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Body fat scales measure a person’s body weight, fat, and lean body mass. We picked the best seven options for ease of use, price, and the number of metrics they measure.
Body fat scales help individuals who want to build muscle or lose fat and are looking for a device that monitors their body composition.
This article looks at seven of the best options and discusses their accuracy and how to use them.
- Best for muscle and bone mass monitoring: Withings Body+ Scale | Skip to review
- Best for tracking trends: FitIndex Bluetooth Body Fat Scale | Skip to review
- Best family-friendly: Eufy Smart Scale C1 | Skip to review
- Best for high accuracy: Renpho Body Fat Scale | Skip to review
- Best for heart tracking: Wyze Smart Scale | Skip to review
- Best handheld: Omron HBF-306C HandHeld Body Fat Loss Monitor | Skip to review
- Best for easy setup: YunMai Premium Smart Scale | Skip to review
Many commercially available body fat scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate a person’s total body water and fat-free mass (FFM). Research states that doctors
Impedance analysis measures how various tissues in the body, including fat, lean muscle mass, and water, slow down or stop an electrical current flowing through the body. This electrical current, which usually passes through the feet on body fat scales, is weak and painless.
Body components high in water content, such as muscle, will cause less resistance, while fat will cause more resistance.
People must often input their height, weight, age, and sex to inform their reading.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
The following are seven of the best body fat scales available online.
Best for muscle and bone mass monitoring: Withings Body+ Scale
- List price: around $100
- Weight limit: 180 kilograms (kg) / 396 pounds (lb)
Popular brand Withings offers this body fat scale that measures a person’s body fat and water percentage and muscle and bone mass. It supports up to eight users, and people can connect it with certain Apple and Android devices and fitness apps.
There are various modes to personalize the user experience, including athlete, pregnancy and baby, and more.
Withings states that the scale guides people to get readings accurate within 100 grams (g). A person can access their data in the free Health Mate app to keep track of their readings.
It uses four replaceable AAA batteries.
Pros
- supports eight users
- can connect to a variety of apps and Apple and Android devices
- has a variety of modes for different lifestyles and body types
Cons
- expensive
- uses disposable batteries
- several reviews report inaccurate and variable readings
Best for tracking trends: FitIndex Bluetooth Body Fat Scale
- List price: around $30
- Weight limit: 180 kg / 396 lb
This smart body scale claims to measure 13 components, including:
- body fat
- weight
- basal metabolic rate, which estimates the minimum calories a person needs to burn to sustain their basic life functions during a 24-hour rest period
- muscle mass
- visceral fat
People can also track their progress so they can set health goals and look at weekly and monthly trends on its accompanying FitIndex app. This is a useful feature for those trying to lose weight or gain muscle.
It works with various popular fitness apps and supports unlimited users.
Users can also benefit from automatic shutdown, a low battery indicator, and auto-calibration.
It uses three replaceable AAA batteries.
Pros
- affordable
- majority of positive reviews on Amazon
- supports unlimited users
- people can track their progress on the FitIndex app
Cons
- uses disposable batteries
- several users found the body fat measurements inaccurate
Best warranty: Eufy Smart Scale C1
- List price: around $30
- Weight limit: 181 kg / 400 lb
The Eufy by Anker body scale measures an individual’s weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI), among other components. It can support up to 16 users, although it is reportedly unsuitable for pregnant people, athletes, and those under the age of 13 years.
Users can sync the scale via Bluetooth with their favorite health apps, including Google Fit, Fitbit, and Apple Health. This scale reportedly uses G-shaped sensors to increase its accuracy by 10%, although no data or research supports this.
It comes with a 15-month warranty period.
Pros
- comes with a 15-month warranty
- affordable
- G-shaped sensors reportedly produce more accurate readings
- majority of positive reviews on Amazon
Cons
- not recommended for pregnant people or athletes
- unsuitable for those under the age of 13
- some users found the mobile app difficult to use
Best for families: Renpho Body Fat Scale
- List price: around $35
- Weight limit: 400 lb
Renpho’s body scale provides 13 measurements, including body weight, body fat, and BMI. It has a dedicated baby weighing mode, which may be useful for families wanting to track the weight of any infants they care for.
This mode works by first measuring the adult. When the reading is stable, the parent or caregiver can pick up the baby, and the scale will then calculate the baby’s weight.
Renpho also offers a user-friendly app for Apple and Android devices so that users can track their readings. It can connect with MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, Apple Health, and Samsung Health.
The app can support unlimited users, making it useful for families or larger groups of people sharing the scale.
Pros
- includes a baby-weighing mode
- supports unlimited users
- has a very high number of positive reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Renpho recommends covering the edges with soft material
- baby weighing mode will not show body composition
Best for automatic user recognition: Wyze Smart Scale
- List price: around $40
- Weight limit: 400 lb
The Wyze smart scale offers a complete body composition analysis. Individuals can use it to measure their body fat, water weight, and lean body mass, and they can also track their heart rate. However, people need to speak with a healthcare professional before using a BIA scale if they have a pacemaker.
The body scale can automatically recognize up to eight users and connect with fitness apps via Bluetooth. This may create a streamlined user experience suitable for everyday use.
It includes four replaceable AAA batteries.
Pros
- fairly affordable
- automatically recognizes users
- measures 12 metrics
- syncs with popular fitness apps
Cons
- does not include weighing modes for babies or pets
- heart rate tracking may be most useful directly after a workout
- uses replaceable batteries
Best handheld: Omron HBF-306C HandHeld Body Fat Loss Monitor
- List price: around $350
- Weight limit: not applicable
This handheld body fat loss monitor displays body fat measurements and a person’s BMI score. There are two modes: standard and athlete.
