Medical Products & Services The 10 Best Bathroom Scales of 2023, Tested and Reviewed RENPHO's Smart Scale uses high-precision sensors to deliver an accurate reading By Tori Zhou Updated on April 12, 2023 Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO Fact checked by Marley Hall Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Whether you’re following a fitness program, managing a chronic condition, or simply keeping track of your health, a bathroom scale can help you monitor your progress and keep your weight on track. Thanks to the rise of fitness apps and digital health trackers, you can choose a classic analog scale or upgrade to a scale that works seamlessly with your tech. To help find the best bathroom scales, we reviewed, researched and tested 23 options of all stripes, including smart, digital, and dial scales, and put them to the test in The Verywell Testing Lab. We evaluated each scale based on setup, reading consistency, ease of use, display readability, and value. A family physician from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for accuracy surrounding how to take measurements and what to look for when purchasing a scale. You'll see that we call out the standard deviation with each option—this means that we compared the weight the scale registered with the weight the medical-grade scale we used as a baseline displayed. A smaller standard deviation means the scale we tested is more accurate, though our expert advised us that any scale with a standard deviation below one is good for home use. We are continually testing new scales and will keep updating this article to ensure we are recommending the best bathroom scales on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: RENPHO Smart Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Ozeri Precision Bath Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Digital: Etekcity Body Weight Digital Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Analog: Ozeri Rev 400 lbs Bathroom Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best with App: WYZE Smart Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Extended Weight Range: EatSmart Extra High Capacity Bathroom Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Talking Feature: My Weigh XL-550 Talking Digital Bathroom Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Looking Design: iDOO Digital Bathroom Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: NewlineNY Lightest Step-On Super Mini Travel Bathroom Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Smart: Fitindex WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale at Fit-index.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall RENPHO Smart Body Fat Scale 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4.5/5 Data Storage 4.5/5 Display 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Easy to use and set up Multiple high-precision sensors Compatible with many smartphone apps for data collection Cons Only weight is shown on scale; app must be used for other metrics Manufacturer warns that glass can be easily shattered on contact The Renpho Smart Scale was our overall favorite bathroom scale, thanks to its bright, readable display, and lightweight design (it's only 2.8 pounds, making it easy to store). Ideal if you prefer smart features, the scale pairs with an app, complete with Bluetooth connectivity. We praised the easy setup and liked that all of your data can be stored and tracked on your phone. Aside from weight readings, it also offers 12 other metrics, including body fat, bone mass, and metabolic age, making it a diverse pick if you have varied wellness goals. As a plus, the scale is compatible with a variety of wellness apps including Samsung Health, Fitbit App, Google Fit, and Apple Health. Average Standard Deviation: .14 Price at time of publication: $35 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): 2.8 pounds | Weight Limitations: 396 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: Yes | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 11 x 11 x 1 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Tip From The Lab If possible, scales should be placed on a tile or other hard surface. We found that carpeted surfaces led to greater inconsistencies in the weight readings. Because of this, the carpet reading we took was not used to calculate standard deviation to determine reading consistency. Best Budget Ozeri Precision Digital Bath Scale 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 3/5 Display 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Easy setup with one-time calibration No tipping when standing Sleek design Cons Flashing number feature can be distracting If you don't know if a scale is a device you want to incorporate into your routine, you may want to make it a smaller investment, which we completely understand. The Ozeri Precision Bath Scale is a solid starting scale, and the most budget-friendly in our list. We liked the one-time calibration and how readable the display is. Depending on your preferences, you can even adjust the units and switch between pounds, kilograms, or stone weight. We really loved this scale, but we found the flashing weight reading a bit distracting. During the durability test, the scale also displayed an error message, and the initial reading was inaccurate by 10 pounds—but it worked normally on the second try. If you’re new to bathroom scales and prefer an option without any frills, this scale offers the basics in a sleek, reliable design. Average Standard Deviation: .94 Price at time of publication: $16 Weight (Manufacturer State): 4.4 pounds | Weight Limitations: 440 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 12 x 12 x 0.75 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Best Digital Etekcity Body Weight Bathroom Digital Scale 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4/5 Data Storage 5/5 Display 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Ready to use out of the box Tracks 13 fitness measurements Compatible with many smartphone apps for data collection Cons LCD display is hard to read The Etekcity Scale is among the most affordable on our list, especially for a smart scale, which is why we picked it as the best digital bathroom scale. Complete with Bluetooth connectivity, 13 types of body measurements, and stat syncing, the device can be connected to its own app that serves as a secondary option to view readings. Additionally, data can be sent to a variety of apps including Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, and Samsung Health, and the scale can track the weight of an unlimited number of users. Our tester found it ready to use right out of the box, and was impressed with how the scale uses an intelligent algorithm to track weight along with BMI. We liked the app, which was thorough and easy to navigate, more than the actual scale, since the scale didn’t have the most visual-friendly display with dark red text and black background. However, it held up well during the durability test, with no flaws to point out. This digital bathroom scale is likely the right buy if you’re tech-savvy and enjoy having a lot of app features to play around with. What stood out the most was the scale’s ability to pair with the app and it gave us precise readings down to the ounce (removing miscellaneous items from our pockets during the readings reflected this). The ability to reflect and store weight, BMI, and other analytics on the app for later reviewing is a useful feature. Average Standard Deviation: .16 Price at time of publication: $25 Weight (Manufacturer State): 3.6 Pounds | Weight Limitations: 400 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: Yes | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 11.8 x 11.8 x 1 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples The 4 Best Cholesterol Test Kits of 2023 Best Analog Ozeri Rev 400 lbs Bathroom Scale 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 3/5 Display 4.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Easy to set up Easy-to-read display Offers both digital display and dial reading Cons Flashing number feature may not be for everyone May be too big for small spaces No connectivity or WiFi data collected A scale with a lot of gimmicks may not be for everyone. We chose the Ozeri Rev Scale for the best analog bathroom scale because it's traditional and offers the basics. We appreciated that it has both a digital display and dial reading, though we didn’t particularly like the flashing of the scale’s number. The first reading produced a different number within a few minutes time. The scale itself also has a non-traditional design, and may take up more room than you’d like if you have a small space. This feedback affected its overall value for us, but its other attributes made it worth it: The scale is straightforward and versatile thanks to the dual reading function, and it was easy to set up. While it doesn’t offer many of the features of the smarter models, it does have a built-in alarm to remind you to weigh in at the same time daily and is offered in multiple colors. Average Standard Deviation: .69 Price at time of publication: $33 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): 3.7 Pounds | Weight Limitations: 400 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 13.5 x 14 x 1 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples The 8 Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2023 for Home Use Best with App WYZE Smart Body Fat Scale 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wyze.com Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4/5 Data Storage 5/5 Display 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Durability 5/5 Pros LCD screen is easy to see in the dark App connects in real time with the scale Cons Footprint marks are visible after use App doesn’t have the most user-friendly setup The WYZE Smart Scale is our pick for best bathroom scale with an app because it pulls out all the stops when it comes to app features. The setup was a little frustrating, we'll admit, due to the many steps it takes to set up the app—though the platform is able to store multiple data points and track 12 body metrics, including protein level, visceral fat, lean body mass, and more. We praised how easy the app was to navigate and how it connects in real time to the scale. The LCD screen was also easy to read, even in the dark. As a plus, it recognizes up to eight users and features unlimited guest sharing. A caveat that we found is that the scale showed footprint marks. This may not be the most visually appealing to some, especially if the scale is being shared among several people. However, its a solid choice if you prefer a more modern bathroom scale that can offer many insights into your health. We especially recommend this scale for those who plan on using a scale to track their long-term health. Average Standard Deviation: .14 Price at time of publication: $36 Weight (Manufacturer State): 3 pounds | Weight Limitations: 400 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: Yes | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 11.81 x 11.81 x 1.18 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Best with Extended Weight Range EatSmart Precision Extra High Capacity Bathroom Scale 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 3/5 Display 3.