Best Luggage Scales in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 5, 2024
Checking your suitcase weight before the flight can save you time, nerves, and money. Pick one of these handy luggage scales to avoid ...Read more
PROS

The frame has special notches for your fingers which keep the device from pressing down on your hand and make it easier to handle heavy suitcases.

CONS

The battery gets drained pretty quickly and has to be replaced often.

OUR VERDICT

FREETOO has made a compact and lightweight model that can be put away into even the tiniest bag. Thus, you'll always have this practical gadget on hand in case you need it.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital

Max Weight Capacity

50 kg / 110 lbs

Weighing Accuracy

0.01 kg / 0.02 lb

Power Source

1 x CR2032 battery

Extras

LCD-display with backlit, auto shut-off, data hold function, tare function, low battery indication, overload indication

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The backlit LCD monitor needs much less energy than many of the counterparts. Thus, batteries will last 30% longer than in many other scales.

CONS

Some users complain that the actual accuracy is lower than the stated one.

OUR VERDICT

In spite of its low price, the MyCarbon gadget is quite precise and boasts a range of functions. Plus, it's easy to use thanks to the simple controls.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital

Max Weight Capacity

50 kg / 110 lbs

Weighing Accuracy

0.05 kg / 0.1 lb

Power Source

1 x CR2032 battery

Extras

LCD-display with backlit, auto shut-off, data hold function, tare function, low battery indication, overload indication

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The large LCD display has high contrast so you can see measurements clearly even in the bright sunlight. The big font makes the numbers easy to read even from a distance.

CONS

The maximum capacity is just 40 kg.

OUR VERDICT

If you can't calculate your luggage weight by eye and often end up overpaying for its transportation - this scale will be your saviour. With this precise device, you won't have any problems with fitting the restrictions.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital

Max Weight Capacity

40 kg / 88 lbs

Weighing Accuracy

0.05 kg / 0.1 lb

Power Source

2 x AAA batteries

Extras

LCD-display with backlit, auto shut-off, data hold function, tare function, low battery indication, overload indication

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The scale can show the current temperature indoors and outdoors and will be very useful for people that travel a lot. Both Celcius and Fahrenheit are available.

CONS

The display size is relatively small.

OUR VERDICT

Do you have to weigh bulky and heavy objects often but don't always have access to a floor scale? In that case, choose this portable model that will simplify this process and minimise the effort required.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital

Max Weight Capacity

50 kg / 110 lbs

Weighing Accuracy

0.05 kg / 0.1 lb

Power Source

1 x CR2032 battery

Extras

Temperature measuring (°C/°F), LCD-display with backlit, auto shut-off, data hold function, tare function, low battery indication, overload indication

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The sturdy stainless steel hook is great for weighing objects of non-standard shapes. Plus, it's more reliable than cloth belts.

CONS

You'll have to periodically tighten the screws that hold the handle.

OUR VERDICT

This functional scale is a must-have for any household which will come in useful not only to weigh your bags but also to measure food ingredients in the kitchen. With the Etekcity scale, you can weigh just anything. 

detailed parameters
Type

Digital

Max Weight Capacity

50 kg / 110 lbs

Weighing Accuracy

0.01 kg / 0.02 lb

Power Source

2 x CR2032 batteries

Extras

LCD-display with backlit, auto shut-off, data hold function, tare function, low battery indication, overload indication

Warranty

2 years

Reliable Scale for Efficient Weighing

Do you like to approach everything seriously and perform tasks as efficiently as possible, including chores and the universally reviled process of packing? Then the FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale is a must-buy, armed with every function and feature you need to streamline packing and weighing, saving your time and energy.

Offering precise and speedy measurement, this gadget will save you the worries of having to pay any extra luggage fees. The reliable strap supports bags of up to 50 kg and the scale measures the same amount with pinpoint precision. This is a renowned product from a well-known manufacturer and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. Some of the knockoff counterparts have huge deviations that could get you in trouble when the airport scale shows a larger than expected discrepancy. With the FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale, however, you'll never end up with a faulty measurement and a bitter aftertaste of the trip.

The weight data are presented in 4 different units (lb, g, ounce, kg) and you can switch between them with a single press of a button. The controls on this scale are very simple and don’t require any getting used to, the bulk of the weighing process is actually done automatically. You’ll only need to make sure that your bag is light enough to fit the restrictions.

