Best Luggage Scale To Help Avoid Baggage Fees
Best Luggage Scale To Help Avoid Baggage Fees

Okay, we know what you might be thinking. A post on the best luggage scale; does it matter that much? Well, we think so!

Whether you’re paying for a checked bag, a carry on is included with your flight, or you want to make sure your personal item isn’t too heavy, bringing a luggage scale along for the ride is a great way to save weight and cash. You might buy souvenirs on your trip, pick up some rocks on the beach, or wear different clothing on the plane ride home. If you have a luggage scale with you, there’s no guessing whether you’ll be good at the gate, no matter where the destination is.

Most of the scales on this list are similar; however, many have unique features, a design perk we dig, or can be used for more than just weighing your pack. Before we dive into the list, let’s chat about a few things.

Before you hit the airport, you have a few things to consider. Do you plan to purchase many things on your trip? If so, you must account for that future weight in your pack before leaving. Is your destination a drastically different climate than your home? Climate changes can have a massive impact on what you wear. If you don heavier clothing on the way to your destination and pack them away on the way home, that adds weight.

After the theoretical thinking is done, it’s essential to look at your airline’s regulations for luggage. Make sure your items fall under that range using your brand-spanking-new luggage scale, and you’ll be all set.

Okay, I think we’re ready to dive in! Time to find the best luggage scale for you.

1. Etekcity EL11 Digital Luggage Scale
Etekcity EL11 Digital Luggage Scale

If you're looking for a slice of what it's like to be at Pack Hacker HQ (without joining Pack Hacker Pro, of course), look no further than the Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale. We use this scale to weigh things in the office multiple times a week and haven't had any issues with it. If that doesn't sell you, we can get down to brass tacks.

The loop and metal attachment make it easy to weigh almost anything. However, small items can be difficult because the metal end isn't malleable. You can weigh up to 110 lbs (nearly 50 Kg), so your luggage shouldn't be an issue. If you need to weigh something heavier, you can always weigh items inside the pack separately—one packing cube at a time!

In addition to working as a scale, this device measures temperature. This might seem odd, but it can be useful in certain situations. Suppose you're sensitive to certain temperatures while sleeping. In that case, you can get an accurate reading of the temperature where you'll be sleeping and adjust the hotel room's heating and cooling system accordingly.

This might be the best luggage scale for those looking for extras and ease of use!

Why We Like It
  • It has a thermostat for temperature readings
  • The Pack Hacker team uses this one frequently without issue
What You Should Know
  • There are limited weight units available
  • It can be hard to loop through small openings
See Details & Buying Options
2. FREETOO Portable Travel Scale
FREETOO Portable Travel Scale

The FREETOO Portable Luggage Scale comes in a similar style to many others we've tested, is easy to operate, and can handle up to 110 lbs (just under 50 Kg). The scale only weighs just over 3 ounces (90 grams), so you won't waste much weight in your pack.

At the time of writing, there are three colorways available. Black is sleek, Red has a pop of color that might match your style, and Silver feels classic. The logo is relatively large, which might not be what everyone looks for in a piece of travel gear, even if it's only a digital luggage scale.

This offering from FREETOO is simple, colorful (if you want it to be), and gets the job done. Considering its current sub-$15 price point, it's a capable model that might be the best scale for you.

Why We Like It
  • It comes in a small size but can still handle over 100 pounds
  • The screen is bright so that you can see the reading easily
What You Should Know
  • Hard to use for smaller items
  • The design might not curry favor with minimalist travelers
See Details & Buying Options
3. Amazon Basics Portable Digital Luggage Scale
Amazon Basics Portable Digital Luggage Scale

You probably knew this was coming. A small device that used to be available at any big box store? This has Amazon Basics written all over it! Their Portable Digital Luggage Weight Scale works as we'd expect it to and comes in at a price that's hard to beat. But how well does it work? Let's chat about it.

Similar to many digital luggage scales, this thing can handle a maximum of 110 lbs, or just under 50 Kg. That's more than enough for most trips, and we've found it accurate, too. It takes a CR2032 battery, which is readily available online, but ours has shown no signs of dying any time soon.

There's just one colorway available, and there aren't any bells or whistles. However, we don’t expect there to be. Amazon Basics products are often simple, no-frills options for those looking for gear on a budget. Amazon doesn't deviate from that idea here, making this one of the best luggage scale models on the market!

