Noom changed the game for app-based weight loss when it launched, but at $70/month (or more), it's not exactly budget-friendly. If you've been searching for the best apps like Noom but cheaper, you're not alone. Thousands of people want the same psychology-driven coaching without the premium price tag. We tested and compared six alternatives that deliver real support for a fraction of the cost.
What makes Noom work for some people is the combination of daily lessons, food logging, and coach check-ins. The problem? You're often matched with an overworked coach who sends copy-paste responses. And the subscription quietly renews at full price. So we looked for apps that keep the parts that matter (behavior change, accountability, human connection) while cutting the fluff and the cost.
What we looked for in Noom alternatives
Before diving into the list, here's what we prioritized:
- Monthly cost under $50 (ideally under $30)
- Some form of coaching or accountability (not just calorie tracking)
- Behavior change focus, not just meal plans
- Easy to stick with for more than two weeks
- Available on both iOS and Android
The 6 best apps like Noom but cheaper in 2026
1. BodyBuddy - best for AI-powered text coaching
Price: from $8/month
BodyBuddy takes a different approach from most weight loss apps. Instead of burying you in lessons and food databases, it gives you an AI coach that texts you directly through iMessage. Think of it like having a knowledgeable friend who checks in daily about your meals, habits, and progress. You snap photos of your food, get personalized feedback, and actually have something holding you accountable -- available any time of day.
The coaching feels personal because the AI actually adapts to you. It learns your schedule, your weak spots, and what motivates you. There's no curriculum to click through and no gamified streaks. Just ongoing, text-based check-ins that fit into your day like any other conversation.
Pros: AI coach via iMessage, very affordable, personalized to your life, no lengthy onboarding quizzes, available 24/7
Cons: No built-in food database, smaller brand so fewer online reviews, limited workout programming
2. Lose It! - best free calorie tracker with optional premium
Price: free, or $39.99/year for premium
Lose It! has been around since 2008 and honestly does food logging better than Noom at this point. The barcode scanner is fast, the database is huge, and the free tier gives you everything you need for basic tracking. The premium version adds macronutrient goals, meal planning, and water tracking.
Where Lose It! falls short is the coaching side. There's no human support, no behavioral lessons, and no one checking in on you. It's a tool, not a guide. If you're disciplined and just need a tracker, it's great. If you need someone in your corner, keep looking.
Pros: Excellent free tier, accurate food database, snap-to-log photo feature
Cons: No coaching or accountability, can feel tedious over time, premium doesn't add much
3. MyFitnessPal - best for detailed macro tracking
Price: free, or $19.99/month for premium
MyFitnessPal is the 800-pound gorilla of calorie counting. Its food database has over 14 million entries, and it integrates with nearly every fitness wearable on the market. If you want granular control over your macros and don't mind manual logging, MFP gives you more data than you'll know what to do with.
The downside is that MyFitnessPal has gotten worse over the years, not better. Features that used to be free are now locked behind the premium paywall. The app feels cluttered with ads on the free tier. And like Lose It!, there's zero coaching.
Pros: Massive food database, strong device integrations, detailed nutritional breakdowns
Cons: Ad-heavy free version, premium is pricey for what you get, no behavioral coaching
4. Healthi (formerly iTrackBites) - best for points-based tracking on a budget
Price: free, or $24.99/year for premium
Healthi built its reputation by offering a points-based system similar to Weight Watchers at a tiny fraction of the cost. You can choose from multiple plans that assign point values to foods, which simplifies decision-making compared to raw calorie counting. The community features are surprisingly active, with forums and challenges that create a sense of group accountability.
It won't replace a real coach, but the community aspect fills some of that gap. At $25 a year, it's probably the cheapest option on this list that still feels like a complete program.
Pros: Points system is easy to follow, active community, extremely affordable
Cons: Interface feels dated, no professional coaching, points system isn't for everyone
5. Macrostax - best for macro-focused meal guidance
Price: $11.99/month
Macrostax calculates your ideal macros based on your goals and adjusts them over time. It's less about psychology and more about giving you exact numbers to hit each day. The app includes recipes that fit your targets, which is a nice touch that Noom doesn't offer.
This one works best if you already understand the basics of nutrition and just want a system to follow. It won't teach you why you overeat on stressful days or help you build new habits from scratch. But if you want structure at a reasonable price, Macrostax delivers.
Pros: Personalized macro targets, built-in recipes, adjusts over time
Cons: No coaching, requires comfort with macro counting, limited behavioral support
6. Ate Food Journal - best for mindful eating without calorie counting
Price: free, or $9.99/month for premium
Ate takes the opposite approach from most apps on this list. Instead of counting anything, you photograph your meals and reflect on whether your eating was "on path" or "off path." It's inspired by mindful eating principles, and for people who have a complicated relationship with calorie counting, it can be a relief.
The tradeoff is less structure. If you need someone to tell you what to eat or how much, Ate won't do that. But if Noom's color-coded food system stressed you out, Ate's gentle approach might be exactly what you need.
Pros: No calorie obsessing, photo-based journaling, good for emotional eaters
Cons: Very hands-off, no coaching, lacks structure for goal-oriented users
So which Noom alternative is right for you?
It depends on what you actually liked about Noom (or what you wished it did better).
If you liked the food logging but hated the price, Lose It! or Healthi will save you money without losing much functionality. If you wanted more from your Noom coach and felt like the check-ins were robotic, BodyBuddy is worth trying. The AI coaching is surprisingly personal, and at $8/month it's less than a single session with most nutritionists.
If calorie counting makes you anxious, Ate offers a calmer path. And if you just want to geek out on macros, Macrostax or MyFitnessPal have you covered.
The honest truth is that the best weight loss app is the one you'll actually use for more than two weeks. Price matters, but so does whether the app fits your personality. A $200/year Noom subscription you abandon in March is worse than an $8/month coaching app you text with every day.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free version of Noom?
Noom offers a free trial (usually 7-14 days), but there's no permanently free tier. After the trial, pricing starts around $70/month or $209/year. If you want free weight loss tracking, Lose It! and Healthi both have solid free versions.
What makes Noom so expensive?
Noom's pricing reflects its psychology-based curriculum, group coaching, and 1-on-1 coach access. Whether that justifies the cost depends on how much you use those features. Many users report that the coaching feels generic, which makes the price harder to swallow.
Can I lose weight with just a free app?
Absolutely. Plenty of people lose weight using free trackers like Lose It! or MyFitnessPal. The catch is that free apps give you tools but not support. If you've tried going it alone before and struggled with consistency, investing in coaching (even affordable coaching like BodyBuddy) can make the difference.
Do any of these apps offer coaching?
BodyBuddy offers dedicated 1-on-1 AI coaching via text -- it feels personal because the AI learns your habits, schedule, and preferences, but there's no human on the other end. Noom offers group coaching with real humans, though coaches manage hundreds of users simultaneously. Healthi has community support, which is peer-based rather than professional.
How do I cancel Noom without getting charged?
You need to cancel at least 24 hours before your trial or billing period ends. Go to Settings > Subscription in the Noom app, or email support. Noom has a reputation for making cancellation confusing, so set a calendar reminder a few days before your trial expires.