WHOOP5.0 / MG

Overview

WHOOP doesn't sell its band on its own; you buy a 12-month membership and the hardware comes with it. The current generation comes in two versions: WHOOP 5.0, included with the One ($199 a year) and Peak ($239 a year) plans, and WHOOP MG, included with Life ($359 a year). All are screenless, rated for 14-plus days of battery life, and track heart rate around the clock to produce Sleep, Strain and Recovery scores, HRV, VO2 max estimates, stress monitoring and menstrual-cycle insights. Peak adds Healthspan with WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging, while Life's MG band adds an on-demand ECG Heart Screener and daily blood pressure insights. WHOOP markets every 12-month membership as HSA/FSA eligible (under IRS rules that generally requires a specific medical purpose, so check with your plan), and the strap is covered for as long as the membership is active.

What reviewers say

The Quantified Scientist's scientific review concluded that the new generation got better. Chase the Summit's one-month review wraps up by weighing which tier is the best value, while Ryan O'Connor, a six-year WHOOP member, laid out the good, the bad and the ugly in his unsponsored 30-day review. Not everyone is sold: Switch and Click called the WHOOP 5.0 MG a disappointment after testing its new health features. The launch also drew backlash from existing members over upgrade fees, a point DC Rainmaker and DesFit dug into on their podcast. And without a screen, you'll rely on your phone for everything.

Who it's for

Athletes and lifters who want daily guidance on how hard to train and how well they're recovering, and who like the idea of a distraction-free band they can wear 24/7.

Bottom line

WHOOP 5.0 is the most focused recovery tracker you can buy, and the 14-day battery fixes a long-standing annoyance. For most people Peak is the sweet spot; skip Life unless you specifically want the ECG and blood pressure features.