smart health connected scales are now found in many homes. More practical than our old models, they make it possible to have a real qualitative follow-up of the evolution of our health and not only of our weight. However, among the different models, it can be difficult to navigate. Here is what we tested the Garmin Index S2, also comparing it to the previous model and to the competition currently available.

What is the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale?

Garmin is a brand that is best known for its smart health connected watches. Recently, the company has launched the Garmin Venu SQ and the Forerunner 745 on the market, which have already been widely reviewed. However, the company is also expanding its offer more widely with products such as smart health connected scales. This is the second iteration, which offers many features to its users..

The design of the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale

We start with the physical characteristics of this scale. We particularly appreciate its design, both sober and elegant. The 2.8-inch color display is seamlessly integrated into the overall design and the whole thing will look great in your bathroom. We appreciate the finish which looks a bit like a mirror. In terms of dimensions, the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale is 32 × 31 mm for a height of 2.8 cm. Dimensions that make it a rather compact accessory that you can easily slip under your bathroom cabinet. Its weight is 1.99 kg. The weight limit for users is 181.4 kilograms (400 pounds).

What are the new features of the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale?

When a brand releases a new model, especially five years later as is the case with the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale, the first thing I look at are the improvements that have been made to this new equipment. Let’s be clear, smart health connected scale technology has not seen a revolution in recent years, so the Garmin Index S2 is not that different from the previous model.

Improvements welcome

There are mostly small adjustments that are useful for advanced use : weight trend over 30 days, possibility of customizing the data present on the screen, increased sensitivity of the sensors and therefore of certain data, the possibility of connecting to 7 WiFi, the switch from the small color screen to the reduced dimensions and … The type of battery used (we go from AA to AAA). Garmin also announces that it has greatly improved Wi-Fi connectivity which was a real problem with the previous model, according to many users. Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity really comes in handy over time. Small detail more or less useful, the scale also offers… the weather forecast.

How do I turn on the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale?

After taking the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale out of its box, the installation is rather instinctive. Flip it over to insert the batteries, then grab your smartphone. On the small color screen, Garmin waits for you to connect your account to the machine. For it, you will need the Garmin Connect app which is one of the real pluses. Pairing is very easy. In particular, you will have a PIN to confirm, then your Wi-Fi information. In a few minutes, it’s settled. The balance will carry out a software update. This will also be renewed each time you step on the scale.

Up to 16 smart health connected scale users

Once you have established your own identity with your initials or names on the Garmin Index S2, you can then invite other users. In total, this smart health connected scale can recognize up to 16 different users. If this may seem a bit too much for a family setting, it is easy to imagine the advantages for a sports club or even a health home coach.

How to use the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale?

As with a classic scale, all you need to do is put your foot on it or tap it to launch it.. Once running, it activates the weight of “0”. Be careful, however, and it’s a small criticism that we will make him, just getting on it does not turn it on. After a few seconds, your weight is displayed on the screen. A green weight icon tells you that the calculation is complete. If you step off your scale, it will then display the name of the person it has identified, based on your history. If you make a mistake, you can “slide” to the right or to the left with your foot to correct it. The scale also tells you if you have lost or gained weight since your last weigh-in.

An evolution over the last 30 days

A small graph also allows you to visualize your evolution over the last 30 days, this is the real advantage of this model. We regret, however, that the scale is not able to recover our history of the Garmin Index S1. The Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale also provides you with other information such as weight, BMI, fat mass, muscle mass, hydration… Data which seems rather precise and above all consistent over time.

Note that if you do a lot of sports, weighing before and after your exercise can also help you adjust your hydration level.

The magic of the Garmin Connect app

This is the real positive from my point of view, but it is also because I particularly appreciate the products of Garmin. The Garmin Connect ecosystem, which you can access from an Android, iOS device or from your computer, is very complete and these data fit perfectly, which is not the case with many other smart health connected scales. In particular, you can adjust information about your activity or your body type that will help the smart health connected scale to better assess your information.

However, more broadly, it is this almost permanent synchronization of data between your watch, your smartphone and your scale that will prove its advantages to those who really want to lose weight. To note that you can also connect your Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale with Apple Health and Google Fit if these are apps that you find relevant.

Should I buy the Garmin Index S2 smart health connected scale?

If we are talking about investment, it is for a very specific reason. The Garmin Index S2 is rather expensive, since you will have to spend 163 dollars to acquire it. This is a much higher price than those of Withings that many consider to be a benchmark in the field. However, should we consider that the Garmin Index S2 is too expensive? It will depend on a particular setting.

Do you already have other Garmin brand accessories? If this is the case, you should not really doubt, as the integration into the Garmin Connect ecosystem proves to be convincing and brings real added value. If necessary, it will undoubtedly be more interesting to consult what the competition offers, especially in our comparison of the best smart health connected scales.. If this is your first smart health connected scale, other models also offer an easier to learn approach.

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• A very practical smartphone application
• Up to 16 people
• An evolution graph over the last 30 days
• Google Fit and Apple Health compatible

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• No recovery of the history of the previous model
• Quite expensive
• It does not launch automatically when you step on it

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]