Both Whoop and Oura offer passive, 24/7 HRV tracking without requiring manual readings. They take different form factors and pricing approaches.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Whoop 4.0 | Oura Ring Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Model | $30/month subscription | $300-400 + optional $6/month ✓ |
| Oura's one-time purchase is better value long-term | ||
| Comfort | Fabric band, some find bulky | Lightweight ring, easy to forget ✓ |
| Ring form factor wins for sleep comfort | ||
| HRV Accuracy | Well-validated PPG | Good PPG from finger arteries |
| Both are accurate enough for trend tracking | ||
| Sleep Tracking | Excellent with sleep coach | Excellent with detailed staging |
| Both excel here | ||
| Training Features | Strain score, recovery metrics ✓ | Basic activity tracking |
| Whoop is better for athletes | ||
| Battery Life | 4-5 days | 4-7 days ✓ |
| Slight edge to Oura | ||
| Ecosystem Lock-in | Completely locked | Completely locked |
| Neither exports to third-party HRV apps | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Oura if you prioritize comfort, discretion, and avoiding subscription fatigue. Choose Whoop if you're a serious athlete who values training load metrics and doesn't mind paying monthly for ongoing insights.
Detailed Reviews
Whoop 4.0
Best for serious athletes who want completely passive tracking and don't mind paying monthly. The training load and...
Full reviewOura Ring Gen 3
Best for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. The ring form factor is unmatched for sleep tracking, though...
Full review