</p><p>Trying to figure out what are the <a href=” target=”_blank”>best luggage brands</a> can be just another stressful task on top of booking flights and a hotel. That’s why at <a href=” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, we test the <a href=” target=”_blank”>best luggage sets</a> and<a href=” target=”_blank”> checked bags</a> from Amazon — so you can have a suitcase be delivered to you quickly and you can spend more time brainstorming <a href=” target=”_blank”>family vacation spots</a> instead. We’ve<strong> tested more than 100 luggage styles from well-known brands and have amassed thousands of data points </strong>to help narrow down our list of final contenders down below. </p><p>We test almost every type of travel bag you may have considered adding to your Amazon shopping cart, from <a href=” target=”_blank”>kids’ suitcases</a> to the <a href=” target=”_blank”>best weekenders</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank”>garment bags</a>. When evaluating luggage, we consider scuff and scratch resistance, weight, durability and more. We also share the luggage with <a href=” target=”_blank”>consumer testers</a> who provide us with real-life feedback about maneuverability, ease of use and handle comfort. </p><p>Continue on to find the best Amazon luggage for your next domestic flight or European vacation, plus tips on what to keep in mind while scrolling through the options. If you’re interested in discovering more <a href=” target=”_blank”>best-selling Amazon products</a>, our editors recommend checking out this <a href=” target=”_blank”>Tik Tok famous travel backpack</a>. </p>”/>
1
Best Overall
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Wheels are smooth
- Top-tested brand
- Easy to pack and open and close
Cons
- Carrying handles are tight
Samsonite’s luggage has always stood out in the Textile Lab’s evaluations, especially in tests for ease of use and durability. This bag received perfect scores for being easy to open and close, and it performed fairly well in our drop tests, taking on little damage. Testers who tried the Freeform suitcase agreed that the wheels were smooth and rolled with ease. Because it‘s simple to maneuver, easy to pack and durable, it’s the perfect pick for someone who’s always traveling.
According to testers, the carrying handles are on the smaller side, so it’s best to roll around rather than carry. The small carrying handles also make this suitcase more difficult to lift into an overhead bin. On Amazon, there are over a dozen neutral and fashionable colors to choose from, and you can pick between the carry-on, medium or checked bag, as well as a two-piece luggage set.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “The carry-on is fairly lightweight and has good volume for packing as much as possible. It has a side handle as well as a top handle. That really helps me lift it up to place on a rack.”
Dimensions: 10″ x 15.25″ x 21.25″ | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Material: Polypropylene
2
Best Value
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner
Pros
- Spacious interior compartments
- Wheels are smooth
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Testers thought the handle felt flimsy
Amazon Basics’ luggage proved spacious in our Lab tests and received perfect scores for being easy to pack. Over 34,000 Amazon reviewers have given it a five-star rating, with common feedback highlighting how lightweight it feels and how well it holds up to repeated traveling. One reviewer said, “It feels like it’s floating,” because it’s so lightweight and easy to maneuver. The luggage is made of ABS plastic, which is more affordable but not quite as durable as other hard materials. The handle also felt flimsy, according to testers. That being said, it still held up well in Lab durability tests, showing some scratches but avoiding excessive denting.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “The price is very reasonable for the quality of the luggage. I am also impressed with the durability of the luggage. I have used it for several months now and it is still in perfect condition.”
Dimensions: 14.96″ x 10.04″ x 21.65″ | Weight: 7.34 lbs | Material: ABS
3
Best Weekender Bag
Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Affordable option
- Plenty of packing space
- Made of lightweight fabric
Cons
- Thinner material can show wear
Although weekender bags tend to be smaller than your average suitcase, they can still ring in high price tags. That’s why our pros love Bagsmart’s overnight bag that is under $35. Lightweight nylon fabric lets you easily tote this bag through train stations and airports. And if you arrive at your hotel early and can’t check in just yet, you’ll be able to feel relatively comfortable with this bag in hand or on your shoulders as you explore. Choose from two sizes (medium or large) and nine colors including pink (pictured), beige, black, dark blue and more. Some testers noted that the thinner material can show wear after a longer journey. Still, they were impressed by how much they could fit in the weekender and appreciated the spacious interior and exterior pockets for organization.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Perfect weekend travel bag. Put everything you need in this bag. It fit a 15-inch laptop, books, weekend clothing, toiletries and more.”
