Why Users Are Switching from MyFitnessPal — and What They’re Choosing Instead
Why Users Are Switching from MyFitnessPal — and What They’re Choosing Instead
Why Users Are Switching from MyFitnessPal — and What They’re Choosing Instead
For nearly two decades, MyFitnessPal has been a giant in calorie tracking. Launched in 2005 by Mike and Albert Lee, it pioneered digital food logging with barcode scanning, database search, and community features. Today, the company claims over 200 million users worldwide and remains one of the most downloaded health apps of all time.
But longevity doesn’t equal loyalty. Over the years, MyFitnessPal has changed hands—from its 2015 $475 million sale to Under Armour to its 2020 resale to private equity firm Francisco Partners for $345 million. With each transition came a little more bloat, a few more ads, and a growing sense that the app hadn’t kept up with how people actually live and eat.
Today, frustrated users on Reddit and app stores call MyFitnessPal “outdated,” “ad-choked,” and “paywalled to death.” And increasingly, users are questioning MyFitnessPal’s product decisions—from paywalling once-free features to pushing intrusive ads and clunky redesigns. While the company doubles down on monetization, newer, smarter, and cheaper options are popping up left and right—AI-driven tools that make tracking feel conversational, personalized, and actually enjoyable.
Frustration with Paywalls and Ads
For years, MyFitnessPal was the gold standard for calorie tracking — until users started to feel like they were being charged for breathing. What began as a free, data-driven community has gradually turned into a pay-to-play ecosystem, with features like barcode scanning and detailed macro tracking locked behind subscriptions.
“Several years ago, this app was the best out there… Over the past year, the company continues to make terrible decisions. Features have been reduced or eliminated, especially from the ‘free’ plan. In short, the value plummeted, yet the price did not.” — App Store review, 2025
Even paying customers say they’re done. Many users have stuck with the app for years but now feel cornered by aggressive monetization.
“After years of using this app, I and many others are moving on. There are better apps out there that make it easy to log calories in and out.” — App Store review
Then there are the ads — and not the subtle kind.
“There are so many ads now… some pop up right when you open the app, and there are some really gross images. I’m eating when I log food, and one ad showed someone getting ear wax removed.” — App Store review
What used to be a clean, motivating space now feels cluttered and commercial. As one Reddit user put it:
“Ads every time I log a meal. I’m out.” — r/loseit user
For many, it’s not about the cost — it’s about trust and respect. Users don’t mind paying for value, but they do mind when the value disappears behind pop-ups and subscription gates.
More reading: Best MyFitnessPal Alternatives: Simple, Smart, and Fun Food-Tracking Apps for Busy Pros — A full breakdown of the top replacement apps for people ready to move on from MFP.
Clunky Interfaces Are Out, Effortless Logging Is In
MyFitnessPal helped pioneer food tracking — but its design still feels stuck in 2013. Today’s users expect an experience that’s fast, intuitive, and flexible, yet reviewers describe the current interface as confusing, inconsistent, and downright exhausting.
“I consider myself very tech savvy and the user interface for this app is very confusing for me. My husband is totally lost and I have to enter his data for him… $79 is way too expensive for the minimal features provided.” — App Store review
Even basic actions like logging a meal or syncing with Apple Health often require multiple steps, and users say simple things — like finding “recent foods” — are now buried under unnecessary menus.
“Depending on which page you are on, the ‘scan barcode’ may be in a different place. When creating a recipe, no confirmation a food was added. It’s not usable for couples or families that eat similar items.” — App Store review
This complexity is pushing users toward modern alternatives that prioritize convenience. Apps like Hoot, Lose It!, and Lifesum are winning converts by making logging feel conversational, not clerical:
Text what you ate (“oatmeal with almond butter”) and it logs instantly.
Snap a photo and the AI does the math.
Use voice logging when your hands are full.
Scan barcodes without a subscription paywall.
It’s tracking that fits your life — not the other way around.
