I Researched 6 Smart Scales So You Don't Have To
Which ones are worth your money this New Year (and which are just expensive bathroom ornaments)
January is coming, and smart scale sales are about to explode. Before you spend £300 on a scale you'll use twice, here's what these devices actually measure - and which ones are worth buying.
What Can Smart Scales Actually Measure?
Not all body composition measurements are created equal. Here's how different methods stack up:
DEXA Scans are the gold standard - clinical imaging with ±1-2% error. They cost £80-150 per scan and you'd only do them monthly at most.
Skinfold Calipers can be very good (±3-4% error) when used by a skilled practitioner. The calipers cost £5-20, but the skill to use them properly takes years to develop.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is what smart scales use. They're decent for tracking trends (±5-8% error), cost anywhere from £25-350, and are affected by hydration, food intake, temperature, and time of day.
BMI just uses height and weight. It tells you nothing useful about muscle versus fat.
Smart scales use BIA - they send a tiny electrical current through your body and measure resistance. Fat tissue resists electricity more than muscle tissue, so the scale uses this to estimate body composition.
Here's what this means in practice:
Smart scales are excellent for tracking weight accurately and showing you trends over time when used consistently. They're convenient for daily tracking and the data visualization keeps you motivated.
But they won't give you your exact body fat percentage, they lose accuracy when you're dehydrated, they can't account for individual body composition differences, and they definitely don't replace proper body composition assessment.
The key insight: Don't trust the exact number. Trust the direction of change over weeks and months.
If your scale says you're 18% body fat but you're actually 22%, that's fine - as long as when you lose fat, the number goes down consistently. You're tracking the trend, not the absolute value.
The Budget Options
1. Wyze Scale X - The 2025 Top Performer
Price: £35-45
What it does well: The Wyze Scale X earned top ratings in 2025 reviews for good reason. Full-surface sensors provide consistent weight readings (variance of just 50g across multiple weigh-ins). Tracks 13 body metrics, free app, integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. User reviews praise the accuracy and useful extras like baby mode, pet mode, and luggage mode.
The limitations: Runs on AAA batteries (not rechargeable). Won't measure anything under 13 pounds. Doesn't display weight in stones. Build quality is good but not premium. App can be slow to sync occasionally.
Best for: Most people looking for excellent value without spending big money. Ideal first smart scale.
2. Renpho Smart Body Fat Scale - The Amazon Bestseller
Price: £25-30
What it does well: At under £30, the Renpho tracks 13 body metrics with a clean, free app that integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health. Setup takes 90 seconds. Weight tracking is accurate within 0.1kg. The body composition tracking is consistent enough to show reliable trends when used the same way daily. Compact, looks good, and just works.
The limitations: Body composition metrics are optimistic (typically 4-6% lower body fat than clinical measurements). Muscle mass readings vary with hydration. "Metabolic age" and "protein percentage" have no scientific basis. Build quality is acceptable but some users report accuracy drift after 12-18 months. Smaller platform might be tight for larger feet.
Best for: Someone who wants the absolute cheapest entry into smart scales. Perfect for testing if you'll actually stick to daily tracking before investing more.
3. Eufy Smart Scale P3 - The Value Sweet Spot
Price: £40-50
What it does well: This is the sweet spot for most people. At £40-50, you get 16 body measurements, excellent build quality, and one of the best apps in the category. Body composition tracking is more realistic than cheaper options - typically within 2-3% of clinical measurements. Large, bright display shows measurements immediately. The app is intuitive without overwhelming users. Setup is simple, multiple user profiles work seamlessly. The large glass platform (over 30cm square) is stable and looks premium.
The limitations: The app isn't as beautiful as Withings. Some metrics (body age, visceral fat level) are still somewhat arbitrary. Larger size won't fit in very small bathrooms. 3rd-party app ecosystem isn't as developed as major brands. Uses 4 AAA batteries (not rechargeable).
Best for: Most people. It's accurate enough to be genuinely useful, affordable enough that you won't stress about the investment, and reliable enough for daily use. The sweet spot between budget and premium.
