The best smart scales measure not just your weight and BMI but overall body composition, tracking a range of metrics, from muscle mass and bone density to body fat percentage.
Most of them will work with a companion app, so you can easily see and track all your metrics from your phone, and they can also be connected to the associated apps of the best fitness trackers for a holistic view of your overall health.
The best smart sales: Quick list
RRP: £79.99
With a simple set-up, easy-to-use app, extensive metrics, and detailed explanations with insights into health and wellbeing, the Eufy Smart Scale P3 balanced budget with excellent features and usability.
RRP: £22.99
If you're strength training regularly or specifically looking to improve your fitness, the Vitafit scale is a great choice. It has individual 'athlete' and 'general' profiles to personalise your results to your goals, with explanations for the detailed insights available.
RRP: £25.99
The most versatile scales on our list, the Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551, offer 13 biometrics, including weight, body fat, BMI, subcutaneous fat, metabolic age, skeletal muscle, fat-free body weight, visceral fat, body water, bone mass, protein, BMR and muscle mass. A brilliant all-rounder, it's also compact and syncs with third-party apps like Apple Health.
RRP: £25
Looking for a cheap and cheerful smart scale? The Renpho could be for you. The scales come in at less than £30 but offer plenty of measurements, which I found to be very impressive, and use colour coding to clearly display how the results impact your health.
RRP: £349
You get what you pay for with the Withings Body Scan, which comes with an extendable handle with sensors, allowing for segmental body composition - meaning you can map muscle and fat percentage across all zones of your body, and not only the bottom half. It's also designed to analyse changes in cardiovascular health.
RRP: £49.99
The Beurer BF 720 Diagnostic Bathroom Scale covers the basics well - and then some. It offers biometrics for up to eight users and includes weight, BMI, body fat, body water content, muscle percentage, bone mass, and basal and active metabolic rate. The minimalistic, easy-to-use interface is best suited to anyone who already has an understanding of what the individual metrics mean.
RRP: £129.99
Sleek and stylish with a brilliant range of functions, the Garmin Index 2 Smart Scale is naturally our best pick for anyone who uses a Garmin fitness tracker, as you can sync your smart scales and watch to the same app. The tracked data includes BMI, body fat, skeletal muscle mass, bone mass and body water.
RRP: £29.99
Up to eight people can access the Salter Smart Bluetooth Scale, which makes the scales great for sharing and also for group challenges. These scales measure weight, body fat, body water, muscle mass, bone mass, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate on a simple dashboard.
RRP: £49.99
If you're seeking scales that pair seamlessly with your Fitbit, then the Fitbit Aria Air scales will be the best for you. However, this is the least advanced smart scale on the list, simply recording basic weight and BMI. However, if that's all you're seeking, and you like the sleek design, this is a great choice.
The best smart scales, tried and tested by us
The best smart scale overall
Of all the smart scales I tried, the Eufy Smart Scale P3 was the best as it ticked so many boxes. It looks great, it was easy to set up and it analyses a huge number of metrics - all at a reasonable price point.
Firstly, it looks smart, with its rounded edges and clear display. It's a great size, at over 30cm squared which makes it comfortable to stand on with plenty of space for your feet.
The set-up was simple but what I really loved about this smart scale on the first try was the app layout. It had plenty of detail, presented in a clear and digestible format, so it didn't overwhelm me. Which is no mean feat as it tracks an impressive 16 biometrics. These include (*deep breath*): weight, BMI, body fat, heart rate, muscle mass, BMR, water, body fat mass, lean body mass, bone mass, visceral fat, protein (low protein mass can be associated with excess body fat), skeletal muscle mass, subcutaneous fat, body age and body type.
Underneath each measurement it tells you whether or not the figure is standard or too high, considering your age, height, weight, and so on. This provides a handy at-a-glance view, but it also provides a further explanation as to your ideal metrics, and any actions you can take to reach them. I found this feedback motivating as it helped me understand the actions I needed to take, rather than telling me my measurement and leaving me high and dry.
Likewise, I found the 3D model of your body that greets you on the homepage to be an inspiring tool as you can compare it to a baseline 3D model of yourself. Some people might think this is gimmicky, but I found it to be a motivating aid to track progression.
Overall, these scales provide an impressive level of detail without being too overwhelming, and all at a really reasonable price point.
Best smart scale for fitness lovers
The Vitafit Smart Body Fat Scale is the best smart smart scale for anyone who exercises a lot or is looking to improve their fitness. While the other scales offer a plethora of metrics and multiple profiles for different users, this was the first scale I tested that took specific body types and goals into account.
