An easy, reliable way to keep track of your weight.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Indicator Load Cell
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to keep track of your health, a bathroom scale is a useful tool to have. But before you start shopping for a scale, you’ll first want to decide if you prefer one with app connectivity so you can easily track your progress along with other health metrics, or if you rather have a scale that’s not quite as feature-rich but shows you what matters most: your weight. To help you choose the best bathroom scale among the thousands of models you’ll find online, our pros took several of the most popular picks to the test to find not only the most accurate bathroom scales but those with bright, clear displays and user-friendly features.
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything you need for your health and fitness journey, from food tracker apps to sleep apps, home workout equipment, healthy recipes and more. To choose the best bathroom scales, we reviewed more than a dozen scales in the Media & Tech Lab in our most recent tests. We evaluated each scale for its size (including display size and readability), ease of use, smart features and more. We also paid very close attention to each scale’s accuracy and precision by comparing test sample weights against those of our calibrated Lab scale. According to our extensive testing data and consumer reviews, these are the best bathroom scales of 2023 that you can count on. Once you’ve checked out our top picks, keep reading to learn which bathroom scales are the most accurate. And don’t forget to learn about our tech experts' favorite fitness watches and trackers to help you track your overall health.
Editor's note: Weight loss, health and body image are complex subjects — we invite you to gain a broader perspective by reading our exploration into the hazards of diet culture.
This scale connects with your phone via Wi-Fi to track weight, total body fat, water percentage, bone and muscle mass and more. While not all features (i.e. weather) seemed critical to our test panel, the scale includes loads of insights, making it a good pick for someone looking to keep tabs on their health metrics. In Lab tests, a similar (yet slightly pricier) Withing’s scale was our top performer, thanks to its accuracy, as well as the responsive display that’s super easy to read.
Our pros agree that this model is the perfect fit for both larger and petite figures, and we appreciate that it can monitor up to eight unique profiles. Just keep in mind that the initial Wi-Fi setup will likely be a bit more time-consuming than that of other non-smart scales, but it’s well worth it in the end. Our pros are also fans of the intuitive and user-friendly Withings Health Mate app, where all your stats and measurements will be synced.
With more than 300,000 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating on Amazon, this smart scale offers up a lot of quality for the price. But just because it’s super affordable doesn’t mean that it skips out on extra features like connectivity to the Renpho Health app where you can track your weight (and 12 other stats).
In Lab tests, our product analysts found the scale on the smaller side, but the red number display was easy to read from a distance. Upon stepping on the scale we noticed that it woke up immediately. Our experts warn that weight measurements were not quite as accurate as more premium picks, though fluctuations were minimal.
Up to 16 people can have their own profiles on this smart scale, making it perfect for big families or college students living with lots of roommates. Users are instantly recognized when they step on the scale, and personal data can conveniently be sent to their profile on Garmin’s app, Garmin Connect, via the scale’s built-in Wi-Fi. According to our Lab tests, this scale is highly accurate. One product analyst told us that she loves how easy it is to read the color display and she "really enjoys seeing extra info like the time, date and weather forecast without having to open up the app." Other testers do note, however, that they wish the scale turned on a bit faster.
A sleek and simple scale with a large number display, this WW (formerly Weight Watchers) pick features a smooth glass-and-steel aesthetic. It's also thoroughly Lab-vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute and backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. In our most recent Lab tests, Conair scales stood out for their responsive displays and easy-to-use, classic design. Though we do wish the screen featured a backlight for enhanced visibility, the numbers are still quite easy to see from a distance.
Ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward user experience, this scale offers a simple, elegant design. Frequent users will appreciate its auto-off and low-battery indicator features. With high-tempered clear glass and a chrome finish base, this scale looks great in any bathroom. In Lab tests, our pros found the scale’s display responsive and easy to read, though they wish it featured a backlight for even more clarity. It wasn’t the most accurate of the bunch, but its sleek design made it a favorite among our tech analysts.
