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Withings Body Smart vs Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Withings Body Smart ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on weight accuracy & consistency, app & syncing. Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 wins on durability & battery.
The biggest complaint about the Withings Body Smart is some features need a subscription; for the Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 it's app connection hiccups. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Withings Body Smart | Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart scales | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $ |
| Type | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 13% | 3% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Weight accuracy & consistency | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Body composition (as tested) | 3.5 | — |
| App & syncing | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Multiple users | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability & battery | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $40 · $$ $40–100 · $$$ over $100. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Withings Body Smart
- Some features need a subscription
Tom's Guide's only listed con: Health Improvement Score and Body Score are locked behind the $99/year Withings+ plan.
Source: Tom's Guide review, Withings product page - Inconsistent readings and setup trouble for some
Amazon's review summary says accuracy, reliability and compatibility are mixed: some owners report inconsistent readings and difficult setup.
- Price creep
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.
Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551
- App connection hiccups
Wirecutter's author had some connectivity issues with the app, though Amazon's review summary says it connects seamlessly by Bluetooth.
- No Wi-Fi
The Amazon listing advertises Bluetooth app sync only, so your phone needs to be nearby to log readings.
Source: Amazon.com product page
Who should pick which
Pick the Withings Body Smart if
An app that explains your numbers
Syncing over Wi-Fi without your phone nearby
Households that want eyes-closed or pregnancy modes
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
Pick the Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale ESF-551 if
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)
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.