ConsFirst / Smart scales
Smart scales: the downsides, first
Treat body-fat numbers as rough estimates: reviewers and owners saw readings jump around or read high on several scales, and pairing problems or scales that die come up for five of the eight we compared. Here are the most popular smart bathroom scales in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared22 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 smart scales, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Withings
$$$Wi-Fi + BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 3.9/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Tom's Guide's best smart scale overall, praised for a polished app that explains every number. It also has athlete, pregnancy, baby and eyes-closed modes. Some features sit behind a $99/year subscription, Withings now lists it at $129.95, and about 1 in 8 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Subscription: Optional: Withings+ is $99/year for extras like Health Improvement Score and Body Score; all basic stats are free (Tom's Guide)
Top complaints
- Some features need a subscriptionVery common
Tom's Guide's only listed con: Health Improvement Score and Body Score are locked behind the $99/year Withings+ plan.
- Inconsistent readings and setup trouble for someMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says accuracy, reliability and compatibility are mixed: some owners report inconsistent readings and difficult setup.
- Price creepMentioned often
Tom's Guide reviewed it at $99 and Wirecutter lists it at $100, but Withings now lists it at $129.95. Amazon owners are mixed on value, with some calling it overpriced.
What owners love
- Best-in-class app
Tom's Guide calls the app gorgeous and easy to navigate, with explanations backed by scientific references and links to over 100 apps. Wirecutter says it's easier to use than its top pick's app.
- Modes for the whole household
Athlete, pregnancy, baby and eyes-closed modes (Tom's Guide). Wirecutter notes a mode that turns BIA off and an eyes-closed mode that shows motivating messages instead of weight.
- Higher weight limit and FSA-eligible
Wirecutter cites a 440 lb limit, FSA eligibility and a two-year warranty. Tom's Guide lists 397 lb.
Skip it if…- You won't pay extra for app features
- You just want weight on a budget
- You want the cheapest Wi-Fi scale
Good for- An app that explains your numbers
- Syncing over Wi-Fi without your phone nearby
- Households that want eyes-closed or pregnancy modes
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter found it slightly better than the Body+ in weight tests, and it reads in 0.1 lb steps (Tom's Guide). Amazon owners are mixed on consistency. - Body composition (as tested)3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide's tester saw body fat one point higher than a gym analyzer and notes there's no way to know which is right. - App & syncing4.5
Why 4.5?
Polished app with explanations, Wi-Fi sync and 100+ app links (Tom's Guide). Some features need the $99/year plan. - Multiple users4.0
Why 4.0?
8 users with automatic recognition once each person is set up, though new users must be invited or added manually (Tom's Guide). - Durability & battery3.5
Why 3.5?
AAA batteries rated up to a year (Tom's Guide review; 15 months in its comparison table) and a two-year warranty (Wirecutter). 13% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best smart scale overall (updated 2026-07-22). The only con is the features locked behind a subscription.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Other scale worth considering, especially for athletic goals or FSA funds. It did slightly better than the Body+ in Wirecutter's weight tests.
#2
Wyze
$$$Wi-Fi + BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 3.9/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Its 24,923 ratings are shared with another BodyScan listing (B0GYF5PST1) whose title says Bluetooth only, so the count may pool variants.PCMag's best alternative to a DEXA scan: a handlebar scale that breaks down fat and muscle by arm, leg and torso for about half the price of rivals, with the most precise weight readings PCMag has tested. Its body-fat and muscle numbers varied between weigh-ins, sometimes by up to 5% against a pricier handlebar scale.
Subscription: None: no subscription mentioned by testers
Top complaints
- Body fat and muscle readings jump aroundVery common
PCMag saw body fat and muscle mass vary across repeated weigh-ins (less muscle after breakfast than an hour earlier), with body fat sometimes 5% off the HumeHealth Body Pod.
- Mixed accuracy and Bluetooth issues for ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says accuracy and connectivity are mixed, with some owners reporting inconsistent readings and Bluetooth connection problems.
- Disposable batteries and a lot of scrollingMentioned often
PCMag prefers rechargeable models; four AAAs last up to eight months. It also had to scroll a long way in the app to find comparative values.
What owners love
- Most precise weight PCMag has tested
It repeated the same value on back-to-back weigh-ins, added 0.7 lb when PCMag's tester pocketed a 6.8 oz phone, and returned to the exact value after.
- Segmental breakdown for less
The handlebar breaks down fat and muscle in each arm, leg and torso, for roughly half the cost of competing handlebar models (PCMag).
