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The 8 Best Body Fat Monitors to Help You Track Progress, Tested and Reviewed

We researched and tested dozens of body fat monitors, from smart scales to skinfold calipers

Etekcity ESF-551 Smart Fitness Scale on wood floor

Verywell Fit / Cara Milhaven

Body fat monitors are tools that provide data to support your fitness goals. They can be scales, handheld devices, or calipers that calculate body fat percentage versus lean body mass, and they can help you track changes or progress over time. Most body fat monitors measure body composition through bioelectrical impedance or skinfold measurements, and while all monitors have some accuracy limitations, measuring using the same method each time gives you the most helpful information. When shopping for a body fat monitor, there are some key features you should look for. Consider if you need to be able to toss it in your gym bag or if it can sit in your bathroom at home. If multiple people use it, you may need a style that stores multiple profiles or links to an app.

To find the best body fat monitors on the market, we asked three experts—two registered dietitians and an obesity medicine physician—for input on what to look for and the proper use of monitors. We then researched dozens of options based on style, types of measurements they take, data memory, and other smart features. We also tested eight scales that monitor body fat at home, following Verywell's Testing Guidelines for one month, evaluating them for setup, display, ease of use, durability, precision, and value. Finally, a certified personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this article to ensure accuracy surrounding the pros and cons of each type of device and the optimal body fat percentage based on age.

Verywell Fit FYI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a dated, biased measure that doesn’t account for several factors, such as body composition, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Despite being a flawed measure, BMI is widely used today in the medical community because it is an inexpensive and quick method for analyzing potential health status and outcomes.

Best Overall

Fitindex Wi-Fi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale

Fitindex WiFi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale

Fitindex

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Precision
    5/5
  • Data Storage
    4.8/5
  • Display
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.6/5
Pros
  • Accurate measurements

  • Sensor coating covers full surface of scale

  • Syncs with 3rd Party Apps

Cons
  • Baby mode may be difficult to figure out

  • Smartphone app has to be open in order to sync with scale

Key Specs:

Style: Scale | Data Memory: Multiple users-unlimited data points | Smart Features: Proprietary app syncs with Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Google Fit via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for families with multiple users who want the convenience of a digital display and lots of data.

Why We Love It

We are impressed by the design, ease of setup, ease of use, and accuracy of this body fat monitor by Fitindex, making it an obvious choice for our best overall spot. You can get an accurate reading by stepping nearly anywhere on the scale, because the entire product is covered in a sensing coating. This sleek design also makes the scale ultra-easy to clean. The setup took us only five minutes, and batteries were helpfully included. After downloading the scale's proprietary app, following the directions to get started was extremely easy. We love that the scale syncs to your phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and can connect to third-party fitness apps like Apple Health and MyFitnessPal.

The readings, displayed directly on the scale's screen, are accurate, and we didn't notice any unusual numbers displayed during one month of using the scale multiple times per week. You can find 13 additional metric readings in the scale's app, too. We even tested the scale holding a dumbbell to see if it would pick up on the exact increase in weight, and it did so without discrepancies. We like that the scale's app lets us set up reminder notifications to weigh ourselves at specific times of the day, which helps keep us accountable. We also like that it can support multiple users and even has a "baby mode" to track your child's growth.

Potential Flaws

  • We had trouble getting the "baby mode" to work during testing with really young babies. But we were able to get it to work for toddlers and young children who can step on the scale on their own with some assistance.
  • Even when the scale is connected to Wi-Fi, it doesn't background sync to the app, so you'll need to open the app to log the readings on your smartphone

Best Budget Scale

RolliBot Rolli-Fit Smart Body Fat Scale

RolliBot Rolli-Fit Smart Body Fat Scale

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Precision
    5/5
  • Data Storage
    5/5
  • Display
    4.7/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
Pros
  • Metrics are clickable in-app for more information

  • Unlimited users

  • Inclusive max weight capacity

Cons
  • Emoji-style sliding scale indicators in app may be triggering for some

  • May show footprints

Key Specs:

Style: Scale | Data Memory: Unlimited users—unlimited data points in app | Smart Features: Syncs with a proprietary app, which syncs with Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Google Fit via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for those looking for a budget-friendly scale that works for the whole family.

