Brandon Fletcher
How committed are you to your fitness tracking?
Screenless fitness trackers have surged in popularity recently, despite their long history. Whoop, for instance, introduced its first tracker in 2015, positioning itself as a pioneer in this category. In March, Whoop secured $575 million in funding, achieving a valuation of $10 billion, which underscores the growing interest in this market. Today, Whoop faces stiff competition from brands like Garmin, Luna, Hume, Amazfit, and notably, Google with its Fitbit Air (see our Fitbit Air review). Interestingly, Google hinted at the development of a device like the Air on March 31, the same day Whoop announced its funding, suggesting a strategic timing. The Fitbit Air clearly represents Google’s entry into the realm of screenless health trackers, aiming to compete directly with Whoop.
The Whoop MG is one of the latest models from Whoop, making it a natural candidate for comparison with the Fitbit Air. To help you decide which device suits your needs better, I’ve examined both products based on features and pricing. Both trackers excel in monitoring activities, sleep, and vital statistics, while providing users with a robust and informative app experience. both require a subscription to fully utilize their capabilities.
What are the key differences between the Fitbit Air and Whoop?
The Fitbit Air boasts a more streamlined design compared to Whoop bands, which influences its battery longevity. Newer Whoop models, such as the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG, are designed to last over 14 days, while Google claims the Fitbit Air has a battery life of up to seven days. Users can extend the battery life of the Whoop bands by utilizing a convenient wireless battery pack that slides onto the band, allowing for on-the-go charging. Although this adds some bulk to your wrist, it eliminates the need to remove the band for recharging as long as the battery pack remains charged.
Both companies offer companion apps packed with extensive data about activities, sleep, and vital signs. Each app includes an AI assistant that users can engage with to log meals, seek advice, and create customized wellness and workout plans. the Whoop app may initially overwhelm new users. It is particularly suited for individuals serious about health and fitness, providing detailed insights into strain and recovery. In contrast, the Fitbit Air’s Google Health app is designed to be more user-friendly for the average user.
While the Fitbit Air allows for basic tracking without a subscription, Whoop operates on a membership-only model, requiring users to subscribe for access. The membership includes the hardware, with Whoop stating that “Whoop One will be sold on WHOOP 5.0 hardware in the US, MX, CA, EU, and UK for $199 per year.” Outside these regions, Whoop offers certified pre-owned 4.0 sensors and Onyx Superknit Bands with their memberships, which may be a concern for those hesitant about using pre-owned devices.
On the other hand, the Fitbit Air provides a three-month trial of Google Health Premium, after which users can opt to continue for a nominal fee. Whoop memberships start at approximately $149 for the first year (rising to $199 after that) or $25 per month for existing members. In comparison, Google Health Premium costs $100 annually (or $10 per month) in addition to the $100 hardware expense.
The premium Whoop subscription can reach $359 annually, making it more suitable for serious athletes, while the Fitbit Air caters well to everyday users and casual fitness enthusiasts.
Which fitness tracker is the right choice for you?
The Fitbit Air’s main advantage lies in its ability to provide essential health insights and activity tracking, including sleep monitoring, without requiring a subscription. Although you miss out on AI-driven features such as personal assistance, tailored guidance, and training plans, you can still track your sleep quality and daily physical activities. This makes it a suitable option for those simply looking to monitor their health. users with a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription can enjoy Google Health Premium as a bonus.
Whoop offers high-end, premium trackers but lacks a non-membership option. Its devices feature the same sensors and an app that delivers similar functionality, albeit with more detailed data about aspects like strain and recovery. Whoop also plans to introduce in-app video consultations with licensed clinicians in select locations. Many users find that Whoop excels in automatically detecting activities, which is beneficial for individuals engaged in strength training or high-intensity cardio who prefer not to manually start or stop workouts.
If you opt for a Google Health Premium subscription with the Fitbit Air, it provides a more interactive and conversational AI Coach experience. While Whoop does offer AI support, Google’s version feels more intuitive, whether you’re logging your morning coffee and oatmeal or seeking advice for your sore shoulder to adjust your training plan accordingly. Overall, the Fitbit Air emerges as the more accessible and cost-effective device for the majority of users. for those with a greater budget who are committed to intense training, investing in a Whoop tracker could be worthwhile.
Daniel Mercer
