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The 10 best weight loss meal delivery services for 2024, tested by nutritionists

We tried them all! These meal delivery services for weight loss take the guesswork out of planning healthy, balanced meals so you can meet your goals.

The 10 best weight loss meal delivery services for 2024, tested by nutritionists

There’s no question a balanced, nutritious diet is a winning strategy for achieving your weight loss goals. Though not an appropriate goal for everyone, if your doctor has suggested weight loss for you, it's important to know that it can have positive effects on your health. Even a small amount of weight loss can bring significant health benefits and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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One easy way to start eating healthy, portion-controlled meals that support weight loss—and are actually flavorful—is to try one of the best weekly meal delivery services.

A large study found that meal planning makes it more likely for people to stick to their diet consistently, and consistency is crucial to achieving your goals when it comes to weight loss. The weekly meal deliveries offer an excellent way for people to take the guesswork out of planning healthy, balanced meals. Each week, you’ll receive a box full of portion-controlled meals designed to assist you in meeting your weight loss goals, as well as help you adhere to any specific diets that your doctor may have recommended, such as the Mediterranean or keto diets or low-calorie, low-sugar and carb-conscious meals.

As a multi-certified personal trainer and nutritionist, I have made it my life’s work to help people achieve a healthier, balanced and active lifestyle. To help you find the ideal meal delivery services to meet your needs, the team here at Yahoo Life and I have meticulously researched and tested 17 of the best weight loss meal kits and premade meal delivery services. In this article, I’ll break down each service's specifics, highlighting any unique features, benefits and potential drawbacks to ensure you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the best meal delivery service for your needs.

Price per serving: $12-$13.50 | Meal type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 40+ weekly menu selections; add-on breakfasts, lunches, appetizers | Dietary options: Calorie-smart, delicious discoveries, gluten-free, keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, protein-packed, quick and easy, gut & brain health

Green Chef is a premier choice for organic meal delivery kits for weight loss thanks to its commitment to providing earth-friendly, flavorful dishes catering to various dietary programs. Unlike many services on this list, Green Chef delivers meal kits that contain preportioned ingredients so you can prepare a fresh meal for two or more people. The service has an expansive menu, with over 40 new meal options each week. One drawback is the additional cost for premium selections, such as more flavorful dishes or steak-based meals, which can cost $7 to $10 extra per serving.

The ingredients are always fresh and organic wherever possible. A few of our favorite meals are the coconut shrimp soup, chicken fajita tacos with creamy chimichurri and truffle linguine with chicken.

Green Chef offers seven pricing options:

Three meals a week for two people: $13.49 per serving ($27 per meal)

Four meals a week for two people: $12.99 per serving ($26 per meal)

Two meals a week for four people: $12.99 per serving ($52 per meal)

Three meals per week for four people: $12.49 per serving ($50 per meal)

Four meals per week for four people: $11.99 per serving ($48 per meal)

Three meals per week for six people: $11.99 per serving ($72 per meal)

Four meals per week for six people: $11.99 per serving ($72 per meal)

The company, which is owned by the meal kit service HelloFresh, has earned certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an organic company, ensuring that, at the very least, all the produce provided in your meal kit is organic unless stated otherwise. Additionally, the company is accredited by the California Certified Organic Farmers. One study published in Healthcare in 2022 found that consuming organic food was linked to a slight decrease (11%) in obesity risk and can be a wise choice for obesity prevention. Packaging is made from recycled, reusable and/or compostable materials.

Read our full review on Green Chef.

