Withings - ScanWatch 2 - Heart Health Hybrid Smartwatch - 38mm - Black/Silver

Customer Images

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• See
  More

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  Good wellness features and good looking as well

  • Top 500 Contributor
  • Tech Insider Network Member

  The sleek and stylish hybrid design of the Scanwatch 2 is an attractive and comfortable alternative to my bland utilitarian looking smartwatch. The primary mechanical arms accurately stay in sync with the time of my smartphone and conveniently move out of the way whenever I need to view the OLED screen on the dial. A second dial at the bottom is used to track step goals. The soft silicone band is comfortable and has plenty of holes providing good adjustability for any arm size without requiring separate large or small bands.   To set up the watch, I had to download the Withings app, create an account, set app permissions on my phone, and pair the watch to the app/phone. The watch wakes by pressing the crown, which is also used for navigation. The crown was one of the first cons I personally encountered with the watch. It’s small and hard to grasp, especially with large fingers or long nails. It also frequently spins a little too much before advancing to the next menu item, requires multiple presses, and doesn’t feel as responsive as my other smartwatches. Battery life is phenomenal and easily one of the best features of the watch. The Scanwatch 2 is designed to run 30 days between charges. After a week of continuous use day and night, it’s nowhere close to needing a charge yet. This is a welcome relief from the daily or every other day charging I typically perform with other watches. Certain features that I use, like sleep blood oxygen tracking, can shorten battery life, but it is still excellent even with the feature enabled.   The SW2 can receive notifications for calls, texts, email, and other apps. Incoming notifications cause the watch to vibrate and an alert to flash on the OLED screen. The subject (if applicable) and body text of messages and/or email scroll across the OLED screen. Alerts and caller ID info for incoming calls also scrolls across the screen but calls must be answered on the handset. The scrolling text works well in most instances, but it can be a little fast to read in lengthier messages and I cannot reply directly from the watch. Despite these limitations, the notifications are still handy for alerting purposes. I seldom answer calls or reply to texts and email from my watch anyhow, even while wearing watches capable of doing so. Wellness features are my primary interest in a smartwatch and the Scanwatch 2 offers a bevy of useful wellness features that all work reliably. The step counter, mileage, and elevation tracking seem fairly accurate and reveal no major discrepancies when compared to my other devices. The heart rate monitor is also seemingly accurate, displaying the same pulse as other devices I used to confirm accuracy. The Withings app workout tracking is more in-depth than the standard fitness tracking options on my phone and other smartwatch. It provides a ton of useful data, including body temperature changes during workouts. One sore spot for me is that there is no built-in GPS tracking for running or hiking. The watch relies on the nearby phone for GPS tracking.   Here are my thoughts on the features I use most on the Scanwatch 2:   ECG: The ECG is my primary feature of interest in any smartwatch. The ECG function in the Scanwatch 2 is a little cumbersome initially. It requires covering the entire dial with my hand, so I don’t see any real-time countdown or pulse frequency.  Also, unlike other smartwatches and personal ECG devices, the Scanwatch 2 requires a review of my ECG results before the ECG feature is unlocked and fully activated. This supposedly varies by state. As part of the review, my name, DOB, state of residence, and first ECG reading were sent to a third-party health partner for approval. I was also given the option to provide a phone number for further discussions as well. I could take additional ECGs while awaiting the review to complete but was unable to see any ECG results until then. I submitted my ECG for approval in the evening and it was approved by the following afternoon. After approval, all ECG results were available. Like the other features, ECG results were consistent with my other devices.   Blood Oxygen: The SpO2 meter is another feature that I frequently use. Like the ECG, it requires covering the entire dial with my other hand. There is no live status displayed on the app, so I must wait for and trust the haptic feedback to indicate the start and finish of a reading. If a bad reading is measured, the watch will say try again, but I won’t know this until removing my hand to check. I tested simultaneously with a dedicated SpO2 meter on the index finger of the same arm as the watch. The results were consistent among multiple readings taken using the watch alongside two different dedicated SpO2 meters.   Sleep: Sleep tracking is solid on the Scanwatch 2 and provides comprehensive sleep data, although not quite as comprehensive as my primary sleep wearable. I wore the Scanwatch alongside that other sleep tracking wearable device to test accuracy. My other device is my go-to sleep tracker and in addition to being the most comfortable wearable device during sleep, it has also proven to be rock-solid reliable. The sleep measurements for both devices are usually close or identical in most categories. Both reflect practically the same duration, sleep stages, interruptions, and sleep quality. The nightly sleep scores for both are also typically close. Where the Scanwatch falls slightly short of the other wearable is that it doesn’t differentiate between REM sleep and deep sleep. It lumps them both together as a single category. It also doesn’t track and record breathing interruptions that may indicate possible sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing issues. It merely records the overnight average blood oxygen level. This could still possibly help reveal a potential issue, but I prefer being alerted to actual breathing interruptions that occurred during sleep. It also doesn’t currently record heart rate variance like the other device. I’ve read that HRV is a forthcoming feature on the watch in Q4 2023, but the feature isn’t currently implemented as of the writing of this review. Although I prefer my ring wearable overall for sleep comfort, the Scanwatch 2’s svelte form factor is more comfortable and less obtrusive than my other smartwatches during sleep. It never interfered with sleep once, even when I slept with my watch clad wrist tucked underneath my head as I often do. It is the next most comfortable sleep wearable after my ring.   App: The app is where the Scanwatch 2 shines brighter than a lot of the competition. The watch does not rely on a generic shared mainstream watch app like the numerous other differently branded watches I’ve tried in the past. As a result, the Withings app offers many useful features not typically found in generic watch apps, and the watch itself works fine with the app and has so far remained free of weird glitches and some of the other issues that plagued other watches in the past. The app is laid out nicely and has an intuitive and user-friendly user interface that is easy to navigate. It is similar in layout and presentation to the health app on my phone, which gave it a familiar feel and made it easy for me to navigate right from the beginning. A Withings+ subscription unlocks many extra wellness features, but the most important features are included and unlocked at no cost. That’s the one area where the Scanwatch trounces my other sleep wearable. The other device is practically useless without a paid subscription.   Cons: I previously mentioned the dial and lack of built-in GPS, but another con is the watch having no sort of built-in tracker or locator. I misplaced the watch briefly and had a tough time finding it. Aside from these minor cons, I don’t have any major issues or shortcomings with the watch.   The stylish Withings Scanwatch 2 is a welcome departure from my bland everyday smartwatch. I like my other watch and the useful wellness features it offers, but I don’t like the bland design. The Scanwatch 2 is attractive and unobtrusive enough to wear with formal wear or other nice outfits and offers a refreshing change of styling without sacrificing notifications and recording wellness data. It still handles all my usual smartwatch needs but looks a lot more stylish while doing so.

