Which Withings Smart Scale to Buy: Body Smart, Comp or Scan?

If you’re looking to enhance your fitness journey, investing in a smart scale is a wise decision. Not only does it provide you with measurements beyond just weight, but it also offers a reliable and data-rich way to track your progress. Withings scales are considered among the best in the market, offering weighing accuracy, a wide range of metrics, and a high-quality app that is free to use.

In addition to exporting your data to various health apps, Withings also offers a paid subscription service called Withings+. This service is available to users who purchase specific models of hybrid smartwatches or scales, so be sure to check before making a purchase if this is something you’re interested in.

Withings+ consists of health and fitness modules designed to encourage good habits. These modules last for six weeks and focus on specific aspects of fitness, nutrition, and sleep health. By providing daily missions and tailored advice based on your goals, Withings+ aims to support your overall well-being. The subscription costs £8.95 per month or £89.50 per year (US: $9.95/$99.50; EU €9.95/€99.50) after an initial free trial activated upon purchasing the scale.

One compelling reason to choose a Withings smart scale is if you already own or are considering purchasing one of Withings’ hybrid smartwatches, such as the ScanWatch 2, ScanWatch Nova, or ScanWatch Nova Brilliant. When used together, the watch and scale seamlessly integrate with the app to provide comprehensive health and fitness tracking.

For those interested in acquiring a Withings smart scale, it’s essential to know which model best suits your needs. In this article, we will delve into the latest range of Withings smart scales: the Body Smart, the Body Comp, and the Body Scan. We will explore their prices, features, and the pros and cons of each.

While the newer models are available, older Withings models like the Body Cardio (Withings UK, £149.95; Amazon US, $179.95) can still be purchased. To learn more about this model, refer to our review. Although it has been superseded by the new range, it may still be worth considering if you come across a discounted offer.

What does a Withings smart scale measure?

All three Withings scales – the Body Smart, Body Comp, and Body Scan – provide the following measurements:

• Fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass
• Lean mass %, water %
• Visceral fat index
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Standing heart rate
• Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
• Metabolic age

In the app, users can select from specialist modes like athlete, baby (weight only), and pregnancy mode. Each scale supports up to 8 profiles, making it suitable for the entire family.

One challenge users may encounter with Withings scales is the reliance on input weight data to assign weigh-ins to specific profiles. In cases where two household members have similar weights, the data may be attributed to the wrong profile, necessitating manual correction.

Body Smart – the entry-level model

Price: £89.95 / $99.95
Availability: Buy from Withings UK / Buy from Withings US
Colour options: Black or white
Power: AAA batteries (Withings estimates one set will last up to 15 months)

Pros: The Body Smart, like all new Withings scales, features a generous size (13x13in/ 33x33cm) and a full-color screen displaying various metrics that can be customized in the app. The Health Mate app is well-designed, offering detailed information on measurements and their significance. Despite being the most affordable scale from Withings, the Body Smart delivers a high-quality user experience.

Cons: While the Body Smart serves as the entry-level model, its price point is higher than budget scales from other brands with similar features. Although it does provide resting heart rate data, a feature not commonly found in other scales, the Eufy P2 Pro offers this at a lower cost. Additionally, the app may highlight additional measurements available with pricier Withings scales, potentially leaving users feeling limited.

Additional features: The Body Smart offers an ‘Eyes Closed Mode’ where weight is not displayed on the screen. Instead, users can view step tracking, motivational messages, air quality, or local weather information.

For a detailed review of the Body Smart, refer to our dedicated article.

Body Comp – the mid-range model

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Price: £189.95 (color screen); £179.95 (black and white screen) / $199.95 (color screen); $189.95 (black and white screen)
Availability: Buy from Withings UK / Buy from Withings US
Color options: Black or white
Power: AAA batteries (Withings estimates one set will last for up to 15 months)

Pros: The Body Comp combines high-quality hardware with a user-friendly app that analyzes weigh-in data and provides detailed explanations. Customization is straightforward, and users can also opt for a free trial of the Withings+ subscription service to explore additional features.

Cons: The primary drawback is the price point.

Additional features: In addition to the standard measurements and modes, the Body Comp offers a vascular age for insights into heart health and a nerve health score. The Body Scan also includes the ‘Eyes Closed Mode’ feature.

For an in-depth review of the Body Comp (black and white screen version), check out our comprehensive analysis.

Body Scan – the high-end model

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Price: £349.95 / $399.95
Availability: Buy it from Withings UK / Buy it from Withings US
Color options: Black or white
Power: Rechargeable battery with a life of up to one year

Pros: The Body Scan is not just a fitness scale but a comprehensive health monitoring device. It offers extensive health information beyond standard metrics.

Cons: The main drawback is the price, as the Body Scan may provide more information than the average user requires. If you are in good health, the additional features may not be necessary.

Additional features: In addition to the measurements provided by the Body Comp, the Body Scan includes a retractable handle with additional stainless steel electrodes for segmental body composition analysis. This feature allows for a breakdown of fat and muscle percentages in different body areas, providing a more detailed analysis compared to standard smart scales.

For a detailed review of the Body Scan, explore our comprehensive assessment.

Which Withings scale should you buy?

If your primary focus is on fitness rather than heart health, the Body Smart offers all the essential features of a smart scale. However, there are more affordable options available from other brands that offer similar functionalities, albeit with a less polished experience.

For users seeking more comprehensive health insights, the Body Comp is a top-notch choice, rivaling smart scales from other brands in terms of features and performance.

For those looking for extensive health feedback, especially related to heart health, the Body Scan stands out as the premium choice in the market.

Keep in mind that if you already own a ScanWatch 2 model, you may access ECG and heart health information from the watch, potentially reducing the need for the scale.

While smart scales can be pricey, there are simpler and budget-friendly options available. Check out our roundup of the best smart scales for reliable options starting as low as $25/£25.