Dec 21, 2025
3 min read
Whoop vs Oura ring: I tried both wearables.Read my full review and conclusion to find out which tracker is the best
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Whoop vs Oura Ring: Which Wearable is Best for You?
Both Hoop and Aura are top-notch trackers, but they have an important difference
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that will provide insight into your daily health, the Whoop and Oura rings are two of the best options.Both of these premium devices track your activity, sleep, stress, and other biomarkers 24/7 to provide a holistic picture of your daily health and wellness.
"They give you a simple way to notice patterns that you might miss on your own," said board-certified physician and sleep expert Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, CCSH."You can see how much sleep you get, how consistent your schedule is, and how your habits and habits affect your nights. He believes Wop and Oura do a good job of showing trends over time.
But if they both track a lot of the same things and both do a good job of getting the numbers right, which one is the best option?I tested both at the same time and compared them side by side to understand the differences between them and what makes each one unique.Here is what I found.
Read more: The best sleep trackers, tried and tested
How do I test it?
As a certified running coach and health and fitness writer who regularly covers fitness trackers, I've tried the Woop (different models over the years) and the Oura ring several times.For this review, I compared the two.I wore both at the same time to analyze and compare them.I slept, exercised, and even showered with them.training.I analyzed the data obtained and compared the numbers from the two applications and noticed various discrepancies and ongoing patterns around those differences.For context, I tested a Lifetime membership with Whoop's MG (the brand's most extensive option) and an Oura 4 ring.
Whoop vs Oura Ring: Design
To the naked eye, the biggest difference between the two wearables is where you wear them.The Oura Ring is, of course, a ring, while the Vuop is usually worn on the wrist – although you can wear it under matching underwear, a T-shirt or shorts, or under a strap across your bicep.
Your design preference is personal.The Oura Ring is thicker than you might think, which can be awkward when lifting heavy objects; otherwise, it's fairly unobtrusive, and its sleek aesthetic wouldn't look out of place at a formal event.The Oura Ring 4 can get a little scratchy in everyday wear; the brand's ceramic version is apparently more scratch-resistant.The Whoop, meanwhile, is probably the most comfortable wrist-based fitness tracker I’ve ever owned.Although I tried - in fact it was the only time I managed to forget - I personally wouldn't wear it to a formal occasion.
Ringhop vs. Aura: Data and Training
Once immersed in each of the applications of these devices, most of the data collected are almost identical.However, the presentation is very different.To me, the Oura app felt like a yoga teacher gently encouraging you to motivate yourself to take care of yourself, while Whoop was more like a hardcore coach trying to maximize your potential with a Moneyball-style approach to all your stats.
When you open the Oura app, you get an overview of the basics: awareness, sleep, and activity are rated from one to 100. You can also see your heart rate and how many minutes you spent stressing during the day.The app also shows quick summaries of what the stats might mean and tips attached to each number.For example, when I was stressed, I got a five-minute breathing exercise from Headspace.you can open each one individually and drill down into them, but only the high-level overview and accompanying recommendations are displayed most prominently.
Meanwhile, Whoopi is a biohacking data nerd's dream, with an endless number of charts and graphs to click on, starting with the main dashboard.There's a detailed explanation of the science behind each metric and why it's important (both in written and video format).There's also a "daily view" that summarizes what that day's numbers might mean for my recovery and what I should do about it.It also gives other numbers, time.A particularly high-end MG model can do an electrocardiogram, measure blood pressure and even give you an idea of your 'healthy lifespan', or how fast you'll age.I could measure from my wrist any wear I was tracking.
But let's return to the educational comparison.Another reason Oura looks like a yoga teacher is that the instructions are gentler.Although this generally gives me a higher "ready" score for the day than Whoop, it still displays the activity goal.I even changed my plan to set more exercise goals, but that's still too easy to recommend.On the other hand, even Whoop agrees to eat on a simple day, the advice can be a bit copious.He once told me to go jogging and do 20-30 minutes of strength training to make everything “light.”(Although, to be honest, I made strength my main focus in the app, so it would be easier otherwise.)
Then there is the language used.While Ora recommends more exercise, it emphasizes a balance of eating well and getting plenty of rest.Both apps tell me to sleep more—our Ora's words are meant to give our bodies a chance to recover, while Hop means hitting the "optimal" window for "boosting performance."Enjoy.)
