Best bathroom scales 2025: smart, digital and mechanical scales rated

Not all bathroom scales are as accurate as you might expect – especially body fat scales that promise to track more than just your weight.

We tested smart, digital and mechanical bathroom scales from popular brands including Argos, Renpho, Salter, Withings and Fitbit and found surprising differences, with some proving far more reliable than others.

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We go further than other reviews, using calibrated weights to check weight accuracy and the BodPod – a gold-standard scientific tool – to measure body fat precision. 

One body fat scale was reasonably priced and impressed us enough to get both our Best Buy and Great Value recommendation. We also found a Great Value scale if you're only interested in accurate weighing.

The best body fat scales

Only logged-in Which? members can view the bathroom scales test results below. 

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

The body fat scales we tested

All the body fat scales we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best body fat scales from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Etekcity Smart Bathroom Scale ESF551

Max user weight 180kg

Size 279 x 279 x 28mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to VeSync app via Bluetooth, measures and tracks 13 body composition metrics, can store unlimited user profiles, weighs in 0.1kg increments

Renpho Smart Body Bluetooth Bathroom Scale

Max user weight 180kg

Size 280 x 280 x 23mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Renpho Health app via Bluetooth, measures and tracks 13 body composition metrics, can store unlimited user profiles, weighs in 50g increments

Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale

Max user weight 180kg

Size 303 x 295 x 35mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Renpho Health app via Bluetooth, measures and tracks 13 body composition metrics, can store unlimited user profiles, weighs in 50g increments

Salter Compact Glass Analyser Bathroom Scale

Max user weight 150kg

Size 300 x 250 x 25mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Digital scale without smart features, measures three body composition metrics, can store eight user profiles, weighs in 0.1kg increments

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Salter Smart Bluetooth Bathroom Scale

Max user weight 200kg

Size 300 x 300 x 25mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Salter Health app via Bluetooth, measures and tracks 17 body composition metrics, can store eight user profiles, weighs in 0.1kg increments

Withings Body Comp

Max user weight 200kg

Size 325 x 325 x 26mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Withings app via Bluetooth or wi-fi, measures and tracks 10 body composition metrics, can store eight user profiles, weighs in 50g increments

Withings Body Smart

Max user weight 200kg

Size 325 x 325 x 26mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Withings app via Bluetooth or wi-fi, measures and tracks eight body composition metrics, can store eight user profiles, weighs in 50g increments

Xiaomi Body Composition Scale S400

Available from Xiaomi (£20) and Amazon (£30)

Max user weight 150kg

Size 300 x 300 x 25mm (HxWxD)

Need to know Connects to Xiaomi Home app via Bluetooth, measures and tracks 25 body composition metrics, can store six user profiles, weighs in 0.1kg increments

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The best digital and mechanical scales

If you're only looking for scales that measure weight (and sometimes BMI) without body composition features, we've also tested some smart, digital and mechanical options. These models were evaluated separately from the body fat scales. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view the digital and mechanical test results below. 

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

The digital and mechanical scales we tested 

All the digital and mechanical scales we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best digital and mechanical scales from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Argos Home Digital Bathroom Scales

Available from Argos (£12)

Max user weight 150kg

Size 270 x 270 x 21mm (HxWxD) 

Measurement increments 0.1kg

Argos Home Essentials Compact Mechanical Bathroom Scales

Available from Argos (£8)

Max user weight 130kg

Size 243 x 268 x 42mm (HxWxD) 

Measurement increments 1kg

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Fitbit Aria Air

Max user weight 180kg

Size 300 x 300 x 26mm (HxWxD) 

Measurement increments 0.1kg

Salter Mechanical Scales

Max user weight 135kg

Size 300 x 300 x 55mm (HxWxD) 

Measurement increments 1kg

Withings Body 

Size 327 x 327 x 23mm (HxWxD) 

Measurement increments 0.1kg

Which? Don't Buy bathroom scales

Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy. 

We've tested one bathroom scale that we've named a Don't Buy. Failing at its core function, the Don't Buy scale was incorrect by an average of 4.2% when measuring calibrated weights at 20kg increments. 

To find out which scale it is, and which bathroom scales earned our Best Buy and Great Value recommendations, log in or join Which?.

How we test bathroom scales

At Which?, we go to great lengths to ensure our bathroom scale reviews are the most rigorous and reliable available. Our tests are not just about stepping on and off a scale – we use precision-calibrated weights, medical-grade body composition analysis and multiple rounds of testing to leave no doubt about which scales are the most accurate. 

Whether you’re looking for a basic digital scale or a smart model with body composition analysis, our tests help identify the best. 

We regularly revisit the bathroom scales on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Weighing accuracy

To measure exactly how precise each scale is, we use a series of high-quality calibrated weights.

• We rigorously measure readings at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100kg, ensuring accuracy across a wide range.
• We push the precision further by also measuring at 21, 41, 61, 81 and 101kg to see if the scales correctly register even the smallest changes.

You might expect some inaccuracy here, but we found that the best scales for weighing were close to perfect. Three models were, on average, less than 0.1 of a percent off on their weigh-ins, with one scale managing to measure every single weight perfectly. 

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Body fat analysis accuracy

Most reviews take smart scales at face value. We don’t. Instead, we took our testing panel to a professional body composition clinic.

