Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi SmartScale Review

First launched 4 years ago, the Fitbit Aria is an expensive, but useful, component in the Fitbit ecosystem. Seamless integration into the Fitbit app and dashboard means that a user can easily see the impact that lifestyle changes driven by the Fitbit tracker are having on weight and lean/fat balance. And, of course, there is no hiding from the SmartScale of shame.

The Aria is manufactured from tempered glass and feels like a high quality bit of kit. Coming in white or black, it has a discrete look that will fit in well with most bathrooms. The device is not fully waterproof, which is a shame from a peace-of-mind standpoint, but is resistant enough to withstand splashing and condensation. In the time I have been using one I have encountered no problems. The backlit display is bright and clear, showing weight (in stone, pounds or kilos), fat percentage and the user for whom the measurements are being recorded.

Setting up the Aria is a little complicated, requiring a smartphone or laptop to hand in order to connect it to your home Wi-Fi. Once configured, the Aria appears within the Fitbit dashboard. One point worth noting is that to manage the Aria, you must use the Fitbit web site (and will need a Fitbit account), sadly the smartphone app is only useful for reporting weight rather than any configuration.

Weights recorded on the Aria initially show up as “Guest” in the management dashboard. To add users, the management tools must be used to send invitations to other Fitbit users. Once accepted, those measurements can then be assigned and the user’s initials will show up on the Aria display itself. The Aria is then able to differentiate users assuming there are no wild swings in mass between weigh-ins.

The Aria is simple to use, stepping on the scale will activate it. Weight and Fat percentage are measured to a good degree of accuracy and uploaded to the user’s profile on the Fitbit website. The display shows the measurements, initials and finally a synchronisation indicator while the data is transferred. Shortly afterwards the data is viewable in the Fitbit app or web site.

The Aria sips power from the 4 AA batteries required – one set should last a year or more.

In conclusion, the Aria is a little pricey, but has a high quality feel to it and if you are already a Fitbit user the seamless integration is a big positive. If, like me, you need help in staying honest about your weight then this is a good weapon to have in your fitness armoury.