Pros
  • USDA-certified organic company
  • Meal options for eight different dietary programs
  • Add-on options like salads, desserts, heat-and-eat lunches and breakfasts
Cons
  • Cannot specify allergies
  • More flavorful dishes or those with steaks are "premium selections" and cost $7 to $10 more per serving
$12-$13.50 per serving at Green Chef

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Price per serving: Starts at $15.50 per meal | Meal type: Freshly prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 20+ entree and breakfast meals; add-on protein and vegetable options | Dietary options: Clean, keto, paleo, Whole30, high-protein vegetarian, high-protein vegan

Trifecta won our pick for best overall prepared meals for its comprehensive weight loss and health approach. The company offers a variety of prepared meal plans, such as keto, paleo and plant-based, designed to support weight loss and overall health with balanced, portion-controlled meals that align with weight loss-supporting dietary preferences and needs. A few favorite weekly menu options are the teriyaki chicken with avocado and broccoli, spiced turkey with cauliflower rice and tofu fried rice with pineapple and vegetables.

The company also wins high marks for its commitment to sourcing ingredients for its meals from small local, organic farms while ensuring all meals are sourced from free-range, humane farms and seafood is responsibly wild-caught. Trifecta also offers a unique service of bulk portions of precooked meat, fish, veggies, and grains for meal planning, providing even more flexibility and customization for customers who prefer to create meals to suit their individual needs and tastes. This focus on quality is echoed in user reviews, with many customers praising the taste and nutritional balance of the meals.

Meal plans start at $109 for seven meals, each costing about $15.50. Although this price may be higher than that of some competitors, the health, convenience and quality benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Trifecta has made significant strides in sustainability, with plans to introduce biodegradable packaging filled with nitrogen-enriched gel, making most of the packaging either 100% biodegradable or curbside recyclable.

Pros
  • Wide variety of meal plans catering to different dietary preferences
  • Meals are fully prepared, saving time and effort
  • High-quality, organic ingredients used in meals
Cons
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • Limited customization options
Starts at $15.50 per meal at Trifecta

Price per serving: $5-$8 including shipping | Meal types: Meal kits | Weekly menu options: 100+ recipes to choose from each week | Dietary options: Gluten-free, low-calorie, plant-based, low-carb, quick-and-easy, picky-eater-approved

Dinnerly earns the top spot for the best budget-friendly weight loss meal service because of its affordable pricing and user-friendly approach to meal kits. The service offers a wide variety of meal kit menu options each week, such as dairy-free, low-calorie, low-carb, healthy and vegetarian. The meal kits are designed to be beginner-friendly, with an average of only five ingredients and simple instructions, which is ideal if you’re new to cooking or pressed for time. The meals feature familiar flavors despite the simplicity and are generally ready in under 30 minutes. We liked the Teriyaki Beef With Coconut Rice, Low-Cal Pork and Feta Meatballs With Crispy Romaine and Pita Salad, and Turkey Enchilada Bowl.

In terms of pricing, Dinnerly offers meals for as low as $5 to $8 per serving, making it one of the most affordable options in the meal kit market. This affordability does not compromise the variety of meal options, with over 100 recipes to choose from each week. Since healthy eating can be more expensive, Dinnerly’s commitment to affordability makes sticking to nutritious meals more accessible to manage for those on tight budgets. One unique feature of Dinnerly is its digital recipe cards. While this may be a drawback for some, it reduces paper waste and allows easy access to recipes on the go.

Dinnerly prioritizes sustainability with eco-friendly packaging and detailed recycling instructions. It works with suppliers to use paper from sustainably managed forests and biodegradable natural fiber insulation, but packaging may vary depending on where you live.

For more information, read our full review of Dinnerly.

Pros
  • Very budget-friendly
  • Extensive menu selection each week
  • Simple recipes that are easy to follow
Cons
  • Only digital recipe cards are provided
  • Lack of allergen and ingredient labeling on packaging
$5 - $8 per serving at Dinnerly

Price per serving: Starts at $13.50 per meal plus $19.95 shipping fee | Meal type: Prepared single-serve meals arrive frozen | Weekly menu options: Over 150+ entrees across multiple programs | Dietary options: Diabetic, heart-healthy, keto, low-calorie, menopause, men's health, plant-based, vegan, women's health

BistroMD stands out for its doctor-designed meal plans, which cater to various health goals with premade, doctor- and chef-designed meals. It was co-founded by Dr. Caroline Cederquist and her husband, Edward, with one goal: to provide healthy, wholesome, balanced nutrition and assist with weight management. This focus on health and the convenience of fully prepared meals makes BistroMD an excellent choice if you’re looking for a scientifically backed meal delivery service.

