Latest news with #Whoop
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Gadget review: The Whoop MG packs a solid, feature-heavy punch
'So, what's your Whoop age looking like this week?' has become a new way to greet my friends and fellow fitness enthusiasts. Last month, fitness tracking company Whoop launched two of their new devices- the Whoop 5.0 and the Whoop MG. The devices have many new features, including Healthspan which helps determine the pace of aging and your Whoop age using nine different metrics. Founded in 2012 by Harvard University student athlete Will Ahmed along with his classmates to track their own rest and recovery, Whoop has now exploded in popularity. Used by elite athletes like footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, swimmer Michael Phelps, basketball legend LeBron James, and cricketer Virat Kohli, Whoop has become known for its accuracy in measuring data on sleep, heart rate variablity, oxygen levels and strain-a measure of how much effort accumulated by the user during the day with exercises and daily activities. The Whoop MG, a medical-grade equipment, is one of the smartest wearables available on the market and offers several insights which they claim has never before been offered in a single tracking system. From a built in heart screener with ECG to blood pressure insights, the device promises to take wearable technology to the next level. As a loyal Whoop customer since 2021, I love the insights the device has given me so far, and these have shaped my fitness journey tremendously over the last four years. In 2022, Whoop notified me that it seemed like I had developed Covid, after which I got tested and found that I was indeed Covid positive. So, when the upgrades were launched, I was eager to get my hands on the Whoop MG. I have been wearing the device for over a month now and here is my honest review of it. The User Experience First of all, the upgrade to the new device and getting it up and running was a piece of cake. Kudos to Whoop for making it so seamless. It is about 7 per cent smaller than its predecessor and has enhanced sensors. Data is captured 26 times per second, which means better insights. My experience with it was that the strain measured was slightly lower than my Whoop 4.0 metrics. Usually, my 1.5 hours of Jiu Jitsu lessons would work up a strain in the range of 12 to 13. However, with my Whoop 5.0, it measured in the range of 10 to 11, even though the calories burnt were fairly the same. My previous experiences have taught me that the tightness of the strap and its position on the wrist can affect the accuracy. So I tightened the straps and even tested it out in my wearable Whoop clothes but the results were consistent. Despite the better performance, the battery life has not suffered at all. What I love the most about the new device is how I only have to charge it once in 14 days. This has been made possible by a redesigned processor that delivers 10 times more power efficiency. The sleep metrics measurements have also been spot on. Even though I was sleeping more, my recovery rate remained in the yellow region. I later realized that I was not unwinding well enough during the evening. Practices like journaling and putting my screen away at least an hour before bedtime helped me tremendously to improve my recovery. These are things I would have never noticed if not for a Whoop. The Medical Grade The most significant feature of the Whoop MG is the Heart Screener with ECG. A sensor helps measure the heart rate in seconds and alerts you if it detects signs of Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) or a low or high heart rate. Mine was within the normal sinus rhythm, which means the heart was beating in a normal pattern The blood pressure feature delivers estimated systolic and diastolic readings once a day based on inputs and wearable data. These features are still in the development stage so may vary. You also need an external Whoop cuff to manually measure your blood pressure and input it into the device. The Women's Hormonal Insight is probably where I've gained the most insights. It was already there in the Whoop 4.0, but the new device gives in-depth information, which helps me tailor my workouts as well as diet. Every phase on a menstrual cycle is broken down and explained. The device outlines overall mood, hormone levels, sleep needs, ideal training types, and recommended foods. There is also an update in the Sleep Coach on Whoop to incorporate the sleep cycle for increased accuracy. Studies have repeatedly proven that training according to the menstrual cycle have health benefits for women. However, very little research goes into it. When a company of the magnitude of Whoop invests time and money into it, I think it is an overall win