When planning a vacation, you may spend a lot of time and effort searching for the perfect destination, choosing your favorite vacation outfits, and booking flights, but don’t overlook the most important part of your trip: your suitcase. You need a suitcase that’s easy to handle, roomy, lightweight, portable, and durable enough for everyday use.
That’s why, in the Good Housekeeping textile lab, we tested over 100 suitcases from over 70 brands to find the best options for all types of travelers. We carefully evaluated each suitcase in our lab, considering durability, ease of use, and functionality. Consumer testers put the suitcases through their paces on our obstacle course, evaluating the comfort of the handles, the performance of the wheels, and much more. We also sent suitcases to travelers to gather first-hand feedback from real-world trips. Based on our lab data and feedback from consumer testers and Good Housekeeping analysts representing over 70 luggage brands, we ultimately recommend the following excellent products.
Samsonite topped the list of best luggage brands thanks to its extensive product line, covering all types of travel—from business to leisure—and because its hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases have consistently demonstrated superior quality in our tests over the years. As a result, several of this brand’s luggage models have also won Good Housekeeping Travel Awards.
Samsonite’s exceptional durability and ease of use deserve special mention: in our tests, opening and closing were effortless, and packing was a breeze thanks to fully functional compartments that maximize space. While certainly not cheap, Samsonite’s price has remained relatively stable over the years, a stark contrast to the exorbitant prices of other direct-to-consumer luggage brands.
Tester Reviews: Our testers tested the Elevation, Outline, and Freeform series suitcases from Samsonite and praised their durability and practical design, particularly noting the convenient zippers, spacious interior compartment, and smooth-rolling wheels. One tester shared, “This suitcase is lightweight and stylish, with plenty of interior space for easy organization.” They added, “The wheels are very maneuverable.”
Freeform Hard-Shell Medium Checked Suitcase ($169): Our top-rated hard-shell suitcase is made of durable polypropylene and expands for increased storage. UpLift Soft-Shell Carry-on Suitcase ($159): This soft-shell suitcase stood out in our tests, being lighter than other suitcases and boasting a host of practical features, such as multiple external pockets, a built-in USB port, and a luggage cover.
If you’re on a budget or rarely use luggage—meaning you don’t need the most durable suitcases or all the bells and whistles—American Tourister offers competitive prices and a wide selection of styles, including stylish prints and vibrant colors suitable for the whole family. These stylish and practical suitcases are especially ideal for vacationers.
American Tourister hard-shell suitcases are typically made of ABS plastic, a material that helps reduce costs but is more susceptible to scratches. However, our testers noted that this suitcase is lightweight and comfortable to use, and we were impressed with its performance in lab tests.
Tester Reviews: Testers of the Air series suitcases noted that their compact size makes them ideal for short trips and vacations. They also praised the suitcases’ portability, noting that they fit easily into overhead bins and are easy to maneuver around the airport. One tester even called the suitcases “stylish.” A GH Textile Lab analyst, who has used American Tourister suitcases for years, said, “While these aren’t the most luxurious suitcases on the market, their features are excellent, and the price is unbeatable.”
Pop Max Softshell Luggage Set ($191): This three-piece set includes a large, medium, and carry-on suitcase and is less expensive than individual suitcases from other brands. Each suitcase features an external pocket for extra storage and a zippered expansion slot.
Air Move Carry-On Suitcase ($70): This suitcase impressed us during our luggage obstacle course test, smoothly navigating various turns; our testers also praised its stylish appearance.
Away is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market, and our tests confirm that it lives up to its reputation. While the brand offers a wide range of products, we especially liked its hardtop carry-on suitcase. Made of 100% polycarbonate, this suitcase proved to be both durable and lightweight—even lighter than some fabric suitcases we tested.
This suitcase withstood our tester’s repeated drop tests and remained intact; it also performed admirably in the scratch test, leaving no noticeable marks. Furthermore, its capacity is surprisingly generous; during our review, even when fully loaded, there was still room to spare. The company offers a 100-day return policy for unused items and a lifetime limited warranty on its suitcases, covering any “functional damage.”
Tester reviews: They loved this brand’s stylish hardtop suitcases and weekender bags, giving them top marks for their attractive appearance. One tester noted, “This suitcase is stylish and attractive, and it’s easy to pull.” Testers of the softtop suitcases also praised the well-organized interior storage and were impressed by the generous capacity afforded by the more flexible design.
Carry-on ($275): This is the best carry-on we’ve ever tested. It has a ton of practical features, like an adjustable compression panel, a separate bag for dirty clothes or shoes, and a convenient bottom handle for easy lifting.
