Whoop Sort Of Fixes Its Broken Free Upgrade Promise

This week, Whoop unveiled two new fitness wearables along with three subscription plans labeled One, Peak, and Life. However, the rollout left many loyal fans of the screen-free device feeling disappointed, as the company went back on a significant promise regarding free upgrades.

Previously, Whoop had pledged in a blog post from late last year, since removed, that “instead of purchasing new hardware each time an updated model is launched, WHOOP members would receive the next-generation device for free after being a member for six months or longer.”

What is happening?

@willahmed

It seems that your company believes in deceit. I’ve been supporting your company since 2022. In 2025, I ask myself if this is the correct decision. What happened to this “Membership Model”? “WHOOP members receive the next-generation device for free”

Are we puppets? pic.twitter.com/BkZvQjjcSa

— status (@statusIRL) May 10, 2025

After the launch of the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG wearables, subscribers found themselves being asked to pay an “upgrade fee,” stirring significant outcry across social media and forums like Reddit. Unfortunately, it seems Whoop is not fully honoring its original promise.

A spokesperson from Whoop stated to Bloomberg that “like any business, we occasionally update our commercial policies.” On May 9, the company also updated its support page to clarify the guidelines around free upgrades.

To transition from Whoop 4.0 to either the Whoop 5.0 or the MG model, users have two choices: pay an upgrade fee ($49 for Whoop 5.0 or $79 for Whoop MG) or extend their current membership for another year, with plans starting at $199 annually.

What relief is available?

For long-time subscribers with more than 12 months left on their subscriptions, a free upgrade is available, but this only applies to the mid-tier Peak subscription; it does not include the One or Life packages.

The situation has caused considerable confusion. Some users claim that they successfully received their free upgrades after contacting Whoop support, while others report receiving automated responses denying their requests. This inconsistency has led to discussions of potential consumer reports regarding misleading marketing claims by Whoop.

Given the backlash, it will be interesting to see if the situation escalates into legal trouble for the company.