This $12 tool has saved me so much embarrassment at the airport

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our site, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Here is a nightmare situation that most of us have experienced at least once: Rushing to the airport and waiting in line at check-in only to find out that your bag is a few kilos too heavy. Then, with the whole row as your audience, you're forced to redistribute your belongings between bags, reweighing and repacking multiple times.

At a glance: The best luggage scales

Fortunately, there is an easy solution: the luggage scale. These inexpensive, portable devices allow you to accurately weigh bags at home (and again before your return flight) to avoid any embarrassment at check-in. I've had this $12 scale from Etekcity in my bag for years — both for checked bags and carry-ons on strict European airlines — and now I can't imagine a suitcase without it.

If you want to avoid the above nightmare on your next trip, we recommend getting a luggage scale. Below are some of the best luggage scales to buy on Amazon right now.

in this article

The best luggage scales to buy now

Below is our roundup of the best luggage scales you can find online right now, starting at just $10. After using my Etekcity scale so much, I tried other best selling luggage scales to see if I was missing out on better options. Below are all the ones I liked that are also well reviewed by Amazon customers with an average rating of at least 3.7/5 stars.

1. Etekcity luggage scale

With over 53,000+ reviews and a 4.7/5 star rating on Amazon, it's easy to see why many people have chosen this luggage scale from Etekcity as their designated packing companion. It's got everything you'd want in your perfect luggage scale (accurate weighing, digital display, weight lock), plus a thermometer sensor, power-saving mode and an overload sensor, just in case you've really packed a lot. Best of all, it's incredibly affordable at $12 (and can save you an overweight bag fee). I've kept one in my purse for the past few years and never had a problem.

2. Freetoo Luggage Scale

We love the LCD display on this Freetoo luggage scale that demands your attention, allowing you to read the display clearly no matter how bright or dark the room you're in. It also automatically locks the weight of your bag, resets the scale and turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity. all you have to do is attach the scale to your bag via the durable handle.

3. Fosmon 2-Pack Digital Luggage Scale

They say two is better than one, and with this two-pack luggage scale set from Fosmon it couldn't be truer. Whether you're especially forgetful or just feel more comfortable knowing you have an extra scale on hand, this scale will prevent any bag weight-related packing problems. The ergonomic design makes them easy to use and the LCD screen makes it easy to read, whether you need to weigh in pounds, kilograms or even ounces and grams. You'll be the envy of the airport check-in line.

4. Etekcity Multi-Purpose Digital Scale

If you're looking for a little more bang for your buck, this Etekcity digital scale is a multi-unit. not only can it weigh your luggage, but also packs, camping gear and fish. No matter what you're trying to measure, you'll be able to do it clearly, accurately and easily thanks to the LCD screen and non-slip handle. It can measure up to 110 pounds in four different units: grams, ounces, pounds, and kilograms.

5. EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Luggage Scale

comfortable grip/pmc-labeled point]

This EatSmart scale's heavy-duty nylon strap and buckle make it extremely durable and ready to weigh your suitcases, backpacks, and bags of all sizes with ease and accuracy. Simply attach the strap to the handle of your bag and lift it using the handle. This scale beeps when it's ready to drop the bag and locks the weight so you have a chance to note it down and know you're getting the most accurate weight.

Luggage scale buying guide

Although they are fairly simple devices, here are a few things to look out for when shopping for the best luggage scales online.

Weight capacity: Bags that are 50 pounds or less are usually fine for most airlines, but things get tricky as you approach 100 pounds. Some airlines will actually refuse very heavy luggage. It is best to have a scale with a larger weight capacity of at least 100kg so you can be sure you are in the clear.

Display: It's one thing to weigh your luggage, but can you actually read your scale? Look for a digital scale so you can read the weight clearly — even better if it has a lighted display. And if you're an international traveler, make sure it can weigh your luggage in both pounds and kilograms.

Weight lock: This is a great little feature that can save you a headache. the weight of the scale is locked so you have more time to see how much your bag weighs.

Stamina: I like to keep my luggage scale in the outside pocket of my check-in bag, which means it takes a lot of banging in transit. If you plan to do the same, you'll want a durable luggage scale that can continue to function properly for at least several trips.

How we chose the best luggage scales

When testing luggage scales, I first thought about ease of use — powering on, clipping to bags, etc. — and secondly durability. To test the durability, I took out different scales in the outer pocket of the luggage and threw them myself from the chest up a few times. After trying a few, I researched other customers' experiences through Amazon reviews and other expert reviews in other publications to arrive at the five options above.