Bounce vs Stow Your Bags: Which Luggage Storage Service Is Right for You in 2026?
Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose?
Bounce is the better choice for most travelers thanks to its massive global network of over 30,000 locations across 4,000+ cities, higher bag protection ($10,000), and flexible cancellation policy with full refunds before drop-off. Stow Your Bags is a solid alternative if you're traveling exclusively in Europe and prefer self-service automated lockers.
TL;DR Summary
- Best Overall: Bounce – Larger network, higher protection, flexible cancellations
- Best for Use Case Specific: Stow Your Bags – Automated lockers in major European cities
- Best Bag Protection Coverage: Bounce – $10,000 protection per booking
- Best Cancellation Policy: Bounce – Full refunds before drop-off, no fees
- Best for Short-Term Hourly Storage: Stow Your Bags – Offers hourly pricing options
Ready to store your bags? Find convenient Bounce locations in popular cities:
Detailed Comparison: Bounce vs Stow Your Bags
Coverage and Availability
Winner: Bounce
Bounce Coverage
Bounce operates one of the largest luggage storage networks in the world. According to their official listings, Bounce offers over 30,000 trusted locations across 4,000+ cities globally, including major destinations like London, Paris, New York, Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney. The service partners with local businesses such as coffee shops, hotels, museums, and retail stores to provide secure storage options.
Whether you're visiting Rome, Paris, Madrid, or traveling across multiple continents, Bounce has you covered.
Stow Your Bags Coverage
Stow Your Bags describes itself as "Europe's leading luggage storage network" with over 50 locations. The service operates primarily in Italy (Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Naples, Turin, Bologna, Verona, Pisa, Bari, Catania, Genoa, Brescia), Spain (Madrid, Seville, Valencia), France (Paris), Hungary (Budapest), Malta, and a few other European destinations.
Bottom Line: If you're traveling beyond Europe or need flexibility across multiple destinations, Bounce's global network provides significantly more options. Stow Your Bags works well for travelers focused exclusively on major European cities.
Pricing Comparison
Winner: Depends on your needs
Bounce Pricing
Bounce uses a flat-rate pricing model starting from $3.00 per bag for 24 hours of storage. Prices vary slightly based on location and currency. A service fee is added at checkout which covers bag protection and 24/7 customer support. Importantly, Bounce charges per 24-hour rolling period from your booking time, not by calendar day.
- Same price whether you're storing a backpack or large suitcase
- Lower rates available for smaller bags like purses and briefcases
- No hidden fees – every booking includes $10,000 protection
- Earn 10% back in Bounce credits when booking through the app
Stow Your Bags Pricing
Stow Your Bags charges per locker rather than per bag, with rates starting from €1.49. The cost varies depending on locker size (small, standard, or maxi) and rental duration (from 1 hour up to 15 days). One user noted "Medium locker was €10 for 4 hours" while another mentioned "Big locker held 4 suitcases, cost roughly €16 for 5 hours."
- Three locker sizes: Small (1 small trolley), Standard (2 carry-ons), Maxi (up to 4 small trolleys)
- Hourly pricing available – good for short visits
- Pay per locker, not per bag – can save money for groups
Bottom Line: For travelers with multiple bags or groups sharing a locker for a few hours, Stow Your Bags' per-locker pricing can offer savings. However, Bounce's flat 24-hour rate and rolling time period provide better value for day-long storage or when crossing midnight.
Security and Bag Protection
Winner: Bounce
Bounce Security
Bounce provides $10,000 protection with every booking – significantly higher than competitors. All locations are personally vetted, and each partner must have a private storage area. Trusted partners keep items secure, with real people monitoring belongings. Bounce also uses tamper-proof seals on stored items at many locations and employs a QR-code check-in system for secure drop-off and pickup.
Stow Your Bags Security
Stow Your Bags offers €1,000 insurance per bag included in the rental price. All locations feature constant video surveillance, and lockers are "solid and safe" with only the customer having access. The automated system means no keys to deal with and no visible indication of which lockers are occupied.
Bottom Line: Both services prioritize security, but Bounce's significantly higher bag protection coverage ($10,000 vs €1,000) provides better peace of mind for valuable belongings.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Winner: Bounce
Bounce Cancellation Policy
Bounce offers one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry. You can cancel anytime before drop-off for a full refund with no fees. If you cancel more than an hour before drop-off, you receive a full refund to your original payment method. If you cancel less than an hour before, you'll receive a refund in Bounce credit that can be used on future bookings.
Stow Your Bags Cancellation Policy
Stow Your Bags reservations are non-refundable. Their FAQ clearly states: "Unfortunately the reservation is non-refundable." Some users have noted this policy, with one reviewer commenting: "No cancellation possible... be careful."
Bottom Line: Bounce's flexible cancellation policy is a significant advantage for travelers with uncertain plans. If your flight gets delayed, you check into your hotel early, or plans change for any reason, Bounce provides full refunds – Stow Your Bags does not.
User Experience and Convenience
Bounce Experience
Bounce operates like "an Airbnb for your bags," partnering with various local businesses. The booking process is straightforward: search for locations via the website or app, book online, and receive directions to the storage location. Drop-off involves showing your booking confirmation (often via QR code), and staff tag and photograph your bags. Users report the process as "quick and easy" with "friendly staff."
