Fitness
Our Fitness Editor (Who’s a Personal Trainer) Swears by This Smart Scale
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FOR YEARS WE decided to be ruled by a single number, our weight, to determine whether we were healthy or not. Those days are long gone, and we’ve learned that, while that number is important, there are a lot more markers to indicate whether or not we are actually fit. This evolution in thinking has lead to us require an evolution in our old tools, one being the bathroom scale. These days the best smart scales offer many more insights into our overall health.
Best Smart Scales
But, will any smart scale do the trick? Technically yes, but ultimately no. During our testing we found a number of manufacturers who might as well have just slapped “smart” on the boxes of their old low-tech models. So how can you ensure the smart scale you purchase will give you useful data? Well, this list is an excellent start. Just like for fitness trackers, we did years of testing and trying out the best models on the market to help you make an informed decision. Our process goes beyond the obvious considerations of price and design aesthetics. Here’s what to look for when shopping.
What to Consider
Accuracy
Using a scale that has the highest percentage of accuracy will help make sure what you decide to track is actually on point with your exact numbers or metrics. You’ll want a scale that provides consistent and precise readings.
Metrics Tracked
There are way better metrics to keep track of other than weight. The best smart scales will measure other useful data such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and water percentage, all the way up to an accurate ECG (Electrocardiogram) reading.
Number of User Profiles
Not that crucial to some, but if you have significant others using the scale, look for a scale that allows you to set up multiple profiles or accounts.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity
In an ever-connected world we live in today, this can be a handy feature. All of the scales we feature below have these capabilities.
App Compatibility
While a good number have their own brand of apps, a nice feature is being able to connect to more widely-used ones like Apple Health, Google Fit, or Fitbit. Having this syncing ability will streamline your data into one place, which is crucial for giving you a holistic snapshot. There’s nothing more frustrating then having to use multiple apps just to figure something out.
How We Selected
Our team at Men’s Health is on the ever-constant search for the best wellness gear and tech, and when we get to play around with devices like smart scales, we get to geek out a bit. Our editors have been researching, collecting data, and evaluating the best smart scales on the market for years, keeping an eye on trends as they evolve as well as the newest models. Each option on this list was ranked based on its reliability and metrics tracked, accuracy, syncing with health apps, and overall user experience. Through constant testing over months of use, we were able to put together a solid list of some of the best scales on the market, regardless of whether you want to do a daily ECG and splurge some cash, or if you want accuracy with a friendly price tag, we’ve got you covered. Check out the best smart scales out there now below.
Body Scan Scale
If you want the epitome of data insights when it comes to your personal health, no other smart scale does it better than the OG—Withings and its Body Scan smart scale. If you want the ability to track more metrics than you know what to do with, then this is the scale for you and our clear winner for best overall smart scale.
The Rolls Royce of scales, this premium pick dives way deeper than most. One of our favorite features is the ECG reading. An extremely viable reading as 48% of Americans will develop heart disease. Getting preventively ahead could save your life.
Beyond the ECG, it shines in terms of reliability and accuracy, with weight readings being accurate to 50 grams thanks to four weight sensors—a 0.05% variance for a 200-pound individual, and an accuracy of around 3-5% for body fat percentage. Add in one of the most stylish designs and you have yourself a total package. Plus, it syncs seamlessly with apps like Apple Health and Google Fit. Yes, the price is an investment, but as they say, health is wealth, so invest in yourself.
Read More: The 25 Best Ways to Protect Your Heart Now
Smart Scale
When you hear smart tech, like most of us, the first thing that may pop into your head is a multi-hundred price tag. Luckily, that is not the case here. Renpho’s smart scale has more than enough of the features the majority of users will be looking to track. You may be thinking, yeah right, for something this affordable, does it only have the barebones?
Well for starters, it syncs with universal health apps like Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Fitbit. From there, it helps you monitor 13 different metrics including weight, body composition and BMI, muscle mass, body water, visceral fat, skeletal muscle, and bone mass, just a name a few. Did we mention it’s less than $25?
Read More: Best Fitness Trackers
The Body Pod Smart Scale
Want the scale the biggest podcaster in the world, Joe Rogan, uses? If that doesn’t sell you, how about the Kardashians? Well if either of those celebrity-endorsements don’t convince you, we’ll just let the scale do the talking for itself, thanks to the 17 different metrics it helps you track and analyze. Another higher-end option for those who truly want to dive deep into all the metrics possible, The Body Pod scale screams precision with its 98% accuracy vs. DEXA scans (what doctors use).
Another excellent feature is the segmental fat analysis, which allows you to see where different sections of your body (torso, arms, legs) hold more fat than others, giving you a clearer picture of your body composition. What we truly love about this scale is its integration into popular wearables like the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and FitBit.
Smart Scale
Yes, the brand that owns the pet and home security camera game has vastly expanded its product range and its smart scale is an excellent option competing right on par with the best on the market. What sets this scale apart from others is its user-friendly Wyze App—it’s a hub that all Wyze products sync to, including the cameras and smart vacuum.
Easily see detailed health insights over time and connect them to Apple Health, Google Fit, or FitBit. With simplicity in mind, even those who aren’t tech-savvy can easily navigate its interface. With 12 metrics tacked and the ability to have eight users, we simply love this scale that is neatly wrapped in a super affordable price tag.
Read More: Oura Ring vs. Samsung Galaxy Ring
Index S2 Smart Scale
With such a loyal following and a gamut of industry-leading tech, we would be remised if we didn’t include Garmin’s smart scale on our list. As with all things the brand produces, the Index S2 scale delivers an option that’s aesthetically sleek and provides fairly standard insight into your health metrics. But what truly sets this one apart is the connectivity to the Garmin community.
If you already own and use Garmin devices, the Index S2 syncs with the Garmin Connect app, allowing you access to all your health, sleep, and activity stats in one place. This gives you detailed insights and trends, helping you track your progress, set goals, and workout plans—although it only tracks six metrics. Through the Garmin network, you can share your stats with friends and family, and offer encouragement along the way through this social community is what truly makes your goals achievable.
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