Carry-On Bag ($198): This stylish and surprisingly roomy weekend bag is a favorite of GH analysts and testers. It features a handle and a removable shoulder strap for easy carrying on your next trip.
Briggs & Riley suitcases aren’t cheap—carry-on luggage can cost over $600—but they come with a lifetime warranty, covering all repair costs in the event of breakage or damage. The brand offers classic models, including hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases, carry-on luggage, and checked luggage, as well as innovative features like the brand’s compression packing system. This design allows the suitcase to expand for easy packing and compress when fully loaded. These suitcases also boast superior construction and have passed our drop, abrasion, and scratch tests, proving their durability.
Testers praised the capacity of the brand’s Baseline luggage line. One tester reported packing a week’s worth of summer clothes for two in her carry-on and easily fitting them into the overhead bins. A textile lab analyst, who took a two-week winter trip to Europe with a Sympatico suitcase, was also impressed by its generous capacity. Other Briggs & Riley suitcase testers praised the smooth wheel movement and sturdy telescopic handle, giving them top marks.
Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner Suitcase ($729): This suitcase is a two-time GH Family Travel Award winner, earning top marks in all tests thanks to its spacious interior and lightweight design. The nylon material also performed exceptionally well in our durability tests.
Sympatico Hard-Shell Suitcase ($859): Made of durable, lightweight polycarbonate, this series of suitcases has withstood drop tests and earned high marks from testers for its easy handling.
Finding quality suitcases under $100 is difficult, but suitcases on Amazon start at just $55 and are known for their durability. They offer soft-shell and hard-shell models, as well as garment bags, travel bags, and more. Amazon claims to conduct extensive internal testing to ensure product durability. In our Textile Lab review, while these suitcases may not be the best on the market, their price is unbeatable.
This ABS hard-shell suitcase is lightweight but not as durable as other suitcases we tested, showing more noticeable scratches and wear during durability assessments. In lab testing of textile materials, the suitcase proved easy to pack thanks to features like adjustable straps and convenient zippered mesh pockets.
Tester Reviews: Our testers noted that the telescopic handle on the Amazon Basic Hard Luggage isn’t as sturdy as those on other brands, but they were impressed by the wheel performance. They said the suitcases were easy to maneuver in our luggage testing area, even on turns, curves, and various terrain.
21-Inch Carry-On Hard Luggage ($57): This lightweight suitcase will hold everything you need for a short trip. A three-pack with more space is also available at a more affordable price. Please note that quantities of these suitcases are currently limited, but Amazon will restock them regularly.
Lightweight Storage Bags ($9): To help you organize your belongings on your next trip, we recommend these thoroughly tested storage bags. They feature a zippered closure, a mesh top to keep clothes fresh, and a set of four costs well under $20.
July is a favorite among our analysts and textile lab testers. This up-and-coming luggage brand was founded in 2019 but is growing rapidly—indeed, it’s on the rise. The brand’s hardtop suitcases feature a refined, minimalist design and come in a variety of stylish colors, such as lime green and lavender. However, they did scratch fairly easily during our testing.
Four series are available, including ultralight suitcases, classic suitcases, large-capacity suitcases, and suitcases with location tracking. The most outstanding feature of all the models we tested was their incredibly smooth wheels. These suitcases glided effortlessly through our obstacle course, demonstrating excellent maneuverability even on turns and curves.
Tester Reviews: Testers praised the classic suitcase’s wheels. One tester said, “I’ve tested countless suitcases, but none glided through the airport as smoothly as the July.” The suitcase also received top marks for its convenient telescopic handle (lockable at 20 cm) and packing-friendly design features, such as compression panels and Y-straps for secure storage.
Carry-On Suitcase ($295): This classic carry-on suitcase is packed with practical features, like a removable battery (with a USB-C output port), a laundry bag, reinforced corners, and genuine leather trim.
Expandable Luggage ($375): Offered in July, the expandable luggage weighs less than 4.5kg but holds two weeks’ worth of luggage, making it ideal for international travel or those with too much luggage.
This stylish and practical travel bag brand, founded by actress Shay Mitchell, offers a variety of thoughtful features designed to make travel easier, such as a built-in weight indicator, retractable shoulder straps, and separate laundry and shoe bags. It also boasts a stunning design aesthetic with a monochrome color scheme, where the handles and hardware match the color of the suitcase body.
We tested several suitcases and weekend bags from this brand and were impressed by their durability and spacious interior, which made packing much easier. However, we did notice some wear and tear on the hard-shell models during drop tests.
