RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro review: An excellent smart scale for family life

TechRadar Verdict Sitting in the mid-range of body scales, the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro delivers outstanding accuracy across the board. The separation of fat and muscle metrics across five body zones sets the 8E Pro apart from cheaper alternatives. On the flip side, the lack of heart health tracking shows its limitations compared to more expensive smart scales such as the Withings BodyScan 2. The overall build quality is solid, although the TFT-LCD display could be more robust. Reasons to buy +Quick results +Measurements across five body zones +Well designed and engineered +Easy-to-use app Reasons to avoid -TFT-LCD display feels cheap -Pretty basic app -No heart health tracking Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Jump To: One minute review Specifications Price and availability Design Features Performance Scorecard Should I buy? Also consider How I tested RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: One minute reviewThe RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro is one of the best smart scales designed for ease of health monitoring for the entire family, fitness enthusiasts who want metrics on their body fat and muscle, and general users desiring to track their body composition over time.The smart scale delivers 28 metrics, which, for this price, is rather impressive. There’s also a pregnancy and baby mode, which offers safe measurements thanks to its zero-current technology (as opposed to most smart scales, which use electrical currents sent through the body to determine body composition). The only features I was left craving were heart-related, including heart rate and blood oxygen.During testing, almost all results were within reasonable variation compared to the more expensive Withings BodyScan 2. Seven of the metrics are clearly displayed on the large color LCD display, with the full array of data presented in the easy-to-use Starfit app. If you can’t justify the extra spend, then the 8E Pro is a solid alternative to the top-range Withings.Latest Videos FromTechRadarSetting up the smart scale was easy thanks to the step-by-step guide in the app and a strong Bluetooth signal. I liked the ability to create multiple profiles so that every member of my family could use it. I also appreciated that it automatically detects who is standing on the scale, based on its previously recorded measurements.The scale itself is well-built with 6mm tempered glass and gold-colored electrodes. The black plastic material used throughout the base and handlebar is solid and robust, with no concerns that damage would be done to the internals. (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)The display is a TFT-LCD, which delivers when it comes to clarity, brightness, and definition. Unfortunately, the display is covered by a thin layer of plastic that is flexible enough to allow a user to press it in and touch the screen itself, potentially causing damage.All in, the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro is a respectable smart scale that delivers accurate results inside a solid, compact body. If you can forgo heart health measurements and don’t mind a cheap-feeling display in comparison to the rest of the scale, then this smart scale will deliver everything you need.Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxSign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: Specifications Swipe to scroll horizontally Component RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro Price $219.99 USD / £218 GBP Dimensions 14.92 x 16.96 x 2.75 in / 38 x 43 x 7 cm Weight 5.29 lbs / 2.4 kg Material 6 mm tempered glass Display TFT-LCD Battery 1x Lithium Polymer Battery, USB Type-C Connection Bluetooth RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: Price and availability$219.99 USD / £218 GBPNot available in AustraliaExpensive but premium qualityRunStar sells a wide range of smart scales, with the budget-friendly RunStar 4E at the bottom end and the 8E Ultra at the other. Sitting just below their most premium Ultra offering is the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, to use its full title, at $219.99 USD / £218 GBP, although this is often significantly discounted, at times going as low as $129.98 / £168.A similarly priced and specced alternative is the Withings BodyFit. Both are DEXA-validated, although the BodyFit claims to be “ideal for GLP-1 drug users who are prioritizing keeping muscle while losing fat.” If you’re looking for even more superior results and are happy paying a premium for it, then the Withings BodyScan 2 is a good choice.Value score 4/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: DesignLarge color TFT-LCD displayWell-engineered retractable handlebarEight electrodes and USB-C chargingThe large 5 x 7 cm color screen displays seven key metrics: weight, heart rate, BMI, body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, and body water. Each metric is measured and presented one at a time before providing a full read-out of all seven metrics at the end. The display is clear and bright, although only protected by a thin layer of clear plastic, which is unfortunately so flexible that it presses in quite significantly when forced.To measure 28 different metrics in total, which include the initial seven displayed on the scale plus additional metrics viewable in the app, the 8E Pro uses eight electrodes: four for the feet and four for the hands. These are positioned to accommodate a wide range of people with varying feet and hand sizes. The retractable handlebar used to connect your hands performs adequately and, when not in use, attaches to the base via magnets.The bulk of the scale is made from strong plastic and covered in a thick 6 mm tempered glass, which protects the unit and houses the four foot electrodes. At the bottom of the base are four large rubber feet, which ensure the device remains in position at all times.The overall design looks and feels premium, with the gold-colored electrodes setting the scale apart from cheaper and more basic alternatives. The unit contains a single