The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about one in three adults and one in six children are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. “Obesity is an epidemic in the United States today and a major cause of death,” the CDC adds, “attributable to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.”1
Even if you’re not struggling with obesity, you may be a little overweight or feel like you’re carrying around more pounds than you’d like. Fortunately, there is a simple tool that can help: the humble bathroom scale.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that the more often people used their digital weighing scales, the more weight they lost.2 An earlier study found similar results—daily self-weighing was found to produce clinically significant weight loss.3
“The old conventional wisdom was: ‘Don’t weigh yourself more than once a week. It will drive you crazy,” Dori Steinberg, obesity prevention and treatment researcher at the Duke Global Health Institute in Durham, N.C., told USA Today. “But now we are seeing more and more research showing that the optimal frequency for weighing oneself is likely every day.”4
What if you don’t have a bathroom scale? It may be time to get one. We recently reviewed dozens of them, looking at accuracy, design, weighing type (analog or digital), Bluetooth capability, and cost. All of these top-rated bathroom scales can be purchased online at Amazon.
We’ve identified the Letsfit Digital Bathroom Scale as our top pick. It’s got a stylish sleek design that will look good in any bathroom, and it delivers accurate results for years.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Bathroom Scales
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bathroom Scale Overall | Letsfit Digital Bathroom Scale | 4.4 |
| Best Smart Bathroom Scale | RENPHO Smart Bathroom Scale | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Bathroom Scale | Yoobure Digital Bathroom Scale | 4.1 |
| Best Analog Bathroom Scale | Health O Meter Oversized Dial Scale | 4.6 |
| Best Talking Bathroom Scale | Taylor Glass Talking Scale | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
Best Bathroom Scale Overall: Letsfit Digital Bathroom Scale
If you’re looking for a basic, digital scale that will look good in your bathroom while delivering accurate weight measurements time after time, choose the Letsfit Digital Bathroom Scale. It’s got four precision weight sensors that provide measurements down to a 0.1lb graduation with a 400-lb maximum weight capacity.
You’ll love the ultra-slim style but appreciate the durable tempered glass that holds up to lots of use and is easy to clean. The blue backlit display is bright and large for easy reading, and it’s so fast there is little waiting—tap the scale to calibrate, then step on and read your weight.
Get help with your weight-loss goals by using the weight gain/loss indication. It compares your current weight with previous weight and shows the difference, which can help motivate you to keep going with your diet and exercise plan. The unit runs on two 1.5V AAA batteries (which are included) and has a low battery and overload indication so you know when you need to put new batteries in.
Letsfit Digital Bathroom Scale Key Features:
- The ultra-slim design looks great in any bathroom
- Four sensors deliver accurate results down to a 0.1 lb graduation
- Made of tempered glass so it’s durable and easy to clean
- Bright blue backlit display
- Economical price
Best Smart Bathroom Scale: RENPHO Smart Bathroom Scale
Get techy with the RENPHO Smart Bathroom Scale. More than just a standard weight scale, it also measures your body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, body water, visceral fat, bone mass, fat-free body weight, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and more. Sync all of the data with the free RENPHO app, which works via Bluetooth with Samsung Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, and Apple Health/Apple Watch. Simply weigh yourself whenever you like—even without your phone—and the data will be uploaded to your app whenever you open it and measure again.
The app provides several other features that will help in your weight-loss goals. It saves historical data, for instance, to help track your daily, weekly, and monthly progress. Simply set a goal and it helps you see how you’re doing as you go.
The RENPHO delivers accurate results by utilizing bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) to calculate your body composition metrics. It uses three AAA batteries (included) weighs up to 396 pounds. Reviewers love the user-friendly app and economical price and note that it syncs perfectly and works consistently time after time.
