Are you looking for a suitcase that will protect your belongings while you travel? Whether you're traveling with a carry-on suitcase or will be checking your case in, it's important that the case can withstand some heavy handling and is a suitable size for the needs of both yourself and the airline.
We've researched the best travel suitcases available and have picked our 10 best. Our favorite is the Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage by Samsonite. It's expandable, easy to maneuver, lightweight, and made of durable materials. We have nine more options for you to peruse and also a buying guide to help you make your choice.
Quick List - Top Travel Suitcases
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
There are tons of suitcase options with different sizes, functions, and designs on the market. It's easy to feel lost and not know which suitcase is suitable for your needs and preferences. To make your life easier, take a look at this buying guide and advice to help you in choose a suitcase!
When choosing a suitcase, you need to consider the dimensions of the product that can meet your needs. Instead of relying on size symbols like size S or size M, which can differ from brand to brand, you should look at both the dimensions and volume as an indicator of how many belongings you can pack in your suitcase.
As a general guideline, look at choosing a suitcase with a volume of 30 or 39 liters for a two to three-night trip. A 50 to 59 liters suitcase is great for a trip lasting three to five nights. For longer trips, we would advise 60 to 89 liters for a journey that lasts from five to seven days, and 90 liters can be used for trips that last over 10 days.
As for dimensions, different airlines have different standards, but the most common one for carry-on bags on airlines in America is 22 inches by 14 inches by nine inches. This includes the handles and wheels. When you look at purchasing carry-on luggage, the manufacturers will usually state which airline restrictions it is compatible with and reviews will also confirm if this is the case.
For checked bags, the size allowed is 62 linear inches in total, with a common dimension being 27 inches by 21 inches by 14 inches. You should make sure you know the measurements of your suitcase in inches and centimeters. This is because most non-American airlines use metric measures instead of imperial ones.
In general, the carry-on restrictions in Europe are very similar to those in America, but they can differ by an inch or two. For example, the restriction on British Airways is 56 centimeters by 45 centimeters by 25 centimeters, which is roughly 22 inches by 17 inches by 10 inches. Confirm the restrictions with any airlines you're flying with before packing in order to avoid extra fees.
Travel suitcases are generally divided into two types: hard-sided and soft-sided suitcase. Hard-sided suitcase has hard shell made from durable and strong materials such as polycarbonate. Meanwhile, a soft-sided suitcase is made from fabrics and is more stretchy. Here are some differences between the two.
One of the major selling points of a hard-sided suitcase is its durability. Many people fear that hard shell suitcases will break or crack easily, but depending on the material this is not the case. One of the most popular materials used is polycarbonate, and this material can withstand direct hits from a hammer making it a perfect choice for checked luggage.
Another durable material used is aluminum. It can be easily scratched but is very robust and durable, as well as being waterproof. Aluminum cases may look a little battered after a few trips as checked luggage, but your belongings will be well-protected. One material that may not survive many trips is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) as this material can crack if handled roughly.
Another great point of hard suitcases is security. It's very unlikely that anyone would be able to slit your hard-sided luggage open, as can happen with soft-sided luggage. Also, many hard suitcases have built-in locks so you can rest assured that your belongings will be well-protected.
However, many hard-sided suitcases don't have expandable sections or exterior pockets, which may be an inconvenience for some travelers. Also, due to their solid properties, they can't be squeezed into smaller spaces, often making them ill-suited for carry-on luggage. It might be a struggle to fit them into overhead bins if the compartments are already full.
It's easy to pack with soft-sided suitcases since they have various pockets and, often, expandable sections. Being able to extend your suitcase is ideal for those that find it hard to travel light or want to keep everything separated.
Since soft suitcases are usually more flexible than hard ones, they can often be suited to carry-on luggage as their additional malleability makes it easier to squash them into overhead bins. The materials used for soft suitcases can vary greatly. Budget suitcases typically use polyester, but the quality of these can vary greatly.
