Whether you've been upping the milage on your daily walks, hitting the gym or picking up the pace on the treadmill, a bathroom scale is a good way to measure your progress.
And these days, the best bathroom scales can help you track SO much more than just your weight. Many smart models also measure a host of in-depth health stats, including body fat, bone density, muscle mass, heart rate and even nerve health.
But whether you want an all-singing, all-dancing set of scales, or you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly model to help you monitor your progress, accuracy is key.
So, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put a variety of digital and smart analyser scales from leading brands to the test to find the very best bathroom scales to buy right now.
Which are the best bathroom scales to buy?
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Best battery-free digital bathroom scale
Brabantia Renew Battery Free Bathroom Scale
Read more
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Best compact bathroom scale
Renpho Smart WiFi Bluetooth Body Scale
Read more
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Types of bathroom scales – which is most accurate?
There are three main types of scales: mechanical (or analogue) scales that use springs to measure and display weight on a dial; digital scales that measure electronically and display weight digitally; and smart scales (or analyser scales) that measure by sending a safe electrical wave through the body, connecting to smartphones over Bluetooth.
Analyser scales tend to be the most accurate, offering a comprehensive breakdown of your body’s composition – some on our list can track up to 17 different metrics.
When it comes to size, a 30 x 30 cm scale should be large enough for most feet without taking up too much space in your bathroom or cupboard.
What can smart scales analyse?
Smart scales use a process called bioelectrical impedance analysis to gather as much information about your body as possible. By passing a painless electrical current through your body, analyser scales measure the resistance – also known as impedance – your body gives against the current.
Different tissues such as bone, fat and muscle impede the current at different rates, which is how the scales can provide such an array of measurements, including weight, BMI, body fat, muscle mass, water percentage, bone density, resting metabolism and more.
But, it's important to remember that these values are estimates. For the most accurate measurements, you should consult a doctor, and if you’re pregnant or you have a pacemaker, you shouldn't use these features.
What is BMI?
Smart scales can usually calculate BMI, or Body Mass Index. This value is your weight divided by your height in metres squared. A BMI score is designed to help you work out roughly if you’re in a healthy weight range or not.
But this is an approximation, and it's important to note that a BMI score doesn’t distinguish between muscle, fat and bone.
Which measurements should I use?
Make sure your scales use the unit of measurement you’re most comfortable with. It’s always best to check the specs before you buy, but most on our list will give you the choice between kilograms, pounds and stone.
How we test bathroom scales
We tested over 25 pairs of scales at the Good Housekeeping Institute to find the most accurate on the market. To assess their reliability when measuring weight, we placed two weights on each scale three times and recorded the results given. We also timed how quickly it took for the scales to respond to the added weight.
For smart scales, we check for consistency, taking a measurement three times within a 30-minute window to compare results.
We also test any associated apps, to see what the user experience is like, before finally scoring each set of scales for ease of use, design and product information.
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Best bathroom scale
Withings Body Comp Scales
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Compatible with the Withings app, as well as Apple Health, Strava, MyFitnessPal and more
- Each user can customise their experience using stored data
- Detailed instructions and videos on how to use
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 98/100
Our winning scale doesn’t come cheap, but it’s brimming with high-tech features, scored top marks for weight accuracy in our tests and is a cinch to set up and use. It doesn’t just measure your weight, body fat and BMI either – it also monitors your visceral fat, water percentage, fat and bone mass, and heart rate, plus it gives you a vascular age and more. Whew!
The bright screen displays a graph with your previous eight measurements so you can track your progress and meet your goals, and if all that wasn’t enough, the user-friendly Health Mate app provides yet more in-depth feedback. On the app, there’s also a useful start-up guide, plus detailed information on how to get the most out of the device.
It can keep track of eight users and the scale itself is sturdy, with a generous amount of foot room so it should be suitable for the whole family. There are even specially designed ‘athlete’ and ‘pregnancy’ modes to meet individual needs.