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Easy-to-use No-frills design Large-size platform to accommodate all sizes Cons No app May be hard to read at night Surface retains footprint marks The EatSmart Precision Scale is one of the two bathroom scales on our list with a high weight capacity, with a limit of 550 pounds, making it our pick for the best scale with an extended weight range. With a no-frills design, data storage as personal data is only shown for 20 seconds, and there is no app to offer additional insights. The display and readability might be hard to read at night, as there’s no backlight. However, in full lighting, we found the numbers large and easy to read. We also found that the scale retained footprints easily, so it may be a higher-maintenance choice in terms of cleaning. The simple design is best suited for users who don’t require extra technological features. As a plus, it features auto shut-off to save battery life as well as an extra-wide platform, its dimensions making it the largest device among all our choices. We liked that this scale is no-frills and super easy to use and think it's great for anyone who weighs themself occasionally and isn't tracking their weight regularly. Average Standard Deviation: .54 Price at time of publication: $50 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): 2.2 pounds | Weight Limitations: 550 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 1.75 x 16.38 x 13.75 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Best with Talking Feature My Weigh XL-550 Talking Digital Bathroom Scale 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 3.5/5 Display 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Easy-to-read display Offers readings aside from weight Cons Verbal readings may not be for everyone May take up too much room for small spaces Not all scales have the most readable display, especially if you’re visually impaired, and MyWeigh’s XL-550 Scale mitigates this with a talking feature. The device offers verbal weight readings as well as verbal instructions. However, if you’re self-conscious about this feature, you can turn it off. It doesn’t include an app or Bluetooth compatibility. While it’s not a smart scale, it offers an option for the weight readings to be viewed in kilograms. Additionally, as one of the two devices on our list with the largest dimensions and highest weight capacities, it accommodates a variety of sizes, and it’s ideal if you like extra room. However, if you have limited space, it may be too large. In our tests, we found that this was an accurate and easy-to-use scale. The talking feature is great for those who are visually impaired. Average Standard Deviation: .75 Price at time of publication: $58 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): 5.71 Pounds | Weight Limitations: 550 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 15.8 x 13.4 x 2 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Best Looking Design iDOO High Precision Digital Bathroom Scale 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 2.5/5 Display 3/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Stylish design Offered the most consistent readings out of all scales tested Auto features and notifications for low battery Cons LCD screen can be difficult to read If aesthetics are a priority, you can’t go wrong our pick for the best bathroom scale with the best looking design with iDoo’s High Precision Scale, which features a white marble design, glass platform, and extra-wide size. The scale is the heaviest option on our list at 6.1 pounds, so it’s better suited as having a designated spot in your home. We praised the setup and ease of use, as it required no calibration. It passed the durability test without any scratches or marks and kept its glossy, shiny finish without a trace of footprints after use. The scale fell short when it came to display and readability. The bright blue background and dark text weren’t the most user-friendly, and not all may like the flashing reading feature. The scale doesn’t have data storage either and requires some more manual work. While not a smart scale, this option makes up for this with extra features like a low-battery notification and four anti-slip pads. It gets the job done while appearing more expensive than it actually is. We liked that the scale was so simple and quick, with no calibration required, but didn't like the flashing text display or the blue background. However, we did like the look of the scale, with its stylish marble design. Average Standard Deviation: .12 Price at time of publication: $50 Weight (manufacturer Stated): 6.14 pounds | Weight Limitations: 440 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 12.8 x 11.6 x 1 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Best for Travel NewlineNY Lightest Step-On Super Mini Travel Bathroom Scale 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Data Storage 3/5 Display 2/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Lightweight and portable Consistent readings Cons No app or data storage option Display is hard to read Scale tilts easily If you’re frequently on the go, it can be tough to maintain your wellness goals while out and about. Whether you’re away on business or taking a leisure trip, the NewlineNY Mini Bathroom Scale can keep you on track, in one