Strava Locks Year-End Fitness Recap Behind Paywall

Strava, the widely-used fitness tracking application, has recently shifted its "Year in Sport" annual recap to a subscription-only feature. This move, implemented for the first time this year, has disappointed many users who previously enjoyed the free, personalized summary of their athletic achievements since 2016. The decision has ignited a backlash, with users criticizing the company for what they perceive as a "money hungry move."

Users argue that they are being asked to pay for data they have already provided, with one user noting the subscription cost and the trade-off of their personal data. This follows a previous price increase, raising the annual subscription from $60 to $80. Despite user discontent, Strava, valued at an estimated $2.2 billion as of May 2025, has seen its monthly user base nearly triple since 2020.

While Strava spokesperson Chris Morris stated the company aims to keep core benefits accessible, the "Year in Sport" exclusivity highlights a growing tension between user expectations and the company's monetization strategy. Past missteps, including a failed lawsuit against Garmin and a controversial AI initiative, further fuel user skepticism about the company's direction.