Noom markets itself as a psychology-based weight loss app that helps you build better habits. But is it worth the relatively steep price tag?
While some users swear by it, others have taken to Reddit, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and review sites to share their frustrations. Here are the top five complaints from real users who think Noom might not be worth your hard-earned cash.
1. Surprise Charges & Difficult Cancellations
The most common complaint about Noom is their billing practices and cancellation policy. Users report being charged for subscriptions they thought they had canceled, often without any warning. Some have even faced challenges getting refunds for services they didn’t use.
“I canceled my Noom subscription but got charged anyway. They refused to give a refund and wouldn’t let me speak to anyone higher up.”
— Bad BBB Review bbb.org
Ouch, and this questionable billing seems to be a big problem. In fact, Noom settled a $62 million lawsuit over these billing issues, suggesting that these aren’t isolated incidents. en.wikipedia.org
2. Unresponsive Customer Service
Many users have expressed frustration with Noom’s customer support, describing it as unhelpful and difficult to reach. Some report receiving automated responses or being unable to speak with a real person to resolve their issues.
“Noom has zero customer service. They keep emailing the same tired responses, and nothing changes.”
— BBB Review bbb.org
This lack of effective support can be especially frustrating when dealing with billing problems or technical issues with the app.en.wikipedia.org
3. Questionable Coaching Quality
Noom promotes its coaching feature as a key part of its program, but some users feel the coaching lacks depth and personalization. Reports suggest that coaches often provide generic advice and may not have the qualifications users expect.
“Their coaches are mostly automated responses, not real coaching.”
— Reddit User reddit.com
This has led some users to question the value of the coaching component, especially given the program’s cost.
4. Inaccurate Food Database
Accurate food tracking is crucial for weight loss apps, but Noom’s food database has been criticized for inaccuracies and missing items. Users have reported that the database lacks many common foods and that the calorie counts can be off.
“The food database is very inaccurate and limited. Lose It! is much easier to use.”
— Reddit User reddit.com
These issues can undermine users’ confidence in the app’s ability to help them track their nutrition effectively.
5. Limited Value Compared to Free Alternatives
Some users feel that Noom doesn’t offer enough unique value to justify its cost, especially when free apps provide similar features. They argue that the app’s content and tools can be found elsewhere without the hefty price tag.
“I found Noom to be a complete waste of time and money and would strongly urge users to consider different platforms.”
— Reddit User reddit.com
For those on a budget, exploring free or lower-cost alternatives might be a more practical choice.
Final Thoughts
While Noom has helped some users achieve their weight loss goals, these common complaints suggest that it’s not the right fit for everyone. Before committing to a subscription, it’s important to research and consider whether the app’s features align with your needs and expectations.
If you’re looking for alternatives, free apps like WeightWatchers, MyFitnessPal, or Lose It! offer food-tracking and goal-setting tools that many users find effective.
Remember, the best weight loss program is one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.