pint-sized package, which is why it's our pick for the best bathroom scale for travel. At 1.2 pounds, it was the lightest scale on our list and has the smallest dimensions. While it's not a smart scale, it offers easy setup and no frills, ideal for a second scale or small spaces. We found the display and readability could be better, and noted that the scale tips easily when stepping onto the device. Our editor found that it was easy for her feet to accidentally cover the reading, so it's not the best choice if you have large or wide feet—or stability issues. For a portable, carry-on choice, the scale is hard to beat. Its units can be converted between kilograms, pounds, and stone weight, and it’s available in multiple colors. We think this scale is perfect if you're really committed to tracking your weight while traveling. It would be easy to tuck away and store if needed. However, we wouldn't recommend it to older individuals or people who do not have good stability, as it is easy to tip over when stepping on. Average Standard Deviation: .12 Price at time of publication: $26 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): 1.2 pounds | Weight Limitations: 325 pounds | Bluetooth/App Connectivity: No | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Verywell Health / Tamara Staples The 7 Best Glucometers of 2023 Best Smart Fitindex WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale 4.8 Fitindex View On Fit-index.com Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Precision 5/5 Data Storage 4.8/5 Display 4.8/5 Ease of Use 4.6/5 Pros 8 users stored on the scale; unlimited users through the app Compatible with most major operating systems Cons Doesn’t automatically save data The FITINDEX WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale is our best pick for the best smart bathroom scale due to how easy it was to use, the high value we received from the scale, and the scale’s compatibility with multiple different operating systems. It’s sleek and fits in our bathrooms beautifully. The accompanying app was also easy to navigate, which is good because that’s where many of our measurements were saved. It calibrates quickly and we loved how precise it was. We felt this app picked up everything, which helped us make health and fitness decisions throughout the day (we found ourselves drinking a lot more water after using this scale). The FITINDEX WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale measures 13 different components of your health, including weight, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle, BMI, water, bone mass, muscle mass, body fat, fat-free body weight, protein, basal metabolism, body age, and visceral fat. We love that this smart bathroom scale also comes equipped with dual wifi and Bluetooth connection mode so it automatically connects to the Fitindex fitness app without you having to make manual adjustments on your phone. It scans your entire body upon use (how it calculates all of those measurements listed above) and displays body weight, body fat percentage, and BMI data directly on the scale while showing you all the other measurements on the app. We adore that it’s compatible with Apple Health, Google Fit, Samsung Health and offers App for Apple Watch. It keeps track of eight users, and can track unlimited users when used with the Bluetooth app. Oh, and it comes with batteries! Average Standard Deviation: TK Price at time of publication: $51 Weight (Manufacturer Stated): Not listed | Weight Limitations: Not listed Bluetooth/App Connectivity: Yes | Dimensions (Manufacturer Stated): 11 x 11 x 1 inches | Power Source: Requires batteries (included) Compare Overall Rating Ease of Setup Data Storage Display Ease of Use Durability Best Overall: RENPHO Smart Scale Amazon 4.8 4.5 4.5 5 4.5 5 Best Budget: Ozeri Precision Bath Scale Amazon 4.7 5 3 5 5 5 Best Digital: Etekcity Body Weight Digital Scale Amazon 4.8 4 5 5 5 5 Best Analog: Ozeri Rev 400 lbs Bathroom Scale Amazon 4.3 5 3 4.5 5 5 Best with App: WYZE Smart Scale Amazon 4.6 4 5 5 4 5 Best with Extended Weight Range: EatSmart Extra High Capacity Bathroom Scale Amazon 4.3 5 3 3.5 5 5 Best with Talking Feature: My Weigh XL-550 Talking Digital Bathroom Scale Amazon 4.7 5 3.5 5 5 5 Best Looking Design: iDOO Digital Bathroom Scale Amazon 4.2 5 2.5 3 5 5 Best for Travel: NewlineNY Lightest Step-On Super Mini Travel Bathroom Scale Amazon 4.2 5 3 2 5 5 Best Smart: Fitindex WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale Fit-index.com 4.8 5 4.8 4.8 4.6 How We Rated Bathroom Scales 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best bathroom scales we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These bathroom scales are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great bathroom scales, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These bathroom scales are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend bathroom scales with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested We tested 23 bathroom scales in the Lab, but only nine made our final list. Here are a few more that we tested, but they ultimately fell short, The Withings Body+ tracks four different mass measurements—muscle, fat, water, and bone—for a more complete picture of your weight and health. Our tester thought that once it was set up it was easy—and even fun—to use, but it takes more than 10 minutes to set up out of the box. The Fitbit Aria Air seemed like it would be a pretty useful smart scale to our testers, with plenty of metrics to keep track of your health and easy tracking in the