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  Posted 1 year ago by JMan

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  Incredible Sleeper of a Smart Watch

  • Tech Insider Network Member

  I was pretty excited to get my hands on the Withings ScanWatch 2. There are really two features that really stood out to me - battery life and styling. Obviously there are tons of features that this watch delivered well on, but these two were most important to me. Long Battery Life: The battery life of the ScanWatch 2 is impressive. I've used other smartwatches that needed daily charging, but not this one. It's refreshing to have a device that can keep up with my busy schedule without constantly worrying about battery drain. I’m on pace for it to last about 20 days with push notifications and quick look enabled. The reason I appreciate the battery life so much is because I am able to track my sleep without having to worry about charging every other day like I was with a competitor. Styling: Aesthetically, the ScanWatch 2 is a winner. It's sleek, stylish, and doesn't scream "tech gadget" on my wrist. It's versatile enough to wear in both professional and casual settings, which I appreciate. I do love how this looks just like any other watch. App Performance: The app is both functional and user-friendly. It does an excellent job of presenting data in an understandable manner. Tracking my activities, heart rate, and sleep patterns has never been easier. The insights offered are genuinely useful for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One thing to note is you will have to pay for a subscription to get the most out of the app and watch. Features: The heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and sleep tracking features are standout aspects of this watch. I found the heart rate monitor to be remarkably accurate. The sleep tracking feature is detailed, providing insights into sleep patterns and quality, which has helped me make some beneficial adjustments to my routine. Minor Downsides: However, it's not all perfect. I've encountered some minor issues with push notifications. Sometimes they are delayed or don't come through at all. Also, the Quick Look feature can be inconsistent, which can be a bit frustrating when in low light situations. The hands do appear to glow in the dark but even after being exposed to direct sunlight, the luminescence quickly fades and essentially renders the watch useless unless you have quicklook enabled or press the crown. Additionally, I’ve noticed that some characters get cut off on the small display - for example, the 'W' in Wednesday often doesn't fully show, which, while not a deal-breaker, is a detail that could be improved. The Withings ScanWatch 2 is a fantastic hybrid smartwatch for those who are health-conscious and appreciate a blend of functionality and style. While it has a few minor flaws, they are far outweighed by its many benefits. I find myself relying on it more each day, and it has become an integral part of my health and fitness journey.

  • 
  • 
  • 

  Posted 1 year ago by KenE

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  ScanWatch Light vs ScanWatch 2

