As technology grows more complex, there’s increasing competition to make that tech feel less like a gadget. The smartwatch segment is a clear example of that, as screenless wearables like Whoop have become more popular.
Now, Polar aims to carve out a piece of the marketplace. Long known for its sports computers and heart rate monitors — since the 1970s — Polar has gradually built the infrastructure for its own wearable device focused on health metrics and athletic performance.
After last year’s release of the Polar 360, a B2B product focused on healthcare professionals, the Finnish brand just launched a consumer version of the wearable. With a bigger battery and a non-plastic coating, the new Polar Loop offers many similar features as the Whoop or the Helio Strap. Usually worn on the wrist or bicep, the Polar Loop collects health data for later viewing on the accompanying app.
With a cheaper device and no subscription required to use the app, it’s competitively priced compared to Whoop. But only time and testing will tell if the Polar Loop’s functionality is good enough to justify the savings.
Polar Loop: The Details
Unlike smartwatches from Apple or Garmin, the Polar Loop aims for a screenless experience. The Loop is a wearable meant to remain on the body 24/7. It tracks physical activity, sleep, and many other health metrics — without any buttons to press or screens to scroll.
Primary functions include heart rate monitoring, inactivity alerts, step tracking, distance traveled, calories burned, and total time being active.
There are also multiple ways to log workouts. It’s possible to start a specific training session through the Polar Flow app, or allow the automatic detection to record the workout. And there are advanced options available in the app, like route recording for runners and cyclists, voice guidance, or premade training targets.
It also aims to help with sleep tracking, including quality and duration. The wearable comes with a soft textile band paired with a slim buckle.
“The sensor is comfortable enough for sleep and slim enough to share space with a traditional watch,” the brand said in a release.
Polar Loop’s battery will last for 8 days of continuous use, and its memory can store up to 4 weeks of data at a time.
Polar Loop: Specs
- Colors: Greige Sand, Night Black, Brown Copper
- Size: 42 x 27 x 9 mm
- Weight: 29 g total (19.5 g without wristband / 9.5 g wristband)
- Water resistance: 30 m
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
- Charging: USB-C, rechargeable battery
- Battery life: Up to 8 days standard use
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
Comparison to the Competition
As Polar mentions several times in its press release, the wearable’s functionality and app are available from Day 1 — without paying for a subscription. That’s clearly a message aimed at Whoop, which requires a paid subscription (ranging from $200 to $360 a year) to access data from the wearable through its app. That’s after buying the actual device for around $230.
At the moment, the Whoop Band 4.0 is rated GearJunkie’s Best Recovery Wearable. It also received a glowing review from GearJunkie contributor Seiji Ishii, who said it helped him “discover seemingly minor actions that affect my day-to-day recovery.”
Ultimately, Polar Loop’s ability to compete with Whoop will depend largely on how well its app works. The same goes when comparing it to Amazfit’s Helio Strap, which offers many of the same functions as the Polar Loop or Whoop for the low price of $100 and also does not require a subscription.
Availability and Purchase Options
Released on September 3, the Polar Loop is now available for preorder for $200. Shipments will begin on September 10.
Unlike the Helio Strap or Whoop, the Polar Loop also offers several different band options right at release. The textile band comes in colors including Greige Sand, Night Black, and Brown Copper. Additional bands are available for $30 each, and even more color options become available depending on the country of purchase.
“Interchangeable bands let wearers switch from muted neutrals to bold pops of color without swapping devices,” Polar said. “Its versatile design makes Polar Loop an ideal companion for any occasion.”
So, while we don’t yet know if the Polar Loop’s tech will live up to the hype, at least you can count on looking good.
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