It reportedly provides readings in around 7 seconds and recognizes up to nine users. Plus, as a handheld option, this device may be suitable for those with mobility issues.
It uses two replaceable AAA batteries.
Pros
- handheld option may suit those with limited mobility
- provides readings in 7 seconds
- can recognize up to nine users
Cons
- very expensive
- some people report it is less accurate for people with lower BMIs
- does not measure as many metrics as other devices
Best for quick setup: YunMai Premium Smart Scale
- List price: around $70
- Weight limit: 397 lb
This body fat scale provides 10 body measurements, including body fat, BMI, muscle, and hydration levels. Users can reportedly set the scale up in 5 seconds and do not need a smartphone to use it.
Even so, people with smartphones can sync the accompanying app with Apple Health and Google Fit via Bluetooth. It can track information for 16 users.
YunMai states that this scale has a listing with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the company has registered the product with the agency but has not acquired clearance or approval for the device.
It includes four replaceable AAA batteries.
Pros
- quick to set up
- a smartphone is unnecessary to use the scales
- can track data for up to 16 users
Cons
- replaceable batteries increase the device’s environmental impact
- not as affordable as other options
- does not measure as many metrics as other body fat scales
The following table compares all of the body scales in this article.
| Product | Best for | List price | Weight limit | User capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Withings Body+ Scale | muscle and bone mass monitoring | around $100 | 180 kg / 396 lb | up to 8 users |
| FitIndex Bluetooth Body Fat Scale | tracking trends | around $30 | 180 kg / 396 lb | unlimited users |
| Eufy Smart Scale C1 | warranty | around $30 | 181 kg / 400 lb | up to 16 users |
| Renpho Body Fat Scale | families | around $35 | 400 lb | unlimited users |
| Wyze Smart Scale | automatic user recognition | around $40 | 400 lb | up to 8 users |
| Omron HBF-306C HandHeld Body Fat Loss Monitor | handheld | around $350 | n/a | up to 9 users |
| YunMai Premium Smart Scale | quick setup | around $70 | 397 lb | up to 16 users |
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chose body fat scales that meet the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chose scales available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selected scales suitable for various body weights.
- Connectivity: MNT chose scales that offer connectivity with smart devices and health and fitness apps to help people track their health metrics and progress toward goals.
- Materials: MNT chooses products with safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use body fat scales that have clear instructions.
- Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
- Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.
All of the body fat scales in this article have passed Medical News Today’s strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Body fat scales typically take readings from the lower body, with the electrical current going through the feet. They will then extrapolate the reading to the rest of a person’s body and provide a body composition estimate.
Additionally, the frequency of the current can affect the readings a person gets.
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Additionally, recommendations state not to replace regular DEXA scans with at-home body fat scales. DEXA scans use low energy X-ray beams that provide images of soft tissue and bone to monitor bone density.
Learn more about body fat scales.
Body fat scales are typically easy to use. People step onto the scale and wait for it to make a weight and body fat reading, which can take as little as 10 seconds. They can then sync this data to a health app if the scale supports Bluetooth.
People may wish to use their body fat scales at the same time each week or month for the best chance of getting accurate readings.
People with pacemakers need to avoid using body fat scales. If they want to try one, they need to speak with a doctor first.
A person can also speak with a doctor if they find themselves checking their body weight or composition very regularly or worrying about their weight or body image. Evidence suggests a
Help is available
Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
Anyone who suspects they or a loved one may have an eating disorder can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, which offers a daytime helpline staffed by licensed therapists and an online search tool for treatment options.
For general mental health support at any time, people can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357 (or 1-800-487-4889 for TTY).
Many other resources are also available, including:
- The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- F.E.A.S.T., which provides support and educational resources to friends and family who want to help someone living with an eating disorder
There are different factors that a person can consider before buying a body fat scale. These include:
- Measurement range: Most body scales measure the individual’s weight and monitor lean body mass and hydration. Some also come with heart rate trackers. People can consider which metrics they want to track before buying a scale.
- Connectivity: Many body scales come with Bluetooth connectivity. This can be helpful for those who want to track their progress on their smart devices.
- Weight limit: People may consider checking if the body scale supports their weight. Most products have a weight limit of 400 lb.
- Design: While most body scales are useable on the floor, some are handheld. Additionally, people can consider how easy the readings are to see on the scale or app.
Body composition refers to the percentage of muscle, fat, and bone in a person’s body. It will vary from person to person according to their age, sex, overall health, and lifestyle.
Body composition is not the same as a person’s BMI. This is the ratio between a person’s weight and height, and doctors use it to estimate whether someone is at an optimal weight. However, it does not consider a person’s body composition — people with different body compositions can have the same BMI.
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about body fat scales.
Do body fat scales really work?
Some research has concluded that body fat scales are
Can you tell body fat from a scale?
A traditional weight scale will not tell a person their body fat percentage. Smart scales can do this, although research debates on their accuracy.
What is the perfect body fat scale?
There is no one perfect body fat scale. In fact, some research concludes that at-home body fat scales are not accurate enough. When buying a body fat scale, people can carefully read reviews, consider the metrics they would like to measure, and look for any clinical trials that show it is an effective scale.
Body fat scales are popular among those wanting to track their body composition. These smart scales aim to estimate a person’s body fat, muscle, and water percentage and often connect with health and fitness apps. However, research is critical of their accuracy.