- Wi-Fi and safe mode
Syncs without your phone nearby, and a safe mode turns off BIA for pregnant users and people with pacemakers, unlike the pricier Hume and Renpho handlebar scales (PCMag).
Skip it if…- You're just starting out and only need weight
- You want a rechargeable battery
- You need consistent body-fat numbers day to day
Good for- Strength trainers who want arm, leg and torso breakdowns
- Very precise weight (it registered a 6.8 oz phone)
- Wi-Fi sync plus a safe mode for pregnancy and pacemakers
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency5.0
Why 5.0?
Most precise weight PCMag has tested: consistent back to back and sensitive to a 6.8 oz phone. - Body composition (as tested)3.0
Why 3.0?
BMI and lean mass matched a Hume Body Pod, but body fat varied by up to 5% and muscle readings were inconsistent (PCMag). - App & syncing4.0
Why 4.0?
Wi-Fi sync, a data-rich app and a doctor-shareable report, though it takes scrolling (PCMag). Some Amazon owners report Bluetooth problems. - Multiple users4.0
Why 4.0?
Smart recognition for up to 8 users, plus pet and baby profiles (PCMag). Amazon owners say it's easy to set up for multiple users. - Durability & battery3.5
Why 3.5?
Tempered glass with a retractable handle; four AAAs last up to eight months, with no rechargeable battery (PCMag). 5% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best alternative to a DEXA scan, 4.0/5 Editors' Choice. The cons are some inconsistent muscle and fat readings and no rechargeable battery.
#3
Etekcity
$$Wi-Fi + BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 3.8/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)This is the listing PCMag links to, but it pools 349,711 ratings across several Etekcity scale variants (some about $20), and its review summary mentions features of other models. On Walmart's HR listing, 10% of 68 ratings are 1-star.PCMag's best smart scale overall: Wi-Fi, a rechargeable battery and a color screen for $79.99, and its body-fat reading matched a gym analyzer in testing. The VeSync app is crowded, and low-star Walmart reviews describe units that stopped charging or wouldn't pair.
Subscription: None: no subscription mentioned by testers
Top complaints
- Dead, won't charge or won't pairMentioned often
Lowest-rated Walmart reviews say one unit never worked, one stopped charging after three months, and one wouldn't pair or turn on. Several 4-star reviewers also say connecting to the app took troubleshooting.
- Crowded appMentioned often
PCMag says the VeSync app tries to do too much (smart-home controls, a store, a forum and diet plans), though the scale page itself is refined.
- Confusing baby mode and unneeded extrasOccasional
PCMag calls the baby mode confusing. CNET says extras like weather and temperature seem unnecessary.
What owners love
- Accurate in PCMag's tests
Its body-fat reading matched a handheld Omron HBF-306C exactly, and BMI was within tenths of a point. It wasn't precise enough to register a 6.8 oz phone.
- Customizable color display
CNET's pick for best display: easy to read, showing the metrics you choose. PCMag likes the progress-toward-goal screens.
- Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery and zero-current mode
Readings sync without your phone nearby; the 500 mAh battery charges by USB (PCMag). A zero-current mode measures weight only for pregnant users and people with implanted devices such as pacemakers (CNET, PCMag).
Skip it if…- You want a simple, uncluttered app
- You need to weigh a baby often
- Seeing extra body data upsets you
Good for- A color screen with your stats
- Wi-Fi sync and a rechargeable battery for under $100
- Zero-current mode for pregnancy or a pacemaker
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency4.0
Why 4.0?
Highly accurate in PCMag's testing and tracked clothing and day-to-day changes, but it didn't register a 6.8 oz phone. - Body composition (as tested)4.0
Why 4.0?
Body fat matched an Omron handheld analyzer exactly in PCMag's test (a single tester). - App & syncing3.5
Why 3.5?
Wi-Fi sync and good context per metric, but the app is crowded (PCMag). Some Walmart owners needed troubleshooting to pair. - Multiple users4.5
Why 4.5?
Unlimited profiles plus guest measurements (PCMag, CNET). - Durability & battery3.0
Why 3.0?
Rechargeable battery that still looked full after a week (PCMag), but lowest-rated Walmart reviews report charging failure after three months and dead units.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best overall, 4.5/5 Editors' Choice (updated 2026-09-30). The cons are a crowded app and a confusing baby mode.
- CNET: Best smart scale display. It has unlimited profiles and is safe for pregnant users and those with implants, but CNET calls it expensive at $80.
