Aura Strap 2

Quick Aura Strap 2 Review

Enhance Your Apple Watch Experience

Unlock the full potential of your Apple Watch with Aura Strap 2 and the powerful AURA app.

Seamless Integration with HealthKit

Effortlessly sync all your health and fitness data with Apple HealthKit, ensuring comprehensive tracking in one place.

Achieve Your Ideal Body

No matter your fitness goals, Aura Strap 2 provides accurate data to help you stay on track and reach your desired body composition.

Exclusive Biogram for Progress Monitoring

Track your journey to your dream physique with the one-of-a-kind four-quadrant Biogram, offering precise insights into your progress.

In-Depth Analytics & Reports

Get detailed analysis of your body composition, including fat, muscle, water, protein levels, and more, to guide your fitness routine.

Premium Quality Materials

Aura Strap 2 and its replacement bands are crafted from top-tier materials for durability and comfort.

Personalized Recommendations

Receive tailored fitness and workout advice based on your unique body composition, helping you achieve optimal results.

Exclusive Workout Content

Access custom workout plans and routines in the AURA app, designed to fit your body type and fitness level.

Aura Strap 2 in the Press

Aura Strap 2 review: context — you love to see it

Aura Strap 2 adds body fat, muscle, and water-tracking to Apple Watches

A Smarter Smartwatch
Aura Strap 2

Aura Strap 2 will monitor hydration and your body fat percentage

Aura Strap 2: In-Depth Analysis of a Wrist-Worn Body Composition Analyzer for Apple Watch

The Aura Strap 2 represents a significant iteration in wearable health technology, functioning as an accessory band for the Apple Watch that integrates Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for on-demand body composition measurement. Unlike static smart scales which provide similar BIA-derived data, the Aura Strap 2 offers the distinct advantage of portability and the ability to take measurements directly from the wrist at any time or location. This device is engineered for individuals seeking detailed insights into their physiological status beyond standard activity tracking, providing metrics such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat estimation, bone mass, and hydration levels.

Core Technology: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

The foundational technology of the Aura Strap 2 is BIA. This non-invasive method works by passing a low-level, imperceptible electrical current through the body via stainless steel electrodes integrated into the strap. The impedance (resistance) encountered by this current as it travels through different tissue types (fat, muscle, bone, water) allows the device's algorithms to estimate the relative proportions of these components. The Aura Strap 2 measures impedance from wrist to wrist, providing data primarily reflective of the upper body composition.

Key Measured Metrics and Their Significance:

1. Body Fat Percentage: Estimates the proportion of fat mass relative to total body weight. Tracking this metric is crucial for weight management goals, assessing health risks associated with excess body fat, and monitoring the effectiveness of diet and exercise regimens.
2. Muscle Mass: Quantifies the amount of muscle tissue. Essential for athletes monitoring training adaptations, individuals focused on strength gains, and tracking potential muscle loss during caloric restriction or aging.
3. Visceral Fat: Estimates the fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal cavity. High levels are strongly linked to increased risk for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Monitoring this provides a valuable health indicator beyond subcutaneous fat.
4. Bone Mass: Provides an estimation of bone mineral content. While not a diagnostic tool for osteoporosis (requiring DEXA scans), tracking trends may offer insights into bone health relative to activity and diet over the long term.
5. Hydration Levels (Body Water %): Assesses total body water percentage. Crucial for optimal physiological function, athletic performance, cognitive function, and metabolic processes. Monitoring hydration helps users ensure adequate fluid intake, particularly relevant before, during, and after exercise or in varying environmental conditions.

Improvements in Aura Strap 2 Over the Original Model

The Aura Strap 2 incorporates substantial upgrades compared to its predecessor:

• Enhanced Data Acquisition: The sensor array now captures 20 times more data points per measurement. Aura contends this increased data density significantly improves the precision of the BIA analysis, yielding results claimed to correlate up to 95% with Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans under controlled conditions – the clinical standard for body composition analysis.
• Improved Connectivity: Transitioned from an ultrasonic audio data transfer method to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.2+). This provides a faster, more reliable, and less error-prone data sync between the strap and the paired Apple Watch and companion iPhone app.
• Refined Physical Design: The strap is 20% thinner than the original, enhancing wearability and comfort. It incorporates an LED indicator providing visual confirmation that a measurement is in progress or complete.
• Updated Strap Material and Fit: The previous hook-and-loop (velcro-like) closure has been replaced with a more durable and comfortable silicone sport loop design. Critically, the package now includes multiple strap sizes (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) to accommodate a wider range of wrist circumferences, ensuring a proper fit which is vital for consistent electrode contact and measurement accuracy.

Setup, Measurement Protocol, and Data Integration

Initial Setup: Setting up the Aura Strap 2 involves attaching it to a compatible Apple Watch (Series 3 through 7 supported at launch; check current compatibility). The initial process may require using an included tool to access the battery compartment if changing the strap size is necessary. Pairing occurs via Bluetooth through the dedicated Aura App on the iPhone. Within the app, users input baseline data (age, weight, height, sex) and can set personalized body composition goals.

