We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

From Basic to High-Tech, We Tested the Best Bathroom Scales for Every User

Our top picks are precise, durable, and easy to read

bare feet on a bathroom scale placed on tiled floor

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Whether you’re looking to gain weight, lose weight, or you’re simply interested in tracking your weight over time, a bathroom scale may be one of the simplest devices you can use. But with so many brands and products to choose from, sifting through the options can be tedious.

To find the best bathroom scales, we first consulted experts to learn which key features every model should have. Then, we tested 23 bathroom scales at home and in the Verywell Testing Lab. As we used the scales in our regular routines, we evaluated their reading consistency, setup, data storage, display and readability, ease of use, durability, and overall value. We also had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, how to use bathroom scales safely, and the best way to evaluate them.

What to Know Before You Get Started

There are a few important things to consider before you start shopping for a bathroom scale:

  • Most scales read more than just weight—they can also measure your body fat percentage, muscle mass, and more. While all bathroom scales include the basics, some connect to personalized health monitoring apps or include digital measurements that give you an in-depth look at your physical composition. It’s worth noting, though, that scales may not track these other metrics as accurately as they track your weight.
  • Some of the metrics that scales provide, such as body mass index (or BMI), may not precisely indicate how healthy you are.
  • “It’s hard not to get addicted to constantly checking your weight on the bathroom scale when [you're] trying to lose weight,” says registered dietitian Kim Mahony, RD, LDN. While your weight can help you gain insight into certain aspects of your health, Mahony advises focusing on how you feel, how your clothes fit, your body fat percentage, and your muscle mass. Consider talking to your doctor before getting too concerned about anything you see on your scale.
Pros
  • Weight verification double check feature

  • Measures pets and food

  • Low battery life feature

Cons
  • App can be tricky to use

Key Specs

Item Weight: 3.53 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Etekcity App (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit) | Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.96 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

Etekcity's EBS-C121-KIS Digital Body Scale has a sleek, user-friendly design with a large, easy-to-read display that made it our choice for the best overall bathroom scale. If we could describe this bathroom scale in one word, it’d be “seamless.” Some scales don’t have design at the forefront, but this bathroom scale doesn’t compromise style for simplicity or accuracy.  The rounded corners and anti-skid padding make this bathroom scale durable, study, and a great cost-friendly investment.

Setting up this bathroom scale was simple. We had it up and running within a minute of taking it out of the box. All we had to do was remove the battery slip and then step on the scale, which immediately lit up with our measurements. The display is large and wide, and thanks to the extra bright LED display, we didn't have to squint when trying to read our measurements. This bathroom scale features weight verification tech, giving us extremely precise results when we measure ourselves. Unlike other bathroom scales where you have to wait for the screen to read “zero,” with this one, no calibration is needed, and it confirms your weight even after you step off to ensure accuracy. This bathroom scale can also measure super light weights, such as foods and pets, with pinpoint precision. 

Another great feature of this scale is its battery reading. It tells you when it’s running out of battery with an alert on the screen so you know when to replace it. The only part of this scale that fell short was that it didn’t store our measurements. But with how reliable and modern this bathroom scale is, we still think it's a great option for people looking for a scale with easy readability and even better accuracy.

Best Overall Runner-Up

Arboleaf Digital Scale

Arboleaf Digital Scale

 Amazon

Pros
  • Bright, easy-to-read display

  • App tracks up to 14 different metrics

Cons
  • Requires an app to track historical data

Key Specs

Item Weight: 3.6 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Arboleaf app (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit) | Dimensions: 11.8 in. x 11.8 in. x 1 in. | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

Arboleaf’s Digital Scale earned rave reviews from our testers. The scale was off by just 0.4 pounds in our comparison test and by just 0.9 pounds in our dumbbell test. So while it wasn’t quite as consistent as our “Best Overall” pick, it was certainly close enough to get the job done. 

The scale also earned top marks on key attributes—earning a 4.5 out of 5 for setup and a perfect score for ease of use. To set up the scale, simply unbox it and insert the batteries it ships with. And once you’re ready to use the scale, all you need to do is step on it—no tapping and waiting required. This makes Arboleaf’s Digital Scale a particularly quick and easy option to use.

