Compact, lightweight and looks like a slim remote control, the Withings BeamO combines four key health tools in a single pocket-sized device. It has an infrared thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a digital stethoscope and a 1-lead ECG.
It is the year 2025, and we don’t have flying cars as the Jetsons cartoon showed us, but no other consumer product bundles this combination and certainly not in a handheld form.
What Exactly Is BeamO?
Simply put, the BeamO is a 4-in-1 multiscope designed for everyday health check-ups at home. It has:
- Infrared thermometer- for quick and contactless temperature readings.
- ECG (electrocardiogram)- a medical grade 1-lead ECG and two-lead version in Europe.
- Pulse Oximeter (SpO2)- measures blood oxygen via PPG.
- Digital stethoscope- this records heart and lung sounds via a piezoelectric sensor.
Specifications
| Specifications | Withings BeamO |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.9 x 13.6 cm |
| Weight | 80g |
| Color Screen Display | RGB TFT LCD display 170 x 320 px, 191 PPI, 1.9″ 16-bit high color |
| Materials | Stainless steel electrodes Polycarbonate body Silicone membrane |
| Sensors | HotSpot Gen2™ temperature sensor 2 electrodes Piezoelectric sensor Force sensor |
| Battery Life | 8 months |
| Charging time | 1 hour |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth® Low Energy Wi-Fi 2.4GHz b/g/n LTE Cat-M1 (optional) |
| Compatibility | iOS 16+ & Android 9.0+ |
| Storage | Free and unlimited storage of all health data online |
| FSA/HSA eligible | Yes |
| Price | $ 249.95 USD |
Design and Build
BeamO is a harmonica-sized device with an 80g weight and 3.7 x 1.9 x 13.6 cm dimensions. It has a bright colour display and navigation buttons in the front that help you switch between modes or select different uses. The finger electrodes on the sides help gather ECG readings and a forehead-facing IR thermometer is built into the top edge.
It looks more like a fitness accessory than a medical device. The sethoscope grade microphone sits at the bottom of the device, along with a USB-C port for easy charging and it also works with the included USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter to record heart and lung sounds.
The overall build and quality of the device are good enough for everyday use, but it could have been more rugged and durable.
How BeamO Works
Temperature
BeamO works as a temperature gun with its new thermophile sensor and is more precise than the classic Withings Thermo. To use the BeamO as a temperature gun, hold it a short distance from your forehead and it will capture your reading.
I have found the temperature readings to be quite reliable and in accordance with how I’m feeling.
ECG + SpO₂
The blood oxygen sensor is present in the BeamO, but will be available to use in the US pending clearance in the future. The US model also only has a raw ECG strip, while the EU model provides interpretations such as AFib and sinus rhythm.
To take an ECG reading, you just need to place your fingers on the electrodes for 30 seconds. In the US, the ECG unlocks after a doctor reviews your first reading, which is auto-applied within 24-48 hours.
While the AFib detection has received FDA clearance, it is tied to the ECG function.
Heart & Lung Sound Recording
For heart and lung sound recordings, the placement is crucial; therefore, I highly recommend using a pair of headphones when listening. Simply press the BeamO against the chest or the back.
The raw recordings inside the app are intentionally not processed by Withings and become much clearer when shared with a clinician. Because of this reason, the stethoscope mode requires a perfectly quiet room and a pair of headphones in order to have the best possible recording.
Sync & Sharing
All the data recorded by the BeamO is automatically uploaded to the Withings app via Wi-Fi and can be instantly shared.
No Withings+ subscription is required to access these features.
Why BeamO Matters
The device makes waiting months between doctors’ appointments more manageable as it can help:
- Track fevers
- Check irregular heart rhythm
- Monitor blood oxygen saturation
- Record breathing during an illness
- Share the data instantly with your physician.
For caregivers or anyone managing chronic issues, the BeamO is more than just convenient- it provides peace of mind.
Pros and Cons
| Pros of the BeamO | Cons of BeamO |
|---|---|
| Compact, lightweight and portable | Currently has limitations in the US |
| Easy to use | The stethoscope mode can be improved with AI insights |
| Sends the data directly to the app | Costly for casual users |
| Works for all age groups | Requires a fast Wi-Fi for syncing |
| Four vital measurements in one device | |
| Can be used by all members of the family |
Price and Availability
The BeamO is priced at $249.95 USD and is available across the US via their official website.
It also has a guest mode, so that means that not only can it be used amongst family members, but even if someone wants a quick health check, it won’t be a problem. That makes the device have value for money.
Final Verdict: Is Withings BeamO Worth It?
The US version of the BeamO is not perfect and still feels like a prototype until regulatory clearance is approved. But even with these limitations, it is the most ambitious and thoughtfully designed home health tool that is currently available in the market.
It brings us closer to managing our health in between the long waiting periods of a doctor’s visit and is likely to get much better with time, as and when the clearance is received.
For casual users, the price tag may be hard to justify, but for people who need a constant check on their health due to a condition, this is a remarkable device to have at home.
