Stepping on the scale is usually the most dreaded part of the morning. But in 2026, smart scales have transformed from judgment machines into powerful health tools.
If you are looking to track your fitness progress, you are likely deciding between the ecosystem king, Garmin Index S2, and the specialized health expert, Withings Body Smart. One is built specifically for athletes who live and breathe data; the other is designed for everyday people who want a holistic view of their health. Which one tells the truth about your body?
The Ecosystem: The "Walled Garden" vs. Open Health
This is the single most important factor in your decision.
Garmin Index S2 (The Athlete's Choice)
If you wear a Garmin Forerunner or Fenix watch, this is the only scale you should consider.
The Killer Feature: It syncs your weight data directly to Garmin Connect via Wi-Fi. This allows your watch to automatically update your "VO2 Max," "Power-to-Weight Ratio" (crucial for cyclists), and calorie burn estimates. It is a seamless part of the training ecosystem.
Withings Body Smart (The Universal Choice)
Withings plays nicely with everyone.
The Benefit: It syncs flawlessly with Apple Health, Google Fit, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and even Strava. You are not locked into one brand. If you switch from an iPhone to Android next year, your data moves with you easily.
The "Mental Health" Factor: Eyes Closed Mode
Withings has introduced a feature that is revolutionizing how we interact with scales.
Withings "Eyes Closed" Mode:
Sometimes, seeing the number on the scale can ruin your day or trigger anxiety. In this mode, the screen hides your weight number. Instead, it shows you encouraging messages or simply a graph showing if you are "Trending Up" or "Trending Down." It focuses on the trend, not the number. It is a brilliant feature for mental well-being.
Garmin: Does not have this. It shows you the raw numbers: Weight, BMI, Body Fat %, etc. It is strictly analytical.
The Sensors: Accuracy & Metrics
Both scales use Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)—sending a tiny, painless electrical signal through your feet to estimate fat and muscle.
- Withings Body Smart: Adds a Heart Rate measurement. Every time you weigh yourself, it checks your standing heart rate, which is a great indicator of cardiovascular health. It also measures "Visceral Fat" (the dangerous fat around organs).
- Garmin Index S2: Focuses heavily on Body Water %. For endurance athletes, knowing if you are dehydrated after a long run is critical. Garmin's hydration tracking is top-tier.
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | Withings Body Smart | Garmin Index S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | High-Res Color LCD | High-Res Color LCD |
| Best Integration | Apple Health / Google Fit | Garmin Connect (Exclusive) |
| Unique Mode | Eyes Closed (Hides Weight) | Weather Widget (Shows forecast) |
| Price | ~$100 | ~$150 |
FAQ: Multi-User Support
Can my whole family use it?
Yes. Both scales support up to 8/16 users. They automatically recognize who is standing on the scale based on weight. If two people have a similar weight, the screen asks you to lean left or right to confirm your identity.
Why does my body fat % change daily?
BIA technology is sensitive to hydration. If you drink a liter of water, the scale might read lower body fat (because water conducts electricity better than fat). For consistency, always weigh yourself at the same time (e.g., morning before breakfast).
Buy Garmin Index S2 if: You are already invested in the Garmin ecosystem (watch/bike computer). The automatic data sync for training metrics is worth the extra price.
Buy Withings Body Smart if: You want a versatile, slightly cheaper scale that works with any phone and offers thoughtful features like "Eyes Closed" mode. It is the best scale for 90% of people.