This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Every fitness journey starts somewhere. For most of us, that starting point is the bathroom scale. It's not easy stepping off and getting into shape, but it can be done.
It takes focus, commitment, and a helping hand. Which, in this day and age, means tech-based assistance. There are plenty of products that will help make your journey a little easier. Everything from running watches to protein powders can give you the advantage. Or you could upgrade to a set of smart scales. Simply stepping onto a smart scale could be that first crucial leap towards your ultimate fitness goal.
But before you jump ahead and start shopping, it's worth explaining just why these scales are so smart.
What is a smart scale?
Regular old scales only measure your weight, which is fine if that’s all you need. Smart scales provide you with extra data that helps tailor your weight-loss plan, with apps or online services to track various metrics and store information for you.
Most of the apps are compatible with the likes of Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit, so you can sync your data to provide a clearer picture of your progress. Smart scales can provide the motivation to lose, maintain, or even gain weight.
Once you step on the scale, your information is recorded and sent to the accompanying app. These apps track your weight, providing charts that let you set goals for yourself. The ability to see goals and monitor progress can motivate you in ways that simply jotting down your weight can't or won't.
How do smart scales work?
Some scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to measure body composition. This technology uses electrical currents to gather measurements, so consult your doctor before hopping on if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker.
The number of measurements that are tracked will vary from scale to scale. Some only track a handful of metrics, like weight, fat, lean mass, and body mass index (BMI). Others, such as the RENPHO scale, track 13 different body composition metrics.
Some of these measurements might not be necessary for you to keep tabs on. If you are just casually watching your weight, for instance, you probably don’t need a scale that tracks bone mass and skeletal muscle.
Finding the right smart scale depends on which specific metrics you want to track, which features suit your lifestyle and goals, and your medical history.
What is the perfect weight?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, because it depends on your size and various factors, such as age, muscle-fat ratio, height, sex, and body shape.
The best way to determine whether you’re at a healthy weight is to measure your BMI. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. BMI measurement is standard on smart scales.
It's important to not obsess over these numbers. Everyone has a different set of circumstances that may influence where you fall on the scale. The most important thing to remember is that you're on your own personal fitness journey, and things take time. Focus on feeling fitter and healthier, and the rest will fall into place.
Which app do you need for smart scales?
The best app will depend on which smart scale you purchase. Some will need you to download and use a specific app, while others will have universal compatibility that syncs with popular fitness apps such as Garmin Connect, Nike , and Google Fit.
Make sure you check this out before making any purchase, because this could result in extra costs.
What is the best smart scale?
There’s a whole world of smart scales out there – and lots of brands you’ve probably never come across. You might feel more comfortable going with a brand you know, such as Fitbit or Garmin. These are well-trusted, top-of-the-range fitness tech manufacturers and their smart scales sync with their other devices.
Other popular smart scale brands include Withings, Eufy, and RENPHO. Tanita is another brand to consider. It makes a range of models, from low-tech basic scales to hi-tech devices geared towards specific fitness goals.
We've scoured the internet and tracked down some of the very best smart scales from some of top brands. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this list. All you need to do is pick a favourite and jump on.
These are the best smart scales in 2022.
Eufy Smart Scale
Best For Newbies
- Measurements: Weight, BMI, BMR, water weight, lean body mass, bone mass, muscle mass, visceral body fat
The Eufy Smart Scale is one of the more basic options on this list. While you need to have the app open and within range to use the scale, the EufyLife app syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit, so you are able to easily transfer data to other fitness apps.
Up to 20 users can maintain profiles on the Eufy scale and it supports multiple device pairings, so while you will need the app to receive your measurements, you will not have to reconnect every time you want to use the scale. It's suitable for people of all ages and has a 1.25-inch number display for easy reading.
The Eufy Smart Scale runs on four AAA batteries, which are included with the package, along with a 15-month warranty.
QardioBase 2 Wireless Smart Scale
Best For Pregnancy
- Measurements: Weight, BMI, body composition, body fat, muscle mass, water mass, and bone mass
Something that sets the QuardioBase 2 apart from most other smart scales is its use of emojis. The scale uses Smart Feedback that “makes it easier to meet your goal” by replacing numbers with emojis that reward progress. The scale also greets you by name when you step on.
Up to eight users can share the scale and QuardioBase 2 automatically recognises each person so there’s no need to fiddle with the app before stepping on to get your measurements.
