Polar brings decades of heart rate expertise with dual PPG+ECG sensors; Whoop focuses purely on recovery and strain. Both target serious athletes but with different philosophies.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Polar Vantage V3 | Whoop 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Sensors | Dual PPG + ECG (spot check) ✓ | PPG only (continuous) |
| Polar's ECG option adds precision | ||
| HRV Analysis | Nightly Recharge, ANS status | 24/7 HRV, detailed recovery metrics |
| Both offer excellent HRV insights | ||
| Training Features | Full GPS, running power, Training Load Pro ✓ | Strain score, no GPS |
| Polar is a complete training tool | ||
| Price Model | $600 one-time ✓ | $30/month subscription |
| Polar pays for itself in under 2 years | ||
| Battery Life | 8-12 days ✓ | 4-5 days |
| Polar lasts longer | ||
| Display | Full AMOLED touchscreen ✓ | No screen |
| Polar shows real-time data | ||
| Recovery Focus | Training Load Pro + Nightly Recharge | Entirely recovery-focused ✓ |
| Whoop's entire design is about recovery | ||
| Ecosystem | Polar Flow, third-party exports ✓ | Whoop only, locked ecosystem |
| Polar is more open | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Polar Vantage V3 if you want a complete multisport watch with ECG accuracy, GPS, and no subscriptions. Choose Whoop if you want the purest focus on recovery optimization and don't mind paying monthly for it.
Detailed Reviews
Polar Vantage V3
Premium multisport watch with serious HRV capabilities. The combination of optical and ECG sensors provides...
Full reviewWhoop 5.0
Best for serious athletes who want completely passive tracking and don't mind paying monthly. The training load and...
Full review