This simple-to-use scale provides precise weight measurements on a large, easily readable display and was a top performer in Lab tests. “If you’re looking for a no-frills scale that will do a solid job measuring body weight, this one is worth a look, especially given the superb price,” says Rachel Rothman, chief engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute. When reviewing this model in the Media & Tech Lab, our pros loved its large size and shape and found the 3.6" x 2" LCD display easy to see from a distance. We liked that it responds almost instantaneously when being used — no need to tap and then step on. It also has the best weight range of our picks, with the ability to weigh up to 440 pounds. And with a sturdy build, Rothman predicts that this scale will last you ages.
Before you hop on this smart scale, you'll first have to connect it to Wi-Fi and charge it via USB-C. The colorful display is bright and easy to read, and you simply get started by stepping on the glass for a weight reading along with 13 other measurements that you can later find in the VeSync app. What's even better about this scale is that it'll recognize your profile just by stepping on it, and there's even a pregnancy mode you can access through the app and a baby mode for tracking kids' growth. Not only does this scale have more than 141,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, but it was a top performer in Lab tests, providing accurate weight measurements when compared to our calibrated Lab scale. Though our pros did notice that it takes a few seconds for it to turn on and isn’t quite as responsive as other models we tested, the easy-to-read color display makes up for it. We also love how easy it is to switch among profiles in the app.
The Eufy Smart Scale C1 makes it easy to sync health data to a third-party app, whether your health tracking platform of choice is from Apple, Fitbit or Google. “This scale is a nice option for large, active families who want to track wellness metrics since it can store up to 16 users at once, even if they all use different wearables,” says Rachel, who road-tested the Eufy for several months in her home. The scale uses built-in sensors to measure a range of metrics — weight, body mass, visceral fat and more.
This Eufy scale performed well in our Lab accuracy tests, and online reviews are also positive: It has over 12,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.7 stars, with the Eufy’s exceptional price contributing to the appeal. Some testers do point out, though, that the platform size may feel a bit small for some.
While we haven’t formally tested this scale in the Media & Tech Lab, some of our product analysts have been using it for years and love it. Not only is it an Amazon customer favorite with an average 4.6-star rating, but it quickly connects to the FITINDEX app where you can track up to 13 measurements like weight, body fat ratio, muscle mass and more. And its compact footprint makes a good fit for most small bathrooms.
We love that for less than half the price of some other more premium scales, this one comes with a lot of great value and you can store an unlimited number of profiles, making it a great choice for the family. According to online reviewers, however, it may be less accurate.
Another model backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, this WW scale is a standout for intelligence, including Bluetooth connectivity that makes it easy to sync a wealth of data — weight, body fat, body water, bone mass — to the free app. WW members ($10 per month subscription) will have access to even more personalized tracking information. Our testers also like the smart glass design with blue backlit display, and like how responsive and easy to read the numbers are.
The engineers and product analysts have been testing digital bathroom scales for decades at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Media & Tech Lab. In our most recent tests, our pros evaluated over a dozen bathroom scales. To narrow down the best ones for your home, we test each scale for accuracy and precision by comparing recorded weights of test samples with those from our calibrated Lab scale.
Since most people step on the scale regularly, our experts also consider ease-of-use features, such as platform size, display readability, how quickly the scale turned on and off, and, when applicable, how easy it is to input personal information, such as age and gender. If available, we assess smart features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and how easy it is to switch among member profiles.
✔️ Type: Analog scales use mechanical springs to measure weight, while digital scales rely on built-in sensors. A subset of the digital category is smart scales, whose Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity makes it possible to upload information to your smartphone or computer and keep track of health changes over time. There's no right type of scale, though our pros do prefer digital scales or smart scales for their ease of use and accuracy.
✔️ Weight capacity: Most bathroom scales have a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds, give or take. If you prefer to have a higher capacity, double-check the maximum weight before purchasing.