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 8.7″ x 11″ (medium); 21.3″ x 8.7″ x 12.6″ (large) | Weight: 1.54 lbs (medium); 1.76 lbs (large) | Material: Nylon
4
Best Carry-On
American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Two external storage pockets
- Roomy interior
Cons
- Handle not as sturdy as others
American Tourister is one of our favorite brands for budget-friendly carry-on and checked bags. This carry-on will not only fit in the above storage unit, but will also look chic as you roll it onto the plane. We appreciate that it expands for more room as you need it, and that exterior and interior pockets help keep everything organized. Online shoppers love this sleek, easy-to-move suitcase, but note that the handle wasn’t the best quality and felt a bit wobbly when using. For a lower price, slightly lower quality can be expected — but this carry-on still has a 4.5-rating across hundreds of reviews.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It was a perfect carry on. I was surprised by how much I managed to fit into it.” And “The wheels were the best to maneuver, so smooth like velvet.”
Dimensions: 14.5″ x 9.5″ x 23.5″ | Weight: 6.8 lbs | Material: Polyester
5
Best Durable
Travelpro Softside Checked Luggage
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Roomy interior with tie-down system
- Made of durable fabric
- Wheels can roll in any direction
Cons
- Heavier compared to other suitcases
Founded by a pilot, Travelpro makes luggage specifically for airline crew. Even if you don’t travel for a living, the brand’s softside luggage is a go-to recommendation in our Lab for its durability and features, like self-aligning wheels that can roll in any direction. Our experts also love the cushioned handle for added comfort and its tough, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric. This Amazon’s Choice bag has a spacious interior that will fit your load and then some, plus a unique tie-down system with compression straps. Interior pockets and an included water-resistant toiletry bag will help keep your travel essentials organized. Note that our Lab pros found the suitcase to be on the heavier side, although that can be expected as softside suitcases tend to weigh more than hardside options due to the material.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I’ve had it for a few years… It looks really well built, high end, and I’ve received compliments from strangers.”
“Dimensions: 28″ in x 18.5″ in x 11.75″ | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Nylon, leather
6
Best Vintage-Looking
Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Includes removable hanger and storage bags
Cons
- Some shoppers found it showed scruff marks
There are two kinds of travelers: those who strive for comfort and those who travel in style. This elegant suitcase grants you best of both worlds. Faux leather accents give it that extra charm and we like the durable shell that’s designed to resist breaking. You’ll benefit from multi-directional wheels and a wheel break system so your luggage doesn’t roll away. When you open the bag, you’ll find a luxurious interior with two large compartments equipped with straps as well as a removable hanger, laundry bag and shoe bag.
One GH expert owns the Chatelet and says it “fits everything I need for a short trip. The wheels are so smooth, and it’s a breeze to roll through the airport.” Some online Amazon shoppers do note that the bag can show wear and recommend opting for a darker color like the featured chocolate beown to help avoid showing potential scratch marks.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It’s gorgeous. Seriously. It is eye-catching and I get compliments on it every time I use it. My mom even bought a full set after she saw mine. And my daughter got the carry on for herself as well.”
Dimensions: 20.25″ x 9.5″ x 14.25″ | Weight: 9.3 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate, faux leather
7
Best Softside
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Tons of storage pockets and included toiletry bag
- Spacious interior
- Smooth rolling wheels
Cons
- Reviewers have had issues with telescopic handle breaking
Softside luggage is less rigid, which can make it easier to pack with more of your belongings and easier to store when you’re not traveling. SwissGear’s collection of soft luggage is popular on Amazon for being spacious and easy to maneuver. The front of this bag unzips to reveal one large inner compartment with tie straps to secure your things and two zippered mesh pockets for organization. Plus, it comes with a small wet bag for toiletries and there are two outer zip pockets for even more storage.
If you’re prone to overpacking or want room for souvenirs, this bag expands an additional two inches for extra packing space. Amazon reviewers shared that they love the “smooth” wheels that they say are easy to maneuver. One went so far as to describe it as “the perfect luggage.” However, some reviewers noted issues with the telescopic handle feeling flimsy and breaking with repeated use.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “This bag is roomy enough that you’ll probably hit a weight limit before you run out of space. I use packing cubes and I’m able to run the two straps inside through the handles of the packing cubes to make sure everything is secure.”
Dimensions: 26.25″ x 11″ x 16.75″ | Weight: 9 lbs | Material: Polyester
8
Best Luggage Set
Travelers Club Midtown Hardside Luggage Travel Set
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Great value
- Spacious storage compartments
- Tote bag has a sleeve to slide onto rolling bags
Cons
- Reviewers say it’s not durable enough for regular travel
At less than $150, this four-piece luggage set from Travelers Club is a total steal, and it has amassed over 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. The set comes with two rolling bags (a large checked bag and a carry-on bag), a tote and a small toiletry bag. The checked and carry-on bags are designed with two spacious compartments — one fully enclosed compartment and one with cross straps to keep belongings secure. An Amazon reviewer described the rolling bags as “huge” and added that there’s tons of space for organizing.
