Guides • 6 min read • Updated Dec 24, 2025
Wearable Subscription Costs Explained: What You Actually Pay
The device price is only half the story. Here is how to compare total cost over time.
Why subscriptions exist
Software drives the insights
Many brands fund ongoing analytics, coaching, and cloud storage through subscriptions. That is why two devices with similar hardware can feel very different in the app.
What you typically pay for
Locked features to watch
- Daily readiness or recovery scores.
- Long-term trend analysis and reports.
- Advanced sleep and stress coaching.
How to compare total cost
Use a 24-month view
- Add device cost plus two years of subscription fees.
- Compare that total across your top three options.
- Decide which metrics you actually need.
When no subscription is better
Budget and simplicity
If you only need basic sleep and activity trends, a no-subscription device can be a great fit. Look for strong baseline metrics like resting heart rate and sleep duration.
Where to compare
Use our device pages
The products page lists subscription notes for each device. You can also compare side-by-side on the comparison page.
FAQ
Are subscriptions required to use the device?
Most devices work without a subscription, but insights are limited.
Can i cancel later?
Yes. You can usually downgrade to basic metrics at any time.
Is the subscription worth it?
If you want coaching, trends, and daily scores, it usually is.