Whoop 5.0, whoop MG review after one month

I’ve used every version of Whoop for almost a decade, so I’ve been excited to test the latest 5.0 and MG models. I’ve already produced a detailed scientific exploration of its accuracy (linked below) and will update this as a longer review soon.

Here are my thoughts on the MG version after a couple of months. Further below is an explanation of each new feature.

Whoop MG, Whoop 5.0 Review After One Month

Whoop has one of the very best apps in the fitness and wellness space. Many other reviewers and longstanding customers will tell you the same; however, I’ve looked into some of the science and technologies that underlie the app and its insights. Whoop doesn’t invent a new metric on a whim, and the ones it introduces tend to be nuanced and based on accepted scientific principles. So, how Whoop accounts for strain is generally accurate, its take on blood pressure and ECG seems correct, even though it might lack what some customers want. Its approach to sleep is sound despite its nod to include three sleep stages and despite some technicalities in how it discards and weights specific HRV data during sleep.

Whoop 4.0 owners will happily upgrade to a Whoop 5.0 with the ONE membership tier. It’s pretty much the same deal as they already have; however, some new metrics, like the Pace of Ageing, are novel and interesting, perhaps a bit gimmicky, but worth the PEAK membership upgrade if you’re as intrigued as I am. I particularly like how Whoop plausibly tells me I’m 7 years younger than I really am – contrast that to Garmin’s comparable calculation a while back, where it seemed to think I was 20…I wish! Other brands’ calculations seem to be based on VO2max population averages as some proxy for age, which has some truth but which is mostly nonsense.

Whoop MG and LIFE membership take Whoop in a new direction, mainly targeting older individuals seeking Medical Grade (MG) reassurance that their lifestyle is on the right health path. Whoop’s ECG has been FDA approved, and Whoop’s blood pressure trend info is enticingly interesting. At least it was until the FDA decided Whoop needed to certify it as a medical device.

However, Whoop slipped a little during the launch, perhaps taking some customers for granted and annoying many in the process. That aside, I would point out these negatives so far.

• Whoop 5.0 is wholly incompatible with older Whoop 4 straps. This appears to be an intentional decision by the brand, as the dimensions have changed in such a minor way that they add no benefit other than rendering the old straps useless. On a positive note, all my Whoop 4 apparel appears compatible with Whoop 5.0/MG.
• Whoop MG has the same heart rate sensor array as 5.0, but my activity tests initially indicated it was slightly less accurate than Whoop 4.0, only to mysteriously improve after a couple of firmware bumps. I’ve looked in some detail at the tech under the hood, and I’m convinced the meat of the electronics we can’t see is wholly new.
• The Whoop 5.0 optical LEDs remain unchanged, but the electronics behind them have been moderately improved. Consider why you are upgrading; it’s likely that you’re doing so for better battery life rather than a significant improvement in accuracy.

WHOOP 4.0 vs WHOOP 5.0 – Sensor Architecture Changes (Detailed Technical Content)

•  ECG readings are on-demand and provide results that match those of my other ECG devices, but I don’t have a heart issue. If you have a periodic heart issue, how will you catch it with an on-demand reading? (You won’t)
• Whoop will still only accurately account for strain during strength exercises if you wear it on the wrist and follow a pre-built workout. If you do that, it has a leading accuracy for muscular strain, essentially because no major watch brand can do that.
• Whoop initially created badwill amongst existing customers by reneging on comments they’d previously made about free hardware upgrades being part of the system. They backtracked, and what they offer now is reasonable.

Is Whoop MG, Whoop 5.0, Accurate

I’ve completed a detailed scientific analysis of Whoop MG’s accuracy – 5.0 is the same. I considered HR accuracy during sport, HRV accuracy at sleep, Deep Sleep/Restorative Stage Sleep accuracy and other aspects of accuracy too, such as the accuracy of the resulting strain calculation. The results are generally very positive,  however, I also highlight some of the aspects of the current generation of sports tech that can never be accurate, much of it contrary to the expectations of the vast majority of buyers of this tech!

Is Whoop 5 / MG Accurate? – A Definitive Answer

Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG – 2 Straps, 3 Subscriptions

Whoop now offers two differently labelled straps available through three membership tiers: Whoop MG (Life Membership) and Whoop 5.0 (ONE and PEAK membership tiers).

Despite two differently labelled straps, the sensor LEDs on the underside appear unchanged from 4.0.

It’s a new, faster sensor with enhanced physiological capabilities, plus a battery life of 14 days made possible by efficiency improvements.

Whoop 5.0 & MG – Exactly What’s New

Whoop 5.0 introduces several significant new features, hardware changes, and a restructured membership model compared to its predecessor.

