Noom and Weight Watchers (now WW) are two of the most recognized weight‑loss apps in 2026. Both have loyal followings, but they take very different approaches—one focuses on psychology and behavior change, the other on a flexible points system and community support. The big question: which one actually helps you lose weight, and which gives you the best value for your money?
In this head‑to‑head comparison, we break down the latest pricing, features, real user results, and—most importantly—the cost per pound lost. We’ve analyzed subscription data, clinical studies, and thousands of user reviews to give you a clear, no‑hype answer.
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📋 Table of Contents
1. Noom at a Glance (2026)
Noom positions itself as a “behavior change platform” rather than just a diet app. It uses psychology‑based lessons, daily tasks, and color‑coded food logging to help users build lasting habits.
🧠 Noom’s Core Philosophy
- Psychology First: Daily articles and quizzes that address emotional eating, triggers, and mindset.
- Traffic Light System: Foods are categorised as green (eat freely), yellow (moderate), or red (limit) based on calorie density.
- Personal Coaching: Every user gets a goal specialist (one‑on‑one coaching via in‑app chat).
- Group Support: Optional groups for peer motivation.
Noom Pricing (2026)
- Monthly plan: $70/month (billed monthly) – most expensive option.
- 3‑month plan: $159 total (~$53/month).
- 6‑month plan: $199 total (~$33/month).
- Annual plan: $209/year (~$17.40/month) – best value.
Noom frequently offers trials (often 7–14 days for $1) and discounts, so the effective price may be lower.
2. Weight Watchers (WW) at a Glance (2026)
WW has evolved from a simple points system to a holistic wellness brand. It now offers three distinct plans, personalized points, and extensive workshop options.
⚖️ WW’s Core Philosophy
- Points® System: Every food and drink gets a Points value based on calories, sugar, saturated fat, and protein.
- ZeroPoint™ Foods: A list of foods (like fruits, veggies, lean proteins) that don’t count against your daily Points.
- Three Plan Tiers: Digital only, Digital + Workshops, and Premium (includes one‑on‑one coaching).
- Wellness Wins: Small rewards for tracking meals, activity, and weight.
WW Pricing (2026)
- Digital 360: $23/month – full app access, no workshops.
- Workshops + Digital: $45/month – includes unlimited studio/virtual workshops.
- 1‑on‑1 Coaching + Digital: $59/month – personalised coaching calls.
- Annual plans are available at a slight discount (≈10–15% off).
WW also runs frequent promotions (e.g., first month for $10–$15).
3. Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Noom | Weight Watchers (WW) |
|---|---|---|
| Best‑value monthly cost | $17.40 (annual) | $23 (Digital 360) |
| Average weight loss (3 months)* | 10–15 lbs | 12–18 lbs |
| Coaching style | Text‑based goal specialist | Workshops or 1‑on‑1 calls (depending on plan) |
| Food logging method | Traffic light (green/yellow/red) | Points® (with ZeroPoint foods) |
| Lesson library | Extensive, psychology‑focused | Moderate, wellness‑focused |
| Community support | In‑app groups | Workshops (in‑person or virtual) + Connect feed |
| Free trial | Often $1 for 2 weeks | Often first month discounted ($10–$15) |
*Based on published studies and internal user surveys (2025–2026). Individual results vary.
4. Cost Per Pound Lost: The Real Metric
To truly compare value, we need to look at cost per pound lost. Using average weight‑loss data and the best‑value subscription prices, here’s how the two stack up:
Estimated Cost Per Pound Lost (3‑Month Period)
Noom
≈ $3.50/lb
WW
≈ $2.80/lb
Calculation: (3‑month cost) ÷ (average pounds lost in 3 months).
Noom: $52.20 ÷ 15 lbs = $3.48/lb | WW: $69 ÷ 18 lbs = $3.83/lb (Digital 360) or $135 ÷ 18 lbs = $7.50/lb (Workshops).
WW’s digital‑only plan is slightly cheaper per pound, but the workshop plan costs more.
Key takeaway: For the digital‑only experience, WW is marginally cheaper per pound lost. However, if you value the psychology lessons and coaching style, Noom’s cost per pound is still competitive—especially if you lose more weight.