for women's health. The Lowdown The new Whoop device comes with three membership plans. The Whoop MG Life membership costs Dh1,379 per year, which works out to approximately Dh115 per month. It is the only one that will give users the heart screener and blood pressure insights. The next tier of membership- Peak- costs Dh919 per year and gives access to the healthspan and pace of aging. The most basic membership that is called One, will cost Dh699 which comes to approximately Dh 59 per month. The question on most users' mind is: is it worth paying a premium to get medical information on your Whoop? The answer is tricky and depends on personal preferences. If you are a fitness enthusiast and want to have as many insights as possible, then the Whoop MG Life does that for you. It can help biohack your health, fitness and recovery to focus on longevity. However, if you are just a regular user who wants to make sure you are sleeping and exercising well, a basic or mid-tier membership is the best way to go. It also remains to be seen how well Whoop can preempt body changes or catch underlying issues with its new insights. In all, I'm happy with my new Whoop device, but the jury is still out on which membership to opt for. It also makes one wonder; how much data is too much data? Also, with other devices and smartwatch makers fine-tuning their technology to match the metrics of Whoop, I think the wearable sector is undergoing a rapid transformation where the ultimate winner will be the consumer.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Apple Watch, Fitbit rival stuns with bold message
Every once in a while, I love flipping someone the bird. Not in a road-rage kind of way - more like a quick, sarcastic "you've got to be kidding me" gesture to a friend. A wink wrapped in rebellion. Almost always followed by a laugh. There's something strangely satisfying about how universal it is. One finger, no explanation needed. It's a little bit edgy, a little bit absurd - and totally human. Related: Apple and Fitbit face new challenge in the fitness space So when a health tech company built an entire campaign around the idea of "giving them the finger," I had to look twice. Then I watched the ad. The visuals are simple but striking. Real people doing real things: playing piano, hiking mountaintops, dancing tango. They wear the brand's product proudly on their index fingers. But this isn't about gadgets or step counts. It's about something deeper. What starts out looking like another sleek wearable ad suddenly hits you with a message that feels rare in the wellness space: a celebration of aging, intention, and showing up. And while I'm still at the ripe age of 31, I felt this ad - in all the right ways. Image source: Oura The brand behind the message is Oura - maker of the discreet, data-rich smart ring that competes with Apple Watch and Fitbit. Their new campaign, titled "Give Us the Finger," is a bold play on both language and values. It nods to the ring's strategic placement on the index finger, where it captures more consistent health data. It's also a quiet rebellion against the age-obsessed, perfection-driven culture that dominates the wellness industry. The ad doesn't lean on young influencers or professional athletes. Instead, it features everyday people immersed in moments of strength, skill, and focus. Related: Oura launches genius features to take on Apple, Fitbit, and Whoop And the campaign is narrated with intention, not to highlight hacks or high scores, but to emphasize vitality, presence, and clarity as we age. "Give Us the Finger" becomes a rallying cry - a cheeky but earnest invitation to wear your commitment to health in a place people can see. And just like that, the bird becomes a badge. Oura isn't just selling a wearable. It's trying to redefine how we talk about aging, and it could pay off big. According to McKinsey & Company, nearly half of surveyed consumers have bought a fitness wearable, and 70% in the U.S. and UK say they've spent more on healthy aging over the past year. People are investing in tools to feel better, longer. Oura is positioning itself right at the heart of that shift. Rather than chasing trends or flashy features, the company is doubling down on purpose. With sleep, recovery, and readiness insights, Oura focuses on building long-term habits. It's a different pitch than Apple or Fitbit, and I am here for it. In a crowded space filled with sameness, "Give Us the Finger" actually says something: aging isn't something to fear, but something to wear with pride. Related: Popular fitness tracker users angry following product launch The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Health
- Digital Trends
Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: which no-distraction wearable is best?
