If you want to improve your fitness, a smart scale is a solid investment. It will give you metrics besides weight to focus on, and a reliable, data-rich way to track your progress.
Smart scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine body composition. The scale itself is integrated with electrodes – as is the retractable handle in the case of the Body Scan.
The electrodes send a gentle, painless electric current through your feet and the scale measures your body’s resistance to it. Lean tissue is a better conductor than fat, bone, or skin, so the scale can image your body based on the speed and strength of the rip current. It tells you much more than an ordinary scale.
In this article, we will discuss the latest range of Withings connected scales: the Body Smart, the Body Comp and the Body Scan.
But you can still buy older Withings models, including the Body Cardio (Amazon US, $179.95; Withings UK, £149.95). Although the old lines are being phased out and replaced by the new range, we still rate the Body Cardio as one of the best smart scales we’ve tested. You can read more about it in our review.
Withings’ smart scales aren’t cheap, but they’re some of the best available, promising up to 50g weighing accuracy, offering a wide range of measurements and coming with a free high-quality app.
You can also export your data to a wide range of other health apps, or for more fitness assistance choose to join the paid subscription service Withings+ which costs $/£/$9.95 per month or $/£/$99.50 per year, after an initial three-month free trial.
But if you want one, which one should you buy? Below, we give you an overview of the prices and features of each.
What does a Withings connected scale measure?
The three scales – the Body Smart, the Body Comp and the Body Scan – will provide these measurements:
- Fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass
- Lean mass %, water %
- Visceral fat index – visceral fat is the most worrying fat that wraps around your organs and stands out from subcutaneous fat
- Body mass index – your BMI is based on your body fat percentage. It’s a slightly controversial metric but, in conjunction with other metrics, can provide useful information to many users.
- Standing heart rate – an indicator of cardiovascular fitness
- Basal Metabolic Rate – your BMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest (this metric will be provided via a software update later this year)
- Metabolic age – based on the number of calories your body burns at rest and compared to others in the same age range (available when BMR arrives)
In the application, you will also have the choice between several specialized modes: athlete, baby (weight only) and soon, a mode dedicated to pregnancy. This will arrive via a software update in the coming months.
Smart body
Withings
Price: $99.95/£99.95
Availablity: Buy from Withings US now/Available from Withings UK Q3 2023
Color options: Black or white
Power: AAA batteries (Withings estimates one set will last up to 15 months)
Additional Features: In addition to the measures listed above, the Body Smart has closed eyes mode. Activate this function and your weight will not be displayed on the scale display. Instead, it can show step tracking, encouraging messages, or even just the air quality or weather for your location.
body composition
Withings
Price: $199.95 / £189.95
Availablity: Buy from Withings US now / Buy from Withings UK now
Color Options: Black or white
Power: AAA batteries (Withings estimates one set will last up to 15 months)
Additional Features: In addition to the measurements shown above, the Body Comp will provide a Vascular Age, to give more information on heart health, and a Nerve Health Score.
Body analysis
Withings
Price: $399.95 (expected) / £399.95
Availablity: US release date TBC (see at Withings US) / Buy it now at Withings UK
Color Options: Black
Power: Rechargeable battery with a lifespan of up to one year
Additional Features: Like the Body Comp, the Body Scan will provide a vascular age, to give more information about heart health, and a nerve health score. It will also, of course, provide the measurements given above. But there is more.
Although there are minor differences between the hardware of the Body Smart and the Body Plus, the Body Scan has an additional element: a retractable handle. In addition to the electrodes in the scale itself, there are four further stainless steel electrodes in the handle, which allow for segmental analysis of body composition.
What does that mean? Well, smart scales can tell you your body fat percentage to a reasonably accurate degree, but only as a whole. The Body Scan will break this down further to give you the percentage of fat and muscle in your arms, legs and torso. It will also let you know how you compare to other Withings users.
It also contains a 6-lead ECG, which tracks and analyzes the user’s heart rhythm and can detect disturbing cardiac patterns.
We tested the Body Scan. Find out what we thought of it in our full review.
Which Withings scale should you buy?
For people who care about fitness rather than health, we think the Body Smart will do everything you’d expect from a smart scale.
If you want a little more feedback on your health, the Body Comp is a good option.
And for the smallest number of people who want as much health feedback as possible – with a focus on heart health – the Body Scan is undoubtedly the leading product on the market.
But smart scales don’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a simpler and much more economical option, take a look at our round-up of the best smart scales we’ve tested, which offers reliable smart scales for as low as $25 / £25.
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