Whoop Under Fire: Users Frustrated Over Broken Free Upgrade Promises

Whoop recently unveiled its new Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker, but many long-time users are upset. The company had previously promised free upgrades to new hardware for members who’ve been subscribed for at least six months. However, that promise has now changed, and users looking to upgrade from the Whoop 4.0 to 5.0 will have to pay.

Unlike other fitness trackers, Whoop operates on a subscription model. Most brands charge for the device itself, while offering optional subscription features. Whoop’s approach has been to provide the hardware for “free” but require a higher annual subscription fee.

Previously, their website stated that longtime users would receive new hardware at no cost when it was released. This information has disappeared, despite being available as recently as March 28, 2023, according to the Internet Archive.

The current upgrade policy on Whoop’s official site outlines two options: users can extend their membership for another year to receive the Whoop 5.0 at no extra cost, or pay a one-time fee of $49 for the standard version or $79 for the Whoop 5.0 MG, which includes EKG sensors. A recent Reddit thread mentions that members who joined or extended in the last month can upgrade for free.

The backlash has been significant. Many users are expressing their frustration on the r/Whoop subreddit, accusing the company of misleading them. One commenter shared their disappointment, saying they chose Whoop over competitors like the Apple Watch because of the promised free upgrades.

Changes like this can often lead to customer frustration. A quick look shows that similar issues have arisen with other companies. Garmin faced backlash for suddenly introducing a paid tier to its Garmin Connect app after years of offering it for free. Similarly, Oura received criticism after announcing a subscription for its latest smart ring.

As the subscription model continues to evolve in the tech world, companies need to tread carefully. Clear communication about terms and conditions is vital in maintaining trust with customers.

For more on Whoop’s policies and other updates, check out their official support page and the discussion on Reddit.

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