If you want to get more out of your scale, you can pair it with Arboleaf’s free app—which our testers found easy to download, set up, and navigate. If you open the app before stepping on the scale, it will automatically log your weight so you can track changes over time. You can also use the app to track an array of other metrics, like BMI, body water content, and skeletal muscle weight.

We also noted that the scale would make a sleek addition to many bathrooms, thanks to its smooth surface and clean design. And the scale’s brightly lit LED display earned it a 4.5 out of 5 on display and readability.

Arboleaf Digital Scale on a tile marble-like floor
We love this scale's sleek design and simple setup process.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples 

Pros
  • Consistent readings

  • App tracks up to 13 different metrics

Cons
  • Requires an app to track historical data

Key Specs

Item Weight: 3.6 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, VeSync app (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, and Samsung Health) | Dimensions: 11.8 in. x 11.8 in. x 1 in. | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

Shopping on a budget? We recommend Etekcity’s Digital Weight Scale. The scale passed most of our consistency tests. It was only 0.4 pounds off in our comparison test and 0.2 pounds off in our dumbbell test. And our testers found it easy to use—giving it a perfect score for ease of use.

To set up the scale, all you need to do is unbox it and insert the batteries it ships with. Then, you can download the Etekcity-compatible VeSync app to get access to a range of other features. Our testers found this app easy to set up. Simply answer a few questions—about your height, gender, age, etc.—and you should be good to go. The app will then track your weight over time, which is helpful if you're purchasing a new piece of equipment, like an elliptical, and starting an exercise regimen. And it will use the information you gave it to calculate other metrics, like your BMI, muscle mass, and more.

Though our testers appreciated the scale’s simple, sleek, and sturdy design, which earned it a 5 out of 5 for durability, they found its display hard to read. Dark red text on a black background isn’t a high-contrast combination. And since the LED display isn’t very bright, it can be tough to see in low-light situations. That said, our testers noted that you can use the app to clearly see your weight when you’re having trouble reading the scale’s display directly. (In fact, they noted that they might actually prefer the app to the scale itself when it comes to reading data.)

Etekcity Body Weight Bathroom Digital Scale displayed on marble floor
This budget-friendly scale comes with a user-friendly app that organizes all of your data over time.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples 

Pros
  • Consistent readings

  • Automatically recognizes up to eight users

  • App tracks up to 13 different metrics

Cons
  • Glossy surface is prone to smudging

  • Requires an app to access many features

Key Specs

Item Weight: 3 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, WYZE app (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health and Google Fit) | Dimensions: 11.81 in. x 11.81 in. x 1.18 in. | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: 8 users (plus unlimited guest-sharing)

Why We Love It

As far as reading consistency goes, WYZE’s Smart Body Fat Scale delivers. The scale was spot-on in our comparison test, and only 0.3 pounds off in our dumbbell test—making it one of the most on-point scales in this roundup. The scale is also designed to automatically recognize eight different users (when paired with an app), so it’s a particularly convenient pick for multi-person households.

To set up the scale, unbox it and insert the batteries it ships with. Then, download WYZE’s free app. According to our testers, you’ll have to get through several prompts before you can use the app. (They gave the setup process a 4 out of 5 for this reason.) But once you’re finishing setting up the app, you can use it to track your weight (and 11 other metrics) over time. You can also enable the scale to automatically recognize up to eight different users. And you can activate unlimited guest-sharing, allowing other people to use the scale and app as well.

We think the scale is great for anyone who is trying to track their weight over a long period of time, or for someone who is actively trying to lose weight. Its app is super easy to navigate once set up, and the scale has a sleek design.

Our testers appreciated the scale’s sleek design, though they noted that, like some other scales on this list, its glossy finish is prone to smudges and footprints. And they gave the scale a 5 out of 5 for display and readability, noting that its LED display is easy to see and read in various light conditions.

hand holding phone with app over WYZE Smart Body Fat Scale on tile floor
This scale's free app has the capacity to store data from many different users—plus, we like that it's easy to navigate.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples 

Pros
  • Consistent readings

  • Bright, easy-to-read display

  • App tracks up to 13 different metrics

Cons
  • Requires an app to track historical data

Key Specs

Item Weight: 2.43 pounds | Weight Capacity: 396 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, FITINDEX app (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health), Apple Watch | Dimensions: 10.2 in. x 10.2 in. x 0.96 in. | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited users

Why We Love It

FITINDEX’s Bluteooth Body Fat Scale did an incredible job with the tests we gave it. The scale was off by just 0.1 pounds in both our comparison test and our dumbbell test. So it proved to be the most accurate scale in this bunch. And our testers were particularly impressed by how user-friendly the scale was—giving it a perfect score for setup, a perfect score for display and readability, and a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use.