Why We Like It
  • Excellent price-for-value ratio
  • The design isn't revolutionary, but it's sleek
What You Should Know
  • Not many extra features
  • It might not be worth it if you don't have Amazon Prime
See Details & Buying Options
4. EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Handheld Luggage Scale
EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Handheld Luggage Scale

Most luggage weight scale models we've come across have a metal piece that hooks onto another part of the strap to connect. This is easy enough; however, the EatSmart Luggage Scale uses a more familiar method. It utilizes a plastic buckle, which is easier for those with larger hands or mobility issues.

For most weighing situations, the design utilized by EatSmart is more comfortable. You can use one hand comfortably and still read the screen. However, it can be hard to hold properly or read the screen for heavier items that you need two arms to lift. It's still possible, but more awkward than the design we've tested time and time again. This isn't an issue if you're weighing smaller items (or never skip arm day).

The scale can weigh items up to 110 lbs (just under 50 Kg), and in our testing, was accurate. It's small enough to pack inside your bag without much fuss and may be the best luggage scale for you!

Why We Like It
  • The design is more comfortable than others we've tested
  • Buckle design is unique when compared to standard metal latch
What You Should Know
  • It can be hard to read the screen for larger or heavier bags that require more hand grip
  • The top screen doesn't feel very durable
See Details & Buying Options
5. Samsonite Global Travel Accessories Manual Luggage Scale
Samsonite Global Travel Accessories Manual Luggage Scale

If you never want to buy a battery for your digital scale again, we've sorted out your next weighing scale for luggage. The Samsonite GlobalManual scale doesn't utilize batteries, so you don't have to worry about them dying. It's a full analog experience, so you'll never need batteries (for this purpose) again!

The design is simple. When you put weight on the metal hook, the red cursor moves clockwise to indicate how heavy the item is. Unless you suspend the scale, you can't see the face, so you don't know how heavy the thing is. A black cursor stays put at the highest weight, so you can see the reading after you set the pack down. This takes some getting used to but is a small tradeoff for not needing batteries.

This luggage weight scale only goes up to 75 lbs (roughly 35 Kg), less than others on this list but capable of most travel needs. Typically, the maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 lbs and around 30 lbs for a carry on, so you (likely) won't get close to either of those while using this scale!

Why We Like It
  • It doesn't use batteries, so you don't have to worry about them dying
  • The style is uniquely analog
What You Should Know
  • It's harder to read without assistance
  • Using it will take some getting used to if you own a digital scale
See Details & Buying Options
6. AIR SCALE Luggage Scale
AIR SCALE Luggage Scale

There are few options if you're looking for a digital luggage scale that doesn't need batteries. However, the AIRSCALE is a worthy piece of gear that easily slides into your pack. It's powered by kinetic energy, which is bolstered when you shake the scale.

The scale is larger than others we've encountered, but it still fits inside your travel backpack or daypack without much fuss. The design looks sleek, which we dig. Only a white colorway is available at the time of writing, but it hasn't gotten dirty in our testing.

If you weigh your luggage a lot or have a big family, there might be a better luggage weight scale for you. The exercise of shaking it is simple, but it gets old after a while. If everyone in your extended family decides to have you use the scale for the family trip to Florida, you'll be sore by the end of the afternoon. How many bags can Uncle Ahmad possibly bring with him?

If you're trying to kick batteries but still want a screen, this might be the scale for you!

Why We Like It
  • It's a digital scale that doesn't require batteries
  • The design is sleek and minimalistic
What You Should Know
  • Not ideal for a lot of luggage because you have to shake it a lot
  • It's larger than some scales we've tested
See Details & Buying Options
7. Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale
Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale

If you're looking for a scale that can be used for things other than luggage, look no further than the Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale.

Let's be honest; you can use almost any of the scales on this list in the kitchen or at home. However, will you want to? The Ozeri is thoughtfully designed with multiple uses in mind, so although it might not be the best luggage scale around, it does well at any task you may have for it.

Another perk of the Ozeri Twist-and-Go is that it doesn't need batteries. It utilizes kinetic energy through a simple twist mechanism to power on. It's smaller than most of the luggage scales we've tested and has a unique shape, too. This tailors it for home and kitchen use but makes it more challenging for heavy checked bags.

If you like to combine gear for unique uses, the Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale might be the best for you!

Why We Like It
  • It can be used for luggage or general home and kitchen use
  • The scale doesn't require batteries to function
What You Should Know
  • It can be challenging to use for larger and heavier items
  • The scale takes some getting used to
See Details & Buying Options

So there you have it; some of the best luggage scale models for your next trip! Whether you’re going to London or Lagos, you can weigh your pack to ensure you don’t get extra baggage fees.

July 5, 2023

mm
Pack Hacker