Why We Love It

The Rolli-Fit Smart Body Fat Scale has all the features you need to stay motivated and on track, all at a budget-friendly price. It can support up to 400 pounds and allows unlimited app users, so it's great for families or housemates. The app measures eight different metrics, including water weight and visceral fat, monitors trends, syncs to other health apps, and provides health tips. We like that metrics can be expanded in-app for more in-depth information, including whether your numbers fall in a healthy range.

This scale is super easy to set up. Batteries are included, and you only need to input age and height into the scale's proprietary app to get started. The scale provides accurate measurements every time we use it. Weight is the only metric that shows directly on the easy-to-read display, and it pops up within seconds of stepping on the scale. You'll have to open up the proprietary app on your smartphone to read more measurements.

Potential Flaws

  • We noted that while the smiley face and frowny face emojis in the app make it easy to know where your numbers fall on a scale, seeing a bunch of frowny faces may be triggering to some.
  • While the glass surface of the scale is easy to clean, it also easily shows footprints, so we had to clean it regularly.

Most Valuable Insight

"My favorite part is definitely how easy everything is to track in the app and how it shows you where you fall within range scales for your age and height. I also really appreciate the explanations of all the metrics."—Hannah Freedman, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Investment Scale

Withings Body Comp Smart Scale

Withings Body Comp Smart Scale

Withings

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Precision
    5/5
  • Data Storage
    5/5
  • Display
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
Pros
  • Great for monitoring heart health

  • Auto-recognition for unlimited users

  • App explains what each metric means

Cons
  • May need to stand on scale a little longer than usual to receive reading

Key Specs:

Style: Scale | Data Memory: Unlimited users—unlimited data points in app | Smart Features: Syncs with a proprietary app, which syncs with Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Google Fit via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; Provides cardiovascular health metrics | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for users who like lots of data and are prepared to invest in a quality scale.

Why We Love It

If you like lots of data and health metrics to keep you motivated on your fitness journey, along with a sleek design, Withings' Body Comp Smart Scale is a great investment. Ideal for the whole family, the app allows for unlimited users and features auto-recognition so the scale knows exactly who is stepping on it and when.

In addition to weight, body fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, and bone mass, the scale also measures cardiovascular health and electrodermal activity, which is a non-invasive way of measuring changes in SNS (sympathetic nervous system) activity and tells you if your heart rate is irregularly high or low. The scale can even tell you how hydrated you are and offers a weather report when you step on it. The app is easy to set up, and the scale is very precise and accurate. We also appreciate that the app provides in-depth information about what different measurements mean and why they matter. The scale is a nice size for people with larger feet.

Potential Flaws

  • To get all the available metrics, you have to stand on the scale for a bit longer than you would typically stand on most scales before receiving a reading.

Best Smart Scale

WW by Conair Bluetooth Body Analysis Bathroom Scale

WW by Conair Bluetooth Body Analysis Bathroom Scale

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    4.4/5
  • Precision
    4.3/5
  • Data Storage
    4.4/5
  • Display
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.7/5
Pros
  • App offers badges for consistency and progress that can be motivating

  • Data can sync to WW app for members

  • Clear, easy-to-read display

Cons
  • No auto-recognition; have to manually switch users

  • May be too sensitive to small fluctuations in weight

Key Specs:

Style: Scale | Data Memory: Nine users-unlimited data points | Smart Features: Syncs with proprietary app and WW app (for members only); can earn badges in-app for consistency and progress | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It's For

Best for users who are motivated by receiving rewards for successfully progressing toward their fitness goals.

Why We Love It

WW by Conair's Body Analysis Scale is our top choice if you're looking for an all-around quality body fat scale at a reasonable price point. It can accommodate up to nine users and has a 400-pound weight capacity. The scale's proprietary app is free, and Weight Watchers members can also sync the scale to the WW app. The scale is accurate every time we use it and is so precise that it can even pick up small, normal daily weight fluctuations.

The display on the scale is very bright and easy to read. The proprietary app tracks weight, body fat, body water, bone mass, muscle mass, and BMI. We like that you can earn badges in the app for consistency and progress that help keep you motivated towards your goals.