Sure, it’s an investment but if you want to understand your health and body better, it's worth considering.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilogram, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 32.5cm x 32.5cm |
Pros
- Large, clear display
- Quickly displays an accurate weight
Cons
- Only basic product information given
Score: 96/100
This sleek scale from Beurer may be simple but it does its job accurately and quickly – on average, we waited just 1.43 seconds for weight readings.
The well-lit display was easy to read, while the large platform proved stable and can accommodate feet up to a size 12 and a weight of up to 200kg.
Note, nearby movement can power it on, so make sure to store away to preserve battery life.
Key specifications
Type | Digital |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | No |
Battery | 3 AAA |
BMI | No |
Body fat | No |
Size | 35cm x 35cm |
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Pros
- Provides a detailed picture of your overall health
- App intuitive to set up and use
- 8 different user profiles available for the whole family
Cons
- Expensive
- Advanced features available at an extra cost
Score: 94/100
If you’re serious about improving your overall health and wellness, this high-tech design from Withings is worth considering.
Aside from consistent weight measurements, it offers a deep dive into your body composition – letting you know exactly where muscle mass and fat sit on your limbs and torso – and measures nerve health, highlighting any issues associated with illnesses like diabetes. It also has a 6-Lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to offer an insight into your cardiovascular health and even detect rhythm disturbances, which can cause stroke and heart failure.
Unlike many smart scales on the market, it comes with handles that contain electrodes – for the 6-Lead ECG readings and more accurate body composition measurements. For those who may struggle to reach down and retrieve it, the scale also comes with a handy wall mount for easy access.
The design is robust, it’s simple to set up and use and the user-friendly Health Mate app is bursting with data to help you measure your progress and improve your health over time. There’s no getting around the price tag, but if you want an in-depth health assessment for the comfort of your bathroom, it's a game-changing piece of kit.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 1 lithium ion battery (included) |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 35.7cm x 32.5cm |
Pros
- Smartwatch compatible
- Quick scales-to-app transfer of data
Cons
- The colour of the display makes it slightly harder for some to read the numbers
Score: 91/100
Connect your Fitbit tracker to your scales with this simple smart model. The weight readings were notably accurate and appeared in the connected app after just five seconds. They showed up on the display screen quickly, too.
The app can calculate your BMI using your weight measurement and extra inputs from you, and you can set weight goals – but these are the only stats available.
It wasn’t always the most intuitive app to navigate but overall these affordable scales are a decent size and felt stable, setting to work as soon as our tester stepped on.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 3 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | No |
Size | 30cm x 30cm |
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Pros
- Cost-effective due to battery-free aspect
- Large, non-slip platform
Cons
- Slow reset time
Score: 91/100
Cutting back on waste by forgoing batteries, these digital scales are powered by a button you push with your feet. They gave us an accurate weight reading and the large platform should comfortably accommodate feet up to a size 12.
They had strong non-slip feet, but felt a bit unstable when mounting and dismounting. The display window was also rather small and the surface marked fairly easily. On balance though, this simple set of scales is a greener buy that doesn’t compromise on reliability.
Key specifications
Type | Digital |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | No |
Battery | N/A |
BMI | No |
Body fat | No |
Size | 30cm x 30cm |
Pros
- Tracks 17 health measurements
- Easy app set-up
- Uses safe electrical signals to accurately measure body mass
Cons
- Unstable for those with feet over a size 7
Score: 91/100
If you want comprehensive data, this body analyser scale is for you; it covers off an impressive 17 different metrics, including BMI and bone mass.
Readings were accurate but only weight appears on the display screen. This was clear to read, but the platform came up smaller than advertised, only fitting feet up to a size 7 without any protrusion. It was also unstable when weight was placed near the edges.