Weigh Lots of Luggage with Comfort

The FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale is also great for those with a lot on their plate and forgetful people. The weight of the measured object stays on screen thanks to the auto-lock function, so you can jot it down for later comparison. And, after you’re done with the scale, the auto-shutdown function will turn the device off after 60 seconds. That way the batteries are drained slower and you don’t have to do anything to achieve that result.

This model does use up its CR2032 battery quite fast and you might see the “low charge” indicator more often than usual but it’s not a big problem. Plus, the energy isn’t wasted as it all goes toward the bright backlit LCD screen which can be read easily even in low light. The letters and numbers are displayed in a large font so you won’t have to squint and definitely won’t mistake one number for another.

The FREETOO Portable Digital Luggage Scale isn’t just easy to control and multi-functional, the frame of the device has special notches which make it comfortable to grip. Even if you have to weigh the luggage of your whole family, your hands won’t get tired and the data will remain accurate. In this product, efficiency is everything. So get it and a good lightweight suitcase to make your trips easier and cheaper.

Last updated price £13.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B016DKZ6CW

Good for a Thorough Weight Check

Getting ready for a big trip is always hectic because you have to pack, make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, keep up with the schedule, and try to not go over the weight limit for your bags. To cut down on stress, get the MYCARBON DS2 that will help you keep the luggage in check and make it easier for you to decide what to pack.

The scale is digital with a bright backlit LCD display. The weight data is displayed in a big font, so you can buy it for your older relatives with a weak eyesight easily. Four different weight units (lb, g, ounce, kg) are available and easy to switch. The device can handle a whole 50 kg and weigh it accurately, with the margin of error of just 0.05 kg/0.1 lb.

Whenever you measure anything with the scale, the data is locked automatically so you can look at it and/or write down without having to hold the heavy bag all the while. A tare function is available so you can calculate the weight of your luggage excluding the weight of the bag. This is a handy feature considering that bigger suitcases often get as heavy as 5-6 kg. Plus, it will be useful for measuring packages, like those you want to send by post. With the MYCARBON DS2, you'll know the weight of any product to precision.

Spend Money Wisely

The MYCARBON DS2 is a wonderful choice for those looking to save a little bit without settling for a mediocre product. The scale takes just a single CR2032 battery in contrast to the majority of scales and uses 30% less energy than most competition. For user's convenience, it also has a battery status indicator which informs in advance when the energy is running low. Like in sophisticated models, the MYCARBON DS2 is equipped with an auto shut off feature that helps prevent quick battery draining by switching it off after 60 seconds of inaction.

We like that the MYCARBON DS2 is a very affordable scale and that it doesn't compromise on the quality. Even though it cannot handle as much as our best pick scale and its maximum weight load is somewhere around 30-40 kg, it's sufficient for most weighing tasks. Do note, though, that some users complained about getting a faulty gadget that had a lower accuracy of 0.08-0.09 kg, although this margin of error is still not huge.

Choose the MYCARBON DS2 if you'd like to save on baggage fees and do not want to spend a lot on something as simple as a luggage scale. Also, do not forget to grab a cabin luggage that go great with your hand scale.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £12.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01IDJM8OA

Precise Weighing of up to 40 Kg

Nobody likes to overpay for things that are out of their control, especially when it comes to fees imposed on you by someone else. If you want to avoid pesky surcharges on overweight baggage set by most airlines, you should give the No More Excess Luggage Scale a try. This tiny tool might not look like much but it can save you hundreds of pounds in fees that get piled onto the price of your flight if your bag is even a bit over the limit.

If you’ve already done some research, you know the main things to look for in a travel luggage scale. Now let's address one of the key factors in luggage scales which is the maximum weight load capacity. In the No More Excess Luggage Scale model, it is 40 kg which is just a little bit lower than in some competitors. However, 40 kg of weight should be more than enough to handle the luggage of a whole family, of course, if you don't plan a trip to the Moon. With 50 g deviation, the gadget is extremely accurate especially in contrast with the majority of luggage scales that have a 100 g discrepancy. Although this might seem a trifle, some airlines will surcharge even for that much. 

The device will also automatically log the weight of the object you're handling so you could free your hands and still see the weight. This way you won't need to strain your hands or arms while trying to figure out what clothes you may want to take out and leave behind your trip.

Needs Less Energy, Works Just as Well

The No More Excess Luggage Scale model stands apart from the competition for a number of distinct features. For example, while most gadgets of this kind need either one or two CR2032 batteries, this model requires 2 AAA ones. This means that you can easily take a couple out of your remote control, for example, pop them into the scale, weigh what you need, and put them in the device. That way you don’t have to spend extra and worry whether you have spares around. Plus, a pack of batteries will be included with your purchase free of charge.

