In our labs, we test bathroom scales for their accuracy, consistency, ease of use, and unbalanced weighing.
To test accuracy, we use a calibrated lab scale that displays the correct weight to the hundredth of a pound as our reference. We weigh seven different amounts ranging from 25 to 200 pounds, and compare the readings from each bathroom scale with those of the lab scale.
To test consistency, we take multiple readings of each weight on each scale and compare them.
To test unbalanced weighing, our tester stands in different positions on each scale to see whether the readings change.
To score ease of use, we assess how easy it is to see the numbers on the display and adjust the scale to your preferences, and whether you can read the scale without turning on a light.
For smart scales, we also evaluate connectivity, the ease of use of any product-specific application (i.e., the Wyze app for Wyze scales), and extra features like whether a scale auto-saves, whether it has automatic weight tracking for tracking progress over time, and how long it takes for a reading to be displayed after the user steps onto it. We score all of this under the category “Smart IQ.”
