I’ve been using a Pixel Watch (1st Gen) for the past year. While the watch excelled at being both a smart watch and fitness tracker. I’ve recently been on a kick to reduce my screen time and general distractions that technology can often bring. However I wanted to keep a device that could track my health metric, and I landed on the Whoop 4 (check out my blog post deciding between the Oura Ring & Whoop!).
Whoop has carved a niche in the wearables market, focusing on recovery over raw data. A stark difference from Fitbit’s offering that gives you a handful of raw data points for you to decipher. Let's dive in.
Pros:
Unmatched Sleep Tracking: Whoop 4.0 continues to excel at automatically detecting sleep stages.
Recovery Insights: Whoop's core strength is translating biometrics into actionable recovery data. The strain score and recovery score help athletes understand their readiness to train.
Battery Life: The biggest gripe with the Pixel Watch was the battery life, where I had to charge at least 2 times per 24 hours. Whoop 4 getting nearly 5 days battery life is refreshing, freeing in a way to remove battery anxiety from yet another device.
Limited Functionality: Whoop focuses on recovery, neglecting features like GPS or music control found in other trackers. Now I know this is likely a con for most, but as I mentioned above, I was looking for a tracker that wouldn’t add to the distractions that technology can bring.
Cons:
Subscription Model: The biggest hurdle for many is the subscription fee. At $30/month, it's significantly more expensive than most trackers. However the recent news that you can use your HSA to pay for the subscription may sway some, like it did me.
Who Should Buy It?
Whoop 4.0 shines for serious athletes or those laser-focused on recovery. The detailed sleep and strain data provide valuable insights, but at a premium cost.
For those seeking a fitness tracker with broader functionality, other options might be more suitable. However if, like me you’re tired of the constant distractions, this tracker is one of the best options on the market.
The Verdict:
Whoop 4.0 offers the most advanced recovery tracking on the market. However, the subscription model and limited features make it a bit of a niche product. If you’re looking for something that can give you detailed health metrics and remain present, this might be the right product for you!