The accompanying app features detailed information on each metric and data appeared for us after only nine seconds. It was intuitive to set up an account too, but the quantity of information made it feel cluttered. You can set up up to eight people on the scales, though. Overall, an impressive bit of tech.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 26cm x 30cm |
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Pros
- Good for storing due to its smaller size
- Detailed instructions on set-up
- Health, fitness and nutrition data stored on the accompanying app to help contribute to goals
Cons
- Not suited to those with size 11 feet and above
Score: 90/100
Brimming with features usually seen on pricier models, this shiny Renpho smart scale seriously impressed our experts. The large, easy-to-read screen shows your key stats including weight, body fat percentage and BMI, while the app – which scored top marks for functionality – measures everything from visceral fat and water percentage to muscle and bone mass to metabolic age, for an overall picture of your health. There’s even an ‘athlete mode’ that considers physiological variations including higher bone density, muscle mass and hydration levels.
It can track up to eight users, sync with Apple Health, Google Fit and FitBit, and the app has a community section for you to connect with friends, share advice and ask questions. Best of all, the stylish, compact design means the scales will look unobtrusive in the corner of your bathroom. Due to its petite size, however, hopping on requires some balance, and the scale wouldn’t be suitable for anyone with size 11 feet or above.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 3 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 28.2.cm x 28.2cm |
Pros
- Transfers data from scales to app in five seconds
- Extensive information provided on the app
- Clear, bright display
Cons
- Heavy reliance on app to display full range of data
Score: 89/100
Data transfers from this scale to its app in the blink of an eye, or five seconds to be precise. We were also impressed with the app’s intuitive design, depth of information provided, and the option to subtract the weight of your phone and clothes from your measurements for increased accuracy. Both weight and body fat readings were precise, with the latter out by a mere 4.5%.
The scale proved stable and can accommodate feet up to a size 10, but it relies heavily on the app. Only weight is recorded without it and you have to use the app if you want to know any of the 11 other body composition stats offered, including visceral fat and metabolic age.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 30 cm x 33 cm |
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Pros
- Focuses on health overall, rather than just weight
- The app provides daily user-friendly advice
Cons
- Flooring impacted readings
Score: 89/100
If you like the sound of the Withings options above but don't want to spend over the odds, consider this more affordable offering from the brand.
It's half the price of the Body Comp, but it’s still packed with an impressive range of features. The set-up process took a matter of minutes and getting to grips with the device was a breeze thanks to the handy in-app prompts and tips.
In terms of insights, you can track body composition, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat, metabolic age and standing heart rate, with key data visible on the scale itself and detailed graphs within the app to help you keep on top of your progress over time.
There are a range of modes to choose from, including ‘weight’, ‘athlete’ and ‘pregnancy’, but the one that stood out for our experts was ‘eyes closed’. When using this setting, you won’t see any numbers when you step on the scale; instead, a range of motivational graphics will pop up on the screen. This is ideal for days when you want to focus on overall health outcomes rather than numerical changes. if you do want to review your measurements at a later stage, you can check them on the app.
Overall, an impressive piece of kit, particularly for those at the beginning of their fitness or weight loss journey who don’t want to be bombarded with numbers on a daily basis. We’d recommend using it on the same floor for consistency, and if you have carpet, make sure to use the feet provided.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 x AAA batteries |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 33cm x 33cm |
Pros
- Provides accurate readings
- Clear and easy to read
- Simple to track progress via the app
Cons
- The set-up guide wasn't that clear
Score: 88/100
This slim, Bluetooth-enabled scale earned full marks for weight accuracy, delivering reliable readings each time we stepped on, the large platform felt stable, and our key stats (weight, body fat percentage and heart rate) were clear and easy to read on the bright display. You can also hide the screen when it's not in use.
It easily connects to the Huawei Health App, which provides detailed health data, including a body composition graph with your body water percentage, bone mineral content and visceral fat. The app allows you to track your progress easily and provides plans based on your health and activity goals.
