The key benefit of smart scales over traditional scales is the breadth and quality of the data you’ll get. You’ll be able to monitor changes to your weight and body composition and track your progress on your smartphone app. Seeing your progress in digits and graphs helps you to see the results of your healthy choices from weigh-in to weigh-in. For more information about smart scales, have a look at our guide below the round-up. And if you want to get a compatible fitness tracker, check out our recommendations for the best fitness trackers available.
Data beyond weight
Smart scales measure more than just weight. A decent set should also provide body mass index (BMI), lean mass and body fat percentage, although the scales we’ve tested will give as many as 17 different body composition metrics.
Glass design Bright display Full range of metrics
Pricey
The Withings Body Cardio does pretty much everything a smart scale can. It syncs with Withings’ range of activity trackers for all-round fitness monitoring. The Body Cardio is our favourite smart scale for the sheer number of stats and handy info like how much weight you’ve lost or gained since your last weigh-in. It’s pricier than the others but offers just about everything you might possibly need. Our only complaint is the squiggly graphs on the mobile app. Now, it also offers a vascular age metric, which could help you monitor your heart health.
Heart rate monitor 3D modelling Fitbit & Apple Health compatible Feature-packed app
Battery powered – no USB charging option
The scale itself is sleek and attractive and can sync to the app using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It’s quick to set up and easy to use. It measures 16 metrics, although only weight, body fat percentage and heart rate will be shown on the scale’s white LED display. The rest of the measurements are only available via the app. Other in-app features include daily calorie logging and a useful database of common food items. The scale comes with a tape measure. That seems a bit basic but input your key measurements and the app will display a 3D model of your body. User numbers are unlimited and you can even set up accounts to weigh babies and pets. The only trouble with multiple users is that similar weights can be sent to the wrong account, which can be frustrating. We were disappointed at the lack of a USB charging option, which shouldn’t be out of reach at this price point.
Stylish USB charging Pregnancy mode
Price
It measures weight, BMI, body fat %, and muscle, bone and water mass. The price is the only sticking point. The QardioBase 2 sits at a premium price point, and while it offers enough features to justify that price, it’s worth remembering that you can get almost as much for a whole lot less from other manufacturers.
13 measurements Unlimited users Easy to connect
Bluetooth connection only, no Wi-Fi No frills either
There’s a clear digital display at the top but bear in mind that the only measurement you’ll get on the scale is your weight – you’ll need to open the app to see the other 12 metrics, which are laid out in an easy to read format. We tested the battery-powered model, but there’s also a USB-charging version ( £33.99 in the UK; $26.99 in the US), which may be more handy.
Minimalist design Good app 13 metrics 16 profiles supported
Battery powered Bluetooth only Only weight shown on scale
For non-Xiaomi users, this smart scale is still one to consider. It’s one of the most affordable around and its minimalist design means it should look good in any bathroom. The app is simple to use and charts and numbers are easy to read and understand. It’ll provide you with 13 body composition measurements (although sadly only your weight appears on the scale). And the scale can take up to 16 separate profiles. On the minus side, unlike the Renpho scale above, there’s no USB charging option. It’s powered by 4 AAA batteries – which aren’t even included, so prepare to shell out for a pack of those as well.
Price 12 metrics Easy to read screen
No haptics Battery powered No Wi-Fi
It offers 12 measurements including BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass and more, and can sync with the Apple Health and Google Fit apps. These non-weight metrics have to be viewed in the Eufy app. Up to 20 users can pair with the same set of scales, each able to set their own goals and track their own history and progression. It misses out on some more advanced features such as haptic feedback, automatic user detection and the ability to see more than just your weight on the scales itself, but it offers a huge amount more than an ordinary set of digital scales and will be enough for most users.
Good for multiple users Easy to use Google Fit & Apple Health
No Wi-Fi Battery powered No carpet support
On the other hand, there’s also little reason to opt for the P1 over Eufy’s own cheaper models like the BodySense, which will let you save a bit of money and only miss out on measurements that you don’t really need – the body age and protein measurements here are nice-to-haves, but don’t offer any deep insight into your health or weight. This scale measures weight, body fat %, BMI, lean mass, bone, muscle and water mass, BMR and visceral fat. There’s no Wi-Fi, no recharging, and no carpet support – but these are really the sort of premium touches that most people won’t be worried about.
Unlimited users Google Fit compatible Nine measurements, plus weight
Only weight is displayed on the scale No USB charging options No Wi-Fi connection
The scale itself will only display your weight but in the app, you’ll get another nine measurements, including BMI, body fat, lean body mass, visceral fat, basal metabolic rate (BMR), bone mass and metabolic age. The information is well laid out but navigating the app can be confusing – especially at the start. There’s no limit to the number of users who can create profiles and use it, and you can sync your data with Google Fit.
Google Fit & Apple Health USB charging Colour LED display
Issues for multiple users Expensive Scale can tilt
Still, the hardware is much more stylish than your average scale, with a mirrored finish and full colour LED display. It will measure seven different metrics, including weight, BMI, muscle mass, bone mass and heart rate – all of which will be shown on the scale itself. The measurements were consistent and seemed accurate. MyScale is compatible with Google Fit and Apple Health. The app makes it simple to track your progress from weigh-in to weigh-in and the key areas are well laid out and easy to read, although troubleshooting information is hidden away. There’s also a bit of a learning curve to get it set up and we had some connectivity issues during testing.
Bluetooth Affordable Simple to use
No Wi-Fi Only gives weight and BMI
It’s a decent and affordable scale, and is easy to set up. Once you’ve done that, you just need to step on to measure your weight and monitor your progress in the Fitbit app – although, as the connection is via Bluetooth, you’ll need your phone with you when you weigh yourself (with the Fitbit app open). Bear in mind that some scales will display many metrics on the hardware, while others require you to check in to the app for all measurements. When monitoring health data, remember that the benchmarks given are just averages. An individual’s ideal measurements may differ from these, depending on various factors, and still be healthy. If you’re worried about any of your stats, speak to your doctor.
Common health metrics for smart scales
The figures given below are just a guide and may vary from territory to territory. BMI: Although BMI has come under fire from some people, it’s a weight indicator that works for most people, most of the time. If you are unhappy using BMI as a metric (for example, if you lift weights and have high muscle mass), look for a scale that shows your body fat percentage instead. If you’re in the UK, the NHS suggest thats an ideal BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9. Bear in mind that in other parts of the world, these figures may be different and depending on where the scale is designed, it may not match up with the range you’re used to. Body fat percentage: This is the portion of your body made up of fat cells. This is only a rough guide but for men aged 20 to 40, 10-20% body fat is considered healthy. For older men, 18-25% is good. For women aged 20 to 40, 19-26% body fat is healthy. For older women, 23-35% is healthy. Again, these are UK-based measurements. Lean mass: This is a measure of muscle, organs, bones and water, rather than essential or storage fat. Having a high percentage of lean mass boosts your metabolism, making it easier to maintain an overall healthy weight. Visceral fat: This is fat that exists around your vital organs, and is one of the main risks to long-term health. Body water percentage: This is the volume of water in body composition. It’s somewhat age dependent but but men should try to get to a total body water percentage between 50 and 65 percent. The ideal range for women is between 45 and 60 percent. Bone mass: Bone density is an important health metric because, like muscle, bone is a living material that can become stronger with exercise, as well as a healthy diet (including calcium and vitamin D). For most people, bone mass starts to reduce after the age of 40, and regular exercise can prevent this loss. Basal metabolic rate (BMR): This estimates the energy (measured in calories) expended by the body at rest to maintain normal body functions (heart beat, respiration, maintenance of body temperature, etc). Pulse wave velocity (PWV): This is currently exclusive to the Withings Body Cardio. It’s a measure of arterial stiffness and blood flow rate that is used clinically as a key indicator of heart health and blood pressure problems. In the US, and other parts of the world, the Withings scales will show you a vascular age, which uses the same data to provide the result.
Syncing capabilities
Fitbit users might prefer the automatic syncing between the company’s scales and the app, and Withings tracker users may choose Withings scales. But you can use any of these scales, and always manually log your weight in your particular health app. Most sync well with Apple Health or Google Fit. Some scales claim they sync with Fitbit, but it’s usually a round-about process. For example, Withings scales users can share the data from their Health Mate app account to their Fitbit app. So, it’s data sharing between apps, not from the scale to the Fitbit app. Fitbit users might not get many metrics from the Aria 2 and Aria Air (see the related reviews) but syncing is automatic.
Multiple accounts
All of the scales reviewed here allow for more than one person to sync their data with the relevant app, so your entire household can use them individually. The scales either use Bluetooth to recognise each user’s phone or take a good guess at who is standing on them based on previous weight. Sometimes, annoyingly, the data can be sent to the wrong account, especially if two members of a household are of a similar weight.
Positioning the scales
Where you place your scales is important, as you’ll get different readings (sometimes out by a few kg or pounds) depending on where it is on the floor. Put it on a flat, hard surface if possible (bathroom tiles work well). Don’t place it on carpet, as this will trick the scales into understating your weight. Some scales (for example, the Salter Body Analyser Scale) can be adapted for use on carpet. A few others will work well on carpet without needing adaptation (the QardioBase 2). Just make sure to compare the first few results with a hard floor to check they’re consistent.
When to weigh yourself
Your weight and body fat percentage (and therefore other metrics) will change throughout the day so it makes sense to weigh yourself at the same time each day. For many people, their weight is lowest first thing in the morning.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
The scales tested here can connect wirelessly with mobile apps via your home’s Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. The advantage of Wi-Fi is that you don’t need to have your smartphone anywhere near the scales when you step on, as you would with Bluetooth-only scales. However, Bluetooth is generally easier to set up in the first place and doesn’t require a strong Wi-Fi signal in the bathroom. Emma is Home Tech Editor at Tech Advisor. She covers everything from kitchen appliances to smart home devices, from floor care to personal care to air care technology. She’s particularly interested in environmentally conscious brands and products that save people time and money.
