Key Takeaways
- •Upgrade when you're consistently wanting features your current tier doesn't include
- •Don't upgrade preemptively—wait until you feel the limitation
- •Consider trial upgrades during difficult periods
- •Downgrading is always an option if the new tier doesn't add enough value
Your needs may evolve over time—and the tier that fit initially might not fit forever. Here's how to recognize when upgrading makes sense, and when your current plan is actually fine.
Signs You Might Want to Upgrade
From Starter to Core
Current: Daily audio only. Considering: Audio + weekly live sessions.
Upgrade signals:
- Audio alone isn't addressing your loneliness—you want connection
- You miss the accountability of scheduled sessions
- You'd benefit from the community aspect of group wind-downs
- You want to see your companion in real-time occasionally
- You've been using audio consistently and it's working—you want more
Stay on Starter if:
- Audio is meeting your needs
- Your schedule doesn't allow live sessions
- You prefer solo practice to group settings
- Budget is a primary concern
From Core to Plus
Current: Audio + live sessions. Considering: Adding AI chat + 5 companion messages.
Upgrade signals:
- You want to message your companion sometimes
- You need middle-of-the-night support that scheduled content can't provide
- You find yourself wishing you could reach out between sessions
- You want more direct interaction than audio + live provides
Stay on Core if:
- Live sessions + audio feels complete
- You don't feel the need to message your companion
- You handle middle-of-the-night moments with existing content
- The community/live session aspect is what you valued, not direct messaging
From Plus to Premium
Current: Audio + live + AI chat + 5 messages. Considering: Unlimited messages + personalized voice content.
Upgrade signals:
- 5 messages/month feels limiting—you consistently want more
- You'd value audio made specifically for your situation
- You're going through a particularly difficult period
- The maximum possible connection matters to you
Stay on Plus if:
- 5 messages feels like enough
- General-purpose audio works well for you
- The price difference isn't justified by your usage
- You don't feel limited by current features
The Limitation Test
The clearest sign you should upgrade: you're consistently bumping against the limits of your current tier. If you repeatedly wish you had live sessions (Starter), or find yourself rationing messages carefully (Plus), or want personalized content (Plus), those recurring frustrations indicate a real need the next tier addresses.
When NOT to Upgrade
Preemptive Upgrading
Upgrading "just in case" wastes money. Don't upgrade because you might someday want features—upgrade when you actually want them.
During the First Month
Give your current tier time. It takes 2-4 weeks to establish routines and understand what you need. Upgrading before you've fully explored your current tier is premature.
When the Issue is Usage, Not Features
If you're not fully using what you have, adding more won't help. Someone who rarely listens to audio probably won't benefit from live sessions. Address usage before adding features.
During Financial Stress
If the higher price adds significant stress, that stress undermines the relaxation benefit. Better to use a lower tier consistently than to upgrade and worry about the cost.
The Trial Approach
Unsure? Try upgrading for one month:
- Upgrade to the next tier
- Use all the new features as much as you want
- At month's end, honestly assess: did the extra features make a meaningful difference?
- Keep the upgrade if yes; downgrade if no
This removes the guesswork. You'll know from experience whether the features matter to you.
Difficult Period Upgrades
Going through something hard (grief, breakup, job loss, health issues)? Consider temporarily upgrading for extra support. When the acute period passes, you can reassess whether to keep the higher tier or return to your previous level. Your needs aren't static—they can expand and contract with life circumstances.
Downgrading is Fine
Upgrading isn't a one-way door. You can always return to a lower tier:
- Needs change over time
- Financial situations fluctuate
- What seemed necessary might become optional
- There's no shame in reducing your subscription
The right tier is the one meeting your current needs at a price you're comfortable with. That can change in either direction.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before upgrading, honestly answer:
- Am I using what I have? (If not, more won't help)
- What specific feature do I want? (Vague desire to "do more" isn't enough)
- How often do I feel limited? (Once ever? Weekly? Daily?)
- Can I comfortably afford the increase? (Financial stress negates benefits)
- What would I actually do differently? (Be specific)
If your answers suggest clear, specific, repeated limitations that the next tier addresses and you can afford—upgrade. Otherwise, stay where you are.
Conclusion
The best tier is the one that fits right now—not the most expensive one, and not the cheapest. Upgrade when you're consistently wanting features you don't have; stay when your current tier is meeting your needs.
Remember: you can always try the next tier for a month and see. And you can always come back down if it doesn't add enough value. Flexibility is built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I upgrade, do I lose access to anything?
No—higher tiers include everything lower tiers have, plus more. Upgrading only adds; it doesn't remove anything.
How does billing work when upgrading mid-month?
Typically you'll pay a prorated amount for the rest of the current billing cycle, then the full new rate starts next month. Check the specific billing details when you initiate the upgrade.
Should I upgrade before a big life event?
If you anticipate needing extra support (surgery, difficult anniversary, major stressor), pre-upgrading can help. You'll have the features available when you need them rather than trying to upgrade while in crisis.
Is Premium really worth 6x the price of Starter?
For some people, absolutely—the unlimited messaging and personalized content make a significant difference. For others, Starter provides everything they need. Worth is personal and depends on which features you actually use.