Both Weight Watchers and MyFitnessPal are both popular weight loss apps and can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. While MyFitnessPal is free (with a Premium option), WW requires a paid monthly membership with the option to add workshops and coaching. So, which one is better?
Let’s compare WW and MyFitnessPal to help decide which is the better app-based weight loss program for your unique goals, lifestyle, and budget.
WW vs. MyFitnessPal: Compare | Similarities | Differences | Which is Better?
How Weight Watchers (WW) Works:
How MyFitnessPal Works:
Learn more at MyFitnessPal.com
MyFitnessPal vs WW: Similarities
WeightWatchers and MyFitnessPal are both app-based weight loss programs that use tracking to encourage healthy habits. Here’s what they have in common:
- Food tracking: Both Weight Watchers and MyFitnessPal allow users to track their food. Users can log the foods they eat and the app will calculate the calorie content, helping users stay within their daily calorie goals.
- Points or Macros system: Both programs use a points or macros system to help users make healthier food choices. Weight Watchers uses a point system where foods are assigned a point value based on their nutrient content, and users are given a certain number of points to spend each day. MyFitnessPal uses a similar system, where you can track macronutrients such as protein, carbs, and fats, which is more flexible for those who want to track their macronutrient intake
- Exercise tracking: Both Weight Watchers and MyFitnessPal allow users to track their exercise. Users can log the type of exercise they did and the duration, and the app will calculate the number of calories burned.
- Community support: Both apps have a community support aspect where users can share their progress, connect with other users or join challenges to increase their engagement and motivation. Weight Watchers has its own online community and in-person meeting options and MyFitnessPal also has a feature where you can connect with friends and join challenges
In comparing WW versus MyFitnessPal let’s look at what makes these two app-based weight loss programs different.
WW vs MyFitnessPal: Differences
- Program structure: One key difference between WW and MFP is the structure of their programs. Weight Watchers is a more structured program that provides a specific meal plan and support through in-person meetings, online communities, and personal coaching. MyFitnessPal is a free app that allows users to track their food intake and exercise with a premium version with more features, but it doesn’t have a specific meal plan or personal coaching.
- Points system: Another difference is the way they assign points or track food. Weight Watchers assigns points to foods based on their nutrient content and users are given a certain number of points to spend each day. MyFitnessPal allows users to track macro-nutrients such as protein, carbs, and fats, providing more flexibility and control for users, who can also use it for other dietary goals such as building muscle or specific sports.
- Cost: One of the most significant differences between WW vs. MyFitnessPal is the cost. Weight Watchers is a paid program with Core or Premium membership plans costing $23-55 per month, while MyFitnessPal is a free app with a premium version costing about $20 per month.
- Support: While MyFitnessPal and WW both have a supportive online community, WW has a Premium plan with the extra support of workshops and personal coaching
WW or MyFitnessPal: Which is Better?
Both WW and MyFitnessPal are highly-rated and on most lists of the best weight loss apps including this one by CNN.
However, you could argue that Weight Watchers is a more comprehensive program than MyFitnessPal, offering food and exercise tracking, community, a proven points system, recipes, plus optional workshops and coaching. The WW program also focuses on changing eating habits and behaviors which can lead to long-term weight loss success.
On the other hand, MyFitnessPal is a free app that allows users to track their food and exercise, set goals, and monitor their progress for different health-related goals. It’s a good option for those who are looking for a free and flexible tracking option and don’t need personal coaching. With its premium paid version, it provides more detailed reports and macro breakdowns.
Is WeightWatchers really better than MyFitnessPal?
WW is probably better than MyFitnessPal and was once again named the Best Weight Loss Diet by usnews.com. If you’re willing to pay for a proven app-based program with tracking, wellness resources, recipes, and the support of a vibrant community then I recommend WeightWatchers.
WW vs. MyFitnessPal comes down to whether you are satisfied with a free DIY diet app or prefer to pay for a more comprehensive, proven weight loss plan with the optional added support of workshops and coaching.
Not sure whether WW or MyFitnessPal is better for you? Ask yourself whether you benefit from the added structure and guidance of a personal trainer at the gym versus a DIY fitness regime of jogging and working out at home.
If you prefer the structure, resources, and social component of the gym membership, then maybe it’s worth paying for WW.
Ultimately, both the MFP and WW apps can be effective for weight loss, it comes down to your goals, preferences, and budget. You may want to consider trying both apps for free and see which one you prefer and find more useful for you.
I hope you enjoyed our comparison of WW versus MyFitnessPal, and have a better idea of which diet is better for you. Thanks for stopping by Pretty Sweet!