Are luggage scales accurate?

While good quality digital luggage scales will be accurate, this doesn’t take into consideration airline scales that may not be calibrated regularly. For safety, always allow yourself a buffer in case your luggage weighs in heavier at the airport.

Can you use a bathroom scale to weigh luggage?

While technically possible to weigh your luggage with bathroom scales, we don’t recommend it. It can be difficult to read the weight with the luggage on it, and it won’t give an accurate reading. Portable digital luggage scales are extremely affordable and weigh your luggage much more precisely.

The 10 Best Portable Luggage Scales for Travelers [2023 Updated]

Q: What is the smallest luggage scale?

The EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale is no bigger than a bottle opener, so this pocket-friendly scale can literally go anywhere with you. With a digital display built into the handle itself, the EatSmart scale provides reliable readings for your luggage at the drop of a hat.

Q: What is the most accurate luggage scale?

The NUTRI FIT Digital Luggage Scale has a high-accuracy sensor. With a low battery indicator, overload warning indicator, and a zero or tare function, this little gadget is a must-have for every traveler.

Luggage scales will tell you just how much your belongings weigh before you’ve even left the house.

These neat little gadgets can protect you against the expense of excess baggage charges and ensure that you’re never faced with any nasty surprises at check-in.

Table of contents

Do I Really Need a Luggage Scale?
Things To Look for in Luggage Scales
The 10 Best Portable Luggage Scales
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Do I Really Need a Luggage Scale?
Things To Look for in Luggage Scales
The 10 Best Portable Luggage Scales
Final Thoughts

Do I Really Need a Luggage Scale?

Not only will your luggage scale help you keep tabs on the weight of your case before you embark on your journey, but they’re also super useful for the return journey, too.

For many of us, it’s incredibly tempting to fill up any spare space with souvenirs and bargains from trips away, which can sometimes lead to the type of weight gain we like to avoid — exceeding the maximum luggage weight limit.

Airlines love to charge for overweight luggage, so shop yourself silly, but stay safe by taking your luggage scale with you for the journey home.

Hot Tip: One more thing — don’t think you can beat the system by popping your cases on the bathroom scales before you go. These will not give you an accurate weight reading, and you could still face excess charges when you slip the same case on the scale at the check-in desk.

Things To Look for in Luggage Scales

All types of luggage scales are useful, but not all are equal. Before you buy, be sure to take into consideration the following:

How Much Weight Can It Hold?

If your scale doesn’t have the capacity to weigh as much as your case does, then it becomes pretty useless.

Every set of scales, digital, bathroom, or otherwise, will have a maximum load weight limit. Make sure the scale’s maximum weight limit is higher than you ever expect to pack.

As a point of reference, most digital travel scales can weigh bags of up to 100 pounds, which is between 40 or 50 kilograms. For most airlines, 100 pounds is significantly past the weight limit, meaning your scale can weigh anything you need it to when flying.

How Accurate Is It?

Accuracy is vital when it comes to weighing your luggage, and the scales you use will need to be as accurate as possible to ensure you’re not accidentally overpacking.

While the sensitivity of individual scales can cause them to vary from one to another by just a few grams, weights that are wildly inaccurate can cost you your hard-earned cash at check-in.

How Does It Measure Weight?

Most airlines will display their maximum weight allowance in both metric and imperial, so choosing the best measurement of weight is a personal choice.

Choose the one that’s easier for you to work with.

How Visible Is the Display?

Luggage Scales Display — Luggage scales should have a clear display. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Your scale is only useful if you can read the weight of the items you want to weigh.

Digital scales should be easy to read at all times, and those that offer a backlight have the advantage of being easy to read in the dark.

How Hard-wearing Is It?

Luggage scales can be compact and lightweight without being flimsy. While the price may be a major consideration when it comes to your buying choices, do make sure that you pick a scale that’s sturdy enough to go the distance.

Check both the strap, the attachments, and any other pressure-bearing points to ensure that they look up to the job at hand. Don’t be swayed by fancy features if the basic components look weak!

How Reliable Is It?

Digital scales run on batteries, and inevitably, they’ll need replacing at some point.

Before you buy, check that the model has a low battery indicator. Always check the batteries before you depart so you don’t find yourself at your destination with a dead scale.

As well, some scales have the ability to alert you with a warning indicator if something is wrong, preventing you from traveling with a malfunctioning piece of equipment.

Does It Have a Weight Lock?

Just as low battery indicators are useful, so are practical features like a weight or data lock.

This little function simply locks the screen display on the weight of the item, giving you more time to read the results.

Is It Easy To Carry With You?

Your travel scale should be compact, lightweight, and super easy to take away with you. After all, if it is big and heavy, that very much defeats the object. Travel light, even with your scale.

Is It Easy To Hold On To?

