Whether you’re looking to gain weight, lose weight, or merely want to track your weight over time, a bathroom scale is one of the simplest devices you can use to keep tabs on your progress. To find the best bathroom scales, we first consulted with four registered dietitians to learn which key features every model should have. Then, we spent over a month testing 45 bathroom scales, weighing ourselves at least three times weekly.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Ozeri Rev Digital Bathroom Scale at Amazon $34 Best Compact:
Taylor Digital Compact Scale at Amazon $25 Best Smart:
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Arboleaf Digital Scale at Amazon Best Aesthetic:
Escali Bamboo Digital Electronic Bathroom Scale at Amazon $43 Best for Larger Bodies:
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Tanita HD-384 Digital Bathroom Scale at Amazon Best Budget:
Etekcity Digital Body Weight Scale at Amazon $17 Best Lightweight:
Renpho Core 1S Body Scale at Amazon $19 -
How We Tested
We spent over a month testing 45 top bathroom scales. When testing bathroom scales, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Ease of Setup: After unpacking the scale, we note whether it’s ready to go out of the box or if we need to calibrate it. We download and set up any necessary apps, keeping track of the total setup time. Do we need to ask for help from another person to set up the scale? Are the instructions clear and easy to follow, or are they confusing?
- Display: We consider how easy the bathroom scale is to read in different conditions and positions. Can we see the numbers from different angles? Is the display well-lit, clear, and easy to read? Does it allow us to change or adjust the measurement units? We also note how long the data stays on the screen and if it’s enough time for us to read it.
- Ease of Use: Does the scale provide readings quickly and easily? Is it easy to toggle between settings and customize the scale? Can multiple people use the scale and create user profiles? We note whether the data on the scale is easy to understand and apply to our own lifestyle. For scales with an app, we also consider how intuitive the app is to download and use.
- Durability: During testing, we pay attention to the scale’s quality and sturdiness and assess whether it feels well-made. Does it feel flimsy or very durable? Do we think this scale holds up to daily use by multiple people?
- Precision: We first test the scale’s accuracy by weighing an object with a set weight, like a dumbbell. As we weigh ourselves daily, we note whether the readings are precise and consistent. Do we notice any big variations in precision?
- Value: To accurately assess each scale's value, we don't check the price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other categories. We review our overall experience with each bathroom scale and compare it against its cost. Would we buy this scale at full price, or only if it went on sale? We also consider whether we'd recommend the scale to a friend or family member.
Verywell Fit
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How to Choose a Good Scale
- Mechanical vs. Digital: Mechanical scales use an interior spring that compresses when the scale is weighted, displaying the reading on a dial. These scales are generally more budget-friendly than digital scales and offer basic weight readings. Digital scales run on batteries and display numerical results on a digital readout. They can often be at the higher end of the price scale, but also often include other features and metrics. Keep in mind that some digital scales will show very small increments of weight, which can make you overfocus on tiny changes, says registered dietitian Ro Huntriss, RD.
- Platform Size: Most scales, whether they're digital or mechanical, are similar in size. But, if you, or someone in your household, has a wider stance, make sure that the scale is large enough to comfortably stand on. Check the dimensions of the scale you're considering before purchasing.
- Body Composition Measurements: Many digital scales can provide a body composition measurement, which is the ratio of fat mass to lean tissue in your body. Registered dietitian Lauren Hubert, MS, RD, recommends choosing a scale with this function if you are trying to lose weight or manage your fitness.
- WiFi or Bluetooth Capabilities: Some digital smart scales can store and track data over time and even sync with fitness trackers or smartphone apps. If you want support in reaching your goals, this is a great feature to have, so look for a scale with WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities. Consider how much information you need from your scale and if you want the option to store data before choosing one.
- App: High-tech digital scales often include proprietary apps, which you may also be able to sync with other apps, such as Apple Health, Garmin Connect, or Fitbit. This allows you to keep all your health data in one place and recognize trends between activity levels, sleep statistics, and your body weight.
- Affordability: Mechanical scales tend to be more affordable but offer fewer features. Thankfully, high-tech, digital smart scales come in a wide range of price points, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget if this is the type of scale you're interested in. Just compare the features you need to your budget when shopping.
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What We've Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best bathroom scales, we've continued to long-term test our previous picks and hands-on tested seven new scales from top brands. We evaluated each product based on its ease of setup, ease of use, display, durability, precision, and value, incorporating these new insights into this article.
- We’ve spoken with two additional registered dietitians to better understand what to look for in a high-quality bathroom scale.
- Based on our testing insights, we've added three new superlatives: Best Compact, Best Aesthetic, and Best for Larger Bodies.
- We’ve reevaluated our previous picks and ultimately selected new scales for Best Overall and Best Budget.
