Health Devices & Smart Scales

How to shop for health devices and smart scales online

Blood pressure monitors. Upper-arm cuffs are generally more reliable than wrist monitors. Measure your upper arm circumference and choose the matching cuff size; a cuff that is too small reads high and one that is too large reads low. Look for a monitor that has been clinically validated (validatebp.org lists devices that meet validation criteria in the US). Useful features include multi-user memory, irregular heartbeat detection and app logging you can export for your doctor. Take readings at the same time each day, seated, with your arm supported at heart level.

Smart scales. Body weight readings are reliable; body fat, muscle mass and other metrics are estimates from bioelectrical impedance and swing with hydration, time of day and recent exercise. Weigh at the same time each day and watch trends, not single readings. Check app compatibility with Apple Health, Google Fit or other platforms you use, and confirm the user limit if a household will share the scale. People with pacemakers or implanted devices should not use impedance scales without medical advice.

Rapid tests and thermometers. Check expiration dates on test kits (and whether the FDA has extended them), what the test detects (COVID only or combination COVID, flu and RSV) and the storage temperature range. Infrared forehead thermometers are quick; oral or rectal digital thermometers are more accurate for infants.

Pulse oximeters. Fingertip oximeters give a reasonable reading for most people but can be less accurate with cold fingers, nail polish and, as the FDA has noted, darker skin pigmentation. Use them for trends and seek care for symptoms regardless of the number.

Massagers. For massage guns, compare stall force, amplitude (stroke depth), noise level and attachment heads. Eye massagers and compression leg massagers are comfort devices; if you have circulation problems, talk to a doctor first.

Returns and warranty. iHealth requires an RMA, unused items in original packaging and prepaid return shipping within 30 days of shipment, and face masks are non-returnable. Renpho charges return shipping on personal-reason returns, and its shipping and refund pages word restocking fees differently, so ask before returning. Some thermometers and oximeters carry an extra per-unit shipping fee at iHealth.

Budget tiers. Thermometers and oximeters run $10 to $40. Good upper-arm blood pressure monitors and smart scales cost $30 to $100. Massage guns and leg compression systems run $60 to $300.

Which brand fits which buyer

• Adults tracking blood pressure who want app logs to share with a doctor: iHealth Labs.
• Families stocking combo COVID, flu and RSV tests for the season: iHealth Labs, within the contiguous US.
• Caregivers needing dual-user memory and readable displays: iHealth Labs.
• Trend trackers wanting an app-connected body composition scale: Renpho.
• Desk workers, runners and gift shoppers after an eye massager, massage gun or leg compression system: Renpho.