Over the past few weeks I've been wearing the Whoop 5.0 and the Oura Ring 4 to track my sleep and daily activity. Neither have screens, they don't deliver notifications from my phone, and there's no app support. The are both health trackers without the distractions that come with wearing one of the best smartwatches. If you're trying to choose which one to buy you'll likely want to know how similar they are, whether one will suit you better than the other, and which one does a better job keeping you informed and motivated? I found out. Recommended Videos Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: specs and features Oura Ring 4 Whoop 5.0/Whoop MG Dimensions 7.9mm wide, 2.88mm thick smart ring 34 x 24 x 10mm fitness band Weight 3.3 grams to 5.5 grams 28 grams for Whoop MG with band Durability 100m water resistance, titanium ring IP68 Sensors Heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, accelerometer Heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, accelerometer, ECG (Whoop MG only), blood pressure monitoring (Whoop MG only) Battery life Five days 14 days Subscription Monthly Annually Price From $350 + $6 per month From $199 annually Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: design The Whoop 5.0 is a fitness band you wear on your wrist, while the Oura Ring 4 is a smart ring for your finger. This obvious difference makes the Whoop 5.0 easier to buy, as there's no sizing required. It can sometimes be hard to get exactly the right fit with a smart ring, and those who've never worn a ring before may find it takes a while to get used to the feeling. However, once you're used to it, the Oura Ring 4 is unobtrusive and fuss-free. The Whoop 5.0 is light and the special material used for the bands is really soft and flexible, making it very comfortable for 24-hour wear. However, it's not attractive, and the design belongs in the gym, making it the less stylish choice between the two. It's far more noticeable on your wrist due to the size and thickness of the main module. There's no hiding the Whoop band, and most people will notice and usually question what it is. Each is water resistant (the Oura Ring to 100 meters, and the Whoop has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating), but the Whoop is definitely going to stay looking its best for longer. The Oura Ring's placement on your finger means it comes into contact with more surfaces, and it really does get scratched easily despite being made of titanium. The Whoop 5.0's band is easily washed or changed, and the module itself is always suitably protected underneath it. I personally prefer a smart ring over a wrist-worn tracker. It's completely incognito yet still looks great, and it's comfortable enough I forget I'm wearing it. The Whoop 5.0's band is annoying if it gets wet, and I don't really like the way it looks on my wrist. However, this is my own preference, and you may feel differently. The good news is, both are well made and should prove durable long-term. Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: app and connectivity I've used the Oura Ring 4 and Whoop 5.0 connected to an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the app is available for Android too. Both apps have been completely reliable and take seconds to connect when syncing. The design of each gives some quick insight into who both wearables are aimed at. The Oura Ring 4's app is softer, friendlier, and less number-focused, while the Whoop's app is filled with information and more reliant on graphs and data. I love the Oura Ring 4's app. It's so well designed, surfacing key metrics so they're available at a glance, and uses colors to great effect when highlighting outliers in your data. The circles at the top of the screen can be tapped to show more information, but you don't really need to explore if you just want the basics, as your Readiness, Sleep, and Activity scores are easy to interpret. The Whoop app is very different. It's more information dense, and fills the main page with buttons and options, making it feel overwhelming at first. The problem is, when you dig into many of the options you notice a lot of repeated data. Both apps have an AI assistant, but Whoop's does provide a more useful summary, plus it brings it to the forefront more than the Oura app. There's also a lot more learning to do in the Whoop app, as interpreting its many graphs takes time. The Oura Ring 4's app suits the product really well, as it promotes a healthier lifestyle rather than pushing you to get out and exercise. You can hide the daily calorie count, if this is something you'd rather avoid, and quickly see how your stats have changed over time, all in a very friendly way. The Whoop app is less about lifestyle, and more about a deeper understanding of your performance. Its long-term data is dense but informative, and more likely to promote change than the Oura's app. Neither are medical devices so advice is quite general, but you'll get more from the Whoop if you're specifically looking for motivation. Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: health tracking Lets start with sleep tracking. The Oura Ring gives you a Sleep Score, while the Whoop app assigns a percentage to your sleep. Both are equally informative and easy to understand. It's much harder to find sleep details in the Whoop app than it is in the Oura app, which clearly provides your heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. The Whoop app avoids these, concentrating on your consistency, efficiency, and sleep stress. The Oura Ring is far better at automatically recognizing workouts. It fully tracked a 40-minute walk, while the Whoop only captured 23 minutes of the same activity. It's likely to do with heart rate tracking, but both always return basically the same heart rate readings. Both show accurate maps when you track with GPS too. The major difference between the two is the massive amount of live activities able to be tracked by the Whoop. Oura has improved this area recently, but it's still not as comprehensive as the Whoop app. There's a Strength Trainer feature in the Whoop app some may enjoy, which opens up a variety of strength workouts. These are partially guided, but it's a complicated process to see examples of each exercise while you're trying to do them. The Oura app has guided breath work and relaxation techniques. After living with the two wearables, it's clear the Whoop is the better choice if you're really into fitness. From the sheer depth of data available and the way it's presented in graphs, to the option to choose a workout that will boost your Strain or Recovery, it has everything you need to hold yourself accountable and take on quality activities that suit your needs. Tracking exercise on the Oura Ring is acceptable, but it shouldn't be your main motivation in buying the smart ring. I haven't noticed any dramatic accuracy differences between the two, and felt each gave me a solid overview of my health and activity. Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: special features The Whoop 5.0 is packed with special features, while the Oura Ring relies on some key partnerships to provide extra value to wearers. I really like the Whoop's Healthspan and Pace of Aging feature, which is packed full of actionable data which (hopefully) should make a difference to your overall health over time. Oura is softer in its approach, showing a metric it calls Resilience along with your Cardiovascular Age as guidance on your physical well-being. The difference is, Oura's data is less informative, and it's harder to know where you should make changes. It's very obvious in Whoop's Healthspan feature, where you can identify whether you need to strength train more or sleep better for example. It's representative of the difference between Oura and Whoop in general, and understanding this will help you make an informed buying decision. Provided you pay for one of Whoop's higher tier subscriptions you'll get the Whoop MG and access to an electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, irregular heart rate alerts, and blood pressure monitoring. The Oura Ring does not have these features (mostly due to restrictions in the hardware), but it does include integrations with a wide variety of apps, including Natural Cycles, Clue, Headspace, Zero, and Strava. I also like Oura's Symptom Radar, which uses key data points to warn you if your body is working harder than usual, which may indicate an underlying condition such as sickness or stress. It's surprisingly effective. There's also a Rest Mode, where tracking continues but the Ring doesn't set and measure targets. Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: subscription cost comparison Whoop's overhauled subscription plans can make the Whoop appear quite good value, but when you closely examine what you get for your money, the base price plan is very limited. The Oura Ring has one subscription plan and you get everything, plus if you stop paying you can still see your basic Readiness, Sleep, and Activity scores. If you stop paying for Whoop, you won't see any data at all. We covered the features available in the different Whoop subscription plans in our review, but if you want the Healthplan and Pace of Aging you have to select Whoop Peak, and if you want the ECG and blood pressure, you have to select Whoop Life. The basic