Best Luggage 2024, Tested By Our Editors

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 7.4 pounds | Colors: 14 total, including Coast Blue and Clay Pink | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Long-lasting hardside luggage at an affordable price
• Lightweight design
• Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)

Skip if:

• You like to stand out—this popular suitcase is carried by many travelers (in which case, you might opt for a bright color or use a luggage tag)

Away’s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted’s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand’s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away’s signature compression system—complete with adjustable straps—allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there’s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.

This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed it to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also provides personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel.

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Navy | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• High-mileage travelers who prefer flexible softside luggage over hardside
• Generous warranty that covers any damage
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget—this is one of the pricier suitcases out there

Another of Forbes Vetted’s top selections for carry-on luggage, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It’s made of a ballistic nylon fabric that resists wear and tear and comes available in four rich shades that maintain their looks over time.

This pick is definitely an investment, but its compressive technology, built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels warrant the luxury price tag. Plus, Briggs & Riley’s lifetime warranty is one of the best on the market, covering repairs for any sort of damage free of charge for as long as you own the bag.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted branded content editor Luke Fater tested the brand’s Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On and considers it “the suitcase of my dreams.” After traveling with it on a plane, train and bus, “the spinner rolled like butter,” says Fater. “It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either.”

Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Colors: 14 total, including Amethyst Purple and Light Grey | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty

Best for:

• Casual travelers who want a basic carry-on at an affordable price
• Modern design in fun colors
• Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)

Skip if:

• You travel a lot; the polypropylene shell isn’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate

If you want an affordable suitcase that gets the job done well, Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by 1 inch when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.

One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase’s polypropylene shell is lightweight and wallet-friendly, it’s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need other sizes, our guide to the Best Samsonite Luggage includes larger checked bags, as well as weekender bags.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone has traveled with the Freeform Carry-On on countless trips and highly recommends it. “I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says Cuzzone. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 11 total, including Desert Taupe and Ocean Blue | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Durable design and laptop pocket
• Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
• Shorter length trips (about 3 to 4 days)

Skip if:

• You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro was named the best hardside option on this list. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 pleasing shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.

Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. “The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I’m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle,” she says. “I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it—it feels sturdier than other suitcases I’ve used.”

Dimensions: 21.6 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Navy/Hackett | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Sophisticated style and design, minus the Rimowa price tag
• Travelers who like the ease of not having to check bags but want enough space for the essentials
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You prefer a traditional zip-around suitcase; this pick opens and shuts with two locks

For those who travel frequently and want to skip the checked baggage area, Carl Friedrik’s carry-on has quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its sleek aesthetic and Italian leather trimmings (several of the brand’s bags have been featured on Succession). This pick has 360-degree silent spinner wheels, two zippered interior pockets and is sized to fit in the overhead bin of domestic and European cabins. Inside, there’s a set of compression straps and a pad for maximizing packing space. One side of the bag’s interior only has a compression strap in place of a zippered pocket, so this is a great suitcase for packing cubes.

I traveled with this suitcase on a recent trip to Mexico City and highly recommend it for both its style and build. Its ribbed texture makes any scuffing hard to spot, and the suitcase’s locking system—which secures shut with dual TSA-approved locks located on the body’s side—is incredibly easy to use. It also easily fit into the overhead bin of my flights. However, some travelers may prefer a zippered design, especially those who frequently open their suitcases pre-flight.

Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 12 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Colors: 5 total, including Silver and Rose Gold | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Ample packing space and non-bulky design that doesn’t cost a fortune
• Traveling with liquids (such as larger sizes of skincare) or items that require checking
• Lengthier trips (more than 7 days)

Skip if:

• You need exterior pockets on your suitcase

Clocking in at under $300, the Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase with high-quality features: It expands up to 2 inches for extra packing room, for example, and has easy-to-maneuver dual spinner wheels. There are also four zippered interior compartments (although no exterior pockets), plus a cross compression strap to make sure belongings remain in place, even when transported over bumpy cobblestone streets.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers has traveled extensively with the Calpak Ambeur Large and counts it among her favorite checked bags. “It’s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need,” she says. Despite its spacious size—it has a packing capacity of 77 liters—Boyers hasn’t found it heavy or bulky. “It has a compact design and wheels effortlessly, so I never feel like I’m lugging an enormous bag through the airport.”

