My whole family used the RunStar 4e Body Scale, and this affordable scale is great for weight but let down by inaccurate body composition

Date:
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:58:24 +0000

Description:
The RunStar 4E Body Scale is a basic smart body scale that measures over 20 different metrics. Accurate performance is sketchy, although the core measurements of weight and BMI are accurate.

FULL STORY ======================================================================RunStar 4E Body Scale: One minute review The RunStar 4E is an affordable smart scale that costs little more than a standard set of electrical scales. Considering it measures more than 20 different body composition metrics, the low price becomes even more impressive. As youd expect at this price, there are limitations though, with the inability to measure composition accurately (fat-to-muscle ratios and so on) being the most glaring one.

Despite these shortcomings, everything, from app setup to using the scales,
is smooth, straightforward, and wonderfully intuitive. Connecting the scales to the companion app is quick and easy thanks to a robust Bluetooth signal, and the option to create multiple users within the app is a nice touch for a family of my size and stage. The weight measurement consistently measured around 0.4% more than the pricier RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, which isnt a massive deviation. For almost all the other measurements, the RunStar 4E adopts a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measuring method through four metal sensors located on the top panel of the scale. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

BMI measurements were almost identical every single time compared to the 8E SmartScan Pro (probably because it's a mathematical calculation not dependent on the electrodes), but almost all other composition measurements offered up
a deviation of between 3 and 30%. For these reasons, its not likely to make
it into our best smart scales guide. That said, for the price, the RunStar 4E is a respectable set of scales for weight and quick BMI calculation. (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) RunStar 4E Body Scale: Specifications Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

RunStar 4E Body Scale

Price

$33.54 / 31.00

Dimensions

11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches

Weight

3.17 pounds

Material

6 mm tempered glass

Display

LCD

Battery

3x AAA

Connection

Bluetooth (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) RunStar 4E Body Scale: Price and availability $33.54 / 31.00 Not available in Australia Budget-friendly smart scale At $33.54 USD / 31.00 GBP, the RunStar 4E Body Scale is
incredibly affordable as far as smart scales go. It might lack full body measurements for fat loss and fitness and muscle gain, but for that pleasure youll have to part with a lot more money and shoot for something like the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, Withings Body Scan series, or Wyze Scale X.

A comparable option in terms of price and features would be the Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale , which scored a respectable four stars in our testing. Positives included the easy connection, extremely fast results, and the comprehensive app. Our reviewer had some concerns over accuracy, but overall its a solid choice.

The scales are FSA and HSA eligible, which means US users are able to use
them in conjunction with designating pre-tax money to be taken from pay and put towards paying medical expenses. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals,
and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Value score 4.5/5 Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) (Image credit: Future /
Paul Hatton) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original RunStar 4E Body Scale: Design LCD display with color graphics Compact and lightweight design Powered by 3x AAA batteries At the heart of
the RunStar 4E is a bright LCD display that provides an easy-to-access
readout of six metrics: weight, body fat, BMI, muscle mass, body water, and bone mass. The display cycles through these with a few seconds given over to each stat. Unfortunately theres no way to move to a specific metric using on-device controls, although the full list is available in the accompanying app.

At 11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches and 3.17 pounds, the smart scale is both compact and lightweight. As a result, finding a suitable spot for it in a bathroom or bedroom shouldnt be a problem. It can also be easily stowed on
its side in a cupboard while not in use.

The scale is covered in 6mm tempered glass, which protects against scratches and cracks, neither of which I suffered despite my children doing their accidental best to inflict a dent or two. Underneath youll find four
anti-slip silicone feet.

Quick and effortless connectivity is via Bluetooth, and power is delivered courtesy of three AAA batteries. USB-C charging would have been better for
the environment, but with minimal power required, I dont envisage getting through too many batteries. Design Score: 4/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) RunStar 4E Body Scale: Features 22 reportable metrics including weight, BMI, and muscle mass App supports multiple users The RunStar 4E
boasts an impressive feature set for such an affordable scale, or at least it would be if the extras were more impressive. At its core, the scale is
capable of measuring over 20 metrics, including weight, BMI, body fat percentage, body mass, muscle mass, body water rate, bone mass, and visceral fat. Six of these are visible on the smart scale itself, while the full set
is reported in the Starfit RunStar app.

To accommodate families, the Starfit app enables users to set up multiple profiles, one for each family member. By entering the height and target
weight of each person, the app is able to provide more accurate and informed reporting. The app also tracks measurements over time and plots them on a chart for trend analysis. Features Score: 4/5 (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) RunStar 4E Body Scale: Performance Quick results on-device and in-app Accurate weight, BMI, and metabolic age Some inaccuracies consistently reported The first thing to note is that the RunStar 4E is quick. In a matter of seconds the scale is able to measure over 20 different body composition metrics and display them instantly in the app. Theres no waiting around for calculations to be made and zero lag when the display is cycling through the six core metrics.

Weight, as youd expect, is measured prior to all the body composition elements. Having measured myself hundreds of times, I found that the 4E regularly mismeasured my weight by around 0.4% compared to the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro and, indeed, my rudimentary pair of digital weight scales. It would be unfair to judge the scales too harshly for this small deviation, especially given the price.

According to research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research , one study conducted on smart scales shows a median margin of error of around 0.3kgs, so I can forgive it some small deviation. That said, if youre requiring absolute accuracy, youll need to look elsewhere.

BMI was also consistently measured more or less accurately, with deviations
of only 0.5%. If youre only concerned with quick measurements such as weight and BMI, then the RunStar 4E wont cause you any problems. (Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton) Getting into the specifics, musculoskeletal-related measurements using BIA include muscle, muscle mass, and skeletal muscle
rates. The first two measured around a 3% deviation from the 8E SmartScan
Pro, but it was the skeletal muscle rate which was most concerning, measuring a deviation of nearly 15%.

Unfortunately variable results continue with fat-related metrics. Compared to the SmartScan Pro, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat, and body fat mass all reported a massive 30% deviation.

Despite comparably poor results on some metrics, its worth remembering that most of these are specialized measurements, and to expect too much from a smart scale that costs $33.54 / 31.00 might be a little unreasonable.

That said, it would be preferable for consumers if smart scale manufacturers would only include metrics that they could report on accurately. The RunStar 4E also measures consistently with itself, which means it can still be
trusted as a weight loss tool assuming you allow for the margin of error. Performance score: 3.5/5 RunStar 4E Body Scale: Scorecard Swipe to scroll horizontally

Category

Comment

Score

Value

An impressive smart scale given its budget-friendly price point.

4.5/5

Design

A compact and lightweight smart scale with a bright LCD display.

4/5

Features

Over 20 body composition metrics with the RunStar app providing a reasonable level of trend analysis.

4/5

Performance

Weight and BMI are accurate, but other measurements are subject to sizable deviations.

3.5/5 RunStar 4E Body Scale: Should I buy? Buy it if...

Youre looking for a decent affordable smart scale

A surprisingly solid set of features for such a cheap scale.

You only care about working towards a healthier BMI

As well as weight, the RunStar 4E delivers accurate BMI calculations. Don't buy it if...

You want to be able to sync results with health apps

The RunStar isnt capable of linking in with any sort of wider ecosystem. Also consider

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale

A similarly priced smart scale with a comparable set of features. Boasts a slightly larger display and a more comprehensive app experience.

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale View Deal

RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro

A superior, and pricier, smart scale capable of measuring more metrics and breaking them down into specific parts of the body. How I tested My family (two adults and three children) has been using the RunStar 4E for three months. Weve used it to measure and track all types of metrics, including weight, BMI, and muscle mass. I carried out comparison tests with the more premium RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro. In addition, Ive used every feature of the app to give the smart scales a thorough testing. First reviewed: July 2026



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