Whoop Reverses Course Amid User Backlash

In an unexpected move, Whoop has announced that current subscribers with over a year left on their membership will now receive the latest wearables at no additional cost. This decision comes on the heels of significant backlash from users after the company initially imposed a $49 upgrade fee, contradicting an earlier promise made in a now-deleted blog post about free upgrades.

Users took to social media, particularly Reddit, expressing their frustration and disappointment. The community had anticipated receiving new bands at no extra charge during their subscription period, and Whoop's reversal is a direct response to that outrage.

A Closer Look at Whoop's Subscription Model

A spokesperson for Whoop explained, "Like any company, we from time to time update our commercial policies." Despite that, the company has also introduced a new budget-friendly subscription plan at $199 (£169 / AU$299) per year, poised to attract more users.

Whoop now offers three tiers of subscriptions: Whoop One ($199), Whoop Peak ($239 / £229 / AU$419), and Whoop Life ($359 / £349 / AU$629). The most premium option includes the Whoop MG (Medical Grade) band, while the basic option provides access to the Whoop 5.0.

Exciting New Features in the Latest Devices

The 2025 devices boast impressive new features such as ECG readings and blood pressure estimates, along with an incredible 14-day battery life on their screen-less models. However, existing users with the Whoop 4.0 might feel pressure to upgrade, as they won't have access to some of these cutting-edge functionalities, including women's health tracking and physiological age estimates.

The Growing Trend of Subscription Services

This shift by Whoop reflects a broader trend within the fitness industry of placing features behind paywalls to maximize revenue from users. Much like the worlds of music and movies, you often find yourself needing to pay consistently to enjoy the latest offerings.

Overall, Whoop's decision may provide some immediate relief to its loyal user base, but it also highlights ongoing tensions in the evolving landscape of subscription-based fitness technology.