Fitbit Air vs. Whoop MG: Everyday Tracking or Membership-Only Depth
Engadget compares Google’s Fitbit Air with Whoop’s Whoop MG, two screenless trackers. Fitbit Air is cheaper and friendlier for casual users, while Whoop requires a membership and offers deeper strain and recovery data for serious athletes.
Whoop launched its first tracker in 2015 and was among the first in the category, according to the comparison. In March, Whoop raised $575 million at a $10 billion valuation. Google teased the Fitbit Air on March 31, the same day as Whoop’s funding announcement. Whoop now faces competition from Garmin, Luna, Hume, Amazfit and Google, the comparison said.
The Fitbit Air is slimmer than Whoop bands, which has an impact on battery life. Newer Whoop models such as the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG are rated to last more than 14 days, while Google says the Fitbit Air lasts up to seven days. Whoop’s newer bands can use a wireless battery pack that slides onto the band for charging on the go. It adds bulk to the wrist, but users do not have to remove the band to recharge it as long as the battery pack is kept topped up.
Both companion apps provide extensive data about activities, sleep and vitals, and each has an AI assistant that can log meals, offer advice and build a wellness and workout plan. The comparison said the Whoop app can be overwhelming at first and is better suited to people who are serious about health, wellness and fitness, especially those monitoring strain and recovery. Whoop also captures heart rate data at a higher sampling frequency. The Fitbit Air’s Google Health app is described as more user-friendly for the average person.
The Fitbit Air can be used without a subscription for basic tracking, while Whoop operates on a membership setup and cannot be used without one. Signing up for a membership includes the hardware. According to Whoop, Whoop One will be sold on WHOOP 5.0 hardware in the US, Mexico, Canada, the EU and the UK at $199 a year. Outside those regions, the company says Whoop One memberships are provided with a certified pre-owned 4.0 sensor and Onyx Superknit Band.
By contrast, the Fitbit Air comes with a three-month trial to Google Health Premium, after which users can cancel or continue by paying a fee. Google Health Premium costs $100 a year on an annual plan, or $10 a month, on top of the $100 hardware cost. A Whoop membership starts at about $149 for the first year and $199 after that, or $25 a month for those paying monthly. The highest tier Whoop subscription is $359 annually. The comparison said Whoop is better suited for serious athletes and the Fitbit Air for everyday users or casual fitness buffs.
The comparison said the Fitbit Air’s advantage is that basic health insights and activity tracking, including sleep tracking, remain available without a subscription. What users miss without paying are AI-driven features such as personal assistance, guidance and training plans, along with access to workouts and deeper sleep insights. Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers also receive Google Health Premium as a perk.
Whoop’s devices are described as higher-end premium trackers, but there is no option to get one without a pricey membership. Whoop has the same sensors and a similar app, with much more granular data about strain and recovery. Whoop even plans to offer in-app video consultations with licensed clinicians in participating locations. The Engadget writer observed that Whoop was better at automatically detecting activities, which is useful for strength training or intense cardio when users do not want to manually start and stop a workout.
Users who pay for Google Health Premium with the Fitbit Air get a more engaging and conversational AI Coach experience, according to the comparison. Whoop also offers AI support, the article said.