Whoop’s latest wearable, the Whoop 5, arrives amid high expectations after the acclaimed Whoop 4. Both wrist‑mounted bands focus on recovery, strain, and sleep analytics rather than step counts, but the Whoop 5 ups the ante with medical‑grade sensors, swappable bands, and up to 14 days of battery life (extendable to 30 days) compared to the Whoop 4’s 4–5 day runtime. In this hands‑on review, we’ll dissect the main upgrades—advanced PPG and ECG sensors, blood‑pressure insights, Healthspan & Pace of Ageing metrics, and hormonal cycle tracking—alongside subscription tiers, use cases, user voices, and how they stack against alternatives like Apple Watch and Garmin Vivosmart. By the end, you’ll know which Whoop is right for your wellness journey.
Table Of Content
Quick Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5
✔ Pros
- Whoop 5:
- Extended Battery – 14 days standard, 30 days with wireless battery pack
- Enhanced Sensors – 26×/s PPG, optional ECG (Whoop MG variant)
- New Metrics – Healthspan, Pace of Ageing, blood pressure insights, women’s hormonal insights
- Whoop 4:
- Proven Platform – mature strain, recovery, sleep analytics
- Compact & Comfortable – 33% smaller than earlier gen
- AI Coach – ChatGPT‑powered guidance in the app
✘ Cons
- Subscription Model – both require annual plans, Whoop 5 plans start at $169/yr
- No Display – no on‑bracelet readout (screenless design)
- Pricey Upgrade – $49 upgrade fee for existing Whoop 4 subscribers
Key Features & Specifications
| Specification | Whoop 4 Strap | Whoop 5 Strap |
|---|---|---|
| PPG Sensor | 5 LEDs, 100 Hz | 5 LEDs, 250 Hz (26×/s) |
| ECG Capability | No | Yes (Whoop MG only) |
| Battery Life | 4–5 days | 14 days (30 days w/ pack) |
| Charging | USB‑C, waterproof | USB‑C, wireless power pack |
| New Metrics | Sleep, Strain, Recovery | + Healthspan, Pace of Ageing, BP, Hormones |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | ~30 g | ~30 g |
| Band Designs | Silicone & Luxe | New LeatherLuxe & silicone |
| Subscription Plans | Whoop One $169/yr; Peak $229/yr; Life $349/yr | Same pricing, existing One users migrate to Whoop 5 |
Real‑World Use Cases & Benefits
- High‑Performance Athletes
Whoop 5’s faster sampling and ECG unlock deeper insights into VO2 zones and cardiac recovery, vital for pro athletes fine‑tuning training. - Ageing & Longevity Enthusiasts
Healthspan & Pace of Ageing metrics (developed with Buck Institute) guide users on physiological age and lifestyle changes to “slow the clock.” - Women’s Health Monitoring
Beyond cycle tracking, Whoop 5’s hormonal insights personalize recovery and strain recommendations throughout menstrual phases. - Travel & Jet‑Lag Management
Extended 14‑day battery removes charging woes on long trips, while recovery analytics facilitate adjusted training during time changes. - Medical‑Grade Screening
The Whoop MG variant’s ECG & daily blood pressure reporting offer semi‑clinical data points for users with cardiovascular considerations.
User Testimonials & Social Proof
“I’ve used Whoop 4 daily—its sleep accuracy is unmatched. The Whoop 5’s new sensor sampling gives me next‑level confidence in the data.”
— Fitness Coach, Trusted Reviews reader
“Switching to Whoop 5 and MG was seamless. The ECG feature spotted irregularities I’d never noticed.”
— Cardio Enthusiast, Reddit r/whoop
“14 days battery is a game‑changer. No more charging mid‑week.”
— Marathoner, Strava community
Expert Insights & Industry Commentary
- Forbes Tech: “The Whoop 5’s leap to 14 days battery and deeper health metrics cements it as a leader in wearable health tech.”
- TechRadar:
Notes the device’s “robust sensor fusion” and applauds Whoop for maintaining a screenless, comfortable design while boosting capabilities. - G2 User Reviews:
Praise the AI‑driven Whoop Coach’s ChatGPT integration—advising on workouts based on recovery data, turning raw metrics into actionable plans.
Comparison with Top Alternatives
| Device | Key Metrics | Battery Life | Subscription | Price (yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whoop 5 | Recovery, Strain, Sleep, Healthspan, BP, ECG | 14 days (30 d pack) | $169–$349 (One–Life) | $169/yr |
| Whoop 4 | Recovery, Strain, Sleep | 4–5 days | $169–$349 | $169/yr |
| Apple Watch SE | Activity, HR, SpO₂, ECG | 18 h | No (device only) | $279 one‑time |
| Garmin Venu 3 | Activity, Sleep, Body Battery | 5 days | No (device only) | $399 one‑time |
Pricing & Value Analysis
- Whoop One ($169/yr): Access to core recovery, strain, sleep metrics and Whoop Coach. Existing Whoop 4 users migrate here by default.
- Whoop Peak ($229/yr): All Whoop One features + advanced health insights (Healthspan, BP, Hormonal). Includes Whoop 5 hardware.
- Whoop Life ($349/yr): Peak bundle + Whoop MG with ECG for medical‑grade heart health.
- Upgrade Fee: $49 for Whoop 4 subscribers who want Whoop 5/MG hardware.
- Free Trial: 30‑day hardware returns; subscription non‑refundable after 30 days.
Considering hardware fees (Whoop strap included in subscription) and upgrade costs, Whoop 5 provides more long‑term value through extended battery and new health metrics, especially for users needing medical data.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Buy
Ideal for:
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts demanding granular recovery analytics.
- Individuals focused on longevity and physiological ageing metrics.
- Women seeking data‑driven hormonal health insights.
- Medical‑minded users who value ECG and blood pressure tracking (Whoop MG).
Avoid if:
- You want general smartwatch features (notifications, apps).
- Battery life under 5 days suffices (consider Whoop 4 or smartwatch).
- You dislike subscription‑based hardware access and prefer one‑time purchases.
FAQs
Q: Can existing Whoop 4 users upgrade to Whoop 5 for free?
A: Existing subscribers pay a $49 upgrade fee plus any plan difference; Whoop will waive fees if within 30 days of purchase.
Q: How does Whoop 5 battery compare to Whoop 4?
A: Whoop 5 offers up to 14 days on a single charge and 30 days with optional wireless battery pack versus 4–5 days on Whoop 4.
Q: What new health metrics does Whoop 5 add?
A: Healthspan, Pace of Ageing, daily systolic/diastolic blood pressure insights, and advanced hormonal cycle tracking.
Q: Is ECG available on Whoop 5?
A: Yes—only on the Whoop MG variant, which includes medical‑grade ECG via additional electrodes.
Final Verdict & Next Steps
The Whoop 5 elevates recovery‑focused wearables with medical‑grade sensors, extended battery, and breakthrough health metrics—ideal for performance athletes and health enthusiasts. While the Whoop 4 remains a solid choice, the 5’s new features justify the upgrade for those seeking deeper insights and convenience.