Potential Flaws

  • The scale is sensitive to small fluctuations in weight, which could be frustrating or triggering for some users.
  • The scale doesn't offer auto-recognition, meaning you have to manually switch users between uses.
  • We had to step on the scale pretty hard to turn it on.

Best Budget Smart Scale

Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale

Etekcity ESF-551 Smart Fitness Scale

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Precision
    5/5
  • Data Storage
    4.5/5
  • Display
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Users can rearrange the list of metrics in the app by priority

  • Bioelectrical impedance can be turned off

  • Tracks 13 metrics

Cons
  • App navigation is a little clunky

Key Specs:

Style: Scale | Data Memory: Unlimited users-unlimited data points | Smart Features: Syncs with proprietary app; bioelectrical impedance technology can be turned off | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It's For

Best for users who are new to smart body fat monitors and want to try one out without spending a lot.

Why We Love It

If you want to try out a smart body fat monitor but aren't ready to make a major investment, we recommend Etekcity's Smart Scale. The app supports unlimited users and is quick to set up and easy to use. The scale has a baby mode that allows you to track your baby's growth, and the bioelectrical impedance features—the technology that can be turned off if you want to use the device as a regular weight scale without having it monitor your body fat.

It measures 13 different metrics, and it's very accurate. We never have to re-calibrate the scale, even after using it multiple times per week, unless we move it to a new location. We like that the display is simple, clear, and easy to read. The scale itself only displays weight, but you can see other metrics by opening its proprietary app on your smartphone. We like that you can rearrange the order in which metrics appear in the app so you can order them based on which ones are most important to you.

Potential Flaws

  • The app's navigation is a bit clunky, making it more difficult to use compared to others. But for the price, we're satisfied with our experience.

Others We Like

While we didn't test these three skinfold calipers ourselves, we still think they deserve a spot on our list of top picks. While smart scales are typically easier to use compared to skinfold calipers, they also tend to cost a lot more. So if you want a budget-friendlier way to measure your body fat percentage, you may want to opt for skinfold calipers instead.

Best Digital Skinfold Calipers

Qiorange Digital Display Body Fat Caliper

Qiorange Digital Display LCD Body Fat Caliper Skin Fold Analyzer

Amazon

Pros
  • Best for measuring body fat around the stomach

  • Easy to read and understand

  • Easier to use without assistance compared to other calipers

Cons
  • Slightly uncomfortable at first

Key Specs:

Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: Reads measurements in millimeters or inches and shows measurements digitally on large display

Who It's For

Best for users looking for a portable measuring system that is very accurate and easy to read.

Why We Love It

Want to combine the skinfold assessment method with an easy-to-read digital display? Check out these Qiorange calipers. They are primarily designed to provide a body fat percentage reading by measuring subcutaneous fat, which is the fat just under your skin, specifically around the stomach. You can also use it to measure other areas of your body, like your thigh area, biceps, or anywhere your body typically stores fat.

For ultimate accuracy, some users recommend measuring the same area with the same technique three times and averaging the reported results. This method helps to account for human error and inconsistencies in skinfold measurements so you get a more reliable approximation of your body fat composition. We love that the digital skinfold calipers make body fat assessments more accessible to folks who don’t have a person available to help them use traditional calipers. We also love that the LED display is large enough for easy reading.

Potential Flaws

  • Users who aren't familiar with using skinfold calipers may experience some discomfort and pinching upon first use. But this should improve as the method becomes more familiar.

Best Manual Skinfold Calipers

Accu-Measure Body Fat Caliper

Accu-Measure Body Fat Caliper

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Lightweight

  • Easy to use

Cons
  • Requires a second person for proper use

  • Slightly uncomfortable at first

Key Specs:

Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: None

Who It's For

Best for those who want a portable, no-frills body fat monitor and have a trusted friend or partner to assist in it's use.

Why We Love It

If you have a friend, family member, or trainer who can help you measure your body fat percentage with skinfold calipers, snag this very affordable wellness tool. Used by fitness professionals across the globe, skin calipers offer a simple way to measure subcutaneous fat. There may be a bit of a learning curve to using skinfold calipers, but you can't beat the convenience of being able to drop them in your gym bag and use them wherever you want.

