Buying guide for Best suitcases
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For travel, a reliable suitcase is a necessity. The best suitcases combine style with strength, durability and dependability. Whether you travel by plane, train, ship, bus or car, a good suitcase should be able to withstand the rigors of travel for years of adventures. It should offer enough space for your needs and keep its contents organized.
You can get by on budget luggage, but if you want something dependable and durable that lasts a long time and is backed by its manufacturer with a solid warranty, do yourself a favor and invest in one of the best suitcases you can afford.
After extensive research and testing in the BestReviews Testing Lab, including long plane trips to and from other countries, we narrowed down a list of the five best suitcases you can buy. They range in price from the affordable to the premium, but from our experience, they’re all worth every penny.
We think the best suitcase overall is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner, a durable soft-sided bag with quiet, smooth-gliding wheels and plenty of excellent organizational features to make traveling more enjoyable.
Which suitcase is best?
Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner
Best of the Best
Product specifications
Material: Nylon | Capacity: 143.5 L | Dimensions: 20.5” W x 12.75” D x 29.5” H | Weight: 11.5 lb | Number of Wheels: 4
We don’t often give a product a perfect score, but the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Spinner is deserving of this distinction. This soft-sided bag outperformed all the hard-sided models we tested, earning consistently awesome marks for durability, mobility, packing convenience, features and more. In short, it’s the best suitcase you can buy.
We packed over 60 items (10 to 14 outfits) for a two-week trip into its expandable main compartment and extra pockets. We loved the interior organization, including the removable toiletry bag, built-in suiter to keep suits and dresses wrinkle-free, inner mesh pockets and outer zip pockets. The high-density, coated nylon fabric showed zero wear or scuffs after an international trip in checked luggage along with our own measured drop testing. The wheels, which magnetically aligned with each other and clicked into place, moved smoothly and quietly on all kinds of surfaces. We also appreciated the comfortable handles.
While the Travelpro got perfect scores in our tests, it isn't perfect for every situation. You may prefer a hard-sided suitcase or something with more compression. But when all is said and done, the Travelpro beat all other suitcases in our tests, and with its brand reputation and quality, it deserves a perfect 5/5 rating.
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Checked Spinner
Best Bang for the Buck
Product specifications
Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 117 L | Dimensions: 21.5" W x 13.5" D x 30.5" H | Weight: 10.35 lb | Number of Wheels: 4
Samsonite is the biggest and best-known luggage brand in the world. Its vast selection of suitcases includes quality pieces under $150, including the Samsung Omni PC Hardside line available from retailers like Amazon. It passed our tests with excellent marks, and we think it’s the best suitcase for your buck.
We managed to fit over 70 items into the Samsonite, enough for a two-week overseas trip. The clamshell style didn’t offer too many organization options inside its two compartments, but the standard elastic straps kept contents in place on one side, and the zip panel kept things tidy on the other. The textured polycarbonate shell looked attractive and proved protective, withstanding our drop and tumble tests and a long flight in checked baggage with minor scuffs and scratches.
The wheels did well on various terrains, although we wished they were built a little better and less noisy, considering the size and weight of the suitcase. But these are minor qualms compared to the dependability, capacity and brand reputation of this suitcase along with its appealing price. We give it a rating of 4/5.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Hardside Spinner
Best Hard-Sided Check-In
Product specifications
Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 108 L | Dimensions: 18” W x 13.5” D x 30” H | Weight: 12.3 lb | Number of Wheels: 4
Travelpro makes hard-sided suitcases with many of the top-notch features of its soft-sided range. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Hardside Spinner is an excellent option with magnetic, locking wheels on a flexible, durable polycarbonate case.
The Travelpro fit as many outfits as its soft-sided counterpart in our testing. We appreciated that each compartment in the clamshell design included hold-down straps and zippered panels, the latter of which is an asset if you need to open the suitcase upright. Inside was a removable toiletry bag and zippered pockets, though it did not have as many pockets as the soft-sided Travelpro.
Its wheels were smooth and easy to maneuver, although we noted they were slightly noisier than those on our top Travelpro pick. The polycarbonate shell survived our drop and tumble tests with just a few scuffs, and we liked the way the ribbed, textured finish minimized cosmetic damage. This Travelpro Platinum Elite comes with the same lifetime guarantee as other Travelpros. We rated it 4/5 for its performance and features.
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Best Hard-Sided Carry-On
Product specifications
Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 47.9 L | Dimensions: 15.4" W x 9.6" D x 22.7” H | Weight: 7.9 lb | Number of Wheels: 4
Carry-on suitcases must fit into tighter spaces and adhere to stricter guidelines than checked bags. The Away Bigger Carry-On is one of the most popular and recognizable carry-on suitcases. It’s a favorite of social media influencers with its wide selection of regular and special-edition colors on its polycarbonate shell. Our testing showed us that the Away is not just hype.