  • Tech Insider Network Member
  • Top 50 Contributor

  I could not decide which new Withings ScanWatch to get (Light or 2). I've been using their Body Comp scale for about 6 months. I'm really impressed with it (especially compared to my previous Smart scale (F.....) that just would not stay paired. But I loved that their watches had 6-7 days of battery life. That being said, I have the latest fruit watch, and I have to charge it more than once a day, it's get about 20hrs on a charge. And I've never liked how it looked. When I first saw the Withings original ScanWatch I wanted it. But it was missing the heart rate, and O2 monitoring, and its sleep functionality seemed lacking. These 2 new watches (except for O2) both seemed to fit my requirements. Neither have GPS built in but both can pair with your smartphone to acquire GPS info, which helps reduce battery usage. That and the small round OLED on each watch uses much less power than a full face's display. And call me old (school), but I really want my watch to look like jewelry rather than technology strapped to my arm. Upon unboxing the two the Light has a perfectly flat crystal, and the "2" has a slightly raised convex crystal (made of Gorilla glass or Sapphire crystal, stronger and more scratch resistant than the Light). The "2" is 38mm wide and the Light is 37mm wide (you can't tell the difference). They ship with slightly different chargers, the "2" is expandable and could hold a wider watch, the Light is a fixed width, both can be used on either watch. They are both made of a shiny stainless steel, the "2" having a rounded case, the Light being more squared off. The "2" weighs 54g (1.9oz), the Light weighs 47g (1.7oz). For comparison my fruit watch weighs 69g (2.4oz) and has to be charged every 20h, and supports a 'special' magnetic wireless charger, the ScanWatch has a cradle it can be put into to charge. The ScanWatches both come with an attractive, comfortable silicone band. One issue with both ScanWatches that disappoints, is can you see the the time at night without touching the watch (you put it on your bedside table and turn out the lights), well the "2" has some bioluminescence, if the watch face has had sufficient light hitting it, before you turn out the lights, the watch arms glow for a few hours. The Light lacks this feature, really can't explain why besides their arms are more narrow. If you push the crown the date and time does show up in the OLED display for about 12s. One clever feature that both watches share is, when you push the crown the arms of the watch spread to 10 & 2 so the OLED face is clear of the arms. Are the functions accurate.... I compared the BPM data from the two watches to my fruit watch. The 3 were typically within 2 BPM of each other. The step counters of the two were within 100, after 3000 steps, with the fruit watch in between the two. After exercise, the Light recovered more slowly than the 2 or the fruit. but after 3-5m all were together again. The SpO2 level of the "2" was +/-2 of the reading on the fruit, the averages were essentially identical. The ECG data was also nearly identical, but the graphic presentation (see last image) from the "2" was better to "read" than the fruit's presentation. The body temp data I found very interesting, you again have to use to visualize, but the granularity of the "2" is much better than the fruit, this info is not available from the Light. This was most interesting when exercising, you can easily see how your body temp rises, to a point and then plateaus. And then slowly drops after you stop (as does your HR, but it recovers more quickly). Withings provides you ECG data to a health group: Heartbeat Health (with your permission) were they to see an abnormality (afib) they would apparently contact you. Kind of a cool feature I don't plan to utilize. Both watches offer min/max heart rate notifications, that you can set the thresholds for. The fruit offers only high notifications. Both watches also monitor your respiration rates; Breaths/min it does this at random intervals, but during your sleep it can indicate good/poor/restless sleep. Now my previous f....t smart watch could not monitor my sleep (which is why I stopped using it, it worked fine for my wife). My fruit watch consistently measures my sleep time about 2hrs less than actual, and rarely captures REM sleep,but does see deep sleep. The Withings watches gave me more credit for more Deep or REM sleep, but it lumps the two together, whereas the fruit watch identifies Deep and REM separately (not sure how either is accurately determined). The average Heart Rate is available from both and it is presented in the Withings app much better than in the fruits Health app, which shows the heart rate and an hourly range, where the Withings app shows continuous data. The Withings watches both support notifications tied to your phone. You get caller Id info (name and number) and you can select what other applications you want to get notifications from, you can select other apps like Calendar, Facebook, Gmail, and any other app that you might have installed on your phone. I've not found a way to decline incoming calls, or to force a message to be taken from the watch. Something I can do from my fruit watch. But other than that you can get a full range of notifications displayed on both watches. This is the feature I like/use the most on my smart watch. I rarely if ever pick up a call on my watch, I just want to know who's called or messaged, then I use the phone's bigger screen. Overall I'm very impressed with both watches. The feature I miss the most is the ability to see the time at night in a dark room without touching the watch (maybe add a shake feature that turns the OLED on for 10s). What surprised me the most was the comfort of both watches, the silicon bands have small ridges on the back, this prevents the watch from sliding around on the arm, staying where you put it is huge. With the stock band I spend 1/3 of the day realigning the fruit watch on my arm. I'm sure the lighter weight of the Withings watches helps. The Withings bands are easily detachable, so if you want different colors for different occasions it is easily done, in a few seconds. So it becomes a question of is the ECG, Body temp and SpO2 levels of a great value to you. I'm guessing if you're not an athlete, someone who's doctor has interest in monitoring this data (which can easily be shared with health professionals from within the app). It's a cost issue. I think the flat glass on the Light is more attractive/easier to read, but the scratch resistance of the Gorilla glass on the "2" is a nice feature if you're concerned with scratches (I've not tested the scratch resistance of the two, and don't plan to). I love the appearance of the watches, and would happily trade my fruit watch for either. One other interesting note, when you install more than one watch the Withings app tells you that "you successfully installed an additional tracker. You can switch devices anytime you want, we take care of the rest". It's good to know it also includes Nokia watches, Apple Watch data via the Health App and iPhone sensor data via the Health App. Very well conceived, I can only imagine that their excellent app will continue to improve.

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  Posted 1 year ago by 3Tcubed