The scale’s setup process is fairly straightforward: Just unbox it and insert the batteries it ships with. Then, download FITINDEX’s app to track your weight over time and gain access to 12 other metrics (like muscle mass, water weight, and more). Our testers found the app easy to set up and use. And they appreciated that it lets you input extra data for a more in-depth reading—like the circumference of your neck, bust, and waist.

When testing this scale, we loved all of the different health insights it provided. It stores your data so you can keep track of your health over time and is perfect for someone who really wants to keep an eye on their weight. It has a sleek design that would look nice in most bathrooms.

Our testers also noted that the scale boasts a clean, sleek design. And its LED display features large, bright numbers that are easy to see—even in low-light conditions. This sleek design and easy-to-read display made the scale an obvious pick for our “Best Design” category—and its user-friendly app made the choice even easier.

Pros
  • Automatically recognizes up to 8 users

  • Bright, easy-to-read display

  • Offers more data than many other scales

Cons
  • Requires an app to access special features

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Item Weight: 4.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 396 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Withings Health Mate app (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit) | Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.8  x 0.9 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Eight users

Why We Love It

Fairly consistent, user-friendly, and packed with helpful features, Withings’s Body+ Digital Wi-Fi Smart Scale is a solid pick. The scale handily passed our comparison test, reporting a weight that was off by just 0.4 pounds. And its margin of error on our dumbbell test was just 0.5 pounds.

The scale also earned nearly perfect scores on two key features—earning a 4.5 out of 5 for both ease of use, its display, and readability. Our testers appreciated the scale’s bright, easy-to-read display. And they noted that it was easy to use and navigate, despite providing a lot more information than the average scale. Many smart scales will only read and display your weight, requiring you to download an app to see any other data. But the Withings Body+ Scale will give you access to eight different metrics (including weight, BMI, muscle mass, and, in case you were wondering, the weather) directly from its screen. It’s also designed to automatically recognize the user that steps onto it, so you should be able to share it with family members without disrupting your data, earning a perfect score for data storage.

If you want to get more out of your scale, you can download the Withings Health Mate app, which you can use to set goals, track progress, and add notes to any weigh-ins you’ve logged. You can also automatically sync your scale’s data with your favorite health app (like Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, and more). 

Our testers noted that the scale’s setup process was fairly simple and straightforward. All you need to do is unbox the scale, insert the batteries it ships with, and—if you feel like it—download the accompanying app. Our testers also noted that it has a clean design and splurge-worthy feel.

Pros
  • Very easy setup

  • Bright, easy-to-read display

  • Intuitive, no-frills design

Cons
  • Inconsistent readings

  • Limited data storage

Key Specs

Item Weight: 3.7 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: None | Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 1 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Single user

Why We Love It

Ozeri’s Rev 400 lbs (180kg) Bathroom Scale may not be as high-tech as some of the other scales in this bunch. But thanks to its classic, no-frills design, it's incredibly easy to use. Our testers gave it a perfect score for setup, a 5 out of 5 for ease of use, and a 4.5 out of 5 for display and readability. The scale also did OK on the accuracy tests we gave it—falling 1.3 pounds off in our comparison test and 1.6 pounds off in our dumbbell test.

Because the scale is analog, it’s easy to set up: Just unbox it and insert the batteries it ships with, and your work is done. There are no apps to download, questions to answer, or profiles to set up. The downside of this is that you can’t use it to track your weight over time (which is why it earned a 3 out of 5 for data storage). But if all you need is a simple scale that can quickly read your weight, this one can get the job done.

We like how easily this scale provides a clear reading, and it's nice that it offers both the digital and mechanical dial display. But the nonstandard shape might make it challenging to fit easily into a small bathroom space.

