I've been asked many times about the benefits of owning a connected smart scale. The answer is quite simple -- convenience. Instead of recording your weight manually, smart scales do the job for you, syncing with various health apps so you can track your weight over time. Lots of companies make them, but how do you choose? And when does convenience become hassle?
Over the past few weeks I've been testing smart scales from Fitbit, Withings, Garmin, Under Armour and *Pivotal Living, a startup that focuses on affordable health and fitness devices.
Many of these connected smart scales go beyond weight and can measure metrics like body fat, bone mass and muscle mass. This is all done through bioelectrical impedance, a process that involves sending a low, safe electrical current through your body. The technology has been around for a few years. It's not the gold standard, but it generally works for measuring body measurements over time.
The drawback to using a non-smart scale is that you have to remember each measurement or write it down. This isn't the case with a connected scale or "smart" scale. These devices include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to automatically send data to the cloud or directly to your phone. Your information can be viewed on your computer or smartphone at any time. But, there's a catch: the information generally gets funneled through specific apps.
With so many smart scales out there, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. That's where this guide comes in. It's an outline of what to look for and recommendations of top scales I've personally tested.
Scales tested
Fitbit Aria
Withings Smart Body Analyzer
Garmin Index Smart Scale
Under Armour Smart Scale
Pivotal Living Smart Scale
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