Understanding MyFitnessPal's Premium Tiers
MyFitnessPal offers two premium subscription tiers: Premium and Premium+. Both are available with a convenient monthly payment plan for those who prefer not to commit to a full year. The monthly options offer flexibility, allowing users to upgrade and downgrade as needed, though the annual plans provide a significant cost saving for long-term users.
MyFitnessPal Premium Monthly Plan
The standard Premium plan provides a substantial upgrade over the free version. It focuses on optimizing the user's tracking experience with speed, customization, and deeper insights. A key feature is the ad-free experience, which streamlines logging and navigation. For those who track specific diets, like keto or low-carb, the custom macronutrient goals are essential. The subscription also unlocks the popular barcode scanner, which allows for fast and accurate logging of packaged foods.
Features of the Premium Monthly Plan:
- Ad-free experience, removing all third-party advertisements.
- Advanced logging tools, including the barcode scanner and voice logging for faster entry.
- Customizable calorie and macro goals by specific grams or percentages.
- Intermittent fasting tracking, allowing users to select and monitor fasting schedules.
- Priority customer support for quicker assistance with any issues.
- Food analysis to help users understand which foods are best and worst for their goals.
MyFitnessPal Premium+ Monthly Plan
For those who want an even more guided and comprehensive experience, Premium+ is the top-tier option. This plan includes all Premium features plus a full-featured meal planner. It's designed to save users time and reduce the stress of meal planning by providing personalized recipes and automated grocery lists. This tier is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or beginners who need structured guidance.
Features of the Premium+ Monthly Plan:
- All features included in the Premium plan.
- Personalized weekly meal plans tailored to dietary preferences.
- Automated grocery lists generated from your weekly meal plan.
- Integration with grocery delivery services in select countries.
- The ability to customize meal costs and time for budget-friendly and quick cooking options.
Comparison: MyFitnessPal Free vs. Premium Plans
| Feature | MyFitnessPal Free | MyFitnessPal Premium (Monthly) | MyFitnessPal Premium+ (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | Approx. $19.99/month (varies) | Approx. $24.99/month (varies) |
| Ad-Free | No | Yes | Yes |
| Barcode Scanner | Limited access (depends on country/account creation date) | Yes | Yes |
| Macro Goals | Fixed percentages only | Customizable by gram or percentage | Customizable by gram or percentage |
| Intermittent Fasting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Meal Planning | No | No | Yes, personalized weekly plans |
| Grocery Lists | No | No | Yes, automated from meal plans |
| Customer Support | Standard assistance | Priority support | Priority support |
How to Subscribe Monthly
Subscribing to a monthly plan is a straightforward process that can be completed directly through the app or the MyFitnessPal website. On mobile devices, the payment is processed as an in-app purchase via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This often makes managing the subscription and cancellations easier for many users. The subscription auto-renews monthly unless you cancel it before the next billing cycle.
Is the Monthly Option Worth It?
The decision between paying monthly or annually for MyFitnessPal's premium services depends on your specific needs and commitment level. The monthly plan offers maximum flexibility, which is ideal for those who only need advanced features for a short period, such as preparing for a specific event or tracking progress more intensely during a short-term fitness challenge. However, the annual plan offers significant savings per month, making it a more cost-effective choice for long-term tracking and goal achievement. Ultimately, the value of the monthly subscription is tied to how much you utilize its added benefits. For users who rely heavily on features like custom macros, the meal scanner, or personalized meal plans, the monthly fee can be a worthwhile investment in achieving health goals.
Conclusion
Yes, you can pay MyFitnessPal monthly for its Premium and Premium+ subscription tiers, with the monthly cost being higher than the per-month equivalent of the annual plan. These flexible payment options provide access to advanced features like macro tracking, an ad-free experience, and meal planning tools, making the subscription a valuable tool for dedicated users. The best choice depends on whether your priority is flexibility or cost savings.