The Premium Choices
4. Garmin Index S2 - The Athlete's Choice
Price: £139.99
What it does well: If you're in the Garmin ecosystem, this scale is brilliant. Seamless sync with Garmin watches and Connect means your weight data integrates directly into training load, recovery metrics, and performance tracking. Automatically recognizes up to 16 users. Body composition accuracy is solid - typically within 2.5-3% of clinical measurements when used consistently. Large, excellent display shows multiple metrics at once. Weather integration is nice for planning outdoor training. Outstanding build quality that will last years. For Garmin users, seeing weight changes alongside training volume, sleep quality, and recovery provides insights no standalone scale can match.
The limitations: If you don't use Garmin products, this scale loses most of its appeal. Body composition tracking, while good, isn't exceptional enough to justify £140 on its own. Garmin Connect can be overwhelming if you're just looking for simple weight tracking - it's designed for serious athletes with a learning curve.
Best for: Garmin users, runners, cyclists, triathletes who want weight data integrated with training metrics. Families who need many user profiles. Anyone already deep in the Garmin ecosystem.
5. InBody H20N - The Professional-Grade Option
Price: £280-350
What it does well: InBody makes the professional BIA devices used in gyms and clinics. The H20N is their home version with handheld electrodes - the same 8-point tactile electrode system as professional devices. Measures arms, legs, and trunk separately for genuine segmental analysis. Uses dual-frequency BIA (20kHz and 100kHz) for improved accuracy. User comparisons with professional InBody scans show remarkably close correlation. Body fat measurements typically within 1-2% of DEXA scans under consistent conditions. Tests complete in 8 seconds. No subscription fees ever. FSA/HSA eligible.
The limitations: Expensive at £280-350. The app is functional but dated. The scale is large and heavy (2.7kg). Handheld bar adds complexity - you can't just hop on and off. Setup is more involved. You need to properly position yourself each time. Some users with very dry hands report hand electrode connectivity issues. Occasional consistency complaints from users who don't follow the protocol exactly.
Best for: Serious bodybuilders, physique competitors, anyone for whom body composition is critical and budget isn't a concern. People who want segmental analysis. Those who've used professional InBody devices and want the same at home.
6. Withings Body Comp - The Medical-Grade Contender
Price: £179.95
What it does well: Advanced segmental BIA analysis - different electrical currents through different body parts for regional measurements. Body fat measurements typically within 2-3% of DEXA scans when used properly. Beyond basic metrics, it measures cardiovascular health (standing heart rate, vascular age), provides nerve health assessment, and detects weight distribution changes. Segmental body composition data is genuinely useful for tracking progress and identifying asymmetries. The Withings Health Mate app is outstanding - beautiful interface, comprehensive tracking, excellent trend analysis. Flawless integration with dozens of health platforms. Exceptional build quality and design. The "Eyes Closed" mode is brilliant for people with weighing anxiety - audio feedback without showing numbers.
The limitations: Expensive at £180. Advanced features require £9.99/month subscription after the first year (basic features remain free forever). Cardiovascular assessments require standing still for 90 seconds. Some advanced features (nerve health) require very specific standing positions and may not work for everyone. You're paying for accuracy and features you might not need for simple weight loss.
Best for: Serious athletes, people with specific health conditions to monitor, anyone who wants the most accurate consumer body composition tracking without handheld electrodes. People who value health data as much as training data.
BONUS: Hume Health Body Pod - The Challenger
Price: £200-280 (often on sale)
What it does well: 8-electrode measurement with handheld scanner (similar to InBody). Segmental measurement scanning arms, legs, and torso separately. Claims "98% accuracy" and within 2-3% of DEXA scans. Some independent reviewers found reasonably close correlation with DEXA, particularly for lean mass. Tracks 45+ metrics with AI-powered coaching through the app. No subscription required. HSA/FSA eligible. When it works well, users report detailed, useful data. Often significantly cheaper than InBody during sales.