We took the Away Bigger Carry-On with us on an international trip and managed to squeeze in two weeks’ worth of outfits, although that was pushing its capabilities. When it fell down a tall airport escalator, it emerged fully intact with only minor scratches on its polycarbonate shell. Inside, it had two compartments, including one with wide compression straps and a connected compression panel to make the most of its capacity. We appreciated the grab handle and elegant extras.
The Away’s wheels handled all the terrain we encountered with no issues, moving smoothly and effortlessly from city streets to transit. Despite being slightly more than an inch bigger than recommended for cabin luggage, we had no problem carrying it onto international flights. We rated it 5/5 for features, durability and style.
Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner
Most Premium
Product specifications
Material: Nylon | Capacity: 37 to 49 L | Dimensions: 15” W x 11.5” D x 21” H | Weight: 9.9 lb | Number of Wheels: 4
Premium luggage brands promise the highest-quality materials and construction for their suitcases. Briggs & Riley suitcases take the technology even further with the innovative compression system on this Global 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner. The compression system allows the suitcase to expand as much as 2 extra inches. Once packed, it locks back into its original dimensions. It’s like a magic trick, only real, and we were suitably impressed during testing.
This soft-sided spinner boasts a ballistic nylon body that resists scuffs and scratches. Its shock-absorbing spinner wheels roll effortlessly when full. Straps and compression panels help organize the contents of the spacious main compartment, and the integrated garment folder is ideal for suits or dresses. The Briggs & Riley keeps its trolley handle rails outside its main compartment, too, creating a flat surface for packing.
We appreciated the presence of an external battery pocket for charging devices on the go, and we liked the included secondary bag strap to keep all our carry-ons together. With its array of refinements and quality build, we rated the Briggs & Riley Global 21-inch Softside Spinner 5/5 as a premium suitcase pick.
How we tested the best suitcases
We graded the best suitcases on multiple factors, running them through specialized tests to understand and witness their capabilities and performance in specific categories. When possible, we took the suitcases on actual trips, exposing them to the rigors of airports, airplanes, city streets and general travel.
Durability
- We dropped each suitcase from heights of 3 feet and 6 feet to simulate rough handling and travel mishaps.
- We let each suitcase tumble down a flight of stairs to approximate wear and tear.
- We exposed each suitcase to rain or a shower to check water resistance.
Mobility
- We rolled each suitcase over a variety of surfaces, indoors and out, carpeted and hard, including rough terrain and cobblestones.
- We rated each suitcase handle for comfort and usability, taking special note of the strength and settings of telescoping trolley handles.
- We studied how easy or difficult it was to lift or pick up a suitcase from an overhead bin or baggage claim conveyor.
Functionality
- We packed, emptied and repacked each suitcase, counting items and comparing full and empty weights, to simulate long-term use and get to know the capacity and capabilities of each compartment.
- We examined and used every pocket and additional compartment offered by each suitcase, including toiletry bags, laundry bags and suitors.
- When available, we used suitcase compression features, noting how much space or capacity was saved.
Design
- We examined the materials used in making each suitcase and how many colors or styles are available.
- We took note of each suitcase’s texture, lining, extras and overall appeal.
We also learned about any guarantees or warranties included with each suitcase. We consulted product information and third-party reviews and examined customer feedback on each suitcase tested.
Best suitcase features
At the most basic level, a good suitcase must contain your clothes and belongings safely and securely during travel and be easy to lift and move. The best suitcases have these essential functions and are a pleasure to use on every trip.
Wheels
Wheeled luggage transformed travel. Travelpro invented two-wheel rolling luggage with trolley handles in the 1990s, and Samsonite popularized multidirectional spinner wheels in the early 2000s.
Spinners
With 360-degree swivel mounts that let the suitcase move laterally in any direction, spinner wheels have become the most popular suitcase wheels. You can pull a spinner suitcase behind you, push it in front of you, or walk it alongside you. Spinner wheels can have single or double wheels on each strut mount. Double spinner wheels offer for smoothness and stability.
Rollers
Roller wheels are generally bigger than spinner wheels and are usually used as a pair. Suitcases with roller wheels can only be pulled behind you, but they are considered more rugged, dependable and durable than spinners, as the roller wheels don’t extend as far out of the main suitcase as spinners do. The founder of Travelpro invented the rollaboard suitcase and built the company around it.
Our top picks: Wheels
- The wheels on the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Softside Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Hardside Spinner magnetically align to each other while you’re moving for a smooth experience. The wheels on the soft-sided bag, however, were impressively quiet compared to the hard-sided bag, which was noisier.
- The Away Bigger Carry-On endured rough handling and had no issues going over any surfaces, including the cobblestone streets of London.
- The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Carry-On boasts shock-absorbing wheels that moved effortlessly in our testing.
Compartments and expandability
A suitcase comes with one or two main compartments. Each compartment should offer enough space to hold your belongings and ways to keep them secure.
- Straps hold down clothes or other items and keep them from shifting during travel.