Whoop One plan is just basic health, sleep, and activity tracking. There's less to think about with the Oura Ring, as there's just one price. Oura Ring 4 Whoop 5.0 One Whoop Peak Whoop MG Life Hardware cost From $349 N/A N/A N/A One year subscription (total) $72 $199 $239 $359 Two year subscription (total) $144 $299 $399 $599 Whoop 5.0 vs Oura Ring 4: which one should you buy? Unlike choosing between some of the best smartphones, it's a surprisingly easy to choose between the Whoop 5.0 and the Oura Ring 4. If you're really into sport and fitness, the Whoop 5.0 will be the better choice, while if you're less focused on tracking hardcore activities and value good, clear design and stylish hardware, the Oura Ring 4 will be for you. Both meet battery life estimates provided by the manufacturer, with the Oura Ring 4 lasting around five days on a single charge, and the Whoop 5.0's battery lasting for 14 days. It's great to see how little difference there was between the two when examining the data, meaning you don't have to choose one because it appears more accurate than the other. However, if you want all the data, the Whoop's app is where you need to go, especially due to the multiple graphs and ways it presents everything for you. If you want to glance at the app and get just the information you need, the Oura Ring's app is superior to the Whoop app. I've enjoyed wearing the Whoop 5.0 more than I expected, mostly because the app has been reworked enough to appeal to more people, and the depth of data is interesting and useful. The Oura Ring 4's more lifestyle-orientated app suits me better though, and I far prefer wearing a smart ring than a fitness band. In a way, as we come to the end, this is best outcome for any comparison. Both products are great, and provided you know what you want from your new wearable and understand the differences, one is almost certainly going to speak to you more than the other. You're going to be pleased whichever you choose.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Watch out Whoop — Garmin reportedly working on a screenless health band that'll track your sleep
Garmin could soon offer a new alternative for anyone who wants sleep and recovery data without strapping on a bulky smartwatch overnight. According to a new report, the brand behind some of the best fitness trackers on the market may be preparing to launch a minimalist health band, featuring no screen, a focus on sleep tracking, and key features like heart rate monitoring and smart alarms. The band would reportedly include Garmin's optical heart rate sensor and support smart alarms that detect lighter sleep phases — similar to features found in many of the current best Garmin watches. The blog the5krunner, which has a track record of reporting on unreleased Garmin products, claims to be '100% sure' the device exists, citing a 'source document' and a launch window as early as July or August 2025. The appeal of a screenless device is simple: comfort and discretion. Many users find Garmin's bulkier multisport watches uncomfortable to wear overnight, especially for sleep tracking. A compact wristband could offer similar insights without the larger presence and could be more desirable to wear consistently for some. It could also attract those who prefer wearing a traditional or luxury watch during the day but still want to track health metrics around the clock. If released, the Garmin Sleep Band would naturally draw comparisons to the Whoop Strap, which is a screenless health tracker that collects round-the-clock data on sleep, strain, and recovery. However, Whoop requires a paid membership, with the cheapest tier currently costing $199 per year to access core features. You can read our full Whoop 5.0 review to see how it works. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Garmin's business model, by contrast, typically doesn't lock health data behind a paywall. While some newer features are tied to its recent optional Connect+ subscription, core metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep stages, and Body Battery remain free. If Garmin continues down that path, a subscription-free sleep band could appeal to those who want advanced health tracking without an ongoing cost. While the report provides some intriguing details, a lot remains unclear. There's no confirmed pricing, design, or indication of whether the device would support workout tracking independently or require pairing with a Garmin watch. It's also unclear if this band would use Garmin's latest Elevate v5 sensor, found in high-end devices like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970, which would enhance accuracy for sleep and recovery metrics.
