The 10 Best Smart Scales
Editor's Notes
September 18, 2020:
Withings Body Series: I’ve added the Withings Body Plus, which is the midrange option from the highly popular Withings line of scales, and adds the ability to monitor body composition metrics to the base model – the Withings Body Basic – which itself includes some impressive features. I was initially tempted to add the Withings Body Cardio too, which is the high-end model in the lineup, but the only feature it really adds to the Body Plus is its ability to track heart rate, despite it being quite a bit more expensive, and I just don’t think it’s worth the extra cost. Plus, I would rather use a high-quality heart-rate monitor for more accurate readings.
Hidden Gems Over Brand Names: I’ve opted to include options like the Runcobo Digital and Etekcity ESF28 over popular or high-end models like the Garmin Index and Eufy Smart, primarily because I found them more impressive for what they cost, especially when compared to the Garmin, which is well built, and frankly, quite attractive to look at, but, again, isn't worth its hefty price tag. In fact, Etekcity is a great all-round scale brands, and you may find some of their models on lists of other scales like on our list of kitchen scales.
I had a similar dilemma with the Fitbit Aria family of scales, which are ideal for people who regularly use a Fitbit or other smart watches. Since we’ve already highlighted the fairly comprehensive Fibit Aria 2, I hesitated to include the more basic but equally sought after Fitbit Aria Air, which is more or less the Aria 2 minus body composition metrics, and in a day and age where even budget-friendly smart scales like the Redover Body and Etekcity ESF28 provide a handful of body composition metrics, I just don’t think that the Aria Air is worth it, despite its brand name. Plus, it can occasionally have issues with syncing to your phone. Instead of the Aria Air, I’ve included the Fitindex Bluetooth, which does measure body composition metrics – 12 of them, in fact – and is more reasonably priced too.
Only Smart Body Scales: While this category is open to interpretation, I’ve made sure to purge this list of kitchen scales, gram scales, milligram scales and any other smart scale that isn’t strictly a scale that’s made to measure your body weight. The reasons for this are twofold:
Firstly, it’s hard to do a side-by-side comparison of features with different types of scales, and hence make an accurate judgment about which has the best smart features. For instance, kitchen scales are more sensitive than bathroom scales, but they never come with features like bioelectrical impedance since they aren’t built to gather various measurements about your body composition.
Secondly, the markets for most types of scales are moving towards smart scales nowadays, and I want to leave it up to the other wikis we already have to represent the best smart scales in said category. For instance, during my recent update of the best digital gram scales, I made it a note to add a handful of smart models.
Weight, BMI & Body Composition Metrics: While most of the models in our list can measure an array of body composition metrics in addition to BMI and weight, there is some variability among models regarding the number of metrics that these scales can measure. With the exception of the Withings Body Plus, every scale here can track at least one body composition metric, with most options being able to measure between 8 to 14. I’ve also removed a lot of the old models that did not offer much in this regard, like the Avantek Digital.
May 02, 2019:
Since weight is one of the most important health concerns that many of us face today, it makes sense for our scales to leverage internal "intelligence" to keep us informed of various body metrics to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. This type of scale can help us accomplish such goals through the use of bioelectrical impedance, which runs a light electrical current through the body when a person stands on a scale's surface, allowing it to measure the resistance to the flow of the current. Many of the options on this list also come paired with mobile apps and Bluetooth technology that allow you to keep track of these metrics over time. I did my best to leverage all of these features.
For example, I added the Fitbit Aria 2 for both its step-on user recognition function as well as its ability to automatically sync weight, BMI, lean mass, and body fat percentage data with the Fitbit app. I also thought that the Yunmai Premium was a worthy option because of its conductive indium tin oxide coating, curved bottom for stability, and 16-bit processing resolution. Maintained the Renpho Digital for its automatic calibration and ability to accurately capture weight readings in 0.2-pound increments. Maintained the EatSmart Premium because of its patented Step-On technology, lightweight aluminum construction, and large backlit LCD. I thought the Polar Balance was still a worthy option to include, thanks to its ability to proactively monitor personalized daily fitness goals for up to 10 users at a time. The KitchenIQ Wireless is certainly different than most of the other items on the list, since it's primarily dedicated to balancing nutrition, but the device is no less functional. Its compact design is also ideal for traveling. Maintained the BlueWeigh Oreo for its sleek appearance and ability to support up to 400 pounds. I also kept the Nokia Body due to its patented Position Control technology, built-in pregnancy mode, and convenient local weather display. Finally, the Avantek Digital is a practical option with an impact-resistant glass surface and rounded corners for preventing bumps and cuts should you cross its path at night.