The tote bag features a sleeve that slides onto the handle of the rolling bags, which makes getting all of your luggage through the airport so much easier. Plus, there are eight color options to choose from including tan, rose gold and lilac. Reviewers say the set is great for occasional travel, but the ABS material used for the rolling bags is prone to cracking with repeated use, so it may not work well for someone who travels regularly.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “We needed these suitcases last minute for a trip since we packed too much and needed another large case. We even used the carry-on instead of our older set because the quality and look was very nice!”
Dimensions: 26″ x 17.5″ x 11″ (large); 20″ x 13″ x 9.5″ (carry-on); 10″ x 15″ x 5″ (tote); 5″ x 10″ x 5″ (toiletry bag) | Weight: 8.4 lbs (large); 7.2 lbs (carry-on); 1 lb (tote); 0.5 lbs (toiletry bag) | Material: ABS (rolling bags) and polyester (tote and toiletry bag)
9
Best Underseat Luggage
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Built-in USB port for charging
- Durable polyester material
- Back sleeves fit on top of carry-on
Cons
- Reviewers say the top strap is flimsy
An underseat suitcase is a great way to avoid added carry-on or baggage fees when traveling for a short trip. This bag from Samsonite will hold just enough clothing for a weekend getaway, and the front pocket features a laptop sleeve and a zipper compartment for additional storage. A built-in USB port (battery pack not included) means you’ll never be stranded at the airport without a charged phone, and the back sleeve slides on top of a carry-on bag for easy transport.
Amazon reviewers say that the compact case fits perfectly under most airline seats and, although it’s small, they love that it’s designed with four wheels for easy movement. Plus, the polyester fabric used for Samsonite bags proved durable in our Lab tests, resisting damage from abrasion and rubbing. However some reviewers said the top strap is flimsy.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I had an overnight business trip and could not decide what to carry. After testing a variety of bags, I decided to go with this bag. I’m glad that I did. While there are nicer-looking bags like this, it was professional-looking enough for my business purposes.”
Dimensions: 9″ x 13.5″ x 16.5″ | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Material: Polyester
10
Best Overnight Bag
Herschel Novel Duffel Bag
Pros
- Carrying handles and removable padded shoulder strap
- Separate shoe compartment
- Favorite brand among experts
Cons
- Not large enough for a long trip
Herschel’s bags, including its laptop bags, backpacks and duffels, are a favorite of Textiles Lab experts who are always impressed by the brand’s quality and simple design. This duffel has a large compartment for belongings and a mesh pocket for organization. There’s even an additional shoe compartment to keep your extra pair separated from the rest of your things. Choose between the carrying handles or padded shoulder strap. While it’s perfectly sized for a weekend trip, it’s not the ideal pick for a longer trip.
Reviews on Amazon highlight how durable the bag is — one reviewer said he uses the bag daily, tossing it around in his car, and it “doesn’t have one blemish or tear.” The brand does offer other colors with faux leather detailing, but it’s important to note that some reviews mention the faux leather peels with repeated use.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “This is such an attractive bag! I’ve never owned any Herschel items but I’m glad I bought it for my 13 year old. It’s perfect for a few nights away from home!”
Dimensions: 11″ x 20.5″ x 12″ | Weight: 2.23 lbs | Material: Polyester
11
Best Checked Luggage
Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Luggage
Now 43% Off
Pros
- Spacious compartments
- Included zippered storage bag
- Reviewers say handle is sturdy
Cons
- ABS isn’t as durable as other materials
Rockland’s hardside expandable luggage has over 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon highlighting the “sturdy” handle and “impressive” amount of space for packing. Inside the bag, you’ll find two storage compartments — one compartment with cross straps to keep your things in place and one fully enclosed with a zippered panel. There’s also an extra zippered storage bag inside.
Amazon reviewers share that there is plenty of room for all of their belongings, including heavier clothing like jackets, long-sleeve tops and pants. According to some reviews, the lightweight ABS material isn’t the most durable and is prone to cracking, especially near the wheels. This model is available in large and medium checked bags, carry-on bags and two- and three-piece sets, and you can choose from over 19 colors.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “One of the standout features is the smooth-rolling four-wheel system. Maneuvering through airports, train stations, and even uneven surfaces, like cobblestones, has been a breeze.”
Dimensions: 17″ x 12″ x 28″ | Weight: 11 lbs | Material: ABS
12
Best Travel Backpack
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Now 45% Off
Pros
- Great value
- Built-in USB port for charging devices
- Padded laptop pocket
Cons
- Zippers can open if the bag is overstuffed
It can be difficult to find a quality backpack on a budget, but this pick from Matein is less than $25 and is loved by over 80,000 reviewers who gave it five-star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers appreciate that the bag is designed with a lot of padding — both along the straps and around the laptop pocket. Also included in the design are a strap to secure the backpack on top of a carry-on, a hidden pocket to keep your things safe and a USB charging port (battery pack not included). Plus, it’s filled with “so many nifty pockets” that make for easy organization, says one reviewer. Some reviewers mention zippers that come unzipped when the bag is packed full, so be sure not to overstuff.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Everything is easily accessible and nicely organized. My MacBook Air literally lives in this bag and has never been scratched or damaged.”
