Best Luggage 2024, Tested By Our Editors

The best luggage should check three boxes: durability, functionality and style. We researched the highest rated suitcases out there and tasked Forbes Vetted’s team of seasoned frequent flyers to travel with 20 of the top contenders over a period of five to nine months. Our testers determined that Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is the best luggage overall, while the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus scored high marks for best hardside luggage. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On is our pick for best softside luggage, while the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On won for best value.

Our testers selected the 12 best suitcases based on size, weight, warranty, thoughtful features, material and quality of construction. Every travel need was considered, from compact carry-on luggage great for short getaways to larger checked bags ideal for longer excursions. We considered hardside suitcases, softside options and duffel bags, all from established luggage brands with stellar performance, like Samsonite, Travelpro and more. Below, our findings for the best luggage to travel with in 2024.

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.

What our testers say: 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 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.

Another of Forbes Vetted’s top luggage selections, 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 style 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 testers 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.”

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 one 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 testers 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.”

Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus 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 16-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 stylish 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 testers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Chloe Berge tested this bag over five months and selected it as the brand’s best carry-on suitcase in her wider guide to the Best Monos Luggage. “I was impressed with its durability, size and thoughtful design details,” she says. “I especially appreciated its built-in front compartment—the easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security.”

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.

What our testers say: 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 simple 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.

Clocking in at under $300, the Calpak Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase with high-quality features: It expands up to two 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. Of the suitcases on this list, the Ambeur Large features some of the most comfortable grip handles, made with a rubber lining that won’t hurt your hands as you’re lugging heavy baggage around town.

What our testers 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. “It has a compact design and wheels effortlessly, so I never feel like I’m lugging an enormous bag through the airport.” Boyers does note, however, that darker color versions of this suitcase can be prone to scuffing. “After about a dozen or so trips with it, there are very obvious white scratches in the black exterior,” she says. “It’s not enough to make me stop using it—the roominess of the suitcase trumps the cosmetic issue—but I would recommend getting one of the lighter colors so scuffs are not as obvious.”

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 pick 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 testers say: I traveled with the Rimowa Original Cabin on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon and found it to have some of the smoothest wheels I’ve tested. I’ve been on many trips where I come home with a sore wrist after struggling to lug my suitcase over carpets and cobblestones, but this suitcase rolled like silk across every surface it encountered. It also has an impressive compression system that uses heavy-duty Velcro straps instead of the usual buckles. I was able to fit so much more into this suitcase than many of my other carry-on bags.

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 testers 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. “I haven’t had any tearing or scuffing yet, even after a few trips, and the handle has a comfortable grip.” She continues, “It’s not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,” but for an excellent, all-around basic suitcase, it scores high marks. If you prefer extra durability, this suitcase also comes in a hardside version.

While many softside suitcases have a reputation for looking a bit too traditional or mundane, French brand Lipault’s Plume Cabin Size Spinner stands out from the crowd. Its sophisticated nylon shell features a single front zippered pocket and padded side handles for easy lifting. This suitcase is slightly smaller than your average carry-on, making it ideal for short weekend getaways. (However, we’re less likely to recommend it for longer trips or instances where you need to pack bulky gear for cold weather.) The color selection also deserves a nod: Shades like Dry Sage and Rosewood are tasteful yet eye-catching.

What our testers say: “I love this bag for shorter weekend jaunts,” says updates writer Claire Epting, who tested this suitcase on a recent summer trip. “It’s definitely one of the most compact suitcases I’ve used; I have to be very strategic about what I pack, but I love how easy it is to maneuver through the airport and lift into the overhead bin.” She also appreciates the bag’s aesthetic qualities, noting, “As someone who’s drawn to sleek, stylish suitcases, I was easily won over by this carry-on’s minimalistic, cool look.”

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 its 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.

What our testers say: 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 caught on 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.

When it comes to a travel-friendly duffel bag, Calpak’s popular Luka Duffel checks every box. It’s lightweight and made from weather-resistant polyester that protects your belongings in various climates. It features nine pockets, including a spacious shoe compartment that makes it easy to stash in an extra pair of sneakers or boots when your suitcase is at capacity. And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in.

Aside from being relatively affordable, this bag also comes in a variety of stylish colors (16, to be exact), ranging from eye-popping Rouge and Green Apple to a metallic Gold and Copper.

What our testers say: Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung used this bag on multiple trips and praises its versatility. “I love this bag as both as a weekender or carry-on item,” she says. “I like how lightweight it is, and its soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry. Most of all, I’m a big fan of all the pockets—there are a ton—as they help keep everything so organized and easy to reach for through the hustle of airport travel.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.

