Whoop and Biostrap are both screenless wearables focused on recovery, strain, and sleep analysis via continuous optical heart rate monitoring. Both target athletes and health enthusiasts who want actionable HRV-based recovery metrics without the distractions of a traditional smartwatch.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Whoop 5.0 | Biostrap EVO |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Accuracy | PPG sensor, validated in multiple studies | Clinical-grade PPG, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate |
| Both use advanced PPG; Biostrap has published clinical validation data | ||
| Sleep Analysis | Detailed sleep stages, sleep coach, respiratory rate ✓ | Sleep stages, SpO2 tracking, respiratory rate |
| Whoop's sleep coach and consistency scoring give it an edge | ||
| Recovery Metrics | Daily recovery score (0-100%), strain coach ✓ | Recovery score, biometrics dashboard, trend analysis |
| Whoop's recovery and strain coaching is more refined and actionable | ||
| Price Model | $30/month subscription (device included) | $149 device + optional $10/month for advanced features ✓ |
| Biostrap is cheaper long-term, especially without subscription | ||
| Comfort | Slim band, multiple wear locations (wrist, bicep, boxer) ✓ | Wrist or finger clip form factor |
| Whoop 5.0's versatile wearing options and slim profile win on comfort | ||
| Data Export | CSV export via web, API available to members | Full raw data export, clinical reporting tools ✓ |
| Biostrap provides better raw data access and clinical export tools | ||
| Research Validation | Used in published studies, large user dataset | Clinical-grade validation, used in medical research ✓ |
| Biostrap was designed with clinical and research use in mind | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Whoop if you want the most polished recovery coaching experience with excellent sleep analysis and a large community of athletes. Choose Biostrap EVO if you want clinical-grade data, better raw data export, and a lower long-term cost. Whoop excels at making HRV insights actionable for training, while Biostrap appeals to those who want deeper data access and research-grade validation.
Detailed Reviews
Whoop 5.0
Best for serious athletes who want completely passive tracking and don't mind paying monthly. The training load and...
Full reviewBiostrap EVO
The most accurate wrist-based PPG device available, validated in clinical research. If accuracy is your priority but...
Full review