#4
Etekcity
$BluetoothiPhone and Android via the VeSync appScore 3.6/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Amazon's #1-flagged best seller in a 'smart scale' search. The listing doesn't state a model number; it matches the ESF-551 by features. Its 152,540 ratings are shared with Etekcity's 'Upgraded' listing (B0DJX4B216).Amazon's best-selling basic smart scale ($31.99 from Etekcity), and only about 3% of its huge number of ratings are 1 or 2 stars. Expert coverage is thin: Wirecutter's testers found it stable and easy to read, but its author had connectivity problems with the app.
Subscription: None: Etekcity says the VeSync app is free
Top complaints
- App connection hiccupsOccasional
Wirecutter's author had some connectivity issues with the app, though Amazon's review summary says it connects seamlessly by Bluetooth.
- No Wi-FiOccasional
The Amazon listing advertises Bluetooth app sync only, so your phone needs to be nearby to log readings.
What owners love
- Owners find it accurate and easy
Amazon's review summary says owners find readings accurate and consistent, setup easy, MyFitnessPal syncing useful, and the value good.
- Stable with a crisp display
Wirecutter's paid tester panel said it felt stable and was easy to read; it has a 400 lb limit.
- Unlimited users and extra modes
Etekcity lists unlimited users, a zero-current mode, a baby/pet mode and a light-items mode.
Skip it if…- You want Wi-Fi sync
- You want expert-tested body-fat accuracy
- You want stats on the scale's screen, not just in the app
Good for- A cheap, well-rated scale with app tracking
- A big, bright LED readout
- Zero-current mode (Etekcity says it's a safe weigh-in option)
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners describe accurate, consistent readings (Amazon), and Wirecutter's panel found it stable. No measured accuracy test was published. - App & syncing3.0
Why 3.0?
Free VeSync app with broad third-party syncing (Etekcity), but Bluetooth only, and Wirecutter's author hit connectivity issues. - Multiple users4.0
Why 4.0?
Unlimited users, per Etekcity (not independently tested). - Durability & battery4.0
Why 4.0?
Only about 3% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, and owners praise its quality. There's no expert durability data.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): In 'The competition' (not a pick): crisp display and stable, but the author had app connectivity issues.
#5
Wyze
$BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 3.8/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)4,239 ratings; the black and white listings share the same ratings.Wirecutter's top pick and PCMag's best budget scale: in testing it was within 0.3 lb of a medical scale and the batteries are rated for 22 months. It's Bluetooth only, the app gives little context for its numbers, and about 1 in 7 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Subscription: None: no subscription mentioned by testers
Top complaints
- Pairing problems and units that stop workingVery common
Amazon's review summary calls connectivity and app quality mixed: some owners say it won't pair with their phone or that the app is awful, and some say it stops working after about six months.
- App lacks context, and there's no Wi-FiMentioned often
Tom's Guide and CNET say the app could explain the metrics better (Tom's Guide: a visceral fat number of nine, but nine what?). Both list the lack of Wi-Fi as a con; it stores readings until your phone is back in Bluetooth range (PCMag).
- Brand security concernsMentioned often
Wirecutter says it has paused recommending Wyze smart-home products after security incidents with Wyze cameras, though Wyze says there are no known security issues with its scales. PCMag's 2026 Etekcity review also says it no longer recommends Wyze products for the same reason, even though its roundup still lists the Scale X.
What owners love
- Accurate, consistent weight
Wirecutter measured a 30 lb weight exactly, was 0.1 lb off on 50 lb, and was 0.3 lb off a medical scale. PCMag found weight within a pound of a gym scale.
- Long battery life
Wyze rates the included batteries for 22 months (in Power Saving Mode, per PCMag), the longest of any replaceable-battery scale Wirecutter tested.
- Useful extra modes
Baby, pet and luggage modes, plus a pregnancy/weight-only mode that disables BIA (PCMag, Tom's Guide, CNET).
Skip it if…- You want readings to sync over Wi-Fi without your phone
- You want the app to explain what your numbers mean
- You'd rather not buy from Wyze after its camera security problems
Good for- Consistent weigh-ins on a budget
- Weighing babies, pets and luggage
- Pregnancy/weight-only mode that turns off the body-fat current
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency4.5
Why 4.5?
0.1 lb off on 50 lb and 0.3 lb off a medical scale (Wirecutter); within a pound of a gym scale (PCMag). - Body composition (as tested)3.5
Why 3.5?
PCMag found body fat within 1% of a handheld Omron analyzer, though it skewed a little high. Wirecutter didn't test body composition and says experts consider it a poor measure. - App & syncing3.5
Why 3.5?