Think of this tool as a fat-specific measuring tape. These calipers are lightweight, easily portable, and very simple to use. The World Natural Bodybuilding Federation also endorses them as the premiere fat caliper measuring tool on the market. This may also be a great option if you're not the most tech-savvy person, as it doesn't require you to interact with technology in the way that a smart scale might. With an anti-slip grip, these calipers are easy to use.

Potential Flaws

  • Users will likely need a trainer or partner to assist with skinfold measurements using these manual calipers, as doing it on your own may cause inaccurate readings.
  • Skinfold calipers can be uncomfortable to use if you're not familiar with them, so it may take some getting used to before the method feels comfortable.

Best Skinfold Calipers for Beginners

Lightstuff Precision Skinfold Caliper

Lightstuff Precision Skinfold Caliper

Amazon

Pros
  • Includes quick-start guide

  • Applies consistent pressure for accurate measurements

  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cons
  • Requires a second person for proper use

  • Slightly uncomfortable at first

Key Specs:

Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: None

Who It's For

Best for users who are new to body fat measurement as a health metric and have never used calipers before.

Why We Love It

Similar to the calipers from Accu-Measure, this manual tool helps you gain a clear picture of your body fat levels so you can create and tackle appropriate health and wellness goals. But, since many people are not familiar or comfortable with the skinfold assessment method, this particular tool comes with a quick-start guide to help set you up for success.

You can also trust that the spring-loaded mechanism will apply consistent pressure measurement after measurement, giving you accurate readings every time you use it. This caliper tool comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so there is very little risk in giving it a try.

Potential Flaws

  • Like the Accu-Measure calipers, this set will likely require a partner to assist with measurement.
  • Like all skinfold calipers, they can be uncomfortable to use at first and may cause pinching if you or the person helping you aren't familiar with the method.

Body Fat Monitors We Also Tested

In addition to researching dozens of skinfold calipers and other body fat monitors, and only including the most accurate and easy-to-use ones on our list, we also tested 17 different body fat monitor scales. Out of the 17 scales we tested, only five rated high enough to make our final list of recommendations. These three weren't our top picks, but they still have some valuable features worth mentioning:

  • FitTrack's Dara BMI Smart Scale provides 17 different metrics for a more comprehensive health picture, and the app has lots of great information about each metric. However, we had difficulty connecting and syncing to this scale during testing. The app and scale were easy to use, but we noted that we had to reset the scale often, which was a bit annoying.
  • Posture's Smart Body Scale is easy to set up and use, and the display on the scale is large and shows more metrics than most other scales on our list. We noted that the body shape graphics on the display screen could be annoying or triggering for some users to see.
  • Oxiline's Scale X Pro doesn't need to be calibrated before use, so it's ready to go right out of the box with the included batteries. It's easy to use and has unlimited data storage, so you can go back and look at past metrics anytime. But the scale is on the pricier side, and we found it a bit hard to keep clean.

Where We Stand

After testing 17 digital scales at home for a month, and researching dozens of other body fat monitoring devices, Fitindex Wi-Fi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale is our top choice for its sleek, easy-to-clean design, and accurate readings. We found it very easy to use and like that it syncs with multiple health apps. We continue to test each body fat monitor at home and will update our recommendations if we notice any changes in our findings that haven't already been noted here.

How We Selected and Tested the Best Body Fat Monitors

To find the best body fat monitors on the market, we received expert input from three experts and researched dozens of options. We also tested 17 bathroom scales and smart scales that monitor body fat for a four-week period at home. When researching and testing smart scales and other body fat monitoring devices, we evaluate each product for six key criteria: ease of setup, reading precision, data storage, display and readability, ease of use, and value. We did our best to evaluate each product we researched but weren't able to test for these criteria, relying on expert input, user reviews, and our own judgment based on thorough research for the product category. For the monitors we were able to test, we followed these six steps:

  • Ease of Setup: After unboxing each device, we note how easy it is to turn on, whether batteries are included, and how long setup takes. If the scale or other body fat monitoring device has a proprietary app, we download it and note how easy it is to create a profile and sync the app to the device. We also note any additional 3rd party health apps the device can sync to.
  • Reading Precision: We calibrate each device using an object of a known weight, such as a dumbbell or gallon of milk, and note the accuracy of the readings. Throughout our home testing period, we note whether the device continues to accurately reflect our weight. We also make a note of how many times, if any, we need to recalibrate the device for accurate measurements.
  • Data Storage: While using the device and any accompanying apps, we track what data, such as weight or BMI, is measured and whether we feel it's helpful or extraneous. We evaluate how we use the data and whether it's easy to understand. We also note how many users the app can support and how easy it is to retrieve stored data.
  • Display and Readability: To evaluate the display and readability, we note how clear and well-lit the screen or display on the device is and whether the information stayed on the screen long enough to read easily. We also note if the information in the app is easy to understand and if graphs or graphics are clear.
  • Ease of Use: To evaluate the ease of use of each device, we weigh or measure ourselves every morning during the testing period, before eating or drinking. If we're testing a body fat monitor scale, we make sure to place it on a flat, uncarpeted surface. We note if extra steps are necessary before taking a measurement, like tapping the device to turn it on or opening the app first. We note how long it takes to get a reading, and how easy or difficult it is to navigate the device's app and change users.
  • Value: To give each device a value rating, we wait until the end of the initial testing period to look at the cost of the product. We then determine if the body fat monitor is worth the listed price based on our experience. Body fat monitors that receive good value ratings are fairly priced or cost less than expected, given their features.

Our Experts

What to Look for in a Body Fat Monitor

  • Style: There are three main styles of body fat monitors on the market—scales, handheld devices, and skinfold calipers. Each style is used differently to give you a snapshot of your current body fat percentage, and each method provides varying levels of accuracy. Scales are home-friendly, handheld devices are ideal for your gym bag, and calipers generally don't require an app or batteries to use and can provide the highest level of accuracy if used properly, according to our experts.
  • Accuracy: Handheld monitors and scales often use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition by sending weak electric currents through your body. While these devices make measuring body fat at home easier and more affordable, they come with limitations. BIA is impacted by hydration, and these devices can have a wide margin of error for athletes or obese individuals. Because of this, our experts advise using these devices as a tool to monitor change over time. Skinfold calipers require self-measurements instead of automatic measurements, so they can be difficult to use and cause inaccuracies if you’re not trained to use them. If you're not properly trained to use manual skinfold calipers, you may want to opt for a digital version instead, like Qiorange's Digital Skin Fold Analyzer.
  • Data Memory: Most digital body fat monitors can store and organize a certain amount of data entries per user, but this capacity varies dramatically from tool to tool. If you plan on sharing the device with others, be sure it offers memory storage for multiple users to keep all data organized and separate. Smart scales like FITINDEX's Wi-Fi Scale, our best overall pick, let you store data in the app for multiple users so everyone can track their progress individually over time.
  • Smart Features: Most modern body fat monitors on the market today can sync with your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, making it easier to keep track of your health goals no matter where you are. If you’re really into data, choose an option that tracks multiple metrics, like Withings' Body Comp Smart Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the optimal body fat percentage for my age?

While all bodies are different and body fat percentage may vary depending on several factors, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition determined that, based on BMI, these ranges would be considered "healthy" for each age bracket:

Women

  • Age 20-39: 21%-32%
  • Age 40-59: 23%-33%
  • Age 60-79: 24%-35%

Men

  • Age 20-39: 8%-19%
  • Age 40-59: 11%-21%
  • Age 60-79: 13%-24%

What does a body fat measurement tell you?

A body fat measurement can tell you what percentage of your body weight is made up of fat relative to other lean tissues such as bone, muscle, water, and organs. Body fat percentage is a clearer measurement of your health and fitness than weight or BMI.

What measures should I consider in addition to body fat for optimal health?

While body fat percentage can give you insight into your health and fitness, several other factors should be considered when assessing your wellbeing. Vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar are all good measurements of your overall health. Additionally, you'll want to look at your nutrition and physical activity. Sleep habits can also play a role in overall health and fitness.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a wellness product. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to homeopathic essential oils to ever-trendy CBD topicals, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. She also worked as a personal trainer in New York City for several years, using several tools on this list to help her clients measure their progress and success accurately.

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