Bathroom scales work by using sensors to measure the weight of an object on them. These sensors create an electric current, which is then measured by the bathroom scale. This measurement is what determines the weight of the object on the scale.
When choosing a bathroom scale, it is important to consider your needs. Any basic model will do if you are looking for a basic scale that will tell you your weight. If you are looking for a more advanced scale that can track your progress or offer more detailed information, you will need to research to find the best model for your needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a bathroom scale include weight capacity, size, type and additional features like body fat measurement, Bluetooth connectivity and alert.
Our team has examined hundreds of options on Amazon to help you find the right bathroom scale. We chose products based on customer reviews and ratings. We also considered key product features such as ease of use, value for money, size and accuracy.
The Withings Body+ reigns supreme as the best overall bathroom scale available on the market. Garnering a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over a whopping 25,000 reviews on Amazon, its accuracy and full spectrum of features have earned high praise from users worldwide.
The Body+ monitors weight in 3 different units and comprehensively analyses body fat, water percentage, muscle and bone mass. Its automatic synchronisation with the Health Mate app allows you to track your progress effortlessly and the added feature of a daily weather forecast adds a unique touch to your morning routine. Plus, up to 8 users can use the same scale and access their personal weight history, making it suitable for households with multiple individuals.
While the Body+ boasts many benefits, it's worth noting a couple of drawbacks that may affect some users. For one, initial set-up can be a bit tricky. Navigating the Wi-Fi connectivity and syncing to the app might require some patience. Secondly, the nutrition tracking feature requires diligent input and management to reap its benefits.
The Salter Compact Digital Bathroom Scale is our pick for the best cheap bathroom scale. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 14,000 reviews on Amazon.
The neat and compact design pairs well with its functional benefits, such as the easy-to-read digital LCD and the "step on" technology for quick weight readings. There's also the added convenience of toggling between metric and imperial units with just a flick of a switch.
However, there have been mentions of slight inconsistencies in accuracy, which might concern those requiring precise measurements. Some also said the surface is a bit slippery. Nevertheless, the thick tempered glass platform offers enough foot room for sturdy and safe use while still being compact enough for easy storage.
With a high average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend the eufy P2 Pro Digital Scale as the best digital option.
It stands out for its comprehensive health tracking features and precise accuracy. The scale tracks your daily progress and provides insightful readings on 16 different health metrics such as weight, body fat, BMI, muscle mass and even heart rate. Incorporating the highly sensitive ITO coating technology, it also delivers consistent and accurate readings no matter where you step on the scale.
There's a virtual 3D model which gives users a unique way to visualise their fitness journey. You can also add unlimited users to the app, making it a perfect option for families or roommates looking to track their personal fitness development in the same place.
As for the cons, some users have reported that the bioelectric impedance analysis might take some time to adjust for new users. And while the option to add an unlimited number of users is a great feature, it could be a bit cumbersome to manage for larger families or groups.
Our top pick for the best smart bathroom scale is the Withings Body Cardio Smart Scale, earning a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Its cutting-edge design measures both weight and BMI, body fat, moisture rates, bone volume and muscle mass with high-precision measurements within 3.5oz (100g). This device truly stands out with its focus on cardiac health, calculating heart rate, vascular age and tracking changes through the app. Long-lasting battery life and the benefit of a baby and pregnancy mode further enhance its utility.
However, this scale doesn't offer the option to connect to a computer and some users may prefer this feature for easier data management. It's also pricier than other options on the market, but with its advanced features and accuracy, it's worth the investment.
The Salter Doctor Style Mechanical Bathroom Scale is the epitome of dependability. Boasting a superb rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it's our pick for the best analogue option.
The scale's design is a nod to the classic doctor's style, featuring a large analogue dial and an easily noticeable red pointer that highlights the weight in simple-to-read kilogram increments. The lack of batteries is a welcome feature, as it offers the accuracy you require with minimal fuss – no batteries to replace, no buttons to press, just straightforward and reliable weighing.
However, it's worth noting that it's a basic scale without any of the frills and features you might find in more modern, digital scales. What you see is what you get – a simple, effective tool for monitoring your weight. Additionally, being built to last, it's quite sturdy and therefore heavier than some may expect.
With ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, we also chose the Salter Compact Digital Bathroom Scale as the best compact bathroom scale.
Its minimalist design and cool, white glass platform ensure that it fits perfectly in any modern bathroom and adds an elegant touch. The scale's "step on" technology makes for a quick and hassle-free weighing experience – no recalibration needed. Plus, the easy-to-read digital LCD offers hassle-free weight readings and the option to toggle between metric and imperial units.