Measurement Procedure: Obtaining a reading requires a specific protocol:

1. Launch the measurement process via the Aura App on the Apple Watch.
2. Assume a seated position with arms raised slightly, ensuring hands do not touch each other or the body. This prevents alternative pathways for the electrical current.
3. Place the thumb and index finger of the non-watch hand firmly onto the strap's stainless steel electrodes, ensuring contact with the fleshy part of the palm/fingers.
4. Remain still for the duration of the measurement (approximately 15-20 seconds). The Apple Watch app provides real-time feedback to guide user posture and contact. Consistency in posture, time of day, and hydration status is recommended for reliable trend analysis.

Data Sync and Integration: Measurement results are transmitted via Bluetooth to the Apple Watch and synced to the Aura App on the iPhone. The device integrates with Apple HealthKit, allowing users to consolidate their body composition data alongside other health and activity metrics tracked by the Apple ecosystem.

Accuracy Considerations and Comparisons

Aura's claim of 95% correlation with DEXA represents a high level of potential accuracy for a BIA device. However, users should understand the inherent variables affecting BIA results:

• Measurement Path: Aura Strap 2 (wrist-to-wrist) primarily assesses upper body composition. Smart scales (foot-to-foot or hand-to-foot) measure impedance through the lower body or the entire body, respectively. This difference can lead to variations in absolute values between device types, especially for individuals with uneven fat/muscle distribution.
• Hydration Status: BIA is highly sensitive to hydration levels, as water content significantly affects electrical conductivity. Dehydration can lead to an overestimation of body fat percentage. Consistent measurement timing (e.g., upon waking, before exercise/meals) is crucial.
• Other Factors: Recent exercise, meal consumption, and skin temperature can also influence readings.

While direct comparisons with scales like the Garmin Index S2 or Tanita RD953 may show numerical differences due to measurement paths, the consistency of trends over time is the primary value proposition. The Aura Strap 2 is best utilized for monitoring changes in body composition rather than relying solely on single absolute measurements.

The Aura App and Aura Plus Subscription

The companion Aura App serves as the central hub for data visualization and analysis.

• Standard Features: The free version allows users to take measurements, view current results, and track historical trends for all measured metrics (fat, muscle, visceral fat, bone, hydration). It includes the "Biogram," a visual tool plotting body fat and muscle mass changes within quadrants relative to goals and population norms.
• Aura Plus (Subscription): This optional paid service ($9.99/month or $79.99/year, with a complimentary 6-month trial included with strap purchase) unlocks advanced features:In-depth analysis and personalized insights based on measurement trends.Tailored fitness content, including workout plans and nutritional guidance.More detailed reporting and comparison features.
• In-depth analysis and personalized insights based on measurement trends.
• Tailored fitness content, including workout plans and nutritional guidance.
• More detailed reporting and comparison features.

The necessity of the Plus subscription depends on the user's desire for guided analysis and curated content versus interpreting the raw data trends independently.

Use Case Scenarios

• Weight Management & Dieters: Monitor fat loss while aiming to preserve muscle mass during caloric deficits. Track hydration, which can be impacted by dietary changes. Monitor visceral fat as a key health risk indicator.
• Fitness Enthusiasts & Bodybuilders: Track muscle mass gains in response to training programs. Optimize hydration strategies pre- and post-workout. Observe body fat changes during bulking or cutting phases.
• Athletes: Monitor hydration status during training blocks, especially during tapering or acclimatization periods. Track body composition changes relative to performance cycles. Note: It does not provide real-time intra-workout hydration alerts.
• General Health & Wellness: Regularly check hydration levels. Monitor visceral fat and body fat percentage as part of preventative health awareness. Track long-term trends in bone and muscle mass associated with aging and activity levels.
• Biohackers & Data-Driven Individuals: Collect frequent body composition data points to correlate with specific diet, exercise, or lifestyle interventions. Utilize trend data for personalized optimization.

Technical Specifications Summary

• Compatibility: Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, SE (Verify current compatibility for newer models and required watchOS versions). Requires compatible iPhone.
• Measurement Technology: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
• Electrodes: Medical-grade stainless steel.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.2+).
• Battery: Replaceable CR1632 coin cell battery.
• Battery Life: Approximately 6 months (usage dependent).
• Water Resistance: WR-50 rating (suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming; not suitable for high-velocity water sports or diving).
• Materials: Silicone strap, stainless steel electrodes, plastic housing.
• Included Sizes: S, M, L, XL bands included in the box.
• App Integration: Aura App (iOS), Apple HealthKit compatible.
• Contraindications: Not suitable for individuals with pacemakers or other implanted electronic medical devices due to BIA electrical current.

Evaluation and Suitability

The Aura Strap 2 provides a unique and convenient method for frequent body composition tracking directly integrated with the Apple Watch ecosystem. Its primary strength lies in portability and the ability to monitor trends in fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat, bone mass, and hydration without requiring a separate scale. The improved accuracy, faster Bluetooth sync, and refined design make it a notable upgrade over the original.

It is particularly well-suited for individuals actively engaged in fitness programs, weight management, or those who value detailed physiological data tracking for health optimization. While absolute accuracy compared to DEXA or different BIA devices requires careful consideration of measurement protocols and inherent technology limitations, its value for tracking personal trends over time is significant. The cost of the strap ($159 at time of original writing) and the optional Aura Plus subscription should be weighed against the user's commitment to utilizing the data provided. For casual users, the standard Apple Watch metrics might suffice, but for dedicated health-conscious individuals, athletes, and data enthusiasts, the Aura Strap 2 offers compelling insights integrated directly onto their wrist.

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