Simple app that stores readings until your phone is in range, with Apple Health, Google Fit and Fitbit syncing. It lacks context and Wi-Fi, and Amazon owners are mixed on pairing. - Multiple users4.0
Why 4.0?
Up to 8 synced users. PCMag notes it tells users apart only if their weights differ by more than 13.2 lb with the app closed. - Durability & battery3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter calls the platform sturdy and durable, and the batteries last 22 months. But 14% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, and some owners say it stopped working after about six months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2025-12-18): consistently accurate, durable and simple. Wirecutter tested weight only and didn't evaluate body-composition metrics.
- PCMag: Best budget-friendly scale, 4.5/5 (updated 2026-09-30). Body fat and BMI within 1% of a handheld Omron analyzer.
- Tom's Guide: Best budget smart scale (updated 2026-07-22). The cons are no Wi-Fi and an app that could be more informative.
#6
Withings
$$$Wi-Fi + BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 4.0/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Tom's Guide's best premium smart scale: a handlebar scale with a 6-lead ECG, segmental body composition and 60 biomarkers. It costs $599.95, works best with a $99/year subscription, and some features (Glucose Resilience, Diabetes Risk Score) weren't live in testing. Body-fat readings also varied over the first five weigh-ins.
Subscription: Optional: Withings+ is $99/year (first three months free) and unlocks BodyPath, Health Trajectory scores and cardiologist ECG reviews (Tom's Guide)
Top complaints
- Very expensive, plus a subscriptionVery common
Tom's Guide lists the $599 price and the $99/year subscription as its cons, saying casual users will find it not worth it.
- Some features not live yetMentioned often
Glucose Resilience and the Diabetes Risk Score weren't available in testing; Withings told Tom's Guide that Glucose Resilience would roll out before the end of 2026.
- Body numbers still settlingMentioned often
Over five measurements, Tom's Guide saw body fat swing between 6.8% and 8.7% and muscle mass between 88.6% and 86.7%, and says it's too early to put hard faith in the numbers. It also notes the glass shows smudges and dust.
What owners love
- Huge range of health markers
60 biomarkers, including a 6-lead ECG, vascular age, nerve response and segmental fat and muscle via 13-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (Tom's Guide).
- Easy to use with a readable handle display
The LCD moved to the retractable handle, which guides you through the 90-second weigh-in with traffic-light graphics (Tom's Guide).
- Deep integrations
Works with 100+ apps and pulls in data from Apple and Garmin watches (Tom's Guide).
Skip it if…- You want casual weight and body-fat tracking
- You don't want a subscription
- You're buying it for features that aren't released yet
Good for- Athletes who want arm, leg and trunk breakdowns
- People who want heart data (ECG, vascular age) from a scale
- Rechargeable battery that lasts up to a year
Scores (tap for why)
- Body composition (as tested)3.5
Why 3.5?
Segmental BIS readings, but body fat varied between 6.8% and 8.7% across Tom's Guide's first five measurements. - App & syncing4.5
Why 4.5?
Nicely segmented app, 100+ integrations and Wi-Fi upload. Key extras need the $99/year plan, and some features weren't live (Tom's Guide). - Multiple users4.0
Why 4.0?
Up to 8 users with separate data and automatic recognition. Child profiles skip body composition, vascular age and ECG (Tom's Guide). - Durability & battery4.0
Why 4.0?
Premium tempered glass, a rechargeable USB-C battery rated up to a year, a 440 lb limit and a two-year warranty. The glass shows smudges (Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best premium smart scale (updated 2026-07-22). The cons are that it's very expensive and the subscription costs $99 a year.
- Tom's Guide review: The most comprehensive at-home health device the reviewer has used, but overkill for casual users; Tom's Guide suggests the Body Comp or Wyze Scale X instead.
#7
Renpho
$BluetoothiPhone and AndroidScore 3.4/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Black Elis 1 listing (52,675 ratings). A separate white Elis 1 listing (B01NALRONX, 14,766 ratings) also shows 4%.A popular budget Bluetooth scale that Tom's Guide picks as best for body fat, for its 13 metrics, unlimited profiles and informative app. It reads in 0.2 lb steps and rounded up in testing, and Wirecutter's testers disliked its small red digits and found it wobbled.
Subscription: None: no subscription mentioned by testers
Top complaints
- Reads in 0.2 lb steps and rounds upMentioned often
Tom's Guide says it shows only even decimals and rounded up; with weight plates it routinely read slightly heavy.
- Hard-to-read display and wobbleMentioned often
Most of Wirecutter's paid testers disliked the small red numbers (the decimal point was especially hard to see), and the scale wobbled for some. Tom's Guide notes the display shows only weight.