Meals contain about 40% protein, 30% healthy fats and 30% carbohydrates, providing 25 to 30 grams of protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates and fiber that can help you feel full and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Women's plans consist of 1,200 calories per day, including three meals and two snacks, while men's plans offer 1,400 calories per day, including three meals and three snacks. This daily calorie level is on the lower side, so discussing these plans with your doctor before committing is wise since you may require a different calorie level for the best results.

BistroMD's meals are fully cooked and can be heated in the microwave in just five minutes, which earns it top marks for convenience. The meals come frozen to maintain freshness and can stay in the freezer until ready to eat. We liked the grilled salmon with creamy pesto, spinach and feta stuffed chicken, and tofu pad Thai with sugar snap peas.

The "Signature" program includes seven days of meals — seven breakfasts/lunches and six dinners —and is priced at $220 before introductory discounts. 

Other meal options include:

Five breakfasts, lunches and dinners for $189.95. 

Five days of just lunches and dinners for $149.90.

Seven lunches and dinners for $189.95.

One of the unique features of BistroMD is its team of dietitians, who provide support throughout your weight loss journey via your private client portal, where you can ask questions and set goals. This additional service enhances the user experience and provides valuable guidance on your quest to lose weight.

BistroMD’s meals are insulated and shipped with dry ice. They come in microwave- and oven-safe CPET plastic trays (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), sealed with light plastic covers for freshness. The trays, covers and cardboard sleeves are recyclable.

Pros
  • Doctor-designed meal plans for various health goals
  • High-quality, nutritionally balanced meals
  • Offers support from a team of dietitians
Cons
  • Meals arrive frozen
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
Starts at $13.50 per meal at BistroMD

Price per serving: Starts at $6.79 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals that arrive frozen | Weekly menu options: Over 40 options per week | Dietary options: Low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie, heart-healthy, Whole30, 5-Day Jumpstart, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, gut-friendly, breakfast, plant-protein

Daily Harvest's combination of health-focused meals, convenience and sustainability makes it our top pick for the best weight loss meal delivery kit for one person. The service offers plenty of meal options each week, such as smoothies, soups, grain bowls and more, making it a versatile and convenient choice for a weight loss meal delivery service.

One thing distinguishing Daily Harvest from other services on this list is that you can find it in your local grocery store's freezer aisle. This convenience and the use of high-quality, often organic ingredients make Daily Harvest an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy, convenient meal solution. You can choose from delivery or picking them up at the grocery store or through Instacart. Each meal is designed to be quick and easy, with most ready in less than five minutes. Our favorite items include the mango + greens smoothie, broccoli rice + dill pilaf harvest bowl, and the artichoke + spinach flatbread.

In terms of pricing, Daily Harvest offers meals for as low as $6.79 per serving for their Forager Bowls, with pricing varying based on the type of meal. Harvest Bowls, Flatbreads and Pasta start at $9.79, and additional snacks and drinks are $5.99 to $7.99. The more you order, the more you’ll save with Daily Harvest’s volume discounts — this will be especially useful if you like to store frozen meals for convenience.

All Daily Harvest items are packed in recyclable paper containers, making Daily Harvest one of the more eco-friendly services we tested.

Pros
  • Healthy meals made from high-quality, often organic ingredients
  • Most meals take less than five minutes to prepare
  • Offers a wide variety of meal types, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls and more
Cons
  • Some meals may be high in sugar or sodium
  • Flatbreads may not appeal to all tastes
Starts at $6.79 per meal at Daily Harvest

Price per serving: Starts at $10.99 per meal | Meal type: Prepared fresh meals | Weekly menu options: 35+; add-on breakfasts, snacks, smoothies, juices and proteins | Dietary options: Keto, vegan or vegetarian, calorie-smart, protein plus

Factor's unique offering of a free 20-minute virtual nutrition coaching session with expert dietitians is one of the selling points that sets the service apart. These sessions are to help you create an ideal eating plan using Factor meals, which come in a variety of meal plans suitable for a range of dietary preferences. Factor's supportive advice makes it an excellent choice for a convenient and nutritious weight loss meal delivery service.

