Apple Watch vs. Oura, Whoop, and Withings
Health wearables have exploded in popularity, promising better sleep, fitness, and recovery tracking. But with so many options—Apple Watch, Whoop, Withings, Oura, and Ultrahuman Rings—which one is actually worth your money?
More importantly, do these devices improve your health, or are they just expensive digital trophies?
In this breakdown, we’ll compare features, accuracy, HRV (Heart Rate Variability) and “strain” tracking, battery life, hidden costs, and privacy concerns—so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.
We have come a long way since the pedometer - which I used to buy and give to my post op surgery patients to encourage them to walk.
What Do These Devices Track?
Most modern wearables track heart rate, sleep, HRV, activity levels, and even blood oxygen and temperature. More than just steps - which they all track, but each device has its strengths:
- Apple Watch – Tracks HRV, ECG (FDA-cleared for atrial fibrillation), and fall detection. However, cellular models require a monthly subscription for full use, and it no longer tracks blood oxygen (SpO2) due to a patent dispute.
- Whoop – Focuses on recovery, strain, and sleep—but requires a costly subscription and has no screen.
- Oura Ring – A discreet ring tracking sleep stages, HRV, and body temperature.
- Withings – The only one besides Apple to be FDA-cleared for atrial fibrillation detection, with a focus on medical-grade tracking (smart scales, blood pressure monitors, and sleep mats). Unlike Apple, Withings still tracks blood oxygen (SpO2). Withings also tracks heart rate continuously during sleep, and thanks to its long battery life, it can be worn at night for weeks without interruption. No subscription required.
- Ultrahuman Ring – A newer ring with a focus on metabolic tracking and recovery.
Scientific Insight:
A 2020 Nature Digital Medicine study found that wrist-based devices overestimate activity but underestimate calories burned, while rings tend to be more reliable for sleep and HRV.
HRV and Strain: What Do These Metrics Really Mean?
What is HRV (Heart Rate Variability)?
HRV is the variation in time between heartbeats—a measure of how well your autonomic nervous system is functioning.
- Higher HRV = Better recovery, lower stress, and improved cardiovascular health.
- Lower HRV = Fatigue, overtraining, stress, or even illness.
However, HRV is highly variable based on factors like hydration, sleep, and time of day.
How Wearables Measure HRV:
- Apple Watch, Whoop, Oura, Withings, and Ultrahuman all track HRV, but accuracy depends on when and how it’s measured.
- Whoop and Oura measure HRV during deep sleep, which is considered more stable than spot-checks.
- Apple Watch and Withings measure HRV periodically throughout the day, which may be less reliable due to external...