More durable materials include Cordura nylon and ballistic nylon. Cordura nylon is known for its resistance to abrasions and durability. It's easy to dye and suitcases made from this are available in several different colors. Ballistic nylon, however, is harder to dye so it's typically only found in dark colors. It's very durable and resistant to tearing though, making it able to withstand some damage.
Heavier duty materials such as Cordura and ballistic nylon weigh more than polyester and although durable, can't match the durability of some hard suitcases. The variety of pockets and extendable sections available may make them a better choice, however, especially for carry-on luggage.
If possible, remember to check the denier of the material. This will give you a better idea of how durable and thick the material is. The higher the number, the more heavy-duty the material will be.
When choosing hard-sided or soft-sided suitcases, you need to carefully look at the materials they are made from in order to judge their durability, resistance, and so on.
The most common types of plastic used to make suitcases are polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Polycarbonate has a very high level of impact resistance and hardness, which makes it more durable than ABS. It is also highly temperature resistant, lightweight, and flexible enough to last through various beatings during travel.
All of this makes polycarbonate an ideal material for a great and long-lasting hard-sided suitcase. For frequent travelers, they are a very good investment. The most premium hard shell suitcases are made from aluminum and although this material can get a little scratched, it will protect everything inside!
However, if you have a budget or are a more infrequent flyer, then suitcases made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are a good option. ABS is light and has decent impact resistance, but it is not the most durable plastic out there and is the most likely hardshell material to fracture.
Suitcases made with ABS tend to not last long, but now many brands combine ABS with other more durable plastics to extend their life and durability. An ABS suitcase is recommended for budget travelers and those who want a suitcase that is as light as possible.
One of the most important factors when choosing soft suitcases is the durability of fabric. You should refer to the denier count, which is a unit of measurement that is used to determine the fiber thickness of fabrics. The higher the number, the sturdier the material is. Usually, fabric with a denier count over 400 tends to be durable.
Since fabrics tend to wear more easily from weather conditions, you should choose a product with fabric that's water-resistant. Most forms of polyester, Cordura nylon, and ballistic nylon are water-resistant and can survive a little bit of rain without leaking. You could also wrap your luggage with a cover to prevent water from damaging the material.
Just as we have a battle between soft and hard suitcases, the next one is between two-wheel and four-wheel suitcases. The opinions are pretty varied for these two as well, so to make your life easier, we combined a list of pros and cons for each type.
If you tend to carry a lot of luggage, you should choose four-wheel suitcases since they are more balanced and much easier to maneuver with heavy loads than the two-wheel counterparts, especially on smooth surfaces. On rough surfaces, however, they will struggle, and they can be louder than two-wheelers. If left unattended on a slope, they can also start rolling away if you're not careful!
Suitcases with four wheels are more stable than those with two so you don't need to worry about evenly distributing your packing as much. You also have the option of pushing the suitcase in front of you as well as behind, and four-wheeled suitcases are better for keeping another bag balanced on top.
If you don't usually pack a lot of stuff when traveling, then two-wheel suitcases may be a good choice for you. They work well on dirt roads and rough surfaces, and their wheels do not stick out. The wheels are generally more stable and secure on a two-wheel suitcase than a four, also.
However, if you are traveling with more than one suitcase, you may find dealing with two-wheel suitcases a little bit difficult, since they have to be dragged behind you rather than beside you. You also need to be very careful when packing a two-wheeled suitcase; if it's packed unevenly, the suitcase can fall over, as it's less well-balanced than a four-wheeler.
Zippers are also an indispensable part of a suitcase since it secures and protects your belongings. There are many different types of zippers on the market, but the most common ones are coil zippers and chain zippers. The main materials for coil zippers are nylon or polyester, so they are durable and affordable as well. If they get twisted, you just need to jiggle them a bit to fix them.
Chain zippers are made of metal or molded plastic, so they can be more expensive than coil zippers. They are very secure since their teeth are perfectly intertwined with each other. However, this makes them difficult to adjust, so most companies opt for coil zippers.