To use the scales, you need to download the corresponding Vitafit app, where you're prompted to choose a suitable user mode from three options: weight only, athlete, or general. This is particularly important for those who do one of the many types of strength training or just regularly work out as the 'athlete' profile will pay particular attention to muscle mass when working out weight and BMI, etc. That way, you don't end up with incorrect or misleading data because you have more muscle - and muscle weighs more than fat.
This is a great choice for anyone who uses fitness trackers too, like the best Fitbits, as the app can sync data from the Fitbit app and Apple Health. You can also add other users, and set a goal weight - all of which I thought would be very useful for those who have health and fitness goals in mind.
When I picked up the scale, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight it felt. While it's not the lightest on the list, it's just shy of being so, making it a great option for anyone who wants to store the scale between uses (though this can affect calibration).
For the accessible price point, this scale also offers an impressive amount of stats. The data is broken down into two sections: body composition (weight, body fat, body fat-free, bone mass, muscle mass, protein, body water and target weight) and body index (BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle, BMR, metabolic age and height). This helps make them more digestible, without being overwhelming. They also appear as different colours to highlight whether results are too high or sufficient compared to standard baselines for your weight, height, age, and so on. Again, this is really helpful for an at-a-glance view of your stats. You can also track your progress via a series of graphs in the Trends section.
As someone who loves detail and insight into specific metrics on smart scales, I was impressed with what the Vitafit could offer. When I clicked on each measurement, I could see why it was important to track that specific measurement and also where my data sat on a scale. Admittedly, the information is not particularly detailed, but it was still more comprehensive than some of the other scales on this list that retail at a higher price point.
Best versatile smart scale
From syncing with a variety of health and weight loss apps to offering detailed information on the app, there's seemingly nothing the Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 can't do. And all at a sub £30 price point.
Etekcity has not scrimped on the amount of available data as the scale is synced to the VeSync app where 13 biometrics are included. These include weight, body fat, BMI, subcutaneous fat, metabolic age, skeletal muscle, fat-free body weight, visceral fat, body water, bone mass, protein, BMR and muscle mass. The stats are presented on one page with any measurements of potential concern highlighted, which I found very useful. While this feature was available on a few other smart scales I tested, it's not a feature of them all, and especially not the budget ones. Once you click on the measurement, it takes you to a page that breaks down what the measurement means, how it might affect you and any dietary and exercise advice. As someone who loves detailed graphs and data this was a delight, but it also helped contextualise the numbers.
If you want to see any trending patterns over time or set goals, you can also see this information as graphs. These scales also offer baby and pet modes and you can easily sync up with third-party apps, such as Apple Health (particularly useful if you've got the newest Apple Watch or the Apple Watch Series 10), Fitbit and MyFitnessPal. This makes the scale the best choice for anyone who is looking to lose weight sustainably.
If we had to choose some niggles, then it would be that the scales don't feel as sturdy as others on the list, and you might prefer a more detailed breakdown of body composition. However, as an all-rounder, these are great, and especially impressive considering the price. If I had to choose between these and the Renpho scales, which are similarly priced, these would be my preference, taking into account the design of the scales and app alongside the available data.
Comparatively speaking, these scales are smaller than some of competitors at under 30cm, so it's worth checking your shoe size against the dimensions before buying. This is actually a pro too though, as the scales are slimline with four diagonal sensors and a bright, crisp LED display that's easy to view.
Best budget friendly smart scale
Cheap, small, and easy to set up, if you want smart scales that don't stretch your pocket or take up too much space in your bathroom, I'd suggest the Renpho Elis 1 Smart Body Scale.
These smart scales are the smallest of all the ones I tried, which is saying something as my size 7 feet filled the entire length. Any bigger and you would be hanging off the edge. The design is well thought out though with curved edges and a clear display screen that lights up in red. Weighing just over 1kg, it's very lightweight and easy to move around.
Although the scales come in at less than £30, they offer a plethora of measurements, which I found to be very impressive. Weight, BMI, body fat, fat-free body weight, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, body water, skeletal muscle, muscle mass, bone mass, protein, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age are all on the list. Like the Vitafit Smart Body Fat Scale, the metrics are colour-coded, so you can see whether they are higher or lower than standard baselines. When you press on each, you’ll see where the measurement sits on a scale. There is also a measurement report that compares your measurements against a baseline so you can spot areas to improve. It's very standard, so if you work out at the gym a lot and have more muscle mass, you may find that incorrect markers are flagged around BMI, for instance, since muscle weighs more than fat.