This luggage scale has a large bright LCD display that is configured specifically to be seen in any environment. High contrast makes the data easy to read even in the sunlight and high brightness ensures that you won’t have to strain your eyes when looking at the numbers in a poorly-lit room. And, of course, the font is big enough to see the letters clearly without needing to squint at the device.

Overall, the No More Excess Luggage Scale is a great money- and time-saver that is easy to use, affordable, doesn’t take up much space, and works reliably with any suitcases or bags. So what are you waiting for? Order this gismo and start saving now!

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B001E49688

Dress for the Weather, Pack on a Dime

What’s one of the main things that most people have to consider when packing for a long-distance business trip or vacation? While weight restrictions certainly dictate some of the things you take with you, the weather is also an important factor, forcing you to choose the appropriate clothes. With the multi-faceted PJP Electronics ABC-12347, you can both see whether your bag is light enough to take along into the cabin and check if it makes sense to put that heavy jacket on instead of stuffing it into a suitcase.

This is one of the few electronic luggage scales that come with a built-in thermometer. With measurement in both Celsius and Fahrenheit units, the device helps you choose what to wear on your trip and decide whether it’s worth it to leave a puffy coat on to keep your luggage under a certain weight limit. You not only get to avoid any extra costs incurred by heavy suitcases but will never again be under- or overdressed. Before you leave for the airport, just weigh your bags, check how hot or cold it is outside, and put on a comfy outfit that’s suitable for the weather. And don’t worry about forgetting how much your luggage weighs while you walk off to change into your favourite shirt, the data is locked automatically for your convenience.

Precise Weight Data on a Clear Display

The PJP Electronics ABC-12347 can handle up to 50 kg and measure it with just 0.05 kg margin of error. This is quite precise and the maximum is enough to handle several bags at once easily. Plus, if you know that your suitcase weighs a lot even by itself, you can use the tare function to input its weight and deduct the number from the total luggage size. That way you can adjust when packing, choosing only the things you need.

The LCD screen is backlit and the data is displayed clearly with both day and night visibility. No need to strain your eyes or carry the luggage to a shadier place or a streetlight to make out the numbers on the screen. The font is large and fills almost the whole display. While the screen is just a bit smaller than in some other models, the visibility is not diminished in any way.

If you’re working on a budget, the PJP Electronics ABC-12347 is a very sensible choice as it’s not only very affordable but also very efficient. The device needs just a single CR2032 battery to work and uses energy sparingly, so you won’t have to get new ones all the time. What’s a better way to control your expenses than to pack lightly and save money on luggage fees? Using a cheap and reliable hand scale like the PJP Electronics ABC-12347!

Last updated price £9.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00KY02JP0

Multi-Unit Measurement Available

Have you ever had a great vacation soured by the need to overpay for your heavy suitcases? Whether you’ve already faced such a problem or fear running into it in the future, the Etekcity 679113381131 is an elegant and simple solution to the issue. No longer will you have to guess and hope that your bags will pass the weight check without incurring additional fees, you can simply weigh them at home!

With measurements available in 4 units (g, lb, oz, kg) this device will help you make sure that your bags fit the restrictions set by the airline, regardless what system of units the company uses. No need to go online to convert numbers, just choose the measurement you're used to, weigh your bag and see if you can bring your bag with your or you need to leave it in a cargo area.

The gadget can handle up to 50 kg of weight with a tiny deviation of 0.01 kg. Such high accuracy eliminates the risks of you ever finding yourself in a situation when a security official tells you that your bag is half a kilogram heavier than it should be. The Etekcity 679113381131 isn't only very precise but also highly reliable. Equipped with a stainless steel hook on which you can hang your luggage, this scale is perfect for objects that have unusual shapes. And because this hook is metal, it's much more robust than in many other scales.

Uses Little Energy, Handles Lots of Weight

The Etekcity 679113381131 works on 2 CR2032 batteries and uses them very efficiently so you won't need to replace them too often. On top of that, it boasts an auto-off function that turns on after 60 seconds of downtime to save batteries. Also, this scale has an overload protection sending audio warnings if you put too much weight on it.

Purchasing the Etekcity 679113381131, you get a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer, which should be more than enough to find out whether it fits your requirements. After all, this scale can be used not only for weighing suitcases at the airport but for anything else you may need to weigh - food, paper, metal, packages, etc. And if you're into fishing, you can use it for checking how big your catch is. The application of the Etekcity 679113381131 isn't limited.

