Best Fitness Tracker 2025: Apple Watch Series 10 vs Whoop Band 4.0 Full Comparison
- Iconiq Creative
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
When evaluating fitness trackers, the Whoop Band 4.0 and the Apple Watch Series 10 emerge as prominent choices, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to assist you in making an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
Design: Whoop Band 4.0 is screenless, emphasizing continuous health monitoring without distractions. In contrast, Apple Watch Series 10 features a vibrant touchscreen, offering a range of interactive applications.
Battery Life: Whoop Band 4.0 offers up to 4-5 days of battery life, whereas Apple Watch Series 10 provides up to 18 hours under normal use.
Subscription Model: Whoop operates on a subscription basis, providing in-depth analytics, while Apple Watch has a one-time purchase cost with optional app subscriptions.
Health Metrics: Both devices monitor heart rate and sleep, but Whoop offers advanced metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory rate.
Smart Features: Apple Watch supports calls, messages, and third-party apps; Whoop focuses solely on health metrics without additional smart features.
Design and Display
The Whoop Band 4.0 adopts a minimalist approach with its screenless design, focusing on continuous health monitoring without on-device distractions. Users interact with their data exclusively through the companion app. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a large, always-on OLED display, providing users with a rich interface for notifications, apps, and real-time data.
Battery Life
Battery performance varies significantly between the two devices:
Whoop Band 4.0: Delivers an impressive battery life of up to 4-5 days on a single charge.
Apple Watch Series 10: Offers up to 18 hours under typical usage, necessitating daily charging.
This distinction may influence users who prefer less frequent charging.
Subscription and Cost
The Whoop Band 4.0 operates on a subscription model, requiring users to pay a monthly fee for access to its analytics and insights. This model provides continuous updates and support. Conversely, the Apple Watch Series 10 involves a one-time purchase cost, with optional subscriptions for additional apps or services, potentially making it more cost-effective over time.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both devices offer robust health and fitness tracking capabilities:
Whoop Band 4.0: Monitors heart rate, sleep stages, respiratory rate, and HRV, focusing on recovery and strain to optimize performance.
Apple Watch Series 10: Tracks heart rate, sleep patterns, and includes features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, catering to a broader health overview.
The choice depends on whether a user prioritizes in-depth performance metrics or a comprehensive health snapshot.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Apple Watch Series 10 excels in smart features:
Apple Watch Series 10: Supports calls, messages, third-party apps, and integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, enhancing daily convenience.
Whoop Band 4.0: Lacks traditional smartwatch features, concentrating solely on health and fitness metrics without additional connectivity options.
Users seeking an all-in-one device may lean towards the Apple Watch, while those focused purely on fitness might prefer the Whoop Band.
Water Resistance
For water enthusiasts, water resistance is a consideration:
Whoop Band 4.0: Water-resistant up to 10 meters for two hours, suitable for activities like showering but not recommended for prolonged submersion. Garage Gym Reviews
Apple Watch Series 10: Water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it appropriate for swimming and water sports.
This makes the Apple Watch more versatile for aquatic activities.
Workout Tracking
Both devices cater to fitness enthusiasts:
Whoop Band 4.0: Supports tracking for over 100 workout types, providing versatility for diverse training regimens.
Apple Watch Series 10: Offers a variety of workout tracking options, though with fewer supported workout types compared to Whoop.
Users with specialized workout routines may find Whoop's extensive tracking more beneficial.
User Experience and Interface
The devices offer differing user experiences:
Apple Watch Series 10: Features an interactive touchscreen interface, allowing direct engagement with apps and notifications.
Whoop Band 4.0: Relies entirely on its companion app for data interaction, promoting a minimalist, distraction-free experience.
Preference here depends on the user's desire for on-device interaction versus a focus on data analytics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for sleep tracking?
The Whoop Band 4.0 offers detailed sleep analysis, including sleep stages and disturbances, making it ideal for users prioritizing sleep insights.
Do both devices require a subscription?
Whoop Band 4.0 requires a monthly subscription for data access, while Apple Watch Series 10 does not have mandatory additional fees for its core functionalities.
Can I receive calls and texts on both devices?
Apple Watch Series 10 supports calls. There are no notifications from the Whoop band.
📊 Whoop Band 4.0 vs Apple Watch Series 10: Feature Comparison Table
Feature | Whoop Band 4.0 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
Display | No screen – all data via app | Retina OLED always-on touchscreen |
Battery Life | 4–5 days per charge | Up to 18 hours (typically needs daily charging) |
Subscription Required | Yes – monthly or annual plans | No (optional app subscriptions) |
Heart Rate Tracking | Continuous HR monitoring | Yes – includes high/low HR notifications |
Sleep Tracking | Yes – detailed stages and recovery analysis | Yes – less detailed but includes time in bed, asleep, and wake |
Strain/Recovery Metrics | Yes – uses HRV, sleep, and strain for personalized recovery scoring | No – some third-party apps attempt similar features |
Workout Types Supported | 100+ | Dozens – mostly standard workouts (running, cycling, etc.) |
GPS Tracking | No | Yes – built-in GPS |
Water Resistance | Up to 10 meters (splash/shower safe) | Up to 50 meters (suitable for swimming) |
Smart Features | None – health data only | Calls, texts, music, Siri, notifications, third-party apps |
Stress Tracking | Indirect – via HRV and recovery score | No dedicated feature (can track HR fluctuations) |
Respiratory Rate | Yes – tracked continuously | Not natively tracked, but some third-party apps available |
Price | From $239 + subscription ($30/mo or less if annual) | From $399 (no required subscription) |
OS Compatibility | iOS & Android | iOS only |
My thoughts
I personally wear the Whoop band as it's less distracting and the sleep and HRV insights are very useful. I really like the look of the Apple Watch but I find I'm already distracted enough by my iPhone let alone another Apple device trying to attract my attention. Whoop Band helped my massively with my sleep and the long battery life really helps with this although the Apple Watch did get me moving more.
Get a free WHOOP 4.0 and one month free when you join with my link: https://join.whoop.com/598CB193
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