Our testers appreciated its easy-to-read display, which features dark text and a backlit background. But they expressed some concern about the scale’s unusual shape. Since its surface features a protruding dial, it takes up more space than a traditionally-shaped scale. And this added bulk may make it tough to slide into a corner or against a wall.

Ozeri Rev 400 lbs Bathroom Scale placed on marble floor
This scale's two-in-one dial provides a clear reading, and there's no app you have to download to start tracking your weight.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Consistent readings

  • Easy setup

  • Compact and lightweight

Cons
  • Display is hard to read

  • Limited data storage

Key Specs

Item Weight: 1.2 pounds | Weight Capacity: 325 pounds | Connectivity: None | Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Single user

Why We Love It

Simple to set up and just as easy to use, NewlineNY’s Auto Step On Super Mini Smallest Travel Bathroom Scale is a convenient way to track your weight on the go. The scale did a great job with the tests we gave it: It was off by just 0.1 pounds in our comparison test and by just 0.3 pounds in our dumbbell test. So it proved just as on-point as the more traditional scales we tested. 

The scale also earned top marks in two key categories—receiving a five out of five for both setup and ease of use. Since there are no apps to download, the scale’s setup process is incredibly simple. Just remove it from the box, insert the included batteries, and it should be ready to go. To use it, all you need to do is step onto it—no tapping and waiting required. Your weight will then appear for just 10 seconds before the scale turns back off to save the battery.

 At 5.5 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick, it’s small enough to toss in your bag. And since it weighs just 1.2 pounds, you shouldn’t have to worry about it weighing you down. But while these features are great for travel, they do present some downsides. Since the scale is so small, it’s prone to tipping over. And depending on where you place your feet, you may end up covering its display. The scale’s display also lacks a backlight, and its no-frills design means your data storage options are pretty limited. (It will read your weight in a given moment, but it won’t track it over time.) But if all you need is the ability to consistently track your weight on-the-go, it will get the job done.

We think this scale is perfect if you're really committed to tracking your weight while traveling. However, we wouldn't recommend it to older individuals or people who do not have good stability.

NewlineNY Lightest Step-On Super Mini Travel Bathroom Scale on marble floor
This compact, no-frills scale is great for small spaces.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Very straightforward and easy-to-use

  • Blends in with most decor

Cons
  • Limited tech capabilities

Key Specs

Item Weight: 5.25 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Mobile App | Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.9 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

After testing Weight Watcher’s Scales by Conair Digital Glass Bathroom Scale, we feel confident in choosing this for the most discreet bathroom scale. The scale is made primarily of glass and has a silver display, which means that it easily blends in with the surrounding environments and won’t clash with your bathroom decor.

We loved that it was ready to use as soon as we took it out of the box, with long-life lithium AAA batteries included. It didn’t require any calibrating and the directions were easy to follow. It took us about 60 seconds total to unpack and have the bathroom set up.

It takes one tap directly under the display to turn it on. The 1.5-inch digital display is bright blue with big dark black letters and the contrast allowed us to easily read the numbers. Toggling between the different units and measurements (body fat, bone mass, track BMI, and more) was fairly easy. Our measurements were only ever off by 0.5 to 0.8 pounds, so the measurements were fairly accurate. However, there’s no data storage on this bathroom scale, so we had to manually remember our weight day by day.

This bathroom scale felt pretty durable and we believe it’ll last a long time with proper care. While it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles of other options we tried, this scale is straightforward, functional, sleek, and gets the job done.

Pros
  • Durable

  • Straight to the point design

Cons
  • Display can be hard to read

Key Specs

Item Weight: 2.65  pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Connectivity: None | Dimensions: 9.6 x 10.5 x 1.65 inches | Power Source: Analog | User Capacity: Single User

Why We Love It

For those looking for a reliable scale with no complications or apps to maneuver, the Mainstays Analog Bathroom Scale was the best budget analog scale we tested. One of our favorite things about this scale is how durable it is. It’s thick, sturdy, and well made so we feel it’ll last for many uses and a variety of weights. It was accurate and effective, even though it doesn’t have any extra features such as data storage, multiple user settings, or Bluetooth connectivity that you would find on digital or smart scales.

