Noom is a popular weight-loss app that combines food tracking, daily psychology-based lessons, coaching, and habit-building tools. Unlike traditional diets, it focuses on changing the way you think about food and exercise rather than just restricting calories. Many people join because they want a more mindful, long-term approach to weight management.
The program promises sustainable results by addressing the behavioral and emotional reasons behind eating habits. Users get personalized calorie budgets, color-coded food logging (green, yellow, orange), group support, and one-on-one coaching from real people. This structure feels different from basic calorie-counting apps.
But the biggest question most people have before signing up is simple:
Is Noom actually worth the money?
This article takes an honest, balanced look at whether the program delivers real value for the price, who benefits most, and what you should realistically expect.
How Noom Pricing Actually Works
Noom uses a subscription model with different plan lengths. The longer you commit upfront, the lower the average monthly cost becomes.
Current typical pricing structure (before any discounts):
- 1 month → around $70
- 4 months → $169 total (~$42/month)
- 6 months → $209 total (~$35/month)
- 12 months → $299–$359 total (~$25–$30/month)
After the initial commitment ends, the plan automatically switches to month-to-month billing at the highest rate (~$60–$70/month) unless you cancel.
Most people who complete the program and see results choose at least the 6-month plan.
Why Longer Plans Are Cheaper Per Month
Noom heavily incentivizes longer commitments because they know habit change takes time.
The 12-month plan is usually marketed as the “best value.”
Paying the full amount upfront is required for the longest discounts.
What You Actually Get for the Money
Every paid plan includes:
- Daily psychology-based lessons (very short, 5–10 minutes)
- Personalized daily calorie budget
- Food logging with green/yellow/orange color system
- One-on-one coaching (human coach, not AI)
- Group support through in-app communities
- Step tracking, water logging, and exercise integration
- Weekly weigh-ins and progress charts
The coaching quality varies greatly depending on your assigned coach. Some users report excellent, responsive, and motivating coaches. Others feel their coach is distant or gives very generic advice.
The psychology lessons are generally considered the strongest part of the program.
Comparison: Noom vs Other Popular Weight-Loss Programs
| Program | Monthly Cost (average) | Coaching Included? | Food Tracking Style | Main Psychology Focus? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noom | $25–$70 | Yes (1-on-1) | Color system + calories | Very strong | People who want mindset + coaching |
| WeightWatchers | $20–$45 | Group + optional | Points system | Moderate | People who like points & community |
| MyFitnessPal + coaching | $10–$50 | Optional add-on | Calorie counting | Weak | Budget-conscious trackers |
| Free tracking apps | $0 | No | Calorie counting | None | Self-motivated people |
This table shows where Noom sits in the market.
It’s more expensive than basic tracking but cheaper than many personal nutritionists.
Real Pros and Cons of Noom
Real Advantages People Frequently Mention
- The daily lessons are actually interesting and short
- The color system helps many people reframe food choices without feeling deprived
- Having a real human coach creates accountability
- The group chats can be surprisingly motivating
- Many people lose 10–50+ pounds and keep most of it off long-term
Common Complaints & Downsides
- Some coaches are very hands-off or give generic replies
- The calorie budget can feel too low for very active people
- Logging every bite becomes tiring after several months
- The program is expensive if you don’t finish it or don’t like the style
- Some people regain weight after canceling
The program works best for people who actually enjoy the psychology lessons and respond well to gentle daily nudges.
Who Usually Gets the Best Results With Noom
People who succeed long-term on Noom tend to share these traits:
- They actually read and reflect on the daily lessons
- They’re okay with tracking food for at least 4–6 months
- They respond well to gentle, non-judgmental coaching
- They’re looking for gradual, sustainable change (not crash dieting)
- They’re willing to spend money on a structured program
Noom is usually not the best fit for people who:
- Want extremely fast results
- Hate food logging
- Prefer very structured meal plans
- Have a very low budget
- Need intensive medical supervision for health conditions
Realistic Results People Actually Get
Average weight loss reported by users who finish at least 6 months is typically 5–15% of starting body weight.
Some people lose 30–80+ pounds when they stay consistent for 12+ months.
The most consistent finding across thousands of user reviews:
The people who get the best results are the ones who actually do the daily lessons and stay in regular contact with their coach.
Many people lose 10–30 pounds in the first 4–6 months and then continue to lose slowly or maintain for a long time afterward.
Is Noom Really Worth the Monthly Cost?
It depends very much on your personality and learning style.
Noom is usually worth it if:
- You need external accountability
- You like psychology-based explanations
- You’re okay spending $30–$50/month for 6–12 months
- You want gradual, sustainable habit change
Noom is probably not worth it if:
- You already know the basics of calories and just need tracking
- You hate food logging
- You want very fast results
- $30–$50/month feels like too much for an app
Many people who quit early say “it wasn’t worth it.”
Many people who finish 6–12 months say “it was the best money I ever spent on myself.”
Conclusion
Noom costs between $25 and $70 per month depending on the plan length you choose, with the 6- and 12-month options giving the best average monthly value. The program is most worth the money for people who respond well to psychology-based daily lessons, enjoy having a real coach, and are looking for gradual, sustainable habit change rather than fast crash dieting. Thousands of users lose significant weight and keep it off long-term, but success heavily depends on actually doing the daily work and staying consistent for several months. Whether Noom is worth it for you comes down to your budget, learning style, and willingness to engage with the program’s behavioral approach. This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any weight management program to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health situation.
FAQ
How much does Noom cost per month on average?
Most people pay $30–$50 per month when choosing a 6- or 12-month plan. Shorter plans cost $60–$70/month. Longer commitments give the lowest monthly rate.
Is there a free trial for Noom?
Yes — Noom offers a short free trial (usually 7–14 days). You get access to some lessons and basic tracking. You must enter payment info to start, and it auto-converts to paid unless canceled.
Does Noom give you a real coach?
Yes — every paid member gets a personal coach (human, not AI). Coaching quality varies a lot depending on the individual coach you’re assigned. Some are excellent; others are more hands-off.
Can you cancel Noom after a few months?
Yes — you can cancel anytime before your renewal date. For fixed-length plans, you keep access until the end of the paid period. After cancellation, basic tracking may remain available for a short time.
Is Noom worth it compared to free calorie-tracking apps?
It depends. If you need coaching, psychology lessons, and accountability, most people find Noom worth it. If you only need calorie counting, free apps like MyFitnessPal or Lose It can work just as well for much less money.
Do people really keep the weight off after Noom?
Many people who finish the 6- or 12-month program and continue the habits do keep most of the weight off long-term. People who stop tracking completely after canceling often regain some or all of the weight.
What is the cheapest way to do Noom?
Choose the longest plan you’re realistically going to finish (usually 12 months) and sign up using a referral or promo code. This brings the monthly cost down to around $25–$30 on average.
Does Noom have a student, teacher, or military discount?
Noom occasionally runs targeted discounts for military, teachers, students, and first responders. These are not always available. Contact Noom support directly or watch during signup for current offers.
Can I use my HSA/FSA to pay for Noom?
In some cases yes — if Noom is being used to treat a diagnosed medical condition (such as obesity with comorbidities). Check with your HSA/FSA administrator. Most people use regular payment methods.
Is Noom better than WeightWatchers?
Noom is better for people who like psychology-based learning and 1-on-1 coaching. WeightWatchers is better for people who prefer a points system and strong in-person or virtual group support. Both can work very well — it’s about personal fit.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.