The Best Luggage Brands of 2025, Tested by Experts
When planning a vacation, it’s likely you’ll put plenty of time and thought into finding the right destination, choosing your favorite vacation clothes, and booking your tickets, but it’s important not to overlook one of the most important aspects of your trip: your luggage. It’s essential to find a suitcase that’s easy to maneuver, spacious for packing, compact and lightweight enough to carry, and durable enough to hold up to regular use.
That’s why in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we have tested over 100 suitcases from more than 70 brands to find the best luggage for every type of traveler. We rigorously review each piece of luggage in our Lab, considering durability, ease of use, and performance. Consumer testers try the luggage in our obstacle course, weighing in on handle comfort, wheel performance, and more, and we send luggage out with travelers who take them on their own trips to provide firsthand feedback. Based on our Lab data and feedback from consumer testers and GH analysts across more than 70 luggage brands, these are the standouts we recommend.
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Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for all types of travel—from business trips to vacations—plus both its hard and softside suitcases have continuously proven to be high quality in our tests over the years. Several of the brand’s suitcases have been Good Housekeeping Travel Awards winners as a result.
In particular, Samsonite stands out for its durability and ease-of-use features: In our tests, opening and closing the cases required no struggling, and packing them has been a breeze, thanks to the functional compartments that maximize space. It’s certainly not inexpensive, but as direct-to-consumer luggage brand prices have skyrocketed, Samsonite’s have remained fairly consistent over the years.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Quality construction at accessible prices that remain fairly consistent
- TAKE NOTE: Testers wished the brand’s telescopic handles were easier to use
- PRICE RANGE: From $84 for small hardside carry-ons to $310 for larger softside checked bags, usually on sale for less
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers who tried Samsonite’s Elevation, Outline, and Freeform suitcases appreciated the sturdy and functional design, highlighting the easy-to-use zippers, spacious interiors, and smooth wheels. One tester shared, “The luggage is sleek and lightweight. The bag provides ample room for packing,” and further added, “The wheels maneuver very well.”
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Freeform Hardside Medium Checked ($139): Our top-ranking hardside suitcase is made of durable polypropylene and expands for extra packing space.
UpLift Softside Carry-On ($190): The softside suitcase stood out for weighing less than other bags in our tests, and it has helpful features like several outer pockets, a built-in USB port, and a luggage sleeve.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Samsonite Luggage
If you’re on a budget or you don’t use luggage regularly—i.e., it doesn’t have to be the most durable and you don’t need all the bells and whistles—American Tourister offers competitive pricing and an excellent variety to choose from, including cool prints and brightly colored options for the whole family. The models are fun, functional, and especially ideal for vacationers.
For its hardside bags, American Tourister typically uses ABS plastic, which helps to keep the price low but is more prone to scratches. Still, our testers said the luggage is lightweight and easy to use, and we’ve been impressed by their performance in the Lab.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Affordable option with simple yet spacious designs
- TAKE NOTE: The bags are no-frills and aren’t as durable as others we’ve tested.
- PRICE RANGE: From $89 for small softside and hardside carry-ons to $199 for larger hardside checked bags, usually on sale for less
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers of the Air collection said the bags are great for shorter trips and vacations because of their compact size. They also appreciated how lightweight the luggage is, sharing that it’s easy to lift into overhead bins and pull around the airport, and one tester described the suitcases as “sleek.” A GH Textiles Lab analyst who used American Tourister luggage for years shared, “They’re not the most luxurious suitcases out there, but they work well, and the price can’t be beat.”
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Pop Max Softside Luggage Set ($183): This three-piece set includes a large, medium, and carry-on bag for less than the price of one suitcase at other brands. The bags have outer pockets for extra packing space, along with zippered expansion.
Air Move Carry-On ($140): We were blown away by how smoothly this suitcase rolled around twists and turns during our luggage obstacle course, and our testers loved the sleek style.
Away is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market, and our testing shows it actually lives up to its hype. Though the brand has a wide range of offerings, we especially love the hardside carry-on. It’s made of 100% polycarbonate that proved to be durable and lightweight in our evaluations—even lighter than some fabric bags we’ve tested.
The bag resisted damage after being released repeatedly from our drop tester machine and performed well in our scratch tests with no major marks. It was also surprisingly spacious and held a full packing load in our review with room to spare. The company offers a 100-day return policy on unused items, along with a lifetime limited warranty on its suitcases that covers any “functional damage.”
