Analog Weighing Scale Vs. Digital Weighing Scale: Which One is Better?

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Weighing scales are very much used in present time. These are multipurpose scales that can be used for several ways.  The role of a weighing scale is very significant in commercial stores and manufacturing industries. You can even use weighing scales for your domestic requirements. It is indeed perfect to weigh the weight of your body on a daily basis at home.

But, before you buy a weighing scale, you need to know the different options available in the market. A weighing scale comes in two types, digital and Analog. Both of these types have their own set of pros and cons.

Where Analog scale is considered to be a traditional means to measure weight, a digital weighing scale, on the other hand, is a modern one that eases measurement. Both perform the same task, i.e., measurement of weight but in different ways. Learning about its features, differences and pros and cons will help you make the right buying decision.

Quick Comparison 

A lot of people agree with the fact that the analog scales are much more accurate while there are a lot of people who have an opinion favouring the digital scales. The question is which one is really a better scale? Is it the analog scale that is better or is it the digital scale that is better? Which one should you really buy if you are planning to purchase a new scale? Well, it can be a tough choice but we are going to compare all the points in regards to the digital scale as well as the analog scale so that you can decide which one is better for you. Let us get into the details now.

Key Point Analog Scale Digital Scale
Reliability

Analog scales are considered to be reliable but it can be difficult to read the display with each decimal place. 

Digital weighing scales are considered to be much more reliable because of the technology they use. Most of these scales use 4 digital sensors to measure the weight and hence seems to be a little better in terms of reliability.
Ease of Using

Analog scales are certainly easy to use but the only trouble here is that the dial keeps on wobbling with the slight change in weight and this makes it a little difficult to read the dial.

In this aspect, we would again suggest that the digital scales are better. This is mainly because of the display integrated into the Machine. These displays are high contrast display and some of them also have a backlight which makes it quite easy to check readings.

Accuracy

Understand the difference between precision and accuracy. Analog scales are considered to be more accurate but the fact is that they are not precise. This has a trade-off.

Digital scales are considered to be a lot of precise but one thing that you might want to understand is that there is a slight percentage of error in every reading. The cheaper models might not also be as accurate.

Durability

Analog scales are durable but with time, the spring mechanism wears out and that is when you start getting a lot of error in the readings. They are susceptible to moisture as well. 

Digital scales are certainly durable and they also come with a yearlong warranty. There are some brands which offer a long warranty which certainly makes digital scales a little more durable than analog ones.

Portability

Analog scales are slightly heavy because of the spring mechanism inside the machine.

Digital weighing scales are very portable. They are lightweight and sleek. In addition to this, there are many designs available in digital scales as well.

Cost

The cost of these analog scales are constant and they can be higher or lower than the digital scale depending on which digital scale you are comparing it with.

The price of the base model of digital scale will usually be lower than its counterpart but it can also be a lot more than analog scale if you are opting for a high-end model with a lot of features. Also, these require a battery to function which associates with running cost.

Calibration

Analog scales needs calibration but it is very easy to calibrate the analog scale. It takes just a twist of the dial to calibrate the analog scale.

Calibration is not usually a challenge if you are buying a machine with an auto-calibration feature which virtually doesn’t need any efforts for calibration. It can be a challenge to calibrate the machines which need manual calibrations and we would not recommend those weighing scales.

Extra Features Do not expect any extra feature when you are purchasing the analog weighing scale.

You can get several extra features like multiple measurement units, measurements for BMI, Muscle mass and other such metrics.

These were the key differences between the analogue and the digital scale. You can compare these points and decide which one are really better for you. The choice can really be subjective and there is no certain answer for 2 people. Choose for yourself and purchase as per your needs or as per your opinion. you can find the best weighing machine here. 

Features wise comparison 

Precision

If you are looking for precision in weight measurement, then you must go for a digital scale. This is because this scale gives the most accurate measurement that makes it very easy to use. This feature makes them more reliable than Analog weighing scales.

In case of an Analog weighing scale, the functionality is exhibited by this type of weighing machine is mostly based on its mechanical factor. The result that you obtain from it fluctuates.

The digital type of weighing scales has the ability to even display the weight to a decimal place. This isn’t possible in case of an Analog weighing scale. The digital weighing scale is more accurate as compared to the Analog model and you can trust the results blindly.

Holding capacity

Another important factor that you need to check when it comes to buying a weight machine is the ability to carry weight. There is a limit to how much weight that can be carried by both these types of machines.

An Analog scale can easily carry 100 kg- 120 kg. Digital weighing machines offer far better performance than Analog scales and provide higher weight holding capacity of usually 150 kg.

Methodology

Analog weighing machines rely on springs to calculate weights. These scales are mechanical in nature. You do not need to continuously change its batteries or maintain them on a regular basis. A simple spring-based mechanism is needed to give the most accurate weight measurements.

All you need is to stand on this weighing scale. You can use it whenever and wherever you wish and you will know your weight quickly and easily.In the case of a digital scale, sensors are used to obtain an accurate measurement.

Display

Analog weighing machines give a very conventional functioning and display system. The display of an analog weighing scale is straightforward and simple. It consists of one needle that has a pointing end towards a number.

Its digital counterpart contains an LCD screen display that provides more accurate and precise memory capacity and weighing capability.It is simpler to read digital reading, as compared to reading the needle in the Analog weighing scale.

Power supply

Besides the various benefits offered by digital weighing scale, there is one factor where Analog scale is rated superior to the digital scale. This factor is power consumption. As Analog weighing scale work mechanically, there is no need for power supply for their operation.

Also, you can use them even at times when you face power outages. That makes use of Analog weighing scales convenient. In the case of digital weighing scales, they function on batteries that tend to obtain low-frequency signal when not supplied with adequate power.

Easy Function

Analog Weighing Scale provides easy reading. You need not to modify any settings or switch on the machine prior to measuring the weight. Also, you would find that Analog scales are very convenient to calibrate.

Durability

With consistent use, the springs present in an Analog weighing scales wears out. These springs are majorly responsible to measure and display weight. With continuous use, the spring can get loose. So, as time passes, the chances of error can also be higher. This is really a major disadvantage of owning an Analog scale

Heavy

Another factor that differentiates both these cells from each other is the weight of the device itself. Analog Scales are heavy and bulky as compared to the digital scales. This can pose a storage constraint that can become a problem when you are deficient of the space.

The digital weighing scale is designed to be light in weight. This makes them convenient to carry. These small size devices get easily stored at any place. Also, digital weighing scale comes in attractive designs that makes them quite appealing to use.

Equipped with advanced technological features

Modern digital weighing scales are equipped with advanced technology and smart sensors. These scales calculate several factors such as water weight, BMI, etc. to provide advanced level readings and help you increase or decrease weight as per the diet plan.

The new and advanced digital weighing scales are introduced with a superior level finish. They are designed to be incredibly attractive and light in weight that fits in your workplace or home easily.

Some of these scales even provide a body composition analysis such as the Fat%, BMR, and other readings. This is considered to be one of the biggest benefits of a digital scale. These scales automatically synchronize the data on the mobile phone.

Ease of use

It is quite convenient to use a digital weighing scale. Also, these scales get switched off on your own once you are done with its use.

Conclusion

Analog weighing scales have been widely used in olden days. But nowadays, people are increasingly opting for digital scales. These scales are extremely in trend probably everywhere.

The performance of Analog machine diminishes over time. This affects their precision too. Due to all both factors, use of Analog weighing scales has become minimum. These machines are replaced by high-end, and modern digital weighing scales that comes with a lot of inbuilt smart features that displays pinpoint accuracy.