Whoop Angers Longtime Users by Scrapping Free Upgrade Promises
Wondering why Whoop users are furious over hardware upgrades? Many loyal members who joined under the promise of free next-gen devices after six months are now facing unexpected costs to upgrade to the new Whoop 5.0. This abrupt change has left thousands feeling betrayed, sparking heated discussions across forums like Reddit. If you're searching for answers about Whoop's new upgrade policy, subscription model, and how it affects your fitness journey (especially if you were banking on a free upgrade), this guide breaks it all down.
Whoop officially unveiled its latest fitness tracker, the Whoop 5.0, promising advanced features like EKG sensors and enhanced health insights. However, excitement quickly turned to outrage when loyal customers discovered that free hardware upgrades—once a key selling point—are no longer guaranteed. Previously, users who maintained a six-month membership were assured of receiving new hardware without additional charges. But that promise has been quietly erased from Whoop's website, according to archival data from March 28, 2025.
Today, existing users have two choices:
Extend their membership for another 12 months and get the Whoop 5.0 "free."
Pay an upgrade fee of $49 for the standard Whoop 5.0 or $79 for the premium Whoop 5.0 MG model with EKG technology.
Only those who joined or extended their membership within the past 30 days qualify for a genuine free upgrade, adding another layer of confusion and frustration for longer-term subscribers.
Unlike competitors like the Oura Ring or Apple Watch, which involve upfront hardware purchases plus optional subscriptions, Whoop operates on an all-inclusive membership model. Members traditionally paid a higher annual fee with the understanding that hardware costs were covered.
This unique setup made Whoop attractive for health enthusiasts focused on recovery metrics, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring without worrying about device obsolescence. However, by introducing hidden fees for upgrades, Whoop risks alienating its most dedicated users and undermining the trust that fueled its brand loyalty.
The backlash has been swift and intense. The r/Whoop subreddit is packed with angry posts, with many members openly planning to cancel their subscriptions.
"One of the main reasons I chose a Whoop over an Apple Watch was the free hardware upgrades," one frustrated Redditor shared. "The cost isn’t the issue—it’s about breaking a promise."
Another user wrote:
"I was genuinely excited for the update, but this move feels like a betrayal. Canceling my membership and switching to alternatives."
The outrage highlights a common trend across the wearables market: subscription changes often result in massive customer dissatisfaction. Garmin faced a similar firestorm when it introduced a paywall for Garmin Connect, and Oura experienced a user revolt after adding subscription fees to its third-generation smart ring.
If you're a Whoop member thinking about upgrading—or considering joining—this policy shift significantly impacts the value proposition. Previously, staying subscribed ensured you'd always have the latest hardware without hidden costs, boosting Whoop’s appeal compared to devices that age poorly.
Now, the hidden fees and altered terms could make alternatives like the Apple Watch Series 9, Fitbit Charge 6, or Garmin Forerunner more appealing to new users looking for better transparency and lower long-term costs.
Additionally, if maximizing your fitness tracker’s ROI is important, it’s worth comparing the total cost of ownership across brands, especially when factoring in both hardware fees and subscription charges.
The Verge reached out to Whoop for comment on the sudden policy change but has yet to receive an official response. Many customers are demanding transparency, with some threatening to pursue class-action lawsuits for false advertising.
Until Whoop addresses the controversy, users and potential customers should proceed with caution. Always review updated membership terms closely, and weigh whether the Whoop 5.0's features—like EKG functionality, improved sleep analysis, and real-time recovery tracking—justify the additional fees.
Should You Stay or Switch?
If free hardware upgrades were a major reason you chose Whoop, it might be time to reconsider your loyalty. Other fitness brands now offer powerful health tracking features without shifting the goalposts on their customers. High-accuracy heart rate monitoring, sleep optimization, and recovery insights are no longer unique to Whoop—and brands like Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit continue to innovate aggressively.
Ultimately, whether you renew, upgrade, or switch, staying informed is your best defense against hidden costs and broken promises.
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