In my view, these smart scales are ideal if you are not looking to spend serious pounds on fancy graphics. There are plenty of measurements that can provide an overall guide to your health, and when I compared the Renpho Elis 1 Smart Body Scale to the other scales, the data fluctuated as much as any of them did (none of them came out with the same results), so more money doesn't necessarily equal more accuracy. Just approach with caution if your feet are size 8 or over - and be sure to check out the Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 before making a final decision as the two are fairly similar.
Most advanced smart scale
Billed by Withings as ‘a powerful clinical experience at home,’ this was the priciest smart scale I tried, so the expectations were high stepping on. First of all, it should be noted it's a good size, though heavy (at over 4kg) and not the easiest to manoeuvre. But it was straightforward to set up and it synced easily with the app. Although eight people can use these scales, it automatically recognises you when you step on the platform - rather than having to find your profile before you can get a reading like the Salter Smart Bluetooth Scale.
One big difference between the Withings Body Scan and the other smart scales I tested was the extendable handle, which pulls up from the machine's base and has more sensors. The handle allows for segmental body composition as the current is flowing through the entire body, as opposed to just the lower body, which means information on muscle and fat mass is broken down into arms, legs and torso. Per the experts (noted below), this is likely to be more accurate than devices just reading from the feet. The handle also contains electrodes required for the electrocardiogram, which tracks your vascular health and can highlight any anomalies.
The scan itself takes 90 seconds and vibrates after taking each reading, which includes weight, vascular age and nerve health. Each metric popped up on the scale's display, so I knew instantly what the result was and whether this was considered to be within a 'healthy' range. There is further explanation on the app, including graphs to demonstrate what headway you are making, or not, and a mock-up of your body to demonstrate fat and muscle composition.
The app itself is free, but there are additional paid-for features - like the health improvement score, recipes and guided workouts - at £9.99 a month. There's no denying that the depth of detailed data is impressive, but the hefty price tag needs careful consideration. I think unless your budget comfortably extends to this amount, it's worth looking at other smart scales on the market that provide similar depths of data minus the dent in your pocket.
Best smart scale for simple readings
Starting with the look of these Beurer scales - it's a good-size machine and slimline, making it easy to store in the bathroom. It also feels solid to stand on and grips well even on a tile floor. The setup was uncomplicated, which is always a big bonus with smart scales as it's not always the case, with basic instructions included in the box. I found the app easy to navigate as well, so I was off to a flying start in testing.
Much like other devices on the list, the Beurer offers biometrics for up to eight users and includes weight, BMI, body fat, body water content, muscle percentage, bone mass, and basal and active metabolic rate. You’ll find your weight on the app home page, next to a breakdown of your results. The BMI, body fat, water and muscle measurements are presented as coloured circles (blue, green, yellow or red depending on how satisfactory the results are), which means you can quickly determine how well you are doing on your health journey.
If you click on a circle, you are taken to another page that displays where your number sits within the different categories - but that is about it. I would have liked to have seen more detailed information and my results in context, as you can see with the Eufy Smart Scale P3.
Also from the app home page, you can add personal goals, track your history and access recipes, a tip of the day, helpful activities and explanations of common terms for no extra cost within the Beurer MyHeart section, which is a welcome addition on par with the Fitbit Premium app that pairs with the Fitbit Aria Air Smart Bathroom Scales.
The Beurer BF 720 Diagnostic Bathroom Scale covers the basics well, and the fact the app is minimal in design will be a welcome feature for some users. It's a good pick for those who already have comprehensive health knowledge and an understanding of what the individual metrics mean, so just want to check in for anomalies over time. For the price, I'd argue that our top pick overall - the Eufy Smart Scale P3 is a better option - but should you be looking for an alternative, this would be my go-to.
Best Garmin smart scale
Given that Garmin produce some excellent fitness trackers - like the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and the Garmin Venu 3 - it should be no surprise that a Garmin smart scale has made the list. The Garmin Index 2 Smart Scale is sleek and stylish, fitting discreetly into my bathroom, and very easy to move around at just 2kg. The display is clear and bright so you can view it even in dim bathroom lighting.
Naturally, this will be the pick of the best for anyone who regularly uses a Garmin fitness tracker as it's the same app for both watches and this smart scale, meaning you can have all your data in one place.
Aside from the dashboard, where you will find the basic health and weight measurements, you can track blood pressure (by taking a reading or adding manually), find out whether you are drinking enough liquid (by adding manually), and sync calories burned when wearing a Garmin device. Obviously, if you don't wear a Garmin fitness tracker (like me), you do not benefit from this and it could be reason enough not to invest in these smart scales. If you have a Fitbit instead, the Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scale may be a better choice.