When first unboxing this bathroom scale, we did have to calibrate it using a dial turner at the bottom of the bathroom scale. When you step on the scale, the measurements stay on as long as you are standing on the scale, but the moment you’re off of the bathroom scale it disappears. Since the display doesn’t light up, we recommend using this bathroom scale with the lights on. Also, the display was a little hard to read due to the measurement lines being small.

Sometimes, due to the readability of the display and calibration, it can be hard to get a precise measurement using analog scales. We didn’t have a problem with this bathroom scale, once it was calibrated it worked perfectly and measured us accurately (we did find ourselves having to recalibrate the scale throughout the month-long test). To make sure, we compared our measurements to another digital scale. For the most part, we had around the same result on each scale every time.

If you’re looking for a simple analog scale that will help you track your weight, then this bathroom scale is a great option for you. It sits at a great price point that matches its capabilities and fits snugly in your bathroom. It comes in black and white, is made with steel, and has a comfortable anti-slip mat for you to step on when you take your measurements.

Key Specs

Item Weight: 4.2 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: None | Dimensions: 14.25 x 9.5 x 1 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Single User

Why We Love It

Having a high contrast and easy-to-read display on a bathroom scale is very important when trying to read your measurements. That’s why after testing the Escali Extra Wide Digital Bathroom Scale and seeing how easy it was to read our measurements on the wide, high contrast, bright display we decided it was the best bathroom scale for readability.

Wider than your average scale, its display features large, high-contrast numbers that are easy to see whether it’s day or night. Standing up straight, the readability was incredible and the display was clear. We didn’t have to hunch over to read the numbers at all. There’s also a button that you can press so you can change the measurements from pounds to kilograms, which means the display measurements are versatile.

There are additional models available in different styles, sizes, and designs. We tested the extra wide model, but if you’re looking for a display with even better readability, they provide a model with an extra large screen at a slightly higher price point. The display also keeps your measurements on the screen for ten seconds, so you don’t have to get back on the scale to see the number. But, the scale doesn’t keep memory of your measurements, so we did have to do so manually on a pen and paper. 

We also love the quality and durability of this bathroom scale. Its construction makes us feel that it could last for a long while as long as we replace the batteries. The bathroom scale also turns off automatically after use to save battery and lifespan.

Pros
  • Features baby mode

  • Self calibrating

Cons
  • Very small scale; may not be suitable for larger bodies

Key Specs

Item Weight: 2.47 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: Renpho App (iOS, Android), other popular fitness apps (like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit) | Dimensions: 4.03 x 4.03 x 0.34 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

Sometimes moving around a scale can be a little frustrating due to how clunky and cumbersome it can be. The Renpho Core 1S Body Scale is our pick for the best lightweight bathroom scale due to how lightweight yet sturdy it proved to be during testing.

This is the lightest and smallest scale we used and we were pleasantly surprised at how sturdy and durable it felt in spite of its size. The non-slip material on the bottom of the scale helped us feel stabilized as we collected our measurements. 

Set up was very quick and painless, as all we had to do was input the provided AA batteries into the scale, step on it, and go. No calibration was needed. This bathroom scale is self-calibrating, comes with a baby mode, and features unlimited users which makes it a great option for the whole family. There is an accompanying user-friendly app that keeps track of your BMI.

The display was great. It takes about two seconds for your measurement to pop up on the screen and the clear, bright LED measurements were extremely easy to read even though this was a smaller bathroom scale. You can change the measurements from pounds to kilograms if you need to as well. The button is underneath the bathroom scale, so if you want to change it, we suggest doing that before you go to step on it. We think that the price point perfectly matches the bathroom scale’s capabilities and you can choose to extend your warranty up to three years.

Pros
  • Thick, sturdy, durable glass

  • Easy-to-clean

Cons
  • Display screen isn't backlit

Key Specs

Item Weight: 5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Connectivity: None | Dimensions: 13 x 11.7 x 1.25 inches | Power Source: Battery | User Capacity: Unlimited

Why We Love It

We tested Taylor Digital Glass Chrome Bathroom Scale and fell in love with the simplicity and modern glass look that would look beautiful in anyone’s bathroom. The glass is tempered, so it’s nice and thick (which made us feel stable on it). The bathroom scale is also wide enough that you can spread out your toes comfortably. The base of the bathroom scale is chrome and has anti-slip technology so you won’t slip and slide as well. This also makes it easy to clean.