Meals arrive fresh and fully cooked, and by popping them in the microwave for just a few minutes, you'll have a hot meal, which is perfect for busy days. Since the meals are not frozen, they taste like they could be made in your own kitchen, and nothing like the frozen types found in grocery stores. We especially liked the pulled chicken taco bowl; Caribbean spiced tofu with black beans and rice; mango salsa with a coconut jerk sauce; and mango salsa salmon with coconut rice, black beans and roasted broccoli. Most of the meals are higher in protein than many competitors, and you can filter your meal selections by protein, calorie and carb content.

Pricing for meals ranges from $10.99 per serving up to $13.50, varying based on the number of meals ordered per week. Factor also offers assorted add-ons like breakfasts, snacks, smoothies, juices and cooked proteins.

A distinctive feature of Factor is its unwavering commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The company has an "Every Meal Matters" policy. It carefully sources premium ingredients and works closely with food suppliers and animal welfare experts to achieve ethical and humane practices.

The majority of the packaging can be recycled. Factor's food tray material is CPET (crystallizable polyethylene terephthalate), a BPA-free plastic labeled No. 1 for recycling. The company also provides instructions on properly recycling the packaging, ensuring you can enjoy your meals guilt-free.

Read the full review on Factor meal delivery service, and how it holds up in 2024.

Pros
  • Offers free 20-minute virtual nutrition coaching session
  • Meals are never frozen, ensuring freshness
  • Cold-pressed juices and smoothies available
Cons
  • Meals must be consumed within seven days
  • Some meals may be high in sugar or sodium
$11-$13.50 per meal/serving at Factor

Price: $10.49 to $13.49 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 100+ | Dietary options: Paleo, keto, Mediterranean, gluten-free, pescatarian, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan, family-friendly

CookUnity is an excellent choice for busy foodies focused on weight loss due to its diverse menu options and convenience. The service stands out because it offers a variety of meals to cater to different dietary needs, such as keto, gluten-free, and plant-based options, which makes it easier to follow a healthy eating plan. The meals are crafted by award-winning chefs, bringing an exciting and diverse culinary experience to your weight loss journey, something that is often missing from traditional "diet" food.

Another feature that sets CookUnity apart is that each meal is not only designed by a well-known chef, but the chef's bio is also included with each meal, so after you've tried a few meals by each chef, you may find that you have a favorite chef and may be more inclined to try new meals and flavors you wouldn't otherwise. A few of our favorite meals were teriyaki tofu bowl with pineapple, veggies and brown rice, Mongolian salmon with rice and bok choy and West African kale salad with fonio, mango & black-eyed peas.

The meal plans offer flexible pricing based on the number of meals you choose per week. Prices start at $13.59 per meal for four meals a week, dropping to $12.29 for six meals, $11.69 for eight meals, $11.19 for 12 meals and $11.09 per meal for 16 meals a week.

User reviews reflect the high quality and taste of the meals and the convenience of the service. One happy customer noted, "I thoroughly enjoy their meals every week. They taste amazing, they always have a new menu to pick from to keep the options fresh, and you can save your favorites to keep ordering. I love that you can see all of the nutritional information and breakdown so that you can pick meals that suit your goal."

CookUnity uses eco-friendly packaging and has committed to reducing carbon emissions.

