Whoop news
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The gist
Whoop faces new rivals like Garmin Cirqa and Luna Band. Subscription model under pressure as competitors offer no-fee alternatives.
Background
Whoop, known for its screenless fitness tracker, operates on a subscription model where users pay annually (starting at $199/year) and never own the band. Recently, competitors like Garmin's Cirqa and Luna Band have launched products that undercut Whoop's pricing by offering no subscription fees, challenging its market position. This trend highlights a shift in the wearables industry toward more affordable, ownership-based alternatives.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026Luna Band launches globally to rival Fitbit Air, offering WHOOP-style coaching for $175 with no subscription.
- Sep 7, 2026Tech Advisor publishes a review of Garmin Cirqa Smart Band, calling it a 'true Whoop killer' and noting it costs about as much as a single year of Whoop access.
- Sep 8, 2026Gadgets & Wearables reports on WHOOP's muscle oxygen patent, indicating potential future sensor capabilities.
- Sep 8, 2026MemeBurn publishes a comparison of Whoop vs Oura Ring 5, highlighting that both companies are now selling subscriptions rather than just trackers.
Who’s saying what
- Tech Advisor
- Garmin Cirqa undercuts Whoop by costing about as much as a single year of Whoop access, making it a strong alternative.
- Techlicious
- Luna Band offers WHOOP-style coaching for $175 flat, providing a budget alternative to Whoop's recurring subscription.
- Techlicious
- I'm not sure the machine learning can adapt as much as the marketing suggests; I'll hold judgment until I've worn one.
Still unverified
WHOOP's muscle oxygen patent is based on a patent filing and has not been confirmed as a product feature.