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A Withings ScanWatch 2 on a users wrist looks like a regular analog wearable.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Withings ScanWatch 2

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: Should you buy it?

Withings offers traditional timepieces that help you keep an eye on your ticker.
By

Published onOctober 3, 2024

Originally published on April 20, 2024
Withings ScanWatch 2

Withings ScanWatch 2

One of the best health-focused hybrid smartwatches available, the ScanWatch 2 offers users the opportunity to discreetly track key metrics. It provides round-the-clock tracking including FDA-approved ECG monitoring. Compared to its predecessor, it refines the user experience with a useful temperature sensor and other minor upgrades. For anyone who wants to keep an eye on their heart, but doesn't want a sporty smartwatch, the ScanWatch 2 is a welcome compromise.

What we like

Premium, classy design
Up to 30-day battery life
Broad health tracking tools
Useful fitness tracking
Available in two sizes

What we don't like

Limited display space
High price point
No built-in GPS
Few smart features
Withings ScanWatch 2

Withings ScanWatch 2

One of the best health-focused hybrid smartwatches available, the ScanWatch 2 offers users the opportunity to discreetly track key metrics. It provides round-the-clock tracking including FDA-approved ECG monitoring. Compared to its predecessor, it refines the user experience with a useful temperature sensor and other minor upgrades. For anyone who wants to keep an eye on their heart, but doesn't want a sporty smartwatch, the ScanWatch 2 is a welcome compromise.

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: At a glance

  • What is it? Withings' follow-up to the health-focused ScanWatch, the ScanWatch 2 is a powerful hybrid smartwatch with an analog aesthetic and undercover smarts. The device tracks everything from activity to cardiovascular health, sleep, SpO2, and women's health stats. Like its predecessor, the second-generation watch also offers on-demand ECG readings and atrial fibrillation detection and even adds temperature tracking. On the smartwatch front, it offers basic band-style notifications.
  • What is the price? The Withings ScanWatch 2 is priced at $349.95.
  • Where can you buy it? You can purchase the Withings ScanWatch 2 from Withings.com and third-party retailers like Target.
  • How did we test it? I tested the Withings ScanWatch 2 for ten days. The review unit was supplied by Withings.
  • Is it worth it? The Withings ScanWatch 2 adds key sensor and feature upgrades to an already successful hybrid smartwatch line, including a temperature sensor. These tools are hidden within a classic-looking wearable so the device can track helpful data inconspicuously. By continually monitoring vital health metrics, it offers powerful insight into users' wellness, tracks basic activity, and monitors sleep. Meanwhile, with limited display space wasting battery, it will also last up to 30 days between charges. Though pricey, it's an impressive pick for anyone interested in advanced health monitoring with a traditional aesthetic.

Update, October 2024: This review has been updated to account for new alternatives available within the market, including upgraded devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Should you buy the Withings ScanWatch 2?

Withings ScanWatch 2 Off Wrist
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

It’s the nature of my job to always be sporting one, if not two, overtly techy wearables, typically with colorful, AMOLED displays and gym rat aesthetics. This is fantastic for someone who keeps up with modern gadgetry, works out regularly, and can probably do a handful of pull-ups (spoiler, I cannot), but what about anyone looking to venture out of the house without broadcasting that they religiously track steps? The Withings ScanWatch 2 is just the answer. Its elegant, analog design suggests a cocktail bar more than a curl bar, yet it quietly tracks a handful of advanced health stats and activity data like any modern smartwatch.

The ScanWatch 2 is a beautiful, luxury wearable with an analog aesthetic and hidden smarts.

At first glance, the ScanWatch 2 is simply a stylish timepiece and a gorgeous one at that. With clean lines and premium build materials, the watch seamlessly blends into a business casual wardrobe (though it doesn’t look out of place with jeans and a t-shirt either). Its stainless steel case features a protruding rotating crown and is available in either 42mm or 38mm, each offering a small range of color options. In the larger size, shoppers will find black or pearl white choices. In 38mm, the options expand to include sand or blue faces with gold cases. Covered in sapphire glass, each display features a standard clock face plus a secondary dial for tracking your step goal.