After unboxing this glass bathroom scale, we were immediately able to use it. The battery button was already screwed in, so we put it on the floor and stood immediately on it. Our measurements were ready in a matter of seconds with no manual calibration needed.

The durable 3.2" x 1.5" LCD display uses a bold font which makes reading your measurements easy. The scale doesn’t use LEDs, so the readability isn’t great in low lighting, but during the day or in brighter lighting you should have no problems seeing. Your measurements stay up for around 15 seconds even after you get off the scale, so you have time to take in what you see. You can change the measurement units by using a small button on the underside of the bathroom scale. Multiple users can use the scale, however, you can’t make individual profiles as there’s no app. 

We feel that the price point is completely fair given how easy it was to use this sleek, stylish, and accurate glass bathroom scale. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Bathroom Scales We Also Tested

After testing 23 bathroom scales, only 14 made the cut. These scales ultimately didn't impress us:

  • iDOO's High Precision Digital Bathroom Scale was easy to set up and use, and we found it very durable. But we noticed that the scale's display is hard to read against its blue background, and we didn't like that the measurement is displayed as flashing text instead of a normal readout.
  • EatSmart's Precision 550 Bathroom Scale might work for you if you're looking for a basic scale that's simple to use, but it didn't have additional features we would expect at this price point. Plus, our tester complained about footprints left behind after weigh-ins, which made the scale look dirty.
  • Fitbit's Aria Air Digital Bathroom Scale received high scores for its display, readability, and durability, but it scored poorly for setup and data storage. The scale's app is locked behind a paywall, so you need to pay for an additional subscription to access metrics.
  • INEVIFIT's Bathroom Scale was very easy to set up and has an auto-calibration feature but there’s no data storage and we found that the bathroom scale’s display was a lot easier to read in darker lighting. While it’s very sturdy and accurate, we couldn’t justify the price point of this scale.
  • Ozeri's Precision II Digital Bathroom Scale and Ozeri's WeightMaster are bathroom scales with a larger weight capacity (440 pounds) with easy setup, batteries included, and no calibration needed. But the display color codes the measurements with red and green depending on if the numbers increase or decrease from your last use, which can be unsettling for some users.
an assortment of bathroom scales on a carpeted floor
We make sure to test a range of scales from different brands at various price points.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

What to Look for When Shopping for Bathroom Scales

  • Type: There are two types of scales: analog and digital. Analog scales use an interior spring that compresses when the scale is weighted and displays the reading on a dial. They're cheaper—but since they don’t require batteries, they rely on the human eye for an accurate reading. Digital scales typically run on batteries and showcase numbered results on a digital readout display. More advanced models can store lots of data and record additional measurements over time.
  • Body Composition Measurements: Body composition measurements record the ratio of fat mass to lean tissue. “I definitely recommend getting a scale that takes into consideration your body composition measurements if you’re trying to lose weight and manage your fitness,” says registered dietitian Lauren Hubert, MS, RD. She adds that while at-home scales aren’t as accurate as those you’ll find at a doctor’s office, they still give you the information you need to understand what’s going on inside your body.
  • WiFi or Bluetooth Capabilities: When paired with a WiFi or Bluetooth connection, some high-tech smart scales can automatically keep track of your data over time and sync the information with your fitness tracker or smartphone for a more complete health profile.

How We Tested the Best Bathroom Scales

To determine which bathroom scales are worth it, we've spent eight hours testing 23 options in the Verywell Testing Lab. Then, we take the scales home for additional testing over four weeks, using them in our daily routines. We make sure to weigh ourselves right after waking up, before eating or drinking, at least three times a week. Using our notes from the in-lab and at-home tests, we evaluate each bathroom scale based on seven key attributes:

person being weighed by a doctor with an analog scale
Our testing process begins with a baseline measurement on a medical-grade scale.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

