You may know the popular fitness tracker brand Fitbit for its wearable devices and step counting, but did you know the brand also manufactures a smart scale? While fitness trackers (like the one we tested for our Fitbit Charge 4 review) are the focal point of the brand’s identity, we wanted to see if its smart scale stood up to the other products in the Fitbit lineup.
In our Fitbit Aria Air review, our expert product tester ordered the smart scale to find out more about what what if offers and how it fits in with other Fitbit products. Let’s get started.
We Know Fitness Technology
Your friends at Garage Gym Reviews are fitness industry experts with a collectively wide range of expertise as gym owners, Olympic-level athletes, certified personal trainers, and certified nutrition coaches. We have tested and reviewed tons of fitness technology products including the best fitness trackers, headphones, apps, training programs, and weight loss programs.
Our experts are committed to helping you reach your fitness goals by testing and reviewing products so you have a better understanding of the product you’re buying. We’d rather you make quality purchases and fully utilize your investments.
For this Fitbit Aria Air review, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, and GGR Head of Content, ordered the smart scale and used it for several weeks prior to giving her full review. During the assessment, she used our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology to score a variety of categories including price, weight capacity, accuracy, and available data.
Fitbit Aria Air
FitBit Aria Air
Product Highlights
- Smart scale from Fitbit
- Displays weight data for unlimited users
- Wirelessly syncs with FitBit app via Bluetooth
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in two colors: white and black
- View trends/progress with charts and graphs in FitBit app
- Unlimited different users able to sync with scale
- Affordable for a smart scale
Cons
- Requires FitBit account
- Does not store data
- Measurements and reading limited
- Only connects via Bluetooth to the Fitbit app
Bottom Line
Fitbit Aria Air is a smart scale that wirelessly sends data from the scale to the FitBit app. It allows up to eight different users. The scale will automatically determine the user based on weight, so you’ll have to select yourself if your weight is similar to another user registered on the scale. It does require the FitBit app and account, so if you’re not already using Fitbit products, you may want to look elsewhere. Some customers did find the connectivity to be inconsistent.
A Quick Look at the Fitbit Aria Air
Fitbit started in 2007 with a humble clip-on device that could track steps, distance, and calories burned. Since then, it’s become a household name with an extensive line of fitness trackers and smart watches.
While the brand is known for fitness trackers, the Aria Air smart scale was launched in 2019 with the intention of syncing to the Fitbit app to track weight alongside other fitness metrics from Fitbit-branded wearable devices.
RELATED: Best Workout App
Before You Buy
- Our tester thinks the Aria Air is the best investment for those who already use a Fitbit tracker and are in the Fitbit ecosystem.
- The Fitbit Aria Air does not connect to any other apps other than the Fitbit app.
- The Aria Air can be used with up to 8 different profiles.
RELATED: Best Fitbit Devices
Is the Fitbit Aria Air Worth It?
During our testing process of several different smart scales, the prices ranged from $50 to $150 per scale. That said, the Fitbit Aria Air earns a 5-star rating from Nicole with a price tag of $49.95 on both the Fitbit website and Amazon.
While Nicole was pleased with the price, she notes the purchase doesn’t make sense for people who don’t already use Fitbit products. “I’m already in the Fitbit ecosystem with my Fitbit Sense 2 smart watch, but if you are not already a Fitbit user, I’m not sure it’s worth it,” says Nicole.
Great for:
- Fitbit users
- Tracking body weight and BMI
- Folks under 400 lbs
Not recommended for:
- Folks looking body composition tracking
- Anyone with a pacemaker
- People who are pregnant
Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scale Specs
| Price | $49.95 |
| Dimensions | 11.8” L x 11.8” W x 1” H |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs |
| Max user weight | 400 lbs |
| Materials | Tempered glass platform, ABS bottom housing |
| Display | LCD screen |
| Power requirements | 3 AAA batteries, no outlet required |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| App compatibility | Fitbit app (iOS or Android devices) |
| Colorways | Black or white |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Setting Up and Using the Fitbit Aria Air
Getting started with the Fitbit Aria Air was super easy for GGR Expert Tester and Certified Personal Trainer Nicole Davis. Nicole already wears and uses the Fitbit Sense 2, so she had the Fitbit app downloaded on her phone when she unboxed the smart scale.