Most weighing scales need to be suspended in the air to give an accurate reading of the result. Before you buy, check the length and strength of the handle, and make sure that you’re happy that it will be comfortable for you to use.

The 10 Best Portable Luggage Scales

1. Small Scale That Could Save You Money

BEST OVERALL: EatSmart SmartGrip Portable Instant Read Digital Handheld Luggage Scale

This luggage scale is easy to grip and can handle up to 110 pounds worth of weight. It's the perfect packing tool for trips if you tend to go over weight limits.

EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale

No bigger than a bottle opener, this pocket-friendly scale can literally go anywhere with you. With a digital display built into the handle itself, the EatSmart scale provides reliable readings for your luggage at the drop of a hat.

With the capacity to give reliable readings up to 110 pounds in increments of 0.1 pounds, you need never worry about overweight baggage fees ever again.

Take note of the reading on the large backlit LCD, then just press the ON/OFF switch to recalibrate the scale to weigh your next item. You get simple and accurate measurements from this super-compact scale.

What We Like

Has a top display for easy reading

What We Don’t Like

The strap could be more durable

2. Watch Your Weight With This Pair of Compact Travel Scales

UPGRADE PICK: Etekcity Luggage Scale

A pack of 2 luggage scales to make sure you never pay for overweight bags again. These accurate scales are lightweight and compact enough to take on virtually any trip.

Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale – 2 Pack

The Etekcity digital luggage weight scale has a weight capacity of up to 100 pounds, which is more than enough capacity for your travel luggage needs.

Easy to use and just the right size to fit in your pocket, you can take note of the weight of your bag or suitcase with the data hold facility that keeps the reading on the screen until you’re finished with it.

This luggage scale also allows you to convert units between pounds and kilograms for easy conversions.

Finally, with a low battery indicator, this is a weighing scale you can rely on. Watch your weight where it really matters with this sturdy, travel luggage scale.

What We Like

2-pack for you and a travel companion

What We Don’t Like

No curved handle to comfortably fit your fingers

3. Smart Luggage Scale With Extra Features

Dr.Meter PS02 110lb/50kg Electronic Balance

A scale that's easy to read and use. The scale has a digital display with a backlight, so you'll never be confused about the weight of your bags before trips.

Dr. Meter Luggage Scale

With a durable and robust rubber handle and an easy-to-read LCD, this little scale can protect you from nasty surprises at the check-in desk.

Ensure your luggage is never overweight again by simply attaching it to this compact, portable scale with high precision weight sensors that are accurate to 0.1 pounds.

For your added convenience, this particular model also comes complete with a built-in thermometer, meaning you can read the temperature wherever you are.

With a low battery indicator, overload warning indicator, and a zero or tare function, this little gadget is a must-have for every traveler.

What We Like

Compact and lightweight to take away with you

What We Don’t Like

The battery doesn’t last very long

4. Lots of Extra Gadgets To Ensure You’re Never Caught by Surprise

SHANJE Luggage Weight Scale for Suitcases 110 Lbs World Cup Travel Accessories High Precision Travel Digital Hanging Scales 50kg

A tiny luggage scale with a lot of power. This scale is small enough to fit into the littlest pockets of your bags. It also has a rubber, anti-slip grip.

SHANJE Digital Luggage Scale

With an easy-to-read LCD, this little travel scale is made for jet-setters and vacationers to use on every journey. Totally compact and weighing in at just 3.5 ounces, you should take this handy scale everywhere with you.

With additional features such as a lock weight, auto shut-off after 30 seconds to preserve the battery, and even a capacity overload indicator that will let you know when your bags are over the scale limit, this little gadget has plenty to offer.

It also has a low battery indicator to let you know when you need to replace the batteries to ensure that you never get caught traveling with a dead scale.

5. Weigh Your Luggage and Read the Temperature

DISCOUNT: 20%

Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

This scale is powerful enough to give you an accurate reading on up to 110 pounds worth of luggage. It also doesn't use much power with its long-lasting batteries.

Inspira Digital Hanging Postal Luggage Scale with Temperature Sensor

Keep this compact luggage scale close at hand to avoid unexpected charges at the airport. With an easy-to-read backlit display, you can instantly gauge the weight of your duffel bag, backpack, or cases and lock the readout to ensure complete accuracy every time.

With a built-in thermometer sensor that displays the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, you can also see how hot or how cold the air is when you land.

The comfortable hand grip and teeny tiny proportions make it incredibly easy to carry with you anywhere in the world.

6. An Accurate and Extremely Precise Piece of Equipment

NUTRI FIT Luggage Scale

A scale that will get rid of weight confusion. You can lock the weight of your bag, so you don't have to worry about forgetting how close you are to the limit.

NUTRI FIT Digital Luggage Scale

This little weighing scale prides itself on always being reliable and precise. Offering readings in both pounds and kilograms, it has a maximum capacity of 110 pounds.

