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For a lot of people, getting on the scale isn't their idea of fun—but investing in a smart scale might help you dread it a little bit less. Unlike a traditional scale, smart scales give you tons of extra information like BMI, muscle mass, body water, bone density, and more, which can not only help you understand your body beyond the number on the scale, but also help inform your training and know when you can push a bit more, and when to hold back and recover.
Having a better understanding of your bodily makeup can help change your How to Master the 5k. Whether you are looking to lose, gain, or maintain, a smart scale can give you inside knowledge that helps you keep tabs on your health.
The 6 Best Smart Scales of 2023
Why Should You Get a Smart Scale
Weight tracking: Most smart scales have weight tracking during some period of time. Be it 30 days or a year, keeping track of your weight over time can help you determine your baseline. If you notice a rapid change in your weight, you'll know that something is off.
BMI: Body mass index helps you to understand the percentage of your body weight that is made up of fat. This can help you determine your metabolic age as well as possible risks like heart disease.
Bone Density: For runners and endurance athletes especially, knowing your bone density is super important. This helps to identify how much training—particularly pounding the pavement—your bones can take. The lower your bone density, the higher risk you have for fractures and breaks.
Muscle Mass: If you have ever wondered how you lose inches but still gain weight, chances are, you're experiencing fat loss and muscle gain. This can be confusing and frustrating especially if you're on a weight loss journey, so keeping track of muscle mass helps you put that number on the scale in the context of all the strength you're gaining, even if that means a few more pounds.
How to Choose the Right Smart Scale for You
Compatibility
Make sure the scale is compatible with a fitness tracking app you currently use or have access to on your phone's app marketplace. This is especially important if you're considering a scale like the Garmin Index as it is specifically designed to work best with other Garmin devices. Most smart scales have apps for both iOS and Android, but it's best to check just in case.
User Profiles
You can keep track of your weight over time by creating a profile in your smart scale's app. This keeps you from getting your readings confused with other people in your home who use the same scale, but not all scales have unlimited user profiles. Unless you have 10 very active children, the limit usually doesn't impact families, but it can pose an issue if you plan to use it in a team setting. Even without user profiles, though, all of the smart scales we recommend function to measure weight.
Additional Features
Make sure that the scale has all of the features you want. While they all have the basics of weight, BMI, and weight tracking, some of the more niche metrics like bone density and water composition are only available in certain models.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many smart scales out there, we researched the most popular models available. We also looked to expertly tested reviews from sources like Tom's Guide and PC Magazine. We considered customer reviews of popular models and made sure to vet our picks for durability, ease of use, and all the smart functions you need.
Pros
- Tracks all information in Runners World; Garmin
- Holds up to 16 profiles
Cons
- Expensive
If you already own a Garmin watch, you may want to consider the Garmin Index S2 as it tracks all the data from your watch and applies it when providing information on your health metrics.
This smart scale measures weight, BMI, body fat, body water, muscle mass, and bone mass, and can even offer charts that track your weight for up to a year. The screen on the scale even shows you a chart of your weight fluctuation over 30 days. The scale takes two AA batteries that last up to nine months.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 400 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Users | 16 |
| Compatibility | Runners World; Garmin |
Pros
- Sleek design
- Affordable
Cons
- Best for Fitbit users
While this scale is designed to work perfectly with a wearable Fitbit, it's also incredibly versatile, pairing with just about any fitness tracking app.
It measures weight, BMI, and body fat, and if you consistently use a wearable Fitbit, you can combine your metrics with your activity, nutrition, and sleep all within the Fitbit app. It has room for multiple profiles for family members, too.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 350 pounds |
|---|---|
| Users | 8 |
| Compatibility | Having a better understanding of your bodily makeup can help change your |
Pros
- Affordable
- Very compatible
Cons
- Not as many user profiles
If you don't want to spend over $100 on a new scale, we can't really blame you. This Wyze smart scale comes at a much more affordable price, and still tracks 12 metrics like body fat, lean body mass, and even your heart rate. It is also super compatible with apps, syncing with a number of different fitness tools like Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit, and it can support up to eight users.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 400 pounds |
|---|---|
| Users | 8 |
| Compatibility | Nutrition - Weight Loss |
Pros
- Easy to use
- looking to lose
Cons
- We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back
Another affordable option, the Eufy pairs with the EufyLife app to display your weight almost instantaneously. It also quickly gathers and displays your BMI, water percentage, and how much of your weight is muscle mass, bone mass, and body fat.
This is a great smart scale for large families or teams, as it can hold up to 20 different profiles. The app also tracks your weight progression and lets you know if you are in a healthy zone based on age, weight, and height.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 397 pounds |
|---|---|
| Users | 20 |
| Compatibility | EufyLife |
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Not compatible with other apps
Cons
- Some readings aren’t trustworthy
This smart scale has over 282,000 reviews, but if you're still skeptical, maybe you'll trust a firsthand account, because I own it, too.
I won't try to convince you that this scale changed my life or miraculously made me lose 10 pounds—it can do none of those things. But it does take fast, accurate readings, the glass top is easy to keep clean, and it quickly transfers information to my phone. It's also super easy to read, offers 13 metrics, and even has a baby-weighing mode for those with a little one.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 400 pounds |
|---|---|
| Users | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Health & Injuries |
Pros
- Accurate readings
- Great app
Cons
- Some customers had issues with shipping package
Not only does this scale work great, but it's also wrapped up in a sleek little package that you won't mind leaving within eyesight. It works just fine without an app if you're just looking for a digital scale, but connecting it via Bluetooth gives you access to data on your weight, muscle mass, BMI, bone mass, body fat, and more. The app is easy to set up, read, and navigate, and it keeps track of your stats over time.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 330 pounds |
|---|---|
| Users | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | looking to lose |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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