Introducing WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG
Meet the new and improved WHOOP hardware, their features, and your expanded membership options
This issue is sponsored by WHOOP. WHOOP just rolled out its newest hardware, with advanced health-sensing capabilities. Today, you’ve got two band choices, three membership options, and a host of new metrics to help you track, measure, and evaluate your health and performance. Join WHOOP today with more options than ever to fit your goals.
WHOOP is a health, longevity, and fitness wearable that tracks a variety of bodily metrics 24/7, providing you with easy-to-navigate data, insights, trends, and recommendations. WHOOP helps you live, feel, and perform better as you work, sleep, parent, recreate, and exercise.
I’ve been using WHOOP since the 3.0 was launched in 2019. I’m not an athlete, but WHOOP has proven invaluable in my health journey. I’ve used WHOOP’s data and insights to improve my sleep, reduce nervous system stress, improve cardiovascular health, and manage my chronic health condition (post-concussion syndrome and POTs). WHOOP’s data has also helped me figure out the behaviors that help (and hurt) my energy, sleep, stress levels, and recovery the most. I’ve written extensively about how I use WHOOP as a “normal” person who likes to stay active, and many of you have shared your wins using WHOOP to begin or maintain your own health and fitness efforts.
WHOOP hasn’t had a significant hardware update since 2021, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next iteration. They recently sent me the new WHOOP MG (Medical Grade) band, and I’m already excited about the new features, smaller profile, extended battery life, and more accurate measurements.
In this article, I’ll cover the new WHOOP 5.0 and the WHOOP MG, the differences, the new features, and the subscription plans available for each.
If you already wear a WHOOP 4.0, I’ll share upgrade options and an FAQ at the end of the article. If you're new, read on to find the membership plan that's right for you, and join WHOOP today with a special bonus!
5️⃣ WHOOP 5.0 (HARDWARE OPTION #1)
An updated version of the 4.0 device, with a 14+ day battery life (almost triple the 4.0) and wireless battery pack. It’s also 7% smaller than the 4.0, making it sleeker and more comfortable to wear.
The 5.0 offers two tiers of membership: WHOOP One and WHOOP Peak.
WHOOP One
This is WHOOP’s new budget-friendly, slightly stripped-down membership option. WHOOP One gives you access to core features, like Sleep, Recovery, Strain, Activity Monitoring, Heart Rate Zone Training, Cycle/Pregnancy Insights, Strength Trainer, and WHOOP Coach.
Heart Rate Zone Training: WHOOP automatically splits all of your tracked activities into the time and percentage spent in each heart rate zone, to further dial in your runs, bikes, and other activities.
Cycle/Pregnancy Insights: WHOOP provides science-backed insights into how your menstrual cycle or pregnancy impacts your body.
Strength Trainer: This feature quantifies the muscular load of your workouts by tracking weights, reps, and sets for a comprehensive view of your training efforts.
WHOOP Coach: WHOOP Coach generates highly individualized, conversational responses to all of your health, fitness, and wellness questions. (“Can you build me a training plan,” or “Why is my recovery so low this week?”)
Pricing: $199 for 12 months prepaid ($16.58/month); $299 for 24 months prepaid ($12.46/month). WHOOP is HSA/FSA eligible!
WHOOP Peak
The Peak membership is equivalent to the current WHOOP 4.0 membership. This gives you access to all of WHOOP One features, plus Health Monitor, VO2 Max, Stress Monitor, Healthspan, and Pace of Aging.
Health Monitor: This feature displays your key health metrics in one place, including heart rate, HRV, and respiratory rate, as well as blood oxygen level and skin temperature.
VO2 Max: VO2 max is an excellent predictor of longevity and your risk of cardiovascular disease. Track your cardiovascular health, and use WHOOP’s other insights to improve.
Stress Monitor: This feature gives you a real-time stress score by measuring your heart rate and HRV and comparing that to your baseline. You can now see how your stress ebbs and flows throughout the day and over time, helping you spot patterns.
Healthspan/Pace of Aging: Measures your health (physiological) age, and how quickly you are aging. Use WHOOP’s other insights (like VO2 max, sleep, and heart rate training) to live longer and better.
Pricing: $239 for 12 months prepaid ($19.92/month); $399 for 24 months prepaid ($16.63/month). WHOOP is HSA/FSA eligible!
⚕️ WHOOP MG (HARDWARE OPTION #2)
This all-new hardware has a scalloped edge design, and captures advanced health metrics. These include ECG measurements (capturing the electrical activity of the heart), blood pressure insights, and irregular heart rhythm notifications.*
The WHOOP MG uses a third membership tier: WHOOP Life.
WHOOP Life features all of the WHOOP One and Peak features, but adds two medically-cleared features, plus Blood Pressure Insights.* The MG also features an advanced skin temperature sensor.
Heart Screener: ECG measurements are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure. WHOOP is always on, so you can capture an ECG reading anywhere, any time.
Irregular Heart Rate Notifications: AFib (atrial fibrillation) is the most common heart arrhythmia. It often goes undetected, and can have serious health complications. WHOOP’s constant monitoring can alert you to AFib, so you can stay aware and seek healthcare when needed.
Blood Pressure Insights: Blood pressure is a critical indicator of heart and vascular health. Unlike a blood pressure cuff, WHOOP MG allows you to monitor blood pressure trends continuously, and provides you with a daily reading each morning.
Advanced skin temperature sensor: The new skin temperature sensor both improves the Health Monitor feature and the clarity of your Hormonal Insights.
Pricing: $359 for 12 months prepaid ($29.92/month); $599 for 24 months prepaid ($24.96/month). WHOOP is HSA/FSA eligible!