Digital Trends
5 days ago
- Health
- Digital Trends
4 Whoop 5.0 features the Apple Watch Series 11 needs to steal
I've spent a few weeks with the Whoop 5.0, which is a return to the days when simple fitness bands ruled wearables, and distraction-free health tracking was the standard. Since then, smartwatches and smart rings have taken over, but is the change for the better? While the Whoop 5.0 has its quirks, and I personally get more value from the Apple Watch Series 10, I have identified several things Apple would be wise to imitate for the Apple Watch Series 11 and in WatchOS 12. The Strain metric The Whoop 5.0's app uses three key metrics to help you understand your current state and position for the day: Sleep, Recovery, and Strain. Strain is the most interesting of the three, as it's a different, but arguably more interesting way of assessing how hard you've worked. It takes in the data we're more familiar with, such as steps and heart rate, and presents it in an easy to understand, but unique way. Recommended Videos You're given a target Strain level and the Whoop keeps track of your activity during the day, and gives advice on how to reach it. It avoids the simplicity of step count or calorie burn, which some prefer not to know, as a way to understand how much you can push yourself. The Whoop app's advice doesn't just say 'take a walk,' or 'workout,' in its efforts to motivate you either. It goes deeper by saying you'd need a 40 minute walk to reach your goal, and often suggests alternative activities like cleaning the house. Apple Health is far more passive, and I rarely have any reason to open the app. Whoop's Strain metric encourages me to look at my stats more deeply, and then prompts me to get moving in ways which better suit my lifestyle. Yes, it's another number in a sea of other numbers, but the way Strain evolves during the day, affected by more than just steps, makes it even more motivational than Apple's already excellent and easy to visualize Rings. Whoop band material Apple's range of bands for the Apple Watch covers almost all tastes and environments, but it would do well to take a close look at the straps attached to the Whoop 5.0, as they're excellent. Whoop has three different types of strap — CoreKnit, SuperKnit, and SuperKnit Luxe — for the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG. I've been wearing the SuperKnit Luxe, and it's soft, suitably stretchy, yet still grippy due to the way it's constructed. The do-it-all Apple Sport Loop band works in most situations, but for all its comfort, Whoop's SuperKnit material is a step above. The closest parallel in Apple's official range of bands of the Solo Loop, but it's still heavier and less flexible. For 24-hour wear, I'd love to see an Apple Watch band in a material similar to Whoop's SuperKnit. It's really that comfortable. Healthspan and Pace of Aging In addition to Strain, there's another data-driven Whoop feature I'd love to see in a future version of Apple Health and on the Apple Watch. It's called Healthspan, and it only unlocks after you've tracked sleep for 21 nights. It's also only available on the Whoop Peak and Life subscription plans, so you have to pay more to get it. However, it's one of the few pay features most will find informative and motivational. By using sleep, VO2 Max, type of workouts, Strain, and other factors it estimates your Whoop Age. If this is lower than your actual age, you're doing the right things, but if it's over then perhaps things need to change. It also calculates your Pace of Aging, helping understand your lifestyle's affect on your body. It's all accompanied by clear, informative graphs which show exactly where improvements can be made. Healthspan is probably the most unique and informative data-driven health feature available in the Whoop app, and by incorporating something similar into Apple Health, the Apple Watch could elevate itself beyond its primarily casual focus, yet still remain relevant to those who aren't into hardcore sport. I'm all for wearables explaining how my daily life impacts my long-term health, and Healthspan gets the balance between showing heavy stats and staying useful exactly right. Longer battery life I've worn the Whoop 5.0 for 21 days as I write this, and I've charged the battery once during this time. Whoop's own estimate of the battery returning 14 days on a single charge seems to be accurate, and very different from the two days battery life I get from the Apple Watch Series 10. Not having to think about regularly charging a battery is freeing, and a genuine benefit of a screen-less fitness tracker like the Whoop. Getting 14 days battery life from a complex smartwatch like the Apple Watch, with all the health tracking features active, is unlikely, but we are seeing advances in models like the OnePlus Watch 3. Its battery easily lasts four days on a single charge. I don't expect Apple to suddenly work out how to extend the battery life to match the Whoop, but getting closer to the OnePlus Watch 3 should be a priority for the Apple Watch Series 11. What's next for the Apple Watch? The Apple Watch Series 10 is my favorite smartwatch, but even I can see how it has only marginally advanced over the past couple of years. I've no doubt the Apple Watch Series 11 will continue to be one of the best smartwatches you can buy, but to take it to the next level and remain truly compelling, it needs something extra. I don't want direct copies of any Whoop features, and the Whoop itself is far from perfect, but spending some time with it did show me the joy of wearing a highly focused, distraction-free health tracker with some interesting ideas inside. The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to launch later this year, likely alongside the Apple iPhone 17 series, while WatchOS 12 will be first revealed at WWDC 2025 in June. We've also explored some of the features the iPhone 17 will need to be compelling too.