Dimensions: 12″ x 18″ x 7.8″ | Weight: 1.56 lbs | Material: Polyester
13
Best with Laptop Compartment
Level8 Grace Carry On Luggage
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Combination of ABS and polycarbonate is more durable than ABS on its own
- Many pockets for organization
- TSA-approved lock
Cons
- Some reviewers say the zipper pulls break easily
Making it through airport security is stressful enough. Thanks to Level8’s carry-on bag with a convenient front laptop pocket, you can keep your laptop safe in your luggage. Two compartments inside — one with a zippered panel and one with cross straps — keep all of your belongings in place, and there’s a TSA-approved lock for added security. If you need extra space, there’s an expandable version too. Amazon reviewers say this suitcase is better than others they’ve used from more expensive, well-known brands. One review called it “perfect,” and another said that the bag is “lightweight” and “well-built.” The combination of ABS and polycarbonate material is more durable than ABS on its own, however some reviewers noted that the zipper pulls are prone to breakage.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I chose this one after searching long and, boy, did I make the right choice. This is absolutely prefect for what I was looking for. The hardshell is very sturdy and has reinforced corners, which is great. The laptop space can open partially or fully, based on the Velcro sides.”
Dimensions: 14.5″ x 9.4″ x 21.8″ | Weight: 10.36 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate/ABS composite
14
Most Fashionable
Vera Bradley Hardside Rolling Suitcase
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Performed well in durability tests
- Easy to maneuver
- Spacious interior compartments
Cons
- Some testers found the handle to be flimsy
This stylish yet durable Vera Bradley bag is perfect for anyone who sees luggage as an accessory. In Textiles Lab tests, it was a top-performer, proving to be drop-, scratch- and water-resistant. Some testers who rolled this bag through our obstacle course thought the handle felt flimsy, but liked how well it performed overall, agreeing that the wheels rolled smoothly and that it was easy to maneuver. The inner compartments are spacious, and it’s lightweight, making traveling with it a breeze.
What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It took me a very long time to find this great of a carry-on bag. It seemed a little expensive for a carry-on, however the quality and beauty of it made up for that.”
Dimensions: 10″ x 14″ x 22″ | Weight: 9.18 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate
How we choose the best luggage on Amazon
The product testing pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab spent months evaluating luggage with standardized test methods and Lab equipment. We then set up an obstacle course for users to test out the luggage. For this article, we considered data from our tests along with feedback from Amazon reviewers to choose the best luggage on Amazon. Here are some of the characteristics we review:
✔️ Size and weight: We weigh each piece of empty luggage to validate that the weight listed online is correct; we’ve found the listed specs are not always accurate. If the luggage is considered “carry-on” size, we place it into a 22 x 14 x 9-inch area to ensure it complies with TSA regulations.
✔️ Packing capabilities and ease of use: Textiles Lab pros fill each suitcase with a standard load, including clothes, shoes and toiletries. While packing the luggage, we rate how easy the luggage is to open and close, how well the zippers work and whether or not a standard load of clothing fits inside. We also consider how other design features, like wheels, telescopic handles and locks, operate. Once the bag has been packed, we ask consumer testers to roll it over different surfaces such as tile, wood flooring and carpet and lift it up onto countertops to test the carrying handles.
✔️ Drop durability: We place the packed luggage in our drop tester (pictured here), which releases the luggage from a set 3-foot height, allowing us to analyze any imperfections that occur as a result, including dents or cracking.
✔️ Abrasion resistance: If the luggage is softside, we cut out swatches of fabric to place in our abrasion machine, which rubs the fabric 15,000 times with an abrasive material. Once the abrasion test is complete, we grade the luggage fabric for signs of wear, like fiber pilling or holes (pictured here).
✔️ Scratch resistance: We drag a wire over the surface of hardside luggage and visually evaluate any scuffs or damage left behind.
✔️ Water resistance: After placing blotting paper inside the suitcase, we pour water onto the luggage zippers and then measure how much water has seeped through to the inside.
✔️ Consumer tests: It’s important to mimic real use when evaluating luggage, so we set up an obstacle course in the Lab and have consumer testers run through the course. They then rate the luggage for subjective characteristics like ease of using the handles, wheel performance, overall maneuverability and sturdiness. The obstacle course includes rolling the luggage over different types of flooring, moving it through twists and turns, lifting it over curbs and more.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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