Besides looking at the types of zippers, you should choose zippers that are large since they are stronger and more durable than smaller ones. Zipper pulls that have big holes are another feature to look for as they give you more to grab onto and more space to attach a lock if you need to.
Something else you should consider is choosing a closed-end zipper. This type of zipper opens at opposite ends and doesn't fully come apart, so if one zipper breaks, you will be able to use the other instead.
When assessing the quality of handles, you should look for ones made with stainless aluminum or alloy, as they are much more durable than those made from plastic. You should also choose suitcases with handles that have two levels or more so that you can adjust the height accordingly as this can make them easier to handle.
Different suitcases use different methods for locking handles into place. Usually, you just need to pull the handle up and it will lock into the nearest height, but sometimes this system isn't as smooth as it should be. We would advise looking at reviews to see how easy it is to change the height of the handle and whether it truly does lock in place.
One way that suitcases can greatly differ is in how many pockets and expansions they have. Exterior pockets are rare on hard shell suitcases, but can commonly be found on soft suitcases. They can be very handy for keeping important documents such as passports or boarding passes on hand and are especially useful on carry-on suitcases.
Pockets inside the suitcase are another important consideration. Dividers, straps, and pockets can not only help keep your belongings in place as you travel, but will keep things separated so they're easier to find when you need them. Small and important items, such as medication, can be kept in an inside pocket, eliminating the need to search through your belongings to find them.
Another useful feature is expansions. Again, these are rarer on hard shell suitcases but can be commonly found on soft suitcases. An expansion allows you to make your suitcase a little bigger, which is ideal if you tend to overpack! It can also be handy if you're the type to come back with more luggage than you originally traveled with as you can use the expansion for your souvenirs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coolife Maxlite 5 Lightweight Carry-on | ![]() | Best Hardshell for Business Travelers | |
2 | Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage | ![]() | Best Expandable Hardshell Suitcase | |
3 | Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggages | ![]() | Best Budget Option | |
4 | American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable Softside Luggage | ![]() | Best for Easy Handling in an Airport | |
5 | TPRC Smart Under Seat Carry On | ![]() | Best for Fitting Underneath Airline Seats | |
6 | Travelpro Large Expandable Design Pattern Luggage | ![]() | Best for Durable Material | |
7 | London Fog Softsided Spinner Suitcase | ![]() | Best for Traveling With Formal Wear | |
8 | American Tourister Reaction Renegade Hard-Sided Luggage | ![]() | Best for Kids to Use | |
9 | Travelking Minima Carry-On Luggage | ![]() | Best Aluminum Option | |
10 | Hanke Foldable Luggage Bag | ![]() | Best Choice for Versatility |
Pros:
Cons:
This hardshell suitcase has a large front pocket that opens fully and has several smaller pockets inside, including one suitable for a laptop. There are further pockets inside the case and the main compartment can be easily secured with the built-in TSA-approved combination lock.
Some reviewers report problems with the handle on this suitcase. For some, it wouldn't fully extend when the case was full and for others, it broke. Reviewers love the front pocket, however, saying that it is very convenient to access important documents or a laptop when traveling. This makes it a great option for a business traveler.
Pros:
Cons:
Samsonite is well known for making durable suitcases that last for a long time, and this product is no exception. It is made from 100 percent polycarbonate and is light for its size. It has multiple interior dividers and pockets as well as a large expander, allowing you to maximize your packing capacity.
There are a few reports of broken zippers and the exterior being easily scuffed, but the majority of reviewers are very positive. The wheels make the case easy to maneuver and the handle is easy to extend. As this is available in both carry-on and checked luggage, you can get a matching set.
Pros:
Cons:
This suitcase is made from 100 percent ABS material, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The case can be expanded a little and has a divider and straps inside to protect your belongings. It comes with a matching travel kit and tote bag, and the tote can be slipped over the suitcase's handle.