- One login for all users, no Wi-FiMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists that all users must share the same app login, and that the basic model has no Wi-Fi.
What owners love
- Informative app
Tom's Guide praises a well-designed app with color-coded ranges, trend graphs and CSV export. Amazon owners say it syncs well with Fitbit and Samsung Health.
- Lots of metrics for little money
13 BIA metrics and an athlete mode; Tom's Guide reviewed the basic Bluetooth model at $27.99.
- Low complaint rate
About 4% of its 52,675 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Skip it if…- You want 0.1 lb precision
- You want stats beyond weight on the scale's display
- Each family member wants a separate app login
Good for- Cheap body-composition tracking with a good app
- Unlimited profiles
- Exporting data (CSV) for a coach or doctor
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency3.0
Why 3.0?
Reads in 0.2 lb steps and read slightly heavy with weight plates (Tom's Guide). Wirecutter testers found the decimal hard to see. - Body composition (as tested)3.0
Why 3.0?
Tom's Guide picks it as best for body fat for its 13 metrics, but publishes no comparison against a reference device. - App & syncing4.0
Why 4.0?
Well-designed app with broad syncing (Tom's Guide), but Bluetooth only and the phone must be nearby. - Multiple users3.5
Why 3.5?
Unlimited profiles, but all must be under the same app login (Tom's Guide). - Durability & battery3.5
Why 3.5?
Tempered glass; AAA batteries last several months (Tom's Guide). It wobbled for some Wirecutter testers, and 4% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for measuring body fat (updated 2026-07-22). The cons are 0.2 lb rounding, no Wi-Fi on the basic model, and one shared app login.
- Wirecutter (NYT): In 'The competition': testers disliked the small red digits, and it wobbled for some.
#8
Garmin
$$$Wi-Fi + BluetoothiPhone and Android via Garmin ConnectScore 3.0/5
20%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A sleek Wi-Fi scale that mainly makes sense if you already live in Garmin Connect. Tom's Guide found the app adds little and limits third-party links, Wirecutter notes owner accuracy concerns, and 1 in 5 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars. Garmin advises people with pacemakers or other internal electronic devices not to use it.
Subscription: None: no subscription mentioned by testers
Top complaints
- Pairing failures and units that dieVery common
Amazon's review summary reports Bluetooth pairing problems and complete failure after three months. Tom's Guide's app kept showing "An error occurred" when pairing on two different phones.
- Body fat reads highMentioned often
Amazon's summary says owners find weight accurate but body fat overestimated by about 3%. Wirecutter says several customer reviews highlight accuracy concerns with the Index scales.
- Expensive, with a thin app and no special modesMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the price, no pregnancy or baby mode, an app that doesn't add much, limited third-party apps, and glass that's hard to keep clean.
What owners love
- Premium design
Tom's Guide calls it sleek, minimalist and well built, with a display that shows weight, BMI and a 30-day trend graph.
- Fits the Garmin ecosystem
Data syncs to your Garmin account alongside your watch data; Tom's Guide says this scale is for Garmin watch owners.
- Lots of users, weight-only in socks
Up to 16 users with automatic recognition. With socks on, it measures only weight and BMI (Tom's Guide).
Skip it if…- You have a pacemaker or other internal electronic device
- You want a pregnancy or baby mode
- You use non-Garmin fitness apps
Good for- Garmin watch owners who want everything in Garmin Connect
- Big households (up to 16 users)
- Weight-trend graphs on the scale itself
Scores (tap for why)
- Weight accuracy & consistency3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon's summary says it weighs accurately, but Wirecutter notes customer accuracy concerns. No expert published a weight-test result. - Body composition (as tested)2.5
Why 2.5?
Owners say it overestimates body fat by about 3% (Amazon summary). No expert test results. - App & syncing2.5
Why 2.5?
Wi-Fi sync to Garmin Connect, but pairing errors, few third-party apps, and little added insight (Tom's Guide). - Multiple users4.5
Why 4.5?
Up to 16 users with automatic recognition, though adding a second user hit app errors in Tom's Guide's test. - Durability & battery2.5
Why 2.5?
Solid glass build but hard to keep clean, and it runs on 4 AAAs (Tom's Guide). 20% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, with reports of failure after three months.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Well built and premium-looking, but the app doesn't add much and it lacks pregnancy and baby modes. Tom's Guide calls that a letdown at $149.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not tested: pricier than any model Wirecutter tested, and several customer reviews raise accuracy concerns.