But, the scale does have a couple of drawbacks. Some users have found the glass quite slippery and care should be taken when stepping on or off. Additionally, the compact scale might be less comfortable for users with larger feet.
For the best glass bathroom scale, our team has chosen the Beurer GS 400. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Its elegant design features a large, illuminated black display with an XL format for easy reading. The scale's surface, measuring a generous 31cm x 31cm, is made from 8mm super white safety glass, supporting a maximum load of 200kg.
With a gradation of 100g, it provides accurate and reliable body weight measurements. The unit conversion button on the back also allows for a simple switch between kilograms, pounds and stones, adding to its user-friendly appeal. The quick-start technology and automatic switch-off make weighing a breeze as well.
However, it's not without its cons. First, the overload indicator might be a bit too sensitive for some users. Second, manually changing the units at the back might be inconvenient for those who frequently switch between units. Despite these minor issues, the GS 400 is a top choice among glass bathroom scales.
The Beurer BF 500 Diagnostic Scale is the best Bluetooth option in the market, earning a noteworthy average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This scale offers a comprehensive body analysis, measuring your weight and important details such as body fat, body water, bone mass, muscle mass, calorie requirements (AMR/BMR) and BMI. It also seamlessly integrates with the brand's HealthManager Pro app. This feature allows up to 8 people to transmit their data via Bluetooth, making it the perfect scale for families or group living situations.
However, the invisible display might not be ideal for all users, making it a bit challenging to read the results directly from the scale. Additionally, the necessity of a smartphone to access full functionality might be a hurdle for those less tech-savvy or without a smartphone.
The Withings Body Cardio Smart Scale is also our top pick for accuracy, earning a well-deserved 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
It doesn't just measure BMI, it delves deeper, providing data on body fat, water percentage, muscle mass and bone mass, leaving no stone unturned in your health journey. The scale's patented Position Control technology ensures high accuracy, while the Pregnancy Tracker and Baby Mode make it a family-friendly option, adjusting to the needs of every family member.
With the ability to recognise and track up to 8 users independently, it's truly the pinnacle of personalised health technology. The bonus of a daily weather forecast helps you prep for the day ahead and the long-life rechargeable battery lasts up to an entire year.
On the downside, the scale's advanced features might be overwhelming for some users and the initial set-up could be slightly complex for those who are less tech-savvy.
The Withings Body+ also comes out on top as the best option for a comprehensive body composition analysis. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 25,000 Amazon reviews, this scale goes beyond mere weight measurements.
It monitors weight in various units, body fat and water percentage, plus muscle and bone mass, providing an all-encompassing snapshot of your health. The scale's automatic synchronisation feature seamlessly delivers data from every weigh-in to the Health Mate app via Wi-Fi. It offers a unique nutrition tracking feature, allowing you to set a weight goal and manage your daily calorie intake. As a bonus, you get a localised weather report every time you step on the scale, helping you plan your day.
Do note that it requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for data synchronisation, which can be a hassle if your internet connection is inconsistent. Some users also reported issues with the scale's surface, with concerns about it being slippery and difficult to stand on. However, these are minor drawbacks compared to the scale's overall performance.
Amazon prices last updated on 27 April, 2024 at 08:41 ameBay prices last updated on 26 April, 2024 at 09:25 pm
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We considered the following bathroom scale brands:
A&D
Accuweight
AmazonBasics
Conair
EatSmart
Etekcity
Eufy
FitTrack
Guina
Huawei
iHealth
Medi
Muson
Oseri
Propert
RENPHO
Salter
Sanitas
Sinocare
Soehnle
Tanita Australia
Taylor
Venugopalan
Weight Watchers
Withings
Xiaomi
YUNMAI
For this list, we carefully picked products with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. We ended up with a total of over 100 bathroom scales to compare.
We then researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews on Amazon (as of October 2023). We also picked models based on key features such as size, user-friendliness, Bluetooth connectivity, accuracy and other added features. We came up with what we believe are the 10 best bathroom scales you can get right now in Australia.
What is a body fat scale?
A body fat scale shows you the percentage of fat that your body contains. For example, if you weigh 100kg and have 10kg of fat, then your body fat percentage is 10%.
The scales work by sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring the resistance it receives. Muscle tissue contains a lot of water and offers low resistance, while fat tissue contains little water and offers high resistance. This resistance is measured against other inputted information, such as height, gender and age, to produce a body fat percentage reading.
It is important to remember that while body fat scales are useful tools that can provide users with a good idea of their body composition, they are not always 100% accurate. Body fat readings should be used as a baseline indicator of progress and you should see a health professional to help you interpret any unusual readings or fluctuations.