More reading: The Best Food Diary App for Losing Weight (Without the Logging Overload) — See how newer apps are cutting friction and making food tracking feel effortless.
Smarter Feedback, Not Just Numbers
A common refrain among users: MyFitnessPal is great at counting, but not coaching. For an app that holds so much user data, it offers surprisingly little insight into what those numbers mean or how to improve them.
“Great app but could use more control for serving sizes… The options presented vary widely with little logic.” — App Store review
Users aren’t just seeking calorie counts — they want clarity. They want to understand whether their meals are balanced, how their habits add up, and what they could tweak tomorrow to feel better.
That’s why newer competitors are leaning into intelligent feedback rather than raw data dumps. Apps like Hoot go beyond tracking to interpret patterns, offering nutrition scores, insights, and gentle coaching moments that turn logging into learning.
Because modern users don’t just want to know what they ate — they want to know what it means.
Privacy, Transparency, and Trust
For a company that built its brand on personal health data, MyFitnessPal’s record on privacy is troubling.
In 2018, parent company Under Armour revealed that 150 million MyFitnessPal accounts had been breached, exposing usernames, emails, and hashed passwords. According to Bitdefender, the hack occurred weeks before it was detected, and users weren’t notified until four days after discovery. While no credit card data was stolen, the delay—and scale—raised serious doubts about MyFitnessPal’s security practices.
Then in May 2025, Bloomberg Law reported that MyFitnessPal was accused of tracking website users without consent, a lawsuit claiming violations of data privacy standards (source).
Together, these incidents paint a pattern of questionable data stewardship. For users already uneasy about sharing their health information, it’s fair to wonder whether MyFitnessPal can still guarantee a safe, transparent, and trustworthy experience—especially as newer apps emerge that treat privacy as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Progress Feels Like Play
At its core, calorie tracking isn’t about math — it’s about momentum. But for many MyFitnessPal users, what once felt empowering now feels like homework.
After years of entering every meal manually, fighting through pop-ups, and watching progress reduced to cold numbers, users are craving something different: apps that make tracking feel rewarding, not punishing.
They want positive reinforcement instead of guilt trips. Encouragement instead of error messages. Progress, not perfection.
That’s where newer platforms are changing the game. Tools like Hoot are reimagining tracking through behavioral science — using small wins, streaks, and gentle nudges to build real momentum. Each log earns feedback, progress streaks, and even a little celebration from Hoot’s animated owl mascot. It’s designed to make you smile — and more importantly, to keep you consistent.
Users say it feels like a coach that cheers you on, not a calorie cop. The difference isn’t just emotional — it’s psychological. Research shows that celebrating consistency, rather than restriction, leads to stronger long-term habits and better outcomes.
In short, people are switching because they’re tired of apps that make them feel behind. They want tools that make progress feel effortless — and maybe even a little fun.
More reading: Easy Calorie Tracking for Busy People — How modern AI food trackers are simplifying nutrition for people who don’t have time to obsess.
Top MyFitnessPal Alternatives Users Are Trying
When long-time MyFitnessPal users finally jump ship, they’re not giving up on tracking — they’re just looking for tools that feel more 2025 than 2015. The next wave of nutrition apps are built on AI, psychology, and simplicity, not spreadsheets and pop-ups.
App | Why People Love It | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
Hoot | AI-powered, intuitive, and fun. Log meals by text, photo, or voice and get instant feedback that keeps you motivated — not guilty. | Free 3-day trial, then monthly or annual (all features included). |
Lose It! | Familiar layout and reliable database. Great for those who want MyFitnessPal’s core functions without the clutter. | Free with optional Premium upgrade. |
Lifesum | Sleek design meets healthy lifestyle. Tracks macros and offers meal inspiration with a wellness-first vibe. | Subscription required (monthly or annual). |
Cronometer | Precision-focused tracking with verified data. Ideal for users who love accuracy and nutrition depth. | Free with optional Gold tier. |
MacroFactor | Adaptive calorie goals powered by smart algorithms. Popular with gym-goers who want data-driven coaching. | Subscription only, billed monthly or annually. |
Across app stores and Reddit threads, one theme stands out: users aren’t just leaving MyFitnessPal — they’re graduating from it. They want tracking that feels faster, friendlier, and more transparent.