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Sleek designs, brand has proven to be durable in our tests
- TAKE NOTE: Handles aren’t as sturdy as others we’ve tested.
- PRICE RANGE: From $180 for small softside carry-ons to $745 for larger aluminum checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: They loved taking the brand’s stylish hardside suitcases and weekender bags on their trips and have given them perfect scores for their attractive appearance. One tester commented, “The luggage was stylish and easy to roll.” Testers of the brand’s softside bags also liked the organized packing spaces and were impressed by how much they could fit inside, thanks to its more flexible design.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
The Carry-On ($275): Our top-tested carry-on suitcase, this bag is full of functional features like adjustable compressive panels, a separate laundry bag for dirty clothes or shoes, and a convenient underside grab handle to make lifting it easier.
The Everywhere Bag ($198): A stylish and surprisingly spacious weekender bag that GH analysts and testers love, this model has carrying handles and a removable shoulder strap for easy toting on your next getaway.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Away Carry-On
Briggs & Riley bags are pricey—a carry-on can cost over $600—but they come with a lifetime guarantee that will cover all repairs if the luggage ever gets broken or damaged. The brand offers timeless styles, including hardside, softside, carry-ons, and checked bags, that use innovative features, such as its signature compression packing system. Bags that have this design expand to allow you to pack and then compress down after they’re filled. The suitcases also use top-notch construction and have proven durable in our drop, abrasion, and scratch tests.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Spacious bags made of quality materials that have lifetime guarantees
- TAKE NOTE: Pricier than other brands
- PRICE RANGE: From $419 for small softside carry-ons to $1,025 for larger softside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: They were wowed by how much they could fit in the brand’s Baseline bags, including one tester who said she packed a week’s worth of summer clothes for two people into her carry-on, and it still easily fit into an airline’s overhead bin. A Textiles Lab analyst carried a Sympatico bag on a two-week trip through Europe in the winter and was also impressed by how much she could cram inside. Other testers of Briggs & Riley’s luggage highlighted the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handles, giving them perfect scores.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner ($729): This bag is a two-time winner of the GH Family Travel Awards with perfect scores across the board for its roomy interior, lightweight design, and more. The nylon material also performed well in our abrasion tests.
Sympatico Hardside Checked Luggage ($859): Made of durable yet lightweight polycarbonate, suitcases from this collection resisted dents in our drop test and earned high scores for maneuverability from testers.
It’s hard to find good luggage for under $100, but Amazon’s luggage starts at just $55 and does not disappoint. There are softside and hardside styles to choose from, plus garment bags, duffels, and more. Amazon says it performs extensive internal testing to help ensure its products will hold up, and in our Textiles Lab evaluations the luggage might not be the absolute best quality out there, but the prices can’t be beat.
The ABS plastic hardside suitcases are lightweight but not quite as durable as other bags we’ve tested, showing more apparent scratches and scuffs in durability evaluations. During our Textiles Lab assessments, the suitcases proved easy to pack, thanks to features like adjustable cross straps and convenient mesh zipper pockets.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Most styles arrive quickly with Prime shipping and were easy to pack in our tests.
- TAKE NOTE: Exteriors of hardside bags showed marks in scratch tests
- PRICE RANGE: From $55 for small carry-ons to $130 for hardside luggage sets
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers noted that the telescopic handles on Amazon Basics hardside luggage wasn’t as sturdy as others, but they were impressed by the wheel performance. They said the bags were easy to maneuver through twists and turns and over the different types of flooring of our luggage obstacle course.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
21-inch Hardside Carry-On ($55): This lightweight carry-on suitcase holds everything you need for a short trip. For an even better value and additional space to store your belongings, opt for the three-piece set.
Lightweight Packing Cubes ($13): To keep your belongings nice and organized on your next getaway, we recommend these top-tested packing cubes that zip shut and have a mesh top to help keep your clothes fresh, and they’re under $20 for four pieces.
RELATED: The Best Luggage on Amazon
A favorite of our Textiles Lab analysts and testers, July is a newer luggage brand that was founded in 2019 but has hit the ground running… er, rolling. The brand’s hardside suitcases have a sophisticated and simple look and come in tons of trendy colors like light green and lavender, although they did scuff easily in our tests.
