While the DoFasting app is technically a free download, its functionality is locked behind a mandatory subscription fee. Users can install the app but cannot proceed to use its key features, such as the fasting timer or meal plans, without first purchasing a plan. This differs from many other intermittent fasting apps, which offer a limited set of free tools to entice users. For DoFasting, the free download serves as a gateway to the paid service rather than a functional free version.
DoFasting's Pricing Structure and Subscription Tiers
The company offers several subscription options, with the price per month decreasing as the commitment length increases. It is important to note that advertised monthly rates typically require an upfront payment for the entire subscription period. For example, a six-month plan is billed as a single lump sum, not in monthly installments.
Typical subscription options include:
- Monthly plan: A higher monthly rate for the flexibility of a month-to-month commitment.
- 3-Month plan: A reduced monthly cost when billed quarterly.
- 6-Month plan: An even lower effective monthly rate with a six-month commitment.
- Annual plan: The most cost-effective option for long-term users.
Upselling during signup
During the sign-up and payment process, DoFasting is known to heavily upsell additional products and services. This can include supplements like fiber complexes, specialized gummies, or smart scales designed to integrate with the app. Users should be aware of these additional offers and understand that they are not required to purchase them to use the core app features. Reviews suggest this upselling process can be aggressive.
Comparison: DoFasting vs. Free Competitors
Several apps on the market provide intermittent fasting trackers and other features for free, making them viable alternatives for budget-conscious users. When evaluating DoFasting, it is useful to compare its paid-only model to the freemium models of competitors. The following table contrasts DoFasting with popular alternatives that offer a free tier.
| Feature | DoFasting | Fastic (Free Tier) | Zero (Free Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Timer | Subscription required | Included | Included |
| Meal/Recipe Library | Subscription required | Not included | Not included |
| Workout Routines | Subscription required | Not included | Not included |
| Water/Weight Tracking | Subscription required | Included | Included |
| Educational Content | Subscription required | Included | Included |
As the comparison table illustrates, DoFasting's lack of a free tier is a significant distinction from its competitors. Apps like Fastic and Zero provide basic but functional fasting timers and trackers at no cost, allowing users to test intermittent fasting without a financial commitment.
What You Get with a Paid DoFasting Subscription
Once a user pays for a subscription, they gain access to a range of features designed to support their intermittent fasting journey. The value of these features is a personal assessment, but they include comprehensive tools for tracking and planning.
Key features unlocked by a subscription:
- Customizable Fasting Options: The ability to adjust fasting and eating windows to fit personal preferences, such as 16:8, 14:10, or 12:12 schedules.
- Extensive Recipe Database: Access to thousands of healthy, curated recipes for the eating window.
- Workout Library: A collection of guided workouts, including animated routines and activities for various fitness levels, designed by experts.
- Comprehensive Trackers: Tools for logging weight, water intake, steps, and calories.
- Educational Articles: A library of articles providing information on intermittent fasting and wellness.
The Sign-Up and Cancellation Process
The initial sign-up for DoFasting involves completing a quiz to generate a personalized plan before a user is prompted for payment details. The company does not offer a free trial, and users should be cautious when signing up for special offers, as some users have reported being charged for a full subscription after a short, low-cost trial period. For subscriptions purchased via the web, cancellation requires emailing the company directly, which can be less convenient than self-service options.
Conclusion
In short, the DoFasting app is not free, despite being a free download. Its entire feature set is locked behind a paid subscription, and there is no free trial period to test the functionality. For users seeking a basic fasting timer, free alternatives like Fastic or Zero are readily available and provide the core functionality at no cost. DoFasting's value proposition rests on its extensive library of recipes, workouts, and comprehensive tracking features. However, potential users should be aware of the mandatory subscription cost, aggressive upselling tactics, and less convenient cancellation process compared to other apps on the market. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether the added features justify the cost for an individual's specific needs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | DoFasting | Fastic | Zero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Fasting Timer | No | Yes | Yes |
| No Free Trial | Yes | Yes (for premium) | No (1-week trial for premium) |
| Recipe Library | Paid only | Paid only | Paid only |
| Workout Library | Paid only | Paid only | Not included |
| Educational Content | Paid only | Free and Paid | Free and Paid |
| Effective Monthly Cost | ~$11.50 (6-month plan) | ~$10 (Annual plan) | ~$5.83 (Annual plan) |
For those who prefer a truly free start, the basic features offered by apps like Fastic and Zero are a compelling alternative. For users who want a comprehensive, all-in-one platform with structured meal and workout plans, DoFasting's paid model might be worthwhile, provided they are comfortable with the subscription fee and aggressive upselling tactics.
Outbound Link
For an independent and detailed review of the DoFasting app's features and performance, read the PCMag review.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DoFasting app is not free for functional use. While the download itself is free, a mandatory subscription is required to access any of its features. Unlike many competitors that offer a free tier with basic functionality, DoFasting operates on a purely paid model with no free trial period. Its core offering includes a fasting tracker, recipes, and workout routines, but these come at a cost. Users should weigh the benefits of these comprehensive features against the cost and the availability of viable free alternatives before subscribing.