RENPHO Smart Bathroom Scale Key Features:
- Connects via Bluetooth to Samsung Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, and Apple Health/Apple Watch
- User-friendly app syncs automatically with your data
- Provides 13 measurements of body composition
- Tracks your daily, weekly, and monthly progress
- Uses BIA analysis for accurate results
Best Budget Bathroom Scale: Yoobure Digital Bathroom Scale
Enjoy a durable, clean-looking tempered glass bathroom scale for less money with the Yoobure Digital Bathroom Scale. It’s easy to use with auto-on, auto-zero, auto-calibration, and auto-off functions. It uses four precision sensors to measure weight to a 0.2 lb accuracy, and also measures weight in kilograms if you like—just change the switch at the bottom of the scale.
The high-tech display is easy to read in any room and indicates low battery and overload as well as weight. The tempered glass platform is sturdy and durable and won’t crack or break, and the whole unit runs on two 1.5V AAA batteries (not included). Anti-skid padding on the bottom gives you extra stability while weighing. If you want to be sure it matches your décor, choose from the three available colors: black, dark black, and white.
Reviewers love the style of the crystal clear glass and say it’s easy to use and very accurate. They also note that the customer service is friendly and helpful.
Yoobure Digital Bathroom Scale Key Features:
- Stylish digital bathroom scale for an economical price
- Durable tempered glass with anti-skid padding lasts for years
- The high-tech display is easy to read
- Comes in three different colors
Best Analog Bathroom Scale: Health O Meter Oversized Dial Scale
Die-hard fans of the old-style bathroom scales will love the Health O Meter Oversized Dial Scale. It requires no batteries or power of any sort because it operates on a spring-based system that is connected to the dial.
But this scale has a lot more to love. Its large size (12.8″ by 12.8″) makes it easy for anyone in the family to read their weight, while the large numbers and bright red pointer provide clear readings. The scale measures up to 400 pounds in 1-pound increments, and it has a soft-touch mat for added comfort. The steel construction provides stability and durability that can withstand years of use. The manufacturer even provides a five-year limited warranty.
Analog doesn’t mean boring or dull, as this scale comes with elegant stainless steel accents that make it ideal for a variety of settings—while also making it easy to clean. Reviewers love its simplicity and say it’s great for seniors who don’t want to mess with frustrating digital features.
Health O Meter Oversized Dial Scale Key Features:
- Extra-large platform and soft-touch mat makes it easy for anyone to use
- Spring-based system requires no batteries
- Durable steel construction stands up to heavy use
- Stainless steel accents work with a variety of decors
- Great for seniors and for those who appreciate a simple scale
Best Talking Bathroom Scale: Taylor Glass Talking Scale
Maybe you wear glasses and you don’t want to put them on first thing in the morning. Maybe you or someone in your family is visually impaired. Maybe you just like the idea of not having to focus on the numbers. Whatever your situation, you’ll probably love the Taylor Glass Talking Scale.
This high-capacity scale can weigh up to 440 pounds and features a spacious 12.2″ tempered glass platform that’s durable and shatter-proof and looks great in any setting. It also has stainless steel accents for a clean, sleek appearance. The 1.1″ display shows you your weight and also tells you when the three AAA batteries (included) need to be replaced.
But where this scale really shines is in its ability to announce your weight. You can listen to the announcement as pounds in English, or switch to kilograms spoken in Spanish, Greek, German, or Croatian. The volume is adjustable to your preference.
Reviewers note that this scale is stylish, durable, and reliable and that it reads out the numbers very clearly. It makes an ideal gift for a visually impaired individual or for someone that simply would prefer hearing rather than reading the measurements.
Taylor Glass Talking Scale Key Features:
- Speaks your weight measurements so you don’t have to read it
- Made of durable tempered glass
- Stainless steel accents provide a stylish appearance
- 1″ display shows weight and battery status
- Ideal for visually impaired users
Who Should Buy Bathroom Scales
You may worry that having a bathroom scale could make you “obsessed” with your weight, which could be unhealthy. Watching the daily ups and downs can cause emotional upheaval and lead to an anxiety-ridden approach to eating.
