If you’re a fan of the fitness tracker Whoop, you’ve likely noticed the buzz-and not the good kind-around its latest upgrade policy.
Once celebrated for its commitment to free hardware upgrades, Whoop now finds itself at the center of a heated debate, with many loyal users voicing frustration and disappointment over what they see as a broken promise.
Whoop has always stood out in the crowded fitness tracker market by offering a unique subscription model.
Instead of charging upfront for the device, Whoop bundled the hardware with a premium membership, promising users that as long as they stayed subscribed (previously for at least six months), they’d receive free hardware upgrades.
This approach fostered a loyal community, with many users seeing Whoop as a long-term partner in their health journey.
The Fitness Tracker Whoop Policy Change
The controversy erupted with the launch of Whoop 5.0, the company’s most advanced tracker to date.
Unlike previous upgrades, existing users were told they’d need to either extend their subscription by 12 months or pay an upgrade fee-$49 for the standard model, $79 for the new EKG-equipped MG version.
This marked a stark departure from the free upgrade policy many users had come to expect.
To make matters worse, Whoop’s own website had, until recently, stated that members with six months of active subscription would receive free upgrades.
The abrupt change left many feeling blindsided, especially as some users had just missed the new eligibility cutoff by a month or two.
Whoop’s Response: Backpedaling and Clarification
Facing a wave of backlash-especially on social media and the r/Whoop subreddit-Whoop quickly moved to address the uproar.
The company posted a clarification, stating that anyone with more than 12 months left on their subscription would now be eligible for a free upgrade to Whoop 5.0 (or a refund if they’d already paid).
Those with less than 12 months could still upgrade, but only by extending their subscription or paying the fee.
Whoop also acknowledged that a previous blog post had incorrectly promised free upgrades after just six months of membership, calling it a mistake.
The company attributed the confusion to its transition from shorter-term (monthly or six-month) plans to exclusively offering 12- and 24-month subscriptions.
The Whoop community’s response has been mixed. Some users, particularly those who now qualify for a free upgrade, see the change as a “win for the community” and a sign that customer feedback can drive real change.
Others remain skeptical, pointing out that the policy had been clearly stated on Whoop’s website for years and that removing it after public backlash doesn’t erase the broken trust.
What’s new in Whoop 5.0?
Despite the controversy, Whoop 5.0 brings several notable improvements:
- Smaller, lighter design: 7% smaller than the 4.0 model.
- Longer battery life: up to 14 days-triple the previous model’s battery life.
- New sensors: enhanced accelerometer, gyroscope, and (in the MG model) EKG for heart rhythm monitoring.
- Subscription tiers: Three new membership levels-One ($199/year), Peak ($239/year), and Life ($359/year)-each unlocking different features and hardware options.
| Feature | Whoop 4.0 | Whoop 5.0 | Whoop MG (Life Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 4-5 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Size | Standard | 7% smaller | 7% smaller |
| EKG/Blood Pressure | No | No | Yes |
| Upgrade Policy (2025) | Free (6+ months) | Free (12+ months) | Free (12+ months) |
| Subscription Tiers | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Upgrade Fee (if ineligible) | N/A | $49 | $79 |
As someone who has tracked health metrics with Whoop since the 3.0 days, I’ve always appreciated the brand’s focus on continuous improvement and community engagement.
But this episode highlights a crucial lesson for any subscription-based business: trust is hard-won and easily lost.
When a company builds its reputation on promises-especially around something as personal as health-clarity and consistency are non-negotiable.
What Should Current and Prospective Whoop Users Do?
- Check your subscription status: If you have more than 12 months left, you’re eligible for a free upgrade to Whoop 5.0.
- Consider your needs: The new features are compelling, but weigh them against the cost and your satisfaction with your current device.
- Voice your feedback: This episode shows that customer voices matter. If you feel strongly, share your experience on platforms like Reddit or contact Whoop support directly.
- Explore alternatives: If the policy change has shaken your confidence, it may be worth looking at other fitness trackers that offer more transparent upgrade paths.
Final words
The fitness tracker Whoop has weathered a storm of customer dissatisfaction over its upgrade policy, but its willingness to adjust in response to feedback is a positive sign.
Still, the episode serves as a reminder: in the world of wearables, transparency and trust are just as important as cutting-edge features.