The data includes weight, BMI, body fat, skeletal muscle mass, bone mass and body water. Multiple measurements are tracked on graphs, offering deep personal insight into these metrics - but there is no context as to whether the measurements are high, low, unhealthy or healthy. Perhaps this hasn't been included because what 'healthy' means is very much down to individual perception - and the baselines are readily accessible on the NHS website for most health markers (like BMI, for instance). However, given that Garmin is a real expert in improving health and fitness, this was a little disappointing. For those who have a good understanding of what these metrics mean or are prepared to learn by other means, it's not an issue.
Also, whether you see this as a negative or positive depends on how simplistic you want your information to be. Personally, I prefer to receive readings within context and alongside an explanation, giving me a full picture of how I'm doing. It's why the Eufy Smart Scale P3 made my pick of the best.
Best smart scales for families
The smart scales by Salter are a good size, large enough to fit my size 7 feet comfortably without being too heavy to move between rooms if needed. There is also a large LCD providing clear visibility.
It is possible to have eight people accessing the smart scales, which provides an opportunity for group challenges, so you could introduce a competitive element with your partner or other family members - if you so wish. My main quibble is that these scales seemed a little fussier to set up and turn on than the others as you have to access your allotted number before you can sync your measurements, which felt a little fiddly.
As far as biometrics go, these scales measure weight, body fat, body water, muscle mass, bone mass, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate. They are all presented simplistically with lists on the home dashboard and via rudimentary trending graphs. Although it was presented clearly, the way the data was displayed was just a little too minimalistic for me and I found it lacked context. I preferred further explanation as to what the measurements meant and advice on how I can improve my metrics, as shown on the Eufy Smart Scale P3, but it would be ideal if you just want the basic numbers and don’t want to feel bombarded by statistics.
Best smart scale for Fitbit users
First things first, this is the least advanced smart scale on the list. While it compares excellently with Fitbit devices, making it a simple go-to for anyone with one of the best Fitbits on their wrist, it only records basic weight and BMI. For more detailed insights, such as the Eufy Smart Scale P3, Vitafit Smart Body Fat Scale, or Beurer BF 720 Diagnostic Bathroom Scale, you'll have to look elsewhere. At a fractionally lower price point is the Vitafit Smart Body Fat Scale, which I'd recommend instead if you don't have a Fitbit or you're looking for more detailed information from your smart scale.
The Fitbit Aria Air is slimline, ideal if you want smart scales that are not too obtrusive in your bathroom. They feel sturdy without being cumbersome, are simplistically but stylishly designed and with an adequately sized digital display. Given the brand's reputation, this wasn't a surprise to me - I've always been a fan of Fitbit design.
I have to admit I was surprised to discover that, unlike most smart scales, these focus solely on your weight. Bar your BMI, there is no breakdown of body composition or detailed analysis. It means essentially these are digital scales that sync to the Fitbit app as opposed to smart scales in the more conventional sense. The smart scales have no doubt been designed as an accompanying device to one of the many Fitbit types (one of which I wear regularly). If you don't have a Fitbit, you can use the scales and download the app for insights but there are better options in this case, as noted.
I found set-up easy and once I stepped on the scales, my weight was clocked immediately on the app. The benefit of using these scales is that it saves you from weighing yourself on a different device and then manually inputting the measurement into your Fitbit app and it's quick and efficient at what it does. It is up to you to decide whether the weight-only metric warrants the price tag, though - and if you are looking for a scale that links with a fitness track, weigh up Garmin vs Fitbit before making a decision.
How we tested the best smart scales
Susan Griffin tested smart scales for several weeks from brands including Garmin, Eufy, Fitbit, Salter, and more.
For this list, I tried and tested each of the smart scales a minimum of seven times over a five week period, which included a two-week holiday. This was helpful for two reasons - I could note and assess any differences in data and whether my body composition had changed significantly during this time, through different routines and activities, and I could see how easy it was to use the smart scales after an extended break.
I tried nine smart scales from brands including Fitbit, Garmin, Salter, Withings and Eufy, reviewing them on portability, convenience, data configuration, accessibility and price. All the accompanying apps were free to download.
I was barefoot, and for consistency, only wore my underwear each time. A hard surface is preferable to carpet, so I weighed myself on the same section of bathroom tile. Given there were nine different smart scales to trial, I kept them in an adjoining room and moved them onto the bathroom floor one by one, which helped me to assess portability.
In testing, I looked at the following details:
- Size and style: Within each review, I have included my first impressions of each smart scale, not only how it looks, but how it feels and the size. Given that not everyone has the same size bathroom, this is an important factor as the scale needs to be accessible without getting in the way.
