DocReview experts have recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the top 10 smart scales available in the market. The evaluation process involved testing the accuracy of each scale’s readings for various metrics such as weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, the experts used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the primary method for measuring body composition.
In the following sections, we provide a detailed review of each smart scale, including an overview of features, pros and cons, expert review, and rating. By the end of this article, readers will have a comprehensive guide to help them make an informed decision when choosing the best smart scale for their bathroom.
Best Smart Scales of 2024
Oxiline Scale MD Pro
Pros
- Most Accurate Results
- 31 Body Measurements
- Splits Metrics by Body Parts
- 8 Electrodes for Enhanced Accuracy
- Rechargeable Battery for Convenience
Cons
- Max Weight of 396 lbs
View at Oxiline
Customer Reviews ★★★★★ 5,185
Why we picked it
Accuracy Report
Product Specs
Battery life: Rechargeable Battery – 3 months of daily use
Minimum weight: 6.6 lbs
Max weight: 396 lbs
Display size: 4 inches
Compatible Health Apps: Apple Health, Google Health, Samsung Health, MedM Health, FitDays, and Fitbit Tracker.
Withings Body Comp
Pros
- Beautiful Design
- Insightful App
- Moderately Accurate
Cons
- Most Expensive
- Outdated Display
- Difficult App UX
View at Withings
Customer Reviews ★★★★ 62
Why we picked it
Accuracy Report
Even though Withings claims to address the accuracy issue with new technology, this scale uses BIA technology like all the other scales on this list. The patient test results were consistent but somewhat inaccurate with a +/- deviation of 8% for all measurements except weight where the deviation was under 0.5% This deviation is not ideal, however, it is acceptable for a non-professional scale. It would give you a close approximation of your body data.
Product Specs
Total number of readings: 6
Battery life: up to 10 months (uses 4 AAA batteries)
Minimum weight: 9 lbs
Max weight: 440 lbs
Display size: 2.4 inches
Compatible Health Apps: Apple Health, Google Health, and Samsung Health.
FitTrack Dara 2.0
Pros
- Most Complete App
- 17 Body Measurements
Cons
- Inaccurate Body Fat Readings
- Outdated Display
View at FitTrack
Customer Reviews ★★★★ 2,300
Why we picked it
Accuracy Report
Product Specs
Battery life: up to 1 year (uses 4 AAA batteries)
Minimum weight: 5 lbs
Max weight: 397 lbs
Display size: About 2 inches (uses mobile app for display)
Etekcity HR Smart Scale
Pros
- Mostly Accurate Results
- Great Display
- 14 Body Measurements
Cons
- Slow Results
- App Connectivity Issues
- Occasionally Wild Readings
View at Etekcity
Customer Reviews ★★★★ 36
Why we picked it
Accuracy Report
Product Specs
Total number of readings: 16
Battery life: up to 1 year (uses 4 AAA batteries)
Minimum weight: 6.6 lbs
Max weight: 400 lbs
Display size: 3.6 inches
Garmin Index S2
Pros
- Insightful App
- Fast App Connectivity
- Up to 16 Users
Cons
- Inaccurate Readings
- Small Display
View at Garmin
Customer Reviews ★★★★★ 729
Why we picked it
Accuracy Report
During our patient testing the Index S2 averaged a +/-10% deviation. Considering the importance of Garmin in the field of fitness these results were surprising and disappointing. Patients reported that they had no issues connecting the scale with the app but that even after sequential tests the results were always different making it difficult to know what was right and wrong. Sorry to disappoint Garmin fans, but this scale barely made the cut into our top 5.
Product Specs
Total number of readings: 6
Battery life: up to 9 months (uses 4 AA batteries)
Minimum weight: 11 lbs
Max weight: 400 lbs
Display size: 1.1 inches x 2.3 inches
Others Scales Considered
These smart bathroom scales did not make it to the top 5 list based on inconsistent accuracy and other negative patient reports.
- Eufy P2 Pro
- Wyze Scale X
- Qardio BaseX
- Renpho
- Greater Goods
Evaluation Process
A recent study conducted by a team of experts aimed to pick the top 10 smart scales available in the market. The study involved several stages of evaluation, including the use of a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) machine to compare accuracy, as well as a patient review panel to evaluate ease of use and other factors.
The DEXA machine is a state-of-the-art medical device that uses low-dose X-rays to measure the body composition, including bone density, muscle mass, and fat percentage. The machine works by passing two different energy X-rays through the body and measuring the amount of each energy absorbed by different tissues. This information is then used to calculate the body composition, providing a highly accurate and reliable measurement.
In the study, a group of patients was given a set of smart scales to use for a period of time. They were asked to evaluate the ease of use, design, and overall functionality of the scales, as well as any other relevant factors such as connectivity and app integration. The results of the patient review were combined with the accuracy measurements obtained from the DEXA machine to create a comprehensive evaluation of each smart scale.
