Smart scales are electronic devices that can measure more than just weight. They can also track additional information about body composition such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass to help provide more details about health.

This article will discuss what smart scales are, their benefits, how to choose one, some scales available to buy, and some alternative options.

Smart scales are electronic scales that have a variety of extra functions. These features may help people achieve their fitness and wellness goals easier than using traditional bathroom scales.

Smart scales are capable of tracking and storing data and communicating with other smart devices, such as fitness trackers or smartphones. This also allows users to set goals, chart progress, and share statistics.

Smart scales can record biometric information such as body fat, bone density, resting heart rate, and water percentage through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

BIA is a small electrical current that the scales pass through the body. As different bodily tissues such as muscle, fat, and bone have varying levels of water content, they also differ in electrical conductivity. The BIA uses this information to calculate a persons body composition.

People can turn off the electrical impulse feature on most smart scales. Pregnant people and anyone with a medical device implant such as a pacemaker should turn this feature off before using a smart scale.

There have been several studies into the benefits of self-weighing. A 2015 systematic review found that frequent self-weighing had a positive correlation with weight loss.

Studies in 2013 and 2016 using smart scales also came to the conclusion that self-weighing is associated with weight loss and a reduction in body mass index (BMI).

A 2013 study notes that digital scales are more accurate than traditional dial scales. Smart scales may also have a clinical use; one 2016 study indicates that in-home smart scale measurements are comparable with in-person weight measurements carried out by trained assessment staff.

Studies from 2017 and 2020 also suggest that smart scales may be useful for weight management in a healthcare setting.

Digital tools such as smart scales may also have benefits over traditional methods, such as availability and flexibility. In addition, smart scales can connect to smartphone applications, which also show promise for weight management strategies.

However, it is worth noting that a 2015 systematic review suggests that weighing scales may have a negative impact when females and younger people use them. This may be particularly true for those with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

When considering a set of smart scales, people should think about their budget, the body biometrics they want to measure, and whether or not they want the scales to connect with other smart devices or apps.

The cheaper smart scales tend to have fewer features, whereas the more expensive ones tend to have better connectivity to other devices and apps. It is best for a person to decide which type of smart scale they require so that they buy one that meets their needs.

Many smart scales are available to buy online. Below are five products that people may wish to try.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

The Wyze Scale tracks 12 body composition metrics:

This scale also syncs data with other fitness apps, such as Apple Health and Google Fit. This allows people to view their progress at any time via Bluetooth connectivity. The scale turns on when a person stands on it, and it can measure biometrics when they stand on the glass surface.

The manufacturers state that the scale automatically recognizes up to eight users, with unlimited guest modes.

The Wyze Scale is available to buy online.

The Withings Body+ Scale measures weight, body fat and water percentage, and muscle and bone mass. The manufacturers state that measurements are accurate to 100 grams. The scale syncs with more than 100 fitness apps, such as Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit.

This smart scale automatically syncs information via Wi-Fi with Health Mate, which is a free health app. The scale also features position control technology, which gives people suggestions as to how to stand so that the scale gets a more accurate measurement.

The manufacturers state that up to eight users can weigh themselves and track their personal histories, with the scale automatically recognizing which user is standing on the scale.

This smart scale also has a pregnancy tracker, allowing those who are pregnant to see their healthy weight gain range and receive obstetrician-reviewed advice. The scale also has a baby mode to track the infants health.

As well as these features, the Withings Body+ Scale allows people to set their weight goals and track the number of calories they consume each day.

The Withings Body+ Scale is available to buy online.

The Runcobo Digital Scale measures 14 body composition metrics, including weight, body fat and water percentage, muscle and bone mass, BMI, BMR, and protein levels.

The scale automatically switches between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure that people can check their fitness and wellness goals wherever they are.

Although the manufacturers do have a companion health app, the smart scale is also compatible with most smartphone fitness apps and fitness trackers, such as Fitbit.

This smart scale can identify up to eight users, automatically sending the users measurements to their corresponding profile.

The Runcobo Digital Scale is available to buy online.

This smart scale measures weights of up to 396 pounds (lb), BMI, and changes in body composition. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and people can easily set up the scale through the free Qardio companion app. The manufacturers claim that the scale accurately measures weight on any surface, including carpet.

This scale syncs with most apps including Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, and Cronometer allowing people to keep all their fitness and wellness information in one place.

The QardioBase 2 does not require any batteries. Initially, people will need to charge the scale with a USB cable that comes with the product, and then the power lasts for up to 12 months. People can recharge the scale at any point using the USB cable.

The manufacturers state that the smart scale can automatically recognize up to eight unique users and comes with a guest mode. The scale also includes a pregnancy mode that lets people track their progress through each trimester.

The QardioBase 2 Scale is available to buy online.

The RolliBot Rollifit Scale measures eight biometrics, including weight, BMI, fat and water percentage, bone and muscle mass, BMR, and visceral fat. It accurately weighs people who weigh up to 400 lb. It comes with three AAA batteries and has auto-on and -off technology to save battery life.

The manufacturers recommend that people use the scale with bare feet to allow the product to measure correctly. The free companion app syncs data with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.

This scale allows people to create unlimited member profiles to enable the whole family to track their fitness and wellness goals.

The RolliBot Rollifit Scale is available to buy online.

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