There are four collections including ultra-lightweight models, classic suitcases, larger trunks, and luggage with built-in tracking. Across the styles we tested, the standout feature was the super smooth wheels. The suitcases glided through our luggage obstacle course and were a breeze to navigate around twists and turns.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Simple and sophisticated designs, smooth wheels that glide well over different surfaces
- TAKE NOTE: The bags scuffed easily in our tests.
- PRICE RANGE: From $275 for small hardside carry-ons to $625 for larger hardside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers couldn’t get enough of the wheels on the Classic suitcases. One said, “I’ve tested many, many suitcases, but I’ve never used luggage that glided as smoothly through an airport as July’s.” The bags also earned top scores for their comfortable telescopic handles that lock into place at 20 heights and easy-to-pack design with features like a compression panel and Y-strap to secure your belongings.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Carry On ($295): The classic carry-on suitcase is full of helpful features like an ejectable battery with USB-C outlet, a laundry bag, reinforced corners, and real leather details.
Checked Expandable ($375): July’s expandable checked bag weighs under 10 pounds but can hold two weeks worth of your belongings, perfect for a trip abroad or overpackers.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: July Luggage
This fashionable yet functional travel brand was founded by actress Shay Mitchell and incorporates smart features designed to make traveling easier like a built-in weight indicator, a retractable bag strap, and separate laundry and shoe bags. It also has a stunning aesthetic, including monochromatic color schemes in which the handles and hardware match the case.
We’ve tested several of the brand’s suitcases and weekender bags and have been impressed by their durability and spacious interiors that make for easy packing, but we did notice some scuffing on the hardside styles during our drop tests.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Beautiful bags with helpful features you didn’t know you needed
- TAKE NOTE: Hardside material scuffed with use.
- PRICE RANGE: From $228 for small hardside carry-on bags to $397 for larger hardside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers of the overnight and weekender bags loved Béis’s trendy color options and appreciated the streamlined designs, giving the luggage perfect scores for appearance. Testers regularly compare other luggage to Béis luggage when they’re judging aesthetics, emphasizing that Béis is the “prettiest.” They also rated the telescopic handles on the carry-on suitcases highly for comfort because of the generous amount of padding, and said the bags are nicely organized.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Carry-On Roller ($268): The hardside carry-on suitcase rolled smoothly over different surfaces like tile and carpet and has more packing space than other popular carry-ons on the market. Plus, it expands for even more room.
The Large Check-In Roller ($397): The brand’s largest suitcase, this checked bag is equipped with all of its well-known features like the weight indicator and bag strap. Plus, it’s highly organized inside and expands for 2 inches of additional space.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Béis Luggage
This company was founded by a pilot, and it makes luggage specifically for airline personnel who travel for a living. Still, it’s just as functional for business and leisure travelers, and because it’s designed for frequent travel, it holds up.
The brand is best-known for its softside luggage, though it does have some hardside options available. There’s excellent attention to detail that makes flying easier, like cushioning around the handles for comfort, self-aligning wheels that allow you to roll the luggage in any direction, and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Classic suitcases that are made for flight crews and built to last
- TAKE NOTE: Suitcases are heavier than other brands.
- PRICE RANGE: From $136 for small softside carry-ons to $570 for larger softside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers loved TravelPro’s sturdy suitcases, especially the softside Platinum Elite styles, which they said can be packed to the brim. A Textiles Lab expert commented on her carry-on, “This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried.” While testers gave the brand lower appearance scores, emphasizing that the designs are a bit old-fashioned, they liked the smooth wheels and comfortable handles.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Platinum Elite Softside Carry-On ($460): Made of durable nylon, this suitcase performed well in our drop tests and was spacious enough to hold our entire packing load with room to spare.
Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-On ($170): This lightweight bag is just 6.3 pounds, making it easy to lift into an overhead bin, and it expands by 2 inches for tons of added packing space.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: TravelPro Luggage
Style is certainly important when it comes to luggage—it’s an accessory, after all—but you don’t want to sacrifice quality and functionality for fashion. Calpak’s cases are both well-made and have unique designs. Though its assortment is tailored with fewer models than some of the big brands, Calpak still has a wide range of materials to choose from, including sleek hardside polycarbonate and ripstop polyester. Plus, they come in popular colors like metallic silver and bright red.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Stylish, well-made luggage that testers loved
- TAKE NOTE: The hardside material is more prone to scratching than other bags we’ve tested
- PRICE RANGE From $98 for small weekender bags to $325 for larger checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Calpak’s Ambeur luggage is consistently considered our testers’ favorite, earning high scores for its appearance, smooth wheels, and overall ease of use. A tester remarked, “This suitcase was SUPER easy to roll around,” and further added, “Even my friend thought it was way easier to push my suitcase… than her suitcase that she loves.” Testers also said the bags are easy to pack and can hold everything they need for their vacations, with the help of details like a zippered expansion system and removable toiletries pouch.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Ambeur Carry-On ($245): The hardside carry-on suitcase is fashionable and functional with an easy-to-use telescopic handle and durable material that withstood dents in our drop tests.
Luka Duffel ($138): Our top-tested weekender bag, this padded duffel is full of pockets like a zippered shoe compartment and water bottle holder. Plus, the polyester material is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Calpak Luggage
Rolling Tumi luggage through the airport is like a status symbol; the brand is highly recognized for its upscale products for both business and leisure travelers. In addition to its suitcases, the company makes accessories like briefcases and backpacks designed with components that make traveling easier, like an anti-slip strap on carrying bags and an extra hook on rolling bags so you can wheel multiple items at once. On top of that, the brand stands out for its unique service offerings, like repairs and luggage registration to help you find lost bags.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Status symbol suitcases that make a statement, great customer service
- TAKE NOTE: Investment pieces with high price tags
- PRICE RANGE: From $518 for small carry-ons to $1,495 for larger softside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our Tumi luggage testers noted that the bags are easy to roll over different surfaces from tile and concrete sidewalks to carpet, and they also appreciated the stable design and sturdy, easy-to-use handles. A Textiles Lab analyst who has carried luggage from Tumi shared that the brand’s Alpha bags are able to fit more than expected inside too.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Alpha Continental Carry-On ($838): The durable nylon suitcase has a unique dual-open design and features a highly organized interior complete with a removable garment hanger and several zippered pockets, making it perfect for business travel.
19 Degree Lite Extended Trip Packing Case ($875): This hardside suitcase weighs just over 10 lbs but offers plenty of packing space for a long getaway, with an organized interior. It has one of the sturdiest telescopic handles we’ve evaluated and smooth wheels for easy maneuvering.
Monos says its design philosophy is “less is more”—meaning the bags are made to be simple and timeless to avoid passing trends and high quality so they can stand the test of time. The brand only carries hardside bags, and most of them are entirely polycarbonate, though some combine polycarbonate and aluminum for increased durability. Monos also has a 100-day return policy, so you have plenty of time to inspect the luggage at home before committing to your purchase.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Minimalist hardside luggage that will stand the test of time
- TAKE NOTE: Scuffs more than others we’ve tested
- PRICE RANGE: From $275 for small hardside carry-ons to $815 for larger hardside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: One carry-on tester commented, “I cannot say enough good things” about Monos luggage. The bags have earned perfect scores from testers for maneuverability and their smooth rolling wheels, and they’re spacious enough to hold our standard packing load with room to spare. A tester said, “It is sleek, lightweight, and comes with a ton of organization.” Testers loved the appearance of the suitcases, but they’ve noted that the bags scuff easily and can be difficult to wipe clean.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Expandable Carry-On ($325): This bag is a winner of the 2025 GH Family Travel Awards because of its spacious interior (even without the zippered expansion) and its high scores for maneuverability.
Carry-On Pro ($295): The convenient carry-on has a zippered front pocket to stash travel essentials and a laptop, which is a standout feature for a hardside suitcase.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Monos Luggage
If you’re going away for weeks or just have a lot to pack, you may want to consider a duffel instead of a standard suitcase because they’re more flexible, meaning you can pack a ton inside. L.L.Bean’s duffels are roomy enough to stuff in everything you need. There are options with or without wheels and many sizes to choose from, including styles for outdoor adventures and huge duffels for family vacations. The bags are made of durable synthetic materials that can be folded down compactly when not in use.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Durable, spacious bags you can stuff to the brim with everything you need
- TAKE NOTE: Can be cumbersome for airport travel
- PRICE RANGE: From $59 for small duffels to $300 for large rolling duffel bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our consumer testers, including a GH analyst, said the rolling duffel bags are durable and spacious. An Institute expert shared that she has been using her L.L.Bean duffel for years and reported that it has held its shape without noticeable wear. She does note that the bags are a bit cumbersome to roll or carry through a busy airport, and because they’re so flexible, it can be easy to overfill them and exceed an airline’s weight limit. Pack with caution.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Adventure Rolling Duffel, XL ($159): The large rolling duffel has a spacious interior to fit your belongings and features outer compression straps to secure it all in place. A telescopic handle allows you to roll it around, rather than lugging it on your arms.