Final Thoughts
Smart scales can be a valuable tool for people looking to monitor their health and fitness goals. The top 10 smart scales ranked by DocReview experts provide a range of features that go beyond just weight measurement, such as monitoring body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, and hydration levels.
When choosing a smart scale, it’s important to consider factors such as accuracy, connectivity, user-friendliness, additional features, and value for money. The Oxiline Scale X Pro was ranked as the best smart scale due to its high accuracy, user-friendly app, and useful additional features such as pregnancy mode and local weather information.
However, the best smart scale for an individual may depend on their specific needs and preferences. For example, the Oxiline Scale X Pro provides a comprehensive report on 16 different body composition measurements, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Overall, the top 5 smart scales ranked by DocReview experts are all high-quality options that provide accurate readings and useful features. By using this article as a guide, readers can make an informed decision when choosing a smart scale that best fits their needs.
FAQ
Q: What is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure body composition. It is considered one of the most accurate and reliable methods for assessing fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density.
DEXA works by passing two different low-dose X-ray energy beams through the body. As the X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed by tissues at different rates, depending on the composition of the tissues. Bone, fat, and lean tissue each have unique absorption characteristics, which allows DEXA to differentiate and quantify them.
Q: What is a smart scale and how is it different from a digital scale?
A smart scale is a type of digital scale that is equipped with advanced features to measure various metrics such as weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, and hydration levels. Additionally, a smart scale allows for device connectivity via Bluetooth or Wifi so that users can view, organize, and export their data.
Q: How does a smart scale work?
Smart scales use sensors to detect small electrical currents to measure various metrics. When a user steps on a smart scale, the sensors in the scale send a small electrical current through the user’s body. This current passes through the body’s tissues, and the sensors detect the resistance to the current, which is used to calculate the metrics being measured.
Q: Are smart scales accurate?
Smart scales can provide accurate measurements, but the accuracy may vary depending on the specific scale and the method used to measure the metrics. DocReview experts recommend testing the accuracy of each scale’s readings against the most accurate method available for each metric, such as BIA for body composition measurements.
Q: Can smart scales connect to other devices?
Yes, most smart scales can connect to other devices such as smartphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows users to track their progress over time and receive personalized insights and recommendations based on their data.
Q: What additional features do smart scales offer?
In addition to measuring weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, and hydration levels, many smart scales offer additional features such as pregnancy mode, local weather information, and the ability to track multiple users.
Q: How does a smart scale measure BMI?
Smart scales use a technique called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition, including BMI.BIA works by sending a small electrical current through the body and measuring the resistance of the current as it travels through different types of tissue, such as muscle, fat, and bone. Because muscle and other lean tissue have higher water content and conduct electricity better than fat tissue, the resistance of the current can be used to estimate the amount of body fat.
Once the weight scale has measured your weight and body fat percentage through BIA, it can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.
Q: Are smart scales worth the cost?
Smart scales can be a valuable tool for people looking to monitor their health and fitness goals. The cost of a smart scale may depend on the specific features offered and the user’s budget. DocReview experts recommend considering factors such as accuracy, connectivity, user-friendliness, additional features, and value for money when choosing a smart scale.
Q: Can smart scales be used by multiple users?
Yes, most smart scales can be used by multiple users and can track each user’s progress separately. Some smart scales even allow for guest mode, which allows visitors to use the scale without their data being stored.
Q: Which of these scales are compatible with Apple Health?
Of the digital scales mentioned, Withings Body Comp, FitTrack Dara 2.0, and Garmin Index S2 are all compatible with Apple Health.
Q: Which of these scales are compatible with Samsung Health?
Of the bathroom scales mentioned, Withings Body Comp, FitTrack Dara 2.0, and Garmin Index S2 are all compatible with Samsung Health.The Etekcity HR Smart Scale is not compatible with Fitbit Tracker or Samsung Health, but it can sync data with Google Fit and Apple Health.
Q: Which of these scales are compatible with Google Fit?
All the smart scales listed on this article are all compatible with Google Fit.
Q: Which of these scales are compatible with Fitbit Tracker?
The Top 5 smart scales listed on this article are compatible with Fitbit tracker.
Q: Is it worth upgrading my bathroom scale to a smart scale?
Bathroom scales have been a common tool for monitoring weight at home for many years. They are typically analog and rely on springs to measure weight.
With the advent of technology, digital scales have replaced analog scales as they provide more precise measurements. These scales use electronic sensors to provide an accurate weight reading.
More recently, smart scales have gained popularity as they offer a variety of additional features such as body composition analysis, Bluetooth connectivity, and integration with fitness apps. Smart scales can measure metrics such as body fat, muscle mass, and bone density, in addition to weight.
These metrics can be tracked over time to monitor progress towards health goals. With their advanced features and ability to provide a more holistic view of overall health, smart scales are becoming increasingly popular for personal use.