Whoop Faces User Backlash Over Upgrade Policy Change Amidst Whoop 5.0 Launch
Whoop, known for its screen-less fitness trackers and subscription-based model, is facing a wave of user discontent following the launch of its new Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker. The controversy stems from a change in the company's upgrade policy, leaving many long-term subscribers feeling betrayed.
Previously, Whoop promised free hardware upgrades to members who had maintained their subscriptions for at least six months. This promise, once prominently displayed on their website, has since been removed. Now, users wanting to upgrade from the Whoop 4.0 to the 5.0 are faced with two options: extend their membership by another 12 months to receive the new hardware "at no extra cost," or pay a one-time upgrade fee of $49 for the standard version or $79 for the MG (medical grade) version, which includes EKG sensors.
The reaction from the Whoop community has been swift and negative. The r/Whoop subreddit is filled with angry users accusing the company of misleading them.
"One of the main reasons I chose a Whoop over an Apple Watch was due to the free hardware upgrades," one Redditor wrote, highlighting the perceived bait-and-switch tactic. Others echoed this sentiment, stating that the change in policy has led them to reconsider their subscription.
This backlash comes at the same time Whoop launches its new Whoop 5.0 and the higher-end Whoop MG, featuring a more compact design, improved battery life (up to 14 days), and, for the MG version, blood pressure tracking and FDA-cleared EKGs to detect atrial fibrillation and irregular heart rhythms. The devices also offer improvements to sleep tracking, women's health features, Vo2 max measurement, and a new longevity metric called Healthspan.
Whoop is also introducing a tiered subscription model, ranging from Whoop One at $199 annually to Whoop Life at $359 annually, with varying feature sets. This restructuring aims to broaden its appeal beyond hardcore athletes, facing increasing competition from smart rings and multi-functional smartwatches.
This situation mirrors similar controversies faced by other fitness tech companies like Garmin and Oura, who also angered customers by introducing new subscriptions or paywalls. It highlights the delicate balance between maintaining a sustainable business model and retaining customer loyalty.
Will Whoop address the concerns of its user base and potentially revisit its upgrade policy? Or will the negative publicity overshadow the advancements of the Whoop 5.0? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