Pros
  • Wide variety of dishes for different tastes and dietary needs
  • Convenient precooked fresh meals
  • Flexible subscription allows you to skip, swap or cancel meals and deliveries at any time
Cons
  • Can be expensive unless you order more than six meals per week
  • Portion sizes can be on the smaller side
$11-$13.50 per meal at CookUnity

Price per serving: $11-$13.25 | Meal type: Meal kits, prepared meals; add-ons for juices, breakfast and lunch | Weekly menu options: 16 recipes along with menus for breakfast (4) and lunch (4) | Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free

Purple Carrot specializes in the weekly delivery of plant-based meal kits you cook yourself or fully prepared heat-and-eat meals. The dietary options include meals under 600 calories, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sodium, high-fiber, nut-free and soy-free. Meals range from breakfast, lunch and dinner for both the kits and prepared options. There are also “Plantry” add-on options, such as matcha cold brew coffees, fresh juices, instant lentils homestyle chili, plant-based crab cakes, juice shots, chocolates, nuts, crackers and vegan cheeses. 

This service distinguishes itself with its commitment to providing plant-based, flavorful dishes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences for anyone following vegan or vegetarian diets. You can choose from both premade fresh meals and meal kits you assemble and cook at home. We liked the caper dill bagels with everything cream cheese, chipotle tofu tacos with radish escabeche and cilantro crema, crispy lemon chik’n with brown rice and Gia Lan. We also tried and loved the Thai peanut noodles with tofu and broccoli prepared meal and three juices from the Plantry: Eternal Life, Super Destroyer, Lean & Clean

Purple Carrot's meal kit meals range from $11 to $13.25 per serving, depending on the number of meals and servings ordered weekly. While the service can be more expensive for larger families or if you’re ordering fewer meal kit meals per week, the quality and choice of plant-based eaters make it worth considering if these aren’t concerns for you.

Packaging material is recyclable and/or compostable, which is another plus for people trying to reduce their eco-footprint further.

Read our full review on Purple Carrot.

Pros
  • Meal kits are vegan or vegetarian-friendly
  • New plant-based cookbook included each week
  • Full pantry of breakfasts, lunches and snack add-on options
Cons
  • Allergen limitations
  • Limited menu
$11-$13 per serving at Purple Carrot

Price per serving: Starts at $9.70 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu options: Five meal plans with chef-selected menus | Dietary options: Balance, diabetes, keto-carb30, vegetarian

Diet-to-Go's focus on nutritionally balanced, calorie-conscious meals makes it our top choice for people managing diabetes while losing weight. Specific meal plans designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes are a unique feature of Diet-to-Go, along with the convenience of fully prepared meals that can be warmed in the microwave in two to three minutes.

According to the CDC, people with diabetes should consume meals rich in protein and low in carbohydrates to manage hunger and appetite effectively and help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Diet-to-Go’s meals will help you achieve these nutrition recommendations. You’ll also have access to support from a registered dietitian, nutritionist and certified health coach who can assist you in reaching your health and weight loss objectives. A few meals we liked were the kale and Swiss frittata with chicken sausage, blackened salmon on spinach cauliflower puree with brussels sprouts and the chicken Parmesan over ratatouille with broccoli florets.

Diet-to-Go’s top priority is ensuring the freshness and safety of its food, but it's also mindful of how packaging affects the environment. The service uses a combination of cardboard boxes, cardboard sleeves and plastic containers for the meals, most of which are 100% recyclable.

Pros
  • Specific meal plan designed to help customers with type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood sugar naturally
  • Fully prepared meals warmed in the microwave in two to three minutes
  • Support from health professionals and coaches
Cons
  • Limited customization for food allergies or ingredients you want to avoid
  • Meal options rotate on a five-week schedule, which may lead to repetition for long-term customers
Starts at $9.70 per meal at Diet to go
Hungryroot

Price per serving: $9.69-$11.39 (plus the cost of groceries) | Meal type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 5,000+ recipes to choose from | Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious, kid-friendly

Our top choice for the best weight loss meal kit that also includes groceries is Hungryroot. Its unique approach combines recipe ingredients with extra grocery items, providing a wide range of meals and snacks. This approach makes it easier to maintain a balanced diet, which is beneficial for weight loss.

