Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight requires consistent effort and the right tools. Bathroom scales are essential for tracking progress, and smart scales offer even more detailed insights into body composition. This article provides a comprehensive review of some of the best scales for weight loss, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Bathroom Scales
When shopping for a bathroom scale, you'll encounter two main types: analog and digital. Analog scales use mechanical springs to measure weight, while digital scales rely on built-in sensors. Smart scales, a subset of digital scales, connect to smartphones or computers via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to track health changes over time. Digital and smart scales are generally preferred for their ease of use and accuracy.
What to Look for in a Bathroom Scale
Several factors should be considered when choosing a bathroom scale:
- Weight Capacity: Most scales have a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. If you need a higher capacity, double-check before purchasing.
- Ease of Use: The scale should be easy to set up and have a platform with ample room to stand. A responsive display with large, bright numbers is also essential.
- Metrics Tracking: Some scales measure body fat percentage, metabolic rate, and bone and muscle mass, which can be helpful for tracking progress. However, it's important to use these metrics properly and understand their limitations.
- Connectivity: Smart scales can sync to apps on your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to track health metrics. This can be useful for those training for a race or looking to improve athletic performance.
Reviews of Top Bathroom Scales
1. Withings Body Scan
The Withings Body Scan is a premium smart scale that offers a comprehensive overview of your health. It tracks numerous metrics, including weight, body composition (fat and muscle mass), visceral fat index, basal metabolic rate (BMR), ECG, heart rate, vascular age, nerve health score, and electrodermal activity. It also features a stylish design and seamlessly syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit.
Pros:
- Highly accurate readings
- Stylish design
- Compatibility with Apple Health & Google Fit
- Tracks up to eight user profiles
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a subscription for a better overall snapshot
2. Withings Body Smart Scale
The Withings Body Smart Scale is another excellent option from Withings, known for its accuracy and responsive display. It connects via Wi-Fi to track weight, total body fat, water percentage, bone and muscle mass, and more. It can monitor up to eight unique profiles and syncs with the intuitive Withings Health Mate app.
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Pros:
- Tracks weight, body fat, and more
- Responsive with an easy-to-read display
- Monitors up to eight profiles
- Extremely accurate weight measurements
Cons:
- Some features may seem extraneous
- Initial Wi-Fi setup can be time-consuming
3. Eufy Smart Scale P2 Pro
The Eufy Smart Scale P2 Pro is an affordable smart scale that syncs health data to third-party apps like Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit. It can store up to 16 users and accurately measure weight, body mass, visceral fat, and more.
Pros:
- Syncs to Apple, Fitbit, and Google
- Stores up to 16 users
- Great value
- Very accurate
Cons:
- Platform size may be smaller than average
4. Taylor Precision Products Glass Scale
The Taylor Precision Products Glass Scale offers a simple, chic aesthetic with an easy-to-read display. It's ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward user experience and features auto-off and low-battery indicator features.
Pros:
- Simple, chic aesthetic
- Easy-to-read display
- Low-battery indicator feature
5. WW (Weight Watchers) by Conair Glass Scale
The WW by Conair Glass Scale is a sleek and simple scale with a large number display. It's thoroughly lab-vetted and backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Pros:
- Easy-to-read, responsive display
- Good Housekeeping Seal holder
- Sleek design
6. Greater Goods Digital Bathroom Scale
The Greater Goods Digital Bathroom Scale provides precise weight measurements on a large, easily readable display. It has a wide platform and a high weight capacity of 440 pounds.
Pros:
- Precise measurements
- Weighs up to 440 lbs
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Wide platform size
7. Renpho Elis 1 Smart Scale
The Renpho Elis 1 Smart Scale is a super affordable option that offers a lot of quality for the price. It connects to the Renpho Health app to track weight and 12 other stats.
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Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy-to-read display
- App tracks weight and other health-related stats
Cons:
- Weight measurements may be less accurate than more premium picks
8. Etekcity Smart Rechargeable Scale
The Etekcity Smart Rechargeable Scale is an Amazon bestseller with a ton of features. It's rechargeable and syncs with third-party apps like Apple Health, Fitbit, and MyFitnessPal.
