The Best Smart Scales
As our society grows more and more health-conscious, our home fitness tools need to keep up. Long gone are the days where one's health was judged based solely on body weight. From body mass index (or BMI) to body fat percentage and bone and muscle mass to metabolic age, there's a heap of other metrics that paint a picture of what's going on below the surface. That's why traditional bathroom scales just don't cut it anymore. Instead, smart scales — which sync and track your data via WiFi or Bluetooth — help you effortlessly create a long-term health profile that consists of more than just counting pounds. Below, we've weighed the different smart scale options available today to get you in the know in no time.
Abyon Bluetooth Smart Scale
Clear and correct
The whole point of having a scale in your own home is to monitor your fitness without having to constantly book appointments with a doctor. That’s why accuracy is so important when it comes to choosing the right scale for you. We love this smart scale by Abyon because it uses four super-sensitive electrodes to give you instant, accurate readings every time. And because it’s a smart scale, you won’t just get a readout of your weight — you’ll also get 12 other measurements including body fat and BMI, all of which will instantly sync up with the included app. Begin your health journey right out of the box — simply download the app, make your account, turn Bluetooth on, and then step on the scale to get your first readings uploaded.
Pros:
- 400-lb weight limit
- Easily switch between imperial and metric
- App syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit
Cons:
- Batteries need recharging or replacement often
Fitbit Aria Air Bluetooth Smart Scale
Follow your fitness
There are Fitbit users, and then there’s everyone else. And if you belong to the first category, we don’t need to tell you why the fitness-tracking wearable is as popular as it is. From loads of personalized data to motivational challenges, a Fitbit can be the make-it-or-break-it tool between you and your health goals. So why not integrate your other fitness devices with your handy activity tracker? The Fitbit Aria Air automatically syncs your weight to your Fitbit app every time you step on the scale, letting you follow your trends over time, all without needing to connect to WiFi or manually switch your data between apps. Instead, you can put that extra time towards getting a few more steps in.
Pros:
- Bright, easy-to-read display
- Larger platform for more comfortable positioning
- Easy setup with clear instructions
Cons:
- Scale sometimes fails to automatically sync with the Fitbit app
- Only reports body weight to the app
Fitindex Bluetooth Smart Scale
Precision at a lower price
When we say “smart” scale, we really just mean that your scale will send its data to your phone or fitness tracker. But unfortunately, such perks often imply a hefty price tag. Thankfully, the folks at Fitindex had your budget in mind when designing their super affordable smart scale. Not only will you get accurate body composition readings every time you step on the scale, but you’ll also get great multi-functionality from the user-friendly Fitindex app. Monitor your fitness trends over time, select and export certain periods of data from the app, manually enter any measurements not provided by the scale, and sync all your metrics with any of the popular fitness apps available today. You can even choose from a black or white color option to match your personal bathroom aesthetic — all for almost half the cost of other brands.
Pros:
- 13 body composition metrics
- Supports unlimited users
- Includes batteries
Cons:
- Scale has a small platform
Arboleaf Digital Smart Scale
All in the family
Unless you live alone, you’re probably not the only one using your bathroom scales every morning. And if you have a synced fitness app on your phone that records a measurement every time the scale is used, figuring out who’s who can be quickly confusing. Fortunately, smart scales like this one from Arboleaf are designed for multiple user profiles, so they’ll do the figuring out for you. This scale can store unlimited users’ profiles to automatically detect who is using it the moment they step on the scale. Just have each of your family members download the app on their phones to have instant access to the ten different body fat metrics. And because the app can send data to different tracking apps, everyone can maintain their personal fitness journeys even if they’re sharing the same bathroom.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Four high-precision sensors for accurate readings
- App explains the different metrics and your results
Cons:
- Scale needs to be recalibrated after replacing special manufacturer-sold batteries
Withings Body+ WiFi Smart Scale
Keeping tabs on mom
As if there weren’t enough things to keep track of when you’re pregnant, managing and maintaining healthy weight gain throughout the months is a key part of the process. Doing so will make sure your baby’s development is on schedule so everything is in tip-top shape when the big day comes. After you’ve consulted with your obstetrician about the rate that’s right for you, track your weekly gain with a pregnancy-compatible smart scale like this premium option by Withings. The Body+ scale uses position control technology to help you center yourself for the most accurate readings. It even has a baby mode for when the tyke is born to easily record your little one’s developmental progress.
Pros:
- White or black color option
- Has nutrition tracking, too
- WiFi- and Bluetooth-sync compatible
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Scale may slide on some hard surfaces so adding rubber feet is recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to calibrate my smart scale?
Digital scales that are stationary and used daily really only need calibrating every few months. But if you’re moving your scale around a lot, or you’ve just replaced the batteries, then we recommend recalibrating it. While some smart scales automatically calibrate, others will need a bit of help every now and again, so check the instructions your particular scale came with.
How do I calibrate my scale?
Most of the time, you just need to step on the scale, let it read zero, and then step back on to get accurate results. In some cases, like if your scale comes with a “Cal/Mode” button, you’ll need to press the button and wait until the display reads “0” or “Cal.” Then place an object or series of objects that weigh a known amount on the middle of the scale until it reads out the correct number. After you get the reading, press the calibration button again to end the session, and you should be good to go.