The service provides a variety of diet options, such as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious, and kid-friendly choices. These options cover a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, making it easier to follow a healthy eating plan. Hungryroot offers meal kits and a variety of grocery items that you can use to fill in the gaps between dinners. They have healthy snacks like baby carrots and grapes and even a ready-to-eat breakfast burrito. This is a great feature for people who want to lose weight as it helps to avoid unhealthy snacking.

Keep in mind that even though Hungryroot is convenient and has a lot of options, some recipes may taste less good because they prioritize convenience most of all. Also, the program may not totally nail your preferences every time. But overall Hungryroot is a great choice for a meal kit that helps with weight loss and includes groceries because it's unique and has much to choose from.

When you order a Hungryroot box, it comes with recyclable cold packs called EnviroIce to keep perishable items fresh. You also receive a cardboard printout with your weekly recipes, making it easy to follow along, and there is a guide included to help you use up any extra ingredients.

Read our full review on Hungryroot.

Pros
  • Extensive recipe database
  • Recipes can be prepared in as little as five minutes
  • Full pantry of options
Cons
  • Some recipes trade taste for convenience
  • Many recipes feature precooked meat, which can be overly salty
$9.69-$11.39/serving at Hungryroot

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When choosing the best meal delivery kits for weight loss, there are several key factors to consider:

  • Price per serving: The cost of meal delivery services can vary widely, depending on the number of meals per week, servings per meal and specific dietary preferences. Prices typically range from $6 to $13 per serving. It's important to consider your budget and compare the cost per serving across different services.

  • Ease of use: Meal delivery kits can make your life easier, so you’ll want to consider ease of use. Think about the simplicity of the ordering process, the clarity of the cooking instructions and the convenience of the delivery schedule. Some services offer already-prepared meals that only need to be heated, while others provide ingredients and recipes for cooking the meal yourself.

  • Dietary options: You'll want to ensure the meals will help you meet your weight loss goals. If you try to adhere to a keto, paleo or low-calorie diet, make sure those specific dietary menu options are available and labeled as such. You can also look at each meal's ingredients and nutrition information to ensure the meal meets your needs.

  • Weekly menu options: The variety of recipes and the quality of ingredients are essential considerations. You'll want a service offering a variety of recipes that fit your dietary needs, such as keto, gluten-free or plant-based options. The ingredients should be fresh and high-quality.

  • Taste: Above all, you want your meals to be delicious. The taste of the meals can be subjective, so it's a good idea to read reviews or try a few different services to find one that suits your palate.

  • Eco-friendly packaging: Consider the packaging of the meal delivery service. Is there too much? Too little? Is it creating too much waste? Many services try to reduce their environmental impact by using recyclable or compostable packaging.

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To create this list of the best meal delivery services for weight loss, our research team (including myself and many in-house testers) tried 17 meal delivery services. We rated each based on cost, whether it worked with tight budgets, the dietary options, the number of weekly meals available to choose from, whether you had to cook the meals or reheat prepared meals and whether those prepared meals were fresh or frozen, portion size and whether extras are available, such as add-ons for breakfasts, desserts and snacks. We also paid particular attention to the quality and freshness of the ingredients, ease of cooking, eco-friendly packaging and, most of all, taste.

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Meal delivery services provide preportioned ingredients and recipes delivered to your door, enabling you to prepare fresh-cooked meals at home without the need to grocery shop or measure ingredients. They offer a variety of recipes to suit different dietary needs and preferences, and you can usually choose your delivery day.

A meal kit delivery service can potentially help you lose weight. These services provide portion-controlled meals, which can help prevent overeating. Additionally, they often offer a variety of healthy options, including low-calorie, low-carb and high-protein meals. But weight loss ultimately depends on maintaining a calorie deficit, so it's important to choose meals that align with your specific dietary goals.

Meal delivery services can help you save money by reducing food waste and eliminating the need for grocery shopping. Whether it's cost-effective for you depends on your eating habits and lifestyle. If you often throw away spoiled groceries or eat out because you don't have time or energy to cook, a meal delivery service could save you money.

Most meal delivery services allow you to skip a week or cancel your subscription anytime, providing flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific cancellation policy of your chosen service.