Consistency matters more than features
A basic digital scale that gives the same reading twice in a row, weighed a minute apart, is more useful for weekly tracking than a feature-heavy smart scale with inconsistent measurements. Accuracy and repeatability are what you’re actually buying, not extra metrics.
What extra features are, and aren’t, worth
Body composition estimates (body fat percentage, water percentage) from consumer bathroom scales are generally far less accurate than the weight reading itself, since they rely on assumptions that vary a lot between individuals. Treating those numbers as rough trend indicators at best, not precise measurements, avoids over-relying on them.
Placement and technique matter as much as the scale itself
A hard, level floor gives more consistent readings than carpet. Weighing at the same time of day, ideally before eating or drinking, removes a source of variation that has nothing to do with the scale’s quality.
Smart scales and apps
Some scales sync automatically to a phone app, which can be a convenient way to maintain a log without manual entry, provided the app itself is one you’re comfortable continuing to use for months. A manual log with a basic scale beats an abandoned app with a fancier one.
The bottom line
A simple, reliable scale used consistently beats an elaborate one used sporadically. Consistency is the feature that actually matters for a weekly trend.