Fitbit app. The problem is that you need a Fitbit Premium membership (at $9.99 per month) to access the smart scale features, otherwise it's just a basic bathroom scale. How We Tested the Bathroom Scales When considering all the options, “it should be easy to calibrate in between uses so that it is grounded to zero and should be accurate to about two decimal places if someone is looking for small changes in weight," neurologist Dr. Huma Sheikh told Verywell. Also, consider ease of use, ability to give consistent readings, and Bluetooth connectivity. We spent eight hours with varying weights and heights—conducted multiple tests barefoot, with the supervision of a nurse practitioner at the Verywell Testing Lab, testing 23 bathroom scales to find the best. Verywell Health / Tamara Staples First, we performed a reading consistency test. After weighing ourselves on a medical-grade scale, we weighed ourselves on their scale they were testing. We took our weight three times: once on a tile surface (to mimic real consumer use in a home bathroom), once on a carpeted surface (to see if the readings had any inconsistencies), and once again on the tile surface while holding a 4.3 pound dumbbell (to test the scale's sensitivity to minor weight changes). We repeated this process for each scale. After a short lunch break, we took new base weight readings to ensure reading consistency on the remaining tests performed. A Note About Accuracy Because weight can fluctuate throughout the day due to water and food consumption, bathroom use, and other factors, we decided we did not have the resources to give a valid accuracy rating. Instead, we determined each device’s “reading consistency”.We calculated the standard deviation of each scale by using the tile surface and dumbbell readings when compared to the baseline weight taken by the medical-grade scale. We did not take into account the scale reading on the carpeted surface, as the readings varied greatly during that test. We decided that including that data would not give us an accurate standard deviation. Sheikh advised that devices with standard deviation readings of less than one are considered consistent. Any devices with a standard deviation higher than one did not make our list. A durability test was also performed for each scale. We dropped a nine pound dopp kit from waist length on each scale twice, and inspected the item for physical damage and even stepped on each scale after the dopp kit was dropped to see if the impact affected the the scale's weight reading. Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Throughout the tests, taking into account what would be most important to consumers, each scale was evaluated based on setup, reading consistency, data storage, display, ease of use, durability, and overall value—and offered ratings out of five, with five being a perfect score. If the scale was a smart model, we took notes on the pairing app’s ease of use, connectivity, and speed, and how well it complemented the scale. On this list, we included scales that track metrics beyond the user's weight, including BMI, muscle mass, body fat percentage, and more. We did not, however, test the accuracy or consistency of these statistics. Finally, we gave overall value ratings, while star ratings were based on the average of all attribute scores to help us accurately rank our favorite scales. None of our picks received perfect five star ratings across the board, and all scales had something that could have been improved. We also consulted with medical professionals for their insights on what to look for when choosing bathroom scales. These experts include: Huma Sheikh, MD, neurologist at Mount Sinai in New York City and member of the Verywell Health Medical Expert Board Andrea Paul, MD, physician entrepreneur and medical advisor for Illuminate Labs Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, New Jersey-based diabetes expert and author of Belly Fat Diet For Dummies What to Look for in a Bathroom Scale Budget As with any household gadget, always consider your budget before you start shopping. While you can easily spend over $100 on a super intelligent scale, you can also find a great one for under $20. In fact, many high-end digital scales have features that are mostly unnecessary, according to Dr. Paul. “Any digital scale from a reputable manufacturer should be fine,” she said. “The core function of a digital scale is just to report your weight accurately, and that can be achieved with digital scales in the $20 to 30 price range.” Weight Capacity If you are less than 400 pounds, you can usually choose from any number of scales. However, for those over 400 pounds, your options may be more limited; scales become less accurate when you overload their weight capacities. Make sure to read the fine print before making a purchase and, if possible, chat with your primary care provider before ordering. “I'd recommend that patients who are significantly obese speak with their doctor before purchasing a scale, so they don't waste money on a scale that may not suit their needs,” said Paul. “There's also a chance that a specialty scale, like a bariatric scale, may be fully or partially covered by insurance when ordered under the provision of a doctor.” Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Other Metrics Between the pandemic-imposed difficulty of getting to the gym and the costs associated with a personalized body composition assessment, it’s hard not to be intrigued by a bathroom scale that offers to provide these measurements for you. But it’s important to temper your expectations here, since scales that claim to be able to give you a comprehensive look at your body composition will always be limited—and less accurate than an in-person measurement. “The technology used to provide body composition data is not the 'gold standard' for measuring it, and can be inaccurate based on fluid shifts, such as dehydration or water retention,” Erin Palinski-Wade told Verywell. Instead of focusing on the numbers the scale gives you, Palinski-Wade suggests tracking your trends: a decline in body fat percentage on the scale over a period of weeks is still an accurate reflection of a loss in body fat, even if the percentage of body fat shown on the scale isn’t exactly accurate. In other words, consider the big picture, not specific data points. Smart vs. Basic Smarter isn’t always better for everyone. While many people prefer a connected scale that can instantly transfer data to a mobile health app, others might find the technology too complicated. If you fall into the latter category, you are better off saving some money (as well as frustration) and opting for a no-frills model. That said, there’s no shame in wanting to streamline your health goals by collecting all your data in one place, including your daily or weekly weigh-ins. “Although this feature may not be needed by everyone, if you track data for your health in an app—such as tracking your food intake, blood sugar or blood pressure levels—being able to import weight history can help you easily identify trends and see how changes on the scale may impact other health metrics,” said Palinski-Wade. Verywell Health / Tamara Staples Added Features Are you looking for a gadget to simply calculate your weight, or do you need it to help monitor other fitness goals? Each scale offers different features, so if you are only concerned with weight, you should stick to the simpler models and take a pass on anything that syncs itself to your smartphone or offers a body fat composition measurement. On a practical level, Sheikh has a few tips: Think about how easy it is to put in and change batteries, the footing while weighing yourself, and how well and easily it calibrates. It’s also wise to know the expected lifespan of your model and, if necessary, check for warranty and return policies: “I would recommend that consumers purchase scales with a long warranty period, since scales break more often than other health devices,” advises Paul. Frequently Asked Questions Is a digital or analog bathroom scale better? It depends on what you’re looking for, explains Sheikh. Some people prefer the “old-fashioned” analog scale. If it’s accuracy you’re after, a digital scale is better as it will give you a more precise number, out to one or two decimal places, whereas an analog scale requires you to make more of an estimate based on where exactly the needle falls.Also, the mechanics of an analog scale can degrade over time, making it less reliable than a digital scale, long term. How do you calibrate a digital bathroom scale? If you can access the scale’s instructions, it’s best to consult those for how to calibrate the scale. Some scales will have a calibration mode, which you can turn on, add a weighted object, and wait for some indication (such as seeing a “0”) that it’s been calibrated. Others don’t have a separate calibration button. For those, you can generally follow these steps to calibrate the scale:1. Put the scale on a flat, hard surface, such as a hardwood or tile floor.2. Apply some pressure to the scale (such as with your foot) until you see “0” and then take the pressure off.3. Wait for the scale to turn off again.4. The scale should now be calibrated and ready for you to step on for your weight. How do you read a digital body weight scale? Make sure the scale is on a flat, hard surface and is already calibrated. Step onto the scale and you will see a number. That is your weight. You can usually set the scale to read in different units, such as pounds or kilograms, to whatever makes most sense to you. Some scales have other metrics, such as body fat percentage. Refer to the scale’s instructions to make sure you understand how to interpret the readings of other metrics. How often should you weigh yourself, and when is the best time of day to take your weight? Sheikh believes it depends on your reasoning, “If someone is following a diet or exercise plan and is following their weight, it can be useful to do it every few days.” However, if your goals are more long-term, conducting monthly or more intermittent readings also work. She continues, “It is best to take it in the morning before eating and without clothes so it is the most accurate. It should not vary too much throughout the day but [your weight] may be a little more right after a meal.” How much should I expect to spend on a bathroom scale? Bathroom scales typically range in price depending on different factors such as number of modalities, the amount of users you can add, and whether it’s digital or mechanical. It’s important to find a scale that suits your purposes and health goals. You can expect to spend between $16 and $100 on a good scale, with our best overall bathroom scale pick, the Renpho Smart Scale being $35. Why Trust Verywell Health Tori Zhou is the Associate Health Commerce Editor at Verywell. She enjoys staying up-to-date on wellness trends and products, with a focus on holistic health. She prioritizes app compatibility in a scale and is currently conducting a long-term test of the WYZE Smart Scale. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit