Last updated: 2 oct 2026
Health disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting a weight loss program, especially if you have a health condition or a history of disordered eating.
Our verdict: is Noom worth it?
Noom is worth it for people whose main obstacle is habits and emotions around food, and who will actually do the short daily lessons, especially on the annual plan at about $17 a month. It is not worth it for people who just want a calorie counter, since free apps do that for much less.
Noom’s strength is psychology. Instead of telling you exactly what to eat, it teaches you why you eat the way you do: stress, boredom, social pressure, all-or-nothing thinking. Paired with simple food logging and coach check-ins, that approach can help people who have tried and quit many diets.
The catch is engagement. The value sits in the lessons and coaching, especially in the first few months. If you skip them, you’re paying a premium for a basic tracker.
Noom is a good fit if you:
- Eat for emotional reasons, such as stress or boredom
- Have tried strict diets and want a less restrictive approach
- Like reading short lessons and reflecting on your habits
- Prefer a private, app-based program over group meetings
Skip Noom if you:
- Only want to count calories or macros (try a free app instead)
- Want detailed meal plans
- Prefer in-person groups and community
- Have a history of disordered eating, unless a professional agrees it’s appropriate
Noom at a glance
| Feature | Details (US, Sept 2026) |
|---|---|
| Approach | Behavior change based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles |
| Price | About $70 month to month; about $209 for 12 months (≈ $17.42/month), billed upfront |
| Trial | Low-cost trial offers are often available |
| Food tracking | Search, barcode and photo logging; green/yellow/orange color system; calories, macros and protein |
| Coaching | Coach check-ins through in-app chat; AI assistant; community features |
| Other tools | Phone-based body scan, weight and activity tracking |
| Medical option | Noom Med (separate plans with clinicians and medication options) |
| Platforms | iPhone and Android |
| Best for | Emotional eaters who want a less restrictive, habit-focused program |
How Noom works
Sign-up quiz
Noom starts with a long online questionnaire about your goals, habits, schedule and health. It uses your answers to suggest a daily calorie range and a personal plan. The quiz is also where Noom shows trial offers, so read the price and renewal terms carefully before you enter payment details.
Daily lessons
The heart of Noom is a series of short daily lessons, usually 5–10 minutes, with articles and quizzes. They are based on principles from cognitive behavioral therapy and cover topics like:
- Recognizing triggers for emotional or mindless eating
- Handling cravings, stress and social situations
- Breaking all-or-nothing thinking after a «bad» day
- Building routines that last after the program
The color system
Noom sorts foods into three colors based on calorie density:
- Green: Lower in calories for their volume, such as most vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Yellow: Moderate, such as lean proteins, beans and some dairy
- Orange: Higher in calories for their volume, such as oils, sweets and processed snacks
No food is banned. The idea is to fill up on green foods and enjoy orange foods in smaller portions. In 2026, Noom also added protein tracking and macro data, since protein matters for staying full and keeping muscle.
Food logging
You can log food by search, barcode or photo. The app shows your calorie budget and color balance for the day. Some reviewers find logging slower than in simple trackers, because Noom adds feedback and prompts on top of each entry.
Coaching and community
Noom pairs you with a coach who checks in through in-app messaging, typically weekly, and an AI assistant can answer quick questions about food and the app. There are also community spaces to share progress. Coaching is text-based, so it suits people who like to reflect privately rather than meet live.
Noom Med
Noom also offers a separate medical program, Noom Med, where licensed clinicians can prescribe weight loss medication if appropriate. It costs more and is covered in our WeightWatchers Med+ vs Noom Med comparison.
How much does Noom cost in 2026?
Noom Weight costs about $70 for a single month or about $209 for a full year, which works out to roughly $17.42 a month. The annual plan is by far the best value, but it is charged in one payment.
| Plan length | Approx. total | Approx. per month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $70 | $70 |
| 4 months | $169 | $42 |
| 6 months | $179 | $30 |
| 12 months | $209 | $17.42 |
Prices are typical US prices from late September 2026. Noom often shows different offers depending on your sign-up path and promotions, so check the total at checkout.
Trial offers
Noom frequently offers a low-cost trial, sometimes letting you choose the amount you pay, for one to two weeks. If you don’t cancel before it ends, it typically converts into the plan shown at sign-up. Set a reminder if you’re just testing.