Read more: A $99 free subscription to Amazfit versus the $200-year band of Whoop
Whoop vs Aura Ring: Clarity
When it comes to accuracy, these two trackers are tops – I find the Oora has the edge when it comes to sleep, but the Hoop is better if heart rate data is your main priority.A 2022 study comparing six different fitness trackers found the Hoop to be the most reliable (99 percent accurate) for measuring heart rate and heart rate variability rhythm, but the Oora Ring slightly outperformed the Hoop for sleep tracking.Research has been done on older generations of both devices, but Dr Halliday-Bell believes it remains the same.more than half an hour) and sometimes the woop took short naps.
Let's put it this way: on days when I'm struggling and need some kind encouragement, I usually open the Oura app first;when I feel like I need a little kick in the butt, I click "Whoop."
Ura ring 4
Oura Ring provides accessible feedback that doesn't make me feel guilty.I liken its gentle approach to the advice of a yoga teacher who wants to encourage you to take care of yourself, which is a stark contrast to Whoop, which offers a more no-nonsense approach.You can change the type of coaching offered in the Oura app to make it easier, but I like the compassionate approach.In terms of design, the Oura 4 Ring is unobtrusive, and the elegant aesthetic is only valuable in a formal setting.It means it doesn't look like a product.
Read more about Oura Ring 4
What you need to know
- Rahi: 7.9 mm x 2.88 mm
- Weight: 3.3g to 5.2g (depending on size)
- Battery life: 5-8 days
- Purchase required: Yes, $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year (in addition to the price of the ring, it's $349 or $499)
- Water resistance: up to 100 meters
Why we love it
- Elegant design
- Prioritize the practical.
- Interprets data, not just presents numbers
- Configure the language.
- Sleep tests recommended by a specialist
- The ring is very thick and slightly scratched
The data biohacking group is a nerd's dream and promises you to age better.It's incredibly smart in the way it uses biometric data and gives you endless charts and graphs to click through.The app provides personalized advice and guidance from an AI coach and takes a no-fuss approach to the safety track.In terms of design, it's the most comfortable wrist-based fitness tracker I've ever tried.Maybe hunting - honestly, there's nothing I could forget.
What you should know
- Pivan: 34,7mm x 24mm x 10,6mm
- Important: 27.3 years
- Battery life: 14 days or more
- Subscription required: Yes, from $149 (on sale) to $359.
- Water resistance: up to 10 meters
Why we love it
- User friendly app
- Tons of health and wellness metrics
- Can be worn in various places
- comfortable, elegant strap
- Long battery life
- The number of figures can be large
- I don't always feel sleepy
Whoop ring vs Oura: which tracker should you choose?
After testing them head-to-head, the choice between the Whoop and Oura ring comes down to three key factors: Do you want a tracker on your finger or wrist (or on Whoop-specific clothing)?Are you someone who likes to dive into specific numbers, or just want a high-level overview?And do you thrive more on tough love or a low-key approach?Either of these two premium trackers can get into the nitty-gritty of all your data, and both do a good job of getting that data right (most of the time).Whoop will appeal to those who crave all the details and a no-nonsense way of motivation, while Oura's ring will be more suitable for people who want to take a trip with some motivation.
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How was the Aura Ring and Hoop tested?
I wore both the Aura Ring and Hoop MG continuously for a month (after previous experience using both trackers separately).When testing, I took into account the following criteria:
- Health and Fitness Insights: I evaluated all the data provided by each device, including sleep statistics, steps and heart rate variability.I compared the recovery stats to my physical feel and noticed discrepancies between the reports from the two apps.I also considered how helpful the AI suggestions were in improving my sleep or energy levels.
- Usage: I noticed how easy it was to navigate the app and understand the data provided; including how it translates into actionable changes I can make.
- Comfort and design: I pay attention to how the physical device feels and looks, and whether it's something I want to use long-term.
- Battery life: Keep a close eye on battery life and how long it takes to recharge.
Why you should trust product reviews
Jennifer Heimlich has more than a decade of experience as a journalist in the health industry and has written for IndyBest about everything from the best fitness trackers to shoes to keep you on your feet all day.But most importantly, she is a trusted and knowledgeable voice when it comes to fitness gear recommendations.When she's not writing, she's a UESCA-certified running coach and leads running tours. She's personally completed several ultramarathons and over a dozen marathons, making her the perfect person to review Oura Ring and Hoop.
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