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. 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 aflawed 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. Our Top Picks Best Investment Scale: Best Smart Scale: WW by Conair Bluetooth Body Analysis Bathroom Scale at Amazon ($50) Best Budget Smart Scale: Best Digital Skinfold Calipers: Best Manual Skinfold Calipers: Best Skinfold Calipers for Beginners: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand How We Selected and Tested Our Experts What to Look for Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit 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 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 Best for families with multiple users who want the convenience of a digital display and lots of data. 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. 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 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 Best for users who like lots of data and are prepared to invest in a quality scale. 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. 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 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 Best for users who are motivated by receiving rewards for successfully progressing toward their fitness goals. 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. 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 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 Best for users who are new to smart body fat monitors and want to try one out without spending a lot. 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. 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. 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 Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: Reads measurements in millimeters or inches and shows measurements digitally on large display Best for users looking for a portable measuring system that is very accurate and easy to read. 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. Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Easy to use Cons Requires a second person for proper use Slightly uncomfortable at first Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: None 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. 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. 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 Style: Calipers | Data Memory: None | Smart Features: None Best for users who are new to body fat measurement as a health metric and have never used calipers before. 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. The 6 Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2020 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: 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. 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: We interviewed three experts to understand what key features make body fat monitors effective and easy to use. These experts also gave us tips on how to use different types of body fat monitors and explained any limitations that consumers should be aware of when using these devices. More on our experts: 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 Men 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. 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. 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.Verywell Fit FYI
Best Overall
Fitindex Wi-Fi Bluetooth Body Fat Scale
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Investment Scale
Withings Body Comp Smart Scale
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Smart Scale
WW by Conair Bluetooth Body Analysis Bathroom Scale
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Budget Smart Scale
Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Others We Like
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Body Fat Monitors We Also Tested
Where We Stand
How We Selected and Tested the Best Body Fat Monitors
Our Experts
What to Look for in a Body Fat Monitor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal body fat percentage for my age?
What does a body fat measurement tell you?
What measures should I consider in addition to body fat for optimal health?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jump to Review
See Also
Step aside BMI, body composition tests are on the rise. Here's what to knowBMI has its flaws. Is the 'body roundness index' any better?The Precision Nutrition Body Fat CalculatorFree BMI Calculator - Check Your Body Mass Index In Seconds - Blog - HealthifyMeSee Also
What Is Body Mass Index (BMI)?