THESE SCALES MEASURE UP
Any bathroom scale can measure your weight, but some are more reliable and precise than others. And for anyone serious about shedding pounds or tracking their health, a smart scale can do much more. Smart bathroom scales measure body mass index (BMI), as well as things like muscle and bone mass, water weight, and lean body mass, then upload the data to a fitness tracker or app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. (Some manufacturers and medical professionals recommend that people with internal medical devices like pacemakers, pregnant women, and children not use this technology for measuring body composition.)
Prices range from less than $20 for a basic digital scale to more than $100 for a smart scale that can track health stats for a large family. We evaluated dozens of expert tests and thousands of user reviews to find the best smart and digital bathroom scales. All our picks have a 400-pound weight limit unless otherwise noted.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
WEIGHT GURUS BLUETOOTH SMART SCALE | Best Value: Smart Scale Under $50
Est. Price: $45 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- "Consistently accurate" in testing by Wirecutter.
- Compatible with Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit apps.
- Responsive customer service.
- 5-year warranty.
Cons:
- Phones and fitness trackers must be close to the scale in order to sync.
- BMI readings aren't very accurate, some users say.
Takeaway: This Bluetooth-enabled scale from Greater Goods (product No. 0375) allows up to eight users to track weight, BMI, body fat, lean mass, water weight, and bone mass. The scale syncs with the Weight Gurus app for tracking health stats and weight-loss goals over time. It's also compatible with other popular apps, including the Fitbit app and Apple's Health app, something users seem to appreciate, based upon the number of positive comments we read. The scale is recommended in several expert roundups we consulted, with Wirecutter saying it "has the largest and nicest display of the scales we tested." The scale requires four AAA batteries (included), and most consumers report long battery life.
NOKIA BODY+ | Best Smart Bathroom Scale
Est. Price: $100 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- Named "best smart scale" by Tom's Guide.
- Compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit apps.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Special modes for pregnant women and baby weight tracking; BMI measurement can be turned off.
Cons:
- Occasionally resets stats and erases user history, some users report in reviews.
- Not compatible with the Fitbit app.
- 1-year warranty.
Takeaway: When it comes to accuracy and features, this Nokia scale outweighs the competition. It's the top pick at PCMag and Tom's Guide, both of which put bathroom scales through rigorous testing. The scale measures all major body-composition metrics for up to eight people, including BMI and muscle and bone mass, as well as some metrics that other smart scales don't, like heart rate. (It even displays current time and weather data.) It also has a pregnancy tracker to monitor prenatal development and a baby mode to calculate an infant's weight. Users say the Health Mate app is intuitive and easy to set up and use, although a handful of people say the body-fat readings aren't accurate. Although this Nokia scale syncs with some fitness trackers, it is not compatible with Fitbit, something many users lament. It's available in black or white and uses four AAA batteries (included).
ETEKCITY DIGITAL BODY WEIGHT SCALE | Best Digital Bathroom Scale
Est. Price: $23 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- Accurate weight readings, users say.
- Positive reviews for customer service.
- Blue backlit digital display is very legible.
Cons:
- Must be recalibrated when moved.
- 1-year warranty.
Takeaway: If accurately tracking your weight is your only goal, then a digital scale is all you need. This Etekcity scale (model No. EB9380H) won't track your weight over time or do everything a smart scale can, but owners say it's well-built and sturdy, with a large display that is very easy to read, even in a dim room. Although this scale isn't included in any professional testing, it has accumulated remarkable enthusiasm from more than 15,000 consumers on Amazon. Those who keep it tucked away in a corner appreciate that it's so slim and lightweight. The scale uses two AAA batteries, which are included, although some owners say they drain quickly. A tape measure also comes in the package, so you can measure your waistline along with your weight.
EATSMART PRECISION DIGITAL BATHROOM SCALE | Best Cheap Digital Bathroom Scale
Est. Price: $17 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- Positive reviews for customer service.
- 2-year warranty.
- Low price.
Cons:
- Some owner complaints about durability and accuracy.
- Must be recalibrated when moved or when the batteries are changed.
Takeaway: While this EatSmart digital scale may be a bit too basic to catch expert testers' eyes these days, it's a former Wirecutter top pick (reviewers there chose the more expensive EatSmart Precision CalPal in their most recent roundup). It also earns a very high average rating (4.2) from a whopping 27,500-plus reviewers on Amazon. Owners say this scale is a cinch to use: Just step on the scale to turn it on and measure your weight; it shuts off automatically after you step off. Users like the large, bright digital readout and the tempered-glass platform, though some complain that it can chip or even shatter if dropped or knocked against a hard surface. As with other cheap digital scales, we read several reviews from users complaining that the scale isn't very precise, including some who say they got different results in back-to-back weigh-ins. This scale runs on four AAA batteries, which are included, and users say battery life is generally good. A tape measure also comes with this scale.
FITBIT ARIA 2 | Smart Scale for Fitbit Users
Est. Price: $129 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- 2-year warranty.
- Responsive customer service.
Cons:
- Tracks fewer body composition stats than other smart scales.
- Compatible only with Fitbit-brand fitness trackers.
- Takes several seconds to display weight and health data.
Takeaway: This Fitbit scale isn't the best or cheapest smart scale you can buy, according to PCMag, but it's a good option if you're a dedicated Fitbit user and want to stay in that product universe. Owners leaving reviews on Amazon are somewhat less enthusiastic than the professional reviewers are, but many of the lower ratings deal with issues syncing over a home Wi-Fi network. This scale also doesn't monitor some of the health stats that competing models do, such as muscle and bone mass or water weight. Despite these drawbacks, and the lackluster reception by some users, a host of satisfied owners insist they're happy they didn't listen to the naysayers. Once the scale is set up, the ability to pair with a Fitbit, and use the app to track not simply weight but progress toward fitness goals, seems to be an incredible motivator for many.
TAYLOR 7084 ELECTRONIC GLASS TALKING SCALE | Talking Bathroom Scale
Est. Price: $32 | Buy it from Amazon
Pros:
- 440-pound weight limit.
- Audible readouts with adjustable volume.
- 5-year warranty.
Cons:
- Some owners report durability issues.
- The "voice" of the scale is annoying to some users.
Takeaway: Talking scales don't make it into any expert roundups of the best bathroom scales, but this Taylor model is a moderately priced option that earns its share of positive user reviews, particularly from people with impaired vision. Unlike a smart scale, this model doesn't track weight or measure things like body mass index, but users don't seem to miss the extra features. They say the audio is very easy to understand and loud enough that they don't have to strain to hear. The large digital display has excellent contrast, making it easier to see in dim or bright light. The scale runs on three AAA batteries, which are included. Another bonus: Taylor's five-year warranty is considerably longer than those of other brands.