Pros:
- Sleek, curved design
- Rechargeable
- Comprehensive app with a positive vibe
- A range of modes for different life stages
Cons:
- No low battery warning
- Not ideal for people with larger feet
9. Hume Health's The Body Pod
Hume Health's The Body Pod delivers 17 different metrics and boasts an impressive 98% accuracy compared to a DEXA scan. It integrates with the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and Fitbit.
Pros:
- Tracks 17 metrics
- Multiple sensors for high accuracy
- 98% accuracy vs. DEXA scans
- Seamlessly connects to Apple Watch, FitBit, Oura Ring
- Segmental fat analysis
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not compatible with MyFitnessPal
10. Eufy P3 Smart Scale
The Eufy P3 Smart Scale encourages you along the way with positive messaging and suggested workouts. It has a large touchscreen display and offers "pet weight" and "baby weight" options.
Pros:
- Provides encouragement and suggested workouts
- Large weight capacity
- Pet weight and baby weight options
- Allows you to track your diet, too
Cons:
- Doesn't support 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Can confuse multiple users
11. Renpho Smart Scale
The Renpho Smart Scale is a wallet-friendly option that syncs with universal health apps like Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Fitbit. It helps you monitor 13 different metrics.
Pros:
- Super affordable scale
- Loaded with health metric tracking
- Baby mode (or pet) allows you to hold your child for hassle-free weighing
- User-friendly brand app
Cons:
- Tempered glass corners are fragile and can crack
- Does not mention % of accuracy
- Some reviewers struggle with app connectivity
12. Wyze Smart Scale
The Wyze Smart Scale is another excellent option that competes right on par with the best on the market. It has a user-friendly Wyze App and tracks 12 metrics.
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Pros:
- Wallet-friendly
- Wyze App syncs all Wyze products to a central hub
- Connects to Apple Health, Google Fit, FitBit
- Simple setup and easy to use
- Can share data with unlimited users
Cons:
- Only Bluetooth enabled
- Only has a simple LED display
- Batteries need consistent replacement
- Reviewers note inconsistent readings
13. Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale
The Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale delivers an option that's aesthetically sleek and provides fairly standard insight into your health metrics. It connects to the Garmin Connect app and allows you to share your stats with friends and family.
Pros:
- Connect and share stats with Garmin Connect community
- Display has a weather widget
- Allows for 16 user profiles
- Scale displays a weight trend graph (if setup to)
Cons:
- Requires 4 AAA batteries
- Lacks thorough in-depth metrics compared to others
- Expensive compared to minimal metrics tracked
14. Homedics Luxe Smart Glo Scale
The Homedics Luxe Smart Glo Scale is perfect for anyone looking for an easy experience and simple-to-read data. It has ambient lighting and an intuitive app.
Pros:
- Easy to use without downloading app or using app in just guest mode
- Ambient lighting makes it easy to use in dark
- Intuitive app
Cons:
- Requires batteries to work (3 AAA)
- Isn't compatible with as many third-party apps as other scales
How to Use a Bathroom Scale Accurately
To ensure accurate weight monitoring, follow these tips:
- Place the scale on a hard, flat surface. Bathroom floors are ideal.
- Calibrate your scale regularly. This usually involves stepping on and off the scale and pressing a special calibration button.
- Weigh yourself at the same time of day. First thing in the morning is often recommended.
- Be consistent with how and when you weigh yourself. This will help give you a more accurate read.
- Take into account factors that can affect your weight. Sodium, hormonal fluctuations, constipation, and hydration levels can all play a role.
The Role of Smart Scales in Weight Loss
Smart scales can be a helpful tool for tracking progress and providing valuable insights into body composition. However, it's important to focus on overall trends rather than obsessing over any given reading. For individuals with a history of disordered eating, frequent weighing may not be the best approach.