- Portability: In case you cannot or do not want to have your smart scales on display all the time, I noted the portability of each smart scale. For example, were they lightweight or heavy to move? Would you need much storage space? However, it's important to read the instructions on your device as movement can affect the calibration of some scales.
- Ease of use: Any technology can feel overwhelming, especially at first, so I considered various factors, such as how easy it was to set up the smart scales, whether the instructions were easy to follow, and the simplicity of using them moving forward.
- Accessibility to data: The apps are key to smart scales, so I have included information on how easy I found it to access the data, how detailed it was, and how it is presented on the scale and in the app. The data is the most important part of using a smart scale, after all.
- RRP: As with any product, especially within the tech sphere, prices can vary a lot, so I included a variety of price points.
How accurate are smart scales?
It's important to acknowledge two notable points about using smart scales at home. "While they can be a useful way to monitor key weight and health data, the data provided by smart scales will typically not be as accurate as more specialised methods and equipment used by experienced medical professionals in a controlled clinic setting who are also factoring in your other personal health history and metrics," says Dr Glazebrook, who works at The Slimming Clinic.
Take how hydration levels might be measured, for example. "If your scales just have a foot plate the body composition and hydration levels are only measured through the lower half of your body. An estimated value for the whole body is produced but smart scales with additional handles can provide better accuracy as the lower and upper body are measured directly. However, these scales tend to be more expensive and less user-friendly. I suggest patients take the values as ‘estimates’ rather than exact," she adds.
"Also, constant access to health data like this can, for some people, cause obsessive-like behaviours, and can also result in anxieties about their health which can do more harm than good."
I found there were very small discrepancies between some of the measurements. However, the same fluctuations were reflected on each of the smart scales and though there might have been a pound difference in weight, for example, the same overarching messages were concluded by all of them as to whether my measurements were too high, low or within the correct category to be considered healthy.
Dr Jane Glazebrook is a general practitioner, weight loss specialist, and clinical team leader and consulting doctor at The Slimming Clinic. She is also a certified personal trainer.
How to choose the right smart scales for you
- Buy from a reputable source: “I would advise people to buy them from a reputable and reliable source. This will help to ensure that they are accurate and reliable. Looking at genuine online reviews can also help to provide greater insight into their functionality and accuracy,” says Dr Glazebrook.
- Check suitability: “It’s not advisable to use smart scales when pregnant because of the electrical current that runs through them. For this reason, they also should also not be used by people with pacemakers or other medical devices,” says Dr Glazebrook. Check whether there is a weight-only option as this does not use the electrical current if you are looking to buy one.
- Consider your requirements: “When upgrading to smart scales, look for features that align with your health goals and preferences,” says personal trainer Jade Imani. Also, check the size and weight of the smart scales to ensure they meet your physical requirements.
- Do your research on data: “Pay attention to the ease of syncing with apps and data storage policies. While detailed metrics can be helpful, they can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure how to interpret them. Focus on scales that provide clear, actionable insights and choose features that will genuinely benefit your fitness journey,” says Imani, who works with Insure4Sport.
Jade Imani is a London-based, qualified personal trainer with a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science. Her specialisms include women’s health, biomechanics and she is also a running coach.
When is the best time to use smart scales?
The best time to use smart scales is consistently at the same time of day and under similar conditions to ensure the most accurate and comparable readings, says Imani. “In the morning, before eating or drinking, is typically the most reliable time to use any kind of weighing scale [as you're yet to eat or drink]. It’s also important to use them on a hard, flat surface for consistent results," she says.
It's also a good idea to wear minimal clothing - or none at all - when using the weighing scale as even the best technology can't tell the difference between body weight and clothing. However, if you do wear some clothing on the scale, be sure to keep this consistent with every measurement.
Are smart scales worth it?
Yes, after testing these devices for several weeks, I'm confident in saying that a smart scale is a worthy buy - provided you stay in your budget. It's not worth splashing cash you don't have on one of these devices.
It was fascinating to receive a detailed breakdown of my body composition, rather than just my weight and I'm keen to continue using smart scales, consigning my digital scales to the back cupboard, but I only intend to only use them twice a week, at most, and as a general guide to my health moving forward rather than gospel.
“Using smart scales at home offers convenience and allows for regular monitoring, which can be beneficial for staying on track with personal goals. However, scales used in a gym setting or under professional supervision can provide additional context and interpretation of the data," says Imani. "The best approach might combine home monitoring with periodic check-ins with a professional. Stay focused on your personal goals and use smart scales as a supportive tool rather than the sole measure of your progress."