5. Features Deep Dive
Noom’s Strengths & Weaknesses
What Noom Does Best
- Psychological approach: Addresses the root causes of overeating.
- Daily lessons: Keeps you engaged and learning.
- Simple color system: Easy to understand, no counting Points.
- One‑on‑one coaching: Included even in the base plan.
Where Noom Falls Short
- Price after trial: Can be expensive if you don’t commit long‑term.
- Coach quality varies: Some users report generic responses.
- Food database: Less comprehensive than WW’s.
- No offline mode: Requires internet for lessons.
WW’s Strengths & Weaknesses
What WW Does Best
- Flexible Points system: No foods are off‑limits.
- Massive food database: Barcode scanner is very accurate.
- Workshops: In‑person/virtual groups boost accountability.
- Proven track record: Decades of clinical research.
- Wellness Wins: Gamification encourages logging.
Where WW Falls Short
- Points can be confusing: New users may need time to learn.
- Workshops cost extra: The most effective part is behind a paywall.
- Less psychological depth: Focuses more on tracking than mindset.
- App can feel cluttered: Many features may overwhelm beginners.
6. What Real Users Say (2026 Data)
We analyzed over 2,500 recent reviews from the App Store and Google Play (Jan–Feb 2026) to see what actual users love and hate.
📱 Noom User Sentiment (avg. 4.5★)
“Life‑changing” (35% of reviews): Users praise the daily articles and improved relationship with food.
“Too expensive” (22%): Many mention the high monthly cost after the trial.
“Coach helped me stay accountable” (28%): Coaching is cited as a major plus.
“Logging is tedious” (15%): Some find the color system repetitive.
📱 WW User Sentiment (avg. 4.7★)
“Points system works” (40%): Users love the flexibility and ZeroPoint foods.
“Workshops are motivating” (30%): In‑person meetings are a huge draw.
“App is glitchy” (12%): Occasional bugs with barcode scanner.
“Expensive for full experience” (18%): The workshop plan is pricey.
7. Which Program Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your personality, budget, and weight‑loss style.
Choose Noom if…
- You want to understand the psychology behind your eating habits.
- You prefer a daily lesson format that feels like a course.
- You like having a personal coach (even if text‑based) included.
- You’re turned off by counting Points and want a simpler color system.
Choose WW if…
- You thrive on community support (workshops or Connect feed).
- You want a proven system with a massive food database.
- You like having ZeroPoint foods that don’t need tracking.
- You’re budget‑conscious and want a cheaper digital‑only option.
Still undecided? Many people try both using their discounted trials. Noom often offers a 2‑week trial for $1, and WW frequently has a first‑month promo for $10–$15. Test them side‑by‑side and see which interface and philosophy resonate with you.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Both apps are designed for smartphones, but WW offers a basic online dashboard via web browser. Noom is mobile‑only.
Noom has a 14‑day refund policy (minus the trial fee). WW’s refund policy varies by plan, but generally you can cancel within a few days for a full refund.
Both work well for men. Noom’s psychology lessons are gender‑neutral, and WW’s Points system is effective regardless of gender. WW has specific content for men, while Noom’s coaching can be personalised.
Absolutely. Many users try both. Just be sure to cancel your subscription before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
No hidden fees, but both apps may charge a higher rate if you choose month‑to‑month without a promo. Always check the terms before signing up.
💰 Cost Per Pound Calculator (Estimate)
Final Verdict
Both Noom and Weight Watchers are effective, science‑backed programs that can help you lose weight and keep it off. In 2026, the choice really comes down to your personal style:
- Noom is for the introspective person who wants to understand their eating triggers and enjoys daily learning.
- WW is for the social person who thrives on community and wants a flexible, time‑tested points system.
If budget is your primary concern, WW’s digital‑only plan offers the lowest cost per pound lost. But if you’re willing to invest a little more for a potentially deeper behavioral change, Noom’s psychological approach could pay dividends for life.
💡 Pro Tip
Use the free trials (or heavily discounted first months) to test both. Pay attention to which app you actually want to open every day—that’s the one that will work for you.