If you’ve suffered from eating disorders or struggle with body image, it may be best to avoid the scale for now. Instead of weighing yourself every day, observe how well your clothes fit for feedback about whether you’ve gained weight. If your clothes feel tight, it may be time to exercise a little more or adjust your diet.
Otherwise, you will likely benefit from having a bathroom scale. It’s common to slowly gain weight year after year as we age, which can negatively affect our health over time. According to research published in 2019, lipid turnover in fat tissue decreases during aging, making it easier to gain weight even when our diet and exercise habits remain the same.5
We can’t do anything about this type of weight gain if we’re not aware of it. Indeed, it’s very easy to gain up to five pounds or more without noticing—unless you’re regularly weighing in on your scale. If you are, you can tell when you gain even a small amount of weight, which allows you to make changes immediately to reverse the process. The more weight you gain, the harder it is to lose, so early alerts from your scale can be extremely beneficial.
The key is to use your scale as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Allow your average readings to motivate you to make positive changes in your lifestyle. More advanced models can give you a clear picture of your health as they can tell you not only your weight, but your body mass index and fat, water, and muscle percentages. This feedback can help you adjust your diet, exercise, and supplement strategies to become your healthiest self.
If you’re looking for other minor upgrades to your bathroom that will greatly impact the efficiency, then you may want to check out The Best Shower Caddys or The Best Bidet Toilet Seats.
Important Features to Consider
When shopping for a bathroom scale, consider the following features:
- Mechanical or digital. Mechanical scales (often called “analog”) use levers to support your weight and spread it evenly across the scale. Your weight presses down on a central spring, and the spring turns the dial to the appropriate number. Digital scales have a small electronic component called a “strain gauge” that converts your weight into an electric signal that is then measured and converted into a number. Digital scales are often smaller than mechanical ones and are considered more accurate and reliable.
- Accuracy. Obviously, when you step on your scale, you want it to give you an accurate reading. Some days, even one pound makes a difference when you’re trying to lose weight. It’s hard to tell how accurate a scale will be until you get it home, but in general, digital scales are considered more accurate than mechanical ones. Once you have the scale, you can test its accuracy by comparing it to another scale, placing a known weight on it (like a 10-pound hand weight), or by getting on and off it several times in a row to see if it the readings are consistent. If the scale is inaccurate, you can return it if it’s new, or try to recalibrate or repair it if it’s older.
- Features. Bathroom scales can tell you a lot more than just your weight these days. Many have additional features and can measure body mass index (BMI), body fat, and lean muscle mass. Some offer “weight tracking,” where they track your weight over a set period, or daily calorie intake suggestions, which can help you monitor your calorie intake from day to day. Some newer scales offer connectivity to your cell phone, so you can coordinate your daily results with your overall fitness goals, and some offer a speaking feature, which is perfect for seniors or those who may have a hard time seeing the readout. Finally, you’ll want to consider the weight limit, readout, size, and design to make sure you will enjoy your scale.
- Size. How big of a scale do you need? They come in all sizes, so it depends on the size of your bathroom and where you’ll be storing it. Check the size to be sure your new scale won’t be in the way. It’s not fun to stub your toe into the corner of a bathroom scale first thing in the morning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bathroom scales lose accuracy?
To improve your health you need to be able to trust your bathroom scale. Unfortunately, they’re not always accurate. How can you tell? First, realize that your weight will naturally fluctuate from day to day depending on how much you eat, how often you used the bathroom, and how much water your body retains. So a number that changes slightly is not anything to be concerned about.
There are occasions, though, when a scale may give you an inaccurate reading. Some scales are poorly made and will not hold up well to regular use. But if you have a quality scale and you’re still pretty sure the reading is wrong, it could be for these reasons:
- The surface: If you place your scale on a carpet or other soft or uneven surface, that can affect the accuracy of the reading. Always choose a hard, solid floor such as a tile floor.