Here are the key new features and changes:

New Features and Insights:

• Healthspan and Pace of Ageing: This is a significant new feature designed to help users understand the markers of ageing and the pace at which their body is ageing. It provides a “Whoop Age” and actionable advice on rest and recovery. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Eric Verdin of the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing. It distils nine key biomarkers, including time spent in specific heart rate zones, sleep consistency, VO2 max, and lean body mass (with a compatible smart scale), to calculate your physiological age and track your Pace of Ageing. It shows how specific behaviours influence your physiological ageing trajectory. It is available with the Peak and Life membership tiers.
• Daily Blood Pressure Insights (Beta): A completely new addition for fitness trackers. Available with the Life tier. The new capability uses optical sensors to track heart rate, HRV, and blood flow patterns. It combines this with demographic information and algorithmic analysis to estimate overnight Pulse Pressure, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure ranges. It requires an initial calibration with three readings from a standard blood pressure cuff.
• Heart Screener with ECG Readings: Available on the Whoop MG hardware with the Life membership. It offers an on-demand ECG function. It is FDA-cleared and designed to help detect signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). The MG will also passively look out for high, low, or irregular heart rates and rhythms. Readings are held in the Heart Screener section. This feature is medically regulated and has usage restrictions, including being intended for users without known arrhythmias other than AFib, those over 22, and those without cardiac pacemakers, ICDs, or other implanted electronic devices. It is not available in every region.
• Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications (IHRN): These form part of the medical-grade features.
• AI Assistant / Daily Outlook: Whoop innovates with this feature. It helps users make sense of data and motivates them to take action. The daily outlook explains the numbers and suggests what to focus on that day. It pulls scores, exercise recommendations, weather, performance goals, and healthspan insights to answer questions and provide prompts. It can suggest solutions, such as breathing exercises and responding to low readings for metrics like blood oxygen levels.
• Step Counter: This device-specific feature is a new and more accurate algorithm for 5.0, and its contribution is quantified within the broader Healthspan context.
• Haptic: Feature Improved.
• Improved accelerometer and gyroscope: to improve auto-detection and auto-classification of sports
• Stress Monitor: A new feature that uses various metrics to assess stress levels. It is available with the Peak and Life membership tiers.
• Sleep Performance Update: The Sleep Score has been reimagined to reflect overall sleep quality, encompassing not only duration but also other key aspects of sleep. It emphasises actionable metrics, such as Hours vs. Need, Sleep Consistency, Sleep Efficiency, and instances of High Sleep Stress. This shifts focus towards aspects of sleep hygiene that users can actively influence.
• Women’s Hormonal Insights: Available across all tiers. It leverages AI and biometric data to offer personalised insights into how hormonal fluctuations impact recovery, sleep, stress, and training, adapting to different life stages.
• Advanced Labs (Coming Soon): Teased for launch in the US in 2025. This paid add-on (accessible across all tiers) allows users to schedule blood tests and receive clinician-reviewed reports directly within the app, integrating blood panel data with 24/7 Whoop metrics.

Hardware and Design Changes:

• Size and Weight: The device’s body is smaller and lighter than the 4.0. Whoop states it is 7% smaller.
• Processor: Features a 60% faster processor, resulting in a noticeably zippier app experience and reduced syncing delays.
• Battery Life: Significantly improved battery life. The 5.0 and MG devices offer battery life of 14 days or more. It can charge for a month when paired with the new wireless PowerPack. The wireless PowerPack supports Bluetooth status viewing, is waterproof, and holds a charge for up to 30 days. The Peak and Life tiers include the wireless PowerPack, while One members get charging via a cable.
• Accessories and Straps: New strap mechanism. Comes with a range of new straps and accessories, such as the Leatherluxe range. You can also wear WHOOP off-wrist with new WHOOP Body Smart Apparel. A significant change is the introduction of a new clasp system, which means that Whoop 4.0 bands are incompatible with the 5.0 or MG devices. Whoop Apparel has also changed.
• Screen-Free Design: The device features a screen-free design, eliminating pings and distractions. You need the Whoop app on your phone to see your data.

App and Software Improvements:

• App Interface: The app interface has been updated to include additional features and a streamlined user experience. Personalised plans are moved to the home screen for easier access.
• Activity Auto-Detection: This feature has been refined to provide more reliable pinpointing of the actual start and end times of workouts.
• Strength Trainer Integration: While the core functionality is mostly unchanged, ‘Strength Activity Time’ is now more visibly integrated into your daily Strain breakdown alongside other Healthspan markers.

Whoop 4.0 > Whoop 5.0 / MG –  Upgrading FAQs

Q: As an upgraded 4.0 member, what do I get?

A: By default, you get the PEAK membership. To get a Whoop 5 or MG band, you must re-commit to 12 months’ membership or pay a small fee.

Q: When are Whoop 5.0 and MG available?

A: 23 May 2025.

Q: Can I get a free trial?

A: Yes. New customers can get a month’s free Whoop 4.0 (four) trial on the PEAK membership.

Q: Are my Whoop 4.0 straps and charging puck compatible with 5.0

A: No.