- Dividers keep items separate and, in clamshell suitcases, keep one or both compartments completely sealed until opened.
- Pockets keep smaller items organized. A suitcase may have one or more flat pockets, pouches, toiletry bags, laundry bags or shoe bags.
Expandability is a valuable feature to look for, especially checked luggage, where size rules may be less strict. Expansion usually comes in the form of a zipped panel or baffle that expands to increase the suitcase’s capacity.
Many suitcases now come with compression. While elastic straps have been around for decades and add a little compression to clothes, the kind of compression now available maximizes suitcase capacity by flattening items like clothes. Compression systems include wider cinching straps and panels.
Our top picks: Compartments and expandability
- The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner has one of the most impressive and innovative compression systems, expanding with one-touch hardware and compressing with a satisfying click back to its original size.
- The Away Bigger Carry-On maintains a svelte, minimalist look with efficient internal compression.
- The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Softside spinner features roomy outer pockets and expands in such a way that it maintains its balance even when fully loaded.
Handles
Handles should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip no matter how long or how far you’re going.
- Trolley handles, or retractable handles, have become the main handles of wheeled suitcases. They should be as strong and secure as possible without shaking or flexing. It helps if the handle grip is soft, padded or contoured for your hand. Handle rails that extend or retract at the push of a button are appreciated. It's also helpful if the trolley handles can lock at different heights to accommodate user height.
- Pull handles should be located on the top and side of the suitcase so you can pick your luggage up horizontally or vertically. Since handles can count against the allowed dimensions of a suitcase, many have low-profile, retractable or semi-retractable handles that fit more flush with the suitcase body.
- A bottom handle, between the wheels, is particularly handy when pulling a carry-on suitcase from an overhead bin or a checked suitcase from a luggage carousel.
Our top picks: Handles
- The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Spinner has comfortable handles that are easy to grip, and we liked the leather construction of the handles on the top and sides.
- The Away Bigger Carry-On’s trolley handle felt secure and solid in hand, and we liked the inclusion of a third pull handle between its wheels.
- The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner has three convenient pull handles, including one between its wheels.
Security features
A good suitcase can keep its contents safe from thieves or unwanted attention while fulfilling national and international airline security requirements. Secure and dependable closures, like zippers or latches, are necessities. It’s also helpful when a suitcase remains identifiable to the owner without sacrificing privacy.
- A TSA lock is a combination lock with a special keyhole accessible only by agents of the U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA). These locks allow TSA agents to inspect baggage when necessary without anyone else gaining access to the contents.
- Zippers should be heavy-duty, easy to hold and easy to pull. They should have solid, interlocking teeth and seams that don’t tear or rip, even under the tension of a full suitcase.
- Latches are another type of suitcase closure that can be easier to use and physically stronger than zippers. They’re found on some suitcases, particularly hard-sided suitcases with metal shells.
- Luggage tags are helpful when picking up suitcases at baggage claim and when locating suitcases that have been misplaced. Many premium luggage brands include matching ID tags with their suitcases. It helps if the tag obscures your name and other private information until necessary so random strangers cannot see your information.
- Some suitcases can be monogrammed or include written or electronic tracking info.
Our top picks: Security features
- The Away Bigger Carry-On keeps its TSA lock recessed in its body, helping reduce the chance of damage or obstruction. It comes with a discreet, color-matched luggage tag and optional monogramming.
- The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner comes with a luggage tag that can be hidden away to preserve privacy.
- All the suitcases we’ve picked have TSA locks and large, comfortable pulls on their zippers.
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage
Which is better: hard-sided luggage or soft-sided luggage?
Each type has pros and cons. In a nutshell, hard-sided luggage protects contents from crushing and impacts more than soft-sided suitcases, but soft suitcases don’t scratch or scuff the way those with hard shells do, and they can flex more.
Soft-sided luggage
Soft-sided suitcases have flexible cases made of high-denier polyester or nylon fabric. They can be cut or torn by sharp objects and may be prone to compressing if placed under weight. But they don’t scratch or scuff, and they can flex to accommodate more items. The nylon fabric used in luggage is usually thick ballistic or thin ripstop. Denier counts measure the density and strength of luggage fabric; the higher the denier, the stronger the material.
Hard-sided luggage
Hard-sided suitcases used to be made of cardboard or metal, and while aluminum ones are still available, most hard-sided suitcases are now made of polystyrene, ABS or polycarbonate plastic. These materials reduce weight and add flexibility while protecting contents. They’re all prone to scratching and scuffs, however, and most open like a clamshell, taking up counter space and making them more challenging to pack efficiently.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has been writing for BestReviews for three years. He has authored several buying guides on luggage, including the best kids’ suitcases, best Samsonite luggage, and more. He has traveled internationally for most of his life and has always enjoyed shopping for, using and taking care of luggage. He owns and uses both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases in carry-on and check-in sizes, and he probably has more of them than he strictly needs.
