There's nothing worse than getting ready to board that wonderfully cheap flight, only to be hit by a series of unexpected charges - it pays to be prepared and do what you can to avoid them! One of the easiest charges to avoid is excess baggage fees because the task requires only one simple tool - a luggage scale. Luggage scales offer a quick means of checking the weight of your bags to ensure they won't exceed the allowance.
They're simple devices, but that doesn't make picking the right one easy. There are many options from handheld to digital to lightweight and portable. To help remove some of the shopping headache, we've written this handy buying guide and included a list of the 9 best luggage scales to order from online stores like Amazon and Argos, from popular brands such as Samsonite, Beurer and more.
Quick List - Top Luggage Scales
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Luggage scales are designed for a simple purpose, but many come with a whole host of additional features, making picking the right one a little tricky. But don't fear - our buying guide will reveal everything you need to know!
There are two types of luggage scales - manual and digital. Both of which have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. If you'd like to find out which type is best for you, then read on!
The primary benefit of manual scales is their simplicity and ease of use. Unlike digital scales, which may require you to determine your preferred settings before weighing, a manual scale will require you only to hang your luggage on its metal hook. Their ease of use makes them the perfect option for those who wish to avoid any unnecessary fuss.
The spring-loaded mechanism doesn't require batteries either, meaning you'll save a little bit of cash in the long run. You also won't need to worry about remembering to turn your scale off after use!
You might not think that luggage scales need any extra features - that is, until you realise just how much easier they can make your life! For example, a built-in overload indicator will warn you when you've exceeded your limit, while a tare feature makes tallying the total weight of several bags a cinch.
Better still, digital scales are usually more accurate as they aren't prone to the wear and tear that manual scales are. However, make sure that you take the additional cost of batteries into account when purchasing digital luggage scales to work out its true value for money.
Inevitably, weight is at the forefront of your mind when buying luggage scales, but you probably didn't think you'd have to consider the weight of the scale itself. If you're an avid traveller, it makes sense to find a luggage scale that will easily fit into your bag so you can use it before every flight.
Generally, digital scales are smaller in size, with many of them coming in a slim, compact shape that'll slide in easily amongst your other items. Their ergonomic shape also makes them easy to use, so you'll be able to hold them comfortably while weighing your luggage.
As digital scales generally have their LED screens located on the top of the scales, you'll also be able to read your measurement without needing to bend over or lift your heavy luggage too high, making the whole process pretty effortless.
Believe it or not, luggage scales can only measure up to a certain weight, and some can handle bigger bags than others. Additionally, different airlines have different baggage limits, so it makes sense to opt for scales that'll cover all the limits you might encounter.
We've found that most scales can handle between 32 - 50kg, with manual scales tending to sit towards the lower end. 32kg should be more than enough for most baggage limits, but if you're unsure, it may be best to opt for a digital scale, most of which can handle around 50kg.
Everyone has their favourite unit of measurement, and when it comes to luggage scales, it's a case of picking the one that suits you best. Fortunately, most sets, both manual and digital, will allow you to switch interchangeably between both kilograms and pounds.
If, however, you prefer to measure in stones, that's also possible but is much harder to come by. But as most airlines tend to give their baggage limits in either kilograms or pounds, it may be better to opt for a scale that uses one, or both, of these measurements.
There's a whole selection of additional features that can make your life easier. From low battery indicators to LED lights to tare functions that'll allow you to tally up the weight of several bags. Scales will usually feature several features, so it's up to you to decide which ones are most important to you.
It's not only digital scales that come with additional features, either. Though we must admit, we're yet to find a manual scale that comes with any additional features beyond a retractable tape measure. That said, these can be incredibly useful for measuring the width of your luggage before flying!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Etekcity Digital Portable Luggage Scale | ![]() | That Luggage Scale That Has Everything | |
2 | Freetoo Digital Weight Scale for Travel | ![]() | A Sleek Scale That Measures in a Variety of Units | |
3 | Duronic Digital Luggage Scales | ![]() | Scales Designed With Comfort and Convenience in Mind | |
4 | MyCarbon Portable Digital Luggage Scale | ![]() | An Easy-to-Use Scale With a Sleek Design | |
5 | Beurer LS10 Luggage Scale With Light | ![]() | A Bunch of Useful Features, Plus a Handy LED Light! | |
6 | Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale | ![]() | An Industrial-Grade Scale With a Retractable Tape Measure | |
7 | Beurer LS 06 Luggage Scale with Tape | ![]() | An Ergonomic Scale With a Handful of Useful Features | |
8 | Salter Soft Touch Black Luggage Scale | ![]() | Perfect for Travelling and Comfortable to Hold | |
9 | Hyindoor Portable Luggage Scale | ![]() | A Traditional Digital Scale That's Highly Portable |
If you're looking for an all-singing, all-dancing luggage scale, this is it. Of course, it'll measure the weight of your luggage and offer highly accurate readings with its clear LCD screen, but it also does so much more.
