Updated on 9 December 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
MyCarbon DS2
This ergonomic luggage scale is space-saving and easy to use. It offers an accurate weight reading and a range of practical functions at an affordable price.
This digital model is light and compact. With its backlit, face-facing display and its large characters, we appreciate its excellent visibility in all situations. It has a practical strap for measuring luggage and a control button. According to our test results, it appears to be accurate and incorporates different units of measurement (g, oz, kg, lb). We consider its ease of use to be one of its main advantages. In addition, it has several features such as weight lock (to calculate the actual weight of the contents), overload warning, automatic shut-off and low battery warning.
With a luggage scale, you will avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport when weighing your suitcases.
Digital luggage scales are already more popular than manual ones.
Even if a model has a higher capacity, this doesn't mean that it is more reliable.
Ideally, the error range should be no more than 50-100g.
Luggage scales should be compact and lightweight for easy storage and transport.
A backlit display improves visibility in dark environments.
Unit conversion may be necessary if you are travelling to countries with different weight measurements.
Samsonite Global Travel
This ultra-compact device is one of the easiest to store and transport. It also stands out for its excellent readability, ease of use and good accuracy.
This digital luggage scale is lightweight and ultra-compact. It has a sufficiently large hook, holds up to 40 kg of load and has several units of measurement (g, lb, oz, kg). In our test, we found it comfortable to hold and very easy to use. The display is backlit and oriented towards our face and the characters are large, making it easy to read in any situation. In addition, the memory function allows you to look at the weight displayed after weighing so as not to complicate the manoeuvre. In terms of accuracy, we find it quite reliable.
Beurer LS 50
This 3-in-1 design acts as a luggage scale, torch and external battery. It is reliable, but also ergonomic thanks to its multiple functions and features.
This digital luggage scale is powered by batteries. It has a maximum weight limit of 50 kg with a 10 g scale and indicates overload. Ergonomically, it has a backlit, face-facing display, which ensures good readability in all situations. A battery level indicator appears on the display and switches off automatically. Other features include a handy torch and a USB charging port for charging other small devices. In our test, we liked its reliable detachable strap mechanism. We also found this model easy to hold and its design is very solid in our eyes. In addition, it has proven to be accurate and has several units of measurement.
Beurer LS 20
Although it has some useful functions, its main attraction is that it works without batteries, which should satisfy eco-travellers. Its clip-on strap mechanism is reliable.
This digital device has an oriented display with fairly large characters. Although legibility is good in sunlight, it is not backlit, which makes it difficult to see in the dark. While we liked the reliable clip-on strap mechanism during our test, we found it more difficult to grip when first held than its competitors. It offers several units of measurement (g, oz, lb/oz, kg) and accuracy is good with a 10g scale. Note that it supports a maximum load of 50 kg. Among its advantages, it works without batteries and includes several options (automatic hold, automatic shut-off and overload indicator).
Our selection
| Our choice, Best budget | Best mid-range | Best high-end | Mid-range alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| MyCarbon DS2 | Samsonite Global Travel | Beurer LS 50 | Beurer LS 20 |
| This ergonomic luggage scale is space-saving and easy to use. It offers an accurate weight reading and a range of practical functions at an affordable price. | This ultra-compact device is one of the easiest to store and transport. It also stands out for its excellent readability, ease of use and good accuracy. | This 3-in-1 design acts as a luggage scale, torch and external battery. It is reliable, but also ergonomic thanks to its multiple functions and features. | Although it has some useful functions, its main attraction is that it works without batteries, which should satisfy eco-travellers. Its clip-on strap mechanism is reliable. |
| £ 12.99 on Amazon | £ 21.33 on Amazon | See the price on Amazon | £ 23.99 on Amazon |
How did we test?
To carry out these tests, we used each of the luggage scales in a real-life situation. This allowed us to judge the size, attachment mechanism and grip, and to familiarise ourselves with the different options offered by each model. We also tested them in different environments, which was useful to check the practicality, ergonomics and quality of the display.
In terms of accuracy, we weighed the same travel cases with each of the devices and compared the readings. We also took into account their method of power supply.
How to choose your luggage scale?
A luggage scale ensures that there are no unpleasant surprises at the airport when luggage is weighed. But not all scales are equally efficient.
So how do you choose a luggage scale that’s worth the money? Here are some key points to keep in mind before you buy.
- The type of luggage scale: digital luggage scales are increasingly replacing manual ones. However, although they are more practical in terms of options and ergonomics, they require a battery, without which it will be very difficult for them to fulfil their role. So check the durability of the batteries, even if some accessories have an indicator to avoid a flat battery.
- The weight capacity: they often have a maximum load capacity of 50 kg. But beware, just because a model has a higher capacity does not mean it is more reliable. Many of them may prove to be less resistant to use.
- The accuracy: in general, the higher the weight, the greater the margin of error. This is usually stated by the manufacturers. Ideally, it should not exceed 50-100 g. Even allowing for this error range, leave a margin of 1 kg, so you can be on the safe side when you put your suitcase on the scales at the airport.
- The portability: since it is a piece of travel equipment, it must be compact and light so that it can easily fit into a bag or suitcase. Because if it is useful to weigh your luggage before leaving, it is even more important to evaluate its weight afterwards since it will theoretically be heavier if you bring back souvenirs.
- The readability of the display: although the digital display is more accurate than the manual one, it should be backlit to improve visibility in dark environments. Also, large letters and numbers improve this aspect.
- Options available: there is normally a weight lock function which allows you to see the weight on the display after you have left the luggage. Automatic power off saves maximum energy. Unit conversion may be necessary if you are travelling to countries with different measurements. The tare function itself calculates the actual weight of the contents. Other options include time display and ambient temperature measurement.
Honorable mentions
Samsonite Manual (£12.00 upon publication): a manual and affordable version that does not require batteries. It has an analogue dial (in kg or lb) which is not backlit and is also not oriented towards the face while weighing. Therefore, it is not easy to read and the accuracy is more approximate. The hook holds up to 32 kg and is quite large, which is reassuring for weighing. It also has a handy tape measure. In our test, we found it easy to use and the reinforced handle is comfortable. However, it is a little bulkier than its rivals.
Dr.Meter PS01 (£9.99 upon publication): a good option despite its small hook. It has physical buttons and a backlit LCD screen that ensures good readability in all conditions. When we tested it, we found it quite easy to use and noted its good grip. However, we regretted the small size of the hook which makes weighing large suitcases uncomfortable. In addition, it weighs items from 10 to 50 kg with different units of measurement (lb, oz, kg). Its tape measure is very practical for measuring luggage and has several interesting functions (data lock, automatic shut-off).
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