For that reason, the set up was seamless and earned a 5-out-of-5-star rating. Nicole is also confident if you’re new to Fitbit products, downloading and navigating the app for the first time shouldn’t be a problem.
The Fitbit app has two options: free or premium. Regardless of your membership status, you will be able to use the smart scale to track your weight and view your metrics on the Fitbit dashboard. The Aria Air smart scale also has the ability to track multiple users, which means it isn’t limited to reporting data on only one family member.
When it comes to using the Fitbit Aria Air, Nicole is not sure it offers much more than a bathroom scale. She mentions it can track weight within her Fitbit account, which is a nice-to-have feature, but ultimately the Aria Air is essentially a digital scale with Bluetooth.
Additionally, it’s worth noting the brand warns to not use the Aria Air smart scale if you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device. Pregnant people should avoid the smart scale, as well as children under 13.
RELATED: Best Weight Loss App
Available Data on Fitbit Aria Air
Nicole scored the Fitbit Aria Air at 3 out of 5 stars for available data. The Aria Air can measure your body weight and provide you with your body mass index (BMI) which is a measurement solely based on your height and weight.
The app automatically tracks weigh-ins, but you’ll need to open the app before stepping on the scale. This makes it easy to track your weight and BMI progress. However, it leaves a bit to be desired because some smart scales are able to track more advanced metrics like body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, body water percentage, and bone mass.
Nicole mentions when she opens the app there is a graph for body fat percentage, but it’s blank and she hasn’t had success in figuring out how to measure body fat with the Fitbit scale. “It’s fine for what I need. Again, you aren’t already a Fitbit user, I’m not sure this would be worth it,” says Nicole.
RELATED: Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6 Review
Accuracy and Weight Capacity
The Fitbit Aria Air smart scale earns 4.5 out of 5 stars when it comes to accuracy. Nicole tested the accuracy of the Fitbit scale against her kitchen weight scale.
She weighed an unopened bottle of ketchup. On her kitchen scale it weighed in at 2 pounds and 14.6 ounces, which is about 2.875 pounds. On the Aria Air, the ketchup bottle was 3 pounds exactly. “This is pretty accurate, so I only docked a half-point in this category,” says Nicole.
Additionally, the weight capacity is 400 pounds, which earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating. Scales with a capacity over 400 pounds earn our highest rating.
RELATED: Garmin Forerunner 965 Review
Technology Features
For full functionality, you’ll want to use your smartphone’s Bluetooth connection to sync the scale with the Fitbit app. The Fitbit app is available on Apple iOS or Android devices. The Bluetooth smart scale is also compatible with Fitbit fitness trackers and smartwatches, which also aggregates wellness data to the Fitbit app.
Nicole scored the technology features category at a low 1-star rating. Higher scores are reserved for smart scales with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the ability to connect with third-party apps (like Apple Health or Google Fit), and other name brand devices (like Garmin, Samsung, or Apple Watch).
“This is a Fitbit product through and through. You have to be committed to the Fitbit ecosystem for this product to make sense,” says Nicole.
RELATED: Apple Watch Series 6 Review
Fitbit Aria Air vs Withings Body Composition Scale
Withings Scale
Withings Body Smart Body Composition Scale
Product Highlights
- Smart scale
- Priced under $100
- Tracks weight and body composition
- Can read heart rate
- Syncs with Withings app
- Connects with Apple Health or Google Fit
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides body composition metrics
- FSA/HSA eligible
- Battery operated
Cons
- Not 100% accurate
- Buggy app
Bottom Line
The Withings Body Smart scale not only tracks your weight on the scale and in the app, it can provide bone density, muscle fat, body fat, and heart rate readings.
At the time of writing this review, our team of experts is still undergoing testing of smart scales on other brands. While we haven’t yet completed our testing on the Withings Body Composition Scale, it’s an interesting comparison to the Fitbit Aria Air because of the additional body composition metrics it can provide.
The Withings scale can track body fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, bone mass, and even your heart rate. There are quite a few customer reviews on Amazon stating that the metrics aren’t accurate, but one customer notes that they use it to see if their metrics are trending in the right direction, and don’t get too concerned about a 100% accurate baseline.
Fitbit Aria Air also differs from the Withings scale because it only has a Blueooth connection, while the Withings has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
RELATED: Best Heart Rate Monitors
| Fitbit Aria Air | Withings Body Composition Scale | |
| Price | $49.95 | $99.95 on Amazon |
| Metrics | Weight, BMI | Weight, body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat, heart rate |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| App compatibility | Fitbit app | Withings app, Apple Health, Google Fit |
Customer Experience
If you run into issues with your smart scale, device, or app there is an extensive FAQ section on the Fitbit website with several subcategories including setup, accounts, and user manuals.
It’s worth mentioning that Google owns Fitbit as of 2020 and the general inquiry form that’s typically easy to navigate on any given brand’s website is a little more complicated for Fitbit.
You’ll have to scroll all the way down through the FAQ section and click the “contact us” button, followed by the “customer support” button. This brings you to a new tab, which is essentially just a Google form. It doesn’t give you a customer support line to call right away, you’ll need to answer several questions before getting there.
Nicole didn’t need to contact support, but in general our testers don’t appreciate when companies don’t have straightforward contact methods. That said, she still scored customer experience 4 out of 5 stars. She appreciates that the Aria Air has a 1-year warranty and 45-day return window. Just keep in mind you’ll need the original packaging for returns.
Customer Reviews
On Amazon, the Fitbit Aria Air has over 7,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. There are several customer reviews noting they had the older model, Aria 2, and it was easier to use and tracked more stats, like body fat percentage. Unreliable connectivity is a common complaint among reviews, as well. However, there are many customers who are totally satisfied with metrics, accuracy, and connectivity.
Final Verdict of Our Fitbit Aria Air Review
If you are a Fitbit user and want a scale that syncs with your Fitbit dashboard, this is an excellent smart scale option. Our tester, Nicole, found the Aria Air smart scale to be fairly accurate and modern-looking, and she liked that it comes in black or white.
However, if you’re looking for a home scale with more detailed body composition metrics (like body fat percentage or bone density) then this is not the best smart scale for your home.
Full Rating
Fitbit Aria Air
Fitbit Aria Air is a smart scale that wirelessly sends data from the scale to the FitBit app. It allows up to eight different users. The scale will automatically determine the user based on weight, so you’ll have to select yourself if your weight is similar to another user registered on the scale. It does require the FitBit app and account, so if you’re not already using Fitbit products, you may want to look elsewhere. Some customers did find the connectivity to be inconsistent.
Product Brand: Fitbit
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.8
Fitbit Aria Air Review: FAQs
Is the Fitbit Aria Air worth it?
For Fitbit users, the Aria Air smart scale may be worth the $50 purchase if you’re looking for a basic scale with Bluetooth capability to sync with your Fitbit app. You’ll be able to track your weigh-ins and BMI, but don’t expect a detailed body composition reading.
Does Aria Air calculate body fat?
No, the Fitbit Aria Air does not calculate body fat, it measures body weight and BMI.
What does Fitbit Aria Air do?
The Fitbit Aria Air smart scale measures body weight and BMI and syncs the measurements to your Fitbit app dashboard.
How accurate is the Fitbit Aria?
Our GGR expert fitness equipment tester found the Fitbit Aria Air smart scale to be accurate, give or take about 2 ounces.
