Withings ScanWatch 2 review: is the upgrade worth it?
Being behind major reports like The Mother of All Breaches and RockYou2024, our in-house cybersecurity experts and journalists provide unbiased, real-world testing and in-depth analysis.
We maintain complete transparency by openly sharing our testing methodologies with our audience.
Learn more
As the wearables market continues to push toward fully digital innovation, hybrid smartwatches have become increasingly rare. While many brands have shifted to sporty, tech-forward designs, Withings remains one of the few companies preserving the classic analog watch aesthetic. With competitors like Fossil stepping away from hybrid models, it raises an interesting question: what has helped Withings continue to succeed in this niche?
To explore that, the Cybernews research team and I took a closer look at the Withings ScanWatch 2. For this review, we analyzed user feedback, expert opinions, and competing products on the market.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed overview of the ScanWatch 2, including its design, health features, performance, battery life, and pricing, helping you decide whether this hybrid smartwatch is the right fit for your wrist.
Quick overview of Withings ScanWatch 2
Before we go into details, let’s discuss the main features and characteristics of Withings Scanwatch 2 in the table below.
| Overall rating | 4.8 |
| Product description | Analog and smartwatch hybrid designed for tracking health metrics |
| Design and size | 38.4mm or 42mm in diameter |
| Main features | Acceloremetar, blood oxygen monitor, pulse oximeter, sleep quality monitor, temperature sensor, blood oxygen monitor, menstrual cycle tracker, vitality indicator, AI-based insights, and more. |
| Bettery | 30 days |
| Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 16 or higher |
| Integrations | Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit |
| Pricing | $349.95 |
Our methodology
To create a comprehensive and unbiased Withings ScanWatch review, my colleagues at Cybernews and I have used a fixed set of evaluation criteria. You can learn what they are and how important they are below.
- Design and build (20%). Smartwatches are designed for daily use, so they must be practical and comfortable. We made sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand daily wear but also sleek enough not to get in the way of your everyday activities.
- Features and technology (25%). My team also considered the value this wearable provides, specifically the depth of health metrics, ease of use, app integrations, and automation.
- Personalization (20%). We looked into the level of customization this ScanWatch offers within its AI-powered insights, vitality indicator notifications, health improvement score, daily guidance, and meal plans.
- User feedback (20%). All our conclusions are based on real user experiences, including praises, complaints, issues, and practical insights from people who use it every day.
- Pricing and value (15%). We wrapped up our Withings watch review by reflecting on whether its upfront price and additional subscription costs reflect the value and benefits it offers.
Withings ScanWatch 2: design and build quality
Withings ScanWatch 2 is one of the most stylish wearables on the market.
The watch comes in multiple colors with a classic analog face and a 20mm strap that uses quick-release pins, so it’s easy to put on and remove. It also sits flatter on the wrist than most competitors and the previous Withings model, and comes in two sizes, which makes it comfortable for smaller and wider wrists alike.
The small screen keeps interactions without the app minimal, but they still cover the basics. The side button controls the menu, haptic feedback helps you navigate it, and custom shortcuts place your go-to features at easy reach.
The stainless steel case and scratch-proof glass make the watch pretty durable. Withings also claims it’s water-resistant at up to 50 meters, but users have reported condensation after wearing it in the shower or while swimming, so it’s best to keep it out of water just to be safe.
Withings ScanWatch 2: app experience
All the Withings reviews we’ve come across give its companion app high marks. After you download and install it, simply follow the step-by-step tutorial, and the app will sync with your device and be ready for use. It takes no more than 2 to 3 minutes and a few taps.
Navigating the app is just as straightforward. The clean layout lists Home, Measure, and Achieve, each with an intuitive selection of features. You can create a bedtime routine, check off “missions”, monitor activity across a roster of data, and set goals. What’s more, you can float all this information into other fitness and health apps you use, to make the most of it.
Paying for Withings+ (the premium version of the app) can also get you a custom health score, daily guidance, and meal plans, although for some, these extras may not justify the subscription costs.
Withings ScanWatch 2: health and fitness features
Thanks to an upgrade to HealthSense Gen 2 software, the ScanWatch 2 by Withings offers a lineup of useful features and stats:
- Health metrics. This wearable offers daily and overnight heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and ECG measurements with atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection. These are meant to give you insights into your body’s well-being and recovery status and tell you when you’re under- or overtraining.
- Baseline temperature data. By tracking temperatures throughout the day and night, during workouts, and in recovery, the ScanWatch 2 surpasses the capabilities of previous Withings devices and trackers like the Fitbit Charge 6. It also offers more accurate menstrual cycle analytics, according to user reviews.
- Sleep tracking. The ScanWatch 2 isn’t as comfortable to wear in bed as a smart ring, but if you don’t mind its size and weight, it provides quite detailed sleep analytics. The watch measures sleep duration and regularity as well as sleep stages and cycles, and offers a score on your sleep quality.
- Workout and activity. The second-generation Withings smartwatch features a few basic workout modes, but tracks activity fairly accurately. It has a separate dial for counting steps and logs the time you’ve been active, fitness Level via VO2 max estimation, and calories burned. The app-based GPS also notes the distance, pace, and elevation you’re on.
- Cycle tracking. The watch helps keep tabs on your menstrual cycle. It tracks cycle characteristics, predicts phases and lets you log symptoms, flow data, and mood changes.
Withings ScanWatch 2: battery and charging
Battery life is the feature of the Writings smart watch that most users rave about, apart from its neat design.
Similar to the original device, the SmartScan 2 lasts about a month on a single charge, which is only 5 days short of its promised duration. Even with GPS enabled, it still outperforms most rivals, including the Garmin Forerunner 265 with its 15-day battery and the Vivomove Style, which barely lasts a week.
If you expect charging to take ages as a trade-off for that month-long battery, you’ll be glad to know it doesn’t. The watch goes from empty to full in around two hours. The flimsy charging cradle, which a small bump can disconnect mid-charge, isn’t the most convenient, but as long as you keep it on a flat surface, away from disturbance, you should be fine.
Withings ScanWatch 2: performance and user experience
Withings ScanWatch 2’s approach to tracking is minimalistic. The discreet black-and-white OLED screen displays notifications and reminders, and the single-arm dial offers a quick insight into your daily steps.
The size of both dials makes the info hard to catch at a glance. And since neither is touchscreen, you’ll need to press and twist the side button to scroll through stats, which may feel clunky and inconvenient. That said, these controls also make the watch simple to use, an aspect numerous users praise.
Although I’ve read comments suggesting the latest updates made the app less intuitive, most find the UX clean and straightforward. It may not pack as many features as modern fitness trackers, but the tracking seems to be fairly accurate across the board.
So, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities whether a hybrid smartwatch will work for you.
Withings ScanWatch 2: value and pricing
Withings charges $349.95 for its ScanWatch 2 devices. With it, you get a fluoroelastomer wristband, a charging dock, and USB-A and USB-C cables. If you opt for the premium version of the app, Withings+, you will also need to pay a $9.95 monthly or $99.50 yearly subscription.
If you’re not new to the smartwatch arena, you’ll know this is a pretty hefty price, even with free shipping and a 2-year warranty. Plenty of feature-rich fitness trackers will cost you less upfront. However, few of them offer the classic design, battery life, and overall reliability that Withings is known for.
Alternatives to Withings ScanWatch 2
According to users, comparing Withings ScanWatch 1 and 2 is splitting hairs. The two are basically identical, save for a slight upgrade in the software, the second step-counter dial, and a few more metrics. Still, the main selling point of the second-generation device seems to be temperature tracking, which improves the accuracy of several other metrics.
Compared to other fitness wearables, the ScanWatch 2 falls short in terms of features. Options like Apple Watch Series 9, Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, or Fitbit Charge 6 will offer more fitness insights and cost the same or less.
However, if you’re satisfied with the core wellness stats and prefer the analog look, Withings is probably the best you can get for the price. Germin’s Vivomove and Venu come close, but they’re either not as elegant or they’re more expensive, even without the added subscription fees.
Final Thoughts
My Withings ScanWatch 2 review showed that users generally consider it a solid and dependable wearable. While it’s not the best option for people who are after in-depth fitness tracking and innovation or those with tighter budgets, it covers all other bases
It’s arguably the most elegant smartwatch on the market, with controls and an app that even non-tech-savvy users find simple. It’s also reliable, has a long battery life and charges quickly, perfect for anyone with a busy schedule.
Beyond that, it’s the kind of watch that blends seamlessly into daily life. It’s functional enough to track core wellness trends without bombarding you with data or weighing down your wrist.
Other reviews you might be interested in:
Withings Sleep Analyzer review: features, accuracy, and long-term value
Withings U-Scan Nutrio review: turning everyday habits into daily health insights
ScanWatch Light review: Is Withings' newest hybrid worth it?
Apple Watch alternatives: the best options beyond Apple’s ecosystem
FAQ
Does Withings ScanWatch 2 require a subscription?
No, Withings ScanWatch 2 doesn’t require a subscription. You can use the standard version of its app for free. However, if you want features like Vitality score or custom guidance and meal plans, you can purchase the premium version for $9.95/month.
How accurate are the health and temperature sensors on Withings ScanWatch 2?
Users claim that Withings ScanWatch 2's health and temperature sensors are fairly accurate. However, it’s important to remember the device isn’t flawless. The sensors aren’t designed for diagnostics and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
How long does the battery of Withings ScanWatch 2 last?
Withings ScanWatch 2 battery lasts for about 30 days on a single charge. Using the device with the app-based GPS may shorten its life a little, but it still outperforms most competitors. Plus, it recharges in around 2 hours, so it won’t disrupt your daily routine.
Can Withings ScanWatch 2 be used without a smartphone
Yes, you may be able to see the time, SpO2, and heart rate and use the timer and stopwatch without a smartphone. But even these basic metrics become inaccurate over time, and the full range of features will never be available if you don’t sync the watch with the app.
Is Withings ScanWatch 2 waterproof or swim-proof?
Yes, Withings claims its ScanWatch 2 wearable is swim-proof at up to 50 meters. However, users who’ve regularly worn it while swimming or in the shower have reported seeing condensation inside the case, so it might be smarter to keep it out of water if you can.