And among them, Hoot stands out as the go-to for users ready for a calorie tracker that’s private, playful, and built for 2025.
The Takeaway
People aren’t quitting MyFitnessPal because they’ve given up on tracking — they’re quitting because they’ve outgrown it.
Modern users want speed, support, and simplicity, not spreadsheets. AI tools like Hoot are redefining calorie tracking as a daily companion — one that celebrates progress, not perfection.
FAQ: MyFitnessPal Alternatives & User Migration
1. Why are people switching from MyFitnessPal?
Because of increased paywalls, ads, and an outdated user experience. Many feel the app has stagnated while newer apps innovate.
2. When did MyFitnessPal start?
MyFitnessPal launched in 2005 as one of the first calorie tracking apps, founded by Mike and Albert Lee.
3. Who owns MyFitnessPal now?
After being bought by Under Armour in 2015 for $475 million, it was sold again in 2020 to Francisco Partners, a private equity firm.
4. How many users does MyFitnessPal have?
The company claims over 200 million users worldwide, though many are inactive or have switched to newer apps.
5. What were the main complaints after the Under Armour era?
Users disliked constant ads, premium upsells, and loss of once-free features like barcode scanning.
6. What was the MyFitnessPal data breach?
In 2018, a data breach exposed 150 million accounts—including emails and hashed passwords—raising major concerns about data security.
7. Did MyFitnessPal notify users promptly after the breach?
Under Armour learned of the breach in March 2018 but didn’t alert users until days later, prompting criticism for the delayed response.
8. What features did MyFitnessPal lock behind paywalls?
Features such as barcode scanning, macro tracking, and detailed meal insights now require a Premium subscription.
9. Why do users describe MyFitnessPal as “outdated”?
Its design and logging process have changed little since the mid-2010s, relying heavily on manual data entry instead of AI or automation.
10. Has MyFitnessPal made questionable product decisions?
Many users feel so. Frequent monetization changes, intrusive notifications, and a confusing UI have led to widespread frustration.
11. What alternatives are people choosing?
Popular replacements include:
Hoot – AI-powered, privacy-first, effortless logging
Lose It! – Familiar interface and active community
Cronometer – Deep nutrition detail and accuracy
Lifesum – Modern design with macro flexibility
MacroFactor – Algorithmic calorie coaching
12. Which alternative is best for privacy?
Apps like Hoot emphasize transparency and GDPR/CCPA compliance, with no data selling or third-party ad tracking.
13. Are newer tracking apps easier to use?
Yes. Most modern apps use AI or image recognition to log meals quickly via photos, voice, or text—no more endless database scrolling.
14. Why do users prefer AI-based calorie trackers now?
They’re faster, more intuitive, and provide instant insights instead of just numbers, helping users understand their habits in real time.
15. How did MyFitnessPal change the fitness tracking industry?
It set the standard for calorie tracking and community-based accountability, paving the way for modern nutrition tech.
16. Why did Under Armour sell MyFitnessPal?
Analysts suggest the company wanted to focus on its core business after struggling to integrate fitness apps profitably.
17. What does “legacy app” mean in this context?
A “legacy app” refers to older software that hasn’t evolved with modern user expectations—MyFitnessPal often gets that label.
18. How do users describe their switch experience?
Many say switching feels like a “breath of fresh air”—faster logging, cleaner design, and no ad clutter.
19. Are MyFitnessPal’s nutrition numbers accurate?
Generally yes, but many foods are user-entered, which can cause inconsistencies. Alternatives using verified databases are often more precise.