*The ECG feature is intended for users 22 years and older, and is not recommended for those with known heart arrhythmias other than AFib, or implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or ICDs. The IHRN feature is intended for those users 22 years and older, and is not recommended for those with known atrial fibrillation. Blood Pressure Insights is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice. Features may not be available in all regions.
👆 UPGRADING YOUR WHOOP 4.0
If you currently have a 4.0, you can upgrade in one of three ways:
If you have more than 12 months left on your membership, you’ll upgrade to the new hardware for free. (This is automatically applied at checkout.)
If you extend your membership (Peak or Life) for 12 months, you’ll get a free WHOOP hardware upgrade
You can also pay a one-time upgrade fee ($49 for the Peak/5.0, or $79 for the Life/MG) without extending your membership
If you recently joined or renewed a prepaid (12 or 24-month) membership:
If you JOINED a prepaid plan in the last 30 days, WHOOP will waive the $49 fee to upgrade to a 5.0 and Peak membership.
If you RENEWED a prepaid plan within the last 30 days, WHOOP will waive the $49 fee to upgrade to a 5.0 and Peak membership.
❓WHOOP 5.0 and MG FAQ
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers, straight from WHOOP (and will keep this section updated).
How do I upgrade my membership?
Open the WHOOP app. Go to More > My Account. Tap Upgrade Membership
Do I have to upgrade?
NOPE! Stick with the 4.0 and you’ll keep all of your current WHOOP features. You’ll be automatically transferred into a WHOOP Peak membership, at your existing billing rate. WHOOP will also be adding Healthspan (your physiological age and pace of aging) to your Peak membership in summer 2025.
Can I re-use my WHOOP 4.0 bands on the 5.0 or MG?
Nope. The new WHOOP hardware is smaller, so your 4.0 bands won’t be a good fit. (I know, it’s a bummer! But we had four good years with those bands, so I really can’t complain. And the new Superknit, Superknit Luxe, and Force Flex bands come in a ton of colors.)
Can I re-use my WHOOP 4.0 battery pack?
Nope, for the same reason. Plus the new battery pack offers nearly triple the battery life—14+ days! That’s a huge upgrade.
Can I use the WHOOP Life plan with WHOOP 5.0?
No, the WHOOP Life plan (with advanced health measurements) can only be used with the specially-designed WHOOP MG band. (And vice-versa; if you upgrade to a WHOOP MG, you’ll automatically be matched with a Life membership.)
Were there upgrades made to the sensors in the WHOOP 5.0 and MG?
Yes! WHOOP 5.0 delivers more tech in a smaller package. These new sensors capture data points every second with 10x more power efficiency.
Is the 5.0 step counter more accurate than 4.0?
Yes! WHOOP has improved their hardware and step counting algorithm on 5.0, allowing you to more accurately estimate your step count.
When I upgrade, will my data and trends transfer seamlessly?
Yep! You will experience zero interruption in service, and all of your data and trends will carry forward. (Just keep wearing your 4.0 until your 5.0 or MG arrives.)
What do I do with my 4.0 once I upgrade?
You can upcycle your 4.0 and earn a $50 credit! WHOOP will send you a new band and gift kit for you 4.0. When your friend or family member signs up, they’ll get 2 free months of WHOOP Peak, and you’ll get a $50 WHOOP credit. You can also purchase a 12-month subscription for them, and you’ll get a $50 credit for immediate use
💁 I’m your WHOOP concierge
If you’re new to WHOOP, the data, insights, and capabilities can feel intimidating—if not overwhelming. For years now, I’ve been walking you through exactly what you need to know in a clear, easy-to-apply way that doesn’t assume you’re an elite athlete or 20-something-year-old all-in CrossFitter. My WHOOP content always speaks to my journey as a normal person who uses the data to feel more energetic, identify hidden life stressors, get better sleep, and feel more motivated to be active.
I’ve shared a ton of free resources on how to maximize the WHOOP 4.0 features—and I’ll be doing the same for the new 5.0 and MG. Drop a comment with your questions, and I’ll answer them here, and work them into future (more detailed) articles. I’ll also be sharing how I use the new WHOOP MG features in my own life on my Instagram channel, so follow me there too.
XO, MU
I’ve used Whoop for several years now and my biggest complaint is that I have to sleep with the sensor in a bralette (thank goodness they’re comfortable) to get accurate sleep/recovery data, based on their suggestion. I am 5’7” but have a smaller bone structure. The 4.0 sensor doesn’t read well on my wrist. They wanted me to wear it halfway up my forearm to solve the issue and I thought that to be ridiculous and uncomfortable. The compromise was the bralette. I hope the smaller sensor will improve the experience for people will smaller frames. Even as I’m annoyed to have to replace the wearables I’ve accumulated the last several years when I upgrade in the fall.
Also, have they talked about how they’ll protect the data of cycling women who use the app to track their periods? I’m in menopause so it doesn’t apply to me. But I know that some data privacy folks have urged caution for people who menstruate because of how said apps could be potentially used for surveillance in light of the political environment surrounding abortion and pregnancy loss.
This update felt very "Black Mirror" to me (those who have seen the new season would understand). Why make the new hardware 7% smaller? It's a negligible size difference, but one which creates an impressive amount of waste because neither the bands nor the battery packs would work on the new hardware. Giving it to someone else is not a real upcycle, let's face it. Whoop clearly is not considering our precious environment. Also, wasn't new hardware guaranteed less than a year ago if you were a paying member? :( I'm very unhappy with this whole thing, and while I like the product overall, and have enjoyed their diligent work providing female-specific research and data, the money is not worth it, and I have cancelled my membership. Am I the only one seeing the obvious? Melissa, forever grateful for your guidance in health and wellness. I don't regret getting Whoop last year following your recommendation. I wish I could recycle my bands and hardware, though. :/