We may earn a commission from links on this page.Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source.When Whoop launched its 5.0 and MG ("medical grade") devices in May of 2025, the company also introduced pricing tiers. There are now three levels of membership to go along with the two current hardware devices. I'll explain what they are, and how to decide which one makes the most sense for you. Whoop is the screenless fitness tracker that earned four stars in my review of the 4.0 model for its integrated fitness and recovery tracking and its handling of strength training. It’s only available by subscription, with the hardware being sort of a bonus that comes with membership. (That said, if you're interested in a screenless wristband that doesn't have the subscription-worthy software, the Amazfit Helio strap is a strong alternative. I have a comparison of the two here.)What’s in the Whoop 5.0 versus the MGWhoop's 5.0 device is the current one that comes along with the budget and middle-of-the-road memberships. If you remember the older Whoop 4.0, it's very similar (but a smidge smaller and has more than double the battery life). The 5.0 is the device you get with One ($199/year) and Peak ($239/year) memberships.The MG is the "medical grade" version of the hardware. It's the same size and shape as the 5.0, with the same sensors, except that it has a metal clasp so it can take ECG readings. (When you take ECG readings, you touch the clasp with one hand while wearing the device on your other wrist, much like the Apple Watch and other ECG-capable wearables.) The MG comes with the $359/year Life membership.Both devices charge with a wireless power pack; you charge the power pack over USB-C at your convenience, and then when you want to top up your Whoop's battery, you slide the pack onto the Whoop as you're wearing it. Only members of the Peak and Life tiers get the wireless power pack; the lowest tier membership comes with a wired charger. What you get with each of the three membership tiersThe three new membership tiers are One ($199/year), Peak ($239/year), and Life ($359/year). One is a stripped-down membership, Peak is similar to what Whoop users have right now, and Life is a new offering with extra health features. Here’s the breakdown: Whoop One ($199/year)One is the budget membership. You get a wired charger instead of the wireless power pack, and a “CoreKnit” band, which seems to be a new material that isn’t as nice as the SuperKnit bands offered with the higher tiers.If you downgrade to this level, you’ll lose a few features that Whoop members currently all get: the Health Monitor (with its readings of HRV, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, and skin temperature) and the Stress Monitor, which tells you in real time how much stress you seem to be under.Whoop Peak ($239/year)Peak is the most similar to the single subscription level that was offered with the 4.0, both in price and features. If your subscription renews without you choosing a tier, you’ll end up on Peak. You’ll also get the Healthspan feature that tells you your “Whoop age” and your “pace of aging,” and gives recommendations to improve those metrics. Whoop Life ($359/year)Life is the top tier membership, and comes with the MG rather than 5.0 hardware. It includes everything in Peak, including the Healthspan feature. With the MG you can take ECG readings, and this tier also has a feature that claims to estimate your blood pressure. You’ll need to calibrate it with readings from a blood pressure cuff to start using it. This is controversial, since the FDA has told Whoop the feature is illegal, but it remains available in the app for now.What if I have an older device? Whoop memberships still work with the old 4.0 device, and members with a 4.0 still get access to everything the Peak membership offers, including the Healthspan feature. If your membership renews without you choosing a tier, you’ll be rolled into the Peak membership. If you don't already own a Whoop device, don't bother getting a 4.0. Sometimes people will try to sell or give away used versions as if they're doing you a favor by giving you a discount. There's nothing wrong with using a 4.0 if you'd like to keep another device out of the landfill, but it won't save you any money personally. To use a Whoop device is to pay Whoop for a membership, and you get a 5.0 (or MG) device free when you start or renew a membership.