Best Travel Companion: Luggage Scale Reviews

Luggage scales are a great way to save money and avoid the stress of having to pay overweight luggage fees or having to repack at the airport. They are compact, portable, and can go with you anywhere, providing added peace of mind while travelling.

There are a variety of luggage scales available on the market, ranging in size, price, and shape. When choosing a luggage scale, it is important to consider factors such as accuracy, durability, portability, and additional features. Digital luggage scales tend to be more accurate than manual ones, but manual scales do not require batteries and can be a good option if you are travelling to remote areas. It is also important to consider the weight capacity of the scale, especially if you plan to bring oversized items like sports equipment.

Some highly-rated luggage scales include the Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale, the Bagail Basics Digital Luggage Scale, the Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale, and the Dr. Meter Luggage Scale. These scales offer features such as accuracy, durability, and portability, making them a good choice for travellers looking to avoid overweight luggage fees.

Digital vs Analog: Digital scales are more precise, but analog scales don't require batteries

When it comes to choosing a luggage scale, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of digital vs analog options. Digital scales offer greater precision and often feature a bright, backlit screen for easy reading. They typically use sensors to provide an exact weight measurement, which is especially useful if you're packing close to the weight limit. Additionally, digital scales can be used for multiple purposes beyond weighing luggage. However, they require batteries, which means you'll need to replace them occasionally and ensure you have spares while travelling.

On the other hand, analog scales don't require a power source, making them a low-maintenance option. They are often more affordable and are simple to use—just hang your bag and read the weight. However, analog scales may be less accurate due to their spring mechanism, which can be affected by wear and tear over time. They may also lack a "hold" feature, requiring you to keep an eye on the dial while weighing. The display dial on analog scales can be quite small, making it easy to misread the exact weight.

If you're a frequent traveller seeking the most precise measurements, a digital scale is probably your best bet. But if you're on a budget and don't require extremely precise weights, an analog scale might be a good choice.

Accuracy: Check reviews and test with weights to ensure accuracy

Accuracy is a key consideration when choosing a luggage scale. Even a small discrepancy in weight can result in hefty fees for overweight luggage. While most airport scales are calibrated regularly, some faulty scales may display inaccurate readings due to missed maintenance or normal wear and tear.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to purchase a small luggage scale for home use, which can be bought for $10-20. When testing different models, check reviews from reputable sources, and test the scales yourself with weights of known values, such as kettlebells or standard weights. While slight variations of a few ounces are generally acceptable, you want to ensure the scale is not consistently off by a larger margin.

Some scales may be more accurate than others, but it is always a good idea to keep your luggage a pound or two lighter than the maximum weight limit as a precaution. This buffer can save you from unexpected fees at the airport, especially if their scales are inaccurate.

Additionally, consider the design of the scale. Some may be easier to use and provide a more comfortable grip, making it simpler to lift and weigh your luggage. Portability is another factor, as a compact scale can be easily packed and used during your travels.

Weight Capacity: Consider scales with higher weight limits if bringing oversized items

When it comes to luggage scales, weight capacity is an important consideration, especially if you plan on bringing oversized items on your travels. Most luggage scales have a maximum weight capacity of 110 pounds (around 50 kg), which is sufficient for most trips and adheres to the standard weight restrictions for checked bags and carry-ons. However, if you anticipate needing to weigh heavier items, it's worth considering scales with higher weight limits.

For instance, the Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty scale has an impressive weight capacity of 440 pounds, making it ideal for weighing large boxes or other bulky items. This scale is best suited for home use due to its larger size. If you require something more portable, the Samsonite Global Travel Accessories Manual Luggage Scale might be a better option, with a weight capacity of 80 pounds. While this is less than the standard 110 pounds offered by most digital scales, it still accommodates the weight requirements for most travel needs.

