The simple bathroom scale has long since had its day in most bathrooms: just determine your own body weight? Scales can do so much more these days! FITBOOK has the best body fat scales in comparison. Among the test winners there are surprising winners and cheap alternatives – for all requirements and every budget.
The best body fat scales measure far more than just weight and body fat – they also analyze the entire body. They not only support athletes who want to gain endurance and strength or build muscle mass. They also help with dietary changes and the desire to reduce body weight. Anyone who wants to keep an eye on their weight, fitness and health is well advised to use a body fat scale. There are good scales in almost every price category – from cheap to high-priced. The analysis technology can then not only be used by average adults: manufacturers now also support the body analyzes of pregnant women, athletes or children and adolescents with adapted calculation algorithms. Because it is clear that every person has different needs, goals and requirements. However, a body fat scale should only provide clues and a guide – it does not replace a visit to the doctor. FITBOOK has the best body fat scales in comparison.
Body Analysis 2.0: This is what digital body fat carts can do
The scales in the bathroom at home are no longer a relic from earlier times – if you buy a good body fat scale today, you often get more on offer than meets the eye at first glance. Many devices are already small computers: they can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth, and the data can be synchronized with fitness watches or apps. They create their own profile for each user, in which they can precisely record the development of their measured data. And of course, when stepping on the scales, they immediately recognize who is standing on it.
Good body fat scales can measure and calculate these data:
- Weight: They can all do that – weight measurement is standard on every scale and should be as precise as possible. Most scales give it to the nearest 100 grams. Most scales can be loaded up to 180 kilograms, some only up to 150 kilograms – a single one in comparison up to 200 kilograms.
- Body fat, water, bone and muscle mass: Body fat scales usually have at least four electrodes installed, which estimate the composition of the body using what is known as bioelectrical impedance analysis. In order to obtain an estimate, imperceptible electric shocks are sent through the lower half of the body – since fat, water and muscles offer different levels of resistance, the body fat scale calculates the respective proportions from this. Important: The analyzes of these measurements are based on algorithms that are calculated from your given data such as height, age and weight. These are therefore estimates rather than actual measurements – and they do not result in any medically reliable data.
- BMI (Body Mass Index): A good body fat scale calculates the current BMI if you have entered your height when creating a profile. The scales then add the measured weight and calculate the body mass index.
- Calorie turnover: Based on the data entered and the weight, many good scales calculate the calorie consumption that a body has during activity and at rest.
- heart rate: Among the best scales in the test are those that can record the heart rate using the built-in sensors.
Body fat scales – the best models in comparison
Some modern body scale models come with hand sensors that the user holds while standing on the body fat scale. Many measurements are more reliable and precise this way. You can now also find many providers of body fat scales on the Internet who, in addition to the scales, also offer a smartwatch, an app and a paid subscription. All of this can be useful for active athletes with high demands and special goals, but in most cases it is not necessary. Somewhat simpler devices were also able to assert themselves in the body fat scale comparison with good accuracy. FITBOOK shows you the test winners of the body scale comparison and for which users they are best suited.
Withings Body Cardio: The all-rounder among body fat scales
At first glance, the Withings Body Cardio looks like a normal body fat scale, but a closer look reveals an exciting complete package of functions. First, the scale wants to connect to your WiFi instead of contacting you via Bluetooth. It also offers up to eight user profiles, a weather report and comes with a rechargeable battery. Particularly noteworthy: In addition to the body analysis with measurement of fat, muscle, water and bone percentages, the Withings body fat scale also has a cardiovascular check. The vessel age is to be calculated from this check and the user is to receive an indicator for the condition of their own arteries.
However, the Withings Body Cardio only shows its full potential with the associated app – then it cooperates wonderfully with almost all common fitness apps and tracking programs. With the help of this body fat scale, you can keep track of your progress, not only as an athlete. The device also offers specially adapted analyzes during pregnancy and an extra weighing mode for babies. The modes should be based on different calculation algorithms that are tailored to the special needs of athletes or pregnant women.