It did take a little getting used to as the set-up guide wasn’t the most detailed or insightful, but we got the hang of it before long.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 30 cm x 30cm |
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Pros
- Clear and loud audio reading of weight
- Quick activation
Cons
- Text display is slightly unclear
Score: 86/100
This talking digital scale is designed for those who are blind or partially sighted. Announcing our weight clearly and accurately, it activated quickly too, but we found it to be a tad unstable towards the edges.
There’s room on the platform for size 10 feet but the display screen could be clearer and it would be nice if batteries were included. Those are minor niggles though for an otherwise straightforward, reliable and accessible set of scales.
Key specifications
Type | Digital |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | No |
Battery | 4 AAA |
BMI | No |
Body fat | No |
Size | 30cm x 30cm |
Pros
- Affordable
- Stable scale that didn't tip when testing weight on each side
- Intuitive app
Cons
- Inaccurate body fat readings
Score: 85/100
With this smart scale, you can access 12 different body composition measurements. It displays weight readings clearly, responds quickly when you step onto them, and the app automatically records additional data even if you don’t have it open.
The scale stayed put when we placed our weight over the edge of the platform, but there’s only enough space for feet up to a size 10. Disappointingly, our body fat readings were significantly out, but our weight readings were consistently accurate.
The app was easy to set up and navigate too, with detailed information on all the metrics.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 3 AAA |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 28cm x 28cm |
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Pros
- Uses self-generated power rather than batteries
- Simple, straightforward design
- Accurate weight reading
Cons
- Slightly slow to give readings
Score: 85/100
Another set of battery-free digital scales – simply stepping on the button in the centre of the scales generates enough power for one reading, and while it’s not the quickest of processes if you want to take multiple readings in one go, they were reliably accurate.
The platform was a little unstable when we distributed weight unevenly and marked fairly easily, while the display window could be bigger too. A basic but innovative bathroom addition.
Key specifications
Type | Digital |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity: | No |
Battery | N/A |
BMI | No |
Body fat | No |
Size | 30cm x 30cm |
Pros
- Tracks 17 different body metrics
- Tracks mother and baby weight
- Clean, minimal aesthetic
Cons
- Slightly unstable, so expectant mothers should take care when stepping on
Score: 84/100
Designed for expectant and new mothers, this scale takes readings for 17 different body metrics including muscle mass and hydration. Plus, our body fat and weight readings were impressively accurate. Using the same app as the FitTrack Dara (above), data appeared quickly and the app and scale connected easily.
At 26cm wide, the platform is notably small and would struggle to fit feet bigger than a size 7. They also tipped slightly when stepping towards one edge. On the scale itself, you can only see your weight reading, but it shows up brightly and the app breaks down the other stats informatively.
Key specifications
Type | Smart |
---|---|
Measures | Pounds, kilograms, stone |
Bluetooth connectivity | Yes |
Battery | 4 x AAA batteries |
BMI | Yes |
Body fat | Yes |
Size | 33cm x 26 cm |
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The verdict on bathroom scales
The Withings Body Comp scale was best in class for our testers thanks to its techy features (it even measures water percentage and heart rate), plus it syncs with apps including Apple Health and Strava.
If you want to track your key stats for less, we recommend the Renpho Smart WiFi Bluetooth Body Scale, which costs just under £40 and lends itself to smaller bathrooms thanks to its compact design.
Or for clear, reliable weight readings, opt for our budget buy – the Eufy Smart Scale C1 is a savvy pick for less than £20.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Kim Hawley is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s health and wellness product tester, responsible for reviewing a wide range of wellness products, from treadmills to massage guns. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer, has a nutrition qualification and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
Senior Health & Wellness Writer Priyankaa Joshi is also an expert in her field, with over five years’ experience in health and wellness journalism, during which she has written about hundreds of products (and put quite a few through their paces!).
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market, from suitcases and bedding to hair dryers. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can trust.
Priyankaa Joshi
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Tested byKim Hawley
Health and Fitness Tester
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.