The 6 Best Luggage Scales of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure

Nothing is worse than handing over a checked suitcase at the airport only to be told it’s over the weight limit. Now you have to step aside and reorganize your bags, or shell out an extra baggage fee. Luggage scales, however, are an easy way to weigh everything before even leaving for the airport and completely avoid this fiasco. These gadgets are especially great for those who are always close to baggage weight limits, or anyone preparing for an extended trip with lots to pack. 

Our favorite luggage scale is the Freetoo Portable Luggage Scale for its accuracy, lightweight design, and size — but if you’re looking for something easier to read or more heavy duty, keep reading. These are our favorite luggage scales that will keep extra fees and last-minute reorganization attempts at bay.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Freetoo Portable Luggage Scale at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Grip:EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Luggage Scale at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Display:Camry Digital Luggage Scale at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Analog:Samsonite Manual Scale at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Overpackers:Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Heavy Duty:Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty Luggage Scale at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall

Freetoo Portable Luggage Scale

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

The less than 0.1-pound deviation means you’ll get a very accurate reading that helps you pack strategically. 

What to Consider

The unit itself is small with thin handles.

Designed to weigh suitcases up to 110 pounds, this scale from Freetoo deviates no more than 0.1 pounds off, meaning you get a super accurate read every time. The LCD display is easy to read and see in the dark, and the scale shuts off after 60 seconds to avoid draining the battery. It only weighs 3.2 ounces, so it’s easy to carry in your backpack, pocket, or purse while traveling. Just attach the strap onto your luggage handle, pull up to suspend the luggage, and you’ll get a weight reading. Three colors are available and a battery is included. 

Price at time of publish: $16

The Details: 5 x 1.1 x 1.6 inches | 3.2 ounces | Pounds, kilograms | Backlit

Best Grip

EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Luggage Scale

View On AmazonView On WalmartWhy We Love It

The handle shape makes it easier to get a two-handed grip.

What to Consider

The handle is still on the small side so those with larger hands may struggle to do so.

Essentially a handle with a strap, this scale from EatSmart fits basically anywhere. Carry it in your handbag, backpack, and more for easy, on-the-go weight checks while traveling. It comes with a battery and a two-year warranty, and the heavy duty nylon strap lasts for years. Just loop the strap around your luggage handle, lift the bag by the scale handle, and watch the weight display across the LCD screen. This scale weighs bags up to 110 pounds in 0.1 increments for accurate readings. 

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: 6 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches | 5.5 ounces | Pounds, kilograms | Backlit

Best Display

Camry Digital Luggage Scale

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

The screen is easy to read and the data lock feature is helpful for weight precision. 

What to Consider

If you’re weighing multiple suitcases in a row, the 60-second shut off can be annoying.

With a large, blue backlit display, this scale from Camry is easy to read. It comes with a data lock, which means that the reading is locked on the screen once the scale stabilizes, so you can be sure you’re getting an accurate, steady reading. It also helps that the weight sensors are accurate up to 0.1 pounds, meaning you can be super precise. Plus, there’s two-step auto shut off, which means the backlight turns off after 30 seconds and the scale after 60 to save battery power. Simply secure the strap around your luggage handle and lift for a reading. 

Price at time of publish: $19

The Details: 6.2 x 1.4 x 1.2 inches | 3.5 ounces | Pounds, kilograms | Backlit

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Best Analog

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale

View On AmazonView On Belk.comView On Boscovs.comWhy We Love It

It’s probably the easiest-to-use option on our list.

What to Consider

It’s not quite as precise as digital scales.

If you don’t want to worry about a battery, then an analog scale is what you need. This one from Samsonite weighs bags up to 80 pounds and is super simple. Just hang your bag off the metal hook and lift. The red hand measures your bag’s weight, while the black hand stays in place so you can see the reading after you’ve put your bag back down. The scale also includes a built-in tape measure, a handy essential for checking your bag’s dimensions to make sure they meet airline checked-bag standards. 

Price at time of publish: $10

The Details: 5 x 1 x 6 inches | 6.7 ounces | Pounds, kilograms | Not backlit

Best for Overpackers

Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

The rubber handle adds extra grip when you’re weighing a heavy bag. 

What to Consider

Some users report inconsistent measurements for the same item.

If you’re a classic overpacker or one that buys lots of souvenirs while traveling, this scale from Travel Inspira is great, as it has an overload indicator that tells you when your bag weighs too much. The scale tops out at 110 pounds and has an LCD display that’s easy to read. It also comes with a data lock function that gives you a bit more time to read the results, and the automatic shut off feature saves the battery. This scale has a two-year warranty and comes in multiple colors. 

Price at time of publish: $12

The Details: 3.5 ounces | Pounds, kilograms | Backlit

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Best Heavy Duty

Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty Luggage Scale

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

The extendable cord makes it easy to read the weight. 

What to Consider

For the most accurate readings, be wary of using this scale on soft surfaces or carpet.

If you know you’re going to have a really heavy suitcase, or if you can’t hold up your suitcase with a handheld scale, then this is a great option. The scale has a capacity of 440 pounds and weighs items as light as 6 ounces — meaning you can also use it for oversized packages you’re mailing. Just set your suitcase on the platform and you’ll get a reading almost immediately. The extendable cord lets you easily read the screen without bending over, and a unique “pieces” feature gives you an accurate count of items of the same weight. The scale has a manual and automatic shut off function to save battery life, and a two-year warranty is included. 

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: ‎10.6 x 10.6 x 0.5 inches | 4.6 pounds | Kilograms, pounds, ounces, grams | Not backlit

Tips for Buying a Luggage Scale

Remember you’ll need to lift your bag

Most luggage scales have some type of a fabric belt that you loop through your suitcase’s handle and reattach to itself. Once clipped on, pick up the scale and it will take your luggage along with it, hanging off the tie so that the scale can gauge the weight. It’s important to note that this does require you to be able to fully lift your bag up off the floor using a fairly small handle. Remember to lift with your legs, not your back.

Virtually all luggage-specific scales require lifting. If you want something you can simply heave your bag onto, you may need to look into postal scales. We don’t generally recommend this option, however, as you’re more likely to go over the weight limit on your return flight (all those souvenirs need to go somewhere) and postal scales are usually too large to travel with you.

Choose your preferred units of measurement

The United States may not have adopted the metric system, but the same can’t be said for the rest of the world. A good scale should measure in both pounds and kilograms. Sure, you could just take one measure and convert it, but why add an extra step when you don’t have to?

Backlit displays are useful

A backlit display is a nice bonus on digital scales. There’s no reason not to have one, and it will help you be able to read the weight easily in low-light situations or at an angle as you’re lifting the bag at the same time.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAre luggage scales accurate?

Depending on the quality of the scale you choose, you should get a very accurate reading on weight, usually within a pound or two. As a general rule, try to stay a few pounds under the airline weight limit, just to further safeguard yourself from additional baggage fees. 

Are expensive scales more accurate?

This again depends on the brand you’re using and how well the scale is designed. Try to find reviews on the scale before purchasing to make sure you’re buying a scale that is already well-liked by travelers. 

How do you use a luggage scale?

If the scale is small and handheld, you’ll usually loop the fabric piece around the luggage handle, lift the luggage off the ground, and let it hang in the air while the scale reads the weight. There are other larger models that allow you to place your suitcase straight onto the scale on the floor (and these types of scales can also be used for packages and bulk mail). 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Amanda Ogle used research and her personal expertise as a travel writer to craft the perfect list of luggage scales to use before your next flight.

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Additional reporting byRena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more.

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Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more.

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