If you're looking for a digital scale with a higher weight capacity, the NUTRI FIT Digital Luggage Scale Portable Hanging Scale boasts a weight limit of 165 pounds (75 kg). This scale is also portable, making it convenient for travel. Another option is the Dr. Meter Luggage Scale, which has a weight capacity of 110 pounds and is highly accurate, making it a great choice for those wanting a reliable and wallet-friendly option.

When choosing a luggage scale, it's important to consider your specific needs and the types of items you plan to weigh. Giving yourself some wiggle room with luggage weight is always a good idea, just in case your scale isn't entirely accurate or you need to account for additional items picked up during your travels.

Portability: Choose a compact, lightweight scale for convenience when travelling

Portability is a key feature of a good luggage scale. The best luggage scales are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and store when travelling.

The Amazon Basics Portable Digital Luggage Scale is a small, compact option that can be easily packed into a carry-on, tote bag or crossbody. It can weigh up to 110 pounds and is highly accurate, although the screen can be a little hard to read.

The FREETOO Portable Travel Scale is another lightweight option, weighing just over 3 ounces. It can handle up to 110 pounds and comes in a sleek black, classic silver or bright red design.

The Samsonite Manual Scale is another lightweight, compact option. It's also the most accurate luggage scale we tried, providing an exact reading for 10 and 25-pound weights. However, it's a little harder to read with shaky hands and is bigger than a digital scale.

The Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale is a unique, battery-free option. Its small, circular shape makes it easy to store in a drawer or carry-on backpack. However, it doesn't have an ergonomic handle, so the grip isn't as good as T-shaped scales.

The Dr. Meter Luggage Scale is a highly accurate, lightweight and compact option that can be stored at home or in a suitcase. It's intuitive to use and features a temperature gauge, although its compact size makes it slightly less comfortable to grip.

The Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale is compact and durable. It's intuitive to use and can withstand rough handling. However, its compact shape makes it slightly difficult to get a good grip while lifting a suitcase.

Sturdiness: Invest in a scale made with high-quality materials to withstand being tossed around

When shopping for a luggage scale, it's important to consider the sturdiness of the product. A scale made with high-quality materials will be able to withstand being tossed around during your travels. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the sturdiness of a luggage scale:

Material Quality

Look for a luggage scale made with durable materials that can withstand frequent use and travel. The handle, strap, and attachments should be made of strong, sturdy materials that can handle the weight of your luggage. The Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale, for example, is known for its durability and has been used to test hundreds of suitcases without showing any signs of wear and tear.

Design and Craftsmanship

Examine the overall design and craftsmanship of the luggage scale. Check for a comfortable grip and ensure that the scale is easy to hold, especially when lifting heavier luggage. Avoid scales with uncomfortable or flimsy handles. The Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale, for instance, has been praised for its comfortable handle.

Weight Capacity

Consider the weight capacity of the luggage scale. Most digital travel scales can weigh bags up to 100 or 110 pounds, which is generally sufficient for airline weight restrictions. However, if you plan to weigh heavier items, opt for a scale with a higher weight capacity, such as the Smart Weigh Heavy-Duty Luggage Scale, which can accommodate up to 440 pounds.

Accuracy

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to luggage scales. Look for a scale with high-precision sensors that can provide readings within a few ounces or pounds of the actual weight. Some scales, like the Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale, offer perfect weight accuracy and are worth considering if precision is a top priority.

Portability

While durability is important, you also want to ensure that your luggage scale is compact and lightweight enough to carry with you on your travels. Bulky and heavy scales can be inconvenient to pack and may defeat the purpose of having a portable weighing device. The FREETOO Portable Luggage Scale, for example, weighs just over 3 ounces, making it a lightweight and convenient option.

Reviews

Before purchasing a luggage scale, be sure to read reviews from other travellers to get a sense of the product's sturdiness and durability. Look for reviews that mention the scale's ability to withstand rough handling and being tossed around. This will give you an idea of how well the scale holds up over time and with frequent use.

Frequently asked questions