A user activates the OLED display on their Withings ScanWatch 2.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

And then things start to get interesting. Like the original ScanWatch, the newer generation features a small grayscale OLED display, the official “window” into the watch’s undercover features. With a turn of the digital crown, users can check their heart rate, temperature variation, steps, and distance, start a workout or breathwork session, take an ECG or SpO2 measurement, and access the device’s settings. Notably, there isn’t a screen for sleep tracking, which feels like a slight oversight as the ScanWatch 2 can actually track your sleep patterns, which I’ll cover more below. This display space is small, measuring just .63 inches, but I find it plenty useful for completing basic tasks and checking stats.

Fortunately, the device records a ton of key stats worth checking. Like the original, the ScanWatch 2 tracks steps, distance, calories, workouts, heart rate, and blood oxygen. As mentioned, it also offers on-demand SpO2 readings as well as on-demand ECG recordings with FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection. The latter makes the watch a particularly strong contender for shoppers antsy to keep tabs on their heart health. Thanks to its timeless look, it’s a great pick for senior users who may be reluctant to wear a modern smartwatch.

As mentioned, the device is also a detailed sleep tracker, measuring sleep stages, duration, interruptions, and regularity. I found these sleep stats comparable to my Oura Ring 3; however, occasionally, the watch overestimates my sleep, counting time in bed as time asleep. (Granted, I should have been sleeping rather than reading until all hours of the night.) Unlike the original model, the 2’s PPG sensor now measures your respiratory rate.

A user checks their temperature variations on their Withings ScanWatch 2.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Withings ScanWatch 2 also adds a temperature sensor for measuring fluctuations daily and overnight, as well as during workouts. The TempTech24/7 module monitors skin and ambient temperatures to distinguish potential symptoms from environmental conditions. I didn’t receive any elevated temperatures during my testing, but theoretically, the tool could be useful for determining oncoming illness. Temperature sensing is a growing trend in the wearables market, and such trackers can now be found on most of the top devices. Adding this capability was an important upgrade for the company to keep up with the competition.

The ScanWatch 2 adds 24-hour temperature monitoring and on-device cycle tracking.

Likewise, the newer model also adds on-device women’s cycle tracking. This includes period predictions on the wrist plus the ability to log flow trends and symptoms. You can still do much more from the app than on the watch itself, but it is nice to see this access available. I am always grateful for the prioritizing of women’s health tracking, and it’s not a surprise to see a health-focused brand do so.

A user reviews the workout options on their Withings ScanWatch 2.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

And yet, as mentioned at the start, this is a health-monitoring hybrid device, not a dedicated fitness tracker. Though I found the ScanWatch 2 extremely comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking, it isn’t meant for fitness buffs. It doesn’t pack some crucial tools for athletes, namely built-in GPS. At this point in a review, I would typically include a mapped outdoor workout to show the accuracy of a wearable’s GPS, but in this case, the data collected simply relies on your paired phone, not the watch itself.

I don’t love pocketing a phone on long runs, so the lack of built-in GPS is disappointing at this price point. However, the decision directs my attention back to the device’s intended audience. With over 40 sports modes and useful activity analysis, the ScanWatch 2 is certainly a reliable activity tracker for those interested in the basics, but it’s not a sports watch for serious athletes.

The ScanWatch 2 is lacking in both smart features and tools for athletes, including built-in GPS.

It’s also very limited in smart features, offering just band-style notifications that can be cumbersome to read. I usually don’t wait for the entire message but merely use the alert to determine whether I need to grab my phone. I would have liked to see Withings add music controls and digital payment support to the newest generation. I don’t mind the lack of apps and phone call support because, in my opinion, those features are beyond the scope of what a hybrid device needs to offer. If you find them important, this is not the watch for you.

Before you bail on the idea of a ScanWatch 2, I saved the discussion of the best feature for last. The watch can last up to 30 days between charges, a staggering stat compared to most leading smartwatches. During this review, the device easily surpassed two full weeks with regular workouts, notifications, and feature use (I’ve yet to kill the battery). Granted, I did disable Raise to Wake after the first day, as that feature will definitely drain power quickly.  However, and I cannot stress this enough, there is no feeling of luxury I appreciate more than having no idea where a device’s charger is because it rarely needs it. This is an exaggeration, I’m terribly anal about organization, but the point is, you will rarely need to charge your watch and are very unlikely to find yourself with a dead device unexpectedly.

The biggest strength of the ScanWatch 2 is its phenomenal up-to-30-day battery life.

When you do need to power up, the ScanWatch 2 ships with a proprietary charger that reminds me of child-proofing devices. You need to ensure the watch is placed in the correct orientation, then pull on the spring-loaded end to fit the watch in place. It’s straightforward despite its funky shape and securely holds the watch for effective charging. Reloading from 0 to 100% battery will take about 2 hours, which is long, but again, you won’t need to do it often.

Withings ScanWatch 2
Withings ScanWatch 2
AA Recommended
Withings ScanWatch 2
Premium, classy design • Up to 30-day battery life • Broad health tracking tools
MSRP: $349.95
Health-first, elegantly simple hybrid smartwatch
he ScanWatch 2 is a powerful hybrid smartwatch with an analog aesthetic and undercover smarts. The device tracks everything from activity to cardiovascular health, sleep, SpO2, and women's health stats. Like its predecessor, the second generation watch also features on-demand ECG readings and atrial fibrillation detection and even adds temperature tracking. On the smartwatch front, it offers basic band-style notifications.

What are the best Withings ScanWatch 2 alternatives?

Withings ScanWatch 2 Alternatives
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The ScanWatch 2 is an attractive buy, but it’s not the only device worth considering. Check out these alternatives for more options.

  • Withings ScanWatch Light (€249.95 at Withings): If you’re interested in the ScanWatch 2’s overall package but don’t need all the device’s advanced sensors, the ScanWatch Lite is a fantastic pared down option for budget-conscious shoppers. Just be aware that you won’t find temperature tracking, ECG readings, or SpO2 monitoring on board.
  • Withings ScanWatch Nova ($599.99 at Amazon): At the other end of the spectrum, the pricey ScanWatch Nova packs everything you’d find on the ScanWatch 2 into an even more premium build inspired by luxury dive watches.
  • Garmin Vivomove Sport ($179 at Amazon): One of Garmin’s top hybrid watches, the Vivomove Sport features useful training tools and an attractive aesthetic. We love the sleek “hidden” display that disappears when not in use.
  • Apple Watch Series 10 ($386 at Amazon): Of course, no hybrid options can compete with a dedicated smartwatch when it comes to integration, apps, and display. The best smartwatch for iPhone users is the Apple Watch Series 10, which packs considerable health and fitness tracking tools. Unfortunately, the device only offers 24 hours of battery life between charges and isn’t compatible with Android phones.
  • Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349.99 at Amazon): The best Wear OS device available is Google’s third-generation Pixel Watch. Not only does it boast the best Wear OS software, but it also offers unique Fitbit integration and a truly refined minimalist aesthetic.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ($261.25 at Amazon): For Samsung phone users, the best Wear OS pick is the newest generation Galaxy Watch 7. The device offers a full gamut of tools and features and packs a rotating bezel for smooth device navigation. For a more traditional aesthetics, shoppers may also consider the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($429 at Amazon).

Withings ScanWatch 2 Specs 

Withings ScanWatch 2
Display
0.63-inch OLED
16-bit Grayscale color
282ppi
Dimensions and weight
38 or 42mm case

18 or 20mm band

38mm case: 34.6g without band
42mm case: 52.6g without band
Build materials
Stainless steel case and crown
Sapphire Glass display
Battery
Up to 30 days in smartwatch mode
2-hour charging time
IP rating
5ATM
Sensors
TempTech24/7 Module
High Dynamic Range Accelerometer
Multi-wavelength PPG 16 channels
Altimeter
Connectivity
Bluetooth LE
Compatibility
Android 9 and higher

iOS 15 and higher

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: FAQ

The Withings ScanWatch 2 features a water resistance rating of 5ATM.

In some regions, the use of the device’s ECG app requires a physician to enable it. As such, a free virtual appointment is scheduled by Withings for users at set up. This chat is an opportunity to learn more about the device’s abilities and the health benefits of ECG readings. My appointment took roughly 15 minutes. You must also be 22 or older to use the ECG feature.

The Withings ScanWatch 2 offers connected GPS, so you will need to bring your phone on runs and rides to track your route.

The Withings ScanWatch 2 is safe to wear in the shower thanks to its 5ATM water resistance rating. With that said, all wearables are subject to damage when exposed to steam or corrosive materials like shampoos.

The Withings ScanWatch 2 is FDA approved.

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