✔️ Ease of use: A bathroom scale should not only be easy to set up but also feature a platform with ample room to stand. It should be responsive and display your weight or other measurements quickly and clearly. Consider the size of the display screen as well and whether the numbers appear large and bright so you'll have no issues reading your results.
✔️ Metrics tracking: The bathroom scale you ultimately choose will depend on your fitness and weight-tracking goals and how you intend to use the scale. Besides simply providing weight, some of our top smart scale picks also measure body fat percentage, metabolic rate and bone and muscle mass, all of which can be helpful for tracking progress over time when used properly. (FYI: Some scales also measure body mass index, but our health experts believe that BMI is a misleading indicator of health. To learn more about why, you can read up on the problematic history of BMI.)
✔️ Connectivity: Some smart bathroom scales can sync to an app on your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to track your health metrics. If you’re training for a race or looking to improve athletic performance, the various tracking features of a smart digital scale might be worthwhile. But the connectivity often costs more, and it makes the overall experience more complex, so if your only goal is to check your weight once a week, consider spending less on a basic bathroom scale that does its job accurately and reliably.
All things being equal, digital scales tend to be more accurate than analog ones. They can also measure more than just weight, such as bone and muscle mass and hydration.
With any scale, accuracy depends on proper usage. Always place the scale on a hard, flat surface (bathroom floors are ideal). It’s a good idea to calibrate your scale regularly, especially if it moves around a lot; the process usually involves stepping on and off the scale and pressing a special calibration button.
Finally, for accurate weight monitoring over time, it’s best to weigh yourself at the same time of the day, say, first thing in the morning. “Consistency with how and when you weigh yourself will help give you a more accurate read,” says Amy Fischer, a registered dietitian based in New York City. “You may choose to weigh yourself first thing in the morning before you’ve had anything to eat or drink. Sodium, hormonal fluctuations, constipation and hydration levels can also affect your weight, so make sure to take these things into account."
And when it comes to body composition measurements, don't rely too heavily on a scale at all: These metrics are often based in part on calculations, as opposed to body composition scans. "If you want to know your actual body fat, find a certified personal trainer or another professional who knows how to take the measurement using the proper equipment," says Walt Thompson, former president at the American College of Sports Medicine.
Dan DiClerico is the Director of Home Improvement & Outdoors at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For more than two decades, he has written about all things home-related, from big-ticket remodeling projects to routine home maintenance. During his time at the Institute — as well as prior stints at This Old House, Martha Stewart Living and Consumer Reports — Dan has reviewed thousands of consumer products across a wide range of categories, including appliances, building materials, fixtures, outdoor power equipment, home technology and more. The total experience has made Dan a sought-after thought leader in the space; he has spoken at industry events such as KBIS and CES and he has been quoted in The New York Times and Washington Post, among other publications.
Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and head engineer, has a B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics with a mathematics minor from the University of Pennsylvania and has been at the Good Housekeeping Institute for 14 years. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of the Institute’s technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities. Rachel is the lead expert and key brand ambassador for the Institute across a number of categories — including electronics, smart home, automotive, toys, parenting, fitness, tech, startups and more — and a sought-after speaker at large-scale events like CES.
This guide was updated by product analyst and writer, Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from consumer electronics to home, outdoor, fitness and more. She led the Media & Tech Lab's most recent bathroom scale testing in 2022.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Rachel Rothman (she/her) is the chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also manages GH’s growing research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. During her 15 years at Good Housekeeping, Rachel has had the opportunity to evaluate thousands of products, including toys and cars for GH’s annual awards programs and countless innovative breakthroughs in consumer tech and home improvement.
The Hottest Paint Colors of 2024
The Top Interior Design Trends of 2024
20 Best Reed Diffusers for Your Home
Modern Bathroom Ideas We're Obsessed With
The Best Stone Bath Mats
The Best Drain Cleaners to Vanquish Serious Clogs
The Best Towels to Upgrade Your Bathroom
The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners of 2024
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Load Cell Display And Controller ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.