Tester Reviews: Our overnight and weekend suitcase testers praised the stylish color scheme and sleek, streamlined design of the Béis, giving it top marks for appearance. When evaluating the suitcase’s aesthetics, testers often compared it to other brands, emphasizing that Béis was “the most beautiful.” They also praised the ease of use of the telescopic handle, noting its thick, soft padding and well-organized interior storage.
Carry-on ($268): This hardtop suitcase rolls smoothly across a variety of surfaces, including tile and carpet, and offers more storage space than other popular carry-on models on the market. It’s also expandable for even more space.
Large Check-in Suitcase ($397): This is the brand’s largest suitcase, equipped with all the signature features, such as a weight indicator and luggage straps. Plus, its interior is well-organized and expandable by 5 cm.
This company was founded by a pilot who specialized in producing suitcases for airline employees who frequently traveled for work. However, they are also suitable for business and leisure travel and are highly durable, designed for frequent travel.
This brand is known for its soft-shell suitcases, but also offers several hard-shell models. Their products pay special attention to details that make flying easier and more comfortable, such as soft-padded handles for added comfort, self-centering wheels that allow the suitcase to roll in any direction, and durable nylon fabric.
Tester Reviews: Testers loved the durable and long-lasting TravelPro suitcases, especially the soft-shell Platinum Elite series, saying they fit everything they needed. One Textile Lab expert noted of her carry-on suitcase, “The organization in this suitcase is better than any other suitcase I’ve ever used.” While testers gave the brand lower marks for appearance, citing a somewhat dated design, they appreciated the smooth rolling wheels and convenient handles.
Platinum Elite Soft-Shell Carry-on Suitcase ($377): This suitcase is made of durable nylon and performed well in our drop tests. It’s roomy enough to fit all of our luggage with room to spare.
Platinum Elite Hard-Shell Expandable Carry-on Case ($365): This hard-shell suitcase has a durable polycarbonate shell and expands 5 cm, providing plenty of extra storage.
While style is important—it is an accessory, after all—you certainly don’t want to sacrifice quality and functionality for fashion. Calpak luggage features high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. While Calpak’s product range isn’t as extensive as some major brands, the company offers a variety of materials, including smooth, rigid polycarbonate and ripstop polyester. They also offer trendy colors like metallic silver and bright red.
Tester Reviews: The Ambeur suitcase by Calpak is a consistent favorite among testers, receiving high marks for its appearance, smooth wheel movement, and overall ease of use. One tester noted, “This suitcase is incredibly easy to push!” She added, “Even my friend thinks my suitcase is much easier to push than her favorite one.” Testers also noted that the suitcase is easy to pack, and thanks to features like the zippered expansion system and removable cosmetic bag, it fits all your vacation essentials.
Ambeur Carry-On Suitcase ($245): This stylish and practical hardtop carry-on suitcase features a convenient telescopic handle and is made from durable materials that withstood the impact of our drop tests.
Luka Duffel Bag ($138): This soft duffel bag is the best weekend getaway bag we tested. It features plenty of pockets, including a zippered shoe pocket and a water bottle pocket. Plus, the polyester fabric is waterproof and easy to clean.
Navigating the airport with a Tumi suitcase is practically a status symbol; the brand is known for its high-quality products and is popular with both business and leisure travelers. Beyond suitcases, Tumi also produces accessories like briefcases and backpacks, designed with numerous convenient features, such as non-slip straps on bags and extra hooks on rolling suitcases, making it easy to carry multiple items at once. Tumi also offers unique after-sales services, such as luggage repair and baggage check-in, to help you find lost luggage.
Tester Reviews: Our Tumi luggage testers noted that these suitcases roll effortlessly across a variety of surfaces, from tile and concrete sidewalks to carpet. They also praised their durable construction and secure, easy-to-use handles. A textile lab analyst who used Tumi luggage also said the Alpha series exceeded expectations in terms of capacity.
Alpha Continental Carry-On Suitcase ($838): This durable nylon suitcase features a unique two-door design, a well-organized interior, a removable hanger, and plenty of zippered pockets, making it ideal for business travel.
19 Degree Lite Long-Distance Suitcase ($875): This hard-shell suitcase weighs just over 10 pounds, but offers ample interior space for long trips thanks to its well-organized layout. It features one of the sturdiest telescopic handles we’ve reviewed, as well as smooth-running wheels for easy movement.
Monos’ design philosophy is “less is more,” meaning their bags feature simple, classic designs that eschew trends and prioritize high quality and durability. The brand produces only hard-shell bags, primarily made of polycarbonate, with some models combining polycarbonate and aluminum alloy for increased durability. Monos also offers a 100-day return policy, giving you ample time to thoroughly inspect the bags at home before making a purchase decision.
Post time: May-15-2026
