Fitbit Air vs Whoop: A Tale of Two Wearables
Google's Fitbit Air and Whoop are two wearable devices that have been competing in the market. The Fitbit Air is a $99 screenless tracker that works without a subscription, while Whoop is a membership-based service that includes hardware, with prices ranging from $199 to $359 per year.
After four months of real-world use, it's clear that both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. The Fitbit Air offers continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and AFib screening without requiring a subscription. However, it lacks GPS, ECG, and altimeter features found in other devices.
Whoop, on the other hand, provides more advanced features such as 14 days of battery life, a PowerPack that charges the band while worn, and a behaviour Journal that correlates alcohol, caffeine, and late screens against recovery. Whoop also offers bicep, calf, and apparel pods for improved accuracy during running and cycling.
Independent testing has shown that both devices have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to accuracy. The Fitbit Air's heart rate monitoring is accurate within a few beats per minute, while Whoop's recovery score swings hard and pushes users around.
The five-year cost of ownership for each device has also been calculated, with the Fitbit Air costing around $100 over five years and Whoop costing between $995 to $1,795. However, it's worth noting that Google Health Premium is already included if you subscribe to Google AI Pro or Ultra, making the Air a more affordable option.
Whoop has also announced on-demand clinician access inside the app, which could be a game-changer for users looking for more personalized advice and guidance. However, Whoop's CEO has been accused of being dismissive of Fitbit's new device and trying to downplay its features.