Basics The 10 Best Body Fat Monitors of 2021 Empower your wellness goals with accurate information By Alena Hall Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim on November 19, 2020 LinkedIn Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT on August 25, 2021 LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board on August 25, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell Making positive lifestyle changes can start with health and fitness. And if you’re looking at physical measures to help you in your journey, body fat monitors can offer data to support your goals. While many people are hyper-focused on weight and body mass index (BMI) as indicators of wellness, experts say that body fat percentage reveals even more about a person’s health. Body fat monitors are reasonably priced and easily fit in a bathroom corner or your gym bag. “When choosing a body fat monitor, it’s important that you choose one that fits your lifestyle,” says Kim Mahony, RD, LDN, Corporate Manager of Nutritional Services of Lutheran Life Communities. She notes that they all have accuracy limitations, but that you should be safe as long as you measure using the same method every time. Mahony explains that even if a method or tool isn’t 100% accurate, you’ll be able to track your body composition over time which will help you set personal goals. Here are the best body fat monitors on the market. Our Top Picks Withings Body + Body Composition Wi-Fi Scale at Amazon Ideal for tech-savvy users, it stores enough data for the whole family and syncs with the Health Mate app for easy tracking. EatSmart Digital Body Fat Scale at Amazon It uses bioelectric impedance to estimate your body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and total body water. Accu-Measure Body Fat Caliper at Amazon Endorsed by the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation, the manual tool offers a simple way to measure subcutaneous fat. Yunmai Premium Smart Scale at Amazon A solid, all-inclusive choice, it provides 10 health measurements including muscle mass and visceral fat, and syncs with an app. FITINDEX Bluetooth Body Fat Scale at Amazon A great option for large households, it stores data for an unlimited number of users and provides metrics through its unique app. Tanita BF-679 Body Fat/Body Water Scale at Amazon Though on the bulkier side, it uses bioelectric impedance to accurately calculate your body fat percentage and body water levels. Zinnor Digital Body Fat Analyzer at Amazon This budget-friendly choice features just five buttons for easy control and enough memory for up to nine user profiles. Lightstuff Precision Skinfold Caliper at Amazon Simplified for beginners, these calipers include a quick-start guide so you can get accurate readings every time. Qiorange Digital Display Body Fat Caliper at Amazon The caliper stands out for having a built-in digital display, so you can obtain easy readings of your body fat percentage. Qardio Base2 at Amazon Rechargeable without the need of batteries, it syncs all data via Bluetooth or WiFi and features four specialty modes. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for in a Body Fat Monitor Why Trust Verywell Fit? Withings Body + Body Composition Wi-Fi Scale 5 View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Best Buy 5 Pros Accurate readings Auto user recognition User-friendly Cons Expensive App needs improvement Withings Body+ Body Composition Wi-Fi Scale Review This body fat monitoring scale is an excellent option for the tech-savvy user who is looking for both goal-setting assistance and a sense of accountability. It uses bioelectric impedance to analyze your full body composition, stores data for up to eight people, and automatically recognizes those people when they step on the scale. Then, it syncs with the Health Mate app, which tracks all of these wellness data points over time so you don’t have to record anything manually. Connecting to the app and setting up the scale is simple and easy, and the app hosts a slew of special features for anyone interested in really digging into the many aspects of their health. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Up to eight users—data points stored in app | Smart features: Syncs with health apps via WiFi What Our Testers Say “The scale’s ability to connect to your phone takes it a step above the scales of yesteryear. After the initial setup, the scale automatically sends all measurements to your phone within a few minutes of weigh-in. The ability to track your fitness progress without any manual charts or extra work allows you to focus completely on getting the results you’re after.” — Wendy Bumgardner, Verywell writer and product tester EatSmart Digital Body Fat Scale with Auto Recognition Technology View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Precise measurements Displays English and metric units 400-pound weight capacity Cons Doesn't store data points Doesn't measure BMI EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Bathroom Scale Review This scale uses bioelectric impedance to estimate your body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and total body water, in addition to measuring body weight in 0.2-pound and 0.1-kilogram increments. It can support up to eight user profiles, but it does not store any scale data for those users. After you set up your profile with the scale—providing your height, age, gender, activity level, and an initial weigh-in—it automatically recognizes you when you step on in the future. For ideal results, stand on the scale in bare, dry feet whenever you want a new reading. And remember that people with pacemakers should not use bioelectrical impedance body fat monitors due to the (otherwise harmless) electric current they require to take a measurement. