A direct comparison between Vively and ZOE, two very similar companies aiming to achieve metabolic wellness through different methods

Key Takeaways:

• Vively and ZOE have similar goals to guide their users to find the best fit for their individual needs
• Vively is an Australian company whereas ZOE is based in the United States so location will influence your choices and they have differing subscription models
• Health optimisation is the goal of both companies with ZOE utilising artificial intelligence for its recommendations while Vively has the option for additional support from a real-life dietitian

Introduction

Vively and Zoe adopt a holistic approach to improving overall health based on personalised data. Vively focuses on how your exercise, diet, sleep and stress affect your glucose levels aiming to get them as stable as possible for optimal health. Zoe does the same however, testing mainly your microbiomes. Effective approaches but very different. So it's all about finding out what's best for you.

ZOE

The journey with ZOE begins with at-home tests that provide insights into your blood fat, blood sugar, and gut microbiome health. With ZOE Scores assigned to every food (ranging from 0 to 100), you gain personalised guidance on making informed dietary choices. You use the ZOE app to track your diet, receive daily scores, and explore personalised responses to any food, recipe, or meal. There is also chat support from ZOE Coaches, you'll have the guidance and encouragement you need to reach your health goals. There is an option to buy a CGM with your membership however you do have to qualify with their standards.

Starting with a test kit priced at $294.00 and a membership beginning at $59 per month.

Vively

Vively empowers individuals to delve deeper into their bodies and implement personalised changes to optimise health. Its array of tools includes customised health plans, insights from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and optional support from personalised dietitians, enabling users to comprehend and act upon their glucose data effectively.

Vively seamlessly integrates with various wearables and health tracking apps. Users can effortlessly scan food product barcodes and synchronise with MyFitnessPal, ensuring a streamlined and informative experience tailored to their specific needs.

Conceived by Dr. Michelle Woolhouse, an Australian integrative doctor, and her team of health practitioners, the Vively CGM Program offers a data-driven, holistic approach to managing and enhancing health.

Vively provides a cancel-anytime subscription option, which includes a Freestyle Libre 2 (CGM) at the price of $249 for 3 months, or an annual subscription for $699.

Direct Comparison

Choosing between Vively and ZOE ultimately boils down to personal preference and your geographical location. However, a comparison of these similar companies underscores the universal aspiration among people to optimise their health and well-being.

Target Audience

Vively and ZOE both strive towards a common goal: enabling us to comprehend individual responses in real-world settings. Their holistic approach involves gathering data from each user, rendering the experience highly personalised. However, it's worth noting that while ZOE operates primarily within the United States, where their app is robust and well-established. However, they also have their app running in the UK, although it hasn't received the same level of development and enhancement as their platform in the USA, Vively operates in Australia.

Subscription type

Vively and ZOE diverge notably in their subscription models. ZOE's process comprises two distinct phases: testing followed by membership activation. This means that until all tests are submitted, users may experience a period of uncertainty.

With Vively the subscription model is based on a more simpler approach, you sign up for 3 months with everything included. Creating more transparency.

Product

Vively and ZOE implement different methods to gather personal insights. ZOE requires tests from a home kit to be done as the first step - some of this could be quite invasive i.e a stool test. So users will need to be prepared to really get into it - this could deter some users. Moreover, ZOE's app relies entirely on artificial intelligence to steer users through their health journey.

In contrast, Vively adopts a more immediate approach. Upon sign-up, users gain instant access to all their data without any waiting period. The CGM arrives almost immediately after purchase. Everything is readily available on their devices, with the option to supplement the experience with personalised guidance from a real-life dietitian.

Price

ZOE: The total cost of the test kit is $294.00, membership to the app ranges from $29 per month to $59.

Vively: $249 for 3 months which includes 1 CGM sensor.

Final thoughts

Both Vively and ZOE focus on personalised health data, with Vively emphasising glucose level impacts from exercise, diet, sleep, and stress, while ZOE primarily examines microbiomes. Vively offers a simpler subscription model with instant data access and includes a CGM, while ZOE's process involves testing before membership activation, potentially causing delays.

Additionally, ZOE requires home tests, including potentially invasive ones like stool tests, and relies solely on AI for guidance, whereas Vively provides immediate data access upon sign-up and offers real-life dietitian support. Vively is more affordable and based in Australia, while ZOE is limited to the United States and UK. Ultimately, choose the option that best aligns with your health goals and preferences. If you prefer a straightforward subscription model and immediate data access, Vively may be the better choice.

However, if you prioritise comprehensive testing and AI-driven guidance, ZOE could be more suitable. Always consult your health practitioner before making decisions regarding your health journey.