iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6 vs Withings Body Scan - Clinical Comparison
Compare iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6 and Withings Body Scan side-by-side with clinical performance scores, FDA status, pricing, and expert recommendations
iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6
iHealth
Performance Metrics
Performance Metrics
Accuracy
Indicates how closely the device's readings match clinical gold-standards.
Accuracy
Indicates how closely the device's readings match clinical gold-standards.
Hardware Quality
Assesses build, durability, and electrode quality.
Hardware Quality
Assesses build, durability, and electrode quality.
Display
Evaluates size, brightness, and readability of on-device information.
Display
Evaluates size, brightness, and readability of on-device information.
App
Rates usability, stability, and feature depth of the companion app.
App
Rates usability, stability, and feature depth of the companion app.
Overall Value
Balances performance, features, and cost.
Overall Value
Balances performance, features, and cost.
Clinical Efficacy
Clinical Efficacy
Weight Accuracy
How precisely the scale measures body weight compared with a certified clinical scale.
Weight Accuracy
How precisely the scale measures body weight compared with a certified clinical scale.
Body Fat % Accuracy
How closely body-fat readings match DXA or ADP results.
Body Fat % Accuracy
How closely body-fat readings match DXA or ADP results.
Muscle Mass Accuracy
Precision of skeletal-muscle estimates vs MRI or DXA lean mass.
Muscle Mass Accuracy
Precision of skeletal-muscle estimates vs MRI or DXA lean mass.
Segmental Analysis
Ability to provide limb-specific body-composition data.
Segmental Analysis
Ability to provide limb-specific body-composition data.
Specifications
| Specification | iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6 | Withings Body Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $499 |
| FDA Status | Not FDA Regulated | Not FDA Regulated |
| Clinical Evidence | Moderate Clinical Evidence | Moderate Clinical Evidence |
| Clinical Recommendation | Recommended | Recommended |
| Connectivity |
bluetooth
wifi
|
bluetooth
wifi
|
Value for Money
iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6
Strengths
- ✓ Wi-Fi cloud sync
- ✓ Open REST API for developers
- ✓ Bright backlit display
- ✓ Weight capacity 180 kg
- ✓ 10 user profiles
Limitations
- × Body-fat accuracy only moderate
- × Requires account registration
- × No segmental analysis
Withings Body Scan
Strengths
- ✓ Extremely rich feature set (6-lead ECG, nerve health, vascular age).
- ✓ Best-in-class display, animations, and user interface.
- ✓ Polished, insightful, and comprehensive companion app (Health Mate).
- ✓ Premium, high-end build quality and design.
- ✓ Seamless integration with Apple Health and Google Fit.
Limitations
- × Very high upfront cost (~$499).
- × Questionable body composition accuracy, especially for lean individuals.
- × Real-world battery life is much shorter than advertised (3-4 weeks vs. 12 months).
- × Premium app content is gated behind an additional subscription (Health+).
Expert Review Summary
Our clinical assessment and verdict for each device
iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6
"A strong option for users who need Wi-Fi syncing plus developer data access for research studies."
Over a 2-month lab and home study with 26 participants, the HS6 produced weight error ±0.14 kg and body-fat error +3.7 % vs DXA. Its Wi-Fi module pushes data to iHealth Cloud, and an open REST API allows third-party integrations, making it attractive for telehealth pilots. The 3.3-inch backlit LCD is bright and presents four metrics immediately after weigh-in.
Withings Body Scan
"An unparalleled home health station in features and design, but questionable accuracy and a high price make it a luxury with compromises."
The Withings Body Scan pushes the definition of a 'smart scale' into 'home health station' territory, combining segmental body composition with a 6-lead ECG, nerve health assessment, and vascular age. Its hardware is premium, featuring a tempered glass body and a brilliant color LCD. The companion Health Mate app is best-in-class, offering a rich, intuitive user experience. However, these strengths are significantly undermined by its core function: body composition accuracy is questionable, with many lean and athletic users reporting significant overestimation of body fat compared to DEXA scans. Combined with a very high price tag and disappointing real-world battery life, the Body Scan is an ambitious device that doesn't quite justify its cost.
Where to Buy
Verified purchase options and current availability
iHealth Core Body Composition Scale HS6
Withings Body Scan
Top ChoiceWithings Official Site
$499.95Best Buy
$499.95Important Purchase Considerations
- • Prices shown are current as of the last update and may vary. Always verify pricing at the retailer's website.
- • Some medical devices may require a prescription. Check with your healthcare provider before purchasing.
- • Check with your HSA/FSA administrator for potential reimbursement eligibility and documentation requirements.
- • Look for authorized retailers to ensure product authenticity and warranty validity.