20. Will MyFitnessPal catch up?
Possibly—but users aren’t waiting. With better-designed, AI-driven options emerging rapidly, loyalty is shifting fast.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication routine.
For nearly two decades, MyFitnessPal has been a giant in calorie tracking. Launched in 2005 by Mike and Albert Lee, it pioneered digital food logging with barcode scanning, database search, and community features. Today, the company claims over 200 million users worldwide and remains one of the most downloaded health apps of all time.
But longevity doesn’t equal loyalty. Over the years, MyFitnessPal has changed hands—from its 2015 $475 million sale to Under Armour to its 2020 resale to private equity firm Francisco Partners for $345 million. With each transition came a little more bloat, a few more ads, and a growing sense that the app hadn’t kept up with how people actually live and eat.
Today, frustrated users on Reddit and app stores call MyFitnessPal “outdated,” “ad-choked,” and “paywalled to death.” And increasingly, users are questioning MyFitnessPal’s product decisions—from paywalling once-free features to pushing intrusive ads and clunky redesigns. While the company doubles down on monetization, newer, smarter, and cheaper options are popping up left and right—AI-driven tools that make tracking feel conversational, personalized, and actually enjoyable.
Frustration with Paywalls and Ads
For years, MyFitnessPal was the gold standard for calorie tracking — until users started to feel like they were being charged for breathing. What began as a free, data-driven community has gradually turned into a pay-to-play ecosystem, with features like barcode scanning and detailed macro tracking locked behind subscriptions.
“Several years ago, this app was the best out there… Over the past year, the company continues to make terrible decisions. Features have been reduced or eliminated, especially from the ‘free’ plan. In short, the value plummeted, yet the price did not.” — App Store review, 2025
Even paying customers say they’re done. Many users have stuck with the app for years but now feel cornered by aggressive monetization.
“After years of using this app, I and many others are moving on. There are better apps out there that make it easy to log calories in and out.” — App Store review
Then there are the ads — and not the subtle kind.
“There are so many ads now… some pop up right when you open the app, and there are some really gross images. I’m eating when I log food, and one ad showed someone getting ear wax removed.” — App Store review
What used to be a clean, motivating space now feels cluttered and commercial. As one Reddit user put it:
“Ads every time I log a meal. I’m out.” — r/loseit user
For many, it’s not about the cost — it’s about trust and respect. Users don’t mind paying for value, but they do mind when the value disappears behind pop-ups and subscription gates.
More reading: Best MyFitnessPal Alternatives: Simple, Smart, and Fun Food-Tracking Apps for Busy Pros — A full breakdown of the top replacement apps for people ready to move on from MFP.
Clunky Interfaces Are Out, Effortless Logging Is In
MyFitnessPal helped pioneer food tracking — but its design still feels stuck in 2013. Today’s users expect an experience that’s fast, intuitive, and flexible, yet reviewers describe the current interface as confusing, inconsistent, and downright exhausting.
“I consider myself very tech savvy and the user interface for this app is very confusing for me. My husband is totally lost and I have to enter his data for him… $79 is way too expensive for the minimal features provided.” — App Store review
Even basic actions like logging a meal or syncing with Apple Health often require multiple steps, and users say simple things — like finding “recent foods” — are now buried under unnecessary menus.
“Depending on which page you are on, the ‘scan barcode’ may be in a different place. When creating a recipe, no confirmation a food was added. It’s not usable for couples or families that eat similar items.” — App Store review
This complexity is pushing users toward modern alternatives that prioritize convenience. Apps like Hoot, Lose It!, and Lifesum are winning converts by making logging feel conversational, not clerical:
Text what you ate (“oatmeal with almond butter”) and it logs instantly.
Snap a photo and the AI does the math.
Use voice logging when your hands are full.
Scan barcodes without a subscription paywall.
It’s tracking that fits your life — not the other way around.
More reading: The Best Food Diary App for Losing Weight (Without the Logging Overload) — See how newer apps are cutting friction and making food tracking feel effortless.