• Each tester underwent a high-precision BodPod scan, a medically validated method for calculating body fat percentage.
• Immediately afterward, they tested each scale to compare readings side by side.
• We calculated the percentage difference between the BodPod’s medical-grade results and the figures given by each scale.

The worst body fat scale we tested was off by a staggering 11.6 percentage points compared with our clinical readings. 

Weight and body fat consistency

We didn’t just check accuracy once – we tested over and over to see if scales could deliver stable readings.

• We placed a calibrated set of weights on each scale multiple times, recording any variation.
• We reweighed ourselves multiple times over a short time period to check for consistency in the body fat readings. If those body fat readings fluctuated over that short time period, the scale lost points.

A quality scale should always give you the same reading for the same weight. Consistency is incredibly important for body fat scales, too – even if their initial body fat measurement is slightly incorrect, if it's consistent then it can still be a useful tool for tracking trends in your body fat over time.

Ease of use

Scales should be simple and intuitive. We meticulously rate each model based on:

• The readability of the display, as well as nuances like whether the display can turn on quickly and intuitively. 
• The ease of changing units, because switching between kilograms, pounds and stone should be effortless. 
• The increments the scale can measure. Some scales can detect weight changes as small as 50g, while others only register in 100g or even larger increments, which can affect accuracy and user experience.

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Which scales are best for me?

Choosing the right bathroom scales depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide to the main types:

Smart bathroom scales

Prices range from £25-£190

Useful for tracking weight over time via an app, with some models also estimating body fat, BMI, muscle mass and more. 

Features vary – some only measure weight, while others use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition insights. As a result, it's recommended you don't use a scale with BIA if you have a pacemaker or other internal medical devices, or if you're pregnant.

Body fat scales

Prices range from £10-£55

Designed to measure body fat percentage, with some models also estimating muscle mass, bone density and body water. Not all body fat scales are smart – some simply display results on the scale, while others sync with an app. Like smart scales with BIA, they’re unsuitable for certain medical conditions and pregnancy. 

Digital scales

Prices range from £10-£60

A straightforward, easy-to-read option for tracking weight. They display readings on an electronic screen and may include a memory function for multiple users. However, they don’t usually measure body fat or BMI. 

Mechanical scales

Prices range from £8-£80

A simple, battery-free option for quick weight checks. While budget-friendly, they can be harder to read due to small markings and you'll often have to manually zero them before use. 

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How accurate are body fat scales?

Body fat scales promise to do more than just measure your weight – but can you really trust the numbers they show? Our testing revealed some interesting differences between models and surprising results about their reliability.

Want to know which scales performed best? Log in or join Which? to see our full test results, including the best body fat scale we found, and a brilliant budget pick if you just need something simple and accurate for weighing.

What should my body fat percentage be?

Your body is made up of two types of mass: body fat and fat-free mass. Some ‘essential fat’ is necessary to stay healthy – it helps protect our internal organs, stores fuel for energy and regulates important body hormones – but excess fat can cause problems, including a greater risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. 

There is no universally agreed ideal body fat percentage, due to the complex interplay of factors such as height, sex and genetics. 

Women typically need a higher body fat percentage than men, and some organisations suggest that a body fat percentage above 25% for men and above 32% for women may be considered indicative of obesity.

To find out how accurate the body fat scales we've tested are, log in or join Which?.

Our expert says:

'Don't get too hung up on the numbers. They can be a helpful guide and help you track progress, but they aren't the full picture of your health. For example, BMI doesn't account for muscle mass and, as muscle weighs more than fat, someone who is very muscly with a low percentage of body fat could be classed as overweight using a BMI scale. 

Body fat measures don't give you the full picture either. Bathroom scale manufacturers can't even agree on an ideal body fat percentage - so what does that mean for how they interpret the results (which themselves may not be accurate)? Use the measurements and advice given with caution, and if you have any concerns discuss them with your GP.'

Shefalee Loth, Which? Nutrition expert

How to calibrate scales

If your bathroom scales are giving you odd readings – fluctuating between weigh-ins or showing results that don’t quite add up – you might need to calibrate them. Thankfully, it’s a simple process, and doing it regularly helps keep your measurements accurate. The method varies depending on whether you have smart, digital or mechanical scales.

Smart and digital scales

Most digital and smart scales are designed to recalibrate themselves, but giving them a little reset now and then can help. Here’s how:

1. Place your scales on a flat, hard surface. Our testing found that soft flooring will really throw off the readings.
2. Step on briefly, then step off – this often triggers an auto-reset. 
3. If your model has a manual calibration option, check the instructions – usually, there’s a button to press and hold until the display resets.
4. Using a smart scale? Your app might even tell you if something’s off and prompt a recalibration.

Mechanical scales

These rely on springs, which can drift out of place over time. If your scale isn’t sitting at zero when empty, try this:

1. Look for the little adjustment dial (usually near the display) and turn it until the needle rests at zero.
2. Make sure the scale is on firm, even ground – an uneven floor can mess with the mechanism.
3. If it’s still not behaving, it could be down to worn-out parts or wobbly feet.

A good habit is to recalibrate your scales if you’ve moved them to a new surface or if the readings seem inconsistent. If in doubt, check against a known weight, like a bag of sugar or a dumbbell, to see if it’s measuring correctly.