non-removable lithium polymer battery that is recharged via USB-C. A full recharge lasts for three months. Despite regular use from five family members, we experienced zero issues with wear and tear.Design Score: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: Features28 metrics with DEXA validationMeasurements across five body zonesDelve deeper into the metrics with the Starfit appRunStar says every metric reading is DEXA-validated with ≥98.5% correlation. Accurate results and precise body composition tracking are produced thanks to the advanced dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This smart scale provides the features and accuracy for users who want to work towards a specific weight, track their health, and hit their fitness goals.Unlike cheaper whole-body smart scales such as the RunStar 4E, the 8E Pro records measurements and provides analysis across five key body zones: arms, legs, and trunk. Providing weight and muscle data across five key areas of the body enables users to quickly see if their body is imbalanced and work towards specific goals for targeted areas of their body.As well as viewing seven metrics on the display, if you sync the device with the Starfit app, you can see the full set of 28 metrics alongside more detailed tracking and analysis. The app is easy-to-use and laid out intuitively. If you plan on using the smart scale with multiple people, then up to 24 profiles can be set up using the app.Other features include the ability to sync with Apple Health, Google Health and other major platforms as well as generate printable, clinic-grade reports. Finally, the 8E Pro operates with zero current, so it’s safe to use during pregnancy and with babies.Features Score: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: PerformanceAccurate results Reliable data compared to the more expensive Withings BodyScan 2Metrics are clearly laid outTo provide comparison data, I took measurements from the Withings BodyScan 2 at the same time as the 8E Pro. Both are DEXA verified, with the BodyScan 2 validated up to 99% and the 8E Pro up to ≥98.5%. The two smart scales measure a similar set of metrics and are easily compared through the two apps.Beginning with weight, I weighed in at 61.4 kg, which was only 170 grams different from the Withings. As for BMI, a reading of 19% wasn’t far off the 18.2% reported by the comparison scale. The 8E Pro is quick to deliver these measurements and does so prior to all other body composition metrics.As for fat-related readings, the 8E Pro provided measurements for visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and body fat percentage that were all within reasonable deviations compared to the Withings. When I came to measure body fat mass, I was surprised to find that it was the Withings that threw up problematic readings, and the 8E Pro proved significantly more accurate. (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Accurate and acceptable readings continued for muscle rate, lean body mass, body water percentage, and basal metabolism. The app provides independent fat and muscle breakdowns for arms, legs, and trunk. Despite these being clearly presented as an overlay on a 2D illustration of a person, I much preferred the 3D graphic that is present in the Withings app.The 8E Pro delivered similar results to the BodyScan 2 in almost all areas. Considering the 8E Pro costs half the price of the BodyScan 2, I think the RunStar is a useful and viable alternative for anyone wanting accurate results at a more affordable price.Performance score: 4.5/5RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: Scorecard Swipe to scroll horizontally Category Comment Score Value A mid-range price with a set of premium features that will be more than sufficient for most users. 4/5 Design A well-built smart scale that is only let down by the cheap materials used on the display. 4.5/5 Features Reports on numerous metrics across five body zones and even has a pregnancy/baby mode. 4.5/5 Performance Excellent results across the board, although the app is pretty basic. 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro: Should I buy?Buy it if...You want to get serious about your healthPinpoint accuracy and extensive metrics help users achieve their goals.You want a whole family smart scaleMultiple profiles and automatic recognition deliver a multi-user experience.Don't buy it if...You’re only concerned with weight and BMIThere are much cheaper and equally capable smart scale alternatives if these are all you want to measure.You want a premium displayThe TFT-LCD display on the 8E Pro feels cheap and basic.Also considerVitafit Smart Bathroom ScaleA similarly priced smart scale with a comparable set of features. Boasts a slightly larger display and a more comprehensive app experience.Read our full Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale reviewWithings BodyScan 2Premium smart scales don’t get any more advanced than this offering from Withings. It’s well designed, offers more metrics, and has an extensive app experience.Read our full Withings BodyScan 2 reviewHow I testedI used the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro across several weeks and set up multiple profiles so my four other family members could use the scale at the same time. This meant testing was carried out on both adults and children. We used the app in combination with the smart scale and were able to track our progress over time. I compared its metrics against the DEXA-validated Withings BodyScan 2.First reviewed: September 2026 Writer, app-hoarder, and professional "low battery" enthusiast. Paul spends his days testing wearables so you don’t have to, and his nights wondering if his sleep tracker is judging him. He’s fascinated by the tech that claims to make us better humans—and if it’s wearable, downloadable, or requires a firmware update, he has thoughts on it.With over 20 years of experience and a first-class Computer Science degree, Paul has navigated the front lines of the tech and creative industries. His work has been published internationally and appears regularly in Digital Camera World and Creative Bloq. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.