Smarter Feedback, Not Just Numbers
A common refrain among users: MyFitnessPal is great at counting, but not coaching. For an app that holds so much user data, it offers surprisingly little insight into what those numbers mean or how to improve them.
“Great app but could use more control for serving sizes… The options presented vary widely with little logic.” — App Store review
Users aren’t just seeking calorie counts — they want clarity. They want to understand whether their meals are balanced, how their habits add up, and what they could tweak tomorrow to feel better.
That’s why newer competitors are leaning into intelligent feedback rather than raw data dumps. Apps like Hoot go beyond tracking to interpret patterns, offering nutrition scores, insights, and gentle coaching moments that turn logging into learning.
Because modern users don’t just want to know what they ate — they want to know what it means.
Privacy, Transparency, and Trust
For a company that built its brand on personal health data, MyFitnessPal’s record on privacy is troubling.
In 2018, parent company Under Armour revealed that 150 million MyFitnessPal accounts had been breached, exposing usernames, emails, and hashed passwords. According to Bitdefender, the hack occurred weeks before it was detected, and users weren’t notified until four days after discovery. While no credit card data was stolen, the delay—and scale—raised serious doubts about MyFitnessPal’s security practices.
Then in May 2025, Bloomberg Law reported that MyFitnessPal was accused of tracking website users without consent, a lawsuit claiming violations of data privacy standards (source).
Together, these incidents paint a pattern of questionable data stewardship. For users already uneasy about sharing their health information, it’s fair to wonder whether MyFitnessPal can still guarantee a safe, transparent, and trustworthy experience—especially as newer apps emerge that treat privacy as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Progress Feels Like Play
At its core, calorie tracking isn’t about math — it’s about momentum. But for many MyFitnessPal users, what once felt empowering now feels like homework.
After years of entering every meal manually, fighting through pop-ups, and watching progress reduced to cold numbers, users are craving something different: apps that make tracking feel rewarding, not punishing.
They want positive reinforcement instead of guilt trips. Encouragement instead of error messages. Progress, not perfection.
That’s where newer platforms are changing the game. Tools like Hoot are reimagining tracking through behavioral science — using small wins, streaks, and gentle nudges to build real momentum. Each log earns feedback, progress streaks, and even a little celebration from Hoot’s animated owl mascot. It’s designed to make you smile — and more importantly, to keep you consistent.
Users say it feels like a coach that cheers you on, not a calorie cop. The difference isn’t just emotional — it’s psychological. Research shows that celebrating consistency, rather than restriction, leads to stronger long-term habits and better outcomes.
In short, people are switching because they’re tired of apps that make them feel behind. They want tools that make progress feel effortless — and maybe even a little fun.
More reading: Easy Calorie Tracking for Busy People — How modern AI food trackers are simplifying nutrition for people who don’t have time to obsess.
Top MyFitnessPal Alternatives Users Are Trying
When long-time MyFitnessPal users finally jump ship, they’re not giving up on tracking — they’re just looking for tools that feel more 2025 than 2015. The next wave of nutrition apps are built on AI, psychology, and simplicity, not spreadsheets and pop-ups.
App | Why People Love It | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
Hoot | AI-powered, intuitive, and fun. Log meals by text, photo, or voice and get instant feedback that keeps you motivated — not guilty. | Free 3-day trial, then monthly or annual (all features included). |
Lose It! | Familiar layout and reliable database. Great for those who want MyFitnessPal’s core functions without the clutter. | Free with optional Premium upgrade. |
Lifesum | Sleek design meets healthy lifestyle. Tracks macros and offers meal inspiration with a wellness-first vibe. | Subscription required (monthly or annual). |
Cronometer | Precision-focused tracking with verified data. Ideal for users who love accuracy and nutrition depth. | Free with optional Gold tier. |
MacroFactor | Adaptive calorie goals powered by smart algorithms. Popular with gym-goers who want data-driven coaching. | Subscription only, billed monthly or annually. |
Across app stores and Reddit threads, one theme stands out: users aren’t just leaving MyFitnessPal — they’re graduating from it. They want tracking that feels faster, friendlier, and more transparent.
