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If you’re trying to figure out which Whoop band you have — or whether the latest one is worth it — this guide lists every Whoop model in order of release, what changed with each generation, and what the current lineup costs in 2026.
Unlike Apple or Garmin, Whoop doesn’t sell dozens of models. There have been just five generations since 2015, and each one doubled down on the same idea: a screenless band focused entirely on recovery, strain, and sleep.
Whoop Models by Release Date
| Model | Released | Battery | Key change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whoop 1.0 | 2015 | ~1–2 days | Original strap for pro teams and athletes |
| Whoop 2.0 | 2016 | ~2 days | Refined sensors, still athlete-focused |
| Whoop 3.0 | 2019 | ~5 days | Consumer launch, subscription model, WhoopLive |
| Whoop 4.0 | September 2021 | 4–5 days | 33% smaller, SpO2 + skin temp, Whoop Body apparel, waterproof battery pack |
| Whoop 5.0 | May 2025 | ~14 days | 7% smaller, 3x battery, faster sensor sampling |
| Whoop MG | May 2025 | ~14 days | Medical-grade: adds ECG and blood-pressure insights |
Check current Whoop availability on Amazon
Whoop 1.0 and 2.0 (2015–2016): The Pro-Athlete Era
Whoop started life in 2015 as a tool for professional sports teams, not consumers. The first two straps introduced the core formula — 24/7 heart-rate and HRV monitoring feeding a daily recovery score — but they were expensive, short on battery, and sold mostly to organizations. You’re unlikely to find either in the wild today, and neither is supported.
Whoop 3.0 (2019): The Consumer Breakthrough
The 3.0 is where most people first met Whoop. It launched alongside the subscription model that still defines the company: instead of buying hardware, you paid a monthly membership and the strap came free. Battery life stretched to about five days, and the strap gained better Bluetooth connectivity for live heart-rate broadcasting to gym equipment and apps. We compared it against its successor in our Whoop 3.0 vs 4.0 guide.
Whoop 4.0 (September 2021): Smaller, Smarter, Any-Wear
The 4.0 shrank the sensor by 33% while adding a pulse oximeter (SpO2), skin-temperature sensor, and haptic alarms. It also introduced Whoop Body — apparel with sensor pockets so you could wear the pod on your torso, waist, or leg instead of your wrist — plus a waterproof slide-on battery pack.
This was Whoop’s longest-serving flagship, lasting almost four years. Read our full Whoop 4.0 review for the deep dive.
Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG (May 2025): The Current Generation
In May 2025 Whoop replaced the 4.0 with two devices at once:
- Whoop 5.0 — 7% smaller than the 4.0, with roughly 14 days of battery (nearly triple the 4.0) and sensors that sample 26 times per second versus 5 on the 4.0.
- Whoop MG (“Medical Grade”) — the same core hardware plus ECG readings and blood-pressure insights, reserved for the top-tier plan.
The launch also overhauled pricing into three annual tiers: Whoop One ($199/year, 5.0), Whoop Peak ($239/year, 5.0 plus wireless PowerPack), and Whoop Life ($359/year, MG). Hardware is included with every plan — see our Whoop membership guide for exactly what each tier includes, and our Whoop 5.0 vs 4.0 comparison if you’re deciding whether to upgrade.
Which Whoop Should You Get in 2026?
For nearly everyone, the answer is the Whoop 5.0 on the One or Peak plan — the MG’s ECG and blood-pressure features are the only reason to pay the Life premium, and they matter most if you’re tracking cardiovascular health closely.
Keep in mind that no Whoop works without a membership (here’s what happens without one). If a subscription is a dealbreaker, our best Whoop alternatives roundup covers trackers that work subscription-free, and our Whoop vs Garmin comparison pits it against the biggest one.
Ready to try it? Check current Whoop pricing on Amazon or go straight through Whoop’s site where the device ships with your membership.