Another feature that makes the QuardioBase 2 unique is its pregnancy mode. Pregnant users are able to set their due date and let QuardioBase track progress through each trimester with charts and a photo diary in the Quardio app. Before using the smart scale, be sure to consult with a doctor as each body — and pregnancy — is different.
Fitbit Aria Smart Scale
Best For Fitbit Users
- Measurements: Weight, BMI
The Fitbit Aria is one of the biggest names in the smart scale world. It’s the most convenient option for Fitbit users because there is no app middleman. It syncs directly to the Fitbit app (obviously).
The Aria uses Bluetooth connectivity for initial setup, then relies on WiFi for regular use. The scale can recognise multiple users and sends each person’s data directly to their Fitbit account.
There’s no need to power on or calibrate the scale before each use. Just step on and it’s ready to go. The Aria shows your progress in the Fitbit app with simple and easy-to-read graphs.
One drawback is that it measures fewer metrics than other scales, but that doesn't need to a dealbreaker. If you want something for casual, everyday use, rather than a serious training regimen, it's more than adequate.
RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale
Best For Metrics
- Measurements: Weight, BMI, body fat, water percentage, skeletal muscle, fat-free body weight, muscle mass, bone mass, protein, basal metabolism, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and body age
The RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale tracks 13 metrics — that's equals the top number from products on this list. With all that data at your feet, you’ll learn more about the makeup of your body than you probably ever thought you needed to know.
To set up this scale, you’ll need to turn on your phone’s Bluetooth. Android 6.0 users must also turn on their location services in order for the scale to sync up.
The scale can track data for an unlimited number of users, just make sure your phone is either open to the app or that you're the last to have synced before stepping on. Otherwise your measurements could be tracked under a different user’s profile. As long as no one else is connected, you will not need your phone to step on the scale. It will store your information until the next time you sync.
The RENPHO app allows you to share your progress with friends who use the app. It also syncs with Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit.
Withings by Nokia Body
Best For Bonus Features
- Measurements: Weight, body fat, water percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass
Body from Withings by Nokia is the smart scale for the tech-obsessed. It syncs with Apple Watch plus more than 100 health and fitness apps, including Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit. The scale also greets you with the day’s weather forecast when you step on.
Up to eight different users can utilise the Body scale. Like some other smart scales, Body recognises users based on their body composition, so there is no need to have the app open to your profile when you hop on the scale. You can sync your data via Bluetooth or WiFi.
In addition to its standard settings, Body also has pregnancy and baby modes. Pregnancy mode allows you to monitor body composition and nutrition as you go through a pregnancy while baby mode gathers information about the babies or tots in your life to monitor their growth. It goes without saying that no at-home smart scale should take the place of regular doctor's visits — for you or your little ones.
Many reviewers claim that it is accurate though some have doubts about a couple of the measurements. But there's no doubt this scale comes from a trusted brand.
Tanita RD-953
Best For Fitness
- Measurements: Weight, body fat, body water, visceral fat, muscle mass, muscle quality, bone mass, BMR, metabolic age, physique rating, BMI
The Tanita RD-953 is not just a scale but a “body composition monitor”. It's designed to give detailed readings on a range of health measurements. It uses medical-grade Dual Frequency BIA technology for accuracy, taking measurements via two bio-electrical impedance frequencies.
The scale gives colour-coded readings of each health measurement — green (healthy), yellow (borderline), and red (attention needed). Especially impressive is the fact it doesn’t just measure muscle mass, it scores the quality of your muscle too.
It connects to both Apple Health or Google Health via the My Tanita app and remembers information for up to four users. You don’t even need to input info for each user. Just step on the scale and it knows who you are immediately.
Garmin Index S2
Best For Tech Heads
- Measurements: Weight, body mass index, muscle mass, bone mass, body fat, and body water percentage
The Garmin Index S2 is a WiFi enabled smart scale packed with top-of-the-range tech and features. The scale connects with the Garmin Connect app, which is also used with the brand's excellent fitness tracking devices.
In fact, you can always rely on Garmin. It's a top tech fitness brand from top to bottom. The Garmin Index S2 connects with other apps, including MyFitnessPal and Nike . The app connectivity allows you to record and track weight progress and work towards your fitness goals.
It's capable of measuring and recording a range of health metrics and detects an impressive 16 users. It also comes equipped with an easy-to-read, hi-res display.