The best smart scale for your fitness journey

Overview

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Many fitness journeys begin at the same starting point: on the bathroom scales. Stepping on and off those scales and getting into shape is easier said than done, but it’s worth the hard work. What you need is focus, commitment, and a helping hand. In this day and age that means tech-based assistance.

Indeed, there are plenty of products that will help make your journey a little easier. Everything from running watches to protein powders can give you the advantage. What about a set of smart scales? With all the advanced tech included, stepping onto a smart scale could be that first crucial leap towards your ultimate fitness goal.

But before you jump ahead and start shopping, let us help take some weight off your mind — and maybe your body — by explaining what makes these scales so smart.

What are smart scales?Regular old scales only measure your weight, which is fine if that’s all you need. Smart scales provide you with extra data that helps tailor your weight-loss plan, with apps or online services to track various metrics and store information for you.

Most of the apps are compatible with the likes of Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit, so you can sync your data to provide a clearer picture of your progress. Smart scales can provide the motivation to lose, maintain, or even gain weight.

Once you step on the scale, your information is recorded and sent to the accompanying app. These apps track your weight, providing charts that let you set goals for yourself. The ability to see goals and monitor progress can motivate you in ways that simply jotting down your weight can’t or won’t.

How do smart scales work?Some scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to measure body composition. This technology uses electrical currents to gather measurements, so consult your doctor before hopping on if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker.

The number of measurements that are tracked will vary from scale to scale. Some only track a handful of metrics, like weight, fat, lean mass, and body mass index (BMI). Others, such as the RENPHO scale, track 13 different body composition metrics.

Some of these measurements might not be necessary for you to keep tabs on. If you are just casually watching your weight, for instance, you probably don’t need to track bone mass and skeletal muscle. Finding the right smart scales depends on which specific metrics you want to track, which features suit your lifestyle, goals, and medical history.

What is the perfect weight?There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, because it depends on your size and various factors, such as age, muscle-fat ratio, height, sex, and body shape.

The best way to determine whether you’re at a healthy weight is to measure your BMI. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. BMI measurement is standard on smart scales.

It’s important to not obsess over these numbers. Everyone has a different set of circumstances that may influence where you fall on the scale. The most important thing to remember is that you’re on your own personal fitness journey, and things take time. Focus on feeling fitter and healthier, and the rest will fall into place.

Which app do you need for smart scales?The best app will depend on which smart scale you purchase. Some will need you to download and use a specific app, while others will have universal compatibility that syncs with popular fitness apps such as Garmin Connect, Nike+, and Google Fit.mCheck this out before making any purchase, because this could mean extra costs.

What is the best smart scale?There’s a whole world of smart scales out there – and lots of brands you’ve probably never come across. You might feel more comfortable going with a brand you know, such as Fitbit or Garmin. These are well-trusted, top-of-the-range fitness tech manufacturers and their smart scales sync with their other devices.

We’ve scoured the internet and tracked down some of the very best smart scales from some of top brands. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this list. All you need to do is pick a favourite and jump on.

These are the best smart scales in 2024.

The Fitbit Aria Air is one of the biggest names in the smart scale world. It’s the most convenient option for Fitbit users because there is no app middleman. It syncs directly to the Fitbit app.

The Aria uses Bluetooth connectivity for initial setup, then relies on WiFi for regular use. The scale can recognise multiple users and sends each person’s data directly to their Fitbit account.

There’s no need to power on or calibrate the scale before each use. Just step on and it’s ready to go. The Aria shows your progress in the Fitbit app with simple and easy-to-read graphs.

One drawback is that it measures fewer metrics than other scales, but that doesn’t need to be a dealbreaker. If you want something for casual, everyday use, rather than a serious training regimen, it’s more than adequate.

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The Tanita RD-953 is not just a scale but a “body composition monitor”. It’s designed to give detailed readings on a range of health measurements. It uses medical-grade Dual Frequency BIA technology for accuracy, taking measurements via two bio-electrical impedance frequencies. 

The scale gives colour-coded readings of each health measurement — green (healthy), yellow (borderline), and red (attention needed). Especially impressive is the fact it doesn’t just measure muscle mass, it scores the quality of your muscle too.

It connects to both Apple Health or Google Health via the My Tanita app and remembers information for up to four users. You don’t even need to input info for each user. Just step on the scale and it knows who you are immediately. 

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The RENPHO Body Fat Scale tracks 13 metrics — not quite the best on this list but not far off. With all that data at your feet, you’ll learn more about your body than you ever thought you needed to know. 

These scales track data for unlimited users. Just make sure your phone is either open to the app or that you’re the last to have synced before stepping on. Otherwise your measurements could be tracked under a different user’s profile. As long as no one else is connected, you won’t need your phone to step on the scale. It stores your stats until the next time you sync.

The RENPHO app allows you to share your progress with friends who use the app. It also syncs with Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit.

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The Eufy P3 offers the biggest range of measurements of all the smart scales on this list — an impressive 16 in total — which makes the Eufy P3 the most well-rounded option. It’s no surprise that these scales have a huge number of four and five-star reviews on Amazon.

It’s more than a scale. It’s like a personal coach, giving you detailed analysis and science-backed guidance. It monitors and reports progress, with a wealth of stats in one place. To make it all easier to understand, it creates a 3D model of your body, which changes as you work — so you literally see results.

Price-wise this sits in the middle. Not the most expensive but certainly not the cheapest. But if you’re serious about weight loss, the Eufy P3 is a great all-rounder. It’s all about keeping those fitness goals on track.

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The Withings Body+ is the smart scale for the tech-obsessed. It syncs with Apple Watch plus more than 100 health and fitness apps, including Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit. The scale also greets you with the day’s weather forecast when you step on.

Up to eight different users can utilise the Body+ scale. Like some other smart scales, Body+ recognises users based on their body composition, so there is no need to have the app open to your profile when you hop on the scale. You can sync your data via Bluetooth or WiFi.

In addition to its standard settings, Body+ also has pregnancy and baby modes. Pregnancy mode allows you to monitor body composition and nutrition as you go through a pregnancy while baby mode gathers information about the babies or tots in your life to monitor their growth.

Though it goes without saying that no at-home smart scale should take the place of regular doctor’s visits — for you or your little ones.

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The Garmin Index S2 is a WiFi enabled smart scale packed with top-of-the-range tech and features. The scale connects with the Garmin Connect app, which is also used with the brand’s excellent fitness tracking devices.

In fact, you can always rely on Garmin. It’s a top tech fitness brand that makes premium devices. But don’t feel limited by having to lock into the Garmin system. The Garmin Index S2 also connects with other apps, including MyFitnessPal and Nike+. App connectivity allows you to record and track weight progress and work towards those fitness goals. 

It’s capable of recording a range of health metrics and detects an impressive 16 users. Just step on the scales and your stats will be ready and waiting. It also comes equipped with an easy-to-read, hi-res display. 

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Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable’s sister site, AskMen.

Deputy Editor, Shopping and Reviews

Based in New York City, Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor, Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, and deals about tech products including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She has five years of experience writing buying guides, gift guides, and deals, and covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.

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