Mountain Classic Cordura Duffel, Small ($110): With plenty of small pockets and pouches, this compact duffel is very organized. It’s made of water-resistant nylon material and has carrying handles, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying.
Founded in the 1940s, Delsey is a Parisian luggage brand known for it’s relatively affordable, classic luggage pieces. The suitcases have a timeless style and are priced less than other brands but are full of up-to-date features to make traveling easier like double spinner wheels, plenty of pockets, and coordinating laundry bags. The brand’s hardside bags are simple yet stylish, many of them with chic faux leather details or metallic hardware, and the softside suitcases are some of the lightest we’ve tested. Delsey recently partnered with teen-centric brand Florence by Mills to create a more youthful, feminine collection full of fun colors and designs.
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Traditional hard and softside luggage at an affordable price point
- TAKE NOTE: Not as durable as other brands we’ve tested
- PRICE RANGE: From $121 for small hardside carry-ons to $430 for hardside checked bags
WHAT TESTERS SAY: One hardside carry-on tester shared, “This the nicest luggage I’ve owned,” and explained, “The handle is sturdy, and the wheels roll so smoothly.” Testers appreciated the easy-to-access external pockets on the brand’s softside bags, and Textiles Lab analysts were impressed by how much could fit inside the suitcases during packing tests, thanks to the flexible material. A Textiles Lab analyst shared that she used Delsey hardside luggage for a few years before it cracked, but she wished it were more durable. When we’ve tested the luggage in the Lab, we haven’t experienced any major damages or dents.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Chatelet 2.0 Carry-On Spinner ($280): This carry-on has a textured hardside material and faux leather details for an elevated look. The bag doesn’t expand, but there’s plenty of organization inside, including removable laundry and shoe bags.
Helium DLX Softside Expandable Carry-On ($170): The softside bag weighs just 6.7 pounds, making it one of the lightest fabric suitcases we’ve evaluated. It has plenty of external pockets for a laptop and smaller essentials, and there’s an included bi-fold toiletries organizer.
How we test luggage
Our luggage evaluations are conducted in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab and combine proprietary test methods using specialized equipment with an obstacle course for consumer testers to navigate. Each piece of luggage is reviewed for the following factors:
Size, weight, and ease of packing
The case is weighed while empty (it doesn’t always match the claimed weight in the online listing!), then we check to make sure it meets measurement restrictions for common airlines. We also rate how easy it is to open and close the zippers, along with the accessibility and convenience of the packing compartments.
Packing capacity
Using a standard load—for instance, carry-on luggage gets clothing, accessories, and toiletries for a three-day, two-night trip—we score the cases based on how much they are able to hold.
Drop tests
After our specialized machine drops luggage from a 3-foot height, analysts check for signs of damage. The luggage is filled with a standard weight and repeatedly dropped from different angles to mimic real use.
Extra features
We inspect whether there are any additional components that make the luggage noteworthy, such as handles on the side that make it easy to lower and lift, whether it has built-in locks, if the telescopic handle has multiple height options, and more.
Abrasion-, scratch- and water-resistance tests
To check the durability of the outer surface, we perform scratch tests on hardside luggage and abrasion tests on softside luggage (pictured here) using Lab equipment. Next, using blotting paper on the inside of the zipper, we pour water onto the case and measure how much seeps through to the inside.
Consumer tests
After filling each case with a standard weight, we take each one through an obstacle course that requires lifting and rolling around cones, in and out of doorways, over different surfaces, and more. Our consumer testers provide feedback on aspects like ease of use, sturdiness, wheel performance, and maneuverability. They also share their feedback on appearance and overall satisfaction.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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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