- The batteries: Most home bathroom scales run on batteries, and over time, those batteries can get weak. When that happens, you may get an inaccurate reading, which could signal that your batteries need to be replaced.
- Calibration: If you’re getting inaccurate readings on your scale, it could be that it needs to be recalibrated. Refer to your owner’s manual to reset your scale and see if that helps. Most digital scales have a “Cal” or “Mode” option that allows you to check the calibration. Some come equipped with an automatic calibration feature.
- Temperature: In some cases, temperature changes can affect the reading. Colder temperatures, for example, can create small changes inside the scale that may slightly alter the accuracy.
Where should your feet be placed on the scale?
Standing on a bathroom scale may seem pretty straightforward, but some tips can help you get the most accurate reading. Many digital scales, for instance, require you to tap your foot on them to switch them on. For these, you need to make sure the scale is reading “zero” before you step on it. Getting on it before then may result in an inaccurate reading.
It’s also important to be sure you’re not leaning on anything else while you’re standing on the scale. That could result in a reading that is lower than it should be since you’re placing part of your weight on something else. Stand straight and make sure your weight is evenly distributed between both feet. Then wait patiently for at least three seconds for your weight and any other available information to be displayed.
What is the best time of day to weigh yourself?
Most weight-loss experts agree that the best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning every morning. It’s best to wear the same clothing each day to get a more accurate result, so weigh yourself in your underwear or nightclothes, for example, rather than after you get dressed.
This approach works for a couple of reasons. First, it gives you important feedback that can motivate you to make small changes each day. If you weighed more this morning than you did yesterday morning, you may remember that you had an extra cookie after lunch, or that you neglected to exercise. Deciding to change both of those things can result in a better readout the next morning. Doing this over and over again makes it more likely that you will reach your weight-loss goals.
Second, weighing yourself at the same time every day provides a more accurate picture of how you’re doing. If you weigh yourself in the morning one day and then at night the next, you’re likely to weigh more at night, which can be discouraging, and will also make it more difficult for you to see your average weight loss over time.
Why did I gain three pounds overnight?
Once you get into a routine of weighing yourself every morning, you may be surprised to find out how much your weight can fluctuate. Is your scale out of whack, or does your weight change that much?
It is possible. Many different things affect how much you may weigh on any particular day. Water retention, meal timing, type of foods eaten, hormones, stress, sodium levels, how much you exercised or moved throughout the day, and more can all lead to a higher readout than you got the previous morning.
As long as the number is within a five-pound range, your scale is probably fine. Your best approach is to let it go and weigh yourself again the next morning to see what you find. Your average weight over a week’s time is a more accurate measure of how you’re doing than is any one day’s readout.
Other Bathroom Scales We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other bathroom scales. Even though they didn’t make our five best bathroom scales list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your health goals. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Digital Bathroom Scales
- Smart Bathroom Scales
- Analog Bathroom Scales
- Talking Bathroom Scales
- Budget Bathroom Scales
Digital Bathroom Scales
Innotech Digital Bathroom Scale
Ready to use right out of the box, this scale has a large 3.6″ display and is made with tempered glass in a sleek, modern white design.
Key Features:
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Durable tempered glass design
- Automatic calibration
- Accurate within 0.2 lbs
Cost: $29
Vitafit Digital Bathroom Scale
This modern-looking scale can measure up to 400 pounds, delivering results in 0.1.lb/0.05kg divisions. Runs on three AAA alkaline batteries.
Key Features:
- Modern tempered glass design
- Measures up to 400 pounds in 0.1-lb divisions
- High-clarity display
- Runs on three AAA batteries
Cost: $20
Etekcity Digital Bathroom Scale
If you’d prefer a black bathroom scale, try this one. It’s also made of durable tempered glass, but it’s black in appearance and has a bright LCD backlit display with white numbers.
Key Features:
- Durable tempered glass in a black color
- Large 4.3″ display with white numbers
- Measures up to 440 pounds
- Round corners help save stubbed toes
Cost: $27
Weight Watchers members and others will love this sleek digital glass bathroom scale with silver accents. Features additional measurements like body fat, bone mass, BMI, and more.
