Whoop has finally updated their device lineup. But there’s controversy this time. Some people feel like they’ve been treated unfairly.
I also felt a little betrayed, but it didn’t stop me from ordering the new device.
Let’s talk about Whoop!
I’ve been using the 4.0 version of the device since September 2024 and I grew to like it for a couple of reasons.
My favorite part about it is the amount of data it shows and how it outlines the trends. Thinking that any wareable is 100% accurate is a fallacy. But looking at it from a trend perspective makes it a lot easier to not go crazy.
The data feels solid and it’s measured over a long period of time which leads to the other reason why it works so well for me. But even the 5th Xiaomi band worked well enough for sleep tracking, with great 21 day battery life and clear data visualisation.
It’s comfortable
I never was into watches. Bought an Apple Watch to track my runs, but never worse it outside of that. Even the smallest, lightest one still felt too heavy and uncomfortable.
I continuusly felt the itch to move it around, stretch the band, scratch underneath.
I did end up with the Apple Watch Ultra as my main device for a while. It didn’t bother me during workouts, as I was mostly preoccupied on the workout itself. And it had a battery life that allowed me to do a 10h continuus bike-ride without charging. It is important to note that I had to use the low-power mode to achieve that.
What the whoop?
I remember first time I heard about the whoop was from my personal trainer. He ordered one for himself and it got me interested. I liked the aesthetic and the fact that it didn’t have a screen.
So two weeks later I got one and it got me hooked on data.
But the main thing was how light and unobtrusive it is. It just felt natural. I barely felt it. No need to scratch the skin or stretch the band. It was just there, in the background, measuring some stuff.
Actionable insights
It helped me track some anxious moments and lower HRV to a magnesium deficiency. The sleep tracking was pretty spot on. And yeah… then there’s that subscription cost.
It was over $250 per year and you get the device itself for free. There was a one month trial, but from what I remember you had to enter the card details right away.
Now, 250 for just renewing software is pretty steep, even if it’s really good and clear.
Well now, with the new models there are three plans, with the most expensive one (MG + Life) priced at €400 per year. The less powerful devices and plans are €264 and €200 respectively.
Why the outrage?
Whoop’s premise was simple. You pay for a yearly plan, and when a new device comes out you get it for free. At least that’s what most people understood.
But what Whoop did is actually charged people for the device and extending the plan. The outrage on X was pretty big, and they kind of reversed out of it offering better incentives and discounts.
I got an €330 deal for 16 months of “LIFE” and the MG device and decided to go for it. Yeah, it’s a hard pill to swallow and the company didn’t manage the PR here well.
But still, the device is really good and it has become a staple of most of my biohacking experiments, so of course I want the latest and greatest. Even if it comes with a premium price tag.
Being 7% smaller/lighter is also another benefit for me, as it will be even less annoying on the wrist.
Let’s just hope the new features are worth the premium!
