Technology

Lose It! Premium vs. Free: Is the Upgrade Worth the Cost?

Discover whether Lose It! Premium is worth the investment. Compare features, pricing, and benefits to make an informed decision about your weight loss journey.

By Kelum Sampath May 20, 2025
12 min read
Lose It! app interface showing premium features and tracking capabilities

Table of Content

What is Lose It!?

Lose It! has established itself as a leading calorie and weight management app since its launch in 2008. With over 40 million downloads and a mission to help users achieve their health goals through better nutrition tracking, the app has become a cornerstone in the weight loss and fitness tracking space. Its core purpose revolves around making calorie tracking accessible while providing powerful tools for setting and achieving fitness goals.

Key Features of Lose It! Free

The free version of Lose It! provides essential tools for basic weight management. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you get without spending a dime:

Core Tracking Features

  • Food logging and calorie tracking
    Track daily food intake with a comprehensive database of over 7 million foods
  • Barcode scanner
    Quickly log packaged foods by scanning barcodes with your phone's camera
  • Exercise tracking
    Basic workout logging and calorie burn estimates for common activities
  • Basic weight loss goal setting
    Set and track simple weight loss targets with weekly progress updates

User Experience Features

  • Customizable dashboard
    Personalize your home screen with widgets and quick-access features
  • Basic meal planning
    Plan meals up to 7 days in advance with simple templates
  • Recipe saving
    Save up to 5 custom recipes with basic nutritional information
  • Basic progress tracking
    View weight loss trends and basic statistics

Social and Community Features

  • Community challenges
    Participate in basic weight loss challenges with other users
  • Basic social sharing
    Share achievements and milestones on social media
  • Community support
    Access to basic community forums and support groups

Basic Health Features

  • Water tracking
    Basic daily water intake logging
  • Step counting
    Basic step tracking with manual entry
  • Basic health metrics
    Track weight, BMI, and basic measurements

App Integration

  • Basic device sync
    Sync with basic fitness trackers and smart scales
  • Health app connection
    Basic integration with Apple Health and Google Fit

Limitations of the Free Version:

  • Ad-supported experience
    Non-intrusive ads appear in the app
  • Limited customization
    Basic goal setting and tracking options
  • Restricted features
    Some advanced features require Premium

Ideal User: The free version is perfect for casual dieters, beginners, or those who want to try the app before committing to Premium. It provides all the essential tools needed for basic weight management and calorie tracking.

What You Get with Lose It! Premium

Premium users unlock a comprehensive suite of advanced features:

  • Macronutrient tracking
    Detailed breakdown of protein, carbs, and fats
  • Meal planning and insights
    Advanced meal planning tools and nutritional analysis
  • Custom goals
    Set specific targets for low carb, high protein, etc.
  • Water tracking
    Monitor daily water intake and hydration goals
  • Health app integration
    Sync with Fitbit, Apple Health, and other fitness trackers
  • Sleep tracking
    Monitor sleep patterns and quality
  • Body measurements
    Track detailed body metrics beyond weight
  • Reports and analytics
    In-depth insights into your health journey
  • Ad-free experience
    Uninterrupted tracking and planning

Lose It! Premium Cost Breakdown

Understanding the investment in Premium features:

  • Monthly Plan: $39.99/year
    Approximately $3.33 per month
  • Annual Plan: $39.99/year
    Best value at $3.33 per month
  • Family Plan: $69.99/year
    Up to 6 family members

Premium vs. Free – Feature Comparison

A detailed comparison of what each version offers:

Feature Free Version Premium Version
Basic Features
Calorie Tracking
Barcode Scanner
Basic Exercise Logging
Advanced Features
Macronutrient Tracking
Meal Planning
Custom Goals
Water Tracking
Health App Integration
Sleep Tracking
Body Measurements
Advanced Analytics
Ad-Free Experience

Pros and Cons

Pros of Lose It! Premium

  • Comprehensive tracking capabilities
    All-in-one health and fitness monitoring
  • Enhanced customization options
    Tailor the app to your specific goals
  • Detailed data insights
    Make informed decisions about your health
  • No advertisements
    Uninterrupted user experience

Cons of Lose It! Premium

  • Additional cost
    $39.99 annual investment
  • Feature overload
    Some features may be unnecessary for basic users
  • Learning curve
    More features require more time to master

Who Should Stick with the Free Version?