It's got a built-in temperature sensor, low battery indicator, overload indicator, tare function and much more to ensure you're fully prepared when it's time to travel. It's also pretty neat-looking, with a non-slip grip and a choice of four colourful designs! It's everything you need and more, and that's why it's our top pick.
If variety is what you're after, this is the luggage scale for you, as it offers measurements in a choice of pounds, kilograms, ounces or grams on its clear, easy-to-read display. It also comes in a lightweight, sleek design that's easily portable.
To sweeten the deal, it also comes with a whole host of extra features, including auto-lock and tare functions, as well as an overload indicator and low battery indicator. One thing's for sure - you're going to be fully prepared when you get to the airport!
It's clear simply from looking at it that Duronic has designed their luggage scales to be as easy to use as possible. Ergonomically designed, its curved shape allows for comfortable holding, and its screen, positioned on top, allows for easy viewing while weighing your bags.
It weighs up to 50 kg for added convenience, and you can choose to have your measurements displayed in one of three units - kilograms, pounds, or stones. It's also got a manual on/off switch, which you may be surprised to discover a lot of scales don't have!
The first thing you're likely to notice about this luggage scale is its sleek design, which comes with a lovely stainless steel finish. Its slender profile makes it easy to grip, and it also comes with a lanyard that's useful for storage.
Its one-button operation makes it incredibly easy to use, as does its large green backlight screen, but we'll be honest - its handle is a little on the small side, making it difficult to use with larger luggage. In every other respect, however, this is a great choice.
As is clear from its slim, rectangular design and handy lanyard, this luggage scale was clearly designed with portability in mind. It even comes with an LED light - because you never know when you might need one!
It measures up to an impressive 50 kg, and it even comes with a selection of additional features, such as an overload indicator and an auto switch-off. Its screen is a little on the small side, but in every other sense, this is a highly useful, portable luggage scale.
This scale, from travel goods experts Samsonite, uses a traditional, tried 'n' tested manual design with a dial that offers measurements in both kilograms and pounds up to a weight of 32 kg. Simply hang your luggage on the hook, and you're ready to go!
Better still, it comes with a retractable tape measure that can be used to measure the width of your luggage before your flight. Its rather plain design might leave a lot to be desired, but it's more than appropriate for a scale that measures mechanical precision.
The slim design of the LS 06 luggage scale not only looks great but is also incredibly easy to hold when tallying up the weight of your luggage! Its clear, backlit LCD display also makes for nice, easy reading from above, meaning no uncomfortable bending over!
It doesn't perform too badly when it comes to specifications, either. It can weigh up to 50 kg and even features a retractable tape measure that can measure up to a length of 3 feet. Unfortunately, the accuracy of this scale might not be up to scratch compared with some of the other options.
This luggage scale from Salter utilises a rather unique handle design that allows for comfortable holding while weighing, with its screen located on top for easy viewing. Small and portable, it'll fit right in with your luggage, allowing for convenient weighing wherever you travel.
It's able to weigh up to a fairly sizeable 40kg, and because it's encased in strong ABS plastic, you can be sure that it's durable and able to withstand a few knocks and scrapes. While it's only built for weighing purposes, if you're just looking for a simple solution, this is an excellent choice.
Sometimes simple is better, and that's certainly the case with this luggage scale from Hyindoo. While it only does the basics of weighing your luggage, it opts for a nice minimalist design with a digital screen and hanging hook which can measure up to 50kg worth of luggage.
If you prefer, weight can also be given in pounds, and the LED screen ensures that measurements are always given clearly. To top it all off, this scale comes in a nice durable shell and is lightweight, making it extremely portable.
When it comes to holidays, well thought out preparation is the best means of ensuring a great trip. From toiletry bottles to suitcases for kids to full luggage sets, our articles have got you covered!
We've provided some top tips and shown you some of the best luggage scales out there, meaning you now have everything you need to find the right luggage scale for you. All that's left now is to enjoy your trip. Safe travels!
Author: Ben Willimett
No. 1: Etekcity|Digital Portable Luggage Scale
No. 2: Freetoo|Digital Weight Scale for Travel
No. 3: Duronic|Digital Luggage Scales
No. 4: MyCarbon|Portable Digital Luggage Scale
No. 5: Beurer|LS10 Luggage Scale With Light
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