The Whoop 5.0 is back to bring a sense of style to fitness bands.

      The Whoop 5.0 aims to restore the appeal of fitness bands. In contrast to leading smartwatches, the Whoop lacks a display and doesn’t sync with your phone, making it free from distractions. While smart rings have adopted many functions typical of fitness bands, Whoop believes there is still significant potential for wrist-worn health trackers. With upgraded hardware, new features, and a fresh subscription model, there’s much to explore, so let’s dive into the Whoop 5.0.

      **Whoop 5.0 Hardware**

      There are two variants of the updated Whoop: the Whoop 5.0 and the Whoop MG. The Whoop MG features a medical-grade, FDA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) capability that the Whoop 5.0 lacks. Aside from that, the two models are virtually the same. The casing has been reduced in size by seven percent compared to the Whoop 4.0, while still utilizing the same unique strap system that clips around the main unit.

      The device is equipped with enhanced sensors, an improved haptic engine, better accelerometer and gyroscope, and a redesigned processor that boasts ten times the efficiency of its predecessor. This advancement supports a 14-day battery life, which can be extended by another 14 days using the Wireless PowerPack. This design feature carries over from the previous model, where the battery pack charges the main device and also serves as a portable charger.

      While the Whoop 5.0 is designed for wrist use and offers different strap options, it’s also notable for being compatible with specialized sports apparel that includes pockets for the device, such as compression shirts, bralettes, briefs, and bike shorts. Additional "Pods" are available for alternative ways to wear the Whoop.

      A brief hands-on with the Whoop MG highlights its reduced size; it feels lighter and less bulky on the wrist. However, adjusting the clasp and strap can be cumbersome, sometimes fitting too tightly or too loosely, although the elastic nature of the strap allows it to stretch to a proper fit over time. The premium fabric strap on the Whoop MG, which is black with a silver clasp, gives it a sleek and modern aesthetic. As before, wearing the Whoop may take up wrist space without offering the time or other information, making it a candidate for wear opposite a watch.

      **Whoop 5.0 New Features**

      With the Whoop 5.0, you can monitor over 145 activities, track daily steps, and gather specific metrics such as V02 Max and muscle strain during strength training, along with overnight sleep monitoring to calculate a Sleep Score based on a new algorithm that enhances the accuracy of sleep quality assessment. The device also features cycle tracking to provide insights on hormonal changes and their impact on sleep, stress, and recovery.

      In addition to these essential functions, the Whoop 5.0 introduces a new data category labeled Healthspan, focusing on long-term health by evaluating nine different metrics to determine your Whoop Age and Pace of Aging. Whoop asserts that this goes beyond simple cardiovascular age estimates and comes with tailored advice to promote better long-term health.

      Thanks to new technology, the Whoop 5.0 can also estimate blood pressure following calibration with a standard blood pressure monitor. The ECG feature looks for irregular heart rhythms and notifies the wearer of any abnormalities. Future updates will include the ability to schedule blood tests and integrate the results directly into the Whoop app.

      **Whoop Price Tiers**

      If this all sounds appealing, we now encounter the section that may lead to some confusion and frustration, as Whoop is implementing a new subscription model that varies according to the features desired. There are three pricing tiers: Whoop One, Whoop Peak, and Whoop Life — with access to features varying based on the chosen plan. The cost of the Whoop band is included in the subscription price, and all three plans come with a lifetime warranty. A table illustrates the differences more clearly, where an O denotes an included feature and an X indicates it’s not available in that tier.

      | Feature | Whoop One | Whoop Peak | Whoop Life |

      |--------------------------------------------|-----------|------------|------------|

      | Sleep, Strain, and Recovery | O | O | O |

      | Personalized Coaching | O | O | O |

      | V02 Max/Heart Rate Zones | O | O | O |

      | Cycle Tracking | O | O | O |

      | Healthspan and Pace of Aging | X | O | O |

      | Health Monitor/Health Alerts | X | O | O |

      | Real-time Stress Monitor | X | O | O |

      | Blood Pressure | X | X | O |

      | ECG and