Have you ever stepped on a scale after a long period of working out, only to see the same number as before? While it might be disappointing, it doesn’t necessarily mean your fat loss goals haven’t been progressing. If you want to better understand what’s happening with your body composition, a smart scale can help.
Hume Health Body Pod and Withings Body Scan are among the better-known body-analysis scales on the market. But which one is worth the investment? Read on to compare these options before making a purchase.
Smart body composition scales overview
Both Hume Health Body Pod and Whithings Body Scan seem to be well worth the hype, yet they greatly differ in prices, features, and benefits. Before reading an in-depth comparison, check out this quick overview:
| Product | Hume Health Body Pod | Withings Body Scan |
| *Price | $183.04 | $499.95 |
| Best for | Detailed body composition and fitness tracking | Cardiovascular health and core composition tracking |
| Dimensions | 12.7 × 12.7 × 1.1 in | 12.8 × 12.8 × 1.1 in |
| Max users | 24 | 8 |
| App name | Hume Health | Withings |
| Battery life | One year per single charge | One year per single charge |
| Warranty | One year, with possible extension | Two years |
*Current deals apply
What is Hume Health Body Pod?
Hume Health Body Pod is a body composition device designed to efficiently support your fitness goals. The underlying idea is tracking various body metrics via eight frequency sensors embedded in the handle.
Using a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), Body Pod sends electrical signals and monitors how it moves through muscles, fat layers, and bones. The provider claims this device can scan your legs, torso, arms, and heart with 98% accuracy.
Additionally, Hume Health Body Pod can be connected to your Hume Band via the Hume Health app. This feature lets you track not just body composition but metrics like sleep, recovery, strain, and more. Logging your habits might help get a clearer picture of how to adjust behaviors, improve longevity, and reach your fitness goals.
Evaluation
Start seeing the full picture of your health with the Hume Body Pod, tracking data with 98% accuracy using advanced sensors.
What is Withings Body Scan?
Withings Body Scan is a premium smart scale that offers segmental body composition features. Compared to Hume Health Body Pod, it monitors fewer metrics but includes cardiovascular and nerve health measurements.
This device uses multi-lead electrocardiography (ECG), with sensors in the handle and on the scale to read the heart's electrical signals from a few different angles. Unlike smartwatches that monitor heart rate from one point, this method is more accurate and might spot heart rhythm problems.
The provider claims it developed Body Scan with input from neurologic specialists to deliver nervous-system tracking technology. The device can be used to monitor peripheral autonomic nerve activity, which refers to signals transmitted by the nervous system to help regulate essential bodily functions.
Besides all that, Withings Body Scan can be synced with the Withings app to view the metrics, get AI-driven personalized insights, and set goals. Other Withings devices can be connected through this app as well, resulting in more in-depth, context-based observations of your body’s condition.
Evaluation
Comparison of devices: metrics and features
Hume Health Body Pod and Withings Body Scan greatly differ in the amount of metrics they track. While the latter monitors eight distinct metrics, Hume Health’s device boasts 45. That said, not everyone needs so many features — what matters most depends on personal priorities.
Hume Health Body Pod includes additional derived health metrics like metabolic age, protein levels, and more. On the other hand, Withings Body Scan monitors heart rhythm, nerve health, and vascular age. Other than these metrics, both devices track:
- Weight. Like most scales, these devices can use pressure sensors to measure total body weight.
- Body fat. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis at different frequencies, Body Pod and Body Scan can estimate total body fat percentage.
- Lean body mass. Both devices can calculate non-fat composition metrics using the same bioelectrical impedance analysis frequencies.
- Skeletal muscle mass. Total and segmental skeletal muscle mass are measured with 8-point bioelectrical impedance analysis through the hands and feet.
- Segmental body composition. By sending soft electrical currents through the body, both smart scales can assess fat layers and muscles of the arms, legs, and torso.
- Visceral fat. These devices can estimate visceral fat levels based on impedance patterns of fat in the abdominal area.
- Bone mass. They can both indirectly estimate bone mass from impedance patterns.
- Total body water. Body Pod and Body Scan can assess total water by using impedance resistance metrics.
- Basal metabolic rate. After receiving information about retained water, muscle, fat, bone mass, as well as age and sex, both devices can calculate basal metabolic rate.
Comparison of devices: value and benefits
When comparing price-to-value balance, Hume Health Body Pod stands out as the more worthwhile device. In addition to tracking a large number of metrics, it is priced at $183.04 with the HEALTH20 discount code, making Body Pod a real catch.
The brand offers a 1-year warranty that can be extended to 10 years for an additional fee. Plus, a 45-day money-back guarantee is provided if the product is not to your liking.
Withings Body Scan is a more high-end smart scale, priced at $499.95 on the official brand website. However, the brand claims to use medical-grade technology, offering heart rhythm, arteries, and nervous system monitoring on top of all basic body composition measurements.
It comes with a non-extendable 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Note that while the warranty only applies to manufacturing problems, some additional clauses might depend on local laws.
Comparison of devices: app usability
Both Hume Health Body Pod and Withings Body Scan must be synced to their respective apps to access the full range of metrics, trends, and insights. In this category, Body Scan takes the lead thanks to the strengths of the Withings app.
One of the most notable advantages of Withings Body Scan is that it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This option is rather uncommon among similar devices but is appreciated for its greater flexibility. The Withings app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and supports up to 14 languages. It is highly rated by users as well, earning a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and a 4.3/5 rating on Google Play.
As for Hume Health Body Pod, it syncs via Bluetooth using the Hume Health app. It is also available on both iOS and Android devices, but supports only 5 languages: English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. User ratings are slightly lower than those of the Withings app, with a 4.2 out of 5 score on the App Store and a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Google Play.
Final verdict
Deciding which smart scale to purchase is definitely a challenge. Both Hume Health Body Pod and Withings Body Scan have their distinct strengths worth highlighting, as well as some limitations to consider.
Hume Health Body Pod is a strong option for those seeking a price-to-value balance, with a focus on longevity and improving physical performance. Alternatively, Withings Body Scan suits people who are looking for a scale centered on overall well-being. It’s designed to monitor cardiovascular and nervous system health using the ECG technology. Ultimately, whichever smart scale you choose will be a worthwhile investment in yourself.
FAQ
Can Hume Health Body Pod be used by more than one person?
Yes, Hume Health Body Pod automatically recognizes at least 24 users by syncing mobile devices to the Hume Health app
Can I extend the Withings Body Scan scale’s warranty?
No. Withings Body Scan comes with a non-extendable 2-year warranty that covers defects caused by manufacturing.
What is the app name for Hume Health Body Pod?
Hume Health is the official app for both Body Pod and Hume Band.
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