To ensure that scales work great and can hold the maximum weight, make sure to tighten the screws on its handle once in a couple of months. Doing this is important because the handle bears the bulk of the impact of heavy bags and might come loose after frequent use.

If you haven’t been convinced yet, let’s do a quick rundown. The Etekcity 679113381131 is efficient, precise, comes with a long warranty, can handle some substantial weight, and uses batteries sparingly. It is undoubtedly the best scale to keep track of your luggage and avoid fees for extra weight.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B015GMWQSK

What Is a Luggage Scale?

Travelling by plane is a fast and comfortable way to get to almost any part of the world. However, there is one thing you should keep in mind before taking a flight to save your money and nerves. We are talking about excess baggage charges, which can vary by airlines, the number of bags, etc. Luckily, with the help of a portable luggage scale, you can avoid these pesky charges. If your suitcase turns out to be too heavy, you'll have a chance to either leave some things out or repack your stuff so that it fits the airport restrictions. Luggage scales are very light in weight and take very little space in the bag, which is why carrying one with you shouldn't pose any problem. If you love to travel and adore shopping, having a luggage scale on hand is a must. This will help you foresee possible charges before buying return flights.

There are digital and mechanical luggage scales available. The first type features a handle with an LCD display on its top and a bottom strap to attach your suitcase or bag. Mechanical devices usually have a handle grip, a dial, and a hook. You can look through our review and choose the one to your liking!

For a convenient and enjoyable travelling, get one of these stylish suitcases. Charging your gadgets on the road or on board of a plane is a breeze if you have a portable power bank.

What Features to Compare

If you want to find the best luggage scale available out there that fits modern standards and is convenient in use, we'd like you to pay attention to these important features which should help make it easier for you to compare different models and choose the one you like best.

Display Type

There are two types of displays you can choose from: digital and analogue. What "analogue" means is that the space in which the weight is shown is limited and you'll have to squint and look really hard to make out smaller measurements. It can be nigh impossible sometimes to make out grams, which could play a low-down trick on you at the airport entailing extra charges. So if you can find, it's better to go for a model with a digital display which will show you the numbers in a large font and with pinpoint precision so you can know the exact weight of your bag. Plus, a clearly-displayed number is much easier to see and read even by people with poor eyesight.

Maximum Weight

A pretty self-explanatory feature that is vital if you’re packing a lot. Sure, if you don't travel longer than a couple days, you probably won't be that much concerned about this parameter. But if you often travel with your family, it's better to make sure the chosen model of luggage scale can handle quite a good worth of clothes. Do not skimp on this aspect and choose scales that can handle at least a couple of stones.

Accuracy

As we’ve already established, luggage restrictions are pretty nasty and you need to be careful not to overpack while also using all the space you have to carry the necessities. This means that you need a precise measurement to help you decide whether to trim your luggage a bit or there's some free space left. The average level of accuracy in most luggage scales is equal to 0.05 kg, although in some of the best models it may be as little as 0.01. The more precise scales you get the fewer chances for a weight discrepancy will be.

Power Source

A luggage scale is the type of product that is used a lot during travelling. So it'll be a good idea to acquire a model that can hold charge for a long while. As a rule, luggage scales work on batteries so you should check not only the type of batteries they take but also how fast they eat through them. If something as tiny as a luggage-weighing gismo "wants" several batteries a month, you might be better off searching for another option.

Did you know?

Airport workers can testify that people pack the strangest things and, from time to time, you can find some amazing treasures and astonishing curios in a regular-looking suitcase. Let’s see some of the more unusual ones, shall we?

My Precious

People are reluctant to part with their jewels, money, or antiques for the duration of a flight, especially if it means sending them by post or courier. So it’s no wonder that a large chunk of weird discoveries at airports is taken up by these priceless things. The more notable ones are:

  • an emerald of around 41 karats, left at the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Have you lost any of these recently, perhaps?

  • a 5.8 karat diamond. Yes, it seems that transporting invaluable jewels is somewhat of a theme these days.

  • one million US dollars in cash. So those action movies weren’t lying, people do carry around briefcases stuffed with money!

  • a violin made in the 1770s. In case you’re also not an expert in these, we dug around and found out that this kind of instrument costs somewhere between “an insane sum” and “I could buy a house with this”. Also left at the Unclaimed Baggage Center, which just seems to be par for the course with these artefacts.

Why Is Your Suitcase Moving?