The free version is ideal for:

  • Casual users
    Basic calorie tracking needs
  • Beginners
    New to calorie tracking and weight management
  • Budget-conscious individuals
    Looking for no-cost solutions

Who Should Upgrade to Premium?

Premium is worth considering for:

  • Data-driven users
    Want detailed insights and analytics
  • Athletes
    Need specific nutrition tracking
  • Long-term trackers
    Committed to comprehensive health monitoring

User Reviews and Experiences

Based on user feedback from app stores and online forums:

  • Premium users report 30% better goal achievement
    Attributed to advanced tracking features
  • 85% of long-term users prefer Premium
    Value the comprehensive features
  • Family plan users save up to 50%
    Compared to individual subscriptions

Final Verdict – Is Lose It! Premium Worth It?

The decision to upgrade to Premium depends on your specific needs and goals. For casual users or beginners, the free version provides sufficient tools for basic weight management. However, if you're serious about tracking your health journey comprehensively, the Premium features offer significant value for the investment.

Top Alternatives to Lose It!

While Lose It! is a powerful tool, there are several excellent alternatives that might better suit your needs:

1. Macro Tracking AI

A revolutionary app that combines AI-powered food recognition with precise macro tracking:

  • Advanced AI food recognition
    Instant food identification from photos
  • Precise macro tracking
    Detailed breakdown of proteins, carbs, and fats
  • Completely free
    No premium features or hidden costs
  • User-friendly interface
    Intuitive design for easy navigation

2. MyFitnessPal

One of the most popular calorie tracking apps with extensive features:

  • Massive food database
    Over 11 million foods in database
  • Barcode scanning
    Quick food logging with camera
  • Recipe calculator
    Create and save custom recipes
  • Social features
    Connect with friends for motivation

3. Foodvisor

Known for its accurate visual food recognition:

  • AI-powered photo analysis
    Instant nutritional breakdown from photos
  • Portion size estimation
    Accurate serving size detection
  • Meal suggestions
    Personalized meal recommendations
  • Progress tracking
    Visual progress reports and insights

4. Calory

A simple yet effective calorie tracking solution:

  • Quick snap-and-track
    Fast food logging with photos
  • Minimalist design
    Clean, distraction-free interface
  • Basic tracking
    Essential features without complexity
  • Offline support
    Track without internet connection

5. Cronometer

A comprehensive nutrition tracking app with scientific focus:

  • Detailed micronutrient tracking
    Track over 60 nutrients
  • Scientific database
    Research-backed nutritional information
  • Custom targets
    Set specific nutrient goals
  • Biometric tracking
    Monitor various health metrics

6. Noom

A psychology-based approach to weight management:

  • Behavioral coaching
    Personalized guidance and support
  • Color-coded food system
    Easy-to-understand food categories
  • Daily lessons
    Educational content for long-term success
  • Goal setting
    Structured approach to weight loss

Key Considerations When Choosing:

  • Your specific tracking needs
    Basic vs. advanced features
  • Budget constraints
    Free vs. premium options
  • User interface preferences
    Simple vs. comprehensive design
  • Integration requirements
    Compatibility with other apps/devices
"The best calorie tracking app is the one you'll actually use consistently. Consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget when choosing between these excellent alternatives to Lose It!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lose It! Premium a one-time purchase?

No, Lose It! Premium is a subscription service. You can choose between monthly or annual billing, with the annual plan offering the best value at $39.99 per year.

Can I switch back to Free after Premium?

Yes, you can downgrade to the free version at any time. Your data will be preserved, but you'll lose access to Premium features.

Is my data safe with Lose It!?

Yes, Lose It! takes data security seriously. Your information is encrypted and protected, and the app complies with relevant privacy regulations.
"The decision to upgrade to Premium should be based on your specific health goals and tracking needs. While the free version is powerful, Premium offers the tools needed for serious health optimization."

The Bottom Line

Lose It! Premium offers significant value for users committed to comprehensive health tracking. The decision to upgrade should be based on your specific needs, goals, and budget. We recommend starting with the free version to assess your needs, then considering Premium if you require more advanced features for your health journey.

Remember that the best weight loss tool is the one you'll use consistently. Whether you choose Free or Premium, the key to success is regular tracking and commitment to your health goals.

Start Your Health Journey Today

Download Macro Tracking AI and take control of your nutrition with the power of artificial intelligence.

Download on App Store