive insights, focusing on sleep debt and efficiency. While it offers reliable data, it does not provide the granular overnight health details available from competitors like the Oura Ring 4 and Fitbit Charge 6.
Overall, the Whoop MG stands out for its medical-grade features and extended battery life, but faces competition from more affordable and detailed fitness trackers. As the device evolves, its integration of advanced health metrics and user feedback will be crucial in maintaining its position in the market.
