Wearable VO₂ Test: How Calibre Delivers Lab-Grade Accuracy

When it comes to wearable metabolic testing, accuracy is everything. In this real-world comparison, a team of coaches and athletes put Calibre side by side with an established metabolic device, and the results were eye-opening.

Watch the full video to see the testing in action.
 

Putting Calibre to the Test — Literally

To evaluate Calibre’s performance in real-life conditions, a small team of coaches and athletes ran a five-minute treadmill test at a consistent 5K pace. Three participants — each with different body weights and running speeds — completed the same protocol while oxygen consumption was measured using Calibre and a commonly used established device.

Each runner's predicted VO₂ was calculated using pace, weight, and standard equations. Calibre’s measurements aligned closely with those predictions across the board. The two male testers measured just over 3.0 L/min, while the lighter female tester landed just above 2.0 L/min — precisely what would be expected for that workload.
 

Stability from the Start

What stood out during testing was the smoothness and consistency of Calibre’s VO₂ readings. Even from the first few strides, Calibre provided clean, reliable data without erratic spikes, making it easier to interpret short tests and track true physiological trends.

Lightweight, Wearable, and Made for Movement

Calibre’s design was purpose-built for free movement and real training — not just lab settings:

- No wires or backpacks
- Bluetooth connection
- 30-second calibration process
- Secure, lightweight facepiece

Testers noted that it felt natural even during runs, pushes, and compound movement workouts — unlocking the potential for testing in more diverse environments.
 

App Experience: Seamless Setup, Instant Feedback

The Calibre app impressed testers with its simplicity. Connection to heart rate monitors was automatic. Data streamed live to their devices. And starting a test required nothing more than a tap.

While some deeper metrics like VCO₂ aren’t yet visualized in the app, the sensors are already capturing them in the background, and those logs are accessible for deeper analysis. Even better: live visualization of these metrics is on the product roadmap.
 

Built for Versatility — From Treadmills to Hyrox

Calibre isn’t limited to steady-state cardio. One participant shared plans to use it in a full Hyrox simulation — combining running, sled pushes, and more. With 3+ hours of battery life and a fully wearable form factor, Calibre is uniquely positioned to handle full-spectrum workouts.
 

Affordability Without Compromise

Perhaps most surprising was the cost-to-performance ratio. With a price tag of $499, Calibre provides results comparable to — and in some cases more consistent than — devices costing over $10,000.

For athletes, this means regular metabolic feedback. For coaches, it means scalable team testing. For wellness users, it means access to gold-standard insights without lab appointments.
 

Designed for the Future of Health and Performance

Calibre isn’t just accurate — it’s evolving. With software updates in progress and a user-first design approach, it continues to push what’s possible in personal metabolic testing.

Whether your focus is VO₂ max, fat oxidation, or aerobic efficiency, Calibre brings lab-level accuracy to your training environment: reliably, affordably, and on your schedule.