Acaia Pearl 2021 vs. Acaia Pearl Model S: Which Scale is Right for You?

Acaia Pearl 2021 vs. Acaia Pearl Model S: Which Scale is Right for You?

If you’ve been looking at precision coffee scales, chances are you’ve come across the Acaia Pearl 2021 and the Acaia Pearl Model S. Both are professional-grade brewing tools built with Acaia’s reputation for accuracy and innovation, but they’re designed with slightly different baristas in mind. 

Before we get into the differences, it’s worth noting what both scales have in common:

  • Accuracy to 0.1 g with lightning-fast responsiveness

  • USB-C charging and long battery life

  • Bright LED displays with adaptive brightness for any café or kitchen environment

  • Multiple brewing modes that make timing and weighing your brews simple

  • Sleek, compact design that’s a perfect fit for both commercial and home use

No matter which Pearl you choose, you’re getting a highly reliable scale designed specifically for coffee.

 

What Sets the Pearl Model S Apart

The Pearl Model S is essentially the Pearl on steroids — it’s built with more features for baristas who want deeper control and guidance during their brews.

  • Bigger Capacity – Handles up to 3000 g (vs. 2000 g on the Pearl 2021), making it more versatile for larger brews or weighing extra equipment.

  • Advanced Display – A dot-matrix screen shows not just weight and time, but also real-time flow-rate graphs and even text prompts.

  • Brewguide Mode – Unique to the Model S, this feature lets you follow guided recipes step-by-step, perfect for consistency in cafés or when learning new brew methods.

  • Expanded Brewing Modes – Includes Flow-Rate Mode and Countdown Mode for more nuanced brewing.

  • Voice & Sound Feedback – Choose from voice prompts or different sound notifications to stay in rhythm with your brew.

  • Larger Battery – 2200 mAh (double the Pearl 2021) for extended sessions.

 

Where the Pearl 2021 Shines

The Pearl 2021 is a little simpler, and that’s exactly why some people prefer it.

  • Streamlined Interface – With an 8-digit LED display, it’s intuitive and easy to use without extra features getting in the way.

  • Lighter Build – Around 500 g, compared to the Model S’s 620 g.

  • Latest Bluetooth – Uses Bluetooth 5.0 for app connectivity, compared to the Model S’s Bluetooth 4.0.

  • More Affordable – A lower price point makes it a fantastic entry into the Acaia ecosystem without compromise on precision.


The Specs

Pearl 2021
 Pearl S
Model AP007 / AP008 / AP009 PS003 / PS004
Color Classic White/ Classic Black /
Pitch Black		 White / Black
Dimensions W: 160 mm L: 160 mm H: 32 mm W: 160 mm L: 160 mm H: 32 mm
Product Weight 500 g ± 5 g 620 g ± 5 g
Maximum Capacity 2000 g / 70.55 oz 3000 g / 105.82 oz
Minimum Weight 0.1 g 0.1 g
Readability 0.1 g 0.1 g
Repeatability 0.1 g 0.1 g
Linearity 1 d 1 d
Display 8-digit LED Dot matrix LED
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0
Sound Beep Beep / Melody / Voice
Modes Weighing Only Mode
Dual Display Mode
Pour-Over Auto-Start Timer Mode
Portafilter Mode
Beverage Mode		 Weighing Only Mode
Dual Display Mode
Pour-Over Auto-Start Timer Mode
Portafilter Mode
Espresso Mode
Flowrate Mode
Brewguide Mode
Countdown Mode
App-Integrated Brewguide No Yes
Battery Lithium-ion rechargeable
3.7 V 1100 mAh		 Lithium-ion rechargeable
3.7 V 2200 mAh
Battery Life 30-40 hours 16~40 hours
Power Supply 5 V / 500 mA 5 V / 500 mA
Power Connector USB-C USB-C

 




Which One Should You Choose?

 

 

  • Go for the Pearl Model S if you’re a professional barista, café trainer, or serious home brewer who wants recipe guidance, advanced visuals, and the ability to handle larger brew sizes.

  • Choose the Pearl 2021 if you want a simpler, more affordable scale that still delivers world-class precision and speed without the extra bells and whistles.

 

Both the Acaia Pearl 2021 and the Pearl Model S represent the gold standard in coffee scales. The difference really comes down to how much control, guidance, and capacity you want. If you just need accuracy and reliability, the Pearl 2021 will serve you well. If you want a more feature-rich experience with advanced brewing support, the Pearl Model S is hard to beat.