Whoop wants everyone to give a whoop about the new Whoop 5.0

The Whoop 5.0, unveiled today, marks a significant leap forward in both hardware and software, with a revamped subscription model that seems designed to attract a broader audience. When I reviewed the Whoop 4.0, I noted it was primarily suited for athletes due to its focus on high-performance features and a steep $30 monthly subscription. It appears Whoop has listened to the feedback and made some substantial changes with the Whoop 5.0.

Let's dive into the hardware first. The Whoop 5.0 comes in two versions: the standard model and the Whoop MG, which stands for medical grade. Both are 7% smaller than the 4.0, and Whoop boasts a 10-fold increase in power efficiency, promising up to 14 days of battery life. There's also a new wireless charging pack that can hold an additional 30 days of charge. The processing speed is said to be 60% faster, with sensors capturing data at a rate of about 26 times per second. The key difference between the standard 5.0 and the MG is the latter's EKG capabilities, which we'll explore more later.

*The new straps are not backwards compatible, but they do come in more options, like leather, for formal occasions.* Image: Whoop

In addition to the main tracker, Whoop is introducing new straps, including leather options, and expanding its Whoop Body clothing line, which features specially designed pockets for the tracker. This allows you to wear Whoop to more formal events where a typical sports tracker might not be appropriate. Unfortunately, the Whoop 4.0 straps are not compatible with the new model, but Whoop mentioned an upcycling kit for those upgrading.

The software updates are where Whoop really shines. Alongside a more streamlined app design, Whoop is rolling out several new health features and metrics. These include a new longevity metric called Healthspan, FDA-cleared EKGs for detecting atrial fibrillation and irregular heart rhythm notifications, blood pressure insights, hormonal insights for women, and an experimental beta program called Whoop Advanced Labs. These are just the new additions; Whoop has also enhanced its sleep tracking with updates to Sleep Score, haptic alarms, and bedtime recommendations.

Healthspan uses nine metrics to gauge how well users are aging physiologically compared to their chronological age, providing a "Whoop Age" and tips on how daily habits affect this score. Blood pressure insights, which require calibration with a cuff, offer estimated readings and guidance, though Whoop emphasizes this is a wellness feature, not requiring medical clearance. Hormonal insights for women go beyond cycle tracking, offering guidance on how hormones might influence recovery, sleep, stress, and performance during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause. The EKG feature is straightforward but a first for Whoop.

Whoop Advanced Labs

Whoop Advanced Labs is perhaps the most exciting new health feature, though it won't be available at launch and currently has a waitlist. It will allow users to schedule blood tests reviewed by clinicians, with results viewable in the Whoop app alongside other metrics. When launched, Whoop Advanced Labs will require an additional fee beyond the monthly subscription.

*Healthspan is a new metric that compares your physiological and chronological ages.* Image: Whoop

Subscription Model Overhaul

Whoop is also revamping its subscription model. Previously, subscriptions were either a family membership or a 12- or 24-month commitment. Now, Whoop offers three tiers based on price and features. The entry-level Whoop One tier costs $199 annually and includes the Whoop 5.0 hardware, a wired charging pack, basic fitness tracking metrics, and AI coaching. The mid-tier Whoop Peak subscription, at $239 annually, includes everything in Whoop One plus the Healthspan metric, stress tracking, a wireless charger, and the Health Monitor dashboard. The premium Whoop Life subscription, at $359 a year, adds EKGs and blood pressure insights and comes with the Whoop MG hardware.

While these changes might stir some existing users, they make sense given the competition. Smart rings are increasingly challenging Whoop in sleep and recovery tracking, while hardcore athletes remain loyal to Garmin, Suunto, and Coros watches. Meanwhile, the average user appreciates the versatility of Apple, Google, and Samsung watches, which offer more than just health tracking thanks to their screens, a feature Whoop deliberately omits.

To expand its user base, Whoop needs to appeal beyond the niche fitness tracker market and make its subscription plans more appealing. The big question is whether this blend of features, hardware, and subscriptions will resonate with the masses. I'll be testing the Whoop 5.0 over the next month to find out. But if you're eager to try it, you can order the Whoop 5.0 starting today.