A few reviewers were disappointed with the quality and durability of the suitcase, so it may not be a good pick for a frequent traveler but is a good budget option. Overall, reviewers confirm the suitcase is lightweight and easy to maneuver and they love the additional bags that are part of the set.
Pros:
Cons:
This suitcase is available in both carry-on and checked sizes. All sizes have two large exterior pockets and carry handles on both the top and side. The interior of the suitcase has a mesh divider and straps to keep your belongings in place.
Some reviewers report difficulties with extending the handle and the zippers sticking. However, the convenience of the carry handles and the lightness of the case are praised as it makes picking up the suitcase easy. This added to the maneuverability of the wheels make the suitcase a breeze to guide or carry through an airport.
Pros:
Cons:
This small suitcase is designed for easy access and to fit underneath airplane seats. It has multiple pockets in front, on the side, and inside of the suitcase, so you can organize your folders or laptops neatly and keep them close at hand.
Another convenient point about this suitcase is the side USB port that allows you to charge your devices on the go. Reviewers state that the wheels are noisy and made of plastic, but that the case is still very convenient. It has also a rear strap that allows you to put this tiny suitcase on top of your checked bag or bigger carry-on.
Pros:
Cons:
Travelpro brand suitcases are a popular choice with aviation crews and frequent flyers due to their durability and rugged material. The cases have multiple pockets for easy and quick access to your laptop or toiletries bag while traveling. Furthermore, it has a denier count of 1680, making it extremely durable.
A few reviewers point out that when the case is loaded with a laptop in the front pocket, it can tip over so be careful if you use this feature. Reviewers confirm that the material of the case can survive some rough treatment and that the manufacturer will honor repairs to parts such as zippers.
Pros:
Cons:
The book-style opening of this small suitcase makes it ideal for anyone traveling with formal wear and wants to avoid creases. The case has a bracket inside so you can leave your clothes on their hangers and lock them in place as you travel.
There is a wide variety of pockets, with some designed for small items such as ties and others for larger items such as shoes. There are a few reports from reviewers that the handle on this case is weak and can break, but overall reviewers are happy with this case and how much space it has.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're traveling with a child and are looking to get them their own suitcase, then this licensed collaboration between Disney and American Tourister might be what you need. The case is suitable for use as carry-on luggage and is easy for young children to pull along themselves.
The vast majority of reviews for this suitcase are very positive, but there are a couple of comments regarding the design on the front picking up dirt and grime. However, it's a big hit with adults and kids alike and is a fun way to take your child's clothes or toys with you when you travel.
Pros:
Cons:
Unlike most other suitcases, there are no zippers on this aluminum case. Instead, it is secured with two clasps that have TSA-approved locks. Inside the case are two mesh dividers that have several pockets for smaller items, as well as two straps to keep everything in place.
The aluminum is sturdy and won't crack, but according to reviewers it can become dented easily so be careful if checking in this case with anything breakable inside. The double wheels on each corner mean the suitcase is easy to maneuver and glides across most surfaces.
Pros:
Cons:
The versatility of this case makes it special as it can expand into three different sizes ranging from 20 inches to 28 inches long. The magic lies in the zippers as there are three different layers that you can close or open as you wish. The suitcase is also anti-tear, scratch-resistant, and water repellent.
However, according to reviewers, you need to be careful when packing to keep the bag balanced. Heavier items should be stored at the bottom and once packed, if you need something at the bottom you will need to empty the entire bag. Overall, reviewers were pleased with the durability and capacity of this bag.
If you are just going away for a weekend or short trip and need a smaller option, or just want a tote bag as your carry-on, we have some suggestions for you.
No. 1: Coolife|Maxlite 5 Lightweight Carry-on
No. 2: Samsonite|Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
No. 3: Travelers Club|Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggages
No. 4: American Tourister|4 Kix Expandable Softside Luggage
No. 5: TPRC|Smart Under Seat Carry On
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices