Right out of the box, the TANITA RD-545HR sets the tone: a large smart scale, packed with electrodes and clearly geared toward sports or professional use. When you use it, you quickly realize that the device wasn't designed for the average Joe, but for those who want extremely accurate data about their body.
In our measurements, the dual BIA frequency immediately stood out. The scale doesn't just indicate weight or body fat percentage: it provides a segmental (arms, legs, trunk). For an athlete tracking progress or someone in rehabilitation, this granularity is invaluable. The most discerning will also appreciate the muscle quality score resting heart rate measurement , two indicators rarely seen elsewhere.
In terms of data richness, there's nothing to complain about: it's well over 20 body composition indicators, with a level of precision reminiscent of some clinical devices. However, not everything is perfect. During our tests, the My Tanita often showed its limitations: capricious synchronization, an aging interface, and very limited compatibility with Garmin or Fitbit. It's a shame, because the software doesn't really keep up with the excellence of the hardware.
Another point to note: the design. The scale looks serious, but the use of plastic and AA battery power give it a slightly dated feel, especially compared to competitors who rely on tempered glass and rechargeable batteries.
The TANITA RD-545HR scale clearly targets a niche market. For a demanding athlete or a bodybuilding enthusiast who wants to track the precise development of each muscle segment, it's a formidable scale. For the general public, however, the wealth of data may be superfluous, and simpler, more modern alternatives will probably be more suitable.
TANITA RD-545HR: our test of a connected scale designed for professionals
As soon as you lay eyes on the TANITA RD-545HR , you understand that this is not a classic connected scale. More massive, equipped with electrodes on the base and on the handles, it exudes seriousness and immediately gives the impression of a professional device arriving in the living room.
During our first weigh-ins, the difference was obvious: whereas a standard scale is limited to weight and an approximate body fat percentage, the RD-545HR delivers an avalanche of data. Detailed segmental composition for each arm, each leg and the trunk, muscle quality score, resting heart rate... all with a precision rarely found in the general public.
You quickly get the feeling that you're carrying out a real health check-up at home rather than just a simple morning weigh-in.
The objective of this review is to determine whether the TANITA RD-545HR lives up to its promises and justifies its purchase price, which is around €500. The analysis will focus on the technical foundations of the device, its ergonomics and user experience, the evaluation of the accuracy and reliability of its measurements, the robustness of its software ecosystem, and its positioning against direct competitors.
- Exceptional accuracy: reliable and detailed multi-frequency bioimpedancemetry.
- Segmental analysis: tracking by body area.
- Fast Bluetooth connectivity with the My Tanita app.
- Premium design: tempered glass and high-end materials.
- Multi-profile: up to 8 registered users.
- High price, but justified by the quality and features.
- Battery powered (good battery life but not rechargeable).
- My Tanita app: some occasional minor bugs.
Technology and measurements: at the heart of dual-frequency precision
From the very first weigh-ins, you realize that the TANITA RD-545HR is in a different league. Unlike conventional scales that provide a somewhat generic weight and body fat percentage, here the approach is clinical. The device sends a weak electrical current through the body, a painless process that you don't feel, and it's the resistance encountered that allows you to analyze your body composition.
The difference is especially noticeable thanks to the dual-frequency BIA (6.25 kHz and 50 kHz). In our tests, this dual reading proved impressive: it not only distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass, but goes further by separating intracellular water from extracellular water. The result: a much more detailed view of total cell mass and, above all, muscle mass. It is this level of detail that makes possible the famous muscle quality score , an indicator that we have found particularly relevant for monitoring tissue development, particularly in bodybuilding or rehabilitation.
Another strong point noted during the test: segmental analysis . Thanks to the electrodes placed both under the feet and on the retractable handles, the scale delivers a separate measurement for each arm, each leg and the trunk. This is a real plus: we were able, for example, to detect a slight imbalance between the left leg and the right leg after a period of forced rest. Some users even report having noticed a difference of more than 10 points in the muscle score between an injured limb and the healthy side, which provides a concrete indicator to guide rehabilitation work.
In addition to these in-depth analyses, the RD-545HR doesn't neglect the classics: weight, BMI, fat percentage, total water, metabolic age... but it also adds the measurement of resting heart rate . A little extra that has proven practical on a daily basis: in a few seconds, you get a simple indicator of recovery or possible overtraining.
👉 In terms of technology and measurements, the TANITA RD-545HR impresses with the depth and relevance of the data it delivers. This is no longer a basic tracking gadget: it's a real physiological dashboard for your home.
User experience and ergonomics: between robustness and some compromises
When you unbox the TANITA RD-545HR , the first impression is rather positive: the scale inspires confidence, its format is imposing without being bulky, and the whole thing exudes seriousness. However, on closer inspection, one detail stands out: the choice of plastic for the platform. Where competitors like the Withings Body Scan rely on tempered glass, Tanita has opted for a more functional rather than premium material. This does not detract from the solidity felt, the scale seems made to last, but at nearly €500, we expected a little more refinement.
Getting started, on the other hand, is a real pleasant surprise. During our test, setup via the app took just a few minutes, without a hitch. Once the profile was created, the scale automatically recognized us each time we weighed in, which really simplifies daily use. This system works with up to four users, making it a good shared tool for a family or a small group of athletes.
One point, however, left us wanting more: the power supply. The RD-545HR runs exclusively on AA batteries . Nothing prohibitive in the short term, but compared to competing models that now adopt USB-C rechargeable batteries, this choice seems a little dated. In the long run, it's an additional cost, but also a less practical constraint than simply plugging in a cable. At a time when durability and easy charging are becoming the norm, this point clearly counts against it.
👉 Ergonomics Verdict: The TANITA RD-545HR is pleasant to use, easy to set up, and robust for everyday use. But its design choices, especially the plastic and AA batteries, create a gap with its high-end positioning.
Accuracy and reliability of measurements: demanding but consistent monitoring
Tanita touts the RD-545HR as "medical-grade accuracy." On paper, this promise sounds appealing. In practice, our tests quickly showed that this accuracy depends heavily on the measurement conditions. The manual is clear on this point: you should always weigh yourself in the same circumstances with dry feet, at the same time of day, and ideally two hours after your last meal to obtain comparable results over time.
During our tests, we found that even the slightest variation in hydration or eating habits influenced the results. After an intense workout, the values differed significantly, as did after a large meal or high water consumption. This doesn't call into question the device's consistency, but confirms that real rigor is required to exploit its data.
One point raised by several users, which we also observed, concerns body fat : the percentages indicated by the RD-545HR sometimes tend to be significantly lower than clinical references such as DEXA or Airpod scans, up to a third lower. This discrepancy is a reminder that, despite its premium positioning, it remains a consumer device, not a medical diagnostic tool.
In practice, its real strength is therefore not to offer a perfectly accurate absolute measurement at a given moment, but to provide consistent data over time . By scrupulously respecting the weighing protocol, we obtain an excellent view of the changes: muscular progression, loss of fat mass, rebalancing between the segments of the body... all valuable indicators for anyone who wants to monitor their performance or rehabilitation seriously.
The digital ecosystem: the My Tanita app is lagging behind
TANITA RD-545HR scale relies on the My Tanita to harness all of its data. The Bluetooth 4.0 connection went smoothly during our test, and the initial setup was clear and quick. Once set up, the app makes it easy to review results, compare measurements, and visualize progress in graphs. At first glance, the experience is quite intuitive and user-friendly.
But when using it on a daily basis, you quickly realize that the software doesn't keep up with the hardware's requirements. Several bugs marred the experience: a PDF export that didn't work, graphs that sometimes displayed inconsistent values or even reversed labels. We would also have liked a CSV export option to analyze the data in more depth, but it's missing.
Another disappointment: the ecosystem. While the app does communicate with Apple HealthKit and Google Fit , which covers some of the consumer needs, for the target audience of this scale—athletes, coaches, and bodybuilding enthusiasts—the lack of integration with platforms like Garmin or Fitbit is a real shortcoming. It's therefore impossible to automatically centralize your Tanita measurements with your existing training or cardio data.
👉 Despite a solid foundation and an easy-to-use interface, My Tanita quickly plateaus . It feels like you're using software that's behind the scale's power and accuracy. In short, the hardware is impressive, but the software fails to deliver its full potential.
Competitive positioning: TANITA RD-545HR facing the market
The TANITA RD-545HR operates in the high-end segment of smart scales, where competition is limited but strong. Its main rival is the Withings Body Scan , which also focuses on accuracy and advanced features.
| Characteristic | TANITA RD-545HR | Withings Body Scan |
|---|---|---|
| BIA Technology | Dual frequency | Triple frequency |
| Product focus | Athletic performance and fitness | Overall health and well-being |
| Unique measures | Muscle quality, Muscle score | ECG, Vascular Age, Electrodermal Activity Score |
| Materials | Plastic | Tempered glass |
| Food | AA batteries | Rechargeable battery |
| Users | 4 storable profiles | Up to 8 users |
| Indicative price | 450 to 500 € | 500 € |
The Tanita RD-545HR scale clearly focuses on athletic performance : detailed segmental measurements, muscle quality score, precise monitoring of lean mass and body imbalances.
The Withings Body Scan opts for a more holistic vision of health , with integrated medical features such as the electrocardiogram, a more elegant design and practical elements for daily use: rechargeable battery, more flexible management of user profiles, smoother interface.
Other alternatives exist, such as the InBody H20N , which remains serious but does not offer the same finesse of segmental analysis as the Tanita. As for entry-level models, such as those from Renpho , they are popular and affordable, but their accuracy leaves something to be desired: our tests confirm that the percentage of body fat is almost proportional to the total weight, which makes the measurement of body composition practically useless as an independent indicator.
Ultimately, the advanced technology of the TANITA RD-545HR fully justifies its price and its position in the premium segment: it offers a level of detail and precision that few competitors can match, especially for users demanding sports monitoring or rehabilitation.
Final analysis and recommendation: power, precision… but demanding
After several weeks of testing the TANITA RD-545HR , we come away with a clear feeling: this scale is a true precision machine , but it is not for everyone. Its greatest strength and at the same time its vulnerability lies in its ultra-high-performance hardware . Dual-frequency BIA technology combined with segmental analysis offers a level of detail unmatched for a consumer scale. The muscle quality score has proven particularly useful for tracking imbalances or optimizing training, and is a rare data on the market.
On the other hand, some compromises are obvious. The My Tanita app doesn't match the sophistication of the hardware: recurring bugs, lack of CSV export, limited integrations with third-party platforms like Garmin or Fitbit. The design and convenience also leave something to be desired: plastic, AA batteries, functional ergonomics but less premium than competitors like the Withings Body Scan.
💡 Recommendation : The RD-545HR is not a scale for the general public. It is designed for a very specific niche : athletes, bodybuilders, fitness trainers, or people in rehabilitation who want to track each muscle segment accurately. For these users, it offers near-clinical value and relevance.
For those looking for more general tracking, a smooth interface, a sleek design, or additional wellness-oriented features, other models like the Withings Body Scan represent a better compromise. The RD-545HR's high price is only justified if you take full advantage of its segmentation technology and its wealth of advanced data . In short, it's a tech-savvy connected scale , made for demanding enthusiasts.
Our best smart scale tests
Withings, a renowned specialist in connected health devices, transforms a simple weighing routine
Withings Body Smart connected scale Withings Body Smart: the connected scale that goes beyond