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Up to eight users, but no data points | Smart features: User autorecognition What Our Testers Say “Besides telling you your weight in units of 0.2 pounds or 0.1 kilograms, this scale also uses a small electric current to measure body fat, water, muscle, and bone mass. Up to eight users can store their profiles on the scale and the scale will automatically recognize which person is using it. The scale performed well, but I found myself missing having it display a body mass index.” — Wendy Bumgardner, Verywell writer and product tester Accu-Measure Body Fat Caliper View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Affordable Lightweight Easy to use Cons Requires a second person for proper use Slightly uncomfortable If you have a friend, family member, or trainer who can help you measure your body fat percentage with skinfold calipers, go ahead and snag this very affordable wellness tool. Used by fitness professionals across the globe, skin calipers offer a simple way to measure subcutaneous fat on both men and women. Think of it as a fat-specific measuring tape. These calipers are lightweight, easily portable, and very simple to use. They are also endorsed by the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation as the premiere fat caliper measuring tool on the market. What’s more, folks who are less than tech-savvy tend to prefer manual options such as this one. Key Specifications Style: Calipers | Data memory: None | Smart features: None Yunmai Premium Smart Scale View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 10 health measurements Maps data in a graph format Easy to use Cons Sync trouble between app and scale Can only measure weight without app Just because you’re curious about your body fat percentage doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to this single wellness metric. The YUNMAI Premium Smart Scale provides 10 essential health measurements to help you keep close tabs on your physical fitness: weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, water percentage, bone mass, visceral fat, body mass index, basal metabolic rate, protein, and body age. The scale syncs with a proprietary app (which also syncs with Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit) to provide all of these metrics along with indications of where you fall in low, normal, and high ranges. Without the app, the scale will still tell you how much you weigh. The app can store the data of up to 16 users of a single scale, and it holds endless data points, tracking them in graph and list format for you over time. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Up to 16 users—unlimited data points in app | Smart features: Syncs with a proprietary app, which syncs with Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit, via Bluetooth The 11 Best Smart Scales of 2021 FITINDEX Bluetooth Body Fat Scale View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Fit-index.com Pros 13 body measurements Compares to health benchmarks Data export available Cons Can only measure weight without the app Lacks durability Unlimited users and unlimited data points can be stored in the app for any given scale, and it even lets you select data from specified periods for comparison and export it in a CSV file for long-term storage. Without your phone, you can still see how much you weigh. It syncs with a proprietary app (which also syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health) to provide all of these metrics, along with indications of how your information compares to the average benchmarks of health. Take your fitness data to the next level with the FITINDEX Bluetooth Body Fat Scale. It offers 13 body composition measurements: weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, water percentage, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free body weight, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, total muscle mass, bone mass, protein, basal metabolic rate, and body age. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Unlimited users; unlimited data points in app | Smart features: Syncs with a proprietary app, which syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health, via Bluetooth Tanita BF-679 Body Fat/Body Water Scale View On Amazon View On Thecompetitiveedge.com Pros Simplistic design Accurate measurements Compares to health benchmarks Cons Bulky design Temperamental with foot position Getting back to basics, the Tanita scale shows you the primary readings you need directly on the scale's display, so you can quickly check in on your fitness progress and then get on with the rest of your day. Using bioelectric impedance, the scale accurately calculates your body fat percentage and body water levels, in addition to your total body weight. It also includes a weight-only feature for those who prefer it. The scale can remember data from two users, which load with the press of either of the two buttons on the side panel, instantly comparing their readings to healthy ranges based on user-reported age and gender. It also features a guest mode, which allows anyone to use the scale without impacting the information already assigned to the personal keys. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Up to two users—unlimited data points | Smart features: None The 11 Best Bathroom Scales of 2021 Zinnor Digital Body Fat Analyzer View On Amazon Pros Simple design Easy to control Budget-friendly Cons Not as accurate as the Omron handheld device Looking for a budget-friendly handheld body fat monitor? Try this pick from Zinnor. At a value price, it still does a solid job of reporting your body mass index, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate. Similar to the Omron device, it uses bioelectric impedance in the handgrips to analyze these health factors after accounting for your height, age, weight, and gender. With only five buttons, it’s simple in design and easy to control. It can also store up to nine user profiles and displays new readings in a matter of seconds. It’s a relatively new product with few reviews, but for the price, it’s worth a try. Key Specifications Style: Handheld device | Data memory: Up to nine users—unlimited data points | Smart features: None Lightstuff Precision Skinfold Caliper View On Amazon Pros Includes quick-start guide Properly calibrated 100% money-back guarantee Cons Requires a second person for proper use Slightly uncomfortable 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 up even the most novice of beginners for success. You can also trust that the spring-loaded mechanism is properly calibrated to 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. Key Specifications Style: Calipers | Data memory: None | Smart features: None The 6 Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2020 Qiorange Digital Display LCD Body Fat Caliper Skin Fold Analyzer View On Amazon Pros Best for measuring body fat