Body Fat Monitors We Also Tested

We researched dozens of skinfold calipers and body fat monitors and hands-on tested 17 body fat monitor scales from top, trusted brands. However, only four tested options made our final list of recommendations. While these three weren't selected as top picks, they still have some valuable features worth mentioning.

• FitTrack's Dara BMI Smart Scale provides 17 different metrics for comprehensive health tracking, and the app provides extensive information about each metric. However, during testing, we had difficulty connecting and syncing to this scale. The app and scale were easy to use, but we had to reset the scale often, which was inconvenient.
• Posture's Smart Body Scale is easy to set up and use, and the display on the scale is large and shows more metrics than most other scales on our list. However, we weren’t sure about the accuracy of some of the data, and we noted that the body shape graphics on the display screen could be unhelpful or triggering for some users.
• Oxiline's Scale X Pro doesn't need to be calibrated before use, so it's ready to go right out of the box with the included batteries. It's easy to use and has unlimited data storage, so you can go back and look at past metrics anytime. But the scale is on the pricier side, and we found it collected dust easily and was difficult to keep clean.

What to Look for When Shopping for Body Fat Monitors

• Style: There are three main styles of body fat monitors—scales, handheld devices, and skinfold calipers. Each style is used differently to give you a snapshot of your current body fat percentage, and each method provides varying levels of accuracy. Scales are home-friendly, handheld devices are portable and convenient, and calipers can provide the highest level of accuracy if used properly, according to our experts.
• Accuracy: Handheld monitors and scales often use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition by sending weak electric currents through your body. While these devices make measuring body fat at home easier and more budget-friendly, they come with limitations. BIA is impacted by hydration, and these devices can have a wide margin of error for athletes and individuals who are considered obese. Skinfold calipers require self-measurements instead of automatic measurements, so they can be difficult to use alone and cause inaccuracies if you’re not trained to use them, says sports medicine expert Aditi S. Majumdar, MD.
  
• Data Memory: Most digital body fat monitors can store data, but the capacity varies from tool to tool. If you plan to share the device with others, be sure it organizes and separates data for multiple users so everyone can track their progress individually over time.
• Smart Features: Many body fat monitors can sync with your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Those that only offer Bluetooth are usually less expensive, but don’t accommodate multiple users. A Wi-Fi monitor, which is included in the FITINDEX’s Bluetooth Body Fat Scale and the Withings' Body Comp Smart Scale, is more versatile and convenient, especially for multi-person households.  

How We Selected and Tested the Body Fat Monitors

To find the best body fat monitors, we consulted experts and extensively researched dozens of options from top, trusted brands, paying close attention to the product specifications. We also hands-on tested 17 bathroom scales and smart scales that monitor body fat over a four-week period, using each product once per day. When testing body fat monitors, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: After unboxing each device, we note how easy it is to turn on, whether batteries are included, and how long setup takes. If it has a proprietary app, we download it and assess the difficulty level for creating a profile and syncing the app to the device. We also note any additional third-party apps the device can sync to.
• Precision: We calibrate each device using a known-weight object, such as a dumbbell, and note the accuracy of the readings. Throughout our home testing period, we note whether the device continues to reflect our weight accurately. We also keep track of how many times, if any, we need to recalibrate the device for accurate measurements.
• Data Storage: While using the device and any accompanying apps, we track what data, such as weight or BMI, is measured and whether we feel it's helpful or extraneous. We evaluate if the data is easy to understand and if we use it to alter or support lifestyle habits. We also note how many users the app can support and how easy it is to retrieve stored data.
• Display: To evaluate the display and readability, we note how clear and well-lit the device's screen or display is. We also pay attention to whether the information stays on the screen long enough to read easily and is easy to understand. Does the scale have a voice command option? 
• Ease of Use: During the testing period, we weigh or measure ourselves every morning to evaluate each device's ease of use. We note if extra steps are necessary before taking a measurement, like tapping the device to turn it on or opening the app first. How long does it take to get a reading? How easy or difficult is it to navigate the device's app and change users?
• Value: To give each device a value rating, we wait until the end of the testing period, once we’ve evaluated it in all other key categories, to look at the cost of the product. We then determine if the body fat monitor is worth the listed price based on our experience. Body fat monitors that receive good value ratings are fairly priced or cost less than expected, given their features.

Our Experts

We interviewed experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand what key features make body fat monitors effective and easy to use. They also gave us tips on using different types of body fat monitors and explained any limitations that users should be aware of when using these devices. While we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
  
• Anita Mirchandani, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and certified fitness professional
  
• Aditi S. Majumdar, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

How do body fat monitors work?

Body fat scales use a technology called bioelectrical impedance analysis, which works by sending a low electrical current through the body to estimate body fat percentage based on signal travel time through tissues, says Majumdar. Skinfold calipers work by pinching the skin and measuring the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer, which is the fat that sits just beneath the skin.

What is the most accurate way to measure body fat at home?

While body fat scales are easy and convenient for home use, calipers—if used properly—are the most accurate if you can get someone to do it consistently for you, says Mirchandani.

What is the ideal body fat percentage?

While all bodies are different and body fat percentages may vary depending on several factors, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition determined that based on BMI, “healthy” body fat ranges for adult women ages 20 to 79 are 21 percent to 35 percent, and for adult men ages 20 to 79, they range from eight percent to 24 percent. However, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider about an appropriate range for you.

What measures should I consider in addition to body fat for optimal health?

While body fat percentage can give insight into health and fitness, several other factors should be considered when assessing well-being. Health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate, and blood sugar are all important considerations when evaluating overall health.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym enthusiast, and Verywell Fit fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products she can genuinely stand behind and believes would be a good investment for her readers. For this guide, Luff reviewed insights from our experts to learn the key features of effective body fat monitors. With the Verywell Fit testing team, she evaluated each product based on criteria like ease of setup, precision, data storage, display, ease of use, and overall value.