The subscription-free era for fitness smartwatches appears to be nearing its end, a development that’s disappointing for many users. Recently, Polar announced its new €9.99/month subscription, the “Fitness Program,” which, while different from Garmin Connect+, invites comparisons due to timing and the public’s reaction to similar services. It’s evident that the number of fitness smartwatches without a subscription is decreasing, and it’s likely that other brands, such as COROS, Suunto, and even Samsung, may soon follow suit. Polar’s Fitness Program is designed to be optional and does not restrict essential data behind a paywall like other services such as Fitbit Premium or Oura Membership.
Users of Polar’s Vantage V3 or Vantage M3 will find that their watches continue to function as before. This subscription instead offers a training program linked to the user’s Polar Flow data, providing a more affordable alternative to services like TrainingPeaks. The program is customizable and adapts to individual fitness levels and daily energy, which makes it appealing to athletes. While I plan to test the Polar Fitness Program, initial impressions suggest it could be highly beneficial for athletes.
Polar has traditionally attracted users interested in subscription-free devices, similar to Garmin’s free offerings. The features of the Polar program, however, differ from Garmin’s Connect+, which includes a wider array of premium features. In comparison, Polar’s offering is a streamlined training guide that emphasizes a structured approach to fitness. With the growing trend of subscriptions in the smartwatch industry, it seems inevitable that many brands will follow suit, capitalizing on this new revenue model despite user dissatisfaction.
As more companies explore this avenue, it raises concerns about the future affordability and accessibility of fitness smartwatches for all users.