Auto-renewal and cancellation
Noom plans renew automatically. You can cancel through the app store you used or your Noom account, depending on how you signed up. In 2022, Noom settled a class action lawsuit over its subscription and cancellation practices, so it’s worth noting your renewal date and keeping your cancellation confirmation.
FSA and HSA
Noom says its plans are generally eligible for FSA or HSA funds. Check with your plan administrator.
Is Noom worth the price?
On the annual plan, Noom costs about the same as many paid calorie apps, but includes lessons and coaching they don’t offer. On the monthly plan, it’s one of the more expensive app-based programs. For comparison, WeightWatchers Core starts around $10–$12 a month on annual plans. See our Noom vs WeightWatchers comparison.
Does Noom actually work?
Research suggests Noom can help people lose a modest amount of weight, especially those who use the app consistently. But much of the evidence comes from observational studies of Noom users, often co-authored by the company, rather than large independent trials.
What the research shows
- Large user studies: A 2016 analysis of tens of thousands of Noom users found that most reported losing weight while using the app, and those who logged meals and weight more often lost more.
- Weight maintenance: A later survey of former Noom users reported that many kept off at least part of their weight a year or more later. Because it relied on self-reported data from people who responded, the results may be more positive than average.
- Randomized trials: Smaller controlled studies, including one in people with fatty liver disease, found that Noom led to more weight loss than standard care over a few months.
- Ongoing research: Larger, longer randomized trials of Noom have been designed to test results over two years or more.
Realistic expectations
Like most behavioral programs, Noom tends to produce modest weight loss on average, and results vary widely. People who stay engaged with the lessons, log regularly and weigh in often tend to do best. The CDC notes that a gradual pace of about 1–2 pounds per week is more likely to last.
Noom is a tool for building habits, not a quick fix. If you have significant health risks related to weight, talk to your doctor about all your options, including medical treatment.
Noom pros and cons
Pros
- Focuses on the habits and emotions behind eating, not just calories
- No foods are banned
- Short, practical daily lessons
- Simple color system that’s easy to learn
- Private, fully app-based experience
- Good value on the annual plan
Cons
- Expensive month to month (about $70)
- Long plans are charged upfront
- Logging can be slower than in simple trackers
- Coaching is text-based and can feel generic
- Labeling foods by color may not suit people with a history of disordered eating
- Auto-renewal requires attention
Who should skip Noom
Noom isn’t the best choice for everyone. Consider another option if you:
- Just want to track calories: Free apps like Cronometer cover the basics. See our best free weight loss apps.
- Want group support: WeightWatchers offers live workshops and a large community.
- Want precise macro coaching: MacroFactor adjusts your targets weekly based on real results.
- Have a history of disordered eating: Talk to a healthcare professional before using any program that labels foods.
- Have significant medical needs: A doctor-led program may be more appropriate.
Noom alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it | Price (US, Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| WeightWatchers | Cheaper; Points system; live workshops | Core from about $10–$12/mo on annual plans |
| Cronometer | Free plan with barcode scanner and detailed nutrition | Free; Gold $59.99/yr |
| MacroFactor | Adaptive calorie and macro coaching | $71.99/yr |
| Mayo Clinic Diet | Expert-designed habits program with group coaching | About $144–$180/yr |
See more options in our list of the best weight loss apps.
How we reviewed Noom
We reviewed Noom’s official pricing and program pages, app store listings, independent reviews from dietitians and testers, and published research on the program. [Add your own experience here: how long you used Noom, which plan, what you liked and disliked, with your own screenshots.] We update this review when prices or features change.
Frequently asked questions
Is Noom worth the money?
Noom can be worth it on the annual plan (about $17 a month) if you will use the daily lessons and want help with eating habits. If you only want to count calories, a free app is better value.
How much does Noom cost per month?
Noom costs about $70 for a single month. Longer plans cost less per month, down to about $17.42 a month on the 12-month plan, which is billed upfront at about $209.
Does Noom really work?
Studies suggest Noom can help people lose a modest amount of weight, especially those who engage with the app regularly. Most research is observational, and individual results vary.
Is Noom better than WeightWatchers?
Noom is better for emotional eating and habit change, while WeightWatchers is cheaper and offers more structure and community. See our Noom vs WeightWatchers comparison.
Can I cancel Noom anytime?
You can cancel to stop future renewals, but prepaid plans are generally not refunded for unused time. Cancel through your Noom account or the app store you used, and keep your confirmation.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or nutrition advice.