• The Forbes Vetted travel team has extensive experience covering not only the best suitcases, but the best weekender bags, travel totes, carry-on backpacks and more travel must-haves.
• This story was written by Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a seven-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries and travels at least twice each month. She has used all types of suitcases on her journeys—including many on this list—and tested them on planes, trains, buses and boats.
• All of the picks on this list have been tested by Forbes Vetted contributors or staff editors, including senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, editorial director Brinda Ayer, executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, branded content editor Luke Fater, deputy editor Jane Sung and more.
• This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible, and is updated regularly with new testing insights. During its most recent September 2024 update, Taran reassessed all superlatives and added in three new selections based on recent testing: the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus, which was tested by contributor Chloe Berge, the Calpak Luka Duffel, which was evaluated by deputy editor Jane Sung, and the Rimowa Original Cabin, which Taran reviewed on a domestic trip. She also added in original photography for the majority of the bags tested, so that readers can get a feel for what these suitcases look like in the real world.

How We Chose The Best Luggage

We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best luggage.

• For this story, we asked Forbes Vetted editors and staffers to test 20 different suitcases from established luggage brands like. Our editors traveled with these suitcases over a period of nine months; upon their return, we asked then give us their opinions on the pieces of luggage they felt truly stood apart from the pack.
• We took into consideration the factors that separate one piece of luggage from the rest. This includes not only common variables such as size, weight, build quality and features, but also how you intend to use the luggage, what kind of trip you have booked and what you’ll be carrying.
• Our testers packed each suitcase to the brim to test capacity, tugged on every zipper to test construction, weighed every suitcase to determine how heavy or light it is, and dragged each suitcase through different types of terrain to test maneuverability. Additionally, testers were asked to take note of each suitcase’s weather-resistance and durability, using them in a variety of climates.
• Safety features were extensively compared to determine which pieces are well-suited for trips. For example, all of our picks are designed with TSA-approved locks so you can travel with peace of mind.
• We researched all of the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation among its peers. We included established brands like Samsonite and Travelpro along with relatively newer options like Away and Monos.
• Customer ratings were also considered; every suitcase on this list holds an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars. (The Rimowa website doesn’t feature customer reviews, but we featured the Rimowa Original Cabin based on the brand’s longstanding stellar reputation.)

What to Consider When Buying Luggage

The best luggage for you depends on the type of trip you’re packing for and how long that trip will be. Here are some things to consider when you’re researching.

Size

The size of the luggage you buy will vary with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase will need to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.

Material

It’s worth looking into the benefits and drawbacks of each suitcase’s material. For hardside luggage, polycarbonate weighs and costs less than aluminum, but aluminum is more durable and hard-wearing. Meanwhile, a softside suitcase with a nylon or polyester shell will weigh less than a hardside suitcase when emptied (which is great for those concerned about checked luggage weight restrictions), but its soft exterior may not be as good at protecting fragile items. We’ve written a detailed breakdown of hardside versus softside materials here.

Quality Of Construction

Not ever suitcase is constructed equally. You’ll want to make sure that any suitcase you choose can be tossed around the baggage carousel and slid into the overhead bin without falling apart. Make sure to give the zippers on your suitcase a sturdy tug to test their durability. You’ll also want to roll the wheels of your suitcase in a variety of different directions and on a number of different surfaces to see how they hold up. Our testers were impressed by the zippers on the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On, the durability of the ballistic nylon on the exterior of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On and the smooth rolling wheels of the Rimowa Original Cabin.

Thoughtful Features

Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. For extra security, all of the suitcases on our list are designed with a built-in TSA-approved lock. (This is a combination lock that TSA agents can open with a master key so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected.) Remote workers may find an external zippered front pocket to be useful, providing easy access to a laptop or charging cables while waiting in the airport. If you have the tendency to overpack, find a piece with an expandable zippered panel for extra room—these suitcases can also be helpful if you plan on bringing souvenirs home.

Weight

If you’re traveling on an airline that has weight restrictions for carry-on or checked bags, you’ll want to factor in the weight of your suitcase before you commit to it. Keep in mind that certain hardside materials, like aluminum, tend to be heavier than others. If you already know you’re going to be stuffing your suitcase with heavy items like shoes or hair tools, you may want to opt for a lightweight softside bag, like the Lipault Plume Cabin Sized Spinner, which clocks in at less than five pounds.

Warranty

To make sure you’re able to enjoy your suitcase for years to come, several companies offer warranties on their products. While each policy is different, these warranties generally cover the cost of repairs should your suitcase become damaged within the designated window. Depending on the brand, warranties may last 2 to 5 years; some, like Briggs & Riley’s, will cover your suitcase for a lifetime. A suitcase with a lifetime guarantee may cost more up front, but you can rest assured that you won’t have to replace it every couple of years.