Key Features:
- Perfect for Weight Watchers members and others
- Sleek glass design with silver accents
- Measures body fat, BMI, bone mass, and more
- Runs on a long-life lithium battery (included)
- Available in other colors and styles
Cost: $30
EatSmart Digital Bathroom Scale
Do you have big feet? Choose this wide, spacious bathroom scale. It measures 15.375″ by 11.75″ with a highly visible 3.6″ x 2″ display.
Key Features:
- Extra-wide platform perfect for those who want more space
- Highly visible display with large digits and a bright blue backlit screen
- Weighs up to 440 pounds
- Runs on two AAA batteries
Cost: $24
BalanceFrom Digital Bathroom Scale
If you don’t like having to tap your foot on the scale to start it, you’ll love this option. It’s made with Smart Step-on technology that provides you with a reading without the toe-tapping.
Key Features:
- No tapping necessary—just step on and read your measurement
- Large LCD backlit display
- Accurate measurements up to 400 pounds in 0.2-pound graduation
- Runs on two AAA batteries (included)
- Comes in silver and white
Smart Bathroom Scales
Get 13 body essential measurements with this smart bathroom scale. Syncs with fitness apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.
Key Features:
- Provides 13 body essential measurements
- Syncs with common fitness apps
- Helps you keep track of your health and weight goals
- Easy setup with ABYON app
Cost: $28
If you want to share your smart scale with others in your family, this may be a good option. It supports up to 24 users on the scale and the app.
Key Features:
- Great for families who are getting healthy together
- Provides an “athlete mode” for fitness buffs
- Baby-weighing mode allows parents to weigh baby while holding her
- Syncs with fitness apps like Apple Health, Google Fit and Fitbit
Cost: $30
Pohl Schmitt Smart Bathroom Scale
You can share this scale with others in your family, too, as it supports up to 24 users too. It also features smart step-on technology that eliminates the need for tapping.
Key Features:
- Great for families who are getting healthy together
- Smart step-on technology eliminates the need for tapping
- 13 high-precision measuring functions, including body water and muscle mass
- Download the app for free on the Apple Store or Google Play Store
Cost: $20
Another family-friendly smart scale, this one has a unique black design using the latest bio-electric impedance analysis (BIA) technology to ensure a quick and accurate measurement.
Key Features:
- Perfect for families
- Unique black design made with high-quality tempered glass
- Bio-electric impedance analysis (BIA) provides accurate measurements
- Works with Apple Health, Google Fit, and other similar fitness apps
- Measures body fat, protein, subcutaneous fat, and many more
- Runs on two AAA batteries (included)
Cost: $20
This smart scale is similar to the rest listed here, but one unique feature is that it’s fully sealed with a unique design that makes it more stable and perhaps less vulnerable to moisture.
Key Features:
- Supports multiple users
- Bluetooth technology connects the scale with your smartphone
- Supports Android 4.3/iOS 8.0 and above
- Works with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit
- Weighs up to 400 pounds in 0.2-lb increments
- Runs on two AAA batteries (included)
Analog Bathroom Scales
Go traditional with this analog scale that features an extra-large dial and 330-pound weight capacity. Requires no batteries to work.
Key Features:
- Extra-large dial easy to read
- Comfort-grip platform makes it easy to weigh
- Easy to use—simply step on the scale
- Painted silver finish design
Cost: $30
Salter Professional Analog Scale
This analog option is a little bigger than the one above, measuring 18.25” x 13” with a non-slip textured mat. Weighs up to 400 pounds with an easy-to-read, oversized dial.
Key Features:
- Extra-large 7.5” dial easy to read
- Non-slip textured mat
- Classic white and gray contrasting colors
- 5-year limited warranty included
Cost: $80
Choose a different design with this analog scale. It’s got an easy-to-read 4.4″ dial display and a black base with a silver finish bezel.