around the stomach Easy to read and understand Cons Slightly uncomfortable 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 specifically around the stomach, but you can still physically measure the other areas of your body typically included in comprehensive skinfold assessments. For ultimate accuracy, some users recommend measuring the same area with the same technique three times and taking an average of the reported results. These make skinfold assessments more accessible to folks who don’t have a person available to help them use traditional calipers. In addition, the LED display is large enough for easy reading. Key Specifications Style: Calipers | Data memory: None | Smart features: None Qardio Base2 WiFi Smart Scale and Body Analyzer View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Getqardio.com Pros Sleek, modern design Accurate measurements Rechargeable via USB Cons Expensive Buggy internal software The super-sleek Qardio Base2 WiFi Smart Scale provides all the details you need all while looking elegant on your bathroom floor. It accurately calculates weight, BMI, and full body composition, including body fat percentage, muscle mass, water, and bone mass, alerting you with gentle vibrations when your measurements are complete. The disk-shaped scale is rechargeable with the help of a USB cable, so you never have to worry about replacing batteries. Meanwhile, it syncs all data with the Qardio app via Bluetooth or WiFi, and that app easily syncs with Apple Health, Samsung Health, My Fitness Pal, and Google Fit. It automatically recognizes up to eight users, and it features four specialty modes—normal, weight only for individuals with pacemakers, smart feedback, and pregnancy mode. Key Specifications Style: Scale | Data memory: Up to eight users—unlimited data points in app | Smart features: Syncs with a proprietary app, which syncs with Apple Health, Samsung Health, My Fitness Pal, and Google Fit, via Bluetooth or WiFi; user autorecognition; four specialty use modes Final Verdict If you're looking for a smart and reliable scale, you can't go wrong with the Withings Body + Body Composition WiFi Scale (view at Amazon). It provides all of the accurate data you need to stay on top of your health goals, and you can review your progress with a simple swipe of your smartphone screen. If calipers are more your style, keep it simple with Accu-Measure Body Fat Calipers (view at Amazon). They are incredibly affordable and plenty accurate if you know how to use them correctly. (We recommend recruiting the help of a second person when using the caliper method.) Lastly, the Omron HBF-306C Handheld Body Fat Loss Monitor (view at Amazon) is your best bet for a gym bag-friendly pick that you can use with your fit friends. It will help you keep a keen eye on your progress toward your goals so you can stay motivated to keep working hard. Verywell Fit / Joline Buscemi What to Look for in a Body Fat Monitor Style There are three main styles of body fat monitors on the market today—scales, handheld devices, and skinfold calipers. Each style is used differently (and provides varying levels of accuracy) to give you a snapshot of your current body fat percentage, so consider which works best for your lifestyle, preferences, and goals before making a purchase. Scales are home-friendly, handheld devices are ideal for your gym bag, and calipers generally don't require an app or batteries to use. Measurement Handheld monitors and scales often use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition by sending weak electric currents through the body. While these devices make measuring body fat at home easier and more affordable, Lauren Hubert, MS, RD, says they come with limitations. “Not only is BIA impacted by your hydration, but it also tends to overestimate body fatness in lean and athletic individuals and underestimate body fat in obese individuals,” she says. Because of this, Hubert says it’s best to use these devices as a tool to monitor change over time. Skinfold calipers require self-measurements instead of automatic measurements. Hubert warns that they can be difficult to use if you’re not clinically trained to use them, so your measurements can come with inaccuracies. Data memory Most digital body fat measurement devices can store a certain amount of data entries and organize them per user, but this capacity varies dramatically from tool to tool. Such data memory helps users analyze potential trends in body fat percentage changes, further supporting new wellness and lifestyle goals. But if you plan on sharing the device with another person, be sure it offers memory storage for at least two users to keep all data organized and separate. Smart features “If a scale or body composition machine comes with smart features like Bluetooth connection, I think that is a fantastic tool to track your readings,” says Hubert. Luckily, most modern body fat monitors on the market today have the ability to sync with your phone via either Bluetooth or WiFi, making it easier to keep track of your health goals no matter where you are. If you’re really into data, review the specific technical capabilities of a body fat monitor you’re considering before you buy it. “Having the ability to track your readings as months go by is an amazing way to keep track of your progress and statistics,” notes Hubert. However, she advises against recording your body composition daily since the smart features are designed to track changes over longer periods of time. Verywell Fit / Joline Buscemi 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to lose weight? Our nutrition guide can help you get on the right track. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources 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. Goonasegaran AR, Nabila FN, Shuhada NS. Comparison of the effectiveness of body mass index and body fat percentage in defining body composition. Singapore Med J. 2012;53(6):403-8. Khalil SF, Mohktar MS, Ibrahim F. The theory and fundamentals of bioimpedance analysis in clinical status monitoring and diagnosis of diseases. Sensors (Basel). 2014;14(6):10895-10928. Published 2014 Jun 19. doi:10.3390/s140610895 Eaton-Evans J. Nutritional Assessment: Anthropometry. Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition. 3rd. 2013;227-232. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-375083-9.00197-5