Don’t you just hate how difficult it is to take your pets along for a vacation? A lot of people do and maybe that’s why these were spotted:

  • 300 live tortoises. Yes, someone was crazy enough to bring 300 ancient animals on a plane. Thankfully they had enough sensibility not to stuff them in one cramped bag and divided the live luggage between two whole suitcases. That’s what we call smart packing.

  • A Canadian goose, though this one was taxidermied already. Perhaps that’s exactly why it couldn’t just fly and had to take the plane? Either way, the poor thing got lost amid other unclaimed luggage. If you spot it, give us a honk.

  • A rattlesnake. This one, much to the security’s dismay, was alive and well. The sneaky pet even left its suitcase to slither around and see if there were any other animals in the cargo area. We only have one question: what kind of hand scale do you use to weigh a snake and would you risk telling it that it’s too heavy?

  • 50 frogs in vacuum-sealed packages. It’s always such a pain, choosing souvenirs for your whole extended family. But does this not seem a tad extreme? Surely, a bunch of exotic fruit would be just fine as well?

And Now We Get Weird

  • A man in Atlantic City was carrying some hairspray and a lighter in his suitcase. The former leaked, the latter sparked, and his luggage was deemed unfit for travel due to a case of flames bursting out of it in a terrifying fireball.

  • A deepwater diver discovered an ancient shipwreck somewhere off the coast, finding a cool little souvenir in the wreckage. Sadly, the authorities wouldn’t let him carry it onboard because: a) it was a cannonball and they are somewhat heavy; b) cannonballs like to explode and planes don’t.

  • Look, after an actual portable fire and an exploding artefact from the Spanish Conquests, a samurai sword may not seem as insane but we must maintain some standards. However, a Boston citizen didn’t find the dangerous weapon to be an issue and gleefully packed it for his trip. Just as a rule of thumb: don't put any weapons on the suitcase scales, alright? Pack a sweater instead, a cold is more likely than a battle for your honour.

FAQ:

Q: How light should my baggage be when I measure it on the hand scale? If I want to bring the bag with me to my seat, does it have to be very lightweight? What’s the limit on this?
A: If we’re talking about cabin luggage, the lowest is 5 kg and the highest is 23 kg, depending on the airline. It’s best to keep the bag in the range of 10 kg or so, which is large enough to fit the necessities without having to overpay. Make sure that the number isn’t too close to the limit though, a good scale will have a small margin of error but you still need to pay attention to it.

Q: Is it safe to hand my bags on the hook that my electronic luggage scale is equipped with?
A: As long as your suitcases are high-quality and haven’t been in use for too long, they shouldn’t get damaged or torn when you weigh them. Just make sure to do it carefully and not hoist the bag up in the air too swiftly as this could damage both the bag and the scale.

Q: How long do I have to wait before the weight is displayed properly? Is a minute enough?
A: The majority of high-end models with digital displays will show the measurements right away though, if you wobble the bags too much, the number might change slightly. Try to keep your hand steady and you’ll get a precise measurement quickly. The analogue devices, though, might take some time and that’s precisely why a lot of people prefer digital models. Either way, you won’t have to wait long so don’t worry about the process too much.

Q: Is it possible to put a bag on the hand scale if it exceeds the maximum weight limit just a bit? Maybe a couple of kilograms or so?
A: It’s definitely not recommended unless you want to snap off the hook or loop on which the suitcases are hung. If you think that your luggage is over the limit, consider taking out some of the heavier objects and weighing them and the rest of the bag separately. Besides, some models of these devices actually won’t show any weight too far above the limit so you won’t even know whether you’ve packed lightly enough. Practise caution and, as always, treat your product carefully.

Q: I didn’t pack much but the scale shows that I’m over the limit. How is that possible? Could my device be faulty?
A: It’s certainly not impossible for the gadget to make a mistake and, if it is indeed malfunctioning, you can use the warranty to exchange it or get it repaired. However, it may just be that the things you’ve put in the bag are heavier than expected. Clothes tend to be not only bulky but also somewhat weighty compared to what most would assume. Books are a big offender as well. If you’re heading for a seaside vacation and want to get some beach reads, it might be better to get them at your destination. Shoes can rack up a lot of weight quickly as well. To sum up, make sure that you have considered all other factors before thinking that the hand scale is broken. Do a double-check or weigh a different bag to see whether the numbers are off. Perhaps trying putting your suitcase on a floor scale if you have one, just to get a “second opinion”.

Sources:

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