Healthy body fat percentages differ for men and women. The table below provides a breakdown of suggested body fat percentage ranges:
Suggested body fat percentages for men and women
Men
Women
Athlete
6% to 13%
14% to 20%
Healthy
14% to 17%
21% to 24%
Overweight
18% to 24%
25% to 31%
At risk
25% +
32% +
Source: American Council on Exercise
Body fat scales vs traditional weight scales
Weight scales simply measure body mass, while body fat scales indicate what percentage of your overall mass is fat. Body fat scales give a more accurate indication of your body's health and composition than traditional weight scales, as they can distinguish between fat and muscle.
Why should I consider a body fat scale?
There are several ways body fat scales can be useful, including:
Knowing your body. Body fat scales can give you a detailed breakdown of your body composition in a way that traditional weight scales can't.
Establishing health levels. You can compare the body fat scale readings against recommended health norms to establish where your health levels stand.
Setting fitness goals. Once you know your body fat percentage, you can start to set curated goals to improve or maintain your health levels.
Tracking fitness progress. Having your own body fat scale allows you to check on your health and fitness progress whenever you want.
Who shouldn't consider a body fat scale?
Body fat scales aren't for everyone. Some people shouldn't fit into traditional body fat categories. Others shouldn't be exposed to the small electrical current the scale uses. These people include:
Children, athletes and bodybuilders. Body fat percentage readings may be unreliable and fluctuate wildly for these groups of people.
People with pacemakers. The electrical current that these scales send out could impact a pacemaker and it's best to avoid this risk.
People with metal plates or bolts. Metal inside the body could influence the percentage reading.
Pregnant women. Body composition changes dramatically during pregnancy and readings will vary. And although the electrical current from the scales is very small, many manufacturers still recommend not using these scales during pregnancy.
What options are available?
All body fat scales take a body fat percentage reading, but they often offer other features too. One of the ways to distinguish between body fat scales is to check what other readings the machine is able to give you. These might include:
Your body's mass. Doctors recommend keeping track of your weight as it can be an indicator of positive or negative lifestyle changes, as well as illness.
Your height and weight determine your BMI. Your BMI is used by many health organisations to assess your health and wellbeing.
How much water your body is carrying. Excess water weight can often be linked to bloating and swelling-related ailments.
The weight of your bones. This reading can indicate whether you have any issues related to bone density.
The weight of the muscles in your body. Increasing muscle mass can help increase the speed at which fat is burned.
Your basal metabolic rate shows how much energy your body burns while resting. This rate is compared to age group averages to tell you how "old" your body is behaving.
How to compare body fat scales
Basic scales start at around $20, while scales with more advanced features for medical offices can cost $1,000 or more. Consider what you need from your scale so you don't spend money on extra features you'll never use.
When purchasing a body fat scale, consider the following features:
Display
Are the numbers easy to read? You don't want to be squinting or struggling to decipher what your scales are telling you. If you have any difficulties with your vision, look for a scale with a large display and high brightness.
Memory storage
Many scales are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatible and store your information on a compatible mobile app. Other scales have in-built storage and keep readings for a certain amount of time.
Location
Most scales are thrown off if used on carpet. Hard surfaces are preferable as they provide a more accurate body fat percentage reading due to more evenly distributed weight. Consider where you will be using your new scale.
Moisture
Some scales are impacted by large amounts of moisture in the air. If you have a small bathroom with no ventilation, your body fat scale might be better off in the kitchen or living space.
Extra readings
If you're interested in your water weight or your BMI (body mass index) then be sure to look for a scale that offers additional readings.
Warranties
Check the warranty length. Some manufacturers offer a year, while some offer up to 5. Scales live on the floor and you never know what might drip, drop or fall onto them.
Frequently asked questions
Several types of bathroom scales are available on the market, each with its own level of accuracy. The most accurate type of bathroom scale is a digital scale that uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). These scales send a small electrical current through your body to measure your body fat percentage and calculate your overall weight.
It depends on the specific brand and model of the scale. Some budget-friendly bathroom scales may not have the same level of accuracy as more expensive options, but there are also affordable scales that use BIA technology and can provide accurate readings.
Yes, digital bathroom scales can lose accuracy over time due to wear and tear or battery issues. It's important to regularly calibrate your scale and replace the batteries if needed to ensure accurate readings.
It is recommended to replace your bathroom scale every 1–2 years, depending on usage and maintenance. It may be time for a replacement if you notice significant changes in accuracy or irregular readings.
We picked the Withings Body+ as the best option you can get online.
To get the most accurate and reliable reading possible, put your scale on a stable, hard and flat surface.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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