Wearable fitness trackers have come a long way since the pedometer. These days, counting steps has almost always been through. Wearable trackers need to provide more data to use more data. This is where the WHOOP bands are great.
Nonsense bands (not even screens) have been discovered on the wrists of many highly regarded athletes across many sports. But is that a good option for non-elite athletes?
While I was putting the WHOOP band on the test, I realized that two colleagues had worn them for months more than I had, so I surrounded them to tell me their pros, cons and the changes they made for WHOOP.
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of publication.
WHOOP 4.0 Wearable Health, Fitness, Activity Tracker
Pricing Notes
The WHOOP band actually operates on a subscription basis, so knowing the cost can be confusing.
You can sign up for a 30-day free trial. This will receive a WHOOP 4.0 device and band. After the trial, you can choose to continue your membership or cancel and return the device. A 12-month membership is $379, a 24-month membership is $634, and a monthly fee of $44 per month.
You can also get family members covering 2-6 members starting at $316.
If you’re sure you want to buy a device and stick to it, Also get the band on Amazon12 months membership is pre-installed.
Immy, 38
How many WHHOOPs are there?
I have been using WHOOP since November 2024.
Have you found it to be more accurate over time?
Yes, I found that the accuracy remains very high. It provides accurate recovery and sleep insights, and sometimes it feels too accurate and tells you that you “just get it” because you’re lacking rest. Over time, it seems to understand my patterns better and provide more customized recommendations.
How did you implement the changes based on your data?
Initially, the huge amount of data was overwhelming, but once I got used to it, I started making small and meaningful changes. Sleep recommendations, although sometimes unrealistic, have helped me adjust my routine. For example, I’m telling you to sleep at 8:12pm tonight to recover from your sleep debt over the weekend. But when I follow the proposed schedule, I notice the real difference: I feel more refreshed and have more energy throughout the day.
Do you like it the most?
One of the best things is that I don’t have to take it off. Waterproof for swimming, showering and sleep, the battery lasts forever. I only charge it once a week. I also appreciate how comfortable and modest it is with no buttons or lights that get in the way.
Are there any disadvantages that you noticed?
At first, it was a bit difficult to grasp because there was so much data. Sleep recommendations can be a little more realistic, such as suggesting sleeping at 8:12pm to compensate for your sleep debt. But overall, I found that when I follow the recommendations they work, even if they seem extreme at first.
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Erin, 28
How many WHHOOPs are there?
I’ve only had a hoop for a few weeks so I’m not used to all the data insights.
Have you found it to be more accurate over time?
yes! I think it’s more accurate as I learn more about you. I was a bit confused by some of the initial insights, but over time I found that they were in more harmony with my activities. If you start using it and find yourself a bit confused, stick there at least for the first two weeks during calibration.
Have you implemented the changes based on your data?
My data insights are still new to me, but I’m starting to compete with my WHOOP. I want to maintain a consistently high sleep “efficiency” but I know this is more likely with consistent bedtime and wake-up times, so I’m working on making this a reality slowly.
I’m also surprised at how poor quality of sleep after a social drinking night, which means I’m also reducing my alcohol intake.
Do you like it the most?
Data insights are really helpful and they allow me to map paths to better fitness. For now, I’m still rebuilding strength after an injury, but it’s very helpful to be told that I’m stable enough for high-intensity workouts based on my sleep and heart rate data. And in a time when recovery needs to be prioritized, knowing that walking and stretching is best is great.
Are there any disadvantages that you noticed?
I personally don’t love the aesthetics of hoops. It’s a wearable device, but it’s screenless (designed to help avoid distractions), making it look like a thick black bracelet. If you want to tell the time, you will need to wear a watch over other wrists. However, there are some WHOOP bands that look really refined, so it could be a problem to mix the bands instead.
Ben, 34
How many WHHOOPs are there?
I signed up for Hoop in April 2024.
Have you found it to be more accurate over time?
That’s definitely the point, in fact. The longer you wear it, the more data you accumulate. Insights that can make you very micro- it teaches you the individual effects of a particular habit or behavior on your recovery and performance.
How did you implement the changes based on your data?
Drinking low alcohol (especially mid-week!) was my biggest change. After working on my sleep, the effects of having some beer and wine alone were impressive in recovery and performance.
Do you like it the most?
It’s really well designed product and experience. You don’t need to take it off, wireless charging is especially great – unlike all other fitness wearables, there is no downtime with the device connected.
Are there any disadvantages that you noticed?
There are still a few ways to go to track tension in weight-based workouts. It’s pretty tedious to have to record your training in the app, especially if you already have a training tracking app for strength-based exercises.
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