The Withings Body Cardio can also look good in every bathroom: It comes in a chic design in black or white – but the discreet display is not necessarily the best model. It is very reminiscent of mobile phones from the early 2000s, but at least shows the most important data in a legible manner.
Measures/Calculates: Fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, body water, heart rate
User Profiles: up to 8 people
Maximum carrying capacity: up to 180 kg
Compatible with: Alexa, Apple Watch, various fitness apps including: Google Health, Apple Health, Fitbit
Particularities: Cardiovascular check, pregnancy tracker, baby mode, athlete mode
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + precise measurements
- + high accuracy
- + Different modes of calculation
- + Compatible with most major fitness apps
- – Display looks outdated
Tanita BC-545N Innerscan: The most accurate body fat scale for high demands
The body fat scale Tanita Innerscan measures particularly precisely compared to other body fat scales. thanks hand and foot sensors, it not only determines the composition of the lower body area. It even offers the possibility of measuring individual body segments separately – such as the arms, legs or torso. Athletes and athletes receive particularly precise information on muscle building in the individual regions and can quickly assess whether it is time for a leg day during training, for example. But people with special needs or diseases also get a better insight into all parts of the body.
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This body fat scale also calculates the basal metabolic rate of calories and visceral fat. The latter refers to the fat stored in the abdominal cavity, which – as studies have shown in recent years – can be particularly unhealthy. No app is required to use the Tanita Innerscan. The scale comes without Bluetooth or WLAN, all data and profiles are stored on the device and can only be called up there. However, since the use of this body fat scale is extremely easy and the display in the handpiece shows all measurement data clearly and simply, this is absolutely not a minus point.
Admittedly, this scale is not a chic eye-catcher. The color, shape, display and controls of this body fat scale are better hidden in the cupboard in a modern bathroom. In terms of price, the Tanita Innerscan is a little higher than the competition. However, if you want particularly precise measurements, you are investing in an excellent product that is one of the best body fat scales.
Measures/Calculates: Fat Percentage, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass, Body Water, Visceral Fat, Metabolic Age, Body Mass Index (BMI)
User Profiles: up to 8 people
Maximum carrying capacity: up to 150 kg
Connection: –
Compatible with: –
Particularities: Athlete mode, guest mode, kid mode
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + precise measurements
- + high accuracy
- – no connectivity, no compatibility
- – unsightly design
Renpho ES-28ML: Best value for money
The Renpho body fat scale gets the test victory of the hearts, because especially in online trading this scale is entering the race with countless positive reviews. And rightly so: It can be found in the lower price segment, but not only offers the highest level of compatibility with common fitness and health apps. It also measures a total of 13 body values - more than many other scales – and analyzes them in the free accompanying app. On top of that, there are an unlimited number of user profiles, and this body fat scale is also comparatively chic. But it is not enough for the best body fat scale.
For such a low price, the user has to accept that the data collected is not quite as precise as one would get from high-priced body fat scales. Although all models are estimates and not precise measurements, the quality of the sensors and the underlying algorithms are also important. In the case of a very inexpensive product that can do everything, this usually means: It can do everything, but only a little bit.
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The Renpho ES-28ML is still a good choice for anyone who wants the all-round package without spending too much money. Thanks to its compatibility with common apps such as Samsung Health or Apple Health, the Renpho body scale is a great addition – if only to automatically transfer the weekly weight from the scale to the app.
Measures/Calculates: Fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, body water, visceral and subcutaneous fat, biological age, BMI, calorie consumption
User Profiles: unlimited number of users
Maximum carrying capacity: up to 180 kg
Connection: Bluetooth
Compatible with: “RENPHO” App Samsung Health, Fitbit, Apple Health and Google Fit
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + cheap price
- + very many measured values and functions
- + Compatibility with all major fitness apps
- + unlimited number of users
- – Accuracy compromises
Beurer BF 700: The most accurate body fat scale at a low price
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