  • Reading Consistency: We test each scale's reading consistency three times. First, we weigh ourselves on a medical-grade bathroom scale to get our baseline weight. Then, we weigh ourselves on each the scales we're testing and compare the two numbers. Next, we place the bathroom scale on different surfaces (a hard tile floor and a low-pile rug) to see how much the numbers vary. Finally, we weigh ourselves while holding a pair of 4.3-pound dumbbells and compare readings to see if the scale can pick up the weight difference.
  • Setup: After opening the scale, we download and set up any necessary apps, noting how long the entire setup process takes. Do we need to ask for help from another person to set up the scale? Are the instructions clear and easy to follow, or are they confusing?
  • Data Storage: We consider how many measurements the bathroom scale can record and how many users can log in. How easy is it to see, access, and track our data? If the scale has an app, can we easily navigate it to find all of our metrics?
  • Display and Readability: We consider how easy the bathroom scale is to read in different conditions and positions. Can we see the numbers from different angles? How bright is the display and what color are the numbers?
  • Ease of Use: Does the scale provide readings quickly and easily? Is it easy to customize the weight settings? For scales with an app, we also consider how intuitive the app is to download and use.
  • Durability: To test durability, we drop a 9-pound toiletry bag on each bathroom scale twice. Then, we inspect each bathroom scale for damage, noting any broken parts, malfunctioning features, or scratches. Do we think this scale holds up to daily use by multiple people?
  • Overall Value: To accurately assess each scale's value, we don't check the price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other categories. We review our overall experience with each bathroom scale and compare it against its cost. Would we buy this scale at full price, or only if it went on sale? We also consider whether we'd recommend the scale to a friend or family member.

We are continually testing bathroom scales, and we'll update our list as new models are released. We also continue to test all of these scales at home. If we notice anything new or noteworthy, we'll add those insights here.

bathroom scales test
We test each scale's durability in the lab by dropping weights on it from waist height.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Mahony and Allison Knott, helped us design and refine our testing process. Others, like Hubert, taught us how to safely use bathroom scales to inform your health and wellness journey. While we choose products independently, the input from these experts influences our decisions.

  • Kim Mahony, RD, LDN, registered dietitian and senior culinary director at Thomas Cuisine in Arlington Heights, Illinois
  • Lauren Hubert, MS, RD, registered dietitian and the founder and owner of The Sorority Nutritionist based in Boston, Massachusetts
  • Allison Knott, registered dietitian
bathroom scales test
We use insights from our testing process and input from experts to narrow down our list of recommendations.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurately do bathroom scales measure body fat?

Most bathroom scales that measure body fat percentage use bioelectrical impedance. Sensors send a small electrical current through one leg, across your pelvis, and down your other leg, measuring the amount of resistance created by body fat. These measurements can provide helpful estimates, but aren't highly accurate.

Do bathroom scales lose accuracy over time?

Over time, bathroom scales can lose their accuracy due to general wear and tear from prolonged use and age, however, the changes in accuracy might not be significant. To get the best readings, place your scale in the same location every day to ensure precise measurements.

Does humidity affect bathroom scales?

Depending on the model you use, humidity may impact the accuracy of your bathroom scale, but it shouldn't be enough to provide a significantly inaccurate reading. It's best to store your scale in a dry, room-temperature location as opposed to next to the sink or shower.

How much does a high-quality bathroom scale cost?

You can expect to pay between $25 and $100 for a high-quality bathroom scale. More expensive scales will often track additional features that are typically unnecessary for the average user, while cheaper models may be slightly less precise.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, user-friendly, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. When looking for the right scale, Lindsey prioritizes data storage, ease of use, and display and readability. It’s nice to have a scale that tells you more than just your weight. But if that extra info is hard to find, it isn’t worth the time and effort. Lindsey would be willing to splurge on a pricier scale if it meant getting a better user experience. After all, no one wants to get stressed out when reading their weight.

Additional reporting contributed by Emily Stone

Emily Stone does ample research on the best health and fitness gadgets on the market and only recommends the top models. In a world with seemingly endless gadgetry, bathroom scales can now gather precise health information on one device, which previously required multiple units.

1 Source
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Yorkin M, Spaccarotella K, Martin-Biggers J, Quick V, Byrd-Bredbenner C. Accuracy and consistency of weights provided by home bathroom scalesBMC Public Health. 2013;13(1):1194