⚡ Independent review based on published specifications and manufacturer information
Hexoskin makes smart garments with sensors built into the fabric, while Whoop makes a screenless wrist-worn tracker that you use through a phone app and a paid membership. Both aim to give you recovery and sleep data, but they work in very different ways.
This page is based on what each company publishes, not on hands-on testing, and the title wording is a holdover from an earlier version that is flagged for the site owner to review. Specifications, prices and membership terms change, so check each manufacturer’s current site before you buy.
Quick Verdict
| Best For | Readers deciding between a sensor garment and a wrist-worn recovery tracker |
| Avoid If | You want a verified head-to-head accuracy result, which this page does not provide |
| Price | Varies by model and membership. Check each manufacturer’s current pricing |
| Medical use | Neither is a substitute for medical advice. Speak to a GP about any health concern |
Table of Contents
- What Is Hexoskin?
- Key Features
- How Hexoskin Compares with Whoop
- Pros and Cons
- Pricing
- Who Is It Best For?
- Our Verdict
What Is Hexoskin?
Hexoskin is a Canadian company that makes smart garments with textile sensors. Its site describes them as measuring cardiac, respiratory, activity and sleep data, including a one-lead ECG and heart rate variability, which you view in the Hexoskin platform and apps. It also sells garments aimed at research and professional use.
Hexoskin states that its garments have been used in over 300 scientific publications. That is the company’s own statement, and it does not mean any individual measurement is accurate for your use, so treat it as a claim to check against the published literature.
Key Features
Garment-Based Sensors
Hexoskin builds its sensors into a washable garment rather than a wrist strap. Check Hexoskin’s sizing and care pages for how the garment and recording device are used.
Cardiac and Respiratory Data
Hexoskin lists cardiac and respiratory monitoring, which wrist trackers do not normally offer. Which metrics you get depends on the garment and platform plan.
Whoop for Comparison
Whoop is a screenless wearable focused on recovery, strain and sleep, delivered through an app and membership. See our Whoop 5.0 review and our Whoop review for what it offers.
How Hexoskin Compares with Whoop
- Form: Hexoskin is a garment with a recording device. Whoop is a wearable you wear on the wrist or in compatible garments.
- Data focus: Hexoskin lists ECG, heart rate variability, respiration, activity and sleep. Whoop focuses on recovery, strain and sleep scores from its own algorithm.
- Cost model: Whoop is sold through membership tiers. Check Hexoskin’s current shop for garment, device and platform costs.
We have not published a numeric comparison table, because that would imply measurements this page does not have. Compare the current manufacturer pages for the models you are considering.
Pros and Cons
Hexoskin Pros
- Sensors built into a garment, with cardiac, respiratory, activity and sleep metrics listed
- Aimed at research and professional use as well as sport
Hexoskin Cons
- A garment is less discreet than a wrist tracker
- Costs and platform terms need checking with Hexoskin
- Not a consumer smartwatch, so features such as notifications are not the point
Whoop
- Screenless, app-based and membership-based, with a recovery and sleep focus
- Scores come from a proprietary algorithm and are not medical advice
Pricing
Hexoskin sells garments and recording devices, and its platform may have separate terms. Whoop is sold through membership tiers. Both change prices and bundles, and earlier price figures on this page could not be verified, so they have been removed. Check both companies’ current UK pricing and work out the cost over one and two years before deciding.
Check Current Pricing at Hexoskin →
Who Is It Best For?
Hexoskin May Suit:
- Athletes and researchers who want cardiac and respiratory data from a garment.
- Coaches who want to export and analyse data, subject to Hexoskin’s platform terms.
Whoop May Suit:
- People who want a screenless tracker and are comfortable with a membership.
Neither Is Ideal If:
- You want medical-grade diagnosis. Speak to a GP instead.
Our Verdict
This page does not name a winner, because no testing was carried out. Hexoskin is a sensor garment aimed at detailed cardiac and respiratory monitoring, and Whoop is a screenless recovery tracker. Choose based on what you want to measure, how you want to wear it and the total cost over time.
This page has no score for the same reason.
Related: WHOOP 5.0 membership cost – what to check before you sign up
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hexoskin accurate enough for medical use?
Hexoskin describes its garments as clinically validated wearables and says they have been used in over 300 scientific publications. Neither Hexoskin nor Whoop is a substitute for medical advice, so speak to a GP about any health concern.
How does Hexoskin differ from Whoop?
Hexoskin is a garment with built-in sensors and a recording device. Whoop is a screenless wearable used through an app and a membership. Their data and cost models differ, so compare the current manufacturer pages.
Can you wash a Hexoskin shirt?
Hexoskin describes its garments as comfortable and washable. Follow the care instructions on the product and remove any recording device first.
Does Hexoskin need a subscription?
Check Hexoskin’s current platform and shop pages for plan terms, because they can change. This page does not state a price.
Related Reading
- Whoop Band 5.0 Review: Worth the Subscription Cost?: the Whoop side of this comparison
- Whoop Review: Is the Fitness Tracker Worth It?: our wider Whoop review
- FORM Smart Swimming Goggles Review: another piece of wearable sports tech
Sources: Hexoskin: manufacturer site
Related: Hexoskin Smart Shirt – What Hexoskin says its smart shirt measures, and how it differs from a chest strap.