Q: Are there continuous ECG Readings?

A: No, the readings are on-demand

Q: Are there continuous Afib Readings?

A: Afib detection runs passively in the background

Q: Are daily blood pressure insights automated?

A: Yes. Think of them more as blood pressure trends rather than the spot readings a doctor might take.

Q: Are the blood pressure insights FDA-approved

A: No. The blood pressure trend information does not require FDA approval

Q: Where are ECG Readings available

A: As of 8 May 2025, ECG and Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications readings are available for Whoop owners in the USA, UAE, Qatar, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the EU

Q: Does Whoop’s ECG have FDA approval?

A: Yes, Whoop uses B-Secur’s ECG algorithms (HEARTKEY), which achieved US FDA 501K clearance in 2024.

Q: How do I take an ECG reading with Whoop?

A: Press either side of the metal buckle with the ECG strap. This only works with the SCG strap

Q: Is the new Whoop 5.0 / Whoop MG strap mechanism the same as 4.0?

A: No. There is an improved sliding mechanism

Q: Are Whoop 5.0 and MG the same internally? Is the difference in IE only a software difference?

A: They are different. The strap and the ECG components are different. However, the optical and other sensors are the same for all devices.

Q: How do I charge Whoop?

A: The battery puck is similar to before, but is now seen as a premium feature. Whoop 5.0 ONE only has a corded charger

Q: Can I buy a Wireless PowerPack for Whoop ONE?

A: Yes. The cost of ONE is lower because there is no PowerPack included

Q: I am an existing Whoop 4.0 member. Will I lose my data?

A: No. Whoop 5.0 automatically becomes the new source for the data

Q: I am an existing Whoop 4.0 member. How will  I see my old data with the new Whoop?

A: It will be visible automatically

Q: How do I pair Whoop 5.0?

A: Unpair Whoop 4.0 and ensure Whoop 5.0 has the blue pairing light showing. On the Whoop app, go to Device Settings> Advanced> Pair a Device

Q: When I upgrade to Whoop 5.0, do I lose my data if I downgrade my membership to ONE?

A: No. However, data for the PEAK and LIFE tiers will only appear when those membership levels are active. Your old data of that type now applies to new tiers and will be hidden until you re-upgrade.

Whoop – the Essential Membership Difference

• You’re into sports: Whoop 5.0 PEAK offers features similar to those of Whoop 4.
• You are active and highly interested in wellness: Whoop 5.0 ONE saves you a bit of money, but you lose some of the more recent features as a result, and you also lose the wireless charging puck.
• You want all the features, including advanced wellness insights: Whoop MG with LIFE membership includes everything. You also get the new ECG, daily blood pressure insights and Afib (irregular rhythms).

If you use Whoop as a lifestyle sports device, the cheaper ONE membership makes Whoop more affordable than before, compared to sports watches.

The PEAK membership has great monitoring tools for those more interested in general wellness.

If you are concerned about your health, the LIFE membership tier offers market-leading insights unique to Whoop – for example, the Apple Watch does NOT have any blood pressure insights.

Pricing for Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG

Buy either on Amazon or get a month free when buying directly.

• Whoop ONE – EU199, UK £169, US$ $199/year
• Whoop PEAK – EU264, UK £229, US$239/year
• Whoop LIFE – EU399 UK £349, US$359/year

You already have the free upgraded app. To get a free Whoop 5.0 band, you must re-commit to a full year from today or pay an upgrade fee (£49 in the UK, or £79 for the MG).

Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG – Take Out

The two new Whoop models represent significant and thoughtful updates for both existing and new customers.

Hightlights – 14 day battery life, on-demand ECG and Blood Pressure Trends

The Whoop 5.0/MG offer feels complex with two hardware options and three membership tiers. Its tiered structure makes sense once you dig in, but it could confuse newcomers. The key point is that Whoop now acknowledges a segment of its user base seeking more affordable options and has delivered accordingly. On the other end of the spectrum, Whoop targets an older, more health-conscious, and affluent demographic with advanced features that directly address their needs.

Adding ECG and Afib detection is necessary and welcome, though not unique—Apple and Garmin have had these for a while. However, Whoop’s introduction of blood pressure insights stands out. Beyond Samsung, Whoop is the first serious wearable brand to offer this capability, marking a genuinely innovative step.

A positive shout-out to Whoop for including women’s features as standard. Many women are rightly tired of paying a female premium.

The Whoop app remains one of the best-designed and most feature-rich platforms in the wearables space. Though basic, recent additions like step tracking and VO2max were long-requested by users, and the new “Healthspan with Pace of Ageing” feature hints at a shift toward broader wellness metrics. Expect competitors to follow Whoop’s lead here by focusing more on healthspan than just lifespan.

If you want to get Whoop and support the work on this site, here is a link that gives you one month of free membership as a thank you. Thank you!