The Importantance Of Managing Your Weight
Overweight people tend to have more joint problems in their knees and ankles than people of a healthy weight.
Everybody wants to look in the mirror and see a slim, athletic person staring back at them. It greatly enhances confidence and self-esteem, two factors which play a major role in how happy people are in their day-to-day lives. Low self-esteem has been linked to anxiety, depression, aggression, anti-social behavior, and even limited economic prospects. The amount of confidence one has in themselves directly correlates with how successful they are in amorous, financial, and recreational pursuits. Maintaining a healthy weight is about more than just mental health, social and financial success, and vanity. It also affects our physical health.
Carrying around a lot of extra weight actually feels physically uncomfortable. Walking, sitting in a chair, kneeling, or even lying down when obese puts a lot of pressure on areas that shouldn't normally be subjected to it. This can lead to pains, aches, and soreness. Overweight people tend to have more joint problems in their knees and ankles than people of a healthy weight. Obese and overweight people are also more likely to suffer from sleep apnea and snoring. This is due to the accumulation of excess soft tissue in the mouth and throat. There are also other causes of sleep apnea and snoring, but these are the most common.
There are a number of other negative health issues associated with being overweight that aren't so readily apparent. For example, being overweight puts you at a much greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and more. It also increases your chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Some studies have even linked being overweight to infertility and decreased sex drive. It doesn't take as much weight gain as many people think to increase your chances of experiencing some of these adverse health effects. Data have shown that gaining just 11 to 22 pounds since the age of 20 makes a person three times more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Benefits Of A Smart Scale
Smart scales make it easier to manage your weight than ever before. Considering that the CDC has found that over 30 percent of Americans are obese, it appears that many people need that help. A smart scale will make you more aware of your weight, and give you a better understanding of your body composition.
Providing a sense of friendly competition tends to increase motivation and help keep people on track.
Unlike traditional scales, which just provide you with your total weight, most smart scales will also give you your BMI and body fat percentage. This second figure is particularly important for motivation and reference. Oftentimes, when people start a new fitness regimen, they won't notice an immediate dip in weight, especially if weight lifting is a part of the program. This is because you may be losing fat, but also building muscle at the same time. Not seeing the number on the scale going down after working so hard at the gym and watching what you eat can be very demotivating for a person. On the other hand, if you don't see your total weight going down, but see that you are losing body fat and changing your body's composition, it will increase your motivation and reinvigorate you to continue working towards your goal. Some models will also show you hydration levels, lean body mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and other advanced metrics that allow you to completely monitor every minute change in your body.
More than just showing you the numbers, smart scales use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect with fitness trackers and smartphones. All of your data will automatically transfer to an app on your phone for easy reference and tracking, without you having to worry about keeping a log. Many of the apps allow for a social component, as well. This can make for fun way to get the whole family working towards weight loss goals. Providing a sense of friendly competition tends to increase motivation and help keep people on track. Getting the kids involved helps them learn good habits at a young age, which they are likely to continue practicing as they turn into adults.
Features To Consider When Choosing A Smart Scale
The first step in choosing a smart scale is identifying which metrics you want to be able to measure. For the average user, BMI, body fat, and weight are usually enough. Serious athletes may want to track other metrics, though, to more closely monitor every single change in their body composition. If you are training at optimum levels and want to know how exactly how each regimen change affects your body, you may want to choose a smart scale that can also measure lean muscle mass, bone mass, and hydration levels.
For the average user, BMI, body fat, and weight are usually enough.
Accuracy should be a top priority, as well. It is important to note, though, that nearly every consumer-grade scale will have some margin of error. This can be due to a number of factors. For example, the sensor may be slightly miscalibrated, or the bioelectrical impedence of your body may fluctuate because of your hydration levels. However, the technology is acceptable if checking your metrics multiple times over an extended period of time. Calculating the average of multiple measurements over a five day period will give you a pretty accurate estimation of your numbers. Even if the sensors are measuring some metrics with slight inaccuracies every single time, the scale will still allow you to measure your progress.
App compatibility is another important factor to consider. If you are already using other fitness devices or have a favorite application you like to use to track your runs or workout sessions, you will want to ensure the scale you purchase will support them. The goal of using a smart scale is to make tracking your body metrics and progress towards fitness goals easier, not more complicated. Ideally, the scale you buy should be able to pair with every other fitness device and app you use.