The limitations: Here's where we need to be brutally honest: Hume is a relatively new brand with significant quality control and customer service issues. Trustpilot UK reviews are concerning (2.3/5 stars) with consistent complaints about wildly inconsistent readings (body fat swinging 8% in days), poor customer service and very slow response times, delivery issues and difficulty getting refunds, and connectivity problems. Some users love it and find it accurate. Others report it's completely unreliable. This inconsistency is worrying at this price point. Unlike established brands (Withings, Garmin, InBody), Hume hasn't built the reputation or customer service infrastructure to back up its premium pricing.
Best for: Early adopters willing to risk £200+ on a challenger brand. People who want handheld segmental analysis at a lower price than InBody. Those willing to deal with potential customer service headaches.
Smart Scales Quick Comparison
| Scale | Best For | Price | Body Comp | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze Scale X | Best budget 2025 | £35-45 | Good trends | Excellent |
| Renpho | Cheapest option | £25-30 | Trends only | Good |
| Eufy P3 ⭐ | BEST VALUE | £40-50 | Very good | Excellent |
| Garmin Index S2 | Garmin users | £139.99 | Good trends | Excellent |
| InBody H20N | Pro-grade accuracy | £280-350 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Withings Body Comp | Premium consumer | £179.95 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hume Body Pod | Risk-takers | £200-280 | Variable | Concerning |
Which Scale Should You Buy This New Year?
If your 2025 resolution is: “Just lose some weight"
Buy: Wyze Scale X (£35-45) or Renpho (£25-30)
You need consistent tracking and motivation, not clinical-grade accuracy. The difference between 22% and 24% body fat doesn't matter when you're starting out - what matters is seeing the trend go down over weeks and months.
If you've never tracked your weight daily before, start here. Don't spend £280 on features you won't use. The Wyze or Renpho will do everything you need for a fraction of the price.
If your 2025 resolution is: “Get stronger and build muscle"
Buy: Eufy P3 (£40-50) or Garmin Index S2 (£140 if you use Garmin)
You need reliable body composition trends to see if you're actually building muscle or just getting heavier. The Eufy P3 is accurate enough to show real changes. If you're already tracking training with Garmin, the Index S2 integration is worth the premium.
Muscle gain is slow. You need a scale that's consistent enough to show 0.5kg of muscle gain over 3 months. That's the Eufy's sweet spot.
If your 2025 resolution is: “Transform my body composition"
Buy: InBody H20N (£280-350) or Withings Body Comp (£180)
You're serious about this. You want segmental analysis to track muscle distribution. You want accuracy that approaches DEXA scans. You're willing to pay for it.
If you're preparing for a competition, cutting for a photoshoot, or tracking body recomposition on GLP-1 medications, you need professional-grade accuracy. InBody if you want the absolute best. Withings if you want excellent accuracy with better design and app.
If your 2025 resolution is: “Actually stick to it this year"
Buy: Eufy P3 (£40-50)
This is the sweet spot for New Year's resolutions. It's good enough to be genuinely useful. It's cheap enough that you won't feel guilty if you quit. It's nice enough that you'll want to use it.
The best scale is the one you'll step on every morning. The Eufy hits that perfect balance of quality and affordability. If you're still using it daily in April, THEN upgrade to something fancy.
New Year's Resolution Reality Check
Don't buy the £280 scale if you've never tracked consistently before. It's like buying a Peloton on January 1st. Great idea. Expensive clothes rack by March.
Start with the Eufy P3 (£40-50). Use it every single day for 90 days. Track your weight. Watch the trends. Build the habit.
IF you're still tracking consistently in April, IF the data genuinely helps you make better decisions, IF you want more accuracy - THEN upgrade to InBody or Withings.
But for 90% of people, the Eufy is all you'll ever need.
The £40 scale you use every day beats the £280 scale gathering dust.
The Bottom Line
No home scale will ever match clinical body composition measurement.
Bioelectrical impedance is measuring electrical resistance through your body. That's affected by:
How much water you drank
What you ate yesterday
Room temperature
Time of day
Your menstrual cycle (for women)
How much you exercised recently
Skin moisture
Whether you've had coffee yet
But that doesn't mean smart scales are useless. They're excellent for one specific thing: tracking trends over time. The best scale is the one you'll step on every day.