Protect yourself from unwanted excess luggage fees with superfast readings from this digital weighing scale. With the smart tare functionality, you can exclude the weight of the container from the overall weight.

With an easy-to-read, backlit LCD and a host of other features including a lock and hold, automatic shut-off after 60 seconds, and an overload indicator, the NUTRI FIT weighing scale is a handy addition to your travel gear.

7. Compact Digital Scale That’s Perfect for Travel and Fishing

DISCOUNT: 39%

Backlit LCD Display 110lb/50kg Fishing Scale

A versatile scale. This little tool is perfect not just for your travels but also for other hobbies. You can easily weigh your catch after a fishing trip, for example.

Dr. Meter Electronic Balance Digital Scale

These battery-powered digital scales are an excellent choice for travelers looking to avoid unexpected baggage charges at the airport. Offering an extremely high level of accuracy, this won’t let you down when you need to get stuff weighed.

With a large LCD, easy unit conversion, and an auto-off function to help preserve the battery power, this digital scale has all the extras you could ever need.

It also offers a data lock when stabilized so you can make a note of the weight of your luggage and a stainless steel hook that is concealed in the back slot to keep it compact for traveling.

8. Powerful and Accurate Travel Scale With Lots of Little Extras

414 Reviews

Accuoz Digital Luggage Scale

This scale has a double grip, so you can easily lift your luggage to get a weight reading. It's also small enough to fit in your pocket without adding bulk.

Accuoz Digital Luggage Scale

With a super-sturdy strap that’s strong enough to hold most cases and bags, this digital scale has a backlit LCD that’s easy to read.

Small enough to fit in your pocket or suitcase and with a precision reading of 0.02 pounds, this little weighing scale is small yet mighty and is the only thing you need to avoid additional baggage fees at the airport.

The auto-lock function will keep the reading in sight until you choose to clear it, and the low battery and overload indicators will help make packing your bags a stress-free experience.

9. Accurate Scale With a Built-in Tape Measure

DISCOUNT: 8%

WGGE Travel Luggage Weight Scale

A luggage scale for easy travel. You won't have to worry about guessing whether or not you're going to have to pay for overweight luggage ever again. This scale gives accurate readings every time.

WGGE Travel Luggage Scale with Tape Measure

With a high-precision capacity of 110 pounds and graduation of 0.2 pounds, this gadget might be exactly what you need.

The built-in tape measure helps you measure the dimensions of your luggage, while the auto-holding display lock will keep the weight of your luggage displayed on the screen.

Complete with an auto-off function, a low battery indicator, and accurate readings, this is a minimal investment that could save you serious money in the future.

10. A Luggage Scale That’s Easy To Spot

DISCOUNT: 38%

FREETOO Portable Luggage Scale

This scale has a large screen that lights up, so virtually anyone will be able to easily read the numbers. It's also accurate to within 0.1 pounds, so you'll never go overweight.

FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale

Whereas most are black, grey, or silver, this little luggage scale is bright red, making it easy to spot among all the rest of your gear. Weighing just over 3 ounces, it’s super lightweight to take with you on your travels.

The backlit LCD is bright enough to be clearly read, even in the dark, and the scale itself can accurately weigh up to 110 pounds of baggage with a deviation of no more than 0.1 pounds.

Complete with overload protection, hold, tare, auto shut-off, and a low battery indicator, this device packs a powerful punch for travelers looking to avoid baggage fees, while always being able to keep in touch.

Final Thoughts

Save yourself the stress of weighing woes by investing in one of these compact scales that can accurately weigh your luggage at home or on the go!

Do I Really Need a Luggage Scale?

Things To Look for in Luggage Scales

The 10 Best Portable Luggage Scales

1. Small Scale That Could Save You Money

EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale

2. Watch Your Weight With This Pair of Compact Travel Scales

Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale – 2 Pack

3. Smart Luggage Scale With Extra Features

Dr. Meter Luggage Scale

4. Lots of Extra Gadgets To Ensure You’re Never Caught by Surprise

SHANJE Digital Luggage Scale

5. Weigh Your Luggage and Read the Temperature

Inspira Digital Hanging Postal Luggage Scale with Temperature Sensor

6. An Accurate and Extremely Precise Piece of Equipment

NUTRI FIT Digital Luggage Scale

7. Compact Digital Scale That’s Perfect for Travel and Fishing

Dr. Meter Electronic Balance Digital Scale

8. Powerful and Accurate Travel Scale With Lots of Little Extras

Accuoz Digital Luggage Scale

9. Accurate Scale With a Built-in Tape Measure

WGGE Travel Luggage Scale with Tape Measure

10. A Luggage Scale That’s Easy To Spot

FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Are luggage scales accurate?

Can you use a bathroom scale to weigh luggage?

How do I make sure my luggage is not overweight?

What is the smallest luggage scale?

What is the most accurate luggage scale?

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