Today’s wearables are putting great emphasis on health and fitness monitoring features. The Apple Watch Series 6, for instance, now comes with blood oxygen monitoring and a native sleep tracking up. This is on top of the ECG monitoring that Apple pioneered for a consumer device. Meanwhile, the WHOOP Strap 3.0 continues to build on its impressive data collection and accuracy. The fitness tracker is already a staple on the wrists of fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes. But given their different approach to design and activity tracking, which device should you buy? Read our comparison below to find out.
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Apple Watch Series 6 vs WHOOP Comparison Chart
Model | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
![]() | ![]() | |
Price | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at WHOOP |
Display | Always-on retina display | No |
Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | One size only |
Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 30.5 meters |
Heart Rate Variability | Yes | Yes |
Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Blood Oxygen Level | Yes | No |
Swim Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Menstrual Cycle Tracking | Yes | No |
Automatic Workout Tracking | Yes | Yes |
ECG Monitor | Yes | No |
Altimeter | Yes | No |
GPS | Built-in | Via connect smartphone |
Compatibility | iOS | iOS, Android |
Compatible Fitness Service | Apple Fitness+ | |
Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 5 days |
Design
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a premium-looking smartwatch, while the

The Apple Watch Series 6 boasts a large, touchscreen Retina display encased in either aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. Those who want to customize their Apple Watch can then choose from several color finishes and watch bands. Customers can also purchase a co-branded Apple Watch Nike or an Apple Watch HermΓ¨s. Like previous iterations, the Apple Watch Series 6 is available in two sizes β 40mm and 44mm.
Meanwhile, the

Just like the Apple Watch Series 6, the
Apple’s standard silicone bands are sweat- and swim-proof, too, but not as breathable. If you need a durable band for workouts, the Nike bands are much better. However, the
Fitness and Activity Tracking
The

Apple’s smartwatch lineup, including the Apple Watch Series 6, is largely anchored on the Activity app. This feature visualizes activities as rings and displays fitness metrics and trends. Some of the data you can monitor and record include calories burned, flights climbed, and steps walked. With the rings, you also get a summary of your progress vis-Γ -vis the fitness goals you set.
Similar to previous models, the Apple Watch Series 6 comes pre-loaded with workouts you can monitor. If you forget to start tracking a workout, you will be alerted by the watch’s auto-detect feature. The Watch 6 can also track four new activities: Functional Strength Training, Dance, Core Training, and Cool Down. These new features come along with the watchOS 7.
Where the
Strain measures how much time you’ve spent in a heart rate zone. This can be based on your workouts or daily activities. Meanwhile, Recovery measures how much Strain you can take in the day. The target Strain value is based on your sleep and heart rate variability, as well as data of your past activities.
Health Features
Apple’s smartwatch has more advanced health monitoring tools compared to

Monitoring one’s heart rate is a key component of today’s wearable tech. It comes as no surprise then that the Apple Watch Series 6 and
The same can be said with the Apple Watch Series 6. Consistent heart rate readings still depend on several factors. This means the accuracy level can vary from one person to another. Even the way your wear the watch will impact how well your heart rate is monitored.
Where Apple’s smartwatch does have an edge is outside of heart rate monitoring. The Apple Watch Series 6, for example, boasts a sensor for blood oxygen monitoring. There is also an electric heart sensor β introduced back with the Series 4 β for the ECG app. Apple’s newest wearable also features the lineup’s first native sleep tracking app. This extends the device’s list of capabilities, which already includes fall detection, noise monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking.
Smart Features and Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a more complete device but doesn’t have the simplicity and battery life of the

There’s no doubt that Apple Watch Series 6 has an advantage when it comes to smart features. It is a smartwatch after all. Some of the things you can do with Apple’s wearable include reading smartphone notifications from the watch itself. You can respond to text messages and, if you get the cellular model, even answer calls. Of course, the Apple Watch Series 6 also supports contactless payments, courtesy of Apple Pay. The watch also comes with a built-in GPS.
When you have a large display like on the Apple Watch, it would be a mistake not to make the most of it. Through the watchOS 7, users enjoy a range of customization features, including countless watch faces and complications. Apple’s latest OS also gives access to an unmatched number of apps for a wearable.
Now the
Click here to read our Fitbit vs WHOOP comparison.
Subscription and Compatibility
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a one-time purchase, whereas the

Getting an Apple Watch is pretty simple. You can purchase it as a standalone device or bundled with an iPhone, courtesy of network providers.
This subscription model might turn off potential customers who aren’t too keen on spending monthly on a screenless device. However, if you want to try it out first, you can opt for a six-month commitment instead of an annual plan. This half-year subscription will cost you $30 per month.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 6’s downside is that it’s only compatible with iOS. It’s all part of Apple’s seamless ecosystem. For iPhone users, it’s well and great. Those who own an Android phone, however, will have to look somewhere else. Luckily, the
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is an all-in-one device specially made for iOS users. Meanwhile, the
Choosing between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the
This is where the WHOOP Strap 3.0 finds its place. Fitness enthusiasts and pro athletes will benefit from this device the most.
FAQs
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a feature-packed smartwatch, while the
The ECG app of the Apple Watch has been given clearance by the FDA. An FDA clearance, however, is not the same as an approval.
The