Dimensions: 22.1 × 17.8 × 9.9 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Silver | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Sleek aluminum suitcase that’s stylish and built to last
• Easy-to-maneuver, lightweight luggage
• Mid-length to longer trips (about 5 to 7 days or more)

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget—Rimowa luggage is pricey
• You’re not careful since aluminum is prone to denting

German luggage brand Rimowa is a calling card in the world of luxury luggage. Durable and lightweight, its bags are known globally for their craftsmanship and innovation, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a high-end anodized aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning this is a suitcase you’ll keep for life. An impressive interior compression system allows you to pack in at least a week’s worth of clothing, making this suitcase ideal for longer trips. Keep in mind that the shell is closed with two TSA-approved combination locks rather than a zipper.

Those looking for something lighter (and easier on the wallet) should check out the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and T-bar telescopic handle and claimed the top spot on our list of the Best Lightweight Luggage.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted executive director of business development and partnerships, Alexis Caldwell, has used the Rimowa Original Cabin Plus on both short and long trips, and particularly appreciates its built-in compression. “I can squeeze so much into it that I’ve never needed a larger suitcase, even on multiple three-week trips to various destinations,” she says.

Dimensions: 23.5 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Shadow Black and Bordeaux | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase

Best for:

• Those who travel abroad but don’t want to check their bags
• Sturdiness and a compact design
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You prefer a modern aesthetic—this pick has a more traditional look

Named Forbes Vetted’s top overall selection for the Best Luggage For International Travel, Travelpro’s Platinum Elite carry-on spinner is the perfect size for international airline cabins, meaning you’ll never need to worry about your bag being snagged for a gate check. The softside suitcase is smartly outfitted with compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag. It also has eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a contoured-grip rubber handle with four adjustable heights.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted’s editorial director, Brinda Ayer, tested this bag and praised its functionality. “It’s very simple to maneuver around, even on concrete,” she says. “For a softside bag, it’s pretty sturdy. I haven’t had any tearing or scuffing yet, even after a few trips, and the handle has a comfortable grip.” Ayer does note that its style may not be appeal to those who want a high-design Monos or Away. “It’s not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,” she says, but for an excellent, all-around basic, it scores high marks. If you prefer extra durability, this suitcase also comes in a hardside version.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Colors: 5 total, including Safari Green and Scuba Navy | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Stylish, durable luggage made from sustainable materials
• Smooth wheels and a comfortable handle grip
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You need a lot of built-in interior pockets

Paravel has quickly risen in popularity due to its timeless aesthetics and commitment to creating the first truly carbon-neutral suitcases. The brand recycles post-consumer plastic bottles and aluminum to produce proprietary materials, like Negative Nylon, which has garnered Paravel a loyal following among eco-conscious travelers. The brand’s Aviator Carry-On Plus offers smooth wheels, a comfortable handle grip and comes with a compression board and a laundry bag for dirty clothing.

After taking this suitcase with me on two trips to Colorado and Montana, I found it to be one of the best-looking bags I’ve traveled with. While some of these design-forward bags can feel pretty flimsy, this one is very sturdy. The wheels are extremely smooth and never get snagged in airport carpets, and the faux leather wrap around the handle is super comfortable. The suitcase’s textured finish lends it a sophisticated look, but it also works to conceal inevitable scuffs and markings. For longer trips, the Aviator comes in a larger, checked size.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches (Carry-On), 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches (Checked), 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches (Checked Plus) | Colors: 7 total, including Sand and Moss Green | Weight: 7.4 pounds (Carry-On), 8.3 pounds (Checked), 10.5 pounds (Checked Plus) | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Families and those who travel frequently
• Lightweight pieces you can easily transport
• Multiple trips with a variety of different lengths

Skip if:

• You prefer heftier luggage for rugged travel

Luggage sets are smart choices for families or those who hit the road a lot, since you’ll spend less up front than buying each piece separately. Australian brand July’s Classic Family Set won as the top overall pick in our Best Luggage Sets round-up and includes the Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus suitcases. The variety of sizes can accommodate everything from weekend getaways to medium-length vacations to serious long-haul travel. The entire set is outfitted with smooth-rolling wheels, retractable handles, laundry bags and TSA locks.

I traveled with July’s Carry-On suitcase on trips to San Antonio and North Carolina and found it to be slim, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The set is available in several unique hues, including Clay and Forest. Another bonus: These suitcases are designed to nest inside one another, so you only need enough storage space to stash one piece of luggage, not three.