Withings ScanWatch Light Review: A Stylish Hybrid for Health Tracking
In today’s crowded smartwatch market, finding a device that balances comprehensive health tracking with a sleek, minimalist design can be a challenge. However, the Withings ScanWatch Light aims to bridge that gap, offering a compelling hybrid smartwatch experience. Let’s dive into what makes this device stand out (and where it might fall short).
Detailed Review
The Withings ScanWatch Light distinguishes itself as a hybrid smartwatch, blending the classic aesthetics of an analog watch with the smart functionalities of a fitness tracker. This approach immediately appeals to those who appreciate traditional watch designs but still desire advanced health and activity monitoring capabilities. The ScanWatch Light features a subtle, integrated PMOLED display that shows key metrics like steps, notifications, and heart rate, which remains mostly hidden until activated, preserving the watch’s elegant look.
Health and Fitness Tracking: The ScanWatch Light excels in health tracking. Its 24/7 heart rate monitoring provides valuable insights, alerting you to unusually high or low readings. The overnight heart rate variability tracking offers a deeper understanding of your overall health trends. Furthermore, the menstrual cycle guide is a welcomed addition for women, allowing the logging of cycle phases, symptoms, and moods for a personalized routine.
The device is competent when it comes to activity tracking as well, automatically recognizing 40+ activities, and offering heart rate zone information during workouts. Fitness Level assessment through VO2 max estimation is useful and the connected GPS (via your smartphone) provides reasonably accurate tracking of outdoor activities. It’s important to note that unlike some higher-end smartwatches, this device relies on your phone for GPS data, which might be a drawback for some users.
Sleep Monitoring: The sleep tracker is a standout feature, providing a detailed Sleep Quality Score and breaking down your sleep into light, deep, duration, disturbances, interruptions, and regularity. This detailed analysis allows for meaningful adjustments to your sleep habits to improve energy levels.
Battery Life and Durability: Withings boasts an impressive 30-day battery life on a single charge. In real-world testing, this claim mostly holds up, though heavy usage with frequent notifications and activity tracking may reduce it. Still, compared to smartwatches that need daily charging, the ScanWatch Light offers remarkable longevity. The premium materials contribute to its durability, making it suitable for everyday wear and workouts.
Software and Compatibility: The HealthSense OS is a proprietary system designed by Withings. It offers a streamlined and secure experience, leveraging on-device machine learning to process health data efficiently. The watch pairs easily with both Android and iOS devices via the free Withings app, which provides a comprehensive view of your health data and allows for customization of notifications and reminders.
Design and Comfort: The ScanWatch Light features a minimalist design with an FKM (fluoroelastomer) wristband with stainless steel buckle. The wristband is comfortable enough for 24/7 wear, though some may prefer swapping it out for a different style. The watch itself is lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent 30-day Battery Life | Relies on Phone for GPS |
| Comprehensive Health Tracking Features (HR, Sleep, Cycle) | PMOLED display is small and limited |
| Stylish and Minimalist Hybrid Design | Not a full-featured smartwatch (no apps) |
| Comfortable for 24/7 Wear | Limited Smart Features compared to full Smartwatches |
| FSA & HSA Eligible |
Excellent Alternatives
- Fitbit Charge 5 – Offers similar fitness tracking capabilities with a brighter display.
- Garmin Venu Sq 2 – A great choice if you prioritize built-in GPS and a broader range of sports tracking profiles.
- Withings ScanWatch – The “bigger brother” of ScanWatch Light, offering ECG and SpO2 monitoring.
Final Verdict
The Withings ScanWatch Light strikes a good balance between a traditional watch and a modern fitness tracker. Its long battery life, comprehensive health tracking features, and stylish design make it a compelling choice for users who want a discreet and reliable health companion. While the reliance on connected GPS and the limited display may be drawbacks for some, the ScanWatch Light offers excellent value for those prioritizing health insights and a classic aesthetic.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5