Key Features:
- Black base with a silver finish bezel design
- Extra-large 4.4” dial easy to read
- Measures up to 330 pounds in 1-pound increments
- Not waterproof—avoid excessive exposure to moisture
Talking Bathroom Scales
UncommonSlate Talking Bathroom Scale
Leave your glasses on the bedstand and let this scale speak your measurement to you. Also features a large 3-inch display.
Key Features:
- A loud and clear voice says your weight aloud
- Voice automatically activates once your weight is registered
- Sturdy tempered glass, sleek black design
- Runs on two AAA batteries
- Weighs up to 395 pounds
Cost: $30
NewlineNY Talking Bathroom Scale
Simply step on the scale and your weight will be announced and displayed to a tenth of a pound or kilogram. This high-capacity unit measures up to 440 pounds.
Key Features:
- True Voice indication announces weight automatically—the voice can be turned off if desired
- High-capacity unit measures up to 440 pounds
- Ideal for the vision-impaired
- Contemporary glass design with rounded edges
- Runs on four AAA batteries
Cost: $34
Detecto SlimTalkXL Talking Scale
Ideal for the elderly, obese, and blind or visually impaired, this scale provides a clear, pleasant voice announcement of the weight in English or Spanish. Includes an extra-wide platform.
Key Features:
- A pleasant voice announces the weight in two languages
- High-capacity unit measures up to 550 pounds
- Low-profile platform is only 1.4 inches high for easy access
- Contemporary glass design with rounded edges
- Runs on three AAA batteries
Budget Bathroom Scales
Etekcity Digital Bathroom Scale
Enjoy a stylish digital bathroom scale for a great price. You may like the black and silver design and extra-large platform that measures 11.8″ x 11.8″.
Key Features:
- Stylish digital bathroom scale for an economical price
- Made with durable tempered glass for long life and easy cleaning
- Alerts you when the batteries are low and need to be replaced
- Large platform with anti-skid padding on the corners
Cost: $15
Beautural Precision Digital Bathroom Scale
Forget the tapping with this quick step-on design that measures up to 400 pounds. Made of sturdy tempered glass with an easy-to-read backlit display.
Key Features:
- Step-on technology means you don’t have to tap it first
- Made with sturdy tempered glass
- Measures up to 400 pounds in 0.2-lb increments
- Runs on four AAA batteries (included)
Cost: $16
Smartake Digital Bathroom Scale
Step-and-read technology gives you immediate accurate measurements of up to 400 pounds. Made of durable tempered black glass and comes with a free tape measure.
Key Features:
- Step-and-read technology provides immediate measurements
- Anti-slip platform provides stability
- Measures up to 400 pounds in 0.2-lb increments
- Runs on two AAA batteries (included)
- Easy-to-read backlit display
Cost: $15
- The Obesity Epidemic – transcript. cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/diseaseandconditions/lifestyle/obesity-epidemic-transcript.html. Published July 3, 2011. Updated December 4, 2017. Accessed November 07, 2020.
- Sperrin M, Rushton H, Dixon WG, Normand A, Villard J, Chieh A, Buchan I. Who Self-Weighs and What Do They Gain From It? A Retrospective Comparison Between Smart Scale Users and the General Population in England. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(1):e17 doi:10.2196/jmir.4767.
- Steinberg DM, Tate DF, Bennett GG, Ennett S, Samuel-Hodge C, Ward DS. The efficacy of a daily self-weighing weight loss intervention using smart scales and e-mail. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21(9):1789-1797. doi:10.1002/oby.20396
- Painter K. New Advice for Weight Loss: Get on the Scale Every Day. USAToday.com. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2016/01/03/weight-loss-scales-daily/77584478/. Published January 3, 2016. Accessed November 7, 2020.
- Arner P, Bernard S, Appelsved L, et al. Adipose lipid turnover and long-term changes in body weight. Nat Med. 2019;25:1385–1389. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0565-5