Key conveniences include:
- Seamless QR-code system for fast drop-off and pickup
- Share booking details with friends or save for offline access
- 24/7 customer support available through the app
- No size or weight limits – "If you can lift it, we can store it!"
Stow Your Bags Experience
Stow Your Bags operates fully automated self-service smart lockers. You can book online or directly at the storage location using your smartphone or the touchscreen. After booking, you receive a code via email and SMS to access your locker. The automated service is available from 7am to 11pm, 365 days a year.
Key conveniences include:
- No human interaction required – fully automated
- Exact location given in advance before booking
- Multiple access allowed during rental period
- Intercom system available for assistance
Bottom Line: If you prefer automated self-service with no staff interaction, Stow Your Bags delivers a seamless locker experience. If you value human assistance, flexibility with bag sizes, and 24/7 support, Bounce offers a more comprehensive service.
Use Case Winners: When to Choose Each Service
Choose Bounce If You...
- Travel globally: Bounce's 30,000+ locations across 4,000+ cities means coverage wherever you go
- Have oversized or irregular items: Surfboards, skis, bicycles – no size limits at Bounce
- Need flexible cancellation: Plans change; Bounce offers full refunds before drop-off
- Want higher bag protection: $10,000 protection vs €1,000 at Stow Your Bags
- Prefer human assistance: Real people at partner locations plus 24/7 customer support
- Need 24/7 access options: Some Bounce locations offer round-the-clock availability
- Plan longer storage: Store items for up to a month
Choose Stow Your Bags If You...
- Travel only within Europe: Strong network in Italy, Spain, France, and other European destinations
- Need short hourly storage: Pay by the hour rather than a full day
- Prefer automated self-service: No human interaction, just you and the locker
- Travel as a group with standard luggage: Per-locker pricing can save money when sharing
- Want the exact address upfront: Location disclosed before booking
Luggage Storage in Popular European Cities
Both Bounce and Stow Your Bags operate in major European tourist destinations. Here's where to find Bounce storage in popular cities:
Rome Luggage Storage
Whether you're visiting the Colosseum, Vatican, or Trevi Fountain, don't drag your bags around the Eternal City. Bounce offers multiple locations near Roma Termini, Vatican City, and major attractions.
Find Bounce luggage storage in Rome →
Paris Luggage Storage
From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, explore Paris hands-free. Bounce has convenient storage locations near major train stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and popular tourist areas.
Find Bounce luggage storage in Paris →
Madrid Luggage Storage
Store your bags and explore Madrid's incredible museums, parks, and tapas bars without the burden. Bounce locations are available near Atocha Station and throughout the city center.
Find Bounce luggage storage in Madrid →
More European Destinations
Bounce also operates in:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bounce luggage storage safe?
Yes. Bounce vets all partner locations and requires secure private storage areas. Every booking includes $10,000 protection, and 24/7 customer support is available. Multiple reviewers confirm feeling safe leaving valuables, with one stating: "I felt good about where they store the bags and didn't feel any need to worry."
Is Stow Your Bags safe?
Yes. Stow Your Bags uses automated lockers under constant video surveillance. Only you can access your locker with your unique code. €1,000 protection is included per bag. Users report the facilities as "secure" and note they "felt very safe."
Which service is cheaper?
It depends on your situation. Bounce starts from $3.00 per bag for 24 hours. Stow Your Bags starts from €1.49 per locker. For a single traveler storing one bag for a full day, prices are comparable. For groups sharing a locker for a few hours, Stow Your Bags may be cheaper. For day-long storage with premium bag protection included, Bounce often provides better value.
Can I store large or oddly-shaped items?
With Bounce, yes – there are no size limits. Surfboards, skis, bicycles, and other bulky items are accepted. With Stow Your Bags, items must fit within locker dimensions, so oversized items may not be accommodated.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Bounce offers full refunds before drop-off with no cancellation fees. Stow Your Bags reservations are non-refundable. This is a significant difference if your travel plans are uncertain.
What if I'm late picking up my bags?
Bounce charges for additional days if you exceed your booked time. Stow Your Bags closes at 11pm – if you arrive after closing, you must wait until 7am the next morning and pay extra hourly costs.
Final Verdict: Bounce vs Stow Your Bags
For most travelers, Bounce is the better choice.
Bounce's advantages are substantial:
- Global reach: 30,000+ locations in 4,000+ cities versus 50+ locations in Europe only
- Higher protection: $10,000 protection vs €1,000
- Flexible cancellations: Full refunds vs non-refundable reservations
- No size limits: Store anything from purses to surfboards
- 24/7 support: Help whenever you need it
- Longer storage: Up to one month versus 15 days
That said, Stow Your Bags remains a solid option for specific use cases, particularly if you prefer fully automated self-service lockers, need hourly pricing for short visits, or are traveling in a group that can share a single locker.
The non-refundable cancellation policy at Stow Your Bags is a notable drawback, especially for travelers with fluid itineraries. When travel plans change – and they often do – Bounce's flexible refund policy provides valuable peace of mind.
Ready to Travel Lighter?
Book your luggage storage with Bounce and explore your destination bag-free:
Each booking includes $10,000 protection, 24/7 support, and free cancellation before drop-off.
About This Comparison
This comparison was compiled using publicly available information from official websites, user reviews, and third-party sources. Pricing and features may vary by location and are subject to change. We recommend confirming current rates and policies directly with each service when booking.
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