And among them, Hoot stands out as the go-to for users ready for a calorie tracker that’s private, playful, and built for 2025.
The Takeaway
People aren’t quitting MyFitnessPal because they’ve given up on tracking — they’re quitting because they’ve outgrown it.
Modern users want speed, support, and simplicity, not spreadsheets. AI tools like Hoot are redefining calorie tracking as a daily companion — one that celebrates progress, not perfection.
FAQ: MyFitnessPal Alternatives & User Migration
1. Why are people switching from MyFitnessPal?
Because of increased paywalls, ads, and an outdated user experience. Many feel the app has stagnated while newer apps innovate.
2. When did MyFitnessPal start?
MyFitnessPal launched in 2005 as one of the first calorie tracking apps, founded by Mike and Albert Lee.
3. Who owns MyFitnessPal now?
After being bought by Under Armour in 2015 for $475 million, it was sold again in 2020 to Francisco Partners, a private equity firm.
4. How many users does MyFitnessPal have?
The company claims over 200 million users worldwide, though many are inactive or have switched to newer apps.
5. What were the main complaints after the Under Armour era?
Users disliked constant ads, premium upsells, and loss of once-free features like barcode scanning.
6. What was the MyFitnessPal data breach?
In 2018, a data breach exposed 150 million accounts—including emails and hashed passwords—raising major concerns about data security.
7. Did MyFitnessPal notify users promptly after the breach?
Under Armour learned of the breach in March 2018 but didn’t alert users until days later, prompting criticism for the delayed response.
8. What features did MyFitnessPal lock behind paywalls?
Features such as barcode scanning, macro tracking, and detailed meal insights now require a Premium subscription.
9. Why do users describe MyFitnessPal as “outdated”?
Its design and logging process have changed little since the mid-2010s, relying heavily on manual data entry instead of AI or automation.
10. Has MyFitnessPal made questionable product decisions?
Many users feel so. Frequent monetization changes, intrusive notifications, and a confusing UI have led to widespread frustration.
11. What alternatives are people choosing?
Popular replacements include:
Hoot – AI-powered, privacy-first, effortless logging
Lose It! – Familiar interface and active community
Cronometer – Deep nutrition detail and accuracy
Lifesum – Modern design with macro flexibility
MacroFactor – Algorithmic calorie coaching
12. Which alternative is best for privacy?
Apps like Hoot emphasize transparency and GDPR/CCPA compliance, with no data selling or third-party ad tracking.
13. Are newer tracking apps easier to use?
Yes. Most modern apps use AI or image recognition to log meals quickly via photos, voice, or text—no more endless database scrolling.
14. Why do users prefer AI-based calorie trackers now?
They’re faster, more intuitive, and provide instant insights instead of just numbers, helping users understand their habits in real time.
15. How did MyFitnessPal change the fitness tracking industry?
It set the standard for calorie tracking and community-based accountability, paving the way for modern nutrition tech.
16. Why did Under Armour sell MyFitnessPal?
Analysts suggest the company wanted to focus on its core business after struggling to integrate fitness apps profitably.
17. What does “legacy app” mean in this context?
A “legacy app” refers to older software that hasn’t evolved with modern user expectations—MyFitnessPal often gets that label.
18. How do users describe their switch experience?
Many say switching feels like a “breath of fresh air”—faster logging, cleaner design, and no ad clutter.
19. Are MyFitnessPal’s nutrition numbers accurate?
Generally yes, but many foods are user-entered, which can cause inconsistencies. Alternatives using verified databases are often more precise.
20. Will MyFitnessPal catch up?
Possibly—but users aren’t waiting. With better-designed, AI-driven options emerging rapidly, loyalty is shifting fast.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication routine.
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