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Smart scales are electronic devices that can measure more than just weight. They can also assess body composition, such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass, to help provide more details about a person’s health.

This article discusses smart scales and how to choose the best one. We also discuss the pros and cons of smart scales, alternative options, and frequently asked questions.

A quick look at the 5 best smart scales

Smart scales are electronic scales that measure body mass, body composition, and other health metrics. Most smart scales offer information about the following:

Smart scales calculate body composition by passing a small electrical current through the body. Because different body tissues contain different amounts of water, they conduct electricity at different rates. The technical term for this analysis is bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Using BIA, smart scales can calculate a person’s body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density.

People can turn off the electrical impulse feature on most smart scales. People should be sure to turn this off if they are pregnant or have a medical device implant, such as a pacemaker.

Smart scales can track and store data and communicate with other smart devices, such as fitness trackers or smartphones. This allows users to set goals, chart progress, and share statistics.

Compared to traditional bathroom scales, smart scales provide a wealth of data that may help people achieve their fitness and wellness goals more easily.

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Best overall smart scale: Wyze Scale

Price: $39.99

The Wyze smart scale offers many features, making it one of the best overall smart scales.

The Wyze Scale tracks the following 12 body composition metrics:

This scale syncs data with other fitness apps, such as Apple Health and Google Fit, allowing people to view their progress anytime via Bluetooth connectivity.

The manufacturer states that the scale automatically recognizes up to eight users and accommodates unlimited guest modes.

Best smart scale for family use: Withings Body+ Scale

Price: $99.95

People considering purchasing a smart scale for family use may wish to consider Withings Body + Scale, which can track up to 8 separate user profiles. The scale automatically recognizes which user is standing on the device.

This smart scale also features a pregnancy tracker, allowing pregnant people to see their healthy weight gain range and receive obstetrician-reviewed advice. The device also includes a baby mode to help track infant health.

The Withings Body+ Scale measures the following metrics:

  • weight
  • body fat percentage
  • muscle and bone mass
  • water percentage

Withings states that the measurements are accurate to 100 grams. The scale also features position control technology, giving people suggestions on how to stand for more reliable results.

The scale allows individuals to set their weight goals and track calories consumed daily. It automatically syncs data via Wi-Fi with the free health app Health Mate. It can also sync with more than 100 other fitness apps, including:

  • Apple Health
  • Fitbit
  • Google Fit

Best budget smart scale: RolliBot Rolli-Fit Smart Body Fat Scale and Composition Analyzer

Price: $22.99

The RolliBot Rolli-Fit Smart Body Fat Scale and Composition Analyzer is lower cost than most other smart scales on the market, with many similar features.

It has the capacity for unlimited member profiles, enabling the whole family or household to track their fitness and wellness goals.

The scale records eight biometric measures, including:

  • weight
  • BMI
  • fat percentage
  • visceral fat
  • water percentage
  • bone density
  • muscle mass
  • BMR

The scale accurately weighs people who weigh up to 400 lb. Rollibot recommends that people use the scale with bare feet to allow the device to measure correctly.

The scale comes with three AAA batteries and features automatic switch-off technology to conserve battery life.

The free companion app syncs data with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.

Best smart scale for body metrics: Runcobo Digital Mate Scale

Price: $69.99

The Runcobo Digital Scale takes 14 body composition measurements, a wider variety of metrics than many other smart scales.

Some of the body metrics this scale can measure include:

  • weight
  • lean body mass
  • body fat percentage
  • visceral fat
  • muscle mass
  • bone mass
  • skeletal muscle
  • body water percentage
  • protein level
  • BMI
  • heart rate
  • BMR
  • metabolic age

The scale automatically switches between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure people can check their fitness and wellness goals wherever they are.

Although Runcobo offers a companion health app, the smart scale is compatible with most smartphone fitness apps and fitness trackers, such as Fitbit.

Additionally, this smart scale can identify up to eight users, automatically sending the user’s measurements to their corresponding profile.

Best chargeable smart scale: QardioBase 2 Scale

Price: $149

The QardioBase 2 does not require any batteries. Instead, a person first charges the scale with the supplied USB cable, which provides enough power for up to 12 months of use. Individuals can subsequently recharge the device at any point using the cable.

Chargeable smart scales remove the need for batteries and can save a person money in the longer term.

This smart scale measures weights of up to 396 lb. The manufacturer claims the scale accurately measures weight on any surface, including carpet.

The scale measures BMI and records and tracks changes in body composition. It features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and syncs with most apps, including:

  • Apple Health
  • Samsung Health
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Google Fit
  • Cronometer

A person can easily set up the device through the free Qardio companion app.

Qardio states that this smart scale can automatically recognize up to eight unique users and comes with a guest mode. The scale also includes a pregnancy mode that lets people track their progress through each trimester.

Here is how the above smart scales compare on key features:

WyzeWithingsRolliBotRuncoboQardioBase
Weight limit400 lb396 lb400 lb396 lb396 lb
Multiple users?88unlimited8unlimited
Reads BMIyesyesyesyesyes
Reads bone massyesyesyesyesyes
Reads muscle weightyesyesyesyesyes
Reads body fatyesyesyesyesyes
Wifiyesyesnoyesyes
Bluetoothyesyesyesyesyes
Google FityesyesyesN/Ayes
Apple HealthyesyesN/AN/Ayes
Samsung Healthcoming soonyesN/AN/Ayes
Price$39.99$99.95$22.99$69.99$149

When purchasing a set of smart scales, people may wish to consider the following factors:

  • their budget
  • the biometrics they want to measure
  • whether the scales connect with particular smart devices or apps
  • how many people will be using the scales
  • if the people using the scales may have special requirements, for example, during pregnancy or infancy

Cheaper smart scales typically have fewer features, while more expensive models often feature enhanced connectivity to other devices and apps.

Smart scales may offer various benefits and disadvantages:

Benefits

A 2015 systematic review found that frequent self-weighing had a positive correlation with weight loss. Studies in 2013 and 2016 using smart scales also reported an association between self-weighing and reductions in body weight and BMI.

A 2013 study notes that digital scales are more accurate than traditional dial scales. Compared to traditional dial scales, smart scales also measure and track additional biometric information, which a person can access using a smart device. This may make it easier for a person to reach and maintain their weight loss or fitness goals.

A 2016 study indicates that home measurements using the BodyTrace brand of smart scales were comparable to in-person weight measurements from trained assessment staff. Studies from 2017 and 2020 also suggest that smart scales may be useful for weight management in a healthcare setting.

Risks

A 2015 systematic review suggests that self-weighing may negatively impact psychological well-being among females and younger people. This may be particularly true for those with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.

Traditional weighing scales are one alternative to smart scales, and typically more budget-friendly. However, traditional dial or digital weighing scales only measure weight, whereas smart scales measure and track additional biometrics and sync the data with smart devices. As such, smart scales may be a better option for those looking to reach and maintain their target weight or fitness.

Learn more about digital and traditional bathroom scales.

Alternatively, people can contact a healthcare professional or use the body biometric measurement equipment available at most gyms. One advantage of these methods is that individuals usually receive advice from qualified professionals after receiving their body biometrics data.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about smart scales:

Are smart scales worth buying?

A smart scale can be a useful tool for regularly and conveniently measuring body metrics beyond weight, such as fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density.

Smart scales can help individuals better understand their body composition and monitor their weight loss or health improvement journey.

Do digital scales lose accuracy?

Whether digital scales lose accuracy largely depends on the scale’s quality and design. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using digital scales instead of traditional spring bathroom scales, as the former is more accurate.

However, a 2021 study found that the smart scales the scientists used in their experiment did not give accurate readings for body composition. The study authors concluded that smart scales should not replace dual x-ray absorptiometry as a measure of bone density.

How does a smart scale measure body fat?

Smart scales measure body fat and other biometrics using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

The scales pass a small electrical current through a person’s body. The current enters different body tissues or substances and encounters different resistance levels or ‘impedance’.

Since fat provides more impedance than other body tissues, higher impedance values typically indicate a higher body fat percentage.

Smart scales accurately assess body weight and offer a convenient way to measure body biometrics.

Smart scales use Bluetooth technology to sync a person’s data with a fitness app, helping them achieve their health or weight loss goals.

There are many different smart scales available to buy online. When